Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis Research Articles

Endothelial injury is one of the risk factors for the progression of vascular calcification in patients receiving maintenance dialysis

Background Vascular calcification is common and progressive in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, the risk factors associated with the progression of vascular calcification in patients receiving maintenance dialysis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to evaluate vascular calcification and identify the factors associated with its progression in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Methods This is a prospective longitudinal study that included 374 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. The participants received assessments of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), as measured by computed tomography. After the baseline investigation, a 2 years follow-up was performed. We also detected the markers of endothelial injury [E-selectin and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)]. Finally, the risk factors affecting the CAC and AAC progression were examined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Among 374 patients, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 54.0 (40.0–62.0) years; 59.9% of patients were male. The median (IQR) follow-up time was 1.9 (1.8–2.0) years for all patients. By the end of 2-year follow-up, progression of vascular calcification (including CAC and AAC) was observed in 58.0% of patients. Further, compared with the patients without progression of vascular calcification, the endothelial injury (including E-selectin and sICAM-1) of patients with progression of vascular calcification was markedly enhanced. Moreover, after adjustment for the confounders, endothelial injury was a risk factor for the progression of vascular calcification. Conclusion The present study indicated that endothelial injury is one of the risk factors for the progression of vascular calcification in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

Feasibility analysis of non-electrocardiogram-triggered chest low-dose computed tomography using a kV-independent reconstruction algorithm for predicting cardiovascular disease risk in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of non-electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) with a kV-independent reconstruction algorithm in assessing coronary artery calcification (CAC) degree and cardiovascular disease risk in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).MethodsIn total, 181 patients receiving MHD who needed chest CT and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) scannings sequentially underwent non-ECG-triggered, automated tube voltage selection, high-pitch chest LDCT with a kV-independent reconstruction algorithm and ECG-triggered standard CACS scannings. Then, the image quality, radiation doses, Agatston scores (ASs), and cardiac risk classifications of the two scans were compared.ResultsOf the 181 patients, 89, 83, and 9 were scanned at 100, 110, and 120 kV, respectively. Excluding those scanned at 120 kV, 172 patients were enrolled. Although the ASs of non-ECG-triggered LDCT were lower than those of the standard CACS, the agreement and correlation of ASs of the two scans were excellent, and both intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were > 0.96. Cardiac risk classifications did not significantly differ between the non-ECG-triggered LDCT and standard CACS (χ2 = 3.933, P = 0.269), and the agreement was excellent (weighted kappa value = 0.936; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.903–0.970). The effective radiation doses of standard CACS and non-ECG-triggered chest LDCT scannings were 1.34 ± 0.74 and 1.04 ± 0.35 mSv, respectively.ConclusionsThe non-ECG-triggered, automated tube voltage selection, high-pitch chest LDCT protocol with a kV-independent reconstruction algorithm can obtain chest scans and ASs simultaneously and significantly reduce patients’ radiation exposure.

The nonlinear correlation between total bilirubin and lumbar spine bone mineral density in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are at increased risk of osteoporosis. The effects of bilirubin on bone metabolism vary among different disease populations. However, the relationship between total bilirubin (TBIL) and bone metabolism in MHD has not been investigated yet. This cross-sectional study included 122 MHD patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent regular hemodialysis at the Blood Purification Center of Aerospace Central Hospital from April 2021 to April 2023. Blood sampling and bone mineral density (BMD) examinations were conducted. Multivariate linear regression, restricted cubic spline and subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the association between TBIL and BMD. TBIL (correlation coefficient: 1.7 (0.17, 3.25); p = 0.04) was independently associated with BMD in the multivariate linear regression analysis. The results showed that BMD was nonlinearly related to TBIL in MHD patients, exhibiting a J shaped curve (p = 0.035). When plasma TBIL level < 0.64 mg/dL, there is an average increase of 5.3 (95% CI: 2.0 - 8.7; p = 0.002) g/cm2 in BMD for every 1-unit increase in plasma TBIL level. The association between TBIL and BMD was not significant when the plasma TBIL level was ≥ 0.64 mg/dL. The relationship between TBIL and BMD in MHD patients is J-shaped, with an inflection point of 0.64 mg/dL.

A Retrospective Analysis of Factors Influencing Maintenance Hemodialysis Adequacy: A Single-center Study in Eastern India.

Quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients is dependent on adequate hemodialysis. Kt/V, which gauges urea clearance, serves as the standard metric for assessing the effectiveness of MHD. According to the 2006 guidelines from the NKF-KDOQI, a spKt/V exceeding 1.2 or a urea reduction ratio (URR) of 65% is advised for maintenance hemodialysis conducted three times weekly. This study was aimed at determining the adequate hemodialysis sessions and their associated factors for patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis sessions at our center. The study was conducted over a 1-year period at Medica Hospital in Kolkata, focusing on patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis three times per week. Kt/V levels were assessed using the Online Clearance Monitoring (OCM) technique. The study included 251 participants, consisting of 170 (67.72%) men and 81 (32.28%) women, with a mean age of 59.09 ± 13.00 years. Diabetes was the most frequently observed underlying condition, affecting 138 patients (55.4%), while fistula was the predominant type of vascular access, utilized in 198 patients (79%). Hemodialysis adequacy was achieved in 81.08% of MHD sessions. Patients on high-flux dialyzers achieved a higher average Kt/V compared to patients on low-flux dialyzers. Dialyzer clotting was associated with a decline in Kt/V. The study found that MHD adequacy was inversely related to both age and predialysis systolic blood pressure, while it showed a direct correlation with the duration of hemodialysis. Additionally, females attained higher Kt/V values compared to males. Logistic regression analysis identified male gender and blood flow as independent determinants of hemodialysis adequacy. MHD adequacy is determined by a combination of factors rather than a single variable. Our findings indicate that achieving MHD adequacy requires a combination of sufficient treatment duration, appropriate rate of blood flow, effective anticoagulation for prevention of clotting, stable blood pressure management, and the use of hemodialyzers with a surface area exceeding 1.2 m2.

Higher atherogenic index of plasma is associated with intradialytic hypotension: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) frequently encounter a drop in blood pressure during dialysis, known as intradialytic hypotension (IDH). The AIP is associated with diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular events. It remains unclear whether the AIP is associated with IDH. The present study aimed to explore the association between AIP and IDH in MHD patients. Methods In this multi-center cross-sectional study, we included 1946 adult hemodialysis patients from twenty dialysis centers. Patients were divided into four groups based on the AIP quartiles. Linear regression and multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between AIP and IDH. Subgroup analyses were further conducted to assess the robustness of the association between the AIP and IDH. Results After adjusting for potential confounding variables, each 1-unit increase in AIP was associated with a 21% increase in the odds of IDH. The odds ratios (ORs) of IDH increased gradually with higher quartiles of AIP compared with the Q1 reference group (Q2: OR, 1.41, 95% CI: 0.91-2.18; Q3: OR, 1.63, 95% CI: 1.07-2.49; Q4: OR, 1.57, 95% CI: 1.01-2.42). No interaction was observed in the subgroup analysis stratified by age, sex, history of diabetes, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. Conclusion Elevated AIP levels are associated with a heightened risk of IDH in MHD patients.

Elevated HIF-1α levels in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a potential link to increased cognitive impairment risk

IntroductionIn China, an increasing number of patients with end-stage renal disease are undergoing hemodialysis treatment. While this treatment yields relatively positive outcomes, the prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis ranges from 24 to 80%, which is significantly higher than the general population.MethodIn this retrospective study, a total of 120 patients with kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) were enrolled. The cognitive status of these patients was assessed using the C-MoCA score, which allowed categorization into two groups: the no cognitive impairment (NCI) group and the cognitive impairment (CI) group. Relevant clinical data, laboratory test results, as well as HIF-1α levels, were collected and analyzed to determine their relationship with the cognitive status of the patients.ResultsIn this study, a total of 45 patients (37.5%) developed CI, and their C-MoCA scores were significantly lower (21.6 ± 2.43) compared to patients in the NCI group (27.56 ± 1.48) (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The CI group was characterized by older age, lower levels of education, as well as lower levels of serum total bilirubin, serum total protein (TP), albumin, serum creatinine, and serum phosphorus in comparison to the NCI group. Additionally, CI patients exhibited higher levels of HIF-1α, received fewer monthly hemodiafiltration or hemoperfusion treatments, and had a lower rate of rosacastat treatment. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that older age (OR = 11.266 [95% CI: 2.775–45.747], P = 0.001) and higher HIF-1α (OR = 20.654 [4.831–88.298], P &amp;lt; 0.001) increased the risk of developing CI, while higher educational attainment reduced the risk of developing CI (&amp;gt; 12 years, OR = 0.004 [95% CI: 0.016–0.619], P≤0.001; 6–12 years, OR = 0.099 [95% CI: 0.000–0.049], P = 0.013).DiscussionCognitive impairment in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) was found to be associated with older age, lower level of education, and higher HIF-1α levels. These factors should be taken into consideration by clinicians to monitor the cognitive status of MHD patients.

Relationships between dyadic coping, marital adjustment, and post-traumatic growth in patients with maintenance hemodialysis patients and their spouses.

To measure the relationships between dyadic coping, marital adjustment, and post-traumatic growth in patients with maintenance hemodialysis and their spouses. Post-traumatic growth is common in patients facing maintenance hemodialysis. However, studies tend to focus on these patients as individuals rather than as part of a couple. Dyadic coping in a couple is important for their marital adjustment; however, little is known about how a couple's dyadic coping influences their marital adjustment and impacts their posttraumatic growth. Cross-sectional study. A questionnaire survey was conducted among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and their spouses. Patients were recruited between December 2021 and October 2022 using convenience sampling from the blood purification centers of two first-class tertiary hospitals. A total of 230 couples (460 individuals) of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and their spouses were enrolled. A general condition questionnaire, the dyadic coping scale, and the Locke-Wallace marital adjustment scale were used for assessments and data entry and analysis were performed using EpiData 3.1, SPSS 25.0, and Mplus 8.4. The dyadic coping of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis was positively correlated with both marital adjustment and posttraumatic growth, as was the dyadic coping of their spouses. The marital adjustment of both patients and their spouses was found to partially mediate the association between dyadic coping and posttraumatic growth. Subject-mediated effects between the levels of dyadic coping, marital adjustment, and posttraumatic growth were established for both patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and their spouses, and it was found that the marital adjustment in both showed varying degrees of mediation in the relationship between their dyadic coping and posttraumatic growth. The findings of the study suggest that attention should be given to promoting dyadic coping behaviors in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and their spouses. It is recommended that nurses offer both education and support to couples to promote dyadic coping.

Effect of mental state on sleep quality in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A multiple mediation model of hope and family function.

The objective of this study was to investigate the current situation of sleep quality in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), and whether hope and family function play a mediating role between negative emotions and sleep quality. The Athens Insomnia Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Herth Hope Index and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve (APGAR) Index were used to investigate 227 MHD patients. The correlations among study variables were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Structural equation model was used to construct and evaluate the mediation model. The sleep quality score of 227 patients receiving MHD was (7.57 ± 4.74), anxiety score was (4.36 ± 4.02), depression score was (5.91 ± 4.37), hope score was (34.64 ± 7.21), family function score was (6.21 ± 2.90). The negative emotions can directly predict sleep quality (β = 0.17, P = .046), positively predict sleep quality through hope (β = 0.12, P = .017), positively predict sleep quality through family function (β = 0.20, P < .001), and positively predict sleep quality through the chain mediating of hope and family function (β = 0.10, P < .001). The total effect size was 71.19%. It is concluded that negative emotions had a direct impact on the sleep quality of patients receiving MHD, and that improving the levels of family function and hope can help them sleep better.

Hepatitis C virus infection increases risk of peripheral arterial disease in end‐stage renal disease patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis therapy

AbstractBoth hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and end‐stage renal disease are associated with an increased risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Our objective was to explore the relationship between HCV infection and PAD in hemodialysis patients, using brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as the assessment method. Since 2016, we have actively been recruiting patients undergoing regular hemodialysis three times a week. All baPWV assessments for our patients were performed before the implementation of direct‐acting antiviral treatment. Furthermore, none of the uremic patients with HCV infection had received interferon‐based treatment in the past. An elevated baPWV measurement surpassing 2100 cm/s is indicative of an increased susceptibility to potential PAD. Our analysis utilized multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis. Individuals with HCV infection exhibited higher baPWV levels compared with those without HCV infection (2006.0 ± 687.4 vs. 1809.3 ± 466.1 cm/s, p = .039). The presence of HCV infection (β = 199.56, 95% CI: 10.56–388.56, p = .039) demonstrated a significantly positive correlation with baPWV levels. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, HCV infection (OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.07–6.68, p = .036) significantly associated with baPWV &gt;2100 cm/s. Furthermore, individuals with a higher viral load (HCV RNA ≥60 × 103 IU/mL) (OR = 4.45, 95% CI: 1.12–17.68, p = .034) demonstrated a significant association with baPWV ≥2100 cm/s when compared with non‐HCV infection patients. Additionally, patients with genotype I exhibited a significant association with baPWV ≥2100 cm/s (OR = 8.13, 95% CI: 2.04–32.42, p = .003) in comparison to non‐HCV patients. The presence of HCV infection has been demonstrated to markedly increase baPWV levels. Particularly, HCV infection with higher viral load and genotype I is significantly linked to an elevated risk of PAD. It emphasizes the importance of HCV elimination in the specific population.

Breast and Prostate Cancer Screening by Life Expectancy in Patients with Kidney Failure on Dialysis.

The Choosing Wisely campaign suggests an individualized approach to cancer screening among patients receiving dialysis. We aimed to evaluate breast and prostate cancer screening among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) by kidney transplant waitlist status and five-year survival probability. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a nationally representative population of HD patients. Patients receiving HD each calendar year from 2003-2018, ≥1 year of Medicare as the Primary Payer, and age 50-69 years were included. The cohort was split into prognosis and cancer screening sets. Models of five-year survival were built in the prognosis set using logistic regression. Five-year survival probabilities were generated in the cancer screening set, excluding patients with prior breast or prostate cancer, and screening over the next year was assessed. 160,537 patients contributed 356,165 person-years to the cancer screening set (59% of the person-years were contributed by males, median age was 60 years). Compared to a benchmark rate of 50% (e.g., mammography every other year), 42% of waitlisted female-years were screened by mammography. Overall, 17% of non-waitlisted female-years were screened (20% among those with >50% probability of five-year survival and 8% among those with <10% probability of five-year survival). Compared to a benchmark rate of 20% [e.g., serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening up to five years apart], 24% of waitlisted male-years were screened with serum PSA. Overall 15% of non-waitlisted male-years were screened (13% among those with >50% probability of five-year survival and 1% among those with <10% probability of five-year survival). Patterns were similar after age-standardization. Patients with higher predicted survival have higher rates of cancer screening, suggesting providers consider life expectancy. However, non-waitlisted patients with high probability of five-year survival were less likely to be screened compared to waitlisted patients. Interventions may be needed to close this screening gap.

Construction of frailty and risk prediction models in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study.

As the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive nephropathy increases with age in mainland China, the number of patients with end-stage renal disease is increasing, leading to an increase in the number of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Considering the harmful effects of frailty on the health of maintenance hemodialysis patients, this study aims to identify hemodialysis patients at risk for frailty at an early stage, in order to prevent or delay the progression of frailty in the early stage, so as to prevent the adverse consequences of frailty. A total of 479 patients admitted to the blood purification centers of two grade tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province, China, using convenient sampling. The Frailty Scale, the SARC-F questionnaire, the Simplified Food Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) and the mini nutritional assessment short-form (MNA-SF) were used in the study. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation among the frailty influencing factors. The incidence of frailty was 24.0% among 479 Chinese hemodialysis patients. Gender (p < 0.05), Malnutrition (p < 0.001), sarcopenia (p < 0.001), and feel tired after dialysis (p < 0.001) were highly correlated with frailty in Chinese hemodialysis patients. Serum albumin concentration (p < 0.05) was a protective factor of frailty. This survey shows that frailty was highly prevalent among Chinese hemodialysis patients. Medical staff and their families should make early judgments and carry out interventions on the risk of frailty.

Utility of ultrasound in measuring quadriceps muscle thickness in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Muscle wasting, a prevalent issue in hemodialysis patients, is effectively assessed by measuring quadriceps muscle thickness, a crucial health indicator. This meta-analysis integrates findings from various studies on the application of ultrasonography (US) for measuring the thickness of quadriceps muscles in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. We conducted a thorough literature search across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science up to April 2023. The R software's Meta package was used for mean difference analysis of quadriceps rectus femoris thickness (QRFT) and quadriceps vastus intermedius thickness (QVIT) between hemodialysis patients and healthy controls. All of the patients entered the meta-analysis are Caucasians. Sub-group analyses based on measurement sites and pre- and post-dialysis comparisons were performed. Among 15 studies with 1584 patients, a significant decrease in QRFT and QVIT was observed in hemodialysis patients compared to healthy controls (mean difference = 0.40cm, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.31 and 0.46cm, respectively). Right and left QRFT were notably thinner in hemodialysis patients (RT: mean difference = 0.39cm; LT: mean difference = 0.42cm). Similarly, right and left QVIT were notably thinner in hemodialysis patients (RT: mean difference = 0.45cm; LT: mean difference = 0.47cm). No significant pre- and post-dialysis QRFT differences were found. Ultrasonography is a reliable, accessible tool for assessing quadriceps muscle thickness in hemodialysis patients, revealing consistent muscle thickness reduction. These findings emphasize the need for routine muscle health monitoring in this population and support ultrasound use for regular assessments.

Decreases Skeletal Muscle Mass as a Risk Factor for the Progression of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: 10-Year Outcomes of the Q-Cohort Study

Decreases Skeletal Muscle Mass as a Risk Factor for the Progression of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: 10-Year Outcomes of the Q-Cohort Study

Effects of Oxylanthanum Carbonate in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis with Hyperphosphatemia

Effects of Oxylanthanum Carbonate in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis with Hyperphosphatemia

Development of Machine Learning-Based Models for Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis

Development of Machine Learning-Based Models for Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis

Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet and Psychological Problems in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients by the Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of Malnutrition and Inflammation Markers Approach

ObjectiveAlthough it is known that diet quality affects psychological problems in hemodialysis patients, there is need to explain the role of modifiable risk factors in this relationship. Therefore, the aim of this study was a) to investigate the relationship between diet quality and modifiable risk factors to depression and anxiety in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis; b) to explore the mediating roles of modifiable factors in the relationship with diet quality to depression and anxiety. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 216 patients with ESRD receiving maintenance hemodialysis treatment. We assessed participants' dietary records for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) quality, Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria for malnutrition and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD)-scale for psychological problems. Furthermore, biochemical findings and anthropometric measurements were performed to evaluate nutritional markers, metabolic risk factors and inflammation. We applied hierarchical regression analysis to estimate modifiable risk factors for depression and anxiety and Structural-Equation-Modeling analysis to determine the mediating role of modifiable risk factors between diet quality and psychological problems. ResultsDepression symptoms were observed in 59.2% (n=128) of the participants, whilst the rate was 35.1% (n=76) for anxiety. Depression and anxiety were found to be negatively correlated with MIND levels after covariate adjusting model, and the rates of explanation were found to be 16.2% and 12.2%, respectively. C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin levels and the presence of malnutrition were shown to be significant predictors of depression (ΔF=14.761 and ΔR2:0.071 for covariate-adjusted model). Albumin levels, CRP, hemodialysis duration, and malnutrition were found to be independent predictors of anxiety (ΔF=16.174 and ΔR2:0.077 for covariate-adjusted model). It was found that CRP and malnutrition partially mediated the association of MIND score with depression, and CRP mediated the association with anxiety. ConclusionIt was concluded that adherence to the MIND diet is associated with a better nutritional profile and reduced inflammation, which in turn may be linked to fewer psychological problems.These further studies are needed to validate and expand upon our findings.

Efficacy and Safety of Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition Using ENEFLUID in Malnourished Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Study

Efficacy and Safety of Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition Using ENEFLUID in Malnourished Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Study

Medication Burden and Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Death in Patients Treated with Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Key Points A higher medication burden was associated with a higher risk of adverse events in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.Medication burden can serve as a clinically relevant risk indicator for cardiovascular events and all-cause death in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Background A high medication burden is associated with adverse outcomes. Although patients with ESKD have a substantial medication burden, the relationship between the number of medications in use and clinical outcomes in these patients remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of medication burden regarding adverse outcomes in patients with ESKD on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods We analyzed 29,690 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis who participated in the Periodic Hemodialysis Quality Assessment conducted by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The exposure of interest was the number of routinely prescribed oral medications. The main outcome was a composite of nonfatal cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure) or all-cause death (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCEs]). The secondary outcomes were the individual components of the primary outcome. Results During a follow-up period of 146,749 person-years (median, 6.0 years), MACCEs occurred in 17,573 patients (59.2%). Higher medication burden was associated with progressively higher incidence of MACCEs (84.7, 107.2, 130.2, and 168.9 events per 1000 person-years in Q1–Q4, respectively). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the second, third, and highest quartiles were 1.05 (1.00 to 1.10), 1.12 (1.07 to 1.17), and 1.27 (1.21 to 1.33), respectively, compared with the lowest quartile. In continuous modeling, each increase in the number of medication was associated with a 1.03-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.04) higher risk of the primary outcome. Conclusion A high medication burden was independently associated with higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause death in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. These findings suggest that a high medication burden could be a useful indicator of adverse clinical outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Testing Among Patients Receiving Dialysis

Integrating routine SARS-CoV-2 testing in dialysis facilities may benefit patients receiving dialysis by mitigating risks of serious illness and reducing transmission. Patient acceptance of nonmandatory testing is unknown. To evaluate the acceptance of 2 SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies among patients in hemodialysis facilities nationwide. This nationwide cluster (dialysis facility-level) randomized trial investigated the acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 testing among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at facilities located in 22 states. Anterior nares real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction tests offered once every 2 weeks (static testing facilities) vs offered once a week, once every 2 weeks, or once a month depending on county COVID-19 infection prevalence (dynamic testing facilities). Facilities were randomized by county, and tests were offered for 3 months between February 4 and July 24, 2023. The primary outcome was test acceptance. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients who accepted at least 1 test. In total, 62 hemodialysis facilities were randomized and 57 participated. Among 2389 participating patients, the median age was 64 (IQR, 54-74) years, 1341 (56%) were male, 138 (6%) were categorized as American Indian, 60 (3%) Asian, 885 (37%) Black, 75 (3%) Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 338 (14%) Hispanic, and 876 (37%) White; and 1603 (67%) had diabetes. A median of 6 (IQR, 6-6) tests were offered per patient in the static arm and 4 (3-6) tests in the dynamic arm. Test acceptance was low: 8% of offered tests were accepted in each of the test arms. Among 503 patients who accepted at least 1 test, the median percentage of offered tests that were accepted was 16% (IQR, 17%-42%) using the static testing strategy and 50% (IQR, 33%-75%) using the dynamic testing strategy (P < .001). Older patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01-1.16] per 5-year age increment), patients with (vs without) diabetes (OR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.18-2.16]), and women compared with men (OR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.98-1.73]) were more likely to accept multiple tests. Patients designated in the electronic health record as Hispanic were more likely than patients designated as White (OR, 1.78 [95% CI, 1.15-2.76]) to accept at least 1 test, whereas patients living in zip codes electing Republican representatives to Congress were less likely than patients living in zip codes electing Democratic representatives (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.17-0.69]) to accept multiple tests. In this cluster randomized trial evaluating 2 SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies in dialysis facilities, test acceptance was low, and a dynamic testing strategy anchored to COVID-19 infection prevalence did not outperform a static testing strategy of every 2 weeks. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05225298.

Symptom Burden in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: Prevalence and Severity 17 Years Apart.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare data from two cohorts separated by a 17-year interval. We assessed the prevalence and severity of symptoms with the "dialysis symptom index" in these two groups, recruited in 2007 and 2024, to determine how advancements in dialysis therapy have influenced the symptom burden's prevalence and severity. Methods: End-stage renal diseases patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis three times a week in the hemodialysis unit of the university hospital were recruited between February and March 2007. In May 2024, in the same unit, another population sample was recruited and studied, as in 2007. The Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) was administered to each patient, during the dialysis treatment. The DSI is made up of 30 questions, each of which addresses a specific physical or emotional symptom. The total symptom burden score, representing the total number of symptoms reported as being present, and the total symptom severity score, which represents the sum of individual severity scores, were generated for each patient. Results: We studied 71 patients in 2007 and 61 patients in 2024. The demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of the two study populations did not differ significantly. The total symptom burden score did not differ significantly between 2007 and 2024. The prevalence of most symptoms was similar in the two groups. The prevalence of constipation, decreased interest in sex and difficulty in becoming sexually aroused was higher in 2024 than in 2007. The total symptom severity was similar in the two periods. The severity of most symptoms was similar in the two groups. The severity of decreased interest in sex and difficulty in becoming sexually aroused was higher in 2024 than in 2007. Conclusions: The present study shows that, 17 years apart, the prevalence and severity of the symptom burden in patients on maintenance hemodialysis did not change significantly. These results suggest that studies investigating the causes and the pathogenesis of symptoms of patients on maintenance hemodialysis are urgently needed in the next future, as well as studies on therapeutic strategies.