Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Research Articles

Effects of initial peritoneal dialysis prescription on clinical outcomes in Japanese peritoneal dialysis patients: a cohort study

Effects of the initial peritoneal dialysis (PD) prescription on clinical outcomes are unknown in Japan. We conducted a cohort study using data from Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. The patients were divided into two groups by the volume of the initial PD prescription (≤ 4 L/day or > 4 L/day). Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards survival models were used to model the association between different PD prescriptions and the clinical outcomes. The outcomes included transfer to HD, mortality, the composite of mortality and transfer to HD, peritonitis, hospitalization, and the patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Of the 342 patients, 98 were prescribed ≤ 4 L/day, and 244 were prescribed > 4 L/day. Patients prescribed ≤ 4 L/day were older with a lower percentage being male, had more cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease but lower diabetes prevalence, were more likely to be receiving CAPD, used more assisted PD, and had lower BMI and mean serum creatinine levels. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of transfer to HD, mortality, transfer to HD or mortality, hospitalization, incidence of peritonitis, and PROs. Patients with initial PD prescriptions of ≤ 4 L/day compared to > 4 L/day had similar clinical outcomes. This practice may provide health economic benefits in Japan.

Comparative iron management in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients: a systematic review

BackgroundPatients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis often suffer from anemia. Iron deficiency, along with a shortage in erythropoietin, is a common cause. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients may have a different iron metabolism compared to hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aims to compare both dialysis modalities regarding their differences in iron management.MethodsPubMed (MEDLINE) and Embase were screened for randomized controlled trials and observational studies including both patients on HD or PD with information on iron management. Outcomes for iron management for this systematic review included: prevalence of supplementation, route of administration, dose, frequency and hemoglobin and iron status parameters.Results15 eligible studies (930,436 patients), of which 8 cohort and 7 cross-sectional, were analyzed. The prevalence of intravenous (IV) iron supplementation ranged from 11.7% to 84.4% in HD patients, compared to 1.6% to 49.0% in PD patients. Ten studies reported that HD patients only received IV iron, while five studies reported this for PD patients. For oral iron supplementation, three studies involved HD patients, whereas seven studies involved PD patients. The cumulative monthly IV iron dose ranged from 108 to 750 mg in the HD group, compared to 65 to 250 mg in the PD group. Hemoglobin levels ranged from 10.0 to 12.0 g/dL in HD patients, versus 9.6 to 11.9 g/dL in PD patients.ConclusionIron management differs between HD and PD patients, with HD patients receiving higher doses and more frequent IV iron. There was significant heterogeneity in the outcomes between the studies, primarily due to the lack of a uniform global policy on iron management. Despite these differences, hemoglobin levels and iron status parameters were comparable between the two groups. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms and broader impacts of iron treatment, including patient-reported outcomes, to optimize anemia management and improve quality of life for dialysis patients.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022336970.

Delaying treatment for peritonitis could be related to longer hospitalization in patients on peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Background When peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis occurs in PD patients, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should be started as soon as possible. However, medical attention may be delayed in patients experiencing minimal symptoms with cloudy PD fluid (PDF). This study investigated differences between the first and later episodes of peritonitis and relationships between interval from peritonitis onset to attending hospital and both duration of hospitalization and medical expenses. Methods We retrospectively investigated 36 patients with multiple episodes of PD-related peritonitis among 125 patients receiving PD therapy from January 2016 during a 6-year period at a single center. Results In 50 episodes of PD-related peritonitis among outpatients, median interval from recognition of cloudy PDF to hospital visit was 4.0 h (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0–12.0 h). With the first episode of peritonitis, the median interval was 8.5 h (IQR 3.6–18.0 h), improving to 2.0 h (IQR2.0–3.3 h) with second and subsequent episodes of peritonitis after patients were provided with education in PD-related issues. Median duration of hospitalization associated with PD-related peritonitis was 16.0 days (IQR 14–22 days) when the interval to hospital visit was < 6 h, significantly shorter than the 20 days (IQR 16–39 days) when the interval from the patient recognizing peritonitis to hospital visit was ≥ 6 h. Conclusions Our results suggest that delaying the hospital visit might lead to longer duration of hospitalization, suggesting that effective educational approaches might be warranted to change behaviors during initial peritonitis.

Influence of Inflammation on Red Blood Cell Lifespan in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background and hypothesis: Renal anemia is linked to a decreased lifespan of red blood cells. The factors influencing red blood cell lifespan (RBCLS) in peritoneal dialysis patients, particularly the connection between inflammation and RBCLS, are still not well understood. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate these relationships. Methods: Patients who had been undergoing peritoneal dialysis for more than 3 months were selected for this study. The carbon monoxide exhalation method was used to detect the life span of red blood cells. The patients were then divided into two groups based on whether the RBCLS was shorter than 75 days. General information, anemia-related indicators, and other laboratory indicators along with their treatment were compared between the two groups. The different indicators were then included in a logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors that influence the shortening of RBCLS. Results: A cohort of 59 peritoneal dialysis patients was examined, revealing a median RBCLS of 88 days. Of these patients, 39 exhibited a normal RBCLS, while 20 had a shortened lifespan. A comparison of the two groups indicated that patients with a shorter RBCLS exhibited lower levels of PD vintage (29.5 vs. 56.0, p = 0.031), albumin (34.62 ± 3.01 vs. 37.41 ± 3.60, p = 0.004), cholesterol (4.02 ± 0.54 vs. 4.55 ± 1.21, p = 0.026), and low-density cholesterol (2.19 ± 0.43 vs. 2.75 ± 0.87, p = 0.002), and a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (3.05 vs. 2.61, p = 0.026) compared to those with a normal RBCLS. The logistic regression results indicated that PD vintage (OR 0.976, CI 0.958–0.999), albumin (OR 0.668, CI 0.514–0.867), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 0.046, CI 0.002–0.953), and NLR (OR 1.792, CI 1.016–3.162) were identified as independent risk factors influencing the shortening of RBCLS. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia, low LDL, and high NLR in peritoneal dialysis patients are identified as independent risk factors associated with a shortened RBCLS. Key learning points: RBCLS is reduced in both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood, a simple and readily available laboratory indicator, can reflect the inflammatory status. This study adds: Nutritional status (albumin and LDL) and inflammatory status (NLR) are significant factors that impact the lifespan of red blood cells in peritoneal dialysis patients. Potential impact: This study presents novel findings on the relationship between chronic inflammation and RBCLS in patients with chronic kidney disease, highlighting the need for additional research in this area.

Effects of shared decision-making on the prognosis of peritoneal dialysis patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients face critical decisions in choosing kidney replacement therapy such as hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD), which significantly affect their quality of life and health outcomes. Recent studies highlight the importance of shared decision-making (SDM) in helping patients understand their treatment options and make informed choices. SDM not only improves patient satisfaction and autonomy but also emphasizes the need for comprehensive pre-dialysis education to support optimal treatment selection. Methods: Among patients with chronic kidney failure from 8 hospitals in Korea who started dialysis, 256 who participated in a pilot project for home management of PD were included in the present study. A mixed-methods study was conducted using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Our study focused on the effects of SDM on patient death, survival rate, HD conversion, emergency room visits, hospitalization days, and outpatient visits. Results: A significant difference was observed in hospitalization days (P = .0044) between the SDM and non-SDM groups. However, no significant differences were observed in survival rate, rate of conversion to HD, survival rate after conversion to HD, emergency room visit rate, number of hospitalizations per patient, outpatient visit rate, medical cost, hospitalization cost, outpatient cost, and phosphate-binding agent prescription rate. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the benefits of SDM in reducing hospitalization days for PD patients, suggesting its potential role as a guide in future decisions regarding PD. PD provides a particularly beneficial home-based treatment alternative for patients facing challenges with hospital visits, supported by advanced technologies. Overseas, various countries are implementing policies and incentives to promote home dialysis, demonstrating the potential for SDM to enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes in dialysis care globally.

Financial toxicity in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Objective: To investigate financial toxicity (FT) and the factors influencing it in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. From August 2023 to December 2023, 148 PD patients were selected for investigation. The selection was conducted using the convenience sampling method across Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Patients’ financial toxicity was assessed using a general demographic questionnaire, laboratory test results, and the Comprehensive Score for financial Toxicity-Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT). T-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s chi-squared test and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the predictors of FT in patients with PD. Results: Seventy-nine patients (53.38%) had mild FT, and 61 patients (41.21%) had moderate FT. Age, working status, monthly household income per capita, and PD-related complications were significantly associated with FT in PD patients (P < 0.05). Conclusions: There were varying degrees of FT in PD patients. Measuring FT can help medical professionals develop treatment care strategies, reduce the financial burden on patients, and avoid treatment interruption.

Association of inflammatory cytokines with mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients

Association of inflammatory cytokines with mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients

Current status and influencing factors of kinesiophobia in patients with peritoneal dialysis: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundKinesiophobia, an irrational fear-avoidance behaviour, can significantly impact the quality of life and prognosis of peritoneal dialysis patients. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of kinesiophobia in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and to analyse its influencing factors.MethodsA total of 291 patients who visited the outpatient and ward of peritoneal dialysis in 7 tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province from December 2023 to March 2024 were selected as research subjects via the convenience sampling method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general data questionnaire, the Tampa Kinesiophobia-11 Scale, the Chinese Version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Scale, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire.ResultsThe score obtained using the Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia in patients with peritoneal dialysis was 22.44 ± 7.46, with a prevalence rate of 69.1%. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that no complications, daily exercise before illness, and positive coping styles were protective factors (p < 0.05), whereas fatigue and negative coping styles were risk factors for kinesiophobia in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of kinesiophobia in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis was high but at a mild level. Medical staff should combine influencing factors to identify high-risk groups as early as possible, formulate targeted interventions to reduce the occurrence of kinesiophobia and mitigate adverse effects on peritoneal dialysis patients.

Risk factors, management and outcomes for peritoneal dialysis access damage

Objectives: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) access damage is an uncommon complication of PD. This study aimed to describe the characteristics, management and outcomes of PD access damage. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who suffered from PD access damage between January 2018 and January 2024 at the PD Center of West China Hospital. Patient characteristics and access damage information were collected from medical records. Results: A total of 128 PD patients without PD access damage were included in the control group. A total of 45 patients (51% male; aged 58 ± 14 years) suffered from 49 cases of PD access damage. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that previous peritonitis [odds ratio (OR) 3.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56 to 9.94] and assisted PD (OR 4.20; 95% CI 1.25 to 14.12) were risk factors, while catheter belt use (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.44) and training frequency per year (0.34; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.64) were protective factors against PD access damage. Managements included cutting and repairing (N = 24), transfer set replacement (N = 11), catheter removal (N = 9) and catheter replacement (N = 4). Thirty-nine patients continued with PD after access repair and were followed up for a median of 35 months. The repaired access functioned well during follow-up. Conclusions: In conclusion, to avoid PD access damage, catheter belt and routine retraining are recommended. Once PD access damage is identified, patients should clamp the catheter, take prophylactic antibiotics and resort to the treatment team. The treatment team should evaluate PD access and handle it according to a clinical protocol.

Colostomy formation in a peritoneal dialysis patient.

This case report discusses the complex management of a 46-year-old man with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus, stage 5 chronic kidney disease, and severe neuropathic complications, which led to bilateral leg amputations. The patient experienced persistent diarrhea due to diabetic neuropathy, significantly impairing his daily functioning. Despite transitioning from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis, the diarrhea persisted. A colostomy was subsequently performed, which, although it did not completely resolve the diarrhea, allowed for better control, improving the patient's self-care and independence. Notably, the catheter exit site was maintained on the opposite side of the abdomen. Despite initial concerns about the feasibility of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patients with stomas, including the challenges of creating a stoma in patients with an existing PD catheter, this case demonstrates the successful continuation of PD following a colostomy. Traditionally, intestinal stomas have been viewed as a relative contraindication to PD due to risks such as leakage and infection. However, current guidelines recommend using extended catheters with a presternal exit site to minimize these risks. The patient's quality of life improved significantly after the colostomy, with no major complications observed during follow-up. This report underscores the importance of tailoring treatment to individual patient needs, balancing risks with potential well-being benefits, and highlights the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration and adherence to best practices. Given the limited literature on PD in patients with intestinal stomas, this case contributes valuable clinical insights for future management.

Diuretics and mortality reduction in incident dialysis patients: a two-year observational study

Fluid overload predicts morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Diuretics can reduce fluid overload, but their effects on morbi-mortality following inception remain ill-defined. To determine whether diuretics reduce mortality and hospitalization rates in incident dialysis patients in the first 2 years after inception. Adult patients starting dialysis between 2009 and 2015 in the REIN registry were matched with the SNDS database and divided into four subgroups according to loop diuretics exposure: < 5%, 5–50%, 50–80% or > 80% over the observation period of each patient. The incidence of hospitalization was described based on the primary diagnoses of the discharge summaries and codes. In this study, which included 67,736 patients, 53,829 (79.5%) who had varying degrees of diuretic exposure exhibited a significantly lower mortality rate at 2 years compared to those without diuretic exposure (24.8% [95% CI 24.4–25.2], vs 37.5% [95% CI 36.7–38.3] respectively). However, the duration of diuretic exposure significantly impacted outcomes. The all-cause mortality rate at two years was highest in the group with ≥ 80% exposure (68.2% [95% CI 67.3–69.1]), followed by those with 50–80% exposure (15.7% [95% CI 15.0–16.4]), and those with 5–50% exposure (6.6% [95% CI 6.3–7.0]). An inverse probability weighting (IPW) propensity score analysis supported these findings. Stratified analyses showed consistent results regardless of a history of congestive heart failure and were similar for both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Additionally, the number of hospitalizations and length of stay were generally higher in the group with the longest exposure to loop diuretics. Diuretic exposure was generally associated with a lower mortality rate in dialysis patients. However, prolonged exposure (≥ 80%) was linked to an increased risk of mortality and hospitalization. This prolonged exposure may indicate residual diuresis at the cost of chronic fluid overload.

Comparative analysis of gut microbiota in incident and prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients with peritoneal fibrosis, correlations with peritoneal equilibration test data in the peritoneal fibrosis cohort.

The connection between peritoneal function and gut microbiota in peritoneal fibrosis (PF) patients remains uncertain. Peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was employed to evaluate peritoneal function in patients with peritoneal fibrosis (PF). 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut flora in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) and PF groups, identifying differential microbial communities. Spearman's correlation analysis, conducted using SPSS 26.0, was employed to explore the microbial associations with PF. In the PF group, the PET showed a 4-h dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio (D/PCr) ratio of 0.62 ± 1.01 and a 4-h ultrafiltration (UF) volume of 41.73 ± 76.71 mL with a 2.5% glucose dwell. The alpha diversity between the PD and PF groups did not exhibit a significant difference. The PD and PF groups were predominantly composed of Firmicutes, Tenericutes, and Ignavibacteriae. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfse) analysis indicates that the Firmicutes, Lactobacillales, and Bacilli were significantly enriched in the PD group, whereas Lachnospiraceae, Phenylobacterium, and Caulobacteraceae were enriched among the PF group. The functional prediction of gut microbiota genes revealed variations in metabolic pathways related to lipid transport, energy metabolism, and post-translational protein modifications between the two cohorts. In the PF group, Ignavibacteriae and Bdellovibrio correlated positively with the 4-h D/PCr ratio (p <0.05), while Prevotella negatively correlated with the 4-h UF from 2.5% glucose dwell (p <0.05). The intestinal microbiota of patients newly initiated on peritoneal dialysis significantly differs from that of those with long-term peritoneal dialysis complicated by peritoneal fibrosis, with the latter's peritoneal function potentially linked to Prevotella, Ignavibacteriae, and Bdellovibrio.

Case report: Peritonitis caused by Pantoea agglomerans from pet dog exposure in peritoneal dialysis.

Peritonitis caused by Pantoea agglomerans is a rare occurrence in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Cases potentially linked to pet dogs are even rarer, and there is limited literature available. A patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis presented with symptoms of peritonitis, including abdominal pain and cloudy dialysis fluid. Microbiological analysis identified P agglomerans as the causative organism. The patient was treated with targeted antibiotic therapy and showed a positive response. During a subsequent medical interview, it was revealed that the patient had close contact with their pet dog, raising the possibility that the infection may have been associated with this exposure. This case highlights the importance of considering zoonotic transmission as a potential source of infection in peritoneal dialysis patients, particularly when there is close contact with pets. Healthcare providers should educate patients about the potential risks posed by pets and implement preventive strategies to mitigate such risks.

Impact of Peritoneal Neutrophil Extracellular Traps on Peritoneal Characteristics and Technical Failure in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective home therapy for end-stage kidney disease. However, continuous exposure to PD fluids with high glucose concentration and recurrent peritonitis may lead to the activation of cellular and molecular processes of peritoneal damage, including inflammation and fibrosis. In particular, recent studies have highlighted the role of neutrophils in chronic inflammation. This study explores how neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) affect peritoneal membrane function and contribute to technical failures in PD patients. We conducted a prospective observational study involving 250 non-infectious and 30 acute peritonitis patients. NETs were measured using nucleosome and myeloperoxidase DNA levels in PD fluids. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) were also measured to assess peritoneal inflammation and damage. A significant increase in peritoneal NETs, as determined by nucleosome and myeloperoxidase DNA levels, was observed in patients with acute peritonitis compared to patients without peritonitis. Even in non-infectious samples, NET levels were widely distributed and closely correlated with levels of MCP-1 and MMP-8. Higher levels of peritoneal NETs were closely associated with increased 4-hour dialysate/peritoneal (D/P) creatinine ratio and 1-hour D/P sodium levels, indicating a higher prevalence of fast transport and limited free water transport. These factors were associated with a higher risk of technical failure. During a mean follow-up of 34 months, 39.2% (98 patients) switched from PD to hemodialysis, with higher NET levels significantly increasing the risk by 1.9 times (95% confidence interval 1.27-2.83, p=0.020). This study suggests the importance of peritoneal NETs not only as markers of acute inflammation but also as significant immunological predictors of chronic peritoneal membrane inflammation and dysfunction, and as potential risk factors for technical failure.

A predictive model based on serum bicarbonate for cardiovascular events after initiation of peritoneal dialysis

Background The risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is high, but varies widely among individuals. Metabolic acidosis is prevalent in PD patients and may be involved in the development of CVEs. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum bicarbonate as a risk factor and derive a model of new CVE. Methods A predictive model was established by performing an observational study in 187 PD patients obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The variables were extracted using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and the modeling was developed using multivariable Cox regression. Results Left ventricular hypertrophy (HR = 1.965, 95%CI 1.086–3.557) and history of CVEs (HR = 2.435, 95%CI 1.342–4.49) were risk parameters for a new CVE. Serum albumin (HR = 0.924, 95%CI 0.864–0.989) and bicarbonate levels (HR = 0.817, 95%CI 0.689–0.969) were protective parameters, in which the risk of CVEs was reduced by 7.6% and 18.3% for each 1-unit increase in serum albumin (g/L) and bicarbonate (mmol/L) levels, respectively. A nomogram based on the above predictive indicators was proposed with a C-statistic of 0.806, indicating good discrimination. Moreover, it successfully stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. Conclusions: We performed a risk prediction model for the development of CVEs in patients with PD, which may help physicians to evaluate the risk of new CVEs and provide a scientific basis for further interventions. Further studies are needed to externally validate current risk models before clinical application.

The contact system in chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis – A cross-sectional study

Background and hypothesisThe contact system (CAS) is a part of both the immune system and the coagulation system. The involvement of the CAS in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis (HD) has been documented, yet conflicting findings have hindered a comprehensive understanding. This study aimed to investigate whether CAS activation occurs in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing HD compared with those undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), patients with CKD not receiving replacement therapy, or healthy controls and to assess the impact of HD on CAS from pre- to post-dialysis during a single session of HD. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, blood samples from HD patients (n = 106), PD patients (n = 40), CKD patients (n = 60), and healthy control subjects (n = 80) were analyzed. The levels of CAS components, including factor XII, prekallikrein, high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK), cleaved HK (cHK), and C1-inhibitor, and functional kallikrein generation were determined. Among HD patients, CAS measures were evaluated both pre- and post-dialysis. Linear regression models and linear mixed models were employed to analyze associations and changes. ResultsHD patients had altered levels of prekallikrein, factor XII, and cHK compared with PD patients, CKD patients, and the healthy control group. Moreover, HD patients demonstrated increased levels of C1-inhibitor and reduced functional kallikrein generation, a pattern also observed in PD patients and, to a lesser degree, in CKD patients when compared with healthy controls. Notably, no CAS activation was detected during HD. ConclusionsImpaired kidney function, especially in patients undergoing HD or PD, was associated with reduced functional kallikrein generation and altered levels of CAS components, implying continuous CAS activation in CKD. There was no indication of significant activation of factor XII-mediated CAS during HD. The role of CAS in CKD, independently of dialysis, should be addressed in future research.

A Comparison between Severity-dependent Protocol and Fixed Dose Regimen of Oral Vitamin D Supplementation on Correction of Hypovitaminosis D among Dialysis Patients

Low vitamin D status is associated with either low muscle mass or impaired muscle function in dialysis patients. However, there is no consensus on how best to correct hypovitaminosis D, defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level <30 ng/mL, in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This study investigated the effect of different vitamin D supplementation regimens on sarcopenia outcomes in dialysis patients. This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. ESKD patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) with low vitamin D status on a ratio of 1:1, randomized to either receive oral ergocalciferol utilizing a severity-dependent treatment protocol for low vitamin D status suggested by the K/DOQI as a control group, or a fixed-dose regimen of 20,000 international units (IU)/week. The changes in muscle mass were measured by bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), muscle strength was assessed by a hand grip dynamometer, physical performance was determined by gait speed, and muscle-related biomarkers were examined. A total of 76 dialysis patients were randomized (HD=43.4%). Baseline characteristics, including age, dialysis vintage, and muscle parameters were similar. After supplementation, the average serum 25(OH)D levels in the severity-dependent and fixed-dose groups were significantly elevated from 14.5±7.3 to 27.2±13.2 ng/mL, p<0.001 and from 15.1±6.4 to 28.8±11.5 ng/mL, p<0.001, respectively, and did not differ between groups at six months (p=0.60). Despite comparable energy and protein intake, the mean BIS-derived total-body muscle mass normalized to height squared was significantly increased at six months in the fixed-dose group (14.5±3.3 to 15.3±3.0 kg/m2, p=0.03) compared with the severity-dependent protocol (13.5±2.7 to 13.7±2.9 kg/m2, p=0.58). In the subgroup analysis, muscle mass improvement was statistically elevated in PD patients (p=0.01) while unaltered among HD patients (p=0.88) in the fixed-dose group. Muscle strength, gait speed, and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 level, as the mediators of muscle cell growth, were not different between the two groups at six months (p>0.05). Neither hypercalcemia nor hyperphosphatemia was found throughout the study. A fixed-dose ergocalciferol supplementation demonstrates similar performance in the correction of low vitamin D status but better muscle mass improvement than a severity-dependent protocol among ESKD patients. Regular dosing intervals of weekly vitamin D supplementation appear to be a promising treatment for sarcopenia among patients undergoing dialysis.

The Associations Between Nutrition and Circulating Gut Microbiota-Derived Uremic Toxins in Patients Undergoing Kidney Replacement Therapy: an Observational, Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundGut microbiota generates a series of bioactive metabolites that can be converted into uremic toxins such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), p-cresyl sulfate (pCS), and indoxyl sulfate (IS). The aim of the study was to examine the association between diet and the concentrations of the mentioned gut microbiota-derived uremic toxins. MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted involving 210 participants: 84 hemodialysis (HD) patients, 44 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, 52 kidney transplant recipients (KTR), and 30 healthy controls. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day food diary and a food frequency questionnaire with 6 answers (FFQ-6). The alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED) score was calculated based on data obtained from the 3-day food diary and FFQ-6. Blood samples were analyzed for TMAO, pCS, and IS concentrations using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ResultsSignificant differences in TMAO, pCS, and IS concentrations were observed among the study groups. HD and PD patients exhibited higher levels of these metabolites compared to KTR and healthy controls. The median aMED score was 4 (3−5) points in the HD group, 4.5 (4−6) points in the PD group, 5 (4−6) points in the KTRs, and 6 (5−7) points in the control group. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (aMED score) was associated with lower pCS levels in dialysis patients. Vegetable intake several times a day was found to mitigate the effects of phenylalanine and tyrosine intake on pCS concentration among dialysis patients. ConclusionsThe diet of patients undergoing kidney replacement therapy (KRT) significantly affects the concentrations of gut microbiota-derived uremic toxins. These findings highlight the importance of dietary management in mitigating the adverse effects of these toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Effect of Time Interval and Frequency of Hospitalization Because of Fluid Overload on Survival in Peritoneal Dialysis: Thailand Experience.

Fluid overload (FO) is common and linked to high mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study evaluates the impact of the time interval and frequency of FO-related hospitalizations on mortality and patient survival rates in PD patients. Data from PD patients voluntarily registered in the Database of Peritoneal Dialysis in EXcel (DPEX) was reviewed. We included patients who started PD between January 2008 and December 2018, had a history of FO-related hospitalizations after starting PD, and were followed until December 2020 or death. We analyzed the time interval to the first FO-related hospitalization after starting PD, the number of such hospitalizations, and the cumulative FO-free time. Mortality and patient survival rates were calculated, and multiple Cox regression identified factors associated with mortality. Among 1,858 patients hospitalized due to FO, those hospitalized within 12 months of starting PD or with less than 12 months of cumulative FO-free time had high mortality rates of 38.8 and 40.3 per 100 patient-years, respectively. One-year survival rates were 70.1% for those with a time to first FO-related hospitalization within 12 months of starting PD and 68.7% for those with less than 12 months of cumulative FO-free time. Adjusted hazard ratios were 2.92 (2.31-3.69) for a cumulative FO-free time of less than 12 months, 1.53 (1.18-1.99) for a time to first FO-related hospitalization within 12 months, and 1.05 (1.03-1.07) per FO-related hospitalization. The time interval to the development of FO significantly impacts mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Correlation between circulating dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein and vascular calcification in peritoneal dialysis patients.

To explore the association between serum Dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. A total 128 PD patients and 120 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Serum dp-ucMGP was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Abdominal lateral plain radiography was used to evaluate the abdominal aortic calcification score (AACS). PD patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of AAC. The relationships between dp-ucMGP levels and AACS were assessed by Spearman analysis and the value of dp-ucMGP in predicting AAC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Serum dp-ucMGP in PD patients were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.05). And PD patients with AAC had higher serum dp-ucMGP than that of PD patients without AAC (p < 0.05). The serum dp-ucMGP levels was positively associated with AACS (r = 0.794, p < 0.0001) in PD patients. The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that serum dp-ucMGP was independent factors of AAC in PD patients (OR = 2.555, 95% CI = 1.415-4.609). The area under ROC curve of dp-ucMGP was 0.9227, the corresponding sensitivity was 0.86, and the specificity was 0.92. Serum dp-ucMGP levels were positively associated with the AACS in PD patients. Higher serum dp-ucMGP level is independently associated with AAC in PD patients.