Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis Research Articles

Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Among Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: Trends in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes

Staphylococcus aureus (Saureus) bacteremia (SAB) is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). We evaluated changes in clinical and bacterial characteristics, and their associations with clinical outcomes with SAB in this population over a 21-year period. Prospective cohort study. 453 hospitalized, non-neutropenic adults receiving maintenance HD who developed monomicrobial SAB between 1995 and2015. Clinical characteristics and bacterial genotype. All-cause and SAB-attributable mortality, persistent bacteremia, and metastatic complications. Proportions of participants experiencing each outcome were calculated overall and by calendar year. Secular trends were estimated using binomial risk regression, a generalized linear model with the log link function for a binomial outcome. Associations with outcomes were estimated using logistic regression. Over the 21-year study period, patients receiving maintenance HD experienced significant increases in age- and diabetes-adjusted SAB-attributable mortality (0.45% [95% CI, 0.36%-0.46%] per year), persistent bacteremia (0.86% [95% CI, 0.14%-1.55%] per year), metastatic complications (0.84% [95% CI, 0.11%-1.56%] per year), and infection with the virulent Saureus clone USA300 (1.47% [95% CI, 0.33%-2.52%] per year). Over time, the suspected source of SAB was less likely to be a central venous catheter (-1.32% [95% CI,-2.05 to-0.56%] per year) or arteriovenous graft (-1.08% [95% CI,-1.54 to-0.56] per year), and more likely to be a nonvascular access source (1.89% [95% CI, 1.29%-2.43%] per year). Patients with a nonvascular access suspected source of infection were more likely to die as a result of their S aureus infection (OR, 3.20 [95% CI, 1.36-7.55]). The increase in USA300 infections may have contributed to the observed increase in persistent bacteremia (OR, 2.96 [95% CI, 1.12-7.83]) but did not explain the observed increases in SAB-attributable mortality (OR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.19-3.61]) or metastatic complications (OR, 1.34 [95% CI, 0.53-3.41]). Single-center, inpatient cohort. The clinical and molecular epidemiology of SAB in patients receiving maintenance HD has changed over time, with an increase in SAB-attributable mortality and morbidity despite a decline in catheter-related infections.

The Effects of Cholecalciferol Supplementation on FGF23 and α-Klotho in Hemodialysis Patients With Hypovitaminosis D: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Vitamin D-fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23)-klotho forms an axis that takes part at least in cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to assess the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on FGF23 and α-klotho in patients with hypovitaminosis D requiring hemodialysis. In a single-center, parallel-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 86 patients with hypovitaminosis D requiring hemodialysis were enrolled. The patients were randomized into 2 groups (n=43 each) to receive either 50,000 IU of cholecalciferol or placebo every week for 12weeks. Accordingly, the serum levels of FGF23 and klotho were measured by ELISA and compared between both groups. Serum 25OH(D) levels increased in participants who received cholecalciferol supplementation compared with participants who received placebo (P=.006). In addition, serum FGF23 decreased and α-klotho levels increased in the supplemented group compared with placebo. However, the before-after differences between cholecalciferol supplement and placebo were significant only for α-klotho (P=.035). These effects were not accompanied by changes in the levels of phosphate, total and ionized calcium, and intact parathyroid hormone. Cholecalciferol supplementation of 50,000 IU for 12weeks increases α-klotho levels in the serum of kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis. This may suggest that patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis can benefit from using cholecalciferol supplementation and increase in serum α-klotho levels.

The ROMANOV study found impaired humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in virus-unexposed patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis

Patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), which are at high risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 virus and death due to COVID-19, have been prioritized for vaccination. However, because they were excluded from pivotal studies and have weakened immune responses, it is not known whether these patients are protected after the “standard” two doses of mRNA vaccines. To answer this, anti-spike receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG and interferon gamma-producing CD4+ and CD8+ specific-T cells were measured in the circulation 10-14 days after the second injection of BNT162b2 vaccine in 106 patients receiving MHD (14 with history of COVID-19) and compared to 30 healthy volunteers (four with history of COVID-19). After vaccination, most (72/80, 90%) patients receiving MHD naïve for the virus generated at least one type of immune effector, but their response was weaker and less complete than that of healthy volunteers. In multivariate analysis, hemodialysis and immunosuppressive therapy were significantly associated with absence of both anti-RBD IgGs and anti-spike CD8+ T cells. In contrast, previous history of COVID-19 in patients receiving MHD correlated with the generation of both types of immune effectors anti-RBD IgG and anti-spike CD8+ T cells at levels similar to healthy volunteers. Patients receiving MHD naïve for SARS-Cov-2 generate mitigated immune responses after two doses of mRNA vaccine. Thus, the good response to vaccine of patients receiving MHD with a history of COVID-19 suggest that these patients may benefit from a third vaccine injection.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN END STAGE RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS RECEIVING CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS SESSIONS IN EL MOASSAH UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a very common public health problem.One of the commonest complications of chronic kidney disease is malnutrition. There is no single gold standard method for assessment of the nutritional status of chronic kidney disease patients and so it is better to use multiple methods of assessment for the patients including history taking and dietary assessment via diaries and questionnaires, anthropometric measurements including body mass index calculation , laboratory testing and body composition assessment Aim of the work:The aim of the present work is to study the nutritional status of the patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis sessions using the body composition monitor devicePatients and methods:This study was conducted over 50 patients receiving hemodialysis sessions in El Moassah university hospital after applying the exclusion criteria and they were subjected to : 1.Thorough history taking including the subjective global assessment questionnaire2.Thorough clinical examination including anthropometric measurements ( weight, height , mid upper arm circumference ) and body mass index calculations 3.laboratory testing : blood urea, serum creatinine , hemoglobin and serum albumin4. assessment of the body composition by the body composition monitoring device and obtaining the values of lean tissue index, fat tissue index, lean tissue mass , fat tissue , adipose tissue mass and body cell mass.

Effect of dialysate sodium concentration on interdialytic weight gain in hemodialysis patients

Aim: To study the effect of individualized dialysate sodium on interdialytic weight gain and blood pressure. Methodology: It was a Prospective study. Duration: 2 years from January 2019 to December 2020. In this study, about 50 patients on maintenance hemodialysis for at least six weeks and IDWG more than 3kg were enrolled. Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis in Narayana Medical College and Hospital Nellore were enrolled in the present study. Results: Fifty patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in our study. These include 33(66%) males and 17(34%) females with a mean age of 51.58 years. The mean duration of HD in our study was 16.92 months. The most common cause of ESRD in our study was Diabetic Nephropathy (54%); other causes include Chronic Glomerular Nephritis (18%), Chronic Interstitial Nephritis (8%), and CKD of unknown cause in 20% of patients. Dialysate sodium in standard phase (Phase I) was kept constant at 138meq/L, whereas mean dialysate sodium in individualized sodium Phase (Phase II), calculated by multiplying mean pre-HD sodium by 0.95 (Donnan coefficient), was 128meq/L. The Mean pre-HD sodium level was almost similar in both phases, but there was a 3meq/L difference in the mean post-HD sodium level in standard and individualized phases. There was a significant reduction in mean IDWG by 0.63 kg in Phase II, and there was also a significant reduction in mean UF requirement by 0.55 kg in the individualized sodium phase (Phase II) when compared with the standard phase (Phase I). There was a significant reduction in post-HD diastolic blood pressure by 3mmHg in the individualized sodium phase (Phase II) compared with the standard phase (Phase II). There was a reduction in intradialytic complications in Phase II when compared with Phase I. Despite the low dialysate sodium concentrations, there was no increase in hypotension episodes in the individualized sodium phase (Phase II). Conclusion: We conclude that individualizing dialysate sodium in hemodialysis patients significantly reduced interdialytic weight gain, ultrafiltration requirement, and blood pressure.

Comparison of Dialysis Unit and Home Blood Pressures: An Observational Cohort Study

Prior studies of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis have shown that, on average, blood pressure (BP) measured predialysis is higher than BP measured at home. We hypothesized that a subset of hemodialysis patients has BP that is higher when measured at home than when measured predialysis and this subgroup of patients has a higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Prospective cohort. 97 hypertensive hemodialysis patients enrolled in the Blood Pressure in Dialysis Study (BID), a randomized trial of comparing target predialysis BP≤140/90 to 155-165/90 mm Hg. Differences between predialysis and next-day home systolic BP measured≥6 times over 1 year. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. A hierarchical clustering analysis divided patients into 3 clusters based on the average and variability of differences in systolic predialysis and home BP. Clusters were compared with respect to clinical factors and LVMI. Mean differences between predialysis and home systolic BP were 19.1 (95% CI, 17.0 to 21.1) mm Hg for cluster 1 ("home lower"), 3.7 (95% CI, 1.6 to 5.8) mm Hg for cluster 2 ("home and predialysis similar"), and-9.7 (95% CI,-12.0 to-7.4) mm Hg for cluster 3 ("home higher"). Systolic BP declined during dialysis in clusters 1 and 2 but increased in cluster 3. Interdialytic weight gains did not differ. After adjusting for sex and treatment arm, LVMI was higher in cluster 3 than in clusters 1 and 2: differences in means of 10.6 ± 4.96 (SE) g/m2 (P= 0.04) and 12.0 ± 5.08 g/m2 (P= 0.02), respectively. Limited statistical power. Nearly one-third of participants had home BPs higher than predialysis BPs. These patients had LVMI higher than those with similar or lower BPs at home, indicating that their BP may have been undertreated.

Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Levels and Increased Risk of Brain Hemorrhage in Hemodialysis Patients: The Q-Cohort Study.

Aim: Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels have been associated with increased risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients receiving hemodialysis. However, little is known about the impact of serum ALP levels on the development of stroke, such as brain hemorrhage and infarction. Methods: A total of 3,497 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis registered in the multicenter observational Q-Cohort Study were analyzed. The primary outcomes were the incidences of brain hemorrhage and infarction. The covariate of interest was serum ALP levels. Patients were divided into tertiles based on their serum ALP levels (U/L) at baseline (T1, ＜69.3; T2, 69.3–98.4; T3, ＞98.4). The risks of brain hemorrhage, brain infarction, and composite stroke were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk models with all-cause death as a competing risk. Results: A total of 89 patients developed brain hemorrhage and 195 patients developed brain infarction during the 4-year follow-up period. The risk of brain hemorrhage in the highest tertile (T3) was significantly higher than that in the lowest tertile (T1) (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.93 [1.12–3.35], subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.91 [1.10–3.30]). However, there was no significant association between serum ALP levels and the risk of brain infarction or composite stroke. Conclusions: Higher serum ALP levels are associated with an increased risk of brain hemorrhage, but not brain infarction, in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. High serum ALP level is thus an important risk factor for brain hemorrhage in hemodialysis patients.

Development and Validation of a Transfusion Risk Score for Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis.

In patients on dialysis with anemia, avoiding red blood cell transfusions is preferable. We sought to develop and validate a novel transfusion prediction risk score for patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. This retrospective cohort study used United States Renal Data System data to create a model development cohort (patients who were point prevalent and on hemodialysis on November 1, 2012) and a validation cohort (patients who were point prevalent and on hemodialysis on August 1, 2013). We characterized comorbidity, inflammatory conditions, hospitalizations, anemia and anemia management, iron parameters, intravenous iron use, and vitamin D use during a 6-month baseline period to predict subsequent 3-month transfusion risk. We used logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. In an exploratory analysis, model results were used to calculate a score to predict 6- and 12-month hospitalization and mortality. Variables most predictive of transfusion were prior transfusion, hemoglobin, ferritin, and number of hospital days in the baseline period. The resulting c-statistic in the validation cohort was 0.74, indicating relatively good predictive power. The score was associated with a significantly increased risk of subsequent mortality (hazard ratios 1.0, 1.22, 1.26, 1.54, 1.71, grouped from lowest to highest score), but not with hospitalization. We developed a transfusion prediction risk score with good performance characteristics that was associated with mortality. This score could be further developed into a clinically useful application, allowing clinicians to identify patients on hemodialysis most likely to benefit from a timely, proactive anemia treatment approach, with the goal of avoiding red blood cell transfusions and attendant risks of adverse clinical outcomes.

MO633GLYCAEMIC MARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS EVALUATED BY LONG-TERM CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING*

Abstract Background and Aims The reliability of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as a glycaemic marker in patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) remains unknown. To assess accuracy, we compared HbA1c and fructosamine levels with interstitial glucose levels measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving HD. Method The HD group (maintenance HD and type 2 diabetes) comprised 30 patients who completed the study period of 17 weeks; the control group (type 2 diabetes and an estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m2) comprised 36 individuals. CGM (Ipro2®, Medtronic) for periods up to seven days was performed five times (with four weeks intervals) during a 16-week period. HbA1c and fructosamine were measured at week 17. The mean sensor glucose from CGM was compared with the measured HbA1c, its estimated mean blood glucose (eMBGA1c) and fructosamine levels. Results In the HD group, the mean sensor glucose from CGM was 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.8) mmol/L higher than the eMBGA1c, whereas the difference was 0.1 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.1–[0.4]; P<0.001) in the control group. Adjusted for the mean sensor glucose, HbA1c was -7.3 (95% CI: -10.0–[-4.7]) mmol/mol lower in the HD group than in controls (P<0.001), whereas no difference was detected for fructosamine (P=0.64). Conclusion HbA1c evaluated by CGM underestimates mean blood glucose levels in patients receiving maintenance HD; fructosamine appears to be more accurate. CGM-assessed blood glucose could complement or replace HbA1c in patients where HbA1c underestimates blood glucose levels.

Dietary Plant Protein and Mortality Among Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Cohort Study

Although greater dietary intake of protein has been associated with beneficial health effects among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), the effects of plant protein intake are less certain. We studied the association of the proportion of protein intake derived from plant sources with the risk of mortality among patients receiving MHD and explored factors that may modify these associations. Prospective observational cohort study. 1,119 Chinese hemodialysis patients aged over 18 years receiving MHD in 2014-2015. The proportion of plant protein intake to total protein intake. All-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Segmented regression models were fit to examine the association of plant protein intake proportion with the risk of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional and cause-specific hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI for these outcomes. The means of plant protein intake normalized to ideal body weight and plant protein intake proportion were 0.6±0.2 (SD) g/kg per day and 0.538±0.134, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 28.0 months, 249 deaths occurred, with 146 of these deaths resulting from CVD. Overall, there was a U-shaped association between plant protein intake proportion and the risk of all-cause mortality, with an inflection point at 45%. Among patients with a plant protein intake proportion<45%, there was a 17% lower rate of mortality with each 5% greater plant protein intake proportion (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.73-0.96]). Among patients with plant protein intake proportion≥45%, there was a 9% greater rate of mortality with each 5% greater plant protein intake proportion. A similar U-shaped association was observed for CVD mortality, with an inflection point at 44%. Observational study, potential unmeasured confounding. There was a U-shaped association between plant protein intake proportion and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients. If confirmed, these findings suggest a potential avenue to improve outcomes in this patient population.

Improving Primary Care Delivery for Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis

The beneficial impact of primary care, focused on all aspects of a patient's health (rather than a disease-specific focus) is well established. Recognized benefits include greater receipt of preventive care and counseling, lower use of emergency care and hospitalization for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, and decreased early mortality. Although the importance of primary care and care coordination at the primary care/specialty interface is well recognized, the role of primary care within traditional and emerging care models for patients receiving in-center maintenance hemodialysis remains ill-defined. In this perspective article, we will describe: (1) the role of primary care for patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and the current evidence regarding the receipt of primary care among these patients; (2) the key challenges to delivery of primary care in these complex cases, including suboptimal care coordination between nephrology and primary care providers, the intensity of dialysis care, and the limited capacity of nephrologists and primary care providers to meet the broad health needs of hemodialysis patients; (3) potential strategies for improving the delivery of primary care for patients receiving hemodialysis; and (4) future research requirements to improve primary care delivery for this high-risk population.

The cross-lagged association between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: a three-wave longitudinal study.

To examine the cross-lagged relationship between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. A longitudinal, observational study was conducted in two public hospitals in Shanghai, China. The sample consisted of 204 patients at baseline (T1). Of these, 144 completed the 12-month follow-up survey (T2), and 135 completed the 24-month follow-up survey (T3). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and HRQoL was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36 short form. Cross-lagged path analysis was used to examine the temporal relationship between depressive symptoms and domains of health-related quality of life. Lower levels of three out of five domains of HRQoL (physical functioning, burden of kidney disease, and symptoms of kidney disease) at T1 were associated with increases in depressive symptoms at T2. Moreover, higher depressive symptoms at T2 were associated with decreases in four domains of HRQoL (mental functioning, burden of kidney disease, symptoms of kidney disease, and effects of kidney disease) at T3. Patients who had poor HRQoL were more likely to report more subsequent depressive symptoms, which in turn predict lower HRQoL over time. It indicates a need to break this cycle in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide levels before and after hemodialysis predict long-term prognosis

BackgroundMid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) is a strong prognostic biomarker in cardiovascular disease but there is limited data for its use among patients undergoing dialysis. MethodsThis was a cohort study of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis from two Danish centers. Blood sampling and echocardiography were performed before and after a dialysis session. We calculated the area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristics for diagnosing heart failure and Cox regressions for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. ResultsOf the 306 patients, 284 (93%) had MR-proANP measurements both before and after dialysis. Median concentration was 642 pmol/L (IQR 419–858) before and 351 pmol/L (IQR 197–537) after dialysis, a mean decrease of 330 pmol/L (43%, CI 296–364, P < 0.001). MR-proANP concentration both before and after dialysis was negatively correlated to left ventricular ejection fraction with no difference in predictive ability for heart failure, AUC before and after dialysis were 0.60 (CI 0.50–0.70) and 0.61 (CI 0.51–0.71) (P = 0.40). Median follow-up was 32 months (IQR 31–33), during which 99 patients (32%) had a cardiovascular event and 110 (36%) died. A doubling of MR-proANP concentration was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.6 (CI 1.3–1.9) before and 1.7 (CI 1.4–2.0) after dialysis for mortality and a HR of 1.5 (CI 1.2–1.9) before and 1.4 (CI 1.2–1.7) after dialysis for cardiovascular events (all P < 0.001). ConclusionThe MR-proANP concentration is elevated among patients undergoing hemodialysis and decreases during dialysis. MR-proANP concentration both before, after and intra-dialysis change strongly predicted cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

POS-577 Determining The Threshold Of Symptom Burden In Hemodialysis Patients: The Utilization Of The London Evaluation of Illness

Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) suffer from the burden of symptoms, which leads to a lower quality of life (QoL). Unfortunately, we can’t wave a magic wand to make symptoms disappear, but we can learn to improve our understanding of symptom burden. The study aimed to define the threshold for “high” and “low” perceived quality of life and to identify the hierarchy of negative symptoms from HD patients’ perceptions.

POS-619 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN Kt/V UREA-BASED DIALYSIS ADEQUACY AND NORMALIZED PROTEIN CATABOLIC RATE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS IN HASAN SADIKIN HOSPITAL BANDUNG

Generally hemodialysis (HD) is the main treatment option for patient with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Advances in dialysis technology have not eliminated the risk of mortality and morbidity due to malnutrition in these patients. Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) is used as a surrogate for daily dietary protein intake and nutritional status in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Indonesia’s universal health coverage support twice weekly HD. We performed study to investigate correlation of nutritional parameters of HD patients with HD adequacy in Hasan Sadikin General Hospital.

Determinants of the intensity of uremic pruritus in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A cross-sectional study.

Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common and frustrating symptom in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). The majority of patients have mild to moderate itching of the skin, and a small percentage have severe itching, which seriously affects their quality of life and survival rate. However, little is known about factors that influence the intensity of itching in patients. A cross-sectional study on uremic pruritus in male and female patients receiving HD was conducted in September 2019. This study included 148 eligible patients who received HD at the Blood Purification Center of Xinchang County People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, China from March 2019 to June 2019. We collected general data consisted of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), place of residence, educational level, diabetes mellitus status and duration of HD; as well as clinical, biochemical indicators, including serum calcium (Ca), serum phosphorus (P), serum albumin (ALB), haemoglobin (Hb), serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), pre-dialysis serum urea nitrogen (BUN), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), urea nitrogen clearance index (KT/V), ferritin (FER) and pre-dialysis serum creatinine (sCR). We also assayed the inflammatory cytokine serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The Five-Dimensional Itching Scale (5DIS) was used to evaluate the degree of skin itching (none, mild, moderate, or severe). We used multiple logistic regression to analyze influencing factors on the degree of skin itching in patients with UP. Of the 148 patients, 60 had uremic pruritus (incidence rate, 40.54%). These included 22 cases of mild skin itching (14.86%), 30 of moderate skin itching (20.27%), and 8 of severe skin itching (5.41%). Compared with uremia patients without skin pruritus, patients with UP had higher levels of iPTH, Hb, BUN, nPCR, and hs-CRP. The composition ratio showed significant differences between urban and rural patients with different degrees of skin itching (P = 0.017); moreover, the difference of iPTH and hs-CRP levels were statistically significant (P = 0.009 and < 0.001, respectively). Using no itching as a reference, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that as hs-CRP level increased, the patient's risks of mild skin itching (odds ratio [OR] = 1.740; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.061-2.854; P = 0.028), moderate skin itching (OR = 2.8838 95% CI, 1.744-4.718; P < 0.001), and severe skin itching (OR = 9.440; 95% CI, 3.547-25.124; P < 0.001) all increased as well. Compared with urban residents, rural residents have a higher risk of moderate itching (OR = 3.869; 95% CI, 1.099-13.622; P = 0.035). Levels of hs-CRP were associated with the intensity of skin itching in patients with UP. Higher hs-CRP levels were closely related to severe skin itching. The relationship between the intensity of skin itching and the environment in maintenance hemodialysis patients needs further clarification.

A Text Messaging Intervention for Dietary Behaviors for People Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Feasibility Study of KIDNEYTEXT

An important component of hemodialysis management involves delivery of complex dietary recommendations. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a mobile phone text-message intervention to improve dietary behavior in people undergoing hemodialysis. Six-month randomized feasibility study. Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis across 2 health districts in Sydney, Australia. Participants randomized to the intervention received 3 text messages per week in addition to standard dietary care for 6 months. The usual care group received standard dietary care. The primary outcomes were feasibility measured using recruitment and retention rates, acceptability of the intervention, and adherence to dietary recommendations. Secondary exploratory outcomes included information on certain clinical parameters related to dietary management of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. 130 people were recruited; 48% of eligible patients (130 of 272) consented to participate, and 88% (115 of 130) completed the study. Semistructured interviews evaluating acceptability identified 5 themes: clear and comprehensive, engaging with consistent and relevant content, maintaining attention with timely reminders, sustaining interest through ongoing care, and generic messages inadequate to prompt dietary change. There was no difference in adherence to dietary recommendations across treatment groups (odds ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 0.55-2.72]; P= 0.6). Secondary exploratory analyses suggested reductions in dietary intake of single nutrients (potassium, phosphorus, sodium, protein), interdialytic weight gain, and phosphate binder use among intervention participants compared with participants assigned to standard care. Our feasibility study was of short duration. Adherence was based on self-reported data. Generalizability to populations receiving maintenance hemodialysis outside of an urban, Australian setting is unknown. A simple mobile phone text-messaging intervention was feasible and acceptable to patients. Further investigation of the impact on patient-reported and clinical outcomes is warranted. Funding for the study was provided by a Sydney Medical School Foundation Grant and the Centre for Transplant and Renal Research at Westmead Hospital. Registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry with study number ACTRN12617001084370.

Comparative effectiveness of bisoprolol and carvedilol among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

BackgroundDespite widespread use, there is no trial evidence to inform β-blocker’s (BB) relative safety and efficacy among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). We herein compare health outcomes associated with carvedilol or bisoprolol use, the most commonly prescribed BBs in these patients.MethodsWe created a cohort study of 9305 HD patients who initiated bisoprolol and 11 171 HD patients who initiated carvedilol treatment between 2004 and 2011. We compared the risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) between carvedilol and bisoprolol users during a 2-year follow-up.ResultsBisoprolol initiators were younger, had shorter dialysis vintage, were women, had common comorbidities of hypertension and hyperlipidemia and were receiving statins and antiplatelets, but they had less heart failure and digoxin prescriptions than carvedilol initiators. During our observations, 1555 deaths and 5167 MACEs were recorded. In the multivariable-adjusted Cox model, bisoprolol initiation was associated with a lower all-cause mortality {hazard ratio [HR] 0.66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–0.73]} compared with carvedilol initiation. After accounting for the competing risk of death, bisoprolol use (versus carvedilol) was associated with a lower risk of MACEs [HR 0.85 (95% CI 0.80–0.91)] and attributed to a lower risk of heart failure [HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.77–0.91)] and ischemic stroke [HR 0.84 (95% CI 0.72–0.97)], but not to differences in the risk of acute myocardial infarction [HR 1.03 (95% CI 0.93–1.15)]. Results were confirmed in propensity score matching analyses, stratified analyses and analyses that considered prescribed dosages or censored patients discontinuing or switching BBs.ConclusionsRelative to carvedilol, bisoprolol initiation by HD patients was associated with a lower 2-year risk of death and MACEs, mainly attributed to lower heart failure and ischemic stroke risk.

Video Visits Using the Zoom for Healthcare Platform for People Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis and Nephrologists: A Feasibility Study in Alberta, Canada.

Background:Demand for virtual visits (an online synchronous medical appointment between a health care provider and patient) is increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There may be additional benefits of virtual visits as they appear to be convenient and potentially cost-saving to patients. People receiving maintenance hemodialysis require ongoing care from their nephrologist and may benefit from virtual visits; however, the optimal model for a virtual kidney clinic is unknown.Objective:To codesign and assess the feasibility of a virtual (video) kidney clinic model with clinic staff, nephrologists, and patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, to be used for routine follow-up visits.Design:Mixed-methods study.Setting:Two main kidney clinics in central Calgary, Alberta.Participants:Adults with kidney failure receiving maintenance hemodialysis, nephrologists, and clinic staff.Methods:First, we individually interviewed clinic staff and nephrologists to assess the needs of the clinic to deliver virtual visits. Then, we used participant observation with patients and nephrologists to codesign the virtual visit model. Finally, we used structured surveys to evaluate the patients’ and nephrologists’ experiences when using the virtual model.Results:Eight video visits (8 patients; 6 nephrologists) were scheduled between October 2019 and February 2020 and 7 were successfully completed. Among completed visits, all participants reported high satisfaction with the service, were willing to use it again, and would recommend it to others. Three main themes were identified with respect to factors influencing visit success: IT infrastructure, administration, and process.Limitations:Patients received training on how to use the videoconference platform by the PhD student, whom also set up the technical components of the visit for the nephrologist. This may have overestimated the feasibility of virtual visits if this level of support is not available in future. Second, interviews were not audio-recorded and thematic analysis relied on field notes.Conclusions:Video visits for routine follow-up care between people receiving hemodialysis and nephrologists were acceptable to patients and nephrologists. Video visits appear to be feasible if clinics are equipped with appropriate equipment and IT infrastructure, physicians are remunerated appropriately, and patients receive training on how to use software as needed.

Evaluation of the Cost of a High-Dose Intravenous Iron Protocol in a Regional Hemodialysis Program: Research Letter.

Background:Intravenous (IV) iron and erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) are standard treatments for anemia in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. These medications are associated with significant costs to hemodialysis programs and patients. Recent trial evidence demonstrated that a high-dose IV iron protocol reduces ESA usage and improves cardiovascular outcomes. The cost of implementing a high-dose iron protocol within the Canadian public healthcare context remains unknown.Objective:Our primary aim was to estimate the costs of a high-dose IV iron protocol in a large Canadian hemodialysis program that currently uses a low-dose and reactive IV iron strategy. Our secondary aim was to estimate the reduction in ESA use required to maintain cost neutrality with a high-dose IV iron protocol.Design:In this modeling study of IV iron and ESA utilization from a regional hemodialysis program, changes in medication utilization were calculated based on observed effects from published trial data. Using data from a quality improvement audit of regional anemia management and medication utilization, we estimated potential cost differences under various modeling conditions.Setting:Four adult hospital-based and 9 community in-center hemodialysis units in the Alberta Kidney Care—South renal program during the observation period of September 1, 2018, to November 30, 2018.Patients:In total, data from 826 patients were included.Measurements:Mean monthly IV iron and ESA doses were obtained from routine audit data captured within an electronic medical record. Costs were determined from provincially negotiated medication prices.Methods:Current IV iron and erythropoietin dosages were aggregated at the hemodialysis unit level. We used the results from the PIVOTAL trial to estimate the expected increase in IV iron dose and reduction in ESA dose with a high-dose IV iron protocol. We assumed the split between various manufactures of IV iron and ESA were maintained in our cost model. Total medication costs were aggregated by hemodialysis unit, and the mean costs in each unit were used to estimate per-patient costs. Sensitivity analyses included models that assumed 100% IV iron sucrose usage, as well as models where community hemodialysis units and hospital-based hemodialysis units were examined separately. Finally, we calculated a break-even point for ESA dose reduction required to maintain cost neutrality.Results:Actual baseline IV iron and ESA dose utilization across 13 adult HD units were 118 mg/patient/month (95% confidence interval [CI]: 102-134 mg) and 20,764 IU/pt./mo. (95% CI: 18,104-23,424 IU), respectively. The mean combined cost of ESA and IV iron was $315/pt./mo. (95% CI: $274-$355). In comparison, using the results of the PIVOTAL trial and assuming a high-dose IV iron scenario, we estimated mean IV iron use of 215 mg/pt./mo. (95% CI: 187-243 mg/pt./mo.) and a reduction in mean ESA use to 15,923 IU/pt./mo. (95% CI: 13,883-17,962 IU/pt./mo.). This resulted in an estimated cost savings of $38/pt./mo. (95% CI: $33–$42/pt./mo.) and a total program savings of $370,000 per year (95% CI: $325,000-$420,000). Sensitivity analyses under various alternate conditions also showed potential cost savings. We estimated that a dose reduction of ESA of 10% would be required for cost neutrality with a high-dose IV iron protocol.Limitations:Our study is limited in its use of data from a single randomized controlled trial (RCT) to estimate cost savings rather than actualized utilization. Our models do not take into consideration anticipated reductions in transfusions and hospitalizations that could be realized from a high-dose IV iron protocol.Conclusions:Based on cost modeling, a high-dose IV iron protocol could be integrated in large Canadian regional hemodialysis program in a cost saving manner. Programs implementing such a protocol should monitor IV iron and EPO use prospectively to determine if the trial protocol as applied in a real-world setting translates into cost savings.