Population Of Hemodialysis Patients Research Articles

MEASUREMENT OF PULSE WAVE VELOCITY IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Objective: Cardiovascular complications represent the leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease. These patients combine classical and unconventional cardiovascular risk factors. Arterial stiffness, assessed by measuring the pulse wave velocity (PWV), is a reliable means of assessing cardiovascular risk. It has been rarely studied in hemodialysis patients. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the level of arterial stiffness by measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity in a population of chronic hemodialysis patients and to investigate factors contributing to arterial stiffness. Design and method: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study concerning the carotid-femoral pulse wave in hemodialysis patients during two years. Results: Our population included 38 chronic hemodialysis patients. Mean duration of hemodialysis was 29.21 ± 24.56 months. The mean age was 49 ± 13 years (16–78 years). Twelve patients were hypertensive (31.6%). Mean arterial pressure was 95 ± 13.5 mmHg. Hemoglobin value was 9.20 ± 1.66 g / dl. PTH was 714 ± 573 ng / l. PWV was 9.03 ± 2.73 m / s (5–16 m / s). Univariate analysis concluded that PWV acceleration was correlated with age, history of stroke, history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, HTA, elevated PTH and elevated CRP. Conclusions: A better understanding of factors influencing arterial stiffness, allows to intensify primary and secondary prevention in hemodialysis patients.

MO914: Development of Antibody Response to SARS-COV-2 Vaccines in Haemodialysis Patients

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Previous data has shown a reduced immune response shortly after SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in haemodialysis patients. We therefore investigated the long-term antibody response in patients from different outpatient dialysis centres at 4 weeks and 6 months after a complete vaccination against COVID-19. The results were compared with the humoral responses of non-dialysis subjects. METHODS We designed a retrospective multicentric cohort study, enrolling 106 haemodialysis patients and 50 non-dialysis patients after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing was performed as part of routine clinical practice 4 weeks as well as 6 months after the immunization with chemiluminescence immunoassays designed to detect antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Testing was performed in the Institute of Laboratory Medicine of the University Hospital Munich. According to the manufacturer's specifications, anti-SARS-CoV-2 S titres >0.8 U/mL are considered reactive (sensitivity 98.8% and specificity 99.9%). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S titres < 100 U/mL were defined as a low antibody response. RESULTS A total of 106 haemodialysis patients with a median age of 73 years received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (n = 105 mRNA, n = 1 AstraZeneca). Of these, 50 non-dialysis patients with a median age of 56 years received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (n = 45 mRNA, n = 5 mRNA/AstraZeneca). During the observational period, 8 haemodialysis patients and 2 non-dialysis patients additionally contracted a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Between the two testings, an overall decrease in anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody titres was observed (haemodialysis patients from a median of 252 to 95 U/mL, non-dialysis patients from a median of 1621 to 441 U/mL). At 6 months after the complete vaccination, 99 (93%) haemodialysis patients still presented with a detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody response (>0.8 U/mL), comparable to 100% of the non-dialysis subjects. However, 60 (57%) haemodialysis patients showed low antibody response (<100 U/mL), whereas only 5 (10%) non-dialysis patients presented with low antibody response. Patients with an additional infection showed an increased titre of antibodies during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest regular antibody testing as well as a need for booster vaccination in the vulnerable population of haemodialysis patients.

Diminished Short- and Long-Term Antibody Response after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Hemodialysis Patients.

Short-term studies have shown an attenuated immune response in hemodialysis patients after COVID-19-vaccination. The present study examines how antibody response is maintained after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in a large population of hemodialysis patients from six outpatient dialysis centers. We retrospectively assessed serum antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and nucleocapsid protein (electrochemiluminescence immunoassays, Roche Diagnostics) after COVID-19-vaccination in 298 hemodialysis and 103 non-dialysis patients (controls), comparing early and late antibody response. Compared to a non-dialysis cohort hemodialysis patients showed a favorable but profoundly lower early antibody response, which decreased substantially during follow-up measurement (median 6 months after vaccination). Significantly more hemodialysis patients had anti-SARS-CoV-2-S antibody titers below 100 U/mL (p < 0.001), which increased during follow-up from 23% to 45% but remained low in the control group (3% vs. 7%). In multivariate analysis, previous COVID-19 infections (p < 0.001) and female gender (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with higher early as well as late antibody vaccine response in hemodialysis patients, while there was a significant inverse correlation between patient age and systemic immunosuppression (p < 0.001). The early and late antibody responses were significantly higher in patients receiving vaccination after a SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to uninfected patients in both groups (p < 0.05). We also note that a higher titer after complete immunization positively affected late antibody response. The observation, that hemodialysis patients showed a significantly stronger decline of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination antibody titers within 6 months, compared to controls, supports the need for booster vaccinations to foster a stronger and more persistent antibody response.

Benchmarking Diet Quality to Assess Nutritional Risk in Hemodialysis Patients: Applying Adequacy and Moderation Metrics of the Hemodialysis-Healthy Eating Index

This study modified Healthy Eating Index (HEI) based on hemodialysis (HD)-specific nutritional guidelines and investigated associations between the diet quality (DQ) and nutritional risk in HD patients. The HD-HEI tool adapted the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2010 framework according to HD-specific nutrition guidelines. This HD-HEI was applied to 3-day dietary records of 382 HD patients. Relationships between HD-HEI scores and nutritional parameters were tested by partial correlations. Binary logistic regression models adjusted with confounders were used to determine adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for nutritional risk based on HD-HEI scores categorization. The total HD-HEI score (51.3±10.2) for this HD patient population was affected by ethnicity (Ptrend < .001) and sex (P=.003). No patient achieved "good" DQ (score: 81-100), while DQ of 54.5% patients were classified as "needs improvement" (score: 51-80) and remaining as "poor" (score: 0-51). Total HD-HEI scores were positively associated with dietary energy intake (DEI), dietary protein intake (DPI), dry weight, and handgrip strength, but inversely associated with Dietary Monotony Index (DMI) (all P<.05). Individually, scores for refined grain, total protein, and animal protein were positively associated with DEI (all P<.05), while total, animal, fish, and vegetable proteins indicated positive associations with DPI (all P<.05). Moderating metrics for convenience meals, saturated fats, sodium, and fluid negatively correlated toward DEI with similar trends for DPI excepting convenience meals and fluids. "Poor" DQ was associated with DMI ≥ 29.2 (adjOR 18.83, 95% CI 9.36-37.86, P<.001), Malnutrition Inflammation Score ≥ 5 (adjOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.01-3.15, P=.045), and protein energy wasting (adjOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.14-3.34, P=.031), but became nullified with covariate adjustments. "Poor" DQ was also associated with low lean tissue mass (<32.6kg) in men (adjOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.01-5.58, P=.046) but not women. "Poor" DQ was associated with poor nutritional status in Malaysian HD patients, who should be targeted for nutritional counseling.

Consumption of nephrotoxic plants among chronic hemodialysis patients in the Eastern region of Morocco: A multicentric cross-sectional study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe consumption of nephrotoxic plants is quite frequent in Morocco and could explain the high prevalence of indeterminate nephropathy in patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). Aim of the studyto determine, in a population of chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients and before the occurrence of ESKD, the prevalence of the use of nephrotoxic plants, in particular, Aristolochia longa L. (Bereztam) and the etiological role of plants in the rapid progression of known and unknown nephropathy toward the end stage of chronic hemodialysis. Materials and methodsThis was a multicentric cross-sectional study spread over 12 months (May 2019–May 2020), carried out in public hemodialysis centers in the eastern region of Morocco. Clinical data were collected from medical records. Herbal and sociodemographic data were collected from a detailed and precise interview with each enrolled CHD patient. ResultsA total of 404 CHD patients participated in the study. 71.5%, had used medicinal plants before the occurrence of ESKD and 32.9% had indeterminate nephropathy. Among the plants consumed, we identified plants whose kidney toxicity was well demonstrated, mainly Rhamnus alaternus L. (Mlilas) in 66.7%, Artemisia herba alba Asso (Chih) in 54.32%, Aristolochia longa L.(Bereztam) in 52.6%, and Rubia tinctorum L. (Fowa) in 47.4%. 27.7% of CHD patients had presented complications following the use of the plants before the occurrence of ESKD. In multivariate analysis, the use of plants to treat digestive disorders (OR 9.57; 95%CI [4.49–20.37], P < 0.001) and asthenia associated with anemia (OR 8.59; 95%CI [3.92–18.81], P < 0.001), as well as side effects observed after taking the plants (OR 4; 95%CI [1.09, 14.7], P = 0.03), were identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of severe indeterminate nephropathy. ConclusionsThis study showed the high prevalence of consumption of nephrotoxic herbs which may be the root cause of chronic renal failure in CHD patients.

Real-World Effectiveness and Immunogenicity of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Patients on hemodialysis have an elevated risk for COVID-19 but were not included in efficacy trials of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We conducted a retrospective, observational study to estimate the real-world effectiveness and immunogenicity of two mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in a large, representative population of adult hemodialysis patients in the United States. In separate, parallel analyses, patients who began a vaccination series with BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 in January and February 2021 were matched with unvaccinated patients and risk for outcomes were compared for days 1-21, 22-42, and ≥43 after first dose. In a subset of consented patients, blood samples were collected approximately 28 days after the second dose and anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G was measured. A total of 12,169 patients received the BNT162b2 vaccine (matched with 44,377 unvaccinated controls); 23,037 patients received the mRNA-1273 vaccine (matched with 63,243 unvaccinated controls). Compared with controls, vaccinated patients' risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19 postvaccination became progressively lower during the study period (hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for BNT162b2 was 0.21 [0.13, 0.35] and for mRNA-1273 was 0.27 [0.17, 0.42] for days ≥43). After a COVID-19 diagnosis, vaccinated patients were significantly less likely than unvaccinated patients to be hospitalized (for BNT162b2, 28.0% versus 43.4%; for mRNA-1273, 37.2% versus 45.6%) and significantly less likely to die (for BNT162b2, 4.0% versus 12.1%; for mRNA-1273, 5.6% versus 14.5%). Antibodies were detected in 98.1% (309/315) and 96.0% (308/321) of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 patients, respectively. In patients on hemodialysis, vaccination with BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 was associated with a lower risk of COVID-19 diagnosis and lower risk of hospitalization or death among those diagnosed with COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in nearly all patients after vaccination. These findings support the use of these vaccines in this population.

Best quality indicator of vitamin K antagonist therapy to predict mortality and bleeding in haemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation.

There is a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Oral anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) is the only accepted treatment for the prevention of thromboembolism in haemodialysis patients with AF. However, in this population, the risk of bleeding is greatly increased. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of treatment quality indicators of VKA therapy to predict mortality and bleedings in a population of haemodialysis patients with AF. A total of 129 patients were included in this cohort study. Deaths and bleeding events were recorded during a follow-up of 4 years. In all patients, International Normalized Ratio (INR) values were assessed at least once a month. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) and INR variability, as measured by the standard deviation of INR, were updated at each INR measurement. A Cox model with time-dependent co-variates and sandwich variance was applied. During follow-up, 71 patients died and 55 bleeding episodes occurred in 31 patients. INR variability was the only indicator associated with both mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12; 2.49, p=0.012) and bleeding (HR=2.85, 95% CI: 1.71; 4.75, p=0.0001). HR of mortality was higher in patients with INR >3 (HR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.09; 3.88, p=0.0259) than in subjects in therapeutic range 2<INR≤3. TTR was inversely associated with the risk of recurrent haemorrhagic events (HR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.80; 0.95, p=0.0023), but not with a first episode of bleeding. Results were consistent after censoring patients at VKA withdrawal. Our study suggests that, in haemodialysis patients with AF taking VKAs, INR variability is the quality indicator that best predicts clinical outcomes. In this population, if more treatment quality indicators are considered together, it may become easier to identify patients at particularly high risk of bleeding and death.

Assessing Resources in a Population of Hemodialysis Patients: A New Approach to Improve Quality of Care

Hemodialysis patients constitute a vulnerable population. Their health needs are considerable and they often present psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Empirical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of positive psychology interventions to enhance the well-being of patients and alleviate their depressive symptoms. One such intervention consists in identifying and mobilizing patient resources to activate their recovery. An intervention of the sort was implemented in Switzerland with hemodialysis nurses using AERES, a novel self-assessment instrument. AERES covers 31 domains under three dimensions: personal characteristics/qualities, hobbies/passions, and social/environmental resources. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore hemodialysis nurse perceptions of the use of this instrument. Sixteen hemodialysis nurses were recruited in six hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland and interviewed after delivering the intervention. A consensual qualitative research method was used to analyze the data. Results showed that the resources instrument was easy to administer and beneficial to patients and health professionals. Patient wellbeing became the top priority for the nurses and new interventions centered on patient resources were undertaken. Quality of patient care was improved. Nurses perceived this positive psychology instrument as a means of creating a positive relationship with patients and supporting them emotionally. Assessing the resources of this vulnerable population can provide health professionals with a powerful tool to understand patient intact resources, which can be used to alleviate symptoms and foster wellbeing.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in a Predominantly African-American Hemodialysis Patient Population

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in a Predominantly African-American Hemodialysis Patient Population

Usefulness of foot-to-foot bioimpedance analysis for assessing volume status in chronic hemodialysis patients at the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital (Senegal)

Introduction: Determination of dry weight is one of the daily goals to achieve in hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to validate the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in estimation of dry weight in a population of Senegalese chronic hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods: A 9-week cross-sectional study was carried out at the hemodialysis unit of Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital. Adult patients with no previous hospital history were included. The total body water (TBW) was measured with a single frequency bioelectric impedance foot-to-foot analyzer, before and after six successive hemodialysis sessions. These results were compared with those from clinical measurements with the Watson equation using a Student’s t-test and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: 264 measurements were made in 22 patients (46.6 years, 54.5% men, 92.3 months on dialysis, 62.7 kg mean dry weight). A significant reduction in weight (ΔWeight = 2.0 ± 1.1 kg; p &lt; 0.0001) and in TBW measured by the BIA (ΔTBWBIA = 3.3 ± 1.0 liters; p &lt; 0.0001)) or calculated by Watson’s equation (ΔTBWWatson = 0.5 ± 0.2 liter; p = 0.0001) was observed. There was a strong linear correlation and agreement between the 2 TBW measurements in pre-dialysis. In post-dialysis the concordance diagram indicated a bias = –2.2 and wide agreement limits. Conclusion: The BIA allows reproducible and reliable measurements and a fair estimate of the TBW in pre-dialysis.

Antibody response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in haemodialysis patients.

BackgroundSome studies have shown an attenuated immune response in haemodialysis patients after vaccination. The present study examines the humoral response after mRNA vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a large population of haemodialysis patients from different outpatient dialysis centres.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and nucleocapsid protein (chemiluminescence immunoassays, Roche diagnostics) 3–6 weeks after the second mRNA vaccine dose in 179 maintenance haemodialysis and 70 non-dialysis patients (control cohort). Differences in anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein titers were statistically analysed with respect to patient-relevant factors, including age, gender, previous coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, systemic immunosuppressive therapy and time on dialysis.ResultsWe found a favourable, but profoundly lower SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody response in comparison with a non-dialysis cohort (median 253.5 versus 1756 U/mL, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, previous COVID-19 infection (P < 0.001) and female gender were associated with a significantly higher vaccine response (P = 0.006) in haemodialysis patients, while there was a significant inverse correlation with increasing patient age and systemic immunosuppression (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between the antibody titer and time on dialysis. Immune response in haemodialysis patients with a previous COVID-19 infection led to substantially higher antibody titers that were equal to those of vaccinated non-dialysis individuals with previous infection.ConclusionWe strongly argue in favour of regular antibody testing after COVID-19 vaccination in haemodialysis patients. Further studies should elucidate the utility of booster vaccinations to foster a stronger and persistent antibody response.

Systematic Review of Alexithymia in the Population of Hemodialysis Patients.

Alexithymia is a construct defined as the inability to differentiate between emotional experiences and bodily sensations. According to existing knowledge, alexithymia may have a major effect on the process of treatment and the outcome of the hemodialysis disease. The objective of this literature review was to determine the significance that alexithymia has for compliance and variables of clinical and mental health in the population of hemodialysis patients. For the above purpose, bibliographic databases “MEDLINE” and “Web of Science” were searched. The matrix method was used in analysis of articles. Searching both databases resulted in 248 articles. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, we included results of 13 articles in the literature review. The results of the search are findings regarding the prevalence and correlation of alexithymia with variables of clinical and mental health in hemodialysis patients. Alexithymia is significantly more common in the population of hemodialysis patients, and it has a negative effect on their mental and somatic health. Alexithymia levels in hemodialysis patients are more pronounced in cases where there is a greater number of comorbidities. Alexithymia is the predictor of high mortality rate in the population of hemodialysis patients, independent of other comorbidities.

MO783CENTRAL VEIN STENOSIS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH PAST CENTRAL VEIN MANIPULATION

Abstract Background and Aims Central vein stenosis (CVS) is frequently observed in hemodialysis patients. Risk factors for CVS include prior ipsilateral central venous catheterization (CVC) and cardiac rhythm device (CRD) insertions. Though it may have clinical manifestations, CVS is often asymptomatic and, therefore, not diagnosed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of CVS in a population of hemodialysis patients, as well as underlying risk factors, clinical manifestations and impact in patients’ vascular access. Method We retrospectively evaluated all venous angiographies of prevalent patients in our hemodialysis units from 2013 to 2018. In patients with proved CVS, we evaluated history of prior short term and long term upper ipsilateral CVC and CRD insertions. We also analyzed symptoms associated CVS as well as the rate of loss of vascular access for hemodialysis related to the presence of CVS. Results The prevalence of CVS in prevalent patients in hemodialysis during the period of our study (n=209) was 14%. We identified 31 upper CVS in 29 patients undergoing venous angiography. Left brachiocephalic vein was the most commonly affected site (45.1% of cases), followed by the right brachiocephalic vein (19.3%), left subclavian vein (16.1%), right subclavian vein (12.9%) and superior vena cava (6.4%). The majority of patients with CVS (95%) had previous history of ipsilateral CVC (previous short-term CVC in 40%, pervious short term and long-term CVC in 27% and previous long-term CVC in 33%). Loss of vascular access for hemodialysis due do CVS was observed in 26% of patients with CVS. Conclusion A significant proportion of patients in hemodialysis presents CVS. The majority of patients with CVS had a previous history of ipsilateral central venous catherization. A significant proportion of patients with CVS had a previous history central venous catherization uniquely with short term CVC, highlighting the importance of the risk of vascular lesion, even during short periods of catherization. The presence of CVS is associated with a significant rate of loss hemodialysis vascular access.

MO752EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF CHRONIC PAIN IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Despite progress these recent years in support the hemodialysis, chronic pain remains a problem concern that ultimately affect the quality of life and psycho-emotional state, even among dialysis patients already psychologically fragile. However, it is often overlooked and its characteristics in chronic hemodialysis (HDC) are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, features, impact and treatment of pain in our population of chronic hemodialysis patients and to determine the factors associated with it. Method cross-sectional study conducted in January 2020 including 71 chronic hemodialysis patients from the nephrology department of the CHU ibn rochd CASABLANCA. They were subjected to a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, the characteristics of the pain, its impact on daily life, the various treatments performed. The pain is chronic if it persists for more than 3 months. The intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale. Results Of the 71 patients, 64.4% report chronic pain, the average age of our patients was 46.5 years, ranging from 16 to 93 years, with a sex ratio M/F 1.1, seniority hemodialysis was 17.3 years. The pain is continuous, frequent, intermittent and rare in respectively 55.5%, 27.5%, 13.7%, 3.44% of cases, it is a weak, moderate, severe, very severe in respectively: 13.7%, 58.6%, 17.24%, 10.3%, causing musculoskeletal was predominant in 75.8% of cases, the most common sites are: shoulders (47,23%), knees (34.5%), the head (41.2%) and the back (19.65%). It resounded on the patient's daily activity in 55.17%, and sleep in 41.3%, the treatment was essentially based analgesics in 58.6% of cases, these analgesics were level 1 in 47.1% cases and level 2 in 52.9% of cases. This is taken daily in 28.5% of patients, common in 42.8% and 28.5% rare among of them, the disappearance of pain was achieved in 65.51% of cases. In perdialyse, the intensity of the pain does not change in 79.4% of patients. Pain was favored by advanced age and age dialysis (advanced age (p = 0.043) and age dialysis (p = 0.01).) Conclusion Chronic pain is a major problem in hemodialysis by its high prevalence, its significant intensity and its impact on life daily patient. However its management remains inadequate. Regular assessment of pain using a well-codified questionnaire is necessary to improve the care of dialysis patients.

MO792CONTEMPORARY MINERAL AND BONE DISORDER MARKERS AND TREATMENT AMONG HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS IN THE EUROPEAN DIALYSIS OUTCOMES AND PRACTICE PATTERNS STUDY (DOPPS)*

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is characterized by abnormalities in serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and associated with morbidity and mortality. Previous publications from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) have demonstrated country differences in the prevalence and treatment of CKD-MBD among hemodialysis patients in participating European countries. We aim to compare the distribution of CKD-MBD related labs and treatments across countries in a contemporary population of European hemodialysis patients. Method DOPPS is an international prospective cohort study of hemodialysis patients ≥18 years of age. Patients are enrolled randomly from a representative sample of dialysis facilities within each nation at the start of each study phase. The current analysis includes n=1,701 patients from 91 facilities in the initial prevalent cross section of Europe DOPPS phase 7 (2019-present; Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, UK). Results from Belgium should be considered preliminary as initial questionnaire completion is ongoing. Results The % of patients with a high PTH (&amp;gt;600 pg/mL) ranged from 6% in Italy to 24% in the UK, with 12-17% having high PTH in all other countries. Mean serum total calcium ranged from 8.7 in Germany to 9.1 mg/dL in the UK (Table). Mean serum phosphorus varied from 4.5 in Belgium to 5.3 mg/dL in Germany. Dialysate calcium of 2.5 mEq/L was predominant in Germany, Sweden, and the UK while 3.0 mEq/L was the most common prescription in Belgium, Italy, and Spain. Calcimimetic prescription ranged from 13% in the UK to 32% in Spain. Etelcalcetide prescription ranged from 1% in the UK to 12% in Spain and 14% in Italy. Active vitamin D prescription ranged from 27% in Belgium to 75% in Sweden. Nearly all vitamin D prescriptions were administered intravenously in Spain versus about half in Italy; in all other countries, the route of active vitamin D administration was primarily oral. Patient age and dialysis vintage varied by country, potentially contributing to some of the observed country differences in MBD marker levels and treatment practices. Conclusion CKD-MBD related abnormalities in PTH, serum phosphorus and calcium remain common in European dialysis patients, with prevalence varying considerably by country. Substantial international variation in CKD-MBD treatments was also observed in prescription of vitamin D and calcimimetics. Uptake of the relatively new calcimimetic, etelcalcetide, varied considerably by country. A detailed understanding of the effect of treatment variation on CKD-MBD marker levels and patient outcomes is needed to provide important insights for the European HD community in optimizing management of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

MO869IMPACTO DE LA SEGUNDA OLA DE INFECCIÓN DE COVID-19 EN PACIENTES DE HEMODIÁLISIS EXTREMADURA (ESPAÑA)

Background and AimsHemodialysis patients are high-risk patients for severe forms of SARS-Cov 2. Extremadura has two provinces Badajoz(B) and Caceres(C) with one million of people. The incidence was small in the first part of the pandemic (2,6%) compared with the national incidence, and it was higher in C than in B (5,6% vs 1,1%)The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of COVID-19 disease in the population of Extremadura's hemodialysis patients and to study the clinical evolution, treatment and mortality in patients with confirmed infection with Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) during the second wave.MethodMulticenter, retrospective, observational study of hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 disease between August and December of 2020. There were 683 hemodialysis patients in this period distributed in 5 hospital units and 7 out of hospital Units.ResultsIncidence: 6,8% (46 infected of SARS-Cov 2), with almost one patient in each center (the highest with 16,1%) and higher incidence in B than in C (8,1% vs 4,1%). Males (58,7%), media age, (69,3±11,9) and median renal replacement therapy time 29 months (RIC 47,4). The most frequent CKD was diabetic nephropathy (16%), but 35% of the patients have diabetes, 86% hypertension and 56% cardiovascular illness. Treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers 40% and with vitamin D 62,8%. There were 42% patients who had contacted with positive people of hemodialysis unit and 37% with positive people outside. 67% have symptoms: the most frequent cough and fever (46%). Hospitalized patients: 41,6%, all of them with bilateral pneumonia. All had lymphocytopenia and high acute phase reactants: D -dimer 1195 ng/ml (RIC 1545), Ferritin 950,12ng/ml (RIC 533,6) IL-6 30,11pg/ml (RIC 41,13) C-reactive protein 28 mg/l (RIC 62,10) Procalcitonin 0,42 ng/ml (RIC 0,44), all increased in the hospitalized period without significant differences. Median hospitalized time was 10 days (RIC 11). Nine patients died (19,5%), 3 of them in intensive unit care with 15 days median. Most of them needed antibiotic therapy, steroids and anticoagulation, 5 convalescent plasma and 5 tocilizumab. We stopped isolated room dialysis when they had negative PCR (56%) or IgG positive (54%), median insulation 17 days (RIC 7). We haven´t found differences in hospitalized vs no hospitalized patients in age, gender, renal replacement therapy time, etiology, DM, hypertension or cardiovascular illness and treatment, nor in relation with mortality.ConclusionWe have observed an increase in the incidence of infection in this period compared with the first period of the pandemic, parallel to the increases in the incidence of the general population in Extremadura (more in B than in C). The mortality is high but similar to other publications. We have to do screening due to the possibility of asymptomatic patients that could have contributed to expand the infection. The high number of hospitalized patients and the need of isolated rooms dialysis for infections patients is a challenge for the organization of hemodialysis units but having positive serologic reduce the isolation time.

MO739EX VIVO THROMBOCYTE FUNCTION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Coagulation disorders with both risk for bleeding and thrombotic events are common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Altered thrombocyte counts and function may account for that. Here, we sought to better characterize thrombocyte function in hemodialysis patients. Method Platelet function was investigated using the Multiplate analyzer (Roche) based on impedance aggregometry. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was used to induce platelet aggregation and area under the curve (AUC) was used as primary endpoint. Platelet counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured. Hospitalization was the primary clinical outcome. Pearson regression was used to test for associations of thrombocyte function and the primary endpoint. Results In total 60 chronic HD patients undergoing dialysis 3 times per week, and 67 healthy controls were included. In general, HD patients presented with significantly lower thrombocyte numbers compared to healthy controls (Median: 221 vs. 245 G/l, p=0.029). Further, thrombocyte function as determined by AUC was significantly altered in HD patients versus healthy controls (Median: 455 vs. 677 AU*min, p&amp;lt;0.001; figure 1) with a significant correlation for platelet count and platelet function (r=0.42, p=0.001). Platelet function also correlated with the inflammatory state as seen by systemic CRP levels (r=0.28, p=0.033). Regarding the clinical outcome, platelet function correlated with hospitalization rates for infectious disease (r=0.27; p=0.040) and cardiovascular events (r=0.30; p=0.022). In case of hospitalization rates for infectious disease this correlation remained stable irrespective of adjustment for thrombocyte counts (r=0.27, p=0.036). Conclusion Lower platelet counts and altered function in HD patients was associated with risk of hospitalization and markers of inflammation in this cohort. The Multiplate analyzer appeared to be a valid and easily accessible method to assess thrombocyte function. Further studies are needed to determine whether assessment of thrombocyte function in clinical routine should be used to stratify risk in the vulnerable population of HD patients.

MO765CENTRAL VEIN STENOSES IN HD PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims The prevalence of central vein stenosis (CVS) in patients on hemodialysis (HD) is difficult to be assessed directly. This is mainly caused by the variety of clinical signs and the high frequency of asymptomatic CVS. Aim: to assess the frequency of occurrence of various CVS forms in HD patients. Method The retrospective observational study is based on the results of treatment of 1865 HD patients who underwent diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on vascular access in our center. In case of vascular access dysfunction, patients were examined according to a local protocol: ultrasound of the peripheral (to exclude lesion of peripheral AVF segments) and central veins (over the available length), followed with CT-angiography or percutaneous angiography, if necessary. Results AVF/AVG dysfunction was observed in 29.4% of patients (549 of 1865). 211 patients were diagnosed with CVS. The prevalence of CVS was 11.3% (211 of 1865) among all HD patients and 38.4% (211 of 549) in patients with AVF dysfunction. Among patients with CVS, 37% (78 of 211) had vein lesions without clinical symptoms or with minimal manifestations (a tendency to decrease KT/V). The prevalence of asymptomatic CVS was 4.2% (78 of 1865) in the general population of HD patients and 14.2% (78 of 549) in patients with AVF dysfunction. In case of asymptomatic CVS it was detected by an ultrasound examination during CVC implantation (N=38), during unsuccessful attempts to implant CVC (N=29), in the case of recurrent AVF thrombosis without underlying peripheral segments lesion (N=9) or during echocardiography (N=2). The prevalence of asymptomatic CVS among patients without AVF dysfunction was 5.9% (78 of 1316). True prevalence of subclinical CVS among HD patients without obvious signs of AVF dysfunction may vary widely. A total of 48.8% (103 of 211) of all CVS cases were treated. At the same time, in 10.7% (11 of 103) of cases, patients did not present symptoms of CVS, and surgery was performed due to recurrent AVF thrombosis without damage of the peripheral parts of AVF. Patients with clinically manifest CVS who received endovascular interventions had a significantly higher risk of AVF loss compared to patients with asymptomatic CVS: HR=2.566 [95% CI 1.706; 3.86], log rank p&amp;lt;0.0001. However, patients with an asymptomatic CVS had a higher risk of AVF function loss compared to the general HD population (HR=2,051 [95% CI 1,243; 3,384], log rank p= 0.0004) – fig. 1. The use of CVC is a known risk factor of CVS development. We analyzed the relationship of CVS risk with multiply CVC placements and catheter dwell time using the Cox proportional hazards regression model (fig. 2). In the univariate model, a greater No of CVCs as well as longer time in place increased the risk of CVS. In the multivariate model (χ2=105.516, df=2, p&amp;lt;0.0001), catheter dwell time was no longer associated with an increased risk of CVC, while the mean number of inserted catheters remained an important risk factor. Conclusion The prevalence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic forms of CVS in HD patients is high. Patients with vascular access dysfunction should be carefully examined to identify the asymptomatic CVS. The mean No of catheterizations is a more important risk factor of CVS than longer catheter dwell time.

Effects of Different Dialysis Strategies on Inflammatory Cytokine Profile in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized Trial.

Uncontrolled inflammation plays a relevant role in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Here, we studied the time trend of inflammatory markers in a population of hemodialysis (HD) patients affected by COVID-19, undergoing two different dialysis approaches. In a prospective study, thirty-one maintenance HD patients with COVID-19 were randomized to expanded HD (HDx), performed using a medium cut-off membrane, or standard treatment using a protein-leaking dialyzer (PLD). Circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), soluble TLR4 (sTLR4), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), were collected at diagnosis, and one and two weeks after. Compared with 14 non-infected HD patients, COVID-19 patients showed lymphopenia and higher ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Moreover, COVID-19 patients had higher levels of IL-10 (15.2 (12.5) vs. 1.2 (1.4) pg/mL, p = 0.02). Twenty-nine patients were randomized to HDx (n = 15) or PLD (n = 14). After a single treatment, IL-8 showed a significant reduction in both groups, whereas IL-10 decreased only in HDx. All over the study, there were no significant modifications in circulating cytokine levels between the two groups, except for a parallel increase of IL-8 and IL-10 at one week control in the HDx group. No correlations were found between cytokine levels and clinical outcomes. In maintenance HD patients, COVID-19 is not related to a sustained inflammatory response. Therefore, modulation of inflammation seems not to be a suitable therapeutic target in this specific population.

Estimating hospital inpatient cost-savings with sucroferric oxyhydroxide in patients on chronic hemodialysis in five European countries: a cost analysis

Aims Hyperphosphatemia is common among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis. The iron-based phosphate binder (PB), sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SO), has a low daily pill burden and is indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in these patients. In a retrospective database study, hemodialysis patients switched to long-term SO therapy had fewer hospitalizations compared with patients switched to other PB therapies. This economic analysis aimed to quantify potential cost-savings of reduced hospitalizations associated with SO for healthcare systems in five European countries. Materials and methods All-cause hospital admissions incidence data were sourced from a real-world retrospective database study comparing adult, in-center hemodialysis patients maintained on 2 years of SO therapy (mSO) versus patients who discontinued SO (dSO) within 90 days of their first prescription and switched to other PBs. A literature search was conducted to determine the cost per hospital admission for dialysis patients in the healthcare setting of each European country. A cost-model combined the incidence rate of all-cause hospital admissions and the cost per admission to estimate the country-specific inpatient costs for the mSO and dSO groups. Results Annual inpatient cost-savings per patient in the mSO group versus the dSO group were €1,201, €2,097, €2,059, €1,512, and €3,068 in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, respectively. When annual PB drug costs per patient were considered, the net annual economic cost-savings per patient were €327, €1,585, €1,022, €1,100, and €2,204, respectively. Limitations Hospital admissions data used in the analysis were observational in nature and derived from a US hemodialysis patient population; the effect of SO therapy on hospitalization rates for US and European hemodialysis patients may differ. The analysis did not consider indirect healthcare costs associated with hospitalizations. Conclusion SO therapy may offer substantial inpatient cost-savings by reducing all-cause hospital admissions attributable to uncontrolled hyperphosphatemia.