Lower Baseline Glomerular Filtration Rate Research Articles

COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and acute kidney injury in critically ill patients.

The incidence of thrombotic events and acute kidney injury is high in critically ill patients with COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate and compare the coagulation profiles of patients with COVID-19 developing acute kidney injury versus those who did not, during their intensive care unit stay. Conventional coagulation and platelet function tests, fibrinolysis, endogenous inhibitors of coagulation tests, and rotational thromboelastometry were conducted on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 following intensive care unit admission. Out of 30 patients included, 13 (43.4%) met the criteria for acute kidney injury. Comparing both groups, patients with acute kidney injury were older: 73 (60-84) versus 54 (47-64) years, p=0.027, and had a lower baseline glomerular filtration rate: 70 (51-81) versus 93 (83-106) mL/min/1.73m2, p=0.004. On day 1, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were elevated but similar between groups: 1780 (1319-5517) versus 1794 (726-2324) ng/mL, p=0.145 and 608 (550-700) versus 642 (469-722) g/dL, p=0.95, respectively. Rotational thromboelastometry data were also similar between groups. However, antithrombin activity and protein C levels were lower in patients who developed acute kidney injury: 82 (75-92) versus 98 (90-116), p=0.028 and 70 (52-82) versus 88 (78-101) µ/mL, p=0.038, respectively. Mean protein C levels were lower in the group with acute kidney injury across multiple time points during their stay in the intensive care unit. Critically ill patients experiencing acute kidney injury exhibited lower endogenous anticoagulant levels. Further studies are needed to understand the role of natural anticoagulants in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury within this population.

Early outcomes of the t-Branch off-the-shelf multi-branched stent graft in 542 patients for elective and urgent aortic pathologies: A retrospective observational study

ObjectiveThe t-Branch, a standardized off-the-shelf multi-branched stent graft has been used for the treatment of elective and urgent cases in aortic disease. The aim of this study was to assess the early outcomes in terms of technical success, mortality, and morbidity in >500 patients being treated with the t-Branch device. MethodsA two-center retrospective observational study was undertaken including patients treated using the t-Branch (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) in elective or urgent settings for complex abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2014 and 2019 (early experience 2014-2016; late experience 2017-2019). Primary endpoints were technical success and early (30-day) mortality, and secondary endpoints were early morbidity, endoleak, and target vessel patency rates. Multivariable regression models were used to determine the independent association of risk factors with (1) mortality and (2) spinal cord ischemia. ResultsA total of 542 patients (mean age, 70.5 ± 8.5 years; 388 men [72%]; mean aneurysm diameter, 7.5 ± 2.5 cm) were included (63% elective; 90% thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm). The technical success rate was 97% (526/542) (elective, 96.7% [328/339] vs urgent, 97.6% [208/213]). The total 30-day mortality rate was 12.3% (8.5% in elective, 15% in symptomatic, and 30% in contained rupture). After multivariate regression analysis, the mortality rate was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.11; P < .001) and with lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99; P < .001). In elective cases, the mortality rate was associated with a history of coronary artery disease (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.73; P < .011) and higher body mass index (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.98; P < .027). In urgent cases, the mortality rate was associated with older age, (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13; P < .010) and lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; P < .001). The spinal cord ischemia rate was 10.5% (6.5% temporary, 4% permanent) and was associated with the early study period (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.03-3.89; P < .038). The renal impairment rate was 13%, the stroke rate was 2.5%, and the myocardial infarction rate was 1.8%, whereas the access complications rate was 7.7%. On early computed tomography angiography, the primary patency rate for the right renal artery was 99.6%, for the left renal artery was 100%, for the superior mesenteric artery was 99.4%, and for the coeliac trunk was 99.8%. The endoleak I and III rates were 2.7% (15/542) and 2.7% (15/542), respectively. ConclusionsElective and urgent use of the t-Branch multi-branched off-the shelf stent graft showed high technical success and early target vessel patency rates. Early mortality and morbidity rates were acceptable.

Abstract 14245: Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Long-term Cardiac Function: The Multi- Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background: While fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is associated with incident heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF), the mechanisms driving these associations are unclear. FGF23 elevation leads to cardiomyocyte calcium handling abnormalities, suggesting that FGF23 may directly reduce myocardial function. Methods: In the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a cohort free of cardiovascular disease at recruitment, we evaluated the associations of serum FGF23 (2000-2002) with measures of left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) mechanical function on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at 10-year follow up (2010-2012). Results: Of 2,276 participants with baseline FGF23 and CMR at 10-year follow up, participants with higher FGF23 levels were more likely white race, taking anti-hypertensive medications, and had lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR). After covariate adjustment, baseline FGF23 levels were independently associated with worse LV global circumferential strain, worse LV mid-wall circumferential strain, and lower LA total emptying fraction in later life ( Table ). The association of FGF23 and LV global circumferential strain was consistent across the spectrum of GFR ( Figure ). While higher FGF23 was associated with higher LV mass (β coefficient per SD higher: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.16, 2.12, P= 0.02), it was not associated with the presence of macroscopic myocardial scar (OR per SD higher: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.86-1.45, P= 0.42). Conclusions: Baseline FGF23 is independently associated with lower LV and LA systolic function in later life. These findings provide mechanistic insight driving the associations of FGF23 with development of both HF and AF.

Hemopexin Replacement Therapy Protects Sickle Cell Disease Mice from Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major clinical concern during episodes of acute chest syndrome and vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease (SCD). AKI increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). We previously showed that alpha-1-microglobulin (A1M), a low affinity heme-binding protein that carries heme for renal clearance is elevated in patients and mice with homozygous SCD (SS). Hemopexin (Hx), which primarily scavenges circulating heme to the liver, is exhausted in SCD. In this study, we explored the idea that acquired Hx deficiency in SCD is a risk factor for AKI development in SCD. We studied mice with a global knockout of Hx with no detectable plasma Hx at baseline. Plasma A1M was significantly elevated in the Hx-/-mice compared to control (Hx+/+) mice (n=5; p&amp;lt;0.01). We then transplanted whole bone marrow cells from SS mice into Hx+/+and Hx-/-mice to create bone marrow chimeric SSHx+/+and SSHx-/-mice with SCD phenotype. The chimeras had elevated plasma A1M compared to recipient littermates (Hx+/+and Hx-/-) and low baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Modest elevation of circulating heme with infusion of hemin (20 μmoles/kg bw) worsened GFR and caused severe AKI. Next, to determine whether hemin induced AKI is attenuated by elevation of circulating Hx, we infused SS mice with purified Hx, and control SS mice with either purified A1M or vehicle immediately prior to the hemin challenge. We observed improved GFR in the Hx-treated SS mice, while vehicle and A1M-treated mice suffered 23% and 39% loss of GFR respectively compared to their baseline. In agreement with the GFR data, the levels of several AKI diagnostic markers, plasma creatinine (plasma Cr), urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) and kidney injury molecule (uKIM-1) were elevated significantly in vehicle and A1M treated mice following hemin challenge. In Hx-treated mice, these biomarkers remained unaltered. Importantly, Hx infusions re-directed excess heme in SS mice to the liver, while A1M infusion significantly increased total heme content in the kidneys. Two-way ANOVA analysis of GFR (p&amp;lt;0.01) and plasma Cr (p&amp;lt;0.001) revealed significant exacerbation of kidney injury in A1M treated SS mice compared to vehicle treated mice. Histopathology of renal tissue showed considerable tissue damage in vehicle and A1M infused SS mice, while Hx treated SS mice kidneys appeared relatively normal. This study provides genetic evidence that hemopexin deficiency promotes AKI development in SCD, and we provide proof-of-principle for hemopexin replacement therapy to treat AKI in SCD. Disclosures Ofori-Acquah: Shire Human Genetic Therapies Inc: Other: Financial Relationship.

Glomerular Filtration Rate and Associated Risks of Cardiovascular Events, Mortality, and Severe Hypoglycemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Secondary Analysis (DEVOTE 11).

IntroductionThe associations of chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and insulin with the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), mortality, and severe hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high cardiovascular (CV) risk are not known. This secondary, pooled analysis of data from the DEVOTE trial examined whether baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) categories were associated with a higher risk of these outcomes.MethodsDEVOTE was a treat-to-target, double-blind trial involving 7637 patients with T2D at high CV risk who were randomized to once-daily treatment with either insulin degludec (degludec) or insulin glargine 100 units/mL (glargine U100). Patients with estimated GFR data at baseline (n = 7522) were analyzed following stratification into four GFR categories.ResultsThe risks of MACE, CV death, and all-cause mortality increased with worsening baseline GFR category (P < 0.05), with a trend towards higher rates of severe hypoglycemia. Patients with prior CVD, CKD (estimated GFR < 60 mL/min/m2), or both were at higher risk of MACE, CV death, and all-cause mortality. Only CKD was associated with a higher rate of severe hypoglycemia, and the risk of MACE was higher in patients with CVD than in those with CKD (P = 0.0003). There were no significant interactions between randomized treatment and GFR category.ConclusionThe risks of MACE, CV death, and all-cause mortality were higher with lower baseline GFR and with prior CVD, CKD, or both. The relative effects of degludec versus glargine U100 on outcomes were consistent across baseline GFR categories, suggesting that the lower rate of severe hypoglycemia associated with degludec use versus glargine U100 use was independent of baseline GFR category.FundingNovo Nordisk.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13300-019-00715-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

DETERMINANTS OF LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY REGRESSION IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AFTER 5 YEARS FOLLOW-UP

Objective: Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is independently associated with improved cardiovascular outcome. In this setting, we examined the main factors influencing LVH regression and the prevention of LVH development in hypertensive subjects over time. Design and method: 2380 hypertensive subjects, (mean age 58 ± 12 years), 50.3% males, with baseline office blood pressure (BP) 143/89mmHg were followed for a mean period of 5.3 ± 3.3 years. At baseline and last follow-up visit all patients underwent office BP, laboratory and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) evaluation, echocardiographical determination of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) assessment. Main outcome variable was LVH Regression/prevention (LVH Regr/prev), defined as: LVH at baseline visit with normal LVMI values at last visit or absence of LVH at baseline and last visit. BP control was considered optimal when the mean of office BP measurements during follow-up was <140/90mmHg. Results: 44.7% of study population presented LVH Regr/prev during follow-up period. Cox-regression analysis, after adjustment for clinical, biochemical and treatment variables, revealed that low levels of baseline LVMI (HR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, p < 0.0001), low baseline BMI levels (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93–0.99, p = 0.008), optimal BP control during follow-up (HR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.56, p = 0.03), low baseline ACR levels (HR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.60–0.99, p = 0.04) and baseline GFR (HR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04, p = 0.003) were independent predictors of LVH Regr/prev during follow-up. Conclusions: In conclusion, beyond optimal BP control, metabolic factors like BMI and the presence of other organ damages are significant predictors of LVH regression. Moreover, during the baseline evaluation of hypertensive subjects, renal dysfunction or albuminuria detection can offer information about the risk of structural cardiac alterations, LVH regression or development in the future.

CHA2DS2-VASC score as a preprocedural predictor of contrast-induced nephropathy among patients with chronic total occlusion undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a single-center experience

BackgroundThe usefulness of the CHA2DS2-VASC risk score (CVRS) in predicting the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) among patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear.MethodA total of 239 patients with CTO who underwent PCI were included in this study. They were divided into 3 groups according to the CVRS: low-risk group (1 point, n = 64), intermediate-risk group (2 points, n = 135), and high-risk group (≥3 points, n = 40). Baseline serum creatinine was determined upon admission before the procedure. The serum creatinine level was monitored for 72 h post-procedure to determine the occurrence of CIN.ResultsThe total incidence of CIN in patients with CTO who underwent PCI was 16.3%. The average CVRS in the CIN group was significantly higher than that in the non-CIN group (3.1 ± 1.2 VS 2.1 ± 1.1, P < 0.001). The incidence of CIN in the high-risk group was 5.6 times higher than that in the low-risk group (37.5% VS 6.3%, P < 0.001). Similar to the Mehran risk score (AUC, 0.754; 95% CI, 0.698–0.810; P < 0.001), the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a good diagnostic value of the CVRS in predicting CIN among patients with CTO who underwent interventional therapy for having CVRS≥3 (sensitivity, 69.2%; specificity, 78.0%; AUC, 0.742; 95% CI, 0.682–0.797; P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that the higher pulse pressure and contrast volume, lower baseline glomerular filtration rate, and CVRS ≥3 were independent predictors of CIN.ConclusionsThe CVRS can be used as a simple pre-procedural predictor of CIN among patients with CTO undergoing PCI.

Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusion Reduces Aortofemoral Bypass Graft Patency

The effect of superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusion on long-term patency of aortofemoral bypasses (AFBs) for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) was examined. The AIOD database was reviewed to identify risk factors for AFB failure. The status of the SFA at AFB procedure was categorised as patent; diseased treated (DT), if the SFA occlusion was intervened on concomitant to AFB; or diseased untreated (DU), if the SFA was occluded but not revascularised. Censoring hierarchies for primary patency and patent graft survival time were constructed. Data were analysed by contingency table, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analysis. Between 2004 and 2015, 122 AFB (9 unifemoral, 113 bifemoral) for AIOD were performed. Seventy-five (61%) were female and the mean age was 60±10 years. At the time of AFB, 50 (41%) had occluded SFAs (DT/DU). Of these, 15 had concomitant SFA revascularisation (i.e., DT) at the time of AFB. Patients with occluded SFAs had greater history of prior aortoiliac/infrainguinal procedures (aortoiliac 54% vs. 22%, infrainguinal 58% vs. 25%, both p<0.001), Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification of femoropopliteal type D lesions (78 vs. 10%, p<0.001), Rutherford 4-6 categories (80% vs. 57%, p=0.011), and longer hospital stay (median 11 vs. 7 days, p<0.004). SFA status did not affect 30 day mortality (overall 9%); however, sub-analysis showed DT had significantly higher mortality than DU (p<0.03). Over a median follow up of 7.7 (IQR 4.3-11.4) years, primary patency at one and five years was 98.3% and 91.2% in patients with patent SFAs, 87.9% and 82.7% in DU, and 72.7% and 43.6% in DT (p<0.001), respectively. On multivariable analysis, low baseline glomerular filtration rate (HR 1.01, p=0.022), DT (HR 3.7, p=0.020), Rutherford 4-6 (HR 9.1, p=0.048), and occluded SFA (HR 3.9, p=0.009) adversely affected primary patency of AFBs. Long-term mortality was not different between the SFA status groups (p=0.279). Baseline SFA occlusion predicted a fourfold increased hazard of primary AFB failure. Concomitant SFA revascularisation did not improve AFB durability and was associated with increased in hospital mortality.

Factores asociados a la compensación de la función renal tras la nefrectomía para donación

IntroductionKidney transplant donors lose 50% of their renal mass after nephrectomy. The remaining kidney compensates for this loss and it is estimated that 70% of the baseline renal function prior to donation is recovered. Factors associated with post-donation renal compensation are not well understood. MethodsRetrospective study of 66 consecutive kidney donors (mean age 48.8 years, 74.2% women). We analysed the potential factors associated with the compensatory mechanisms of the remaining kidney by comparing donors according to their renal compensation rate (RCR) (Group A, infra-compensation [<70%]; Group B, normal compensation [>70%]). ResultsWe compared Group A (n=38) and group B (n=28). Predictors for RCR>70% were higher baseline creatinine (A vs B: 0.73±0.14 vs 0.82±0.11; P=.03) and a lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated both by MDRD-4 (A vs B: 97.7±18.8 vs 78.6±9.6ml/min; P<.001) and CKD-EPI (A vs B: 101.7±15 vs. 88.3±11.7ml/min; P≤.001). Age, gender, smoking, hypertension and GFR measured by Tc-DTPA did not show any correlation with the RCR. The multivariate analysis confirmed baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to be a predictor of compensation: the higher the baseline eGFR, the lower the likelihood of >70% compensation (MDRD-4, OR=0.94 [95% CI 0.8–0.9], P=.01). The compensation rate decreased by 0.4% (P<.001) and 0.3% (P=.006) for every ml/min increase in baseline eGFR estimated by MDRD-4 and CKD-EPI, respectively. ConclusionsOne year after living donor nephrectomy, the remaining kidney partially compensates baseline renal function. In our experience, baseline eGFR is inversely proportional to the one-year renal compensation rate.

Factors associated with the compensation of renal function after nephrectomy of a kidney donor

IntroductionKidney transplant donors lose 50% of their renal mass after nephrectomy. The remaining kidney compensates for this loss and it is estimated that 70% of the baseline renal function prior to donation is recovered. Factors associated with post-donation renal compensation are not well understood. MethodsRetrospective study of 66 consecutive kidney donors (mean age 48.8 years, 74.2% women). We analyzed the potential factors associated with the compensatory mechanisms of the remaining kidney by comparing donors according to their renal compensation rate (RCR) (Group A, infra-compensation [<70%]; Group B, normal compensation [>70%]). ResultsWe compared Group A (n=38) and group B (n=28). Predictors for RCR>70% were higher baseline creatinine (A vs. B: 0.73±0.14 vs. 0.82±0.11; p=0.03) and a lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated both by MDRD-4 (A vs. B: 97.7±18.8 vs. 78.6±9.6ml/min; p<0.001) and CKD-EPI (A vs. B: 101.7±15 vs. 88.3±11.7ml/min; p≤0.001). Age, gender, smoking, hypertension and GFR measured by Tc-DTPA did not show any correlation with the RCR. The multivariate analysis confirmed baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to be a predictor of compensation: the higher the baseline eGFR, the lower the likelihood of >70% compensation (MDRD-4, OR=0.94 [95% CI 0.8–0.9], p=0.01). The compensation rate decreased by 0.4% (p<0.001) and 0.3% (p=0.006) for every ml/min increase in baseline eGFR estimated by MDRD-4 and CKD-EPI, respectively. ConclusionsOne year after living donor nephrectomy, the remaining kidney partially compensates baseline renal function. In our experience, baseline eGFR is inversely proportional to the one-year renal compensation rate.

Cardiac Surgery-Associated Kidney Injury in Children and Renal Oximetry.

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury is common in children and associates with negative outcomes. Novel interventions to reduce cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury require knowledge of its pathophysiology. States of altered perfusion, oxygen delivery, and energy consumption occur during cardiopulmonary bypass and could protect against or contribute to renal cellular injury and recovery. Near-infrared spectroscopy is noninvasive technology for monitoring regional blood flow and tissue oxygenation. This study evaluated the relationship between renal regional oxygen saturation and cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury, using near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass in children. Prospective cohort study. Single-center, tertiary care pediatric hospital (Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada). Children less than or equal to 10 kg undergoing congenital heart disease repair with cardiopulmonary bypass. Heart transplant, preoperative dialysis, sepsis, extracorporeal life support, congenital renal disease, and preoperative nephrotoxins were exclusions. Renal regional near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Outcome measure was cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (defined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria). Regional oxygen saturation was measured continuously using near-infrared spectroscopy (INVOS 5100C Cerebral/Somatic Oximeter; Medronic, Troy, MI) from time of anesthesia to time of transfer to intensive care. Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury occurred in 65%. Lower baseline (precardiopulmonary bypass) regional oxygen saturation was associated with decreased risk of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (p = 0.01); children with baseline regional oxygen saturation in the highest tertile were 7.14 times more likely to get cardiac surgery- associated acute kidney injury (vs lowest tertile). Area under the curve for ability of baseline regional oxygen saturation to predict cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.60-0.85). Children with lower baseline glomerular filtration rate had lower mean renal regional oxygen saturation. Findings demonstrate that preoperative oxygen supply/demand balance is an important predictor of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury, suggesting lower preoperative (and intraoperative) renal blood flow may be protective. There is not yet a definite link between remote ischemic preconditioning and prevention of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury; however, renal protective effects of sublethal ischemia should continue to be explored.

Simple renal cysts in the solitary kidney: Are they innocent in adult patients?

This study included sixtyfive solitary kidney patients. The remaining kidneys after indication nephrectomy (IN) were evaluated with urinary system ultrasound. The primary outcome of the study is the progression of kidney failure during follow-up which was defined as: 25% decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and / or the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 14 years and mean follow-up was 53 ± 27 months. Renal cysts were present in 30.7% of patients. 33.8 percent of patients had kidney disease progression and 10.7 % required RRT. Those with progressive disease were older (61 ± 13, 52 ± 14; P = 0.011), had lower baseline GFR (30 ± 11, 39 ± 18; P = 0.035), higher proteiuria (2.84 ± 0.58, 2.47 ± 0.57; P = 0.031) and frequently harboring cysts in the solitary kidney (52.3%, 20.4%; P = 0.006). Progression to kidney failure and RRT requirement in cases with or without renal cysts was (60% vs. 22%; P = 0.004) and (20% vs. 6.6%; P = 0.123), respectively. Acquired cysts in solitary kidney was independently associated with progression to kidney failure and RRT respectively (Exp(B) 3.173; P = 0.01 and Exp(B) 12.35; P = 0.04). Simple renal cysts in solitary kidney patients with impaired renal function is associated with poor renal outcome. Large-scale studies are needed to clarify this issue.

Baseline Residual Kidney Function and Its Ensuing Rate of Decline Interact to Predict Mortality of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

BackgroundBaseline residual kidney function (RKF) and its rate of decline during follow-up are purported to be reliable outcome predictors of patients undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). The independent contribution of each of these factors has not been elucidated.MethodWe report a multicenter, longitudinal study of 493 patients incident on PD and satisfying two conditions: a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥1 mL/minute and a daily diuresis ≥300 mL. The main variables were the GFR (mean of urea and creatinine clearances) at PD inception and the GFR rate of decline during follow-up. The main outcome variable was patient mortality. The secondary outcome variables were: PD technique failure and risk of peritoneal infection. The statistical analysis was based on a multivariate approach, placing an emphasis on the interactions between the two main study variables.Main ResultsBaseline GFR and its rate of decline performed well as independent predictors of both patient mortality and risk of peritoneal infection. These two main study variables maintained a moderate correlation with each other (r2 = 0.12, p<0.0005), and interacted clearly, as predictors of patient mortality. A low baseline GFR followed by a fast decline portended the worst survival outcome (adjusted HR 3.84, 95%CI 1.81–8.14, p<0.0005)(Ref. baseline GFR above median plus rate of decline below median). In general, the rate of decline of RKF had a greater effect on mortality than baseline GFR, which had no detectable effect on survival when the decline of RKF was slow (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.81–2.22, p = 0.22). Conversely, a relatively high GFR at the start of PD still carried a significant risk of mortality, when RKF declined rapidly (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.05–3.72, p = 0.028).ConclusionThe risk-benefit balance of an early versus late start of PD cannot be evaluated without taking into consideration the rate of decline of RKF. This circumstance may contribute to explain the controversial results observed at the time of evaluating the potential benefits of an early initiation of PD.

The Impact of Deep Versus Moderate Hypothermia on Postoperative Kidney Function After Elective Aortic Hemiarch Repair

There remains concern that moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) with antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) may provide suboptimal distal organ protection compared with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) with retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). We compared postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in in patients who underwent elective hemiarch repair with either DHCA/RCP or MHCA/ACP. This was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing elective aortic hemiarch reconstruction for aneurysmal disease between 2009 and 2014. Patients were stratified according to the use of DHCA/RCP versus MHCA/ACP. The primary outcome was the occurrence of AKI at 48 hours, as defined by the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-Stage (RIFLE ) criteria. A multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for AKI. One hundred eighteen patients who underwent ACP and 471 patients who underwent RCP were included. The mean lowest temperature was 26.4°C in patients who underwent MHCA/ACP and 17.5°C in patients who underwent DHCA/RCP. Baseline demographics were similar except that patients who underwent DHCA/RCP were more likely to have peripheral arterial disease or bicuspid aortic valves. Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were shorter in the MHCA/ACP group. AKI occurred in 19 (16.2%) patients who underwent MHCA/ACP and 67 (14.3%) patients who underwent DHCA/RCP. Four(0.8%) patients who underwent DHCA/RCP required postoperative dialysis. In-hospital mortality tended to increase with increasing RIFLE classification (RIFLE class-0 (No AKI) = 0.41%; Risk = 1.35%, and Injury = 10.0%; p= 0.09). On multivariable analysis, the lowest temperature and cerebral perfusion strategy were not significant predictors of AKI. Lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR), lower preoperative ejection fraction, and longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time were independently associated with higher AKI. We applied the sensitive RIFLE criteria to examine AKI in patients undergoing elective aortic hemiarch replacement for aneurysmal disease. Baseline renal dysfunction, lower ejection fraction, and longer CPB time are independent predictors of AKI. Compared with DHCA/RCP, our data suggest that an MHCA/ACP cerebral protection strategy does not appear to be associated with worse postoperative renal outcomes.

RENAL FUNCTION AFTER CORONARY BYPASS SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH PRE-DIABETES

Aim. To reveal the predictors of renal dysfunction due to surgical revascularization of myocardium in stable angina patients with prediabetes. Material and methods. Totally, 48 patients with prediabetes studied, having indications for coronary bypass grafting (CBG) at the age 60±7,4 years with coronary heart disease (CHD) anamnesis 6±5,4 years. Multivessel disease of coronary vessels had 68,8% of patients, LCA stem stenosis >50 % had 10,9% of patients. On-pump CBG was done in 87,5% of patients, off-pump — 12,5%. Duration of on-pump period was 95±23 min., number of distal anastomoses for one patient — 2,8±0,8. Baseline, on the first and second days post-CBG, and if needed later, the creatinin concentration was measured in the blood, as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by CKD-EPI equation. Of the development of renal dysfunction in CBG we decided if GFR decreased below 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 . In statistics we took continuous variables as М±SD and as Me (25%–75%) depending on the type of distribution. Renal dysfunction predictors were defined with the method of staged regression. Results. In patients with stable angina and prediabetes we found moderate transient decrease of GFR after CBG comparing to the baseline level with Me 89,4 (78-105) to Ме 77,8 (59-96) mL/min/1,73 m2 (р<0,01). Significant decrease of GFR after CBG had the patients with in-hospital complications (introperational myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, atrial fibrillation paroxysm) — Ме 92 (82-107) and Ме 72,4 (56-89) mL/min/1,73 m2 , р=0,000 differ from the patients groups not having complications, р=0,797. The part of persons developing CBG related renal dysfunction was 21,7%. Decrease of GFR <60 mL/min/1,73 m2 after CBG is associated with older age, lower baseline GFR and longer on-pump period. Conclusion. Among patients with stable angina and pre-diabetes the part of those developing CBG related renal dysfunction was 21,7%. The increase of on-pump time more than Me 105 (86-136) minutes significantly increased the relative risk of renal dysfunction development after CBG.

Long-term changes in renal function and perfusion in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction.

IntroductionLittle is known about the natural course of renal function and renal hemodynamics in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF).Methods and resultsWe prospectively studied effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in 73 HFREF patients with 125I-iothalamate/131I-hippuran clearances with a mean follow-up of 34.6 ± 4.4 months. Fifteen percent were female, with age 58 ± 12 years and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 29 ± 10 %. Baseline GFR was 81 ± 23 mL/min/1.73 m2 and declined 0.6 ± 4.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. Baseline ERPF was 292 ± 83 mL/min/1.73 m2 and declined 4.3 ± 19 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. Of the baseline variables, older age and high urinary kidney injury molecule-1 were the only variables associated with GFR decline (p < 0.05). Following stepwise backward analysis, only age (p < 0.001) remained significant. In addition, we found an association between change in GFR and changes in ERPF, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and renovascular resistance. In the multivariable analysis, only the change in ERPF remained significantly associated with a change in GFR (p < 0.001).ConclusionIn this cohort of stable chronic HFREF patients, the average decline in GFR over time was small. The decline of GFR was associated with a higher age and a lower baseline GFR, and was strongly related to changes in renal perfusion.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00392-015-0881-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A low baseline glomerular filtration rate predicts poor clinical outcome at 3 months after acute ischemic stroke.

Background and PurposeChronic kidney disease (CKD) is an established risk factor for numerous cardiovascular diseases including stroke. The relationship between the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and clinical 3-month outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke were evaluated in this study.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study involving a hospital-based stroke registry; 1373 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled. Patients were divided into the following four groups according their eGFR (calculated using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equations): ≥60, 45-59, 30-44, and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. The primary endpoint of poor functional outcome was defined as 3-month death or dependency (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3); secondary endpoints were neurological deterioration (increase in National Institutes of Health Stroke Severity score of ≥4 at discharge compared to baseline) during hospitalization and in-hospital mortality.ResultsThe overall eGFR was 84.5±20.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 (mean±SD). The distribution of baseline renal impairment was as follows: 1,218, 82, 40, and 33 patients had eGFRs of ≥60, 45-59, 30-44, and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. At 3 months after the stroke, 476 (34.7%) patients exhibited poor functional outcome. Furthermore, a poor functional outcome occurred more frequently with increasingly advanced stages of CKD (rates of 31.9%, 53.7%, 55.0%, and 63.6% for CKD stages 1/2, 3a, 3b, and 4/5, respectively; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline eGFR of <30 mL/min/1.73m2 increased the risk of a poor functional outcome by 2.37-fold (p=0.047). In addition, baseline renal dysfunction was closely associated with neurological deterioration during hospitalization and with in-hospital mortality.ConclusionsA low baseline eGFR was strongly predictive of both poor functional outcome at 3 months after ischemic stroke and neurological deterioration/mortality during hospitalization.

Chronic Kidney Disease Due to Surgical Removal of Nephrons: Relative Rates of Progression and Survival

Chronic kidney disease is associated with a higher likelihood of progression to end stage renal disease and increased mortality rates. However, the etiology of nephron loss may modify the rate of chronic kidney disease progression and overall survival. Patients with suspected renal malignancy who had anew baseline glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) 6weeks after surgery were divided into the 2 groups of surgically induced chronic kidney disease (preoperative glomerular filtration rate greater than 60ml/minute/1.73 m(2)) and preexisting chronic kidney disease due to medical causes followed by surgery. An independent cohort of subjects with chronic kidney disease entirely due to medical causes served as a comparator. Renal cancer surgery yielded cohorts with surgically induced chronic kidney disease (1,097) and chronic kidney disease due to medical causes followed by surgery (1,053), whereas the group with chronic kidney disease due to medical causes consisted of 42,658 subjects. The patients with chronic kidney disease dueto medical causes and chronic kidney disease from medical causes followed by surgery were older compared to those with surgically induced chronic kidney disease, had more medical comorbidities and had a lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (all p <0.001). The group with chronic kidney disease due to medical causes followed by surgery had a lower mean (±SD) new baseline glomerular filtration rate (37±10) compared to the surgically induced chronic kidney disease (48±9) and chronic kidney disease due to medical comorbidities (47±10) groups (p <0.001). The probability of progressive decline in renal function (50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate or need for dialysis) at 3 years was lowest for surgically induced chronic kidney disease, intermediate for chronic kidney disease from medical causes followed by surgery and highest for chronic kidney disease from medical causes when age, gender, race, comorbidities and new baseline glomerular filtration rate were considered (p <0.001). Nonrenal cancer related mortality was substantially lower for those with surgically induced chronic kidney disease compared to the other groups (p <0.001). Our data suggest that surgically induced chronic kidney disease has a lower rate of functional decline and less impact on survival than chronic kidney disease due to medical causes. These data have potential implications with respect to chronic kidney disease classification and patient counseling for surgical management of various renal disorders including renal cancer.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

We investigated the relationship between baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Consecutive patients diagnosed with STEMI (n = 691) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) were included in the study. The CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration ≥25% over baseline at 48 hours. Both NLR and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the CIN group. There was a stronger correlation in patients with a known history of chronic kidney disease and in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). Advanced age, DM, low baseline glomerular filtration rate, reduced postprocedural ST resolution, high amount of contrast media, high NLR, and low left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of CIN. The NLR may be used as a simple and reliable indicator of CIN in patients with STEMI who underwent p-PCI.

Tubular Damage and Worsening Renal Function in Chronic Heart Failure

This study sought to investigate the relationship between tubular damage and worsening renal function (WRF) in chronic heart failure (HF) BACKGROUND: WRF is associated with poor outcome in chronic HF. It is unclear whether urinary tubular markers may identify patients at risk for WRF. In 2,011 patients with chronic HF, we evaluated the ability of urinary tubular markers (N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) to predict WRF. Finally, we assessed the prognostic importance of WRF. A total of 290 patients (14.4%) experienced WRF during follow-up, and WRF was a strong and independent predictor of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalizations (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.87; 95% CI: 2.40 to 3.43; p < 0.001). Patients with WRF had lower baseline glomerular filtration rate and higher KIM-1, NAG, and NGAL levels. In a multivariable-adjusted model, KIM-1 was the strongest independent predictor of WRF (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.39 per log increase; p = 0.001). WRF was associated with strongly impaired outcome in patients with chronic HF. Increased level of urinary KIM-1 was the strongest independent predictor of WRF and could therefore be used to identify patients at risk for WRF and poor clinical outcome. (GISSI-HF-Effects of n-3 PUFA and Rosuvastatin on Mortality-Morbidity of Patients With Symptomatic CHF; NCT00336336).