Discharge Serum Creatinine Research Articles

J-shaped relationship between serum creatinine and mortality in Korean patients with acute heart failure.

Cachexia and sarcopenia are common among heart failure (HF) patients and are linked to poor outcomes. As serum creatinine levels are influenced by both renal function and muscle mass, our study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum creatinine levels and mortality in acute HF patients. We enrolled 5198 consecutive acute HF patients from the Korea Acute Heart Failure (KorAHF) registry, excluding those on renal replacement therapy. Patients were categorized into five groups based on their discharge serum creatinine levels: low (< 0.6mg/dL), reference (0.6-0.89mg/dL), upper normal (0.9-1.19mg/dL), high (1.2-1.49mg/dL), and very high (≥ 1.5mg/dL). The primary endpoint was post-discharge all-cause mortality. The mean creatinine level was 1.20 ± 0.88mg/dL. Notably, 335 (6.4%) patients had serum creatinine levels < 0.6mg/dL. These patients were younger (mean age, 67years) and more likely to have a low BMI (< 18.5kg/m2) compared to the reference group (15.3% vs. 6.4%). Over a median follow-up of 975days, 1743 (34.8%) patients died. We observed a J-shaped relationship between serum creatinine levels and mortality, with both low and high levels associated with increased mortality. After adjusting for covariates, including age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, malignancy, atrial fibrillation on electrocardiography, levels of C-reactive protein, sodium, hemoglobin, albumin, brain natriuretic peptide, de novo heart failure, use of beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, patients with serum creatinine levels < 0.6mg/dL had a 33% higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.66) compared to those with levels of 0.6-0.89mg/dL. However, BUN, which is not affected by muscle metabolism, exhibited a linear relationship with mortality. Among acute HF patients, there exists a J-shaped relationship between discharge serum creatinine levels and mortality, highlighting the increased mortality risk in individuals with very low serum creatinine levels.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of community acquired-acute kidney injury.

Published works have reported the impact of a nephrologist intervention on outcomes for patients with hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI), however little is known about the clinical characteristics of patients with community-acquired acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and the impact of nephrology interventions on outcomes in these patients. A retrospective study on all adult patients admitted to a large tertiary care hospital in 2019 who were identified to have CA-AKI were followed from hospital admission to discharge. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients were analysed by receipt of nephrology consultation. Statistical analysis included descriptive, simple Chi-squared/Fischer Exact test, independent samples t-test/Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression. 182 patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. Mean age was 75 ± 14years, 41% were female, 64% had stage 1 AKI on admission, 35% received nephrology input and 52% had achieved recovery of kidney function by discharge. Higher admission and discharge serum creatinine (SCr) (290.5 vs 159 and 173 vs 109µmol/L respectively, p = < 0.001), and younger age (68 vs 79, p = < 0.001) were associated with nephrology consultations, whilst length of hospitalisation, mortality and rehospitalisation rates were not significantly different between the two groups. At least 65% were recorded to be on at least one nephrotoxic medication. Our findings provide a snapshot of current practice where close to two-thirds of hospitalised patients with CA-AKI had a mild form of AKI that was associated with good clinical outcomes. While higher SCr on admission and younger age were predictors of receiving a nephrology consultation, nephrology consultations did not have any impact on outcomes.

Incidence, predictors, clinical outcomes, and economic burden of recurrent acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study

Objective This study aimed to assess the incidence, predictors, mortality, and economic outcomes of recurrent Acute kidney injury (AKI) in Jordan. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study that included adult patients who were admitted with AKI to university hospitals in the country from 2010–2019. Recurrent episodes of AKI, laboratory data, baseline medication list, and death dates were retrieved from patient’s medical records. The incidence rate of recurrent AKI was estimated. Predictors of recurrent AKI and mortality during the five years post-discharge was evaluated. Total admission charges were described and evaluated in total and by service provided. Results Among 1162 AKI patients, 57 patients (4.9%) died during the index admission (first admission during the study period), and among the survivors, 220 patients were re-hospitalized with a recurrent AKI during five years of follow-up. Patients with higher discharge serum creatinine level (SCr) at index admission had higher odds of AKI recurrence (OR = 1.001). Patients who were on respiratory, antineoplastic, or anticoagulant medications were also more susceptible to recurrence; ORs were 1.69, 2.77, and 4.16, respectively. Patients who were elderly, with recurrent AKI episodes, or with a more extended hospital stay at index admission were more likely to die during the five years post discharge. The median charge of recurrent admissions was higher than the median charge of the index admissions; 1519.17 JOD ($2142.7) versus 1362.85 JOD ($1922.2), respectively. Conclusions Recurrent AKI is associated with increased mortality and health expenditures. Higher discharge SCr levels at index admission, and chronic comorbidities are associated with a higher likelihood of AKI recurrence.

Late Onset of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Kidney Transplant: How Long is too Long in Opportunistic Infection Prophylaxis?

Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) opportunistic infections occur in immunocompromised patients impacting significantly hospitalizations and mortality. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is universally used as prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and therefore, this infection is rare condition in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. We present a case of a 46-years-old male, who received an ABO-incompatible transplant with prior desensitization protocol with plasmapheresis, rituximab, and anti-CMV immunoglobulin. IgG anti-B title pre-desensitization was 1:128. The patient had 6 ABDR mismatches, without HLA antibodies, and the CDC crossmatch for T and B cells was negative. Both recipient and donor were CMV positive (D+/R+). The patient received induction immunosuppression with corticosteroids, basiliximab, calcineurin inhibitor, and mycophenolate mofetil. Immediate kidney function was verified, and three additional plasmapheresis sessions were performed. At discharge serum creatinine (sCr) was 1.38 mg/dL, but kidney function declined during the first 6 months (sCr 2.5 mg/dL). Urinalysis was unremarkable. A kidney biopsy was declined by the patient. Unit protocol maintained the prophylaxis for PJP and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with TMP-SMX and valganciclovir. The patient was admitted to the emergency department 20 months after the transplant with respiratory symptoms and was diagnosed with PJP. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also positive for CMV. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was necessary due to clinical deterioration, with subsequent good evolution without mechanical ventilation. At discharge, prophylaxis with TMP-SMX and valganciclovir was maintained for more than six months. Here we discuss the late onset of PJP, and the main risk factors related to severe infection. Transplant subgroups in which longer PJP prophylaxis could be beneficial and the indication to re-start PJP prophylaxis is still under discussion.

Predictors of advanced chronic kidney disease in infancy after definitive vesicoamniotic shunting for congenital lower urinary tract obstruction.

BackgroundSevere congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (cLUTO) is associated with poor postnatal outcomes, including chronic and end stage kidney disease, and high mortality. Studies of the impact of fetal intervention through vesicoamniotic shunting are marred by a device malfunction rate of up to 60%. In this study, we delineate the postnatal course and infant kidney function following definitive urinary diversion in utero.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective, single-center cohort study of 16 male infants who survived the fetal intervention to birth, from 2010 to 2014 at a single center. All had patent shunts in place at birth. Perinatal and biochemical characteristics were collected with patients followed for one year, or until demise, with serial measures of serum creatinine (SCr) and serum cystatin C (CysC).ResultsOf the 16 males, 81% were non-white (38% black, 43% Hispanic). Shunts were placed at a median of 20 weeks (IQR 19,23) gestation, with median fetal bladder volume of 39 cm3 (IQR 9.9,65). All neonates were born preterm [median 34 weeks (IQR 31,35)] and the majority with low birth weight [median 2340 grams (1,895, 2,600)]. 63% required positive pressure ventilation. Advanced chronic kidney disease stage 4–5 at 1 year of age was predicted by neonatal characteristics: peak SCr ≥2 mg/dl, time to peak SCr > 6 days, discharge SCr ≥1.0 mg/dl, CysC ≥2.5 mg/l, urine protein:creatinine ≥4.8 mg/mg, urine microalbumin:creatinine ≥2.2 mg/mg. In infancy, a nadir SCr ≥0.5 mg/dl occurring before 160 days (5.3 months) of age was also predictive of advanced chronic kidney disease stage 4–5 at 1 year. Three patients died in the neonatal period, with 1 receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Three additional patients required KRT before 12 months of age.ConclusionsEven with definitive vesicoamniotic shunting for cLUTO, postnatal morbidity and mortality remain high, emphasizing the role of renal dysplasia, in spite of urinary diversion, in postnatal kidney dysfunction. Neonatal and infant biochemical parameters exhibit distinct trends that offer families and physicians a better understanding of the prognosis of childhood kidney function.

Serum myo-inositol oxygenase levels at hospital discharge predict progression to chronic kidney disease in community-acquired acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) increases the risk of morbidity, mortality, and progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). There are few data on the risk of CKD following community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI) and its predictors from developing countries. We evaluated the association of a panel of serum and urine biomarkers at the time of hospital discharge with 4-month renal outcome in CA-AKI. Patients of either sex, aged between 18 and 70 years, with no underlying CKD, and with CA-AKI were recruited at the time of discharge from hospital in this prospective observational study. Levels of serum and urine biomarkers were analyzed and association between these markers and development of CKD, defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or dialysis dependence at 4 month after discharge, were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and penalized least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression. Out of a total 126 patients followed up for 4 months, 25 developed CKD. Those who developed CKD were older (p = 0.008), had higher serum creatinine (p < 0.001) and lower serum albumin (p = 0.001) at discharge. Adjusted logistic regression showed that each 10% increase in standardized serum myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) level increased the odds of progression to CKD by 13.5%. With 10% increase in standardized urine Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), serum creatinine and urine protein creatinine ratio (uPCR), increase in the odds of progression to CKD was 10.5%, 9.6% and 8%, respectively. Multivariable logistic model including serum MIOX, discharge serum creatinine and discharge uPCR, was able to predict the progression of CKD [AUC ROC 0.88; (95% CI 0.81, 0.95)]. High level serum MIOX levels at the time of discharge from hospital are associated with progression to CKD in patients with CA-AKI.

Employment status at transplant influences ethnic disparities in outcomes after deceased donor kidney transplantation

BackgroundAfrican American (AA) recipients of deceased-donor (DD) kidney transplants (KT) have shorter allograft survival than recipients of other ethnic groups. Reasons for this disparity encompass complex interactions between donors and recipients characteristics.MethodsOutcomes from 3872 AA and 19,719 European American (EA) DDs who had one kidney transplanted in an AA recipient and one in an EA recipient were analyzed. Four donor/recipient pair groups (DRP) were studied, AA/AA, AA/EA, EA/AA, and EA/EA. Survival random forests and Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to rank and evaluate modifying effects of DRP on variables associated with allograft survival. These analyses sought to identify factors contributing to the observed disparities in transplant outcomes among AA and EA DDKT recipients.ResultsTransplant era, discharge serum creatinine, delayed graft function, and DRP were among the top predictors of allograft survival and mortality among DDKT recipients. Interaction effects between DRP with the kidney donor risk index and transplant era showed significant improvement in allograft survival over time in EA recipients. However, AA recipients appeared to have similar or poorer outcomes for DDKT performed after 2010 versus before 2001; allograft survival hazard ratios (95% CI) were 1.15 (0.74, 1.76) and 1.07 (0.8, 1.45) for AA/AA and EA/AA, compared to 0.62 (0.54, 0.71) and 0.5 (0.41, 0.62) for EA/EA and AA/EA DRP, respectively. Recipient mortality improved over time among all DRP, except unemployed AA/AAs. Relative to DDKT performed pre-2001, employed AA/AAs had HR = 0.37 (0.2, 0.69) versus 0.59 (0.31, 1.11) for unemployed AA/AA after 2010.ConclusionRelative to DDKT performed before 2001, similar or worse overall DCAS was observed among AA/AAs, while EA/EAs experienced considerable improvement regardless of employment status, KDRI, and EPTS. AA recipients of an AA DDKT, especially if unemployed, had worse allograft survival and mortality and did not appear to benefit from advances in care over the past 20 years.

Comparison of Outcomes of Mild and Severe Community- and Hospital-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury.

PurposeAcute kidney injury (AKI) has shown an increasingly common occurrence among hospitalized patients worldwide. We determined the incidence and compared the short- and long-term outcomes of all stages of community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI) and hospital-acquired AKI (HA-AKI), and identified predictors for such outcomes.Materials and MethodsThis observational, single-center, retrospective study identified patients admitted between January 2013 and December 2013 who developed CA-AKI or HA-AKI. Short- and long-term patient and renal outcomes were analyzed.ResultsAKI incidence was 14.3% (1882, CA-AKI 4.8% and HA-AKI 9.5%). The highest 30-day and 1-year mortality were recorded in the CA-AKI group. Thirty-day mortality rate was 11.4% in CA-AKI group and 5.7% in HA-AKI group (p<0.001). One-year mortality rates were 20.1% and 13.3%, respectively (p<0.001). More CA-AKI patients developed kidney failure with replacement therapy within 1 year (27, 4.3% vs. 18, 1.4% respectively, p<0.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, patients with CA-AKI had worse short- and long-term outcomes compared to HA-AKI patients. AKI severity and discharge serum creatinine were significant independent predictors of 30-day and 1-year mortality.

Use of Guideline-Based Therapy for Diabetes, Coronary Artery Disease, and Chronic Kidney Disease After Acute Kidney Injury: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background:Survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) are at a high risk for cardiovascular complications. An underrecognition of this risk may contribute to the low utilization of relevant guideline-based therapies in this population.Objective:We sought to assess accordance with guideline-based recommendations for survivors of AKI with diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), and preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a post-AKI clinic, and identify factors that may be associated with guideline accordance.Design:Retrospective cohort study.Setting:Post-AKI clinics at 2 tertiary care centers in Ontario, Canada.Patients:We included adult patients seen in both post-AKI clinics between 2013 and 2019 who had at least 2 clinic visits within 24 months of an index AKI hospitalization.Measurements:We assessed accordance to recommendations from the most recent North American and international guidelines available at the time of study completion for diabetes, CAD, and CKD.Methods:We compared guideline accordance between visits using the Cochran Mantel Haenszel test. We used multivariable Poisson regression to identify prespecified factors associated with accordance.Results:Of 213 eligible patients, 192 (90%) had Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Stage 2-3 AKI, 91 (43%) had diabetes, 76 (36%) had CAD, and 88 (41%) had preexisting CKD. From the first clinic visit to the second, there was an increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACE-I/ARB) use across all disease groups—from 33% to 46% (P = .028) in patients with diabetes, from 30% to 57% (P = .002) in patients with CAD, and from 16% to 35% (P < .001) in patients with preexisting CKD. Statin use increased in patients with preexisting CKD from 64% to 71% (P = .034). Every 25 μmol/L rise in the discharge serum creatinine was associated with a 19% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-28%) and 12% (95% CI, 2%-21%) lower likelihood of being on an ACE-I/ARB in patients with diabetes and preexisting CKD, respectively.Limitations:The study lacked a comparison group that received usual care. The small sample and multiple comparisons make false positives possible.Conclusion:There is room to improve guideline-based cardiovascular risk factor management in survivors of AKI, particularly ACE-I/ARB use in patients with an elevated discharge serum creatinine.

Practice patterns and predictors of outpatient care following acute kidney injury in an Australian healthcare setting.

Survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) are at increased risk of major adverse kidney events and international guidelines recommend individuals be evaluated 3 months following AKI. We describe practice patterns and predictors of post-AKI care in an Australian tertiary hospital. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of adults with AKI (defined by KDIGO criteria) admitted to a single centre between 2012 and 2016. The primary outcome was outpatient nephrology review at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included inpatient nephrology review, and outpatient serum creatinine and urinary protein measurements. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic and competing risk regression. Only 117 of 2111 (6%) patients with AKI were reviewed by a nephrologist at 3 months. Reviewed patients were more likely to have a higher discharge serum creatinine (odds ratio (OR) 1.20 per 10 μmol/L increase; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.25) or a history of peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.00-3.14). They were less likely to be older (OR 0.66 per decade; 95% CI 0.57-0.76) or to have a history of liver (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.26-0.87) or ischaemic heart (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.27-0.94) disease. AKI stage did not predict follow up. The median time from discharge to outpatient serum creatinine testing was 12 days (interquartile range 4-47) and proteinuria was measured in 538 (25%) patients. A minority of admitted AKI patients receive recommended post-AKI care. Studies in other Australian institutions are required to confirm or refute these concerning findings.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Survivors of Critical Illness and Acute Kidney Injury Followed in a Pilot Acute Kidney Injury Clinic

Characteristics and Outcomes of Survivors of Critical Illness and Acute Kidney Injury Followed in a Pilot Acute Kidney Injury Clinic

Is Mini-Invasive Surgery an Alternative for the Treatment of Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysms?

Aim of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of mini-laparotomy, suprarenal cross-clamping, and enhanced recovery after elective open surgical repair for juxta-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAA) in a tertiary referral center. Data of all consecutive patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) electively treated with left sub-costal mini-laparotomy requiring infrarenal or suprarenal cross-clamping between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups: infra-renal cross-clamping (group A) and JAAA requiring supra-renal cross-clamping (group B). Early and mid-term mortality, postoperative renal dysfunction according to RIFLE criteria and factors affecting postoperative outcome were analysed. Four hundred one patients, 356 (88.8%) men, mean age 70.8 yrs, underwent open surgical repair (OSR), 343 (85.5%) AAA in group A, 58 (14.5%) JAAA in group B. Mean diameter of the aneurysms was 54 ± 11.4 mm vs. 52 ± 9 mm and mean time of intervention 154.9 ± 56.3 min vs. 180.1 ± 65.7 min respectively. Total clamp time was 72.27 ± 31.4 vs. 75 ± 33.1 and suprarenal clamp time in group B 27.82 ± 14.1 min. Mean hospital length of stay was 5.1 ± 2.8 vs. 5.37 ± 3.4 days respectively. At 30 days, 3 (0.9%) patients died in group A and no one in group B; at 24 months 7 (2%) deaths in group A and 4 (6.9%) in group B. Preoperative, postoperative and discharge serum creatinine mean value, in group B, were 1.07 ± 0.32, 1.31 ± 0.36 and 1.83 ± 1.24 respectively. Based on RIFLE criteria for renal function, we observed Risk in 14.2% and Injury in 12.7% of patients after suprarenal cross clamping. Our results show that mini-invasive open repair for JAAA with a suprarenal cross-clamping can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates similar to traditional surgical approach without significant modifications of renal functions.

MO960RENAL TRANSPLANTATION FROM A LIVING DONOR WITH RENAL ARTERY FIBROMUSCULAR DYSPLASIA

Abstract Background and Aims Renal transplantation is considered the most effective and less costly modality of renal replacement therapy in patients with end stage renal disease. The disparity between kidney allografts and recipients has led to a global effort to increase the pool of kidney donors. Accordingly, fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is no longer considered an absolute contraindication for kidney donation. The incidence of FMD is about 2.3%-5.8% in potential kidney donors. There are few cases in the literature where renal artery stenosis in allografts with known pre-transplantation FMD became worse after transplantation, indicating the importance of a proper follow up in the recipients. This is a case of a living kidney donor with no history of hypertension, proteinuria or elevated serum creatinine, whose intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography revealed FMD lesions in the left renal artery. Method Case report Results A 54-year-old Caucasian female with medical history of hypothyroidism took the decision to offer her kidney to her 37-year-old son who was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease five years ago secondary to diabetes mellitus type I. She had no history for diabetes, hypertension and renal disease. Her vital signs on admission were heart rate of 78 beats/min and blood pressure of 130/70 mmHg. Urinalysis, biochemical profile and serological evaluations were all within normal ranges. Blood urea was 36 mg/dL and serum creatinine was 0.6 mg/dL (eGFR 97ml/min/1.73m2). The abdominal ultrasound and renogram with Tc-99m DTPA showed no remarkable findings. On intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography an abnormal succession of dilatations and multifocal stenoses of the left renal artery, characteristic of medial FMD, was found. The right renal artery was normal. Apart from a dysfunctional permanent left femoral catheter, the patient had no other vascular access for hemodialysis because of Superior Vena Cava syndrome, so he needed urgent transplantation. Taking all of these into consideration, the patient was offered renal transplantation as the best option. A left open donor nephrectomy was performed; the renal artery was divided distal to the stenotic dysplastic area. The allograft was placed at the right iliac fossa of the recipient with arterial and venous anastomosis to the extrarenal iliac vessels. Post-operatively, the recipient had a delayed graft function lasted 13 days. On renal artery Doppler in the allograft we found increased resistance index (RI) that gradually normalized without any intervention. An immunosuppressive regiment of tacrolimus, mycophenolate and prednisone was administered according to our center protocol. At discharge serum creatinine was 1.7 mg/dL (eGFR: 50ml/min/1.73m2). At the year follow-up, the donor was normotensive and had near normal renal function (Cr:1.3mg/dL, eGFR: 70ml/min/1.73m2). The recipient has a well-controlled blood pressure receiving two antihypertensive drugs and maintains a satisfactory renal function. Conclusion Few cases with FMD in renal allografts from living and deceased donors have been described. In a review of 4 studies the authors concluded that the outcome of transplantation with allografts from living donors with medial FMD was satisfactory and these allografts could be used to increase the donor pool. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended to have a thorough pre-transplantation check of the donor as well as a close monitoring of both the donor and recipient after transplantation. This case shows that allografts harvested from carefully selected donors with renal arterial FMD can be successfully used, particularly in urgent conditions. Detailed pre-tranplantation imaging of donor’s renal arteries, selection of the appropriate screening method, as well as close monitoring of both donor and recipient for early interventions after transplantation is of paramount importance.

Recovery of new-onset kidney disease in COVID-19 patients discharged from hospital

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a major global health threat with a great number of deaths worldwide. Despite abundant data on that many COVID-19 patients also displayed kidney disease, there is limited information available about the recovery of kidney disease after discharge.MethodsRetrospective and prospective cohort study to patients with new-onset kidney disease during the COVID-19 hospitalization, admitted between January 28 to February 26, 2020. The median follow-up was 4 months after discharge. The follow-up patients were divided into the recovery group and non-recovery group. Descriptive statistics and between-groups comparison were used.ResultsIn total, 143 discharged patients with new-onset kidney disease during the COVID-19 hospitalization were included. Patients had a median age was 64 (IQR, 51–70) years, and 59.4% of patients were men. During 4-months median follow-up, 91% (130 of 143) patients recovered from kidney disease, and 9% (13 of 143) patients haven’t recovered. The median age of patients in the non-recovery group was 72 years, which was significantly higher than the median age of 62 years in the recovery group. Discharge serum creatinine was significantly higher in the non-recovery group than in the recovery group.ConclusionsMost of the new-onset kidney diseases during hospitalization of COVID-19 patients recovered 4 months after discharge. We recommend that COVID-19 patients with new-onset kidney disease be followed after discharge to assess kidney recovery, especially elderly patients or patients with high discharge creatinine.

Acute kidney injury in patients hospitalized with febrile urinary tract infections: Aprospective observational study.

Febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) can be associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). We aimed to study the risk factors for AKI, its pathophysiological categories, and the role of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) in differentiating these categories in patients hospitalized with fUTI. We prospectively studied patients with fUTI admitted to the Department of Medicine of a tertiary care hospital in southern India from January 2017 to December 2018. Clinical evaluation, renal imaging, and estimation of fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) and uNGAL were done at baseline. AKI was defined as ≥0.3mg/dL rise in serum creatinine (SCr) within 48hours during hospital stay (KDIGO criterion) or discharge SCr value 0.5mg/dL or less compared to peak SCr after admission. We studied 100 patients. Their mean age was 52 (±14) years; 45 were men. In all, 52 had AKI: pre-renal in 11 (21%), intrinsic renal in 24 (47%), post-renal in 16 (31%), and missing data 1 patient. uNGAL levels were significantly higher in the AKI group compared to the no-AKI group (median [IQR] 91.1 [13.2-188] vs. 264.9 [115.2-355.2] ng/mL; p&lt;0.001). On multivariable analysis, male sex (adjusted odds ratio, aOR [95% CI] 2.8 [1.09-7.14]), hypertension (4.12 [1.24-13.7]) and hydroureteronephrosis (7.82 [1.55-39.4]) were independently associated with AKI. There was an increasing trend of uNGAL across the three categories of AKI (pre-renal 106.1 [14.6-261.7] ng/mL, intrinsic renal 210.8 [8.5-353.8] ng/mL, and post-renal 335.5 [269.2-692.8] ng/mL; p=0.001). Patients with pre-renal AKI had significantly lower levels of uNGAL compared to the other two categories combined (106.1 [14.6-261.7] vs. 284.6 [179-434.4] ng/mL; p=0.016). Hospitalized fUTI patients should be evaluated for AKI, and obstructive uropathy should be ruled out in those with AKI. uNGAL levels may help in differentiating the pre-renal type of AKI from the other two categories.

Mortality and renal outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 treated in a provisional intensive care unit.

COVID-19 has created an enormous health crisis and this spring New York City had a severe outbreak that pushed health and critical care resources to the limit. A lack of adequate space for mechanically ventilated patients induced our hospital to convert operating rooms into critical care areas (OR-ICU). A large number of COVID-19 will develop acute kidney injury that requires renal replacement therapy (RRT). We included 116 patients with COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation and were cared for in our OR-ICU. At 90 days and at discharge 35 patients died (30.2%). RRT was required by 45 of the 116 patients (38.8%) and 18 of these 45 patients (40%) compared to 17 with no RRT (23.9%, ns) died during hospitalization and after 90 days. Only two of the 27 patients who required RRT and survived required RRT at discharge and 90 days. When defining renal recovery as a discharge serum creatinine within 150% of baseline, 68 of 78 survivors showed renal recovery (87.2%). Survival was similar to previous reports of patients with severe COVID-19 for patients cared for in provisional ICUs compared to standard ICUs. Most patients with severe COVID-19 and AKI are likely to recover full renal function.

Underutilization of Hospice in Inpatients with Cirrhosis: The NACSELD Experience.

Little is known about patients discharged to hospice following hospitalization for complications of cirrhosis. We sought to understand the current pattern of hospice utilization in patients with cirrhosis by evaluating the North American Consortium for the Study of End-stage Liver Disease (NACSELD) cohort. Patients with cirrhosis from 14 tertiary-care hepatology centers across North America non-electively hospitalized and prospectively enrolled were evaluated. Exclusion criteria included HIV infection, transplantation or non-hepatic malignancy. Random computer-based propensity score matching was undertaken in a 1:2 ratio based on admission MELD score ± 3 points. Totally, 2718 patients were enrolled, 5% (N = 132) were discharged to hospice, 6% (N = 171) died, and the rest were discharged alive. Patients discharged to hospice were older (60 vs. 57years, p = 0.04), less likely to have had SBP (13% vs. 28%, p = 0.002) and be listed for liver transplantation (11% vs. 26%, p = 0.0007). Features, on multivariable modeling, associated with increased probability of discharge to hospice as opposed to being discharged alive: grade-3-4 hepatic encephalopathy, a higher Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, and a higher discharge serum creatinine; however, a higher serum sodium, being listed for transplant and being prescribed rifaximin or a statin were protective from hospice discharge. Patients with more advanced liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy, renal dysfunction, and those not candidates for liver transplantation were more likely to be discharged to hospice. However, in this sick multinational cohort of cirrhotic inpatients, it seems that hospice is markedly underutilized (5%) since 25% of patients not discharged to hospice died within 6months.

One-Year Prognosis of Kidney Injury at Discharge From the ICU: A Multicenter Observational Study.

The association between outcome and kidney injury detected at discharge from the ICU using different biomarkers remains unknown. The objective was to evaluate the association between 1-year survival and kidney injury at ICU discharge. Ancillary investigation of a prospective observational study. Twenty-one ICUs with 1-year follow-up. Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation and/or hemodynamic support for at least 24 hours were included. Serum creatinine, plasma Cystatin C, plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, plasma Proenkephalin A 119-159, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (on serum creatinine and plasma Cystatin C) were measured at ICU discharge among ICU survivors. The association between kidney biomarkers at discharge and mortality was estimated using logistic model with and without adjustment for prognostic factors previously identified in this cohort. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with discharge serum creatinine less than 1.5-fold baseline at ICU discharge. Among 1,207 ICU survivors included, 231 died during the year following ICU discharge (19.2%). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower and kidney injury biomarkers higher at discharge in nonsurvivors. The association between biomarker levels or estimated glomerular filtration rate and mortality remained after adjustment to potential cofounding factors influencing outcome. In patients with low serum creatinine at ICU discharge, 25-47% of patients were classified as subclinical kidney injury depending on the biomarker. The association between kidney biomarkers and mortality remained and mortality was higher than patients without subclinical kidney injury. The majority of patients who developed acute kidney injury during ICU stay had elevated biomarkers of kidney injury at discharge even with apparent recovery based on serum creatinine (i.e., subclinical acute kidney disease). Elevated kidney biomarkers measured at ICU discharge are associated with poor 1-year outcome, including in patients with low serum creatinine at ICU discharge.

Graft function and outcomes of deceased donor kidney transplant patients in a tertiary care center

Introduction: In India, deceased donor kidney transplantation accounts for less than 1% of total kidney transplants that are performed each year. Objectives: To assess the outcomes of deceased donor kidney transplantation. Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed deceased donor kidney transplantation in our centre from January 1996 to March 2016. All recipients were followed to the point of graft loss or death. Results were analysed in terms of age of donor and recipient, graft ischemia time, graft function,discharge serum creatinine, any rise in serum creatinine during follow up, post transplant complications, graft and recipient survival. Results: A total of 105 kidney transplant recipients including 81 men (77.14%) and 24 women (22.85%) were included in our analysis. The one year recipient survival rate was 75.8% and one year graft survival was 89.58%. The graft rejection rates were 18% in our centre and the mortality rate was 27.6%. Conclusions: By minimizing ischemia times, using better perfusion techniques and optimized immuno suppresion deceased donor transplant outcomes can be improved.

Derivation and External Validation of Prediction Models for Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Following Acute Kidney Injury

Some patients will develop chronic kidney disease after a hospitalization with acute kidney injury; however, no risk-prediction tools have been developed to identify high-risk patients requiring follow-up. To derive and validate predictive models for progression of acute kidney injury to advanced chronic kidney disease. Data from 2 population-based cohorts of patients with a prehospitalization estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and who had survived hospitalization with acute kidney injury (defined by a serum creatinine increase during hospitalization > 0.3 mg/dL or > 50% of their prehospitalization baseline), were used to derive and validate multivariable prediction models. The risk models were derived from 9973 patients hospitalized in Alberta, Canada (April 2004-March 2014, with follow-up to March 2015). The risk models were externally validated with data from a cohort of 2761 patients hospitalized in Ontario, Canada (June 2004-March 2012, with follow-up to March 2013). Demographic, laboratory, and comorbidity variables measured prior to discharge. Advanced chronic kidney disease was defined by a sustained reduction in eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months during the year after discharge. All participants were followed up for up to 1 year. The participants (mean [SD] age, 66 [15] years in the derivation and internal validation cohorts and 69 [11] years in the external validation cohort; 40%-43% women per cohort) had a mean (SD) baseline serum creatinine level of 1.0 (0.2) mg/dL and more than 20% had stage 2 or 3 acute kidney injury. Advanced chronic kidney disease developed in 408 (2.7%) of 9973 patients in the derivation cohort and 62 (2.2%) of 2761 patients in the external validation cohort. In the derivation cohort, 6 variables were independently associated with the outcome: older age, female sex, higher baseline serum creatinine value, albuminuria, greater severity of acute kidney injury, and higher serum creatinine value at discharge. In the external validation cohort, a multivariable model including these 6 variables had a C statistic of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75-0.86) and improved discrimination and reclassification compared with reduced models that included age, sex, and discharge serum creatinine value alone (integrated discrimination improvement, 2.6%; 95% CI, 1.1%-4.0%; categorical net reclassification index, 13.5%; 95% CI, 1.9%-25.1%) or included age, sex, and acute kidney injury stage alone (integrated discrimination improvement, 8.0%; 95% CI, 5.1%-11.0%; categorical net reclassification index, 79.9%; 95% CI, 60.9%-98.9%). A multivariable model using routine laboratory data was able to predict advanced chronic kidney disease following hospitalization with acute kidney injury. The utility of this model in clinical care requires further research.