Infection In End-stage Renal Disease Patients Research Articles

Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir Regimen Outcome for Chronic Hepatitis C Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Background Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are most likely to contract hepatitis C (HCV) infection, which is associated with significant morbidity and disease progression. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are safe and tolerable in chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a 90-100% cure rate, and limited data exist regarding their efficacy in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), particularly for HDpatients in South Asia. The study aimed to assess the outcome of a 12-week sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VEL) treatment regimen on ESRD patients with chronic HCV infection undergoing HDin the Pakistani Asian population. Methodology This prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2022 and January2023 at the outpatient nephrology and gastroenterology clinic of Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. This study included a total of 220 ESRD patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, aged 20-55 years, who had been undergoing weekly HD sessions for at least two years, with acquired HCV infection. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected through patient interviews. Laboratory and dialysis profiling was executed to assess ESRD and discover the underlying cause by ultrasound abdomen, blood pressure measurement by sphygmomanometer, random blood sugarfor diabetes, and taking note of the duration and frequency of dialysis. HCV RNA PCR was done at selected intervals to evaluate the virological response to treatment. Sustained virological response (SVR), liver cirrhosis status, and number of weekly HD sessions were compared at one year of SOF/VEL regimen. Results The mean age of patients with ESRD was 41.8 with a standard deviation (SD) of 9.3 years, and HCV diagnosis was 1.3 years with SD of 0.4 years; 52.7% (n=116) were males, 47.3% (n=104) were females, 75% (n=165) were urban dwellers, and 93.6% (n=206) were married.CKD that requires dialysis was caused mainly by hypertension (78, 35%), diabetes mellitus type 2 (52, 24%), bilateral small kidney disease (40, 18%), and others (34, 16%). One hundred and six (48.2%) received dialysis thrice weekly, 83 (37.7%) twice, and 31 (14.1%) once weekly. The study monitored the rapid virological response (RVR) at four weeks of SOF/VEL regimen in 89.5% of ESRD patients, observed end-of-treatment response (ETR) at 12 weeks in 93.2%, and noted 91.4% SVR response at one year. Only four (1.8%) relapses were observed in the study, which was statistically insignificant. The status of liver cirrhosis showed a 50% improvement, decreasing from 40% to 20%. The frequency of weekly HD sessions decreased from thrice to twice-thrice a week. Conclusion The prevalence of contracting HCV is high among CKD and dialysis ESRD patients. All-oral DAA therapy has revolutionized HCV treatment with co-morbidities. Renal functions improved after the SOF/VEL regimen for chronic HCV infection in ESRD patients undergoing HD, with the number of weekly dialysis sessions reduced and SVR reaching 91.4%. Thus, a single-tablet, pan-genotypic DAA regimen of SOF/VEL for 12 weeks is safe, effective, and tolerable regardless of the underlying etiology of ESRD, complications of cirrhosis, HCV genotype, or previous treatment exposure. The successful treatment of HCV and achieving SVR lowers the risk of ESRD complications, improves extra-hepatic manifestations, and greatly enhances survival. Further studies are warranted after the availability of other DAAs to confirm findings with no limitations.

Efficacy of Daclatasvir and Half Dose Sofosbuvir in the Treatment of Hepatitis –C Virus Infection in Patients of Maintanance Hemodialysis-3 Years Trial in A Tertiary Renal Center

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) heralds a bad outcome. Directly acting antiviral (DAA) drugs sofosbuvir along with daclatasvir are very effective in the management of HCV infection. Sofosbuvir is excreted mainly through the kidneys. There is sparse data worldwide on the use of sofosbuvir based drug regimens in ESRD patients having chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection.This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of half dose sofosbuvir in the management of HCV infection in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods: This clinical trial was conducted among 125 ESRD patients on MHD at Gonoshasthaya dialysis center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka from July 2019 to June 2022. Total 125 HCV positive patient with ESRD on MHD were included in this study; all the patients underwent HCV-RNA PCR test. Patients with detectable HCV RNA were observed for six months without antiviral drugs to identify the occurrence of spontaneous clearance of virus. Patients who had detectable HCV-RNA after six months were treated with sofosbuvir(200 mg) and daclatasvir (60 mg), irrespective of genotype. The drugs were given daily for 12 weeks. All the patients were on regular follow up at two weeks interval. Blood counts, liver function, creatinine phosphokinase and serum amylase values were evaluated periodically; virological response was assessed by HCV-RNA after 12 weeks of antiviral treatment. Results: During the observation period, 29 (23.2%) patients had spontaneous virus clearance with an undetectable HCV-RNA. In the remaining 96 patients, the median HCV-RNA level was 2.76×104 (1.56 ×103– 1.89×106)I IU. Twelve weeks after the treatment, 91 (94.8%) patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with undetectable HCV-RNA. All patients tolerated the DAAs well and none of the patients reported any serious adverse events. No patient discontinued antiviral therapy due to side effects. Patients who attained SVR with DAA, after 6 months we repeated HCV-RNA in 30 patients, in majority of them (28, 93.3%), HCV-RNA were undetected but in 2 (6.7%) patients,HCV-RNA were detected again. Conclusion: Daclatasvir along with half-dose sofosbuvir are safe and effective in the treatment of CHC patients with ESRD on MHD. Half dose sofosbuvir regimen can reduce the cost of treatment of HCV in ESRD patients in developing countries like Bangladesh, where cost is a significant barrier to HCV treatment. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2023; 41: 102-107

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Immunogenicity and Immunological Response Following COVID-19 Infection in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving hemodialysis (HD) were found to have a decreased immune response following mRNA COVID-19 immunization. ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 was a promising COVID-19 vaccine that performed well in the general population, but the evidence on immunogenicity in ESRD with HD patients was limited. Moreover, the immunological response to COVID-19 infection was inconclusive in patients with ESRD and HD. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination and the immunological response after COVID-19 infection in ESRD patients with HD. The blood samples were obtained at baseline, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up after each shot or recovery. All participants were measured for anti-spike IgG by the ELISA method, using Euroimmun. This study found a significant increase in anti-spike IgG after 1 month of two-shot ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination, followed by a significant decrease after 3 months. On the other hand, the anti-spike IgG was maintained in the post-recovery group. There was no significant difference in the change of anti-spike IgG between the one-shot ChAdOx1 nCoV-19-vaccinated and post-recovery groups for both 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. The seroconversion rate for the vaccinated group was 60.32% at 1 month after one-shot vaccination and slightly dropped to 58.73% at the 3-month follow-up, then was 92.06% at 1 month after two-shot vaccination and reduced to 82.26% at the 3-month follow-up. For the recovered group, the seroconversion rate was 95.65% at 1 month post-recovery and 92.50% at 3-month follow-up. This study demonstrated the immunogenicity of two-dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in ESRD patients with HD for humoral immunity. After COVID-19 infection, the humoral immune response was strong and could be maintained for at least three months.

Long-term efficacy and safety of oral nucleoside/tide analogues in maintaining biochemical and virological remission in renal transplant recipients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Background and Aim: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a common infection in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on renal replacement therapy and may impact post-transplant outcome. We aimed to assess the long-term effect of antiviral drugs on chronic hepatitis B infection in ESRD patients after renal transplant.

Risk factors for infection-related hospitalization in end-stage renal disease patients during peri-dialysis period.

Infection-related hospitalization during the peri-dialysis period (PDP) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has received less attention. Considering the limited data, we explored the risk factors in this population. Retrospective analysis using the data system to examine factors for infection in ESRD during PDP between January 2012 and December 2017. Patients were divided into infected group and non-infected group according to the history of infection. Binary Logistic Regression Model was used to search for risk factors. A total of 478 patients were hospitalized during their PDP. One hundred and ninety patients developed infection (39.75%). Thirty-six patients (18.95%) had two or more infection events, all due to recurrent respiratory infections. The respiratory system was the main site of infection (63.68%), followed by the urinary system and digestive system. Compared with the non-infected group, the infected group had more patients with hypoproteinemia and coronary heart disease. The following factors: C-reactive protein >15 mg/L, procalcitonin >1 ng/L, neutrophil percentage >75%, age >52.5 years, platelet >300 × 109 /L, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and concomitant coronary heart disease were associated with the occurrence of infection in ESRD patients during PDP. Patients with ESRD have a high incidence of infection during the PDP, with respiratory infection most commonly seen. This research identified several factors associated with risk for infection, which should guide the design of infection prevention strategies.

Covid-19 in end-stage renal disease patients with renal replacement therapies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, showed various prevalence and case-fatality rates (CFR) among patients with different pre-existing chronic conditions. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with renal replacement therapy (RRT) might have a higher prevalence and CFR due to reduced immune function from uremia and kidney tropism of SARS-CoV-2, but there was a lack of systematic study on the infection and mortality of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in ESRD patients with various RRT. We searched five electronic databases and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis up to June 30, 2020, to evaluate the prevalence and case fatality rate (CFR) of the COVID-19 infection among ESRD patients with RRT. The global COVID-19 data were retrieved from the international database on June 30, 2020, for estimating the prevalence and CFR of the general population as referencing points. Of 3,272 potential studies, 34 were eligible studies consisted of 1,944 COVID-19 confirmed cases in 21,873 ESRD patients with RRT from 12 countries in four WHO regions. The overall pooled prevalence in ESRD patients with RRT was 3.10% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-5.72] which was higher than referencing 0.14% global average prevalence. The overall estimated CFR of COVID-19 in ESRD patients with RRT was 18.06% (95% CI 14.09-22.32) which was higher than the global average at 4.98%. This meta-analysis suggested high COVID-19 prevalence and CFR in ESRD patients with RRT. ESRD patients with RRT should have their specific protocol of COVID-19 prevention and treatment to mitigate excess cases and deaths.

1705. Treatment of Disseminated Adenovirus with Cidofovir in a Patient with HIV and ESRD

BackgroundAdenovirus is a common cause of upper respiratory infections and gastroenteritis. Severe adenovirus infections and disseminated disease are known to occur in immunocompromised hosts. Cidofovir has been associated with clinical improvement in patients with severe or disseminated disease in which immunosuppression cannot be readily reversed or those unresponsive to supportive care. However, a narrow therapeutic index has limited its clinical use particularly in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).MethodsWe present a case of disseminated adenovirus in a well-controlled person living with HIV (PLWHIV) treated successfully with dose-reduced cidofovir in the setting of ESRD on hemodialysis (HD) at the University of California Los Angeles. A literature review was conducted to investigate the treatment of severe adenovirus disease and use of cidofovir in patients with ESRD.ResultsOur patient is a 59 year-old woman who presented with fever, non-productive cough, and diarrhea. She is living with HIV/AIDS with virologic control and CD4 count of 470 treated with dose adjusted lamivudine, tenofovir alafenamide, and dolutegravir in the setting of ESRD on HD, chronic hepatitis B, and group I pulmonary hypertension. Her course was complicated by development of multifocal pneumonia with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring high-flow nasal cannula. Adenovirus PCR was detected in stool, respiratory, and serum samples. Given high risk intubation, dose-reduced cidofovir 0.5 mg/kg weekly was given twice over three weeks with symptomatic improvement, elimination of serum adenovirus DNA, and without development of adverse medication-related effects.Sixteen primary and review articles were identified discussing adenovirus pathology and treatment. A single pharmacokinetic study outlined a dosing regimen for cidofovir of 0.5 mg/kg weekly which provided comparable serum drug levels in asymptomatic patients with ESRD on HD compared to controls with adequate renal function.ConclusionThis case report illustrates although there is limited data to establish the efficacy and safety of cidofovir for treatment of disseminated adenovirus infections in ESRD patients, dose-reduced cidofovir 0.5 mg/kg weekly while on HD appears to have been effective and well tolerated.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Prevalence and risk factors of Hantavirus infection in patients undergoing hemodialysis in Khartoum, Sudan, in 2019: a cross-sectional study.

Hantaviruses are enveloped negative sense RNA viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of Hantavirus IgG antibodies and possible risk factors for Hantaviruses infections among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients attending the Dr Salma dialysis center in Sudan. This was a cross-sectional study in which 91 ESRD patients and 30 healthy plasma samples were screened for Hantavirus IgG antibodies using ELISA. A questionnaire containing sociodemographics, history of rat exposure and clinical data information was filled in by each ESRD patient. In this study, 9 out of 91 ESRD patients (9.9%) tested positive for Hantaviruses antibodies (IgG) while none of the 30 healthy plasma samples showed seropositivity. There was no statistically significant association between age, gender, educational level and rat exposure and Hantavirus infection in ESRD patients (p>0.05). This study is the first to be conducted in Sudan regarding Hantaviruses and ESRD. The prevalence of Hantavirus antibodies among ESRD patients is high compared with findings reported in the literature from studies conducted on the same group of patients. It points to an interesting question as to whether Hantaviruses have an association with ESRD but further studies are needed before drawing any conclusions.

Potential Hepatoprotective Role of Galectin-3 during HCV Infection in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV), one of the greatest causes of liver disease, is a frequent complication in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis. ESRD is defined as decreased glomerular filtration and also accompanied by impaired function of the immune system. Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin, involved in various biological processes including pathogenesis of chronic renal disease. The aim of our study was to estimate disease severity in ESRD HCV+ patients and analyze the serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-23, and IL-6; anti-HCV antibodies; and galectin-3. Also, we attempted to determine potential correlation between galectin-3 level and parameters of disease severity ALT and AST. Our results showed decreased levels of ALT and AST (p = 0.00), demonstrating less liver destruction in ESRD HCV+ patients in comparison to HCV+ patients. Increased levels of IL-6 (p = 0.03) implicate a hepatoprotective role of IL-6 in these patients. Also, level of galectin-3 (p = 0.00) in the serum of ESRD HCV+ patients was higher than that of HCV+ patients. This alteration was accompanied with negative correlation between galectin-3 and AST and ALT, respectively (p = 0.029; p = 0.033). The presence of increased systemic levels of IL-6 and Gal-3 in ESRD HCV+ patients may be an attempt to counteract or limit ongoing proinflammatory processes and to downregulate chronic inflammation, suggesting the new aspects of HCV infection in ESRD patients.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in haemodialysis population in a tertiary care centre in north eastern India

Background: Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in the haemodialysis (HD) population varies between 3.445% and 4.345.2% respectively which are substantially higher than the prevalence rates in the general population. We conducted a study to estimate the prevalence of HBV and HCV in HD population in a tertiary care centre in north east India.Methods: Prospective single centre observational study conducted in patients attending a HD unit between November 2012 and June 2015. All patients with Chronic Kidney Diseasewho underwent haemodialysis were included. Patients with Acute Kidney Injury were excluded. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV were tested using specific enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) kits.Results: 507 patients with a male to female ratio of 1.26:1 were included. Overall mean age was 45.7017.54 years. (Male= 43.9417.32years; Female=47.8117.51years).69.82% of the patients underwent once weekly dialysis. 2.17% were found to be positive for HBV while and 1.38% patients were found to be positive for HCV. HBV-HCV co-infection was seen in 0.20%. All HBV positive patients were males and had previous blood transfusions.Conclusion: HBV and HCV is seen to affect a significant number of the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients undergoing HD. Measures including safe transfusion practices, vaccination and equipment disinfection should be undertaken to reduce the burden of such infections in ESRD patients.

High seroprevalence of human herpesvirus type 8 in patients with end-stage renal disease in Taiwan

BackgroundHuman herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) is the aetiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The incidence of KS in renal transplant patients is much higher than in healthy controls. The risk is even higher among recipients seropositive for HHV-8 before transplantation. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are immunocompromised and are candidates for renal transplantation, but HHV-8 seroprevalence in ESRD patients has not been well documented. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate HHV-8 seroprevalence in ESRD patients in a cohort in Taiwan. Study designBlood samples collected from 149 ESRD patients and 149 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analysed for HHV-8 antibody with immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for HHV-8 DNA with polymerase chain reaction. ResultsSeropositivity and titres for HHV-8 antibodies with IFA as well as seropositivity with ELISA were significantly greater in ESRD patients than in healthy controls (P=0.006, 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Patients with a history of taking herbal medicine had significantly greater ELISA positivity than those without such a history (P=0.004). ELISA positives, particularly patients, had much higher IFA antibody titres than ELISA negatives (P<0.0001). Seropositivity in ESRD patients was not related to lymphopaenia, monocytosis, dialysis duration or a history of transfusion. Two diabetic ESRD patients were positive for HHV-8 DNA. ConclusionsESRD patients had significantly greater HHV-8 seropositivity than healthy controls in Taiwan. This association seems to be related to the geographic location of the cohort and invites further studies for the early association of HHV-8 infection in ESRD patients and risk for KS.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of end-stage renal disease patients in Taiwan: a nationwide longitudinal study

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are vulnerable to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, but the magnitude of the risk is uncertain. In addition, there is no reliable information on the MTB infection rate of patients undergoing different types of renal replacement therapy (RRT). We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a 9-year nationwide longitudinal study. Among 49 983 ESRD patients who received three renal replacement modalities, there were 562 cases of MTB infection, corresponding to an incidence rate of 3.0 per 1000 patient-years. The risk of MTB infection relative to the general population was 4.5. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the independent risk factors for MTB infection in ESRD patients are old age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.17 per 10 years, p <0.001), male gender (HR 1.37, p <0.001), silicosis (HR 5.82, p <0.001), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.68, p 0.012). Hyperlipidaemia (HR 0.71, p <0.001) and hypertension (HR 0.81, p 0.05) are associated with a lower infection rate. There was no effect of RRT modality on MTB infection rate.

Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with end‐stage renal disease

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The incidence of acute HCV infection during maintenance dialysis is much higher than that in the general population because of the risk of nosocomial transmission. Following acute HCV infection, most patients develop chronic HCV infection, and a significant proportion develop chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall, chronic hepatitis C patients on hemodialysis bear an increased risk of liver-related morbidity and mortality, either during dialysis or after renal transplantation. Interferon (IFN) therapy is modestly effective for the treatment of HCV infection in ESRD patients. Conventional or pegylated IFN monotherapy has been used to treat acute hepatitis C in ESRD patients with excellent safety and efficacy. Regarding chronic hepatitis C, approximately one-third of patients can achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) after conventional or pegylated IFN monotherapy. The combination of low-dose ribavirin and conventional or pegylated IFN has further improved the SVR rate in treatment-naïve or retreated ESRD patients in clinical trials. Similar to the treatment of patients with normal renal function, baseline and on-treatment HCV virokinetics are useful to guide optimized therapy in ESRD patients. Of particular note, IFN-based therapy is not recommended at the post-renal transplantation stage because of the low SVR rate and risk of acute graft rejection. In conclusion, ESRD patients with HCV infection should be encouraged to receive antiviral therapy, and those who achieve an SVR usually have long-term, durable, virological, biochemical, and histological responses.

Helicobacter pylori eradication with a 7-day low-dose triple therapy in hemodialysis patients

The optimal therapeutic regimen for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has not been established in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving hemodialysis. We investigated the efficacy and safety of a 7-day omeprazole-based triple therapy with low doses of amoxicillin and clarithromycin (OAC) for eradication of H. pylori infection in ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis. Thirty-three hemodialysis patients and 55 patients with normal renal function underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. For eradication of H. pylori infection, a 7-day triple therapy with low-dose OAC (omeprazole 40mg daily, amoxicillin 500mg daily, and clarithromycin 500mg daily) regimen was used. Four weeks after the completion of the OAC regimen, the success of the H. pylori eradication therapy was determined by histological examination and rapid urease test. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 36.4% in hemodialysis patients and 65.5% in non-uremic patients (p=0.0150). The mean duration of hemodialysis in H. pylori-positive and -negative patients was 56.8±26.9 versus 66.4±26.1months, respectively (p=0.3196). Eradication was successful in 83.4% of hemodialysis patients and 81.0% of non-uremic patients (p=1.000). All patients completed the eradication therapy without any serious adverse effects. A 7-day triple therapy with a low-dose OAC regimen was effective and safe for eradication of H. pylori infection in hemodialysis patients.

Aspects of Immune Dysfunction in End-stage Renal Disease

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality resulting from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and infections, accounting for 50% and 20%, respectively, of the total mortality in ESRD patients. It is possible that these two complications are linked to alterations in the immune system in ESRD, as uremia is associated with a state of immune dysfunction characterized by immunodepression that contributes to the high prevalence of infections among these patients, as well as by immunoactivation resulting in inflammation that may contribute to CVD. This review describes disorders of the innate and adaptive immune systems in ESRD, underlining the specific role of ESRD-associated disturbances of Toll-like receptors. Finally, based on the emerging links between the alterations of immune system, CVD, and infections in ESRD patients, it emphasizes the potential role of the immune dysfunction in ESRD as an underlying cause for the high mortality in this patient population and the need for more studies in this area.

HCV in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important cause of liver disease in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and conversely, renal failure has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality throughout the natural history of chronic HCV and its treatment. With improved awareness within dialysis units of the potential for spread and the institution of preventative measures, the prevalence of HCV infection in the hemodialysis-dependent population has continued to decline since 1995. Use of HCV (+) donor kidneys is associated with an increase in the prevalence of liver disease, but when compared with continued hemodialysis, transplantation using these kidneys is associated with improved survival. Overall, survival in patients with chronic HCV infection appears to be better after renal transplantation when compared with maintenance hemodialysis, and transplant should be considered for these patients. Data support the use of interferon and the improved efficacy of pegylated interferon formulations for treatment of chronic HCV infection in ESRD patients, although tolerability continues to be troublesome. The newest and most promising data regarding the treatment of HCV in ESRD involve the combination of reduced dose ribavirin with interferon or pegylated interferon suggesting similar enhancements in sustained virologic response (SVR) as seen in non-ESRD patients, but caution is advised, as all studies to date used ribavirin plasma concentration monitoring in patient with ESRD. Finally, with regard to postrenal transplant treatment of HCV infection, there is no evidence to support treatment with interferon-based therapy and pretransplant treatment remains the best option whenever possible.

Interferon-γ Release Assays for Diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Renal Dialysis Patients

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are at high risk for tuberculosis (TB). IFN-gamma release assays that assess immune responses to specific TB antigens offer potential advantages over tuberculin skin testing (TST) in screening such patients for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This study sought to determine whether IFN-gamma release assay results are more closely associated with recent TB exposure than TST results. Prospective cohort investigation of patients at a hemodialysis center with a smear-positive case of TB. Patients without a history of TB underwent initial and repeat testing with TST, and with the IFN-gamma assays QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) and ELISPOT test. Outcome measures included the prevalence of positive test results, identification of factors associated with positive results, and test result discordance. A total of 100 (47% foreign born; median age, 55 yr; age range, 18 to 83 yr) of 124 eligible patients were enrolled. Twenty-six persons had positive TST results, 21 had positive QFT-G results, and 27 had positive ELISPOT results. Patients with TB case contact were likely to have a positive QFT-G result (P = 0.02) and ELISPOT results (P = 0.04), whereas TB case contact was not associated with positive TST results (P = 0.7). Positive TST results were associated with foreign birth (P = 0.04) and having had a TST in the previous year (P = 0.04). Positive IFN-gamma assay results were more closely associated with recent TB exposure than were positive TST results. QFT-G and ELISPOT might offer a better method for detecting TB infection in ESRD patients.

Incidence of Peritonitis in Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Infused with Intravenous Iron Dextran

The Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) guidelines, published in 1997, emphasize the need for careful monitoring of iron stores and for provision of adequate iron replacement therapy to achieve target goals of hemoglobin concentration in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, especially those treated with recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO). Intravenous iron dextran (IVID) therapy, which has long been used in hemodialysis patients, is increasingly being used in chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) patients. In 1997, we began using this form of iron therapy for our CPD patients. However, because considerable data exists to show a relationship between iron metabolism and acute infections, we questioned whether IVID infusion placed our patients at greater risk for peritonitis, the leading cause of death and patient drop-out from CPD therapy. To evaluate the relationship between iron and infection, we studied episodes of peritonitis in CPD patients who were infused with IVID. In a retrospective study of adult CPD patients who received IVID during 1998, we investigated the occurrence of peritonitis episodes and the spectrum of causative organisms. Patients with a hemoglobin level of < 12.5 g/dL who also had a ferritin level < 100 ng/mL or a transferrin saturation level < 20% (or both) and who did not respond to oral iron therapy, were administered between 0.5 g and 1.0 g of IVID in an outpatient hospital setting. We calculated the expected and observed number of peritonitis episodes in these patients within 30, 60, and 90 days after infusion of IVID. During the study period, 56 patients received 77 doses of IVID, with 14 patients requiring 2 or more infusions. Of the 77 doses, 71 were given as a 1-g bolus. The IVID was well tolerated by all patients. Within 90 days of IVID administration, 14 patients developed peritonitis: 6 episodes occurred within 30 days, 7 episodes occurred between 31 and 60 days, and 1 episode occurred between 61 and 90 days after the IVID dosing. The peritonitis rate for patients not receiving IVID was 1 episode per 13.7 patient-months. Taking this rate as the "expected" rate, the expected number of episodes of peritonitis for the study population was 5.6 episodes within 30 days, 11.2 episodes within 60 days, and 16.8 episodes within 90 days following IVID administration. The difference between the expected and observed rates of peritonitis in patients who were dosed with IVID was not statistically different. The spectrum of organisms seen in the peritonitis episodes in the study population was not significantly different from that seen in the peritonitis episodes in our CPD unit population. There is evidence that IVID infusion therapy can improve anemia and reduce rHuEPO requirements in CPD patients, usually without adverse reaction and without exposing patients to an increased risk of peritonitis. More research is needed in the area of potential increased risk of infection in ESRD patients who are (1) infused with large doses of IVID, and (2) iron-overloaded.

Extrapulmonary involvement of mycobacterial infections in dialysis patients

END-STAGE renal disease (ESRD) leads to changes in host defense mechanisms, particularly impairment of cellular immunity, that causes higher incidence of mycobacterial infections as compared to general population. In areas where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, the incidence of mycobacterial infections in chronic renal failure patients is reported to be 10 times higher. Reactivation of the dormant microorganisms due to deficient host defense is suggested to be the main cause of mycobacterial infection in ESRD patients. Furthermore in these patients, extra pulmonary involvement of mycobacterial infections appears to be more frequent than isolated pulmonary disease. However, because extrapulmonary manifestations usually present in atypical forms, diagnosis can be delayed or missed entirely. In western countries the association between ESRD and mycobacterial infections is well documented, particularly TB. However, information is scanty on this patient population in regions where TB is endemic, mainly due to the lack of yearly statistical records. Turkey is one country where TB remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality; to date, no large studies have been carried out with regard to the incidence of mycobacterial infection in CRF patients in Turkey. In this descriptive study, we analyzed data of 36 patients who were diagnosed with mycobacterial infection from a total of 407 at our center over a 15-month period.

Prophylactic antibiotic therapy prior to dental treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease.

In the United States, there is a large and growing population of patients undergoing dialysis because of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). These patients present special management considerations for dentists, including antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial endocarditis (BE). ESRD patients, particularly those with an arteriovenous shunt for hemodialysis access, are predisposed to valvular endocarditis. Thus, BE prevention is the primary goal of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental or other invasive procedures in these patients. Bacteremia may predispose to infection of synthetic vascular access grafts, although this form of endovascular infection in ESRD patients has not been as well-characterized as BE. Antibiotic prophylaxis may be of some benefit for prevention of synthetic graft infections as well as BE. Poor dentist and physician compliance with BE prophylaxis regimens, as well as errors in dosing, timing, or duration of prophylaxis, have been reported. These problems are of particular concern in the treatment of chronically ill patients. In this article, we review the rationale for prophylactic antibiotic therapy prior to dental procedures in ESRD patients with vascular access. We also elaborate on the current American Heart Association guidelines for BE prophylaxis, and address special considerations for ESRD patients.