Elderly Hemodialysis Patients Research Articles

Development of a prognostic risk score to predict early mortality in incident elderly Japanese hemodialysis patients.

Information of short-term prognosis after hemodialysis (HD) introduction is important for elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families choosing a modality of renal replacement therapy. Therefore, we developed a risk score to predict early mortality in incident elderly Japanese hemodialysis patients. We analyzed data of incident elderly HD patients from a nationwide cohort study of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry (JRDR) to develop a prognostic risk score. Candidate risk factors for early death within 1 year was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The risk score was developed by summing up points derived from parameter estimate values of independent risk factors. The association between risk score and early death was tested using Cox proportional hazards models. This risk score was validated twice by using an internal validation cohort derived from the JRDR and an external validation cohort collected for this study. Using the development cohort (n = 2,000), nine risk factors were retained in the risk score: older age (>85), yes = 2, no = 0; sex, male = 2, female = 0; lower body mass index (<20), yes = 2, no = 0; cancer, yes = 1, no = 0; dementia, yes = 3, no = 0; lower creatinine (<6.5 mg/dL), yes = 1, no = 0; lower albumin (<3.0 g/dL), yes = 3, no = 0; normal or high calcium (≥8.5 mg/dL), yes = 1, no = 0; and higher C reactive protein (>2.0 mg/dL), yes = 2, no = 0. In the internal and external validation cohorts (n = 739, 140, respectively), the medium- and high-risk groups (total score, 6 to 10 and 11 or more, respectively) showed significantly higher risk of early death than the low-risk group (total score, 0 to 5) (p<0.001). We developed a prognostic risk score predicting early death within 1 year in incident elderly Japanese HD patients, which may help detect elderly patients with a high-risk of early death after HD introduction.

Risk Factors and Clinical Characterization of Cardiovascularand Cerebrovascular Events in Elderly Hemodialysis Patients.

The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors and clinical characteristics of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in elderly hemodialysis patients. Elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) at Deqing County People's Hospital in Zhejiang, China, from May 2020 to May 2023 were enrolled in this study. They were divided into two groups depending on the occurrence of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events: the case group and the control group. A total of 106 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 49 patients experienced cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, resulting in an incidence rate of 46.23%. According to whether cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events occurred, 57 patients were assigned to the control group, and 49 patients were assigned to the case group. Comparing the basic information and clinical indicators of the two groups, significant differences were observed in patients with hypertensive nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy (P < .05). There were also significant differences in dialysis duration, smoking history, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, uric acid, blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (TG), C-reactive protein (CRP), and PTH (parathyroid hormone) levels and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), between the two groups (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that longer dialysis duration, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, elevated uric acid, TC, TG, LDL-C, PTH, and blood glucose levels, smoking history, elevated PLR, and CRP were independent risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The ROC curve showed that these risk factors predicted cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients. Patients with underlying diseases such as hypertensive or diabetic nephropathy are more likely to experience cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Longer dialysis duration, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, elevated uric acid, TC, TG, LDL-C, PTH and blood glucose levels, and boosted inflammatory reaction are risk factors for these events among elderly HD patients. The purpose of this study is to provide practical guidelines for clinical treatment. Comprehensive measures such as active intervention of risk factors, rational drug use and regular examination should be taken to improve the overall health level to the greatest extent for elderly patients with high-risk HD. DOI: 10.52547/ijkd.7877.

Demographic Characteristics, Stress and Emotion Regulation in the Caregivers of Elderly Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Caregiving for elderly hemodialysis patients is a complex, multifaceted experience that demands considerable emotional and physical resources. The role of caregivers, predominantly female, involves managing the stress and emotional turmoil associated with the patient's chronic illness, which significantly impacts their well-being. Understanding the dynamics of caregiving is essential for developing supportive interventions that enhance caregiver and patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics, stress, and emotion regulation in caregivers of elderly hemodialysis patients. It sought to identify key factors that contribute to caregiver stress and to evaluate how prolonged caregiving affects caregivers' ability to regulate emotions. Methods: Employing a correlational research design, the study analyzed data from 60 caregivers of elderly hemodialysis patients. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to examine the relationships among variables, while demographic characteristics were assessed through descriptive statistics. The Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were administered to evaluate stress levels and emotion regulation capabilities, respectively. Results: The majority of caregivers were women (62%), with a significant proportion married (68%) and primarily in the age range of 35-50 years. A strong negative correlation was found between the duration of caregiving and KCSS total scores (r = -0.872, p &lt; .001), indicating higher stress levels associated with longer caregiving durations. Conversely, a positive correlation was observed between the duration of caregiving and ERQ total scores (r = 0.380, p = .003), suggesting improved emotion regulation over time. The study also noted no significant relationship between family system types and stress levels. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of caregiving on stress and emotion regulation among caregivers of elderly hemodialysis patients. It underscores the need for comprehensive support systems that address both the informational and emotional needs of caregivers, thereby enhancing their coping mechanisms and overall well-being.

Subjectivity study on health conservation of elderly hemodialysis patients

BackgroundHealth conservation enables elderly hemodialysis patients to maintain a positive state of well-being while undergoing treatment and maintenance of disease. This study was to identify the type of perceptions on health conservation of elderly hemodialysis patients and compare the characteristics of perceptions.MethodsThis study used an exploratory study design applying Q methodology, which is designed to research subjectivity. The study determined a population of subjective statements, the concourse, based on the preceding literature and interviews with twenty-five elderly patients over 65 years of age with hemodialysis. We chose a total of 50 statements considered to be representative of the concourse for the Q-sample. The study selected 50 elderly patients over 65 years of age with hemodialysis as the P-set. The participants provided their internal viewpoints by sorting the Q-sample items into a grid. The researchers performed an analysis using PC-QUANL program. Data were collected from June to November, 2019.ResultsType I, ‘support system-based effort’ focused on one’s own effort, positive and proactive attitude, family support, medical instructions, information, and medications. Type II, ‘skeptical life maintaining’ expressed a pessimistic future without hope, strongly negative perception on preserving health, and thus minimal effort and motivation to continue life. Type III, ‘treatment process interest’ is based on an interest in the hemodialysis process; for them, it is important to follow medical staff’s instructions, take regular medications precisely, pay attention to the results of regular monthly blood tests, and control their health. Type IV, ‘positive effort’ accepts hemodialysis positively, lives with hemodialysis, and carries out all daily life activities.ConclusionIn nursing practice, nurses need to pay attention to the perceptions on health conservation of elderly hemodialysis patients. This study can be implied as the evidence of nursing practice based on the perception on health conservation of elderly hemodialysis patients.

Analysis of the Current Situation of Stigma Among Elderly Hemodialysis Patients and its Influencing Factors

Objective: To understand the current situation of stigma among elderly hemodialysis patients and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods: Convenience sampling was used to select 242 elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis in one of the two tertiary hospitals in Mianyang City. The survey was carried out from December 2022 to March 2023, with the Basic Information Questionnaire, the Social Influence Scale, and the Collaborative Social Support Scale. All influencing factors were analyzed by correlation analysis, univariate analysis, and multiple linear regression. Results: The average stigma score among elderly hemodialysis patients was 72.94 ± 9.58, and the influencing factors of stigma among elderly hemodialysis patients were determined to be social support and economic status (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The occurrence of stigma among elderly hemodialysis patients was at a moderate to high level, and the influencing factors were mainly economic status and social support. To reduce the occurrence of stigma in elderly hemodialysis patients, appropriate economic support from families and social support from medical personnel are needed.

Patient-reported difficulty in activities of daily living and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Patients undergoing haemodialysis have reduced muscle strength and impaired activities of daily living (ADL). We examined possible relationship between difficult ADL and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly haemodialysis patients. This was a single-centre, cross-sectional study. Patient-reported ADL difficulty was examined using a questionnaire in six ADL using upper limbs (eating, grooming and dressing) and lower limbs (bathing, toileting and locomotion). We measured six muscle strengths by dynamometers of shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, handgrip, hip abduction and knee extension. The muscle strength with the lowest Z-score was considered as the weakest muscle strength for the patient. The six scores of ADL difficulty were all inversely associated with the six muscle strengths in the 81 total participants of whom 71 individuals (87.7%) had any ADL difficulty. Among the six measurements of muscle strength, handgrip strength showed the highest associations with all ADL difficulties. In 25 patients who perceived that the most difficult ADL was an activity using upper limbs, the common weakest muscle strengths were the hip abduction, handgrip and elbow flexion. In 44 patients who perceived that the most difficult ADL was an activity using lower limbs, knee extension was the most prevalent weakest muscle strength. This study suggested preferential relationship between the most difficult ADL and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly haemodialysis patients. This finding may be useful in prevention and treatment.

Importance of dialysis specialists in early mortality in elderly hemodialysis patients: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

The early mortality rate in elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis is more than twice that in young patients, requiring more specialized healthcare. We investigated whether the number of professional dialysis specialists affected early mortality in elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis. This multicenter retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 1860 patients aged ≥ 70 years who started hemodialysis between January 2010 and December 2017. Study regions included Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Daejeon/Chungcheong-do, Daegu/Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Busan/Ulsan/Gyeongsangnam-do. The number of patients undergoing hemodialysis per dialysis specialist was calculated using registered data from each hemodialysis center. Early mortality was defined as death within 6 months of hemodialysis initiation. Gangwon-do (28.3%) and Seoul (14.5%) showed the highest and lowest early mortality rate, respectively. Similarly, Gangwon-do (64.6) and Seoul (43.9) had the highest and lowest number of patients per dialysis specialist, respectively. Relatively consistent results were observed for the regional rankings of early mortality rate and number of patients per dialysis specialist. Multivariate Cox regression analysis—adjusted for previously known significant risk factors—revealed that the number of patients per dialysis specialist was an independent risk factor for early mortality (hazard ratio: 1.031, p < 0.001). This study underscores the growing need for dialysis specialists for elderly hemodialysis patients in Korea.

Clinical Significance of Nutritional Status, Inflammation, and Body Composition in Elderly Hemodialysis Patients-A Case-Control Study.

Nutritional and inflammatory disorders are factors that increase the risk of adverse clinical outcomes and mortality in elderly hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aimed to examine nutritional and inflammation status as well as body composition in older adults on HD compared to matched controls. A case-control study was conducted on 168 older participants (84 HD patients (cases) and 84 controls) age- and sex-matched. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory parameters were collected from medical records. The primary outcome was nutritional status assessment using a combination of nutritional and inflammatory markers along with the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). Sarcopenic obesity (SO) was studied by the combined application of anthropometric measures. Body composition and hydration status were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify nutritional and inflammatory independent risk indicators in elderly HD patients and controls. A significantly high prevalence of nutritional risk measured by the GNRI was found in HD patients (32.1%) compared to controls (6.0%) (p < 0.001). Elderly HD patients were overweight and had lower percent arm muscle circumference, phase angle (PA), serum albumin (s-albumin), as well as higher percent extracellular body water (ECW%) and serum C-reactive protein (s-CRP) than controls (all at least, p < 0.01). SO was higher in HD patients (15.50%) than in controls (14.30%). By multi-regression analyses, age < 75 years (OR: 0.119; 95%CI: 0.036 to 0.388), ECW% (OR: 1.162; 95%CI: 1.061 to 1.273), PA (OR: 0.099; 95%CI: 0.036 to 0.271), as well as BMI, s-albumin ≥ 3.8 g/dL, and lower s-CRP were independently related between cases and controls (all at least, p < 0.05). Elderly HD patients had increased nutritional risk, SO, inflammation, overhydration, and metabolic derangements compared to controls. This study highlights the importance of identifying nutritional risk along with inflammation profile and associated body composition disorders in the nutritional care of elderly HD patients. Further studies are needed to prevent nutritional disorders in elderly HD patients.

Geriatric Depression Scale predicts mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis.

The aim of this study was to determine if the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was predictor of mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). A total of 140 HD patients ≥65 years were studied. Symptoms of depression were assessed through GDS and cognitive function through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). GDS scores 0-9 are considered normal (Group 1); scores of 10-20 (Group 2) and 21-30 (Group 3) indicate mild and severe depression. Median GDS was 13 (11-15): 54 patients in Group 1, 49 in Group 2, and 37 in Group 3. After a follow-up of 58.85 ± 38.8 months, 94 patients died and 46 were alive. Kaplan-Meier survival was significantly lower in patients of Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (log-rank χ2 : 101.9; DF: 2; p < 0.0001). According to Cox regression analysis, mortality was associated with age and GDS, and inversely associated with MMSE and Kt/V. GDS predicts mortality in elderly HD patients.

Outcomes of arteriovenous graft vs. fistula for haemodialysis access in the elderly: A systematic review and meta‑analysis.

The impact of the type of vascular access on the outcomes in the elderly haemodialysis patients is still unclear. The goal of the present study was to compare survival outcomes in elderly haemodialysis patients who received either arteriovenous graft (AVG) or arteriovenous fistula (AVF). A systematic literature search was performed in EMBASE, Cochrane, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases for papers published from January 1954 until January 2022. Risk of bias in the selected publications was assessed by Newcastle Ottawa scale or Cochrane risk of bias tool depending on the study design. Meta-analysis was carried out using the random-effects model. Data were reported as pooled odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 12 studies were included in the analysis. The majority of the studies had poor quality. Elderly patients receiving AVG had significantly worse survival rate compared with patients that received AVF for the haemodialysis access, with a pooled HR of 1.38 (95% CI, 1.24-1.53; I2=79.9%). Pooled HR for access survival was 1.60 (95% CI, 1.54-1.66; I2=0%). Pooled OR for primary patency rate, maturation failure and infections were 1.81 (95% CI, 0.73-4.49; I2=79.2%), 0.33 (95% CI, 0.12-0.91; I2=70.4%) and 9.74 (95% CI, 2.60-36.49; I2=52.4%), respectively. These results suggested that in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis, AVG was associated with reduced overall survival and access survival, and higher infection rate, compared with AVF. Notably, AVG was also associated with a lower risk of maturation failure, presenting a potential advantage in specific patient populations (study registration: PROSPERO, no. CRD42022313199).

Sleep, malnutrition, and quality of life in elderly hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study

Sleep, malnutrition, and quality of life in elderly hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study

#4964 ASSOCIATION OF DIETARY INTAKE WITH SERUM LEVELS OF PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM IN THE ELDERLY HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS IN KOREA

Abstract Background and Aims Dietary management of elderly (&amp;gt;60 years old) hemodialysis(HD) patients is very important for solving health problems and improving quality of life. Hyperphosphatemia and hyperkalemia in elderly HD patients are closely related to intake of dietary phosphorus and potassium from Koreans’ unique eating patterns. It is very difficult to manage the diet of hemodialysis patients due to the unique eating patterns of elderly Koreans. In the daily meal pattern, sodium and potassium contents are high in grain-based foods, soups, stews, and seasoned vegetables. And, there are various recipes for meals using a range of condiments, which increase serum phosphorus level. For this reason, it is necessary to educate dietary management using real-time Apps for the elderly in Korea. This study was designed to provide the base data for the development of a self-dietary management App for Korean elderly HD patients. Method This study was conducted on 237 elderly HD patients (149 males and 88 females) at nationwide 18 university hospitals. We collected anthropometric data, biochemical parameters, and dietary data of the subjects. Dietary data for usual intake were obtained by use of a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 23 food meal items based on the Korean usual diets. For this dietary status evaluation, a newly constructed potassium and phosphorus content DB was used. Results The average age of the patients was 69.7± 11.6 years for men and 69.2±6.9 years for women and the duration of HD was 5.4 ± 4.9 years for men and 5.5±4.2 for women. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.24 ± 2.99 kg/m2, mean serum phosphorus level was 5.03 ± 9.59 mg/dl, and mean serum potassium level was 5.41 ± 8.58 mEqL. Hyperphosphatemia (&amp;gt; 4.5 mg/dl) was found in 45.8% of the subjects, and hyperkalemia(&amp;gt; 5.0 mEq/L) in 35.4%. Energy and protein were significantly lower than recommended intakes of HD patients(P = .027, P = .015). Lower intake of energy and protein was more significant in women. The intake of sodium and potassium was significantly higher than recommendation(P = .014, P = .021), which was more excessive in men. Serum phosphorus levels showed positive correlation with intake frequency of mixed grains rice (P = .011), noodle without broth(P = .000), vegetable soup(P = .039), and roasted beef(P = .047) in male patients. In case of female patients, intake of sweet potatoes was correlated with hyperphosphatemia (P = .047). Serum potassium levels showed a positive correlation with intake of Kimchi(P = .000), noodle without broth(P = .000), and ham(P = .018) in men. In women, sweet potatoes(P = .027) and medium-potassium fruits(P = .047) were correlated with serum potassium level. On the other hand, intake of white rice showed negative correlation with serum potassium levels(P = .037) in both sex. Conclusion Dietary management along with medical treatment is essential for maintaining serum phosphorus and potassium levels within acceptable ranges because the composition of the daily routine diet is very unique and varies in Korea. The results of this study showed that the intake of white rice rather than mixed grains is an important factor in sustaining normal serum phosphorus and potassium levels in the elderly Korean HD patients. In addition, limiting intake of sweet potatoes, medium and high potassium vegetables &amp; fruits to under three servings per week is recommended. Therefore, customized dietary management needs to be regulated according to each individual's dietary pattern for the Korean elderly HD patients. Major variables found in this study can be used in the development of new App for customized self-dietary management.

#3160 IMPACT OF HEART FUNCTION ON ELDERLY INCIDENT HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in patients on hemodialysis (HD). Indeed, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, symptomatic congestive heart failure and arrhythmia are independent predictors of poor survival and hospitalization in these patients. Among the patients who initiated HD, the proportions of the elderly patients aged &amp;gt;65 years are increasing worldwide. According to the Korean Renal Data System, the percentage of incident HD patients aged&amp;gt;65 years increased from 11% in 1990 to 53% in 2022. In addition, the prevalence of CVD increases with age. Therefore following these trends, investigating the impact of heart function on prognosis in elderly patients on HD is important for predicting prognosis and making appropriate treatment plans. This study aims to investigate the all-cause mortality in elderly incident HD patients according to heart function and presence of arrhythmia. Method 1,002 incident HD patients aged &amp;gt;70 years were recruited from a retrospective cohort of the Korean Society of Geriatric Nephrology. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality (6 months, overall) according to the LV function and presence of arrhythmia. To analyze, patients were divided into 6 groups according to the LV function (LV ejection fraction [LVEF]≥50%, 40≤LVEF&amp;lt;50%, LVEF&amp;lt;40%) and the presence of arrhythmia. The secondary outcome is all-cause mortality (6 months, overall) according to the LV function or presence of arrhythmia. To analyze, patients were divided into 3 groups according to the LV function and separately divided into 2 groups according to the presence of arrhythmia. Cox regression univariate and multivariate analyses was used. Results 1,002 patients were divided into 6 groups (LVEF≥50% without arrhythmia [N = 707, 70.6%], 40≤LVEF&amp;lt;50% without arrhythmia [N = 71, 7.1%], LVEF&amp;lt;40% without arrhythmia [N = 66, 6.6%], LVEF≥50% with arrhythmia [N = 124, 12.4%], 40≤LVEF&amp;lt;50% with arrhythmia [N = 15, 1.5%], LVEF&amp;lt;40% with arrhythmia [N = 19, 1.8%]). There were no differences of 6-month all-cause mortality among the groups. Compared with LVEF≥50% without arrhythmia group, 40≤LVEF&amp;lt;50% without arrhythmia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.21-2.09; P = 0.001), LVEF≥50% with arrhythmia (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.12-1.74, P = 0.003) and LVEF&amp;lt;40% with arrhythmia groups (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.19-3.17, P = 0.007) showed higher all-cause mortality of overall period. According to the LVEF groups, there were no differences of 6-month all-cause mortality among the groups. Compared with LVEF≥50% group, 40≤LVEF&amp;lt;50% group showed higher all-cause mortality of overall period (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.18-1.94, P = 0.001). According to the arrhythmia groups, there were no differences of 6-month all-cause mortality between the groups. The presence of arrhythmia was associated with higher all-cause mortality of overall period (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.15-1.69, P = 0.001). Conclusion Decreased heart function and presence of arrhythmia have negative impact on all-cause mortality of overall period, but not on 6-month all-cause mortality in elderly patients on incident HD. Therefore, evaluation of the heart function and detection of arrhythmia in elderly patients who start HD and providing the appropriate treatment to these patients would be helpful for improving the prognosis.

Chronic kidney disease-related sarcopenia as a prognostic indicator in elderly haemodialysis patients

BackgroundThe mortality of dialysis patients greatly exceeds that of the general population and identifying predictive factors for mortality may provide opportunities for earlier intervention. This study assessed the influence of sarcopenia on mortality in patients on haemodialysis.MethodsThis prospective, observational study enrolled 77 haemodialysis patients aged 60 years and over, of whom 33 (43%) were female, from two community dialysis centres. Baseline demographic and laboratory data were collected, and sarcopenia was diagnosed using grip strength, muscle mass by bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and muscle function by timed up-and-go according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Nutritional status was assessed using a subjective nutritional assessment score, comprising functional changes in weight, appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms and energy.. A comorbidity score (maximum 7 points) was derived from the presence or absence of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, vascular disease (cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm), diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease, a history of malignancy and psychiatric disease. Outcomes over six years were linked to the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry.ResultsThe median participant age was 71 years (range 60–87). Probable and confirmed sarcopenia was present in 55.9% and severe sarcopenia with reduced functional testing in 11.7%. Over 6 years, overall mortality was 50 of the 77 patients (65%), principally from cardiovascular events, dialysis withdrawal and infection. There were no significant survival differences between patients with no, probable, confirmed, or severe sarcopenia, or between tertiles of the nutritional assessment score. After adjustment for age, dialysis vintage, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the total comorbidity score, no sarcopenia category predicted mortality. However, the total comorbidity score [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.27, Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.02, 1.58, p = 0.03] and MAP (HR 0.96, CI 0.94, 0.99, P = < 0.01) predicted mortality.ConclusionSarcopenia is highly prevalent in elderly haemodialysis patients but is not an independent predictor of mortality. Haemodialysis patients have multiple competing risks for mortality which, in this study, was predicted by a lower MAP and a higher total comorbidity score.Trial registrationRecruitment commenced December 2011. The study was registered 10.01.2012 with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612000048886).

Evaluation of outcomes with permanent vascular access in an elderly Korean population based on the National Health Insurance Service database.

As nearly half of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who initiate hemodialysis (HD) are over 65 years old (commonly defined as elderly), the fistula first strategy is controversial even in HD patients ≥65 years. In Korea's National Health Insurance Service database from 2008 to 2019, 41,989 elderly (≥ 65 years) HD patients were retrospectively reviewed to identify their clinical characteristics and outcomes. Vascular access (VA) patencies, risk factors associated with patencies and patient survival between arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and arteriovenous graft (AVG) were compared. Elderly AVF group (n=28,467) had superior primary, primary assisted, and secondary patencies than elderly AVG group (n=13,522) (all p values are <0.001). Patient survival was also better in the elderly AVF group than in the elderly AVG (p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analyses for diverse outcomes, AVG (vs. AVF) was identified as a risk factor for all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.307; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.272-1.343; p < 0.001), primary patency (adjusted HR: 1.745; 95% CI: 1.701-1.790; p < 0.001), primary-assisted patency (adjusted HR: 2.163; 95% CI: 2.095-2.233; p < 0.001), and secondary patency (adjusted HR: 3.718; 95% CI: 3.533-3.913; p < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that as a permanent VA for HD, AVF should be strongly considered in elderly (≥ 65 years) ESKD Korean patients. The age limit for AVF creation in ESKD patients should be adjusted more upward.

COVID-19 in Elderly Patients Receiving Haemodialysis: A Current Review

There is an increased incidence of elderly adults diagnosed with kidney failure as our global aging population continues to expand. Hence, the number of elderly adults indicated for kidney replacement therapy is also increasing simultaneously. Haemodialysis initiation is more commonly observed in comparison to kidney transplantation and peritoneal dialysis for the elderly. The onset of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought new paradigms and insights for the care of this patient population. Elderly patients receiving haemodialysis have been identified as high-risk groups for poor COVID-19 outcomes. Age, immunosenescence, impaired response to COVID-19 vaccination, increased exposure to sources of COVID-19 infection and thrombotic risks during dialysis are key factors which demonstrated significant associations with COVID-19 incidence, severity and mortality for this patient group. Recent findings suggest that preventative measures such as regular screening and, if needed, isolation in COVID-19-positive cases, alongside the fulfillment of COVID-19 vaccination programs is an integral strategy to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and consequential complications from COVID-19, particularly for high-risk groups such as elderly haemodialysis patients. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about the rapid development and repurposing of a number of medications to treat patients in the viral and inflammatory stages of their disease. However, elderly haemodialysis patients were grossly unrepresented in many of these trials. We review the evidence for contemporary treatments for COVID-19 in this population to provide clinicians with an up-to-date guide. We hope our article increases awareness on the associations and impact of COVID-19 for the elderly haemodialysis population, and encourage research efforts to address knowledge gaps in this topical area.

A Sarcopenia Index Derived from Malnutrition Parameters in Elderly Haemodialysis Patients.

(1) Background: Persons with chronic kidney disease may have sarcopenia characterized by the loss of muscle mass and loss of muscle strength. However, EWGSOP2 criteria to diagnose sarcopenia are technically challenging, especially in elderly persons on hemodialysis. Sarcopenia may be associated with malnutrition. We aimed at defining a sarcopenia index derived from malnutrition parameters for use in elderly haemodialysis patients. (2) Methods: A retrospective study of 60 patients aged 75 to 95 years treated with chronic hemodialysis was conducted. Anthropometric and analytical variables, EWGSOP2 sarcopenia criteria and other nutrition-related variables were collected. Binomial logistic regressions were used to define the combination of anthropometric and nutritional parameters that best predict moderate or severe sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2, and performance for moderate and severe sarcopenia was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. (3) Results: The combination of loss of strength, loss of muscle mass and low physical performance correlated with malnutrition. We developed regression-equation-related nutrition criteria that predicted moderate sarcopenia (elderly hemodialysis sarcopenia index-moderate, EHSI-M) and severe sarcopenia (EHSI-S) diagnosed according to EWGSOP2 with an AUC of 0.80 and 0.866, respectively. (4) Conclusions: There is a close relationship between nutrition and sarcopenia. The EHSI may identify EWGSOP2-diagnosed sarcopenia from easily accessible anthropometric and nutritional parameters.

Mortality and associated risk factors between young and elderly maintenance haemodialysis patients: a multicentre retrospective cohort study in China

ObjectivesMortality and associated risk factors in young and elderly haemodialysis patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) have not been well examined in China. Therefore, we aimed to assess the all-cause...

The Impact of Tunneled Central Venous Hemodialysis Catheter on Mortality of Elderly Hemodialysis Patients Hospitalized in a Long-Term Care Hospital

Introduction: The association between tunneled central venous hemodialysis catheters (TCVCs) and mortality in hospitalized elderly hemodialysis (HD) patients remains unclear. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in a long-term care hospital. We evaluated the association between TCVC and mortality in HD patients hospitalized between 2015 and 2020. Results: A total of 463 patients were compared: TCVC group (n = 53) and non-TCVC group (n = 410) including arteriovenous fistula (AVF, n = 369), arteriovenous graft (AVG, n = 30), and superficialized brachial artery (SBA, n = 11). The mean ages were 80 and 78 years in the TCVC and non-TCVC groups, respectively. Overall mortality rates for all-cause and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were higher in the TCVC group than in the non-TCVC group (log-rank, p = 0.01, and p = 0.009). Overall mortality was higher in the TCVC group than in the AVF group (p = 0.04), but there were no significant differences between the TCVC, AVG, and SBA groups. In Cox proportional hazards regression models, age, dialysis vintage, male sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and serum albumin level were associated with all-cause, CVD, and infectious disease (ID) mortalities, but TCVC was not associated with all-cause (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.95–1.80; p = 0.1), CVD (1.54; 0.99–2.39; p = 0.051), and ID (0.91; 0.48–1.70; p = 0.8) mortalities. Among patients aged ≥80 years, with dialysis vintage ≥7 years and CCI ≥10, the overall mortality rates were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions: Among elderly HD patients in the long-term care hospital, TCVC was not associated with mortality.

Mortality in elderly hemodialysis patients, influence of frailty and comorbidity

Background: Mortality in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) remains high, especially among the elderly with a higher burden of comorbidity and frailty. In this group, dialysis may not offer better survival compared to conservative management. Frailty defined by clinical frailty scale (CFS) and comorbidity by Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) are known independent predictors of mortality. Our aim was to compare which one had higher impact on early mortality in urgent-start hemodialysis patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 65 years and over, who started hemodialysis as their first renal replacement therapy (RRT) between January 2014 and December 2020. CFS and mCCI, at time of HD start, were used to evaluate, respectively, frailty and comorbid disease burden. The primary outcome was death in the first 6 months of RRT. Results: During the study period 166 patients were included. The median age, at time of hemodialysis start, was 75 years ± 6.3 years. The mortality at 6 months was 19% (n=31). For both scales, the analysis of ROC curve, stablished the optimal cut-off to predict the event death at first 6 months as ≥ 5points. The performance of CFS was superior to the mCCI, in fact, the area under the curve was significantly higher in CFS (0.739) versus the mCCI (0.620). A CFS≥5 had a sensitivity/specificity of 94%/44% in prediction the primary outcome. On the other hand, a mCCI≥5 predicts the same outcome with a sensitivity/specificity of 26%/88%. The diagnostic odds ratio for CFS≥5 was 11.6, compared to only 2.7 for mCCI≥5. Lastly, we constructed a model in which both scores interacted (as categorical variables), which after multivariable adjustment showed that mCCI/CFS &lt;5/≥5 and ≥5/≥5 were independent predictors of mortality (HR=7.06; P=0.017; HR=10.708; P=0.002; respectively). Interestingly, no events were observed in the mCCI≥5/CFS&lt;5 group. Conclusions: In this cohort of urgent-start incident HD patients, frailty defined by CFS was a stronger predictor of mortality than comorbidity defined by CCI.