Nephrology Consultation Research Articles

Predictors of progression to chronic dialysis in survivors of severe acute kidney injury: a competing risk study.

BackgroundSurvivors of acute kidney injury are at an increased risk of developing irreversible deterioration in kidney function and in some cases, the need for chronic dialysis. We aimed to determine predictors of chronic dialysis and death among survivors of dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury.MethodsWe used linked administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, to identify patients who were discharged from hospital after an episode of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis and remained free of further dialysis for at least 90 days after discharge between 1996 and 2009. Follow-up extended until March 31, 2011. The primary outcome was progression to chronic dialysis. Predictors for this outcome were evaluated using cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models, and a competing risk approach was used to calculate absolute risk.ResultsWe identified 4 383 patients with acute kidney injury requiring temporary in-hospital dialysis who survived to discharge. After a mean follow-up of 2.4 years, 356 (8%) patients initiated chronic dialysis and 1475 (34%) died. The cumulative risk of chronic dialysis was 13.5% by the Kaplan-Meier method, and 10.3% using a competing risk approach. After accounting for the competing risk of death, previous nephrology consultation (subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) 2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61-2.58), a history of chronic kidney disease (sHR3.86; 95% CI 2.99-4.98), a higher Charlson comorbidity index score (sHR 1.10; 95% CI 1.05-1.15/per unit) and pre-existing hypertension (sHR 1.82; 95% CI 1.28-2.58) were significantly associated with an increased risk of progression to chronic dialysis.ConclusionsAmong survivors of dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury who initially become dialysis independent, the subsequent need for chronic dialysis is predicted by pre-existing kidney disease, hypertension and global comorbidity. This information can identify patients at high risk of progressive kidney disease who may benefit from closer surveillance after cessation of the acute phase of illness.

Characteristics, therapies, and factors influencing outcomes of hospitalized hypernatremic geriatric patients.

Hypernatremia is a common electrolyte disorder associated with adverse outcomes such as increased length of stay and mortality due to a variety of factors. Our aim was to investigate known factors as well as other variables which we had identified in hospitalized hypernatremic geriatric patients and their relationship to patient outcomes. A retrospective chart review of all adult hospitalized patients in a 4-month period with a serum sodium level >150 mmol/L was performed. Factors evaluated included use of a nephrology consultation, certain urine laboratory measures, fluids employed, rate of correction, and patient's level of care setting. Outcome measures included length of stay and mortality. The patient mortality rate was 52 %. Mean age was 79.6 years (n = 33), and mean initial sodium level was 152.6 mmol/L. Plasma and urine osmolality, and urine sodium concentration were checked in less than 25 % of patients. Fifteen of 18 patients in the ICU expired, whereas only 2 of 15 patients not in the ICU expired (p < 0.0004, OR 32.50, CI 95 % (4.68-225.54)). Of the 23 patients (70 %) who had their serum sodium level corrected, 11 were corrected in ≤3 days and 12 in >3 days, but this difference did not affect mortality rate (45 vs. 50 %, p = 0.99). The mortality rate was similar (60 %, p = 0.52) for those whose serum sodium level never corrected suggesting that correction did not influence outcomes. The fluids chosen for therapy of the hypernatremia were appropriate to the patients volume status. Five of 15 patients who received a nephrology consultation survived, while 11 of 18 patients without a nephrology consultation survived (p = 0.12). The mean length of stay was 25.0 ± 23.9 days and no different for those who expired versus those who survived (25.2 ± 21.2 vs. 24.8 ± 25.9 days, p = 0.96). Hypernatremia is associated with a poor prognosis, and outcomes are still disappointing despite appropriate rates of correction, intensive monitoring, and the involvement of a nephrologist. Strategies directed at avoidance of the development of hypernatremia and attention to concomitant disease may provide significant patient benefit.

The Daily Burden of Acute Kidney Injury: A Survey of US Nephrologists on World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day 2013 focused on raising awareness of the impact and consequences of acute kidney injury (AKI). Although many studies have examined rates of AKI in hospitalized patients, we were interested in the impact of AKI on the workload of nephrologists. Cross-sectional forced-choice internet-based survey. 598 survey respondents who were US-based nephrologist members of the American Society of Nephrology. Numbers of inpatients and outpatients seen on World Kidney Day 2013 for the management of AKI or other conditions (and specifically in-hospital renal replacement therapies [RRTs]), based on self-report of number/percentage of patients seen on World Kidney Day and in the prior year. Of 598 physician respondents (response rate, 12%), 310 saw patients in the hospital on World Kidney Day. Of 3,285 patients seen by respondents, 1,500 were seen for AKI (46%); 1,233, for end-stage renal disease (37%); and 552, for non-AKI/end-stage renal disease-related problems (17%). Of patients with AKI, 688 (46%) were in the intensive care unit and 415 (28%) received RRT. Intermittent hemodialysis was performed in 315 patients (76%) who received RRT. Delivered dialysis dose was quantified in only 48 (15%) of those receiving intermittent hemodialysis. 260 respondents saw 2,380 patients in the ambulatory setting, of whom 207 (9%) were seen for follow-up of AKI. There was a low response rate to the survey. Numbers of patients were self-reported. This is the first physician survey examining the care of patients and impact of AKI on current in-hospital and ambulatory nephrology practices. In our sample, AKI was the most common reason for in-hospital nephrology consultation. Furthermore, our findings point to significant areas in which improvement is needed, including inadequate quantification of dialysis delivered dose. Finally, our survey highlights that AKI is a major public health issue.

Características clínicas de los pacientes diabéticos que acuden por primera vez a una consulta nefrológica en hospitales públicos de Lima

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus es la principal causa de enfermedad renal crónica y se recomienda una referencia temprana al nefrólogo, ya que se ha reportado peores resultados en pacientes con referencia tardía. Objetivos: Determinar las características de los pacientes diabéticos en su primera consulta nefrológica. Diseño: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional y analítico. Lugar: Hospital Nacional 2 de Mayo, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión y Hospital María Auxiliadora. Participantes: Pacientes diabéticos. Intervenciones: Se estudió a los pacientes en su primera consulta nefrológica entre septiembre 2011 y febrero 2012. Para la descripción se utilizó porcentajes, frecuencias y desviaciones estándar. Principales medidas de resultados: Características clínicas de los pacientes diabéticos. Resultados: Se estudió 200 pacientes diabéticos, con tiempo de diagnóstico promedio de 12,9 años. El 73% recibió educación para autocuidados. El 40% refería que no tomaba sus medicamentos y 57% no seguía su dieta regularmente. El 70% era hipertenso con tiempo de diagnóstico promedio de 4,2 años; 36,5% era obeso, 52,8% sufría de dislipidemia, 10,5% tenía antecedente de enfermedad cardiovascular. El 81,5% refería no haber tenido una evaluación previa de la función renal. El 39,5% tenía hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c) &amp;gt;7%, 48,5% colesterol &amp;gt;200 mg/dL, 54,5% cLDL&amp;gt;100 mg/dL y 46,5% triglicéridos &amp;gt;150 mg/dL; 57% un tiempo de filtración glomerular&amp;lt;60 mL/min y 37% presentó albuminuria de 300 mg/d o más. Conclusiones: Casi la mitad de los pacientes no seguía las recomendaciones de autocuidados. Debido a los factores de riesgo cardiovascular involucrados en este grupo, se debería reforzar su educación.

Epidemiologic and clinical profile of patients at their first consultation with a nephrologist in Togo

To determine the clinical and epidemiologic profile of the source population of the only nephrology department in Togo, to guide the development of prevention. Prospective and descriptive cross-sectional study of all patients seen for the first time during the year 2012 in the department of nephrology and hemodialysis of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé. We analyzed the following data: medical specialty of the referring medical professional, the reason for consultation (RFC), demographic information, and the initial assessment. In 2012, 198 new patients were seen as outpatients in nephrology; their mean age was 51±18 years (16-82 years), and the sex ratio M/F 1.5. They were referred by a general practitioner in 97 cases (49%), a medical assistant in 19 (9.6%), a cardiologist in 23 (11.6%), and a nurse in 12 (6.1%); 7 (3.5%) came on their own initiative. The RFC was kidney failure for 145 patients (73.2%), nephrotic syndrome for 10 (5%), hypertension for 11 (5.6%), and polycystic kidney disease for 6 (3%). Mean serum creatinine at consultation was 90mg/L (15-398mg/L). Initial GFR was less than 15mL/min for 130 patients (89.7%), between 15 and 30mL/min for 9 (6.2%), and between 30 and 60mL/min for 6 (4.1%). Advanced-stage kidney failure is the main reason for nephrology consultations in Togo.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: 3D ultrasonographic diagnosis in premenarche

Abstract Introduction Uterine malformations are a heterogeneous group of congenital anomalies resulting from abnormal development of Mullerian ducts. Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome is a rare condition that includes the triad of uterus didelfus, blind hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. We report a case with premenarche diagnosis and treatment and make a review of the illness. Case report A premenarche 11 year old female was referred for pediatric nephrology and neurodevelopment consultation due to prenatal diagnosis of left renal agenesis. A pelvic ultrasound was performed and an anomalous uterus and a cystic pelvic mass was incidentally discovered. A 3D trans-rectal ultrasound identified a bicolis didelfus uterus and mucocolpos. A unidigital vaginal exam revealed a single cervix with soft bulging of the left apical vaginal wall. Using monopolar knife, an incision was done allowing drainage of the cavity. A part of the apical vaginal septum was removed and a normal cervix was seen. Comments A high degree of clinical suspicion is important for the diagnoses. 3D ultrasound or MRI are the imaging diagnostic exams of choice, helped by a careful bimanual pelvic examination. An early diagnosis is important to prevent chronic pelvic pain and perhaps severe endometriosis.

Inverse association between serum creatinine and mortality in acute kidney injury.

Sepsis is a leading precipitant of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and is associated with a high mortality rate. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for dialysis and mortality in a cohort of AKI patients of predominantly septic etiology. Adult patients from an ICU for whom nephrology consultation was requested were included. End-stage chronic renal failure and kidney transplant patients were excluded. 114 patients were followed. Most had sepsis (84%), AKIN stage 3 (69%) and oliguria (62%) at first consultation. Dialysis was performed in 66% and overall mortality was 70%. Median serum creatinine in survivors and non-survivors was 3.95 mg/dl (2.63 - 5.28) and 2.75 mg/dl (1.81 - 3.69), respectively. In the multivariable models, oliguria and serum urea were positively associated with dialysis; otherwise, a lower serum creatinine at first consultation was independently associated with higher mortality. In a cohort of septic AKI, oliguria and serum urea were the main indications for dialysis. We also described an inverse association between serum creatinine and mortality. Potential explanations for this finding include: delay in diagnosis, fluid overload with hemodilution of serum creatinine or poor nutritional status. This finding may also help to explain the low discriminative power of general severity scores - that assign higher risks to higher creatinine levels - in septic AKI patients.

Management of kidney disease in patients with diabetes in the primary care setting

AimsTo evaluate the performance of general practitioners (GPs) in the care of diabetic patients in areas represented or unrepresented by quality indicators. MethodsAn observational study in primary care practices. The study population was comprised of GPs who cared for 1799 patients with diabetes mellitus co-existing with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The performance of GPs was monitored twice during a 6-month interval using a regional computerized clinical data base according to the measurement and treatment of blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol level, proteinuria, hematuria, and anemia. ResultsThose parameters which were familiar to the GPs for several years as part of the Quality Indicators Program (QIP) were measured and treated at a high rate compared to parameters not included in the QIP. For example, measurement of blood pressure and testing for glycosylated hemoglobin were 99% and 98% respectively at the end point. In contrast the rate of performance of specific kidney disease-focused activities, such as referral of patients with proteinuria to nephrologic consultation was 36% at the end point. ConclusionGood performance in areas monitored by Quality Indicators does not imply good quality of care in other areas for the same patients. Attention should be paid to initiating activities to raise the awareness of GPs with respect to important health parameters which are not included in the Quality Indicators Program.

Recognition of CKD After the Introduction of Automated Reporting of Estimated GFR in the Veterans Health Administration

Early detection of CKD is important for slowing progression to renal failure and preventing cardiovascular events. Automated laboratory reporting of estimated GFR (eGFR) has been introduced in many health systems to improve CKD recognition, but its effect in large, United States-based health systems remains unclear. Using Veterans Affairs (VA) laboratory and administrative data, two nonoverlapping national cohorts of patients receiving care in VA medical centers before (n=66,323) and after (n=16,670) implementation of automated eGFR reporting between 2004 and 2010 were identified. Recognition was assessed by the presence of new CKD diagnostic codes, use of additional diagnostic testing, outpatient nephrology visits, or overall CKD recognition (receipt of at least one of these outcomes) for each patient during the 12-month period after their first eligible creatinine or eGFR laboratory result. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess change before and after automated eGFR reporting. Overall CKD recognition increased from 22.1% of veterans before eGFR reporting to 27.5% in the post-eGFR reporting period (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.27; P<0.001). Higher overall CKD recognition was driven largely by increased documentation of CKD diagnosis codes in medical records (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.41; P<0.001) and diagnostic testing for CKD (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.24; P<0.01) rather than outpatient nephrology consultation. Automated eGFR reporting was not associated with greater CKD recognition among black or older patients (P=0.07). Automated eGFR laboratory reporting improved documentation of CKD diagnoses but had no effect on nephrology consultation. These findings suggest that to advance CKD care, further strategies are needed to ensure appropriate follow-up evaluation to confirm and effectively evaluate CKD.

Predicting the Outcomes of Rhabdomyolysis

Predicting the Outcomes of Rhabdomyolysis

The impact of documentation of severe acute kidney injury on mortality

Aims: Modification of the mortality risk associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) necessitates recognition of AKI when it occurs. We sought to determine whether formal documentation of AKI in the medical record, assessed by billing codes for AKI, would be associated with improved clinical outcomes. Methods: Retrospective cohort study conducted at three hospitals within a single university health system. Adults without severe underlying kidney disease who suffered in-hospital AKI as defined by a doubling of baseline creatinine (n = 5,438) were included. Those whose AKI was formally documented according to discharge billing codes were compared to those without such documentation in terms of 30-day mortality. Results: Formal documentation of AKI occurred in 2,325 patients (43%). Higher baseline creatinine, higher peak creatinine, medical admission status, and higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were strongly associated with documentation of AKI. After adjustment for severity of disease, formal AKI documentation was associated with reduced 30-day mortality – OR 0.81 (0.68 – 0.96, p = 0.02). Patients with formal documentation were more likely to receive a nephrology consultation (31% vs. 6%, p < 0.001) and fluid boluses (64% vs. 45%, p < 0.001), and had a more rapid discontinuation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin-receptor blocker medications (HR 2.04, CI 1.69 – 2.46, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Formal documentation of AKI is associated with improved survival after adjustment for illness severity among patients with creatinine-defined AKI.

The British Columbia Nephrologists’ Access Study (BCNAS) – a prospective, health services interventional study to develop waiting time benchmarks and reduce wait times for out-patient nephrology consultations

BackgroundEarly referral and management of high-risk chronic kidney disease may prevent or delay the need for dialysis. Automatic eGFR reporting has increased demand for out-patient nephrology consultations and in some cases, prolonged queues. In Canada, a national task force suggested the development of waiting time targets, which has not been done for nephrology.MethodsWe sought to describe waiting time for outpatient nephrology consultations in British Columbia (BC). Data collection occurred in 2 phases: 1) Baseline Description (Jan 18-28, 2010) and 2) Post Waiting Time Benchmark-Introduction (Jan 16-27, 2012). Waiting time was defined as the interval from receipt of referral letters to assessment. Using a modified Delphi process, Nephrologists and Family Physicians (FP) developed waiting time targets for commonly referred conditions through meetings and surveys. Rules were developed to weigh-in nephrologists’, FPs’, and patients’ perspectives in order to generate waiting time benchmarks. Targets consider comorbidities, eGFR, BP and albuminuria. Referred conditions were assigned a priority score between 1-4. BC nephrologists were encouraged to centrally triage referrals to see the first available nephrologist. Waiting time benchmarks were simultaneously introduced to guide patient scheduling. A post-intervention waiting time evaluation was then repeated.ResultsIn 2010 and 2012, 43/52 (83%) and 46/57 (81%) of BC nephrologists participated. Waiting time decreased from 98(IQR44,157) to 64(IQR21,120) days from 2010 to 2012 (p = <.001), despite no change in referral eGFR, demographics, nor number of office hrs/wk. Waiting time improved most for high priority patients.ConclusionsAn integrated, Provincial initiative to measure wait times, develop waiting benchmarks, and engage physicians in active waiting time management associated with improved access to nephrologists in BC. Improvements in waiting time was most marked for the highest priority patients, which suggests that benchmarks had an influence on triaging behavior. Further research is needed to determine whether this effect is sustainable.

Nephrology Referral and Outcomes in Critically Ill Acute Kidney Injury Patients

BackgroundDelayed nephrology consultation (NC) seems to be associated with worse prognosis in critically ill acute kidney injury (AKI) patients.Design, Setting, Participants, & MeasurementsThe aims of this study were to analyze factors related with timing of NC and its relation with AKI patients' outcome in intensive care units of a tertiary hospital. AKI was defined as an increase ≥50% in baseline serum creatinine (SCr). Early NC and delayed NC were defined as NC performed before and two days after AKI diagnosis day. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity scores (PS) were used to adjust for confounding and selection biases. Hospital mortality and dialysis dependence on hospital discharge were the primary outcomes.ResultsA total of 366 AKI patients were analyzed and NCs were carried out in 53.6% of the patients. Hospital mortality was 67.8% and dialysis required in 31.4% patients (115/366). Delayed NCs (34%) occurred two days after AKI diagnosis day. This group presented higher mortality (OR: 4.04/CI: 1.60–10.17) and increased dialysis dependence (OR: 3.00/CI: 1.43–6.29) on hospital discharge. Four variables were retained in the PS model for delayed NC: diuresis (1000 ml/24 h - OR: 1.92/CI: 1.27–2.90), SCr (OR: 0.49/CI: 0.32–0.75), surgical AKI (OR: 3.67/CI: 1.65–8.15), and mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.82/CI: 1.06–7.44). After correction by PS, delayed NC was still associated with higher mortality (OR: 3.39/CI: 1.24–9.29) and increased dialysis dependence (OR: 3.25/CI: 1.41–7.51). Delayed NC was associated with increased mortality either in dialyzed patients (OR: 1.54/CI: 1.35–1.78) or non-dialyzed patients (OR: 2.89/CI: 1.00–8.35).ConclusionDelayed NC was associated with higher mortality and increased dialysis dependence rates in critically ill AKI patients at hospital discharge. Further studies are necessary to ascertain whether this effect is due to delayed nephrology intervention or residual confounding factors.

Mortalidad global en ancianos con hipertensión arterial: seguimiento prospectivo durante 6 años

IntroductionThe prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) in the elderly is high. Untreated hypertension can accelerate the rate of vascular aging. The aim of this study was to analyze, mortality, and the causes and predictors of mortality, in elderly patients with high BP and a 6-year follow-up. Patients and methodsA prospective, observational study was performed in 66 elderly patients with high BP, who were randomly recruited in Geriatrics and Nephrology consultations between January and April 2006 and were followed-up for 6 years (second evaluation between January and April, 2012). The mean age of the patients was 82.3±6 years (range, 69-97 year), and there were 50 women and 16 men. ResultsA total of 44 patients (66.6%) died during the 6-year follow-up. Among the known causes of mortality, the main cause was progressive deterioration in the patient's general health status (n=14), while less frequent causes were cardiovascular disease and stroke (n=9). No significant variations were found between survivors and nonsurvivors in the number of antihypertensive agents or in the types of drugs used in the baseline period, except for angiotensin II receptor blockers, which were less frequently used in nonsurvivors (P=.018).In the univariate analysis of the baseline characteristics, nonsurvivors were significantly older (P=.002), were mostly men (P=.006), had greater renal function impairment (P=.000), and higher levels of serum uric acid serum (SUA) (P=.000). In the multivariate Cox analysis, the only independent predictors of mortality were sex (P=.029) and SUA levels (P=.000). ConclusionsIn our cohort of hypertensive elderly patients, predictors of mortality were sex and SUA levels. The main cause of mortality was progressive deterioration in general health status.

Situación funcional y mental en ancianos con diferentes grados de filtrado glomerular

IntroductionFew studies have evaluated the functional and mental status of older persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not under dialysis. The aim of this study was to determine functional and mental status in a cohort of older patients with distinct degrees of renal function. MethodsA total of 54 clinically stable, older individuals were included (74.1% women) from geriatric and nephrology consultations. We established 2 groups according to levels of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated on the basis of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation: Group 1 (n=17: MDRD≥60ml/min) and group 2 (n=37: MDRD<60ml/min).Mental and functional status were analyzed in a cross section between January and April, 2008 in older patients attending consultations since 2006. We registered demographic information, renal function parameters, antecedents of vascular disease, and the type of antihypertensive treatment. We analyzed the results of the Barthel Index (BI) and the mini–mental state examination (MMSE). The statistical analysis was carried out with the SPSS 11.0 program. ResultsThere were no significant differences in vascular comorbidities or antihypertensive treatment. MMSE scores were lower in group 2 (22.62±10) than in group 1 (28.4±4) (P=.010). No differences were found in functional status between the 2 groups. The results of the BI and the MMSE showed no correlations with renal function parameters. The results of the Barthel Index correlated with those of the MMSE (r=.74; P=.000). The results of the MMSE were inversely correlated with age (r=−0.27; P=.047). ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest a possible association between renal disease and cognitive deterioration in older individuals.

Debate: Local governance in a clinical setting—a void that needs live conversations

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Additional informationNotes on contributorsNadeem MoghalNadeem Moghal is a consultant paediatric nephrologist, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, UK.

A case of IgA nephropathy associated with mycosis fungoides that developed into rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis

A 53-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and initiated treatment with a local dermatologist in February 2001. A routine medical check-up revealed proteinuria, microscopic hematuria and slight elevation of serum creatinine level in spring 2006. He was referred to our hospital for nephrology consultation and followup.In December 2009, he developed a sudden high fever of greater than 39 °C with sore throat. In addition, his serum creatinine level greatly increased to 4.6 mg/dl. His prevalent renal illness was thought to be rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). Soon after admission, kidney and skin biopsies were performed. The kidney specimens showed that the glomeruli had proliferative mesangial cells strongly positive for anti-IgA antibody, 75% of which manifested fibrocellular crescentic formation surrounding the Bowman's capsules. His skin disease was pathologically proven to be mycosis fungoides(MF). It is likely that his kidney disease was exacerbated by the upper respiratory tract infection and converted to RPGN. Ash is kidney function rapidly declined, hemodialysis therapy was initiated and he remains on chronic dialysis therapy. This is a serious case of IgA nephropathy associated with MF,which developed into RPGN and subsequent end-stage renal disease.

Serology for hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis in the initial evaluation of diabetes patients referred for an external nephrology consultation.

Information is available regarding the prevalence and incidence of positive microbiological serology results both in the general population and in patients on haemodialysis in Spain. Nevertheless, little information is known regarding patients with diabetes attended in external nephrology consultations. To evaluate the percentage of patients with positive serology results for hepatitis B and C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and syphilis in the initial assessment of patients referred to diabetic nephropathy external consultations. Retrospective study of 500 patients assessed over the course of 5 years with the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy originating in external consultations and for which hepatitis B, C, HIV, and syphilis serology had been requested. With regard to hepatitis B virus, 0.4% of patients had chronic hepatitis B, 10.2% had overcome the hepatitis and were in recovery, and 4.2% had received the hepatitis B vaccine. As for hepatitis C, 2.4% of the patients studied had antibodies against hepatitis C. With regard to syphilis, 0.8% of patients had positive serological results. No patients had positive HIV serology results. Despite major methodological limitations, this would be the first study to evaluate the microbiological serology of diabetic nephropathy patients treated in external consultations.

The Impact of Integrating Nephrologists into the Postoperative Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: A Cohort Study

Background/Aims: We evaluated the potential preventive effect of Nephrology On-Site (i.e. nephrologists integrated into the postoperative cardiac intensive care unit, ICU, team) versus Nephrology On-Demand (i.e. nephrology consultation depending on intensivist criteria) in the ICU on in-hospital outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes during 2 consecutive time periods: from March 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010 with Nephrology On-Demand, and from March 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011 with Nephrology On-Site. Adult patients admitted to the postoperative cardiac ICU in an academic hospital in Mexico City were eligible. Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 or minimally invasive procedures were excluded. Results: We analyzed 1,096 patients, 558 and 538 in the respective periods. The patients were 52.4 ± 16.2 years old, 56.1% were males, 17.2% had diabetes and 37.6% had hypertension. Further, the patients' median Euroscore was 5 (3-5) and their median Thakar score was 3 (2-4). With Nephrology On-Site, we observed a lower incidence of acute kidney injury [AKI; 25.7 vs. 31.9%, p = 0.02; adjusted OR 0.71 (0.53-0.95), p = 0.02], lower in-hospital mortality among patients with severe AKI [34.1 vs. 55.9%, p = 0.06; adjusted OR 0.33 (0.12-0.95), p = 0.04] and higher renal recovery [61.0 vs. 35.3%, p = 0.03; adjusted OR 3.57 (1.27-10.11), p = 0.02]. No differences were found in the length of stay at the ICU and mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Integrating nephrologists into the postoperative cardiac ICU team was associated with a lower incidence of AKI. Patients who developed severe AKI had lower in-hospital mortality and higher renal recovery.

Incidence Rate, Clinical Correlates, and Outcomes of AKI in Patients Admitted to a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Incidence of AKI in hospitalized patients with cancer is increasing, but reports are scant. The objective of this study was to determine incidence rate, clinical correlates, and outcomes of AKI in patients admitted to a cancer center. Cross-sectional analysis of prospectively collected data on 3558 patients admitted to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center over 3 months in 2006. Using modified RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, ESRD) criteria, 12% of patients admitted to the hospital had AKI, with severity in the Risk, Injury, and Failure categories of 68%, 21%, and 11%, respectively. AKI occurred in 45% of patients during the first 2 days and in 55% thereafter. Dialysis was required in 4% of patients and nephrology consultation in 10%. In the multivariate model, the odds ratio (OR) for developing AKI was significantly higher for diabetes (OR, 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-2.36), chemotherapy (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.26-2.05), intravenous contrast (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 3.51-5.89), hyponatremia (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.57-2.47), and antibiotics (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.15-2.02). In patients with AKI, length of stay (100%), cost (106%), and odds for mortality (4.7-fold) were significantly greater. The rate of AKI in patients admitted to a comprehensive cancer center was higher than the rate in most noncancer settings; was correlated significantly with diabetes, hyponatremia, intravenous contrast, chemotherapy, and antibiotics; and was associated with poorer clinical outcomes. AKI developed in many patients after admission. Studies are warranted to determine whether proactive measures may limit AKI and improve outcomes.