Nephrology Clinic Research Articles

Sleep Duration and Blood Pressure in Youth Referred for Elevated Blood Pressure Evaluation.

Sleep promotion is not specifically recommended as a target for hypertension management. We examined associations of sleep duration and timing with blood pressure parameters in patients referred to pediatric nephrology clinic for elevated blood pressure evaluation. This is a retrospective study of initial ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data and self-report sleep data collected from patients referred to nephrology clinic for the evaluation of elevated blood pressure. Linear and logistic regression modeling determined associations between sleep exposures (duration and timing) and continuous and dichotomous blood pressure outcomes, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and weekday versus weekend status. The study sample included 539 patients with mean age 14.6 years and 56% meeting hypertension criteria. Sleep duration averaged 9.1 hours per night. Average timing of sleep onset and offset were 11:06 pm and 8:18 am, respectively. Longer sleep duration was associated with better daytime blood pressure parameters (eg, every extra hour of sleep duration was associated with a reduced odds of wake hypertension [odds ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.99]). Later sleep onset was associated with worse daytime blood pressure parameters (eg, each additional hour of later sleep onset was associated with higher wake systolic blood pressure index [mean wake blood pressure/95th percentile]) (β = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02-0.13). Associations were consistent across sex, age, body mass index, and weekday status. Longer sleep duration and earlier sleep onset were associated with lower blood pressure. This suggests that sleep optimization may be an important target for intervention in hypertension management.

Kidney disease knowledge among patients visiting the nephrology clinic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to explore chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related knowledge and its predictors among non-dialysis patients with CKD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It was a cross-sectional survey conducted at 2 nephrology centers in KSA. Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire that included sociodemographic information and enquiries about CKD. The questionnaire used to explore CKD knowledge consisted of 24 questions with 3 multiple-choice answers for each question: "True," "False," and "I don't know." Data were obtained from 185 patients who visited a nephrology clinic. The major study population was drawn from the western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The participants' mean (SD) total renal disease knowledge scores was 12.56 (3.55) out of a maximum of 24 points on the renal disease knowledge assessment. This suggests that the participants, on average, exhibited a moderate level of knowledge regarding renal disease. Most respondents correctly answered questions related to blood and urine tests (90.3% and 89.7%, respectively), living with a single kidney (88.1%), kidney function in blood cleansing (83.8%), risk factors like diabetes (82.7%), and hypertension (80%). Additionally, they recognized symptoms such as water retention (85.9%) and fatigue (61.6%) and the potential of certain medications to slow chronic kidney disease progression (72.4%). However, fewer respondents correctly identified nausea/vomiting (31.4%) and loss of appetite (31.4%) as signs of kidney disease, the role of kidneys in maintaining blood pressure (58.9%) and bone health (16.2%), and obesity as a risk factor (54.1%). Furthermore, there were notable differences in knowledge scores between genders, with men scoring significantly higher than women (2.05, P = .041). In general, the understanding of CKD within the CKD patient community in the KSA was at a moderate level. However, male respondents had a greater understanding of CKD than did female respondents. The findings of this study indicate an urgent need to conduct educational activities to improve CKD knowledge among patients with CKD in the KSA.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease and Their Associations with Cardiovascular Risk and Disease in a Sub-Saharan Low-Income Population.

The causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people living in Sub-Saharan Africa await identification. Also, whether cardiovascular risk and disease extent differ among patients with different CKD etiologies is uncertain. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we examined the presumed causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their relationships with cardiovascular risk and disease in 743 consecutive patients from a sub-Saharan low-income population. Hypertensive nephropathy (HNP) (60.2%), diabetic nephropathy (DNP) (24.4%), HIV associated CKD (20.0%) and glomerular disease (13.6%) comprised the major CKD etiologies upon enrolment at the hospital nephrology clinic. Pulse pressure was larger in patients with concurrent HNP and DNP than in those with HNP only (p<0.001). Pulse pressure and systolic blood pressure were larger in HNP or/and DNP patients than those with HIV associated CKD and glomerular disease (p=0.04 to <0.001). Cardiovascular disease was more prevalent in patients with HNP and concurrent HNP and DNP than those from other etiologic categories (p<0.05). HNP and DNP were associated with pulsatile pressures (pulse pressure and systolic blood pressure) independent of one another (p<0.01). In adjusted product of coefficient mediation analysis, mean arterial or distending pressure accounted fully for the potential impact of HNP on pulsatile pressures (103.9-115.7%) but not for that of DNP on the respective pressures (-2.0%-(-)7.5%). HNP is by far the most prevalent presumed cause of CKD in this African population. Cardiovascular risk and disease differ markedly across CKD etiological categories.

Improving Transition of Care for Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Project.

Introduction Transition is the process of preparing an adolescent or young adult for the adult model of care. Poor transitions have been linked to increased medical utilization and poorer kidney outcomes. There are limited studies evaluating predictors of transition readiness or interventions in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We enrolled 42 non-dialysis, non-transplant patients with CKD stage 2 or higher and 14 years and older receiving care in our pediatric nephrology clinic. Data collected included demographics, clinical information, and transition readiness as measured by the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). Patients were provided with a structured, remote curriculum with resources that addressed areas of need. Patients were followed every three to six months. Repeat TRAQ questionnaires were administered six months after enrollment. Results Our study found that younger age and male gender were risk factors for poor transition. Age was consistently a positive predictor of higher TRAQ scores in the medication, appointment, and total score domains (p < 0.05). Male gender was a risk factor for lower TRAQ scores in the appointment and communication domains (p < 0.05). Additionally, our curriculum was effective at improving scores across all TRAQ domains, with an average increase of about 25% in six months. There was no difference in patients who had a three-month follow-up as compared to a six-month follow-up (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our study finds that younger age and male gender are risk factors for poor transition. Additionally, a structured, remote curriculum is effective at improving transition readiness.

Ureteroscopic management in cystinuric patients: long-term results from a tertiary care referral center.

To evaluate long-term surgical and functional outcomes of cystinuric patients exclusively treated with Ureteroscopy (URS). Data from patients treated for cystine stones at a single academic center were retrospectively analyzed. The management protocol consisted of (i) treating symptomatic or > 7mm stones, (ii) multi-staged URS for voluminous stones, (iii) referring patients to a dedicated nephrological clinic. The eGFR was calculated according to the MDRD formula. CKD category was assessed according to the NKF classification. Relevant CKD was defined as CKD category ≥ 3a. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the cohort data. Data from 46 cystinuric patients treated with 332 URS were available. Median age at diagnosis and at first URS in our center were 18 and 32 years, respectively. Median follow-up was 101 months. Median number of URS and recurrences per patient were 6 and 2, respectively. The median interval between the first and the last available creatinine level was 64 months. Median first and last eGFR were 72 and 74 mL/min, respectively. Overall, 83% of patients had stable or improved renal function within the study period. Ureteral stricture occurred in 3 (6.5%) patients. Cystinuria requires intensive endoscopic management. Most patients treated with URS have stable or improved renal function within a long-term follow-up. CKD is a not neglectable event that potentially occurs at an early stage of life. Current findings should be considered for the surgical management of cystinuric patients.

Tricarboxylic Cycle Intermediates in Combination with Calcium Phosphate Chelators and Sodium Bicarbonate Increases eGFR in Patients with Stages 3b, 4 and 5 CKD: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Currently, the conservative management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves treating the primary disease and its consequences, as well as improving altered biochemical markers. Evidence suggests that the key management strategy for slowing down the progression of the disease is nephroprotection. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supply of TCA cycle intermediates in combination with calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, and sodium bicarbonate in patients with CKD. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was undertaken in nephrology and internal medicine clinics in Mexico. The study enrolled patients aged over 18 with stages 3b, 4, and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) who were not undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) and had received treatment based on TCA therapy. Results: The study included a total of 55 patients with CKD. The results showed an increase in eGFR from a baseline average of 16.73 ± 1,374 mL/min to a final average of 19.18 ± 1,516 mL/min and a decrease in creatinine values from a baseline average of 4.26 ± 2.44 mg/dL to a final average of 3.77 ± 2.23 mg/dL. These changes had a statistical significance P?0.05.Conclusions: The observed benefits of TCA in combination with sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and calcium lactate include: 1) Increased eGFR, 2) Decreased serum creatinine, 3) Decreased serum urea, 4) Decreased serum phosphorus, 5) Increased serum hemoglobin, and 6) Maintenance of albumin levels within normal ranges. Adjuvant therapy with the combination of TCA could be a useful tool as a new therapeutic option in patients with CKD.

Fitwalking: A New Frontier for Kidney Patients – A Center’s Experience

Introduction: Physical inactivity is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is an important modifiable risk factor for mortality, morbidity, and reduced quality of life. The present single-centre pilot study evaluated the possibility of performing structured physical exercise using a specific walking model, Fitwalking, in a population of patients with CKD and, according to the American College of Rheumatology guidelines, also in a population with immuno-rheumatological disease. Methods: Patients were recruited from nephrology, haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplantation, and immuno-rheumatology outpatient clinics. After general and functional clinical evaluation and exercise prescription at the Department of Sports Medicine, we performed scientifically proven tests on CKD (6-min walk test and sit-to-stand test), before and after the Fitwalking technique training course, and again after 6 and 12 months, evaluated its effectiveness and identify any critical issues. Results: We enrolled 80 patients (41 males, 51.2%), with a mean age of 53 ± 12 years; the clinical data showed statistically significant improvements in systolic, average, and differential blood pressure, average speed, and physical strength. Participants also adapted to muscle fatigue, experienced a reduction in BMI with stable lean mass and reduced fat mass, and reported improved perceptions of physical and mental health, and quality of life. Conclusion: All enrolled patients successfully completed the process. A specific prescription was used that provided health education and allowed for the implementation of structured physical activity that could be performed safely and independently even after the training period. The activity was sustainable thanks to the training of in-house medical and nursing staff, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome this type of barrier to physical activity in CKD and in immuno-rheumatological patients.

FACTORS RELATED TO MIDDLE- LONG-TERM MORTALITY IN ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY

Aim: To determine the clinical and laboratory parameters that affect the mid-long term mortality of patients hospitalized for AKI. Material and method: Patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of AKI in the intensive care unit and clinic of Nephrology for four years were retrospectively screened. The files of these patients were scanned. Demographic data, comorbidities, vital signs and laboratory parameters were scanned. It was determined in terms of factors affecting mortality in these patients (living and dying) over a 4-year period. Results: The effects of the variables found to be significant (age, presence of hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD), sedimentation, C-reactive protein (CRP), urea, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), pH and CRP-albumin ratio (CAR) by univariate analysis on mortality was performed using multiple logistic regression analysis, which was used to identify the independent risk factors of mortality. Multiple logistic regression analysis using Stepwise selection method revealed that increasing age (IQR=1.04, 95% CI=1.01 – 1.07, p=.004), presence of CAD (IQR =2.16, 95% CI=1.16 – 4.02, p=.016), increased Mg (IQR =2.64, 95% CI=1.18 – 5.92, p=.018) and K (IQR =1.70, 95% CI=1.21 – 2.41, p=.002) were independent risk factors for mortality. The accuracy rate for the predictive performance of this prediction model in predicting mortality was 71.1%, with a sensitivity of 26.5%, a specificity of 90%, and an AUC of 0.753. Conclusion: In our predictive model, in the medium-long term, we found old age, the presence of coronary artery disease, increased K and Mg as the independent risk factors for mortality in AKI patients.

#2426 Diabetes treatment in CKD patients—do we treat according to the guidelines?

Abstract Background and Aims T2DM is a global pandemic, frequently complicated by DKD, that may result in ESRD and cardiovascular complications. Despite advancements in diabetes and cardiovascular risk management, the prevalence of DKD continues to grow. During the last years SGLT2i and GLP1RAs have demonstrated effectiveness in cardiorenal protection. The 2020 KDIGO guidelines recommend these treatments for cardiorenal protection in DKD patients. No data was published on the rate of implementing these guidelines. Identifying a gap between the guidelines and the actual treatment given to patients allows active intervention to enhance adherence to the guidelines and may improve health outcomes of patients. The aim of the study was to assess KDIGO guidelines implementation by nephrologists in a nephrology clinic, compared to a multidisciplinary diabetes-CKD clinic. This team includes a nephrologist, diabetologist, diabetes nurse and dietitian. The focus is on lifestyle modification education and advanced treatments for DKD. Method This study is a retrospective, descriptive, and quantitative convenience sample at a single medical centre. Study population included adult patients over 18 years, with T2DM and CKD, who were treated at the nephrology and diabetes-CKD clinics between May 2021 and May 2022. Type 1 diabetic patients and patients requiring dialysis were excluded. Demographic, diabetes and CKD related data were collected. Utilization of KDIGO recommended medications was analysed and compared between the two clinics. Results 587 and 100 patients from nephrology and diabetes-CKD clinics, respectively, were included. Baseline characteristics are described in Table 1. Recommended anti diabetic and other CKD treatments utilization is described in Table 2. Implementation of recommended medications, including SGLT2i and GLP1RAs, was significantly higher in the diabetes-CKD clinic, demonstrating a significant disparity in guideline adherence between the two clinics. Conclusion DKD is a common complication of T2DM that may progress to ESRD, and associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The evolving landscape of treatment is reflected in updated guidelines from various professional organizations, including KDIGO. These guidelines position SGLT2i and GLP1RAs as 1st and 2nd line treatments for patients with T2DM and CKD. Patients treated at the diabetes-CKD clinic were younger, had higher incidence of dyslipidemia and IHD and their diabetes was less controlled compared to the nephrology clinic patients. Despite the guidelines, underuse of recommended antidiabetic medications and other treatments persists in nephrology clinics. However, the multidisciplinary approach of the diabetes-CKD clinic, showed improved adherence to guidelines. In conclusion, the study provides insights into the challenges of implementing KDIGO guidelines in real world nephrology clinical settings. Further research is warranted to understand factors contributing to the low adherence. The findings suggest that a multidisciplinary approach may enhance guideline compliance and subsequently improve outcomes in managing DKD in T2DM.

#1559 Using nephrology clinic data to emulate cohorts: a comparison between an electronic health records service and Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort

Abstract Background and Aims The amount of data contributed to evidence-synthesis is inequitably distributed among various countries in a way that most of the data is emerged from developed and/or upper middle and high income countries. One efficient and low-cost solution can be the implementation of scattered electronic health records (EHR) sources in those countries into emulated cohort studies. We aim to compare the characteristics of a custom-built nephrology clinic electronic health records (CBNC-EHR) service that is in practice for more than 13 years with Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study which has approximately the same span and enrollment to find out about the feasibility, strengths, and challenges of the proposition. Method We compared measured variables of baseline characteristics and follow-up strategy of CRIC study with the data provided by CBNC-EHR to estimate if the care-centered database is capable of emulating a cohort study. Results Among variables of socioeconomic information at CRIC study, CBNC-EHR provides 33% at full, 33% are “partially available or easily accessible” (PAEA), and 33% are not available. 71% of variables of medical history are fully available for all patients, while only 14% are PAEA, and 14% are not available. For kidney function measures, CBNC-EHR provides 55% of variables completely, while the remaining 45% are PAEA. Obviously, no blood or urine sample were collected during ambulatory care, and no questionnaire on different aspects of health were used to gather supplementary data, contrary to CRIC study. Compared to follow-up strategy of CRIC study, which indicated Annual visits and laboratory tests and 6-month telephone follow-ups, CBNC-EHR yields data only upon personally-decided attention of patients for follow-up care, which varies widely from one patient to another. Nevertheless, the majority of patients have at least one office visit in a year, accompanied by relevant laboratory tests. CBNC-EHR provides a complete list of risk factors and comorbidities of each patient, which makes it suitable for subgrouping, as was designed in CRIC study regard the diabetes status of patients. CBNC-EHR currently has data of 6481 individuals with renal failure, compared to 3000 enrollment goal of CRIC study. However, much higher rates of dropout (estimated to be approximately 20%) and utilization of inclusion and exclusion criteria will contribute to the actual available cases to emulate a cohort study. Conclusion Implementing a care-centered database into emulation of a cohort study, is challenging and complicated. Lack of consistency, high dropout rates, imperfect baseline and complementary information, and need for extensive data cleaning are all difficulties. However, contribution to equitability of data share in evidence-synthesis, extremely lower cost of conduction, and less heterogeneity are strengths of this procedure which can have a remarkable effect on transforming medical data from less-developed countries (which understandably prioritize healthcare to research due to scarcity of resources) to effective research studies. In this paper, we compared a renowned nephrology cohort with a private nephrology clinic EHR in a developing country and showed virtual availability of data to emulate a cohort study based on the care-centered database.

#2275 Beyond glucose control: SGLT2 inhibitors' impact on hematological parameters in lupus nephritis patients

Abstract Background and Aims There is a broad spectrum of hematologic manifestations in SLE including lymphopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, or pancytopenia. Anemia worsens the prognosis of many chronic diseases including lupus nephritis. A recent systematic review and metanalysis showed that hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly increased with SGLT2i therapy when compared to placebo. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on hematological parameters including iron profile, hepcidin and erythropoietin levels in lupus nephritis patients. Method Double blind randomized controlled trial. The material of the current study included 79 Lupus nephritis patients who were recruited from Nephrology clinic- Urology and Nephrology Center- Mansoura University. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &amp;gt;30 ml/min/1.73 m2 had been randomly assigned to 2 groups Study group: included 38 lupus nephritis patients who were randomly assigned to receive dapagliflozin (10 mg once daily) Placebo group: included 41 lupus nephritis who were assigned to receive placebo. The two groups were randomly assigned using computer-generated random tables in a 1:1 ratio and followed up for 12 months. The findings were recorded, tabulated, and analyzed using SPSS22 for windows. Results Both groups had similar ages and gender distribution. BMI, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension rates were comparable between groups. The duration of lupus nephritis and management approaches did not differ. Biopsy results indicated no differences in the class of lupus nephritis. Serum chemistry, including serum creatinine, was similar between groups. The mean hemoglobin levels, MCV and MCH are similar between the control and study groups, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.5, 0.9 and 0.9 respectively). Regarding iron indices, the median ferritin, TSAT levels show a numerical difference, but it does not reach statistical significance (p = 0.09, 0.05), The mean erythropoietin and hepcidin levels are not significantly different between the groups (p value= 0.1 and 0.9 respectively) also, platelet counts are similar between the groups (p = 0.7). compares hematological investigations before and after the intervention in the study group. There is a statistically significant increase in mean hemoglobin levels post-intervention compared to baseline (p = 0.02) and the mean MCH levels show a numerical increase post-intervention, but the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.1), but the mean MCV levels do not show a statistically significant change post-intervention (p = 0.7). The median ferritin levels and TSAT values show a numerical increase post-intervention, but the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.8 and 0.9 respectively). There is a statistically significant decrease in mean hepcidin levels post-intervention (116 ± 15 from baseline 181 ± 76) and (p = 0.001). erythropoietin levels show a numerical increase post-intervention, but the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.1). there is a slight decrease in platelets counts after intervention but make statistically significant (p = 0.01), but The hematological data after 12 months suggest overall similarity between the control and study groups in terms of hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, ferritin, TSAT, and platelet count, also hepcidin and erythropoietin levels were comparable between both groups (P = 0.7). percentage of participant with anemia (Hgb&amp;lt; 12 g/dl) decreased in study group after intervention from 61% to 42% but with no significant difference with control group (p = 0.3) Conclusion Anemia in lupus nephritis patients is primarily due to iron deficiency, associated with elevated hepcidin levels. Further research is needed to explore these patients' underlying causes of anemia. SGLT2 inhibitors are important add on drugs that has positive effect on varies hematological parameters in lupus nephritis patients in addition to their renal benefits.

#2132 Recipient outcomes after laparoscopic versus open living donor nephrectomy: a propensity score-matched cohort study

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease. To meet the growing demand for kidney allografts and to ensure the well-being of donors, laparoscopic nephrectomy has been adopted leading to superior donor outcomes. However, data on recipient outcomes of laparoscopically retrieved grafts are underreported. The aim of the study is to estimate the impact of laparoscopic compared to open living donor nephrectomy (LDN, ODN) on recipient outcomes in the first-year post-transplant. Method This was an observational cohort study of primary data on 396 recipients who had undergone living kidney transplantation from January 2011 to December 2021 at the Clinic of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation of ‘Laiko’ hospital. Since October 2018 laparoscopic surgery has supplanted ODN in the reporting center. Graft function, the risk of adverse events, patient and graft survival within the first-year post-transplantation, were evaluated. A propensity score analysis was applied (2:1 nearest-neighbor matching, with a caliper width of 0.05). As a robustness check, the analysis was rerun on the sub-groups of low and high immunological risk patients. Results After propensity score matching, 389 patients were analyzed. One-year post-transplantation, renal function (−0.074 mg/dl, p: 0.063) patient (99.44% vs 100%, p: 0.27) and graft (99.43% vs 100%, p: 0.13) survival were statistically equal among LDN and ODN recipients. Laparoscopically retrieved grafts demonstrated statistically higher risk of delayed graft function (10.1%, p: 0.032) and higher risk for transfusion (12.9%, p:0.022). The risk for acute rejection, surgical complications and infections (Fig. 1), as well as the length of hospital stay did not differ between the two groups. Kidney function at one year was similar in LDN and ODN patients, regardless of the immunological risk. Low immunological risk patients demonstrated comparable risk of adverse events in the first post-transplant year. High-immunological risk patients after LDN after LDN exhibited greater risk for reoperation (16%, p: 0.0078) urologic complications (19.6%, p: 0.042) and bacterial infections (7.1%, p: 0.027) compared to ODN recipients during the first year after transplantation. Conclusion The results indicate that one-year post-transplantation, renal function, patient and graft survival are equivalent among recipients of allografts procured either laparoscopically or by open surgery, with similar risk of adverse events.

#1833 Analysis of clinical and laboratory manifestations in different classes of lupus nephritis—a Serbian single center experience

Abstract Background and Aims Lupus nephritis represents one of the most serious manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. The gold standard for determining the class of lupus nephritis is percutaneous kidney biopsy and the histopathological analysis of the biopsy specimen. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of different histopathological classes of lupus nephritis (LN) at the time of the systemic lupus diagnosis and onset of symptoms. Method This retrospective cross-sectional study included a total of 54 subjects who were hospitalized at the Clinic for Nephrology and Clinical Immunology of the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina from 2017 to 2022 and underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy. Available clinical and laboratory data, as well as the histopathological findings of kidney biopsies, were analyzed. Based on the histopathological classification, patients were divided into four groups (Class II, III, IV, and V), and the clinical and laboratory characteristics were analyzed for all subjects. Due to a low number of patients, no analysis of Class I and Class VI was made. Results The most prevalent class among the subjects was Class IV, in which the lowest values of the C3 complement component were recorded. Subjects in this LN class had higher blood pressure values, a higher frequency of clinical manifestations such as arthralgia, and joint swelling. Class IV LN was also associated with elevated anti-dsDNA antibody values with a significant statistical significance (p = 0.004), lower red blood cell parameters, and higher levels of nitrogenous substances compared to other classes. The lowest values of total serum proteins and albumins, as well as the highest values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, were observed in the group of subjects with Class V LN; C-reactive protein had the highest average values in Class III and IV, which showed a statistical significance (p = 0.007). The lowest values of total serum calcium and iron were in Class III, and 24-hour proteinuria was most pronounced in Class V (p = 0.001), whereas microscopic hematuria was most present in Class II LN (p = 0.03). Conclusion Patients with lupus nephritis exhibit different clinical and laboratory manifestations based on histopathological classification and the time of diagnosis. The results of this study suggest their potential use in diagnosis, assessment of histopathological classification, and the development of a targeted and personalized therapeutic approach. These parameters will be used to develop machine learning models which might help in further evaluation and treatment.

#2033 Patient characteristics and outcomes of an inter- and multidisciplinary nephrology and cardiology clinic

Abstract Background and Aims The prevalence of cardiorenal syndrome is increasing due to the growing number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF). To further improve outcomes in this high risk population, an interdisciplinary, evidence-based and patient-centered approach is advocated. Hence, it was the aim of this study to identify and describe the patient population which might profit from an inter- and multidisciplinary nephrology and cardiology clinic at a tertiary university hospital. Method We screened 552 patients who from 01.01.2015 and 30.06.2022 had been in the nephrology and in the cardiology outpatient clinics of the University Hospital of Zurich. Patients with kidney or heart transplantation or on dialysis were excluded. Out of the remaining patients, we identified 223 patients having CKD 2-5 and HF. Characteristics with respect to entity and cause of kidney and heart disease, cardiovascular risk factors, therapy, incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), hospitalisations and patient survival were recorded. Results The most common cause of CKD was a cardiorenal syndrome type 2 (42%, 95/223). 59/223 (26%) had at least moderate albuminuria. At the beginning of follow-up, 61/223 (26%) were in CKD2, 95/223 (42%) in CKD3a, 47/223 (21%) in CKD3b, 6/223 (7%) in CKD4 1, 2/223 (1%) in CKD5. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was the most common cause of heart failure, (36%, 80/223 patients). 119/223 patients (53%) had HFrEF, 41/223 (19%) HFmrEF and 63/223 (28%) HFpE. 64/223 (28%) of the patients were treated with SGLT2i,159/223 (71%) with RASi of which 37 (17%) were on an ARNI. Patients under combined RASi and SGLT2i were younger (66 vs 73 years, p = 0.005), were more likely to have diabetes (44% vs 30%), HFrEF rather than HFpEF (70% vs 7% p = 0.002) and had a better kidney function at the beginning of follow-up (eGFR 65 vs 55 ml/min/1.73 m2, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Hospitalization-rate due to HF and incidence of AKI were high with 0.6/patient/year and 4.8/patient/year respectively. 72/223 (32%) patients died during the mean follow-up of 3.1 years. Conclusion We identified a high-risk patient population with cardiorenal disease that might particularly benefit from evidence-based and patient-centered interdisciplinary care. A cardiorenal outpatient clinic may have the potential to improve a personalized approach in more vulnerable patients.

#1468 Alport syndrome family screening and management—experience of a tertiary center

Abstract Background and Aims Alport syndrome (AS) is the most common cause of inherited chronic kidney disease. This disorder is caused by deleterious variants on COL4A3, COL4A4 or COL4A5 genes. These genes codify the proteins that constitute collagen type IV of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Importantly, AS patients can develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) kidney disease that can be delayed or possibly prevented by timely initiation of therapy. The identification of at-risk relatives and their genetic testing allow to identify AS patients and initiate appropriate renal care and avoid unnecessary vigilance if the test is negative. Our aim was to assess the outcomes of Alport Syndrome cascade family screening in a tertiary hospital. Method In this study, we retrospectively assessed familial relatives at risk of AS index cases in our Nephrogenetics consult, from January 2018 to November 2023. After referral, routine tests to detect renal disease were done and AS gene panel was performed. Demographic and clinical data were also compiled. Results A total of 75 at-risk relatives were assessed, belonging to 26 families with a COL4A variant identified in the index case. Relatives at risk were mostly referred by primary care doctors (n = 52, 69.3%), with other 15 patients (20%) directly scheduled for consultation, and 8 (10.7%) referred by a nephrology clinic. In this cohort, an AS diagnosis was confirmed in 43 relatives (57.3%), with an additional 13 (17.3%) of the at-risk relatives with ongoing biochemical or molecular analyses. In 19 (25.4%) relatives the molecular study allowed the exclusion of AS. In the subgroup of patients diagnosed with AS (n = 43): median age at molecular diagnosis was 40.5 years (IQR 20.2-56.5years) and 26 (60.5%) were female. Thirty-five patients (81.4%) patients had autosomal dominant AS: 32 had a variant in COL4A3 (6 different variants were found: 4 were pathogenic or likely pathogenic and 2 were of uncertain significance) and 3 patients on COL4A4. COL4A5 variants were identified in 8 patients, 5 of them were female. Three (7%) patients presented with intermittent hematuria, 14 (32.6%) patients presented isolated hematuria, 10 (23.2%) patients had urinary protein/creatine (Up/cr) &amp;lt;0,3g/g, 7 (16.2%) presented Up/cr between 0.3g/g and 1g/g, 3 (7%) patients had Up/cr &amp;gt;1g/g; Six (14%) had CKD. Twenty-two (51.2%) patients were started on a renin angiotensin system inhibitor (RASi) and 5 (11.6%) were already under a RASi. At the last visit in this group of AS patients, the mean epiTFG was 104.2 ml/min (IQ 85.6-120-5 ml/min) and 6 (14%%) patients had epiTFG below 60 ml/min; mean Uprot/creat was 0.11g/g (IQR 0.06-0.32), 12 (28%) patients had no proteinuria. In the subgroup of relatives at risk were AS excluded (n = 19): median age was 38.5 years (IQR 20.2-56.0) and 11 (58%) were female. One patient had CKD, 7 (36.8%) had no signs of renal disease and 8 (42%) patients had intermittent hematuria. Conclusion Our retrospective review showed that the systematic screening of relatives at risk in our hospital was met with a high discovery rate of AS patients. Since there is clinical benefit in an early AS diagnosis, namely through improved renal care and prevention of disease progression, timely genetic/biochemical screening of at-risk relatives is advisable. Additionally, by discharging the relatives with a negative test, this is a more cost-effective approach than providing continuous vigilance to all.

#2282 Outcomes of renal amyloidosis: 8 years experience of tertiary center

Abstract Background and Aims Amyloidosis is a disease caused by the extracellular deposition of amyloid material that leads to organ dysfunction. Renal involvement is frequent and is characterized by amyloid fibrils pathologic deposition in glomeruli, vessels and interstitium. The most common presentation is nephrotic-range proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome and can progress to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Prognosis is usually poor, especially with cardiac and severe renal involvement that requires renal replacement therapy. The goal of this study was to analyse the outcomes of patients with amyloidosis followed at the nephrology clinic in our centre. Method Descriptive analysis of all confirmed amyloid patients, followed by the Nephrology department from January 2015 to June 2023. Results We identified 49 patients with a mean age of 64 ± 16 years [18-88], mainly Caucasian (n = 47, 82%) and male (n = 28, 57%). The majority of patients were diagnosed through renal biopsy (26, 53%). The most common amyloid type was AL (n = 18, 38%), followed by ATTR (n = 16, 33%) and AA (n = 12, 25%). In 3 patients the amyloid type couldn't be characterized. Renal presentation was mostly as CKD 28/49 (57%), 15/49 (30.6%) as nephrotic syndrome and 6/49 (12%) patients as AKI. At presentation, almost half of the patients (24/49, 49%) had nephrotic-range proteinuria, with a mean proteinuria of 6.72 ± 6.12 g/d [0.103-19.8] and mean sCr was 2.6 ± 3.1 mg/dl [0.5-18.9]. AL amyloidosis had an almost equal distribution between lambda (9/18, 50%) and kappa chain (8/18, 44%, one unknown). Extrarenal involvement was frequent, mainly cardiac (12/18, 67%). Also 12/18 (67%) patients needed dialysis after a mean of 9 ± 15 months post-diagnosis, 16/18 (89%) received treatment and mortality was 61%, in mean 16 ± 17 months post-diagnosis, mainly due to disease progression. AA amyloidosis was secondary to chronic infection in 7/12 (58%), 3/12 (25%) autoimmune diseases and in 2/12 (17%) unknown. Extrarenal involvement was less frequent, also mainly cardiac (3/12, 25%). 7/12 (58%) patients needed dialysis after a mean of 97 ± 117 months post-diagnosis and mortality was 58%, in mean 46 ± 66 months post-diagnosis, mainly due to acute infection. Two patients were diagnosed already on dialysis. Regarding ATTR amyloidosis, all patients had a positive genetic test, extrarenal involvement was very frequent (13/16, 81%), mostly cardiac and peripheric nervous system. No patients required dialysis during follow-up, and one patient died of unknown cause. Conclusion In our cohort, renal AL and AA amyloidosis had poor prognosis, with a high progression to ESKD and very significant mortality, irrespective of treatment. Conversely, ATTR amyloidosis patients had lower progression to dialysis and death, probably as a consequence of disease-modifying therapies instituted in recent years.

#2775 ERCOS multicenter Spanish study: clinical profile of patients with chronic kidney disease G3a-G5D and osteoporosis

Abstract Background and Aims Fracture risk evaluation has recently been integrated into the 2017 KDIGO CKD-MBD (Chronic Kidney Disease- Mineral and Bone Disorder) guideline and its 2021 Spanish endorsement. It is now suggested to test bone mineral density (BMD) to assess fracture risk “if results will impact treatment decisions”. In fact, multiple new prospective studies have now documented that lower BMD predicts incident fractures in patients with CKD G3a–G5D. However, we scarcely know current real clinical practice in this population. Thus, the aim of the ERCOS (“Enfermedad Renal Crónica OSteoporosis”) study was to describe the clinical profile of patients with CKD who had been diagnosed of osteoporosis in outpatient Nephrology and Rheumatology clinics in Spain. Method ERCOS is a descriptive, observational, and multicenter Spanish study. Patients were recruited by consecutive sampling from 15 different Spanish hospitals. Osteoporosis characteristics (history of fragility fracture, BMD and other fracture risk factors), associated comorbidities, biochemical parameters and treatment were analyzed. Results A total of 163 patients (median age 77 years old) were included. Most were women (71.2%) and 98.3% of them were postmenopausal. Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (87.1%) and “attributed” cause of CKD (43.2%). Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease were present in 35.6% and 29.4% of patients, respectively. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 36 ml/min/1.73 m2 [creatinine 1.48 mg/dl (95% CI 1,2-2)]. 38% of patients were G5D CKD patients (95.2% undergoing hemodialysis). 37.7% of patients had had a fragility fracture after the diagnosis of CKD (vertebral 52.5%, hip 24.6%, wrist 21.3%, humerus 16.4%, among others). Importantly, despite the diagnosis of osteoporosis, only 60.1% of the patients received specific treatment (mainly bisphosphonates or denosumab). Moreover, antiosteoporotic treatment was much more frequently prescribed by rheumatologists (46.9%), internal medicine physicians (23.5%), and only 13.3% was prescribed by nephrologists. 19.4% of patients suffered from fragility fractures even after initiating specific treatment. Conclusion Most patients with moderate and severe CKD with osteoporosis were old postmenopausal women with a high prevalence of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Although about 40% had even suffered a fragility fracture, there is a high treatment gap, especially relevant among nephrologists. A call to action and to avoid existing therapeutic nihilism seems necessary, expanding the knowledge of the new more proactive guidelines and homogenizing the care and therapeutic approach in these patients.

#927 Assessment of kidney function recovery post discharge in patients with acute kidney injury requiring dialysis during hospitalization

Abstract Background and Aims Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (AKI-D) is a serious medical condition that becomes increasingly common and associated with high rate of mortality. Identifying modifiable predictors of AKI-D patients’ outcomes will lead to better care and improve kidney and patient survival. This study aimed to assess long-term outcomes (ESRD, HD-independence, or death) of AKI-D patients after hospital discharge as well as to identify the clinical predictors of their outcomes. Method We followed 64 AKI-D patients who survived till hospital discharge and continued receiving dialysis treatment in outpatient dialysis center. Follow up continued for 6 months between January 2016 and December 2022 for patients discharged from Hamad General Hospital to receive dialysis in Fahd Ben Jassim Kidney center. All demographic data, patients’ comorbidities, hospital course, laboratory values and outpatient dialysis details were collected and analysed. Follow up of recovered patient was continued for 2 years either in nephrology or low clearance clinic. Results During follow up, 20 patients (31.3%) recovered enough kidney function to stop dialysis while 44 patients (68.7%) were declared as ESRD. The average time to recovery was 106 ± 81 days. No significant difference was noticed between both groups regard to patients’ age, gender or comorbidities. Recovered patients had more ICU admission rate compared to non-recovered patients (60% and 29.5% of patients respectively, p 0.028) and more use of vasopressors (p 0.002). Moreover, the recovered patients received significantly more dialysis sessions during hospital stay than non-recovered patients (p 0.009). Conclusion Close monitoring of AKI-D patients during ICU admission, use of vasopressors, and frequent dialysis sessions may facilitate recovery of kidney function. More research is needed to identify the modifiable predictors of AKI-D patients’ outcomes.

#1549 The effect of sglt2 inhibitors (dapaglifozin) on albuminuria in patients of diabetic nephropathy above standard of care

Abstract Background and Aims Albuminuria is the hallmark of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and progression of albuminuria denotes declining renal functions culminating in End Stage Renal Disease. Intensive blood glucose control (HbA1c &amp;lt;7%), intensive blood pressure control (&amp;lt;130/90 mmHg), blockade of Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) by Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i) and Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) constitute the standard line of care for treatment of DN with proteinuria. Sodium Glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are drugs are recently introduced for proteinuria reduction with no data available in this part of the world. Hence, I, observed the antiproteinuric effect of SGLT2i in patients who have type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with albuminuria and who are already on maximum doses of ACE-I or ARBs. My study population was on dapaglifozin due to easy availability and low cost. Method it is an observational study including patients who attended the out-patient clinic of Nephrology, at Medica Hospital, Kolkata between July 2022 to February 2023. Inclusion criteria: Exclusion criteria: Quantitative estimation of urine albumin was performed using the VITROS Chemistry Products mALB Reagent along with the VITROS Chemistry Products Calibrator Kit 24 on the VITROS 5,1 FS Chemistry System and the VITROS 5600 Integrated System. Blood sugar was measured by glucose oxidase method. eGFR by CKD EPI equation. Statistical Methodology Continuous variables were presented with mean and standard deviation and tested for normal distribution by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Categorical variables were summarized using frequency and percentages. For testing of related samples, Wilcoxon sign ranked test is used. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software with version 26.0. Results A total of 100 patients were included in the study, of which 3 patients were lost to follow up and 2 patients discontinued the study at 3 months due to fall in eGFR below 25 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 4 patients discontinued after 3 months because of fungal genital infections. After Dapaglifozin administration, a significant reduction in Urine Albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) was observed, by a percentage decrease of 37.3% (p&amp;lt;0.001) at 3 months and of 70.2% (p&amp;lt;0.001) at 6 months from baseline. Similarly, there was an acute reduction in eGFR from baseline. A percentage decrease by 5.16% (p&amp;lt;0.001) was observed at 3 months &amp; a decrease by 5.69% (p&amp;lt;0.001) at 6 months from baseline. Conclusion Conventional approaches reduce but have not been able to stop disease progression in Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). SGLT2i can protect against the onset of DKD, slow disease progression independently. They have an antiproteinuric effect in patients with diabetic nephropathy which was sustained throughout the follow-up period in my study. Studies have also shown that SGLT2i reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM and established cardiovascular disease. With the new results of EMPA-KIDNEY trial, SGLT2i are being used at even lower eGFR (&amp;lt;25 ml/min/1.73 m2 till on hemodialysis) and such vast health benefits, invention of SGLT2i are is a boon to the mankind.

#1625 Influence of polymorphisms in genes for interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 on dialysis patients survival

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic inflammation is an important non-traditional risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients with terminal kidney disease. Associated occurrence of malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis was observed in patients on dialyses and marked as MIA syndrome, a vicious circle in which pro inflammatory cytokines play a key role. It is known that there were individual differences in creation of cytokines, and it is assumed that polymorphisms in the promoter regions of cytokine genes can have a key role in the predisposition to chronic inflammation and its consequences. We investigated association between interleukin-6 -174 G&amp;gt;C, interleukin-10 -1082 G&amp;gt;A, inteleukin-10 -819 T&amp;gt;C genotypes with the survival of patients with terminal renal failure. Method In this study, a total of 128 patients were examined, 77 on the regular hemodialysis (HD) and 51 on the peritoneal dialysis (PD) program of the UKCS Nephrology Clinic in Belgrade. Age, gender, BMI, duration of HD/PD, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin and IL-6 and IL-10 concentration in serum were analyzed. Analysis of IL6 -174G&amp;gt;C and IL10 -819T&amp;gt;C polymorphisms was performed by the allele-specific PCR method, and analysis of the IL10 -1082G&amp;gt;A polymorphism by the PCR/RFLPs method. The patients were followed for 36 months and during that time 37 patients died. Results Univariate analysis showed that significant predictors of mortality were age (OR= 1.16,95%CI 1.061-1.269, p=0.001), albumin concentration (OR= 0.81, 95%CI 0.656-0.999, p=0.049), CRP (OR= 1.06, 95%CI 1003-1.124, p=0.039) and IL-6 (OR= 1.12, 95%CI 1.038-1.216, p=0.004), as well as IL-6176G&amp;gt;C gene polymorphism (OR= 0.82, 95%CI 0.097-0.805, p=0.018), while in multivariate logistic model separated only the concentration of IL-6 and the polymorphism in the gene for IL-6 -174 G&amp;gt;C. Estimated arithmetic mean of survival in subjects with the IL-6 -174GG genotype was 33.1 months (95%CI 30.8-35.3), GC 34.6 months (95% CI 33.6-35.7) and CC 26.1 (95% CI 20.0-32.2). There is statistically significant difference in survival time in relation to IL-6 -174 G&amp;gt;C genotype (chi-square=11.398; p=0.003). Estimated arithmetic mean survival in patients with the IL-10 -1082 GG genotype was 32.6 months (95% CI 30.5-35.2), in GA 31.5 (95% CI 29.2-33.8) and in AA 36.0 (95% CI 35.9-36.1). Exists statistically significant difference in survival time in relation to 1082G&amp;gt;A genotype (chi-square=9.669; p=0.008). Conclusion Monitoring of survival in 128 patients during 36 months showed that significant worse survival was experienced in patients with IL -6 -174 CC genotype, while polymorphisms in IL 10 gene-1082 G&amp;gt;A and -819T&amp;gt;C did not significantly affect survival. In this group of patients, beside IL-6-174 CC genotype, concentrations of IL-6, C reactive protein and albumin were significant predictors of mortality as well as Kt/V.