Long-term Dialysis Therapy Research Articles

Скрининг хронической болезни почек у детей с помощью алгоритмов машинного обучения.

Late diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is common. Among the main reasons: lack of awareness among parents and medical personnel, nonspecific symptoms, and difficulties in carrying out diagnostic procedures in children. This leads to serious health consequences for children, including progression of the disease and the need for long-term dialysis therapy or kidney transplantation. P u r p o s e : to identify signs and symptoms in children that have a non-linear impact on CKD using a decision tree (DT) algorithm. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s of the study: data were obtained from a single-center prospective cohort study (2011–2022) involving 128 children with CKD stages 1–4 and 30 children in the control group aged 0 to 18 years. An analysis of the anamnesis, hereditary factors, the early period of the child’s development, the results of clinical, paraclinical and genetic examination was carried out. The model was built using a machine learning (ML) algorithm using the decision tree (DR) method. R e s u l t s . The decision tree model identified three variables that jointly influence CKD: protein loss, red blood cells in the urine, and the T598T polymorphic marker of the IL4 gene. The model predicts CKD on the training set with an accuracy of 98.9% [97.3; 100.0]%, sensitivity 97.8% [95.1; 100.0]%, specificity 100.0% [100.0; 100.0]%, ROC-AUC = 100.0% [99.9; 100.0]%.; describes 95.7% [89.1; 100.0]% variance. The resulting regression model is of excellent quality (>90%), because ROC-AUC is 0.98 on the test sample. During the study, the value of the cut-off point (cut-off) of the VLP was determined, which is equal to 0.5. C o n c l u s i o n s . Biomarkers have been identified that will help primary care physicians identify CKD in children at early stages of development. These variables can be easily examined in outpatient and primary care settings. This information may help raise awareness of the diagnosis. Healthcare providers can form groups of patients for more detailed examination, which will reduce the likelihood of wasted time and improve early detection of diseases.

Complement terminal pathway inhibition reduces peritoneal injuries in a rat peritonitis model.

Peritonitis and the resulting peritoneal injuries are common problems that prevent long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy in patients with end-stage kidney diseases. Previously, we have analyzed the relationship between the complement system and progression of peritoneal injuries associated with PD, particularly focusing on the early activation pathways and effects of the anaphylatoxins. We here utilized a novel mAb 2H2 that blocks assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC) to investigate roles of the complement terminal pathway in PD-associated peritoneal injury. We intraperitoneally injected mAb 2H2 anti-C5b-7 (2.5 or 5 mg/rat) once or twice over the five-day course of the experiment to investigate the effects of inhibiting formation of MAC in a fungal rat peritonitis model caused by repeated intraperitoneal administration of zymosan after methylglyoxal pretreatment (Zy/MGO model). Rats were sacrificed on day 5 and macroscopic changes in both parietal and visceral peritoneum evaluated. Peritoneal thickness, the abundance of fibrinogen and complement C3 and MAC deposition in tissue and accumulation of inflammatory cells were pathologically assessed. The results showed that mAb 2H2, but not isotype control mAb, reduced peritoneal thickness and accumulation of inflammatory cells in a dose and frequency-dependent manner in the Zy/MGO model. These effects were accompanied by decreased C3, MAC, and fibrinogen deposition in peritoneum. In conclusion, in the rat Zy/MGO model, complement terminal pathway activation and MAC formation substantially contributed to development of peritoneal injuries, suggesting that MAC-targeted therapies might be effective in preventing development of peritoneal injuries in humans.

Hormonal imbalance in patients with chronic renal failure in the pre-dialysis and dialysis periods (part1)

The review describes the problem of studying progressive changes of hormones concentrations (parathyroid hormone, insulin, somatotropin, prolactin) in patients with chronic renal failure on the pre-dialysis and dialysis stages. The pathogenetic relationships between kidney function deterioration and hormone concentrations as well as changes of their biological effects were evaluated. Parathyroid hormone is considered as an uraemic toxin, since its concentration in the blood begins to increase when the glomerular filtration rate decreases below 50 ml/min. All stages of chronic kidney disease are accompanied by disorders of calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Prolonged excess of parathyroid hormone leads to bone loss and to the progression to secondary hyperparathyroidism that is a frequent complication in patients with the later stages of chronic renal failure and, especially, in those on dialysis treatment. The elevation of insulin level in chronic renal failure is the consequence of progressive decrease in glomerular filtration rate and insulin excretion by proximal tubules. So, it results in insulin half-life prolongation. Long-term dialysis therapy eliminates factors that reduce the degradation of insulin by extrarenal tissues, which results in an improvement of their insulin sensitivity. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that an excess of somatotropin can adversely affect the kidneys that leads to glomerular hyperfiltration and the progression to glomerulosclerosis. The risk of possible side effects on kidneys should be taken into account when prescribing recombinant human insulin-like growth factor. The prolactin concentration is usually increased in chronic kidney disease due to reduced clearance and increased secretion. Hyperprolactinemia manifests as galactorrhea and hypogonadism. Dialysis therapy can’t normalize the increased concentration of prolactin. Modern options for pathogenetic treatment of endocrine disorders in patients with chronic renal failure are outlined in this article. It was found that kidneys play an important role in regulating hormones concentrations in the blood. Endocrine disorders are one of the most important components of the uraemic syndrome, which requires further clinical studies, aimed on the searching of better treatment strategies and prevention of hormonal imbalance on the pre-dialysis and dialysis stages of chronic kidney disease.

Efficacy of pre-emptive kidney transplantation for adults with end-stage kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Pre-emptive kidney transplantation (PEKT), i.e., transplantation performed before initiation of maintenance dialysis, is considered an ideal renal replacement therapy because there is no exposure to long-term dialysis therapy. Therefore, we summarized advantages/disadvantages of PEKT to assist in deciding whether kidney transplantation should be performed pre-emptively. Methods This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021269163. Observational studies comparing clinical outcomes between PEKT and non-PEKT were included; those involving only pediatric recipients or simultaneous multi-organ transplantations were excluded. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web databases were searched on 1 August 2021. Studies were pooled using the generic inverse-variance method with random effects model, and risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. Results Seventy-six studies were included in the systematic review (sample size, 23–121,853; enrollment year, 1968–2019). PEKT patients had lower all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.78 [95% CI 0.66–0.92]), and lower death-censored graft failure (0.81 [0.67–0.98]). Unadjusted RRs for the following outcomes were comparable between the two patient groups: cardiovascular disease, 0.90 (0.58–1.40); biopsy-proven acute rejection, 0.75 (0.55–1.03); cytomegalovirus infection, 1.04 (0.85–1.29); and urinary tract infection, 0.89 (0.61–1.29). Mean differences in post-transplant QOL score were comparable in both groups. The certainty of evidence for mortality and graft failure was moderate and that for other outcomes was very low following the GRADE classification. Conclusions The present meta-analysis shows the potential benefits of PEKT, especially regarding patient and graft survival, and therefore PEKT is recommended for adults with end-stage kidney disease.

PREVALENCE AND PREDISPOSITION FACTORS THAT CAUSE CYTOMEGALOVIRUS ESOPHAGITIS

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated gastrointestinal disorders are typically seen in immune-compromised patients; nevertheless, a few cases have been reported in healthy hosts, despite the fact that the pathogenic mechanisms are yet unknown. Various lesions, including erythematous mucosa, erosions, and ulcers, are brought on by CMV esophagitis, albeit these inflammatory alterations can also be seen in nearby or superficial esophageal malignancies. Cancer patients with late and/or terminal stages of the disease have also been known to develop CMV-associated esophagitis due to immunosuppression brought on by chemotherapy or the physiological demands of the cancer itself.
 Objectives: To identify the prevalence of cytomegalovirus esophagitis, describe the evaluation of cytomegalovirus esophagitis and outline the causes of cytomegalovirus esophagitis.
 Methods: For article selection, the PubMed database and EBSCO Information Services were used. All relevant articles relevant with our topic and other articles were used in our review. Other articles that were not related to this field were excluded. The data was extracted in a specific format that was reviewed by the group members.
 Conclusion: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) esophagitis, which can result from illnesses including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and treatments like post-organ transplantation, long-term dialysis, and systemic steroid therapy, is mostly brought on by systemic immune deficiency. Primary CMV infection, however, can result in serious organ-specific consequences with high morbidity and fatality rates. In immune-competent people, severe CMV infections can have an impact on practically every system.

C1 inhibitor mitigates peritoneal injury in zymosan-induced peritonitis.

Peritonitis, due to a fungal or bacterial infection, leads to injury of the peritoneal lining and thereby forms a hazard for the long-term success of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and remains a lethal complication in patients with PD. This study investigated whether C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) could protect against the progression of peritoneal injuries with five daily administrations of zymosan after mechanical scraping of the rat peritoneum to mimic fungal peritonitis. Severe peritoneal injuries were seen in this model, accompanied by fibrinogen/fibrin exudation and peritoneal deposition of complement activation products such as activated C3 and C5b-9. However, intraperitoneal injection of C1-INH decreased peritoneal depositions of activated C3 and C5b-9, ameliorated peritoneal thickening, reduced the influx of inflammatory cells, and prevented the production of peritoneal fibrous layers with both one and two doses of C1-INH each day. Our results suggest that C1-INH might be useful to protect against peritoneal injuries after causes of peritonitis such as fungal infection. This clinically available agent may thus help extend the duration of PD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Peritoneal injuries associated with peritonitis comprise an important issue to prevent long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy. Here, we showed that C1 inhibitor (C1-INH), as an anticomplement agent, protected against peritoneal injuries in a peritonitis animal model related to fungal infection. Therefore, C1-INH might be useful to protect against peritoneal injuries after peritonitis due to fungal infection. This clinically available agent may thus help extend the duration of PD.

Serum phosphorus and calcium levels, and kidney disease progression in immunoglobulin Anephropathy.

BackgroundDisorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism have been reported to be associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients requiring long-term dialysis therapy. However, its role in disease progression is not well established in patients without dialysis, especially in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. We aim to evaluate the association of serum phosphorus and calcium and progression of IgA nephropathy.MethodsWe assessed 2567 patients with IgA nephropathy at the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University. Serum phosphorus and calcium were collected at the time of kidney biopsy and at each visit. The associations of serum phosphorus and serum calcium with composite kidney disease progression events, defined as 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and kidney failure, were examined using Cox models and restricted cubic splines.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 31.9 months, 248 (10%) patients reached composite kidney disease progression events. A linear relationship was observed between serum phosphorus and composite kidney disease progression events. With higher levels of phosphorus, the risk of kidney disease progression events increased {hazard ratio [HR] 3.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–9.12]; P = 0.009}. Compared with the first quartile group, the HR of kidney disease progression events was 1.66 (95% CI 0.91–301) for the second quartile, 1.67 (95% CI 0.91–3.08) for the third and 2.62 (95% CI 1.44–4.77) for the fourth (P for trend = 0.002). The association between serum phosphorus and kidney disease progression was detectable [HR 8.94 (95% CI 2.33–34.21); P = 0.001] within the subgroup with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 but not among patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 [HR 0.87 (95% CI 0.17–4.44); P = 0.87]. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, a higher level of serum calcium was not associated with kidney disease progression events [HR 0.33 (95% CI 0.10–1.09)].ConclusionsHigher serum phosphorus rather than serum calcium was independently associated with kidney disease progression in IgA nephropathy.

Crucial Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Development of Peritoneal Dialysis-related Peritoneal Fibrosis

Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy leads to peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying PD-related peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis remains unclear. NLRP3 inflammasome regulates the caspase-1-dependent release of interleukin-1β and mediates inflammation in various diseases. Here, we investigated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in a murine model of PD-related peritoneal fibrosis induced by methylglyoxal (MGO). Inflammasome-related proteins were upregulated in the peritoneum of MGO-treated mice. MGO induced parietal and visceral peritoneal fibrosis in wild-type mice, which was significantly reduced in mice deficient in NLRP3, ASC, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ASC deficiency reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic factors, and the infiltration of macrophages. However, myeloid cell-specific ASC deficiency failed to inhibit MGO-induced peritoneal fibrosis. MGO caused hemorrhagic ascites, fibrin deposition, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 upregulation, but all of these manifestations were inhibited by ASC deficiency. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that MGO induced cell death via the generation of reactive oxygen species in vascular endothelial cells, which was inhibited by ASC deficiency. Our results showed that endothelial NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to PD-related peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis, and provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Comprehensive management of the renal-transplant recipient

Renal transplantation (RT) is the current treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Innovations in RT and immunosuppressive regimens have greatly improved both the patient and graft survival. A successful RT offers enhanced quality and duration of life and is more effective (medically and economically) than long-term dialysis therapy for patients with ESRD. Close follow-up and monitoring treatment are the important part of the management of RT recipients (RTRs). Cardiovascular disease, infections, and drug toxicity play a key role in the long-term morbidity and mortality of this patient population. As RTRs survive for longer periods of time with functioning allografts, physicians will likely become more involved in their management, mandating at least a basic understanding of management of an adult RTR.

Sex hormone–binding globulin is a biomarker associated with nonvertebral fracture in men on dialysis therapy

Gonadal hormones impact bone health and higher values of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) have been independently associated with fracture risk in men without chronic kidney disease. People with chronic kidney disease have a greatly increased fracture risk, and gonadal dysfunction is common in men receiving dialysis treatment. Nevertheless, in these men the effect of gonadal steroids and SHBG on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk is unknown. Here we investigate relationships between gonadal steroids, SHBG, BMD and fracture in men on long-term dialysis therapy, awaiting kidney or simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation. Results of serum biochemistry, SHBG, gonadal steroids (total testosterone, calculated free testosterone and estradiol), BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and thoracolumbar X-rays were obtained. Multivariable regression models were used to examine associations between SHBG, gonadal steroids, BMD and fracture of 321 men with a mean age of 47 years. Diabetes mellitus was present in 45% and their median dialysis vintage was 24 months. Prior fractures occurred in 42%, 18% had vertebral fracture on lateral spine X-ray, 17% had non-vertebral fragility fracture within 10 years and 7% had both. After adjustment for age, body mass index and dialysis vintage, higher SHBG levels were significantly associated with nonvertebral fractures [odds ratio 1.81 (1.30-2.53)] and remained significant after adjustment for BMD. Calculated free testosterone and estradiol values were not associated with fracture. Prevalent fracture rates were high in relatively young men on dialysis awaiting transplantation. Thus, SHBG is a novel biomarker associated with fracture, which warrants investigation in prospective studies.

Effects of Higher Quality of Care on Initiation of Long-term Dialysis in Patients With CKD and Diabetes

The burden of diabetes-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) on individuals and society is increasing, shifting attention toward improving the quality of care for patients with CKD and diabetes. We assessed the quality of CKD care and its association with long-term dialysis, acute kidney injury (AKI), and death. Retrospective cohort study (2004-2011). Adults in Taiwan with incident CKD enrolled in the Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetes Patients. 3 CKD-care quality indicators based on medical and pharmacy claims data were studied: prescription of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, testing for proteinuria, and nutritional guidance. Each was examined individually, and all were summed into an overall quality score. The primary outcome was initiation of long-term dialysis therapy. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization due to AKI and death from any cause. Using instrumental variables related to the quality indicators to minimize both unmeasured and measured confounding, we fit a 2-stage residual inclusion model to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for each outcome. Among the 63,260 patients enrolled, 43.9% were prescribed renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, 60.6% were tested for proteinuria, and 13.4% received nutritional guidance. During a median follow-up of 37.9 months, 1,471 patients started long-term dialysis therapy, 2,739 patients were hospitalized due to AKI, and 4,407 patients died. Higher overall quality scores were associated with lower hazards for long-term dialysis in instrumental variable analyses (HR of 0.62 [95% CI, 0.40-0.98] per 1-point greater score) and hospitalization due to AKI (HR of 0.69 [95% CI, 0.50-0.96] per 1-point greater score). The hazard for all-cause death was nonsignificantly lower (HR of 0.80 [95% CI, 0.62-1.03] per 1-point greater score). Potential misclassification and uncontrolled confounding by indication. Our findings suggest potential opportunities to improve long-term outcomes among patients with diabetes and CKD by improving the quality of their CKD care.

IL-6 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of human peritoneal mesothelial cells possibly through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy results in functional and structural alteration of the peritoneal membrane, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a local pleiotropic cytokine, hypothesized to play an important role in EMT. This study was designed to investigate the role of IL-6 in EMT and peritoneal membrane dysfunction in long-term PD patients by assessing the level of IL-6 in dialysate and exploring the relationship between IL-6, the related signaling pathway JAK2/STAT3, and EMT, using in vitro cellular and molecular techniques. Plasma and dialysate levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in PD ultrafiltration failure patients compared with patients without ultrafiltration failure and were negatively correlated with measures of PD adequacy. In vitro IL-6 treatment changed human peritoneal mesothelial cell phenotype from a typical cobblestone-like to a fibroblast-like appearance and increased cell viability. IL-6 treatment increased α-smooth muscle actin and vascular endothelial growth factor expression but decreased E-cadherin expression. IL-6 treatment activated the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. However, the JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 prevented IL-6-induced activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and EMT. We conclude that IL-6 promotes the EMT process, possibly by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. IL-6 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for preventing EMT, and preservation of the peritoneal membrane may arise from these studies.

Clinical Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Propensity Score Matching Study.

♦ BACKGROUND: Clinical results of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are controversial. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of LC patients undergoing PD. ♦ METHODS: Clinical records were retrospectively collected from a single center between January 2007 and December 2014. An analysis of PD patients with LC and without liver disease was performed using propensity score matching. We further restricted matching by age, gender, and the presence of diabetes mellitus. Two cohorts of 33 patients each were selected. Early technical complications were defined as the presence of catheter-related complications, including malposition, leakage, omental wrapping, obstruction, and requiring a transfer to hemodialysis (HD) within 6 months of initiating PD. ♦ RESULTS: Mean PD duration was lower in LC patients (57.2 ± 46.1 months) than in controls (85.8 ± 64.2 months). Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and albumin levels were significantly lower in LC patients than in the control group. Cystatin C and cystatin C-based glomerular filtration rates were not significantly different in the LC group compared with those in the controls. We found that the risks for early technical complications, peritonitis, and long-term PD and patient survival were not higher in patients with LC than in those without LC. Ascites were easily controlled, and hepatic encephalopathy did not affect PD maintenance in LC patients. ♦ CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes, including technical complications, peritonitis, and patients' survival, suggest that PD can be used as a renal replacement therapy in ESRD patients with LC.

Frequency of Early Predialysis Nephrology Care and Postdialysis Cardiovascular Events

Patients with kidney failure are at a high risk for cardiovascular events. Predialysis nephrology care has been reported to improve postdialysis survival, but its effects on postdialysis major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) have not been comprehensively studied. Observational cohort study. We used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Adult patients who initiated maintenance dialysis therapy in 1999 to 2010 were enrolled. We created 3 subtypes of predialysis nephrology care based on the time between the first nephrology visit and the initiation of dialysis therapy: early frequent (duration≥ 6 months; at least 1 nephrology visit every 3 months), early infrequent (duration≥ 6 months,<1 nephrology visit every 3 months), and late (duration< 6 months). MACE was defined using the primary diagnosis in hospitalization records of acute myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, acute stroke, or sudden death. We investigated the associations of different subtypes of nephrology care with postdialysis 1-year MACEs. Among the 60,329 eligible patients, 24,477 (40.6%) had early frequent, 12,763 (21.2%) had early infrequent, and 23,089 (38.3%) had late nephrology care. Compared to the late-nephrology-care group, the early-frequent group was associated with an ∼10% lower risk for 1-year MACEs (HR of 0.89 [95% CI, 0.82-0.96] for first MACE and relative risk of 0.91 [95% CI, 0.84-0.98] for recurrent MACEs). However, the early-infrequent-care group had similar risks for MACEs as the late group (HR of 0.95 [95% CI, 0.86-1.05] for first MACE and relative risk of 0.94 [95% CI, 0.86-1.02] for recurrent MACEs). Lack of physical and biochemical information because of inherent limitations from administrative claims data. Early frequent nephrology care for 6 or more months before the initiation of long-term dialysis therapy may improve 1-year postdialysis major cardiovascular outcomes.

Atrophic bladder in long-term dialysis patients increases the risk for urological complications after kidney transplantation.

To evaluate the risk for urological complications after kidney transplantation at a single medical center in Japan. In the present study, 408 kidney recipients (255 men, 153 women) were enrolled. There were 349 living and 59 deceased donors. The average age of the recipients was 42.5±13.5years, and the average pretransplant dialysis period was 71.8±88.2months. Ureteroneocystostomy was carried out on 347 patients, and ureteroureterostomy on 61 patients. We investigated the relationship between pretransplant duration of dialysis and bladder capacity, and examined the risk factors for urological complication. We also evaluated the incidence of vesicoureteral reflux in 191 recipients who underwent ureteroneocystostomy during transplantation. The preoperative duration of dialysis therapy showed a significant negative correlation with bladder capacity (R2 =0.33, P<0.001). The overall urological complication rate was 3.4% (14 patients), including urinary leakage (12 patients) and ureteral stricture (two patients). Univariate analysis showed that atrophic bladder, long-term dialysis therapy, deceased donor and ureteroureterostomy were associated with a higher incidence of urological complications (odds ratio 8.05, 4.43, 3.42 and 3.35; P<0.01, P=0.01, P=0.04 and P=0.04, respectively). Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that atrophic bladder was the only significant factor associated with urological complications (odds ratio 10.37; P=0.01). Among 191 recipients, vesicoureteral reflux was observed in 32 (16.8%). The incidence of vesicoureteral reflux was significantly higher in patients with atrophic bladder. Bladder atrophy in renal transplant recipients after long-term dialysis therapy is associated with a higher risk of urological complications.

Employment Status of Patients Receiving Maintenance Dialysis - Peritoneal and Hemodialysis: A Cross-sectional Study.

The long-term dialysis therapy for end-stage renal disease takes a heavy toll of quality of life of the patient. Several factors such as fatigue and decreased physical capability, impaired social and mental functioning, contribute to this forlorn state. To meld maintenance dialysis treatment with a regular employment can be a serious test. A cross-sectional study of employment of patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in a state government tertiary institute in South India was performed between June 2015 and December 2015. Patients who completed 3 months of regular dialysis were only included in the study. The number of patients on hemodialysis was 157 and on peritoneal dialysis was 69. The employment status before the initiation of dialysis was 60% (93 out of 155) and 63.7% (44 out of 69) in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, respectively. After initiation, the loss of employment was observed in 44% (41 out of 93) in hemodialysis and 51.2% (26 out of 44) in peritoneal dialysis (P = 0.2604). Even though there was fall of absolute number of job holders in both the blue and white collar jobs, the proportion of jobholders in the white collar job holders improved. On univariate analysis, the factors which influenced the loss of employment were males, age between 50 and 60 years, number of comorbidities >2, illiteracy and blue collar versus white collar job before the initiation of dialysis. The majority of patients had the scores above 80 on Karnofsky performance scale and the majority belonged upper and middle classes than lower classes on modified Kuppuswamy's socioeconomic status scale; however, the loss of employment was also disproportionately high. There appeared a substantial difference in the attitude of the patients toward the employment. There was no difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in the loss of employment of our patients.

Mast cell involvement in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure.

Peritoneal fibrosis is a serious complication in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), especially those undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis therapy. Since the peritoneum is a major site of mast cell accumulation, and since mast cells are known to facilitate the progression of organ fibrosis, they would also contribute to the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to reveal the involvement of mast cells in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in chronic renal failure. Using a rat model with chronic renal failure (CRF) resulting from 5/6 nephrectomy, we examined the histopathological features of the rat peritoneum and compared them to those of age-matched sham-operated rat peritoneum. By treating the CRF rats with a potent mast cell stabilizer, tranilast, we also examined the involvement of mast cells in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis. The CRF rat peritoneum was characterized by the wide staining of collagen III and an increased number of myofibroblasts, indicating the progression of fibrosis. Compared to sham-operated rat peritoneum, the number of toluidine blue-stained mast cells was significantly higher in the fibrotic peritoneum of CRF rats. The mRNA expression of fibroblast-activating factors and stem cell factor was significantly higher in peritoneal mast cells obtained from CRF rats than in those obtained from sham-operated rats. Treatment with tranilast significantly suppressed the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in CRF rats. This study demonstrated for the first time that the number of mast cells was significantly increased in the fibrotic peritoneum of CRF rats. The proliferation of mast cells and their increased activity in the peritoneum were thought to be responsible for the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.

Late presentation of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis following renal transplantation and the potential under‐reporting of the incidence and prevalence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is an infrequent but potentially devastating complication of peritoneal dialysis. The reported incidence and prevalence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis vary markedly between countries. Currently, peritoneal dialysis vintage remains the major risk factor for encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, and dialysis vintage differs between countries due to the relative competing risks of transplantation, availability of haemodialysis and peritonitis. However, the diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is often only established when patients have transferred modality to transplantation or haemodialysis. Switching treatment modality may potentially lead to an under-reporting of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, as many countries which collect data on dialysis patients in national registries often have separate registries for dialysis and transplant patients, and this may potentially lead to under-reporting of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in patients presenting after renal transplantation. Secondly, the question arises as to how long former peritoneal dialysis patients should be followed before a diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis can be confidently excluded. To highlight this point, we present four cases that developed symptomatic encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis more than 5 years, and in once case more than 10 years after the discontinuation of peritoneal dialysis. Delayed or late presentation may not only delay the diagnosis, but also risk surgical interventions by non-specialists. A more robust system is required to record cases of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis to determine the incidence and prevalence, and so provide accurate information to both patients and clinicians as to the risks of long-term peritoneal dialysis therapy.

Effect of cinacalcet cessation on hyperparathyroidism in kidney transcaplant patients after long-term dialysis therapy.

Cinacalcet is a promising therapy widely used in dialysis patients with hyperparathyroidism resistant to conventional therapy. However, reports regarding the influence of cinacalcet cessation after long-term use on kidney transplantation patients are few. This retrospective observational study included 40 dialysis patients who underwent kidney transplantation. Creatinine, corrected calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone levels were assessed before and after kidney transplantation according to pretransplant treatment of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder. Ultrasonography revealed enlargement of the parathyroid in all patients treated with cinacalcet. Although the data at the time of kidney transplantation were comparable, the serum levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone after kidney transplantation were higher in patients treated with cinacalcet than in those treated without. However, serum phosphate levels in the cinacalcet group were slightly higher at the time of kidney transplantation and significantly lower 3months later. Mineral abnormalities persisted in kidney transplant patients with enlarged parathyroid glands after discontinuation of cinacalcet treatment. Parathyroidectomy should be considered in kidney transplant candidates with the risk of developing refractory hyperparathyroidism after transplantation.

Restless leg syndrome in hemodialysis patients: A disorder that should be noticed.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a distressing sleep disorder that is commonly experienced by patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of RLS and its related factors among hemodialysis patients. This was an analytical cross-sectional study that was performed on hemodialysis patients of the Bu"Ali Hospital of Qazvin during 2009 and 2010. One hundred and twelve patients were selected by the census sampling method as the study sample. Data collection was performed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group criteria (IRRLS) questionnaires. Student's ttest and chi-square test were applied to analyze the collected data. RLS complaints were very common among patients on long-term dialysis therapy and were reported in about 42.9% of the patients. Patients with RLS had higher daytime sleepiness, insomnia complaints and poorer sleep quality. Percentage of patients in the high-risk group was higher in the RLS group. RLS symptoms appear to be correlated with age (P = 0.012) and use of sedative drugs (P = 0.035). RLS is common in dialysis patients and is associated with a higher prevalence of other sleep disturbances. Therefore, the effective assessment and management of this sleep disturbance has the potential to significantly enhance patient outcomes.