Value Of Chronic Kidney Disease Research Articles

Predictive value of stress hyperglycemia ratio on one-year mortality in chronic kidney disease patients admitted to intensive care unit

BackgroundStress Hyperglycemia Ratio (SHR) reflects the acute blood glucose variation in critically ill conditions. However, its prognostic value in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains understudied. This study aimed to investigate the association between SHR and one-year mortality in CKD patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).MethodsPatients with diagnosis of CKD in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database were enrolled. Incidence of all-cause mortality within one-year follow-up was used as the primary endpoint.Results1825 CKD patients were included in the study. A “U-shaped” relationship between SHR and one-year mortality as identified using multivariate restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. Then study population were categorized into three groups: Group 1 (SHR < 0.70), Group 2 (0.70 ≤ SHR ≤ 0.95) and Group 3 (SHR > 0.95). Group 2 showed significantly better one-year outcomes compared to the other two groups (p = 0.0031). This survival benefit persisted across subgroup analyses stratified by age, sex, CKD stage, anemia and various clinical conditions.ConclusionSHR proved to be a meaningful biomarker for predicting one-year mortality in ICU-admitted CKD patients, with a “U-shaped” correlation. The identification of the optimal SHR range (0.70–0.95) provided clinicians with a valuable tool for detecting high-risk populations.

Prognostic value of chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist and share an increased risk of thrombo-embolism (TE). CKD concomitantly predisposes towards a pro-haemorrhagic state. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of CKD in patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). A total of 2124 consecutive AF patients undergoing LAAO were categorized into CKD stage 1+2 (n = 1089), CKD stage 3 (n = 796), CKD stage 4 (n = 170), and CKD stage 5 (n = 69) based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline. The primary endpoint included cardiovascular (CV) mortality, TE, and major bleeding. The expected annual TE and major bleeding risks were estimated based on the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. A non-significant higher incidence of major peri-procedural adverse events (1.7 vs. 2.3 vs. 4.1 vs. 4.3) was observed with worsening CKD (P = 0.14). The mean follow-up period was 13 ± 7 months (2226 patient-years). In comparison to CKD stage 1+2 as a reference, the incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in CKD stage 3 (log-rank P-value = 0.04), CKD stage 4 (log-rank P-value = 0.01), and CKD stage 5 (log-rank P-value = 0.001). Left atrial appendage occlusion led to a TE risk reduction (RR) of 72, 66, 62, and 41% in each group. The relative RR of major bleeding was 58, 44, 51, and 52%, respectively. Patients with moderate-to-severe CKD had a higher incidence of the primary composite endpoint. The relative RR in the incidence of TE and major bleeding was consistent across CKD groups.

Prognostic value of chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist and share an increased risk of thromboembolic events. CKD concomitantly contributes to several pathophysiological changes predisposing towards a pro-haemorrhagic state. Purpose To evaluate the impact of kidney function on peri-procedural complications and clinical outcomes in AF patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with a Watchman device. Methods 2124 consecutive AF patients undergoing Watchman implantation at 8 different centers were categorized into CKD stage 1+2 (n=1089), CKD stage 3 (n=796), CKD stage 4 (n=170), CKD stage 5 (n=69) based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline. The primary efficacy endpoint included a composite of cardiovascular (CV) mortality, stroke, transient ischemic attack, peripheral thromboembolism (TE), and major bleeding. Results A non-significant higher incidence of major peri-procedural adverse events (1.7% vs. 2.3% vs. 4.1% vs. 4.3%) was observed with worsening baseline kidney function (p=0.14). The mean follow-up period was 13 ± 7 months [2226 patient-years (PY)]. In comparison to CKD stage 1+2 as a reference, the incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in CKD stage 3 (log-rank p-value= 0.04), CKD stage 4 (log-rank p-value= 0.01), and CKD stage 5 (log-rank p-value= 0.001) (Fig.1A). A non-significant increase in event rates for stroke/TIA and clinically relevant bleeding was observed among the four groups. LAAO led to a TE risk reduction of 72%, 66%, 62%, and 41% in each group (Fig.1B). The relative risk reduction in the incidence of major bleeding was 58%, 44%, 51%, and 52%, respectively (Fig.1C). Conclusion Patients with moderate-to-severe CKD had a higher incidence of the primary composite endpoint. However, the relative risk reduction in the incidence of TE and major bleeding was consistent across CKD groups, irrespective of the very different risk profiles at baseline.

Methionine and total homocysteine in hypertensive patients with renal excretory dysfunction.

The role of the kidneys in the metabolism and homeostasis of sulfur-containing amino acids is great, so the levels of methionine (Met), total homocysteine (tHcy) and their ratios can be of diagnostic value in chronic kidney disease (CKD), in a course of the arterial hypertension (AH). The aim of the study was to evaluate the Met/tHcy ratio in hypertensive patients with CKD. We used blood plasma of 76 patients aged 40-75 years with AH and the excretory dysfunction of the kidneys; subgroups: 1 - with proteinuria (n=37); 2 - without proteinuria with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 (n=39) and comparison group 3 - patients with AH without renal excretory dysfunction (n=28). Significantly lower Met levels were in subgroup 1. THcy levels were higher in subgroups 1 and 2 than in group 3. The Met/tHcy ratio revealed differences in subgroups 1 and 2 vs group 3. No differences were found in Arg and Lys levels. Positive correlations of the Met/tHcy ratio with the number of erythrocytes, but not with the level of hemoglobin, were revealed. In the ROC analysis, the cut-off points for the Met/tHcy ratio compared to group 3 were 3.08 for subgroup 1 and 3.36 for subgroup 2. With the progression of CKD, there is an increase in the levels of tHcy in the blood, and a decrease in the content of Met. A decrease in GFR, especially in a case with proteinuria, is accompanied by a decrease in the level of Met. The Met/tHcy ratio above 3.36 can be considered as the minimum of the balance between these sulfur-containing amino acids contents in a blood necessary for hypertensive patients with CKD.

Characteristics of human oral microbiome and its non-invasive diagnostic value in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Morbidity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increased, with many complications and high mortality rates. The characteristics of oral microbiome in CKD patients have not been reported. This study aims to analyze the oral microbiome, and to demonstrate the potential of microbiome as noninvasive biomarkers for CKD patients.Methods: The study collected 253 oral samples from different regions of China (Central China and East China) prospectively and finally 235 samples completed Miseq sequencing, including 103 samples from CKD patients and 132 healthy controls (HCs).Results: Compared with HCs (n=88), the oral microbial diversity in CKD patients (n=44) was increased. Fourteen genera including Streptococcus, Actinomyces and Leptotrichia were enriched, while six genera including Prevotella and Haemophilus were decreased in CKD patients. Moreover, 49 predicted microbial gene functions including arginine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism increased, while 55 functions including Ribosome and DNA repair recombination proteins decreased. Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrated that 38 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were closely related to 5 clinical indicators of CKD. Notably, 7 optimal biomarkers were identified using random forest model, and the classifier model respectively reached an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9917 and 0.8026 in the discovery and validation phase, achieving a cross-region validation.Conclusions: We first illustrated the characteristics of the oral microbiome of patients with CKD, identified the potential of oral microbial makers as noninvasive tools for the diagnosis of CKD and achieved cross-region validation.

Abstract 9177: Prognostic Value of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiac Sympathetic Dysfunction Assessed by 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine Scintigraphy for Lethal Arrhythmic Events in Chronic Heart Failure

Introduction: Clinical implication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) for lethal arrhythmic events has not been fully elucidated in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Hypothesis: The combination of CKD and abnormal CSNA, assessed by 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ( 123 I-MIBG) scintigraphy, may provide useful prognostic information for the incidence of lethal arrhythmic events. Methods: We studied 165 consecutive hospitalized CHF patients without dialysis. In a clinically stable condition, cardiac 123 I-MIBG scintigraphy was performed. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &lt;60 ml/min/1.73m 2 , and abnormal CSNA was defined as late heart to mediastinum ratio &lt;1.6. We then investigated the incidence of lethal arrhythmic events (sustained ventricular arrhythmia, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, or sudden cardiac death). Results: During a median follow-up of 5.3 years, lethal arrhythmic events were observed in 40 patients (24.2%). The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the presence of CKD and CSNA abnormality: non-CKD/ normal CSNA ( n = 52), CKD/ normal CSNA ( n = 39), non-CKD/ abnormal CSNA ( n = 33), and CKD/ abnormal CSNA ( n = 41).The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that CKD/ abnormal CSNA had the highest event rate (log-rank p = 0.004). In addition, the multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis after the adjustment of multiple confounders showed that CKD/ abnormal CSNA was an independent predictor for lethal arrhythmic events compared to non-CKD/ normal CSNA (HR, 4.667, p = 0.006). However, the other two groups did not show significant differences compared to non-CKD/ normal CSNA. Conclusions: The combination of CKD and abnormal CSNA, assessed by cardiac 123 I-MIBG scintigraphy, had a significant prognostic value for the incidence of lethal arrhythmic events in patients with CHF.

Redesigning Kidney Disease Care to Improve Value Delivery.

This article describes the articulation, development, and deployment of a machine learning (ML) model-driven value solution for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a health system. The ML model activated an electronic medical record (EMR) trigger that alerted CKD patients to seek primary care. Simultaneously, primary care physicians (PCPs) received an alert that a CKD patient needed an appointment. Using structured checklists, PCPs addressed and controlled comorbid conditions, reconciled drug dosing and choice to CKD stage, and ordered prespecified laboratory and imaging tests pertinent to CKD. After completion of checklist prescribed tasks, PCPs referred patients to nephrology. CKD patients had multiple comorbidities and ML recognition of CKD provided a facile insight into comorbid burden. Operational results of this program have exceeded expectations and the program is being expanded to the entire health system. This paradigm of ML-driven, checklist-enabled care can be used agnostic of EMR platform to deliver value in CKD through structured engagement of complexity in health systems.

Circulating Osteoprotegerin in Chronic Kidney Disease and All-Cause Mortality.

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CKD), mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) and high mortality. Bone-related factors such as osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) were linked to cardiovascular complications of CKD and are expected to have predictive value in CKD patients.PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the relationship of OPN, OC, OPG and FGF23 to clinical characteristics and to evaluate their ability to predict mortality in patients with different CKD stages.MethodsThe following study groups were enrolled: subjects with end-stage renal disease (38 ESRD), CKD stages 3 and 4 (19 CKD3-4) and non-CKD controls (19), respectively. Blood was withdrawn once to perform the measurements and cardiac computed tomography was used to evaluate coronary calcium score (CS). Patients were followed for 5 years for the ascertainment of their all-cause mortality.ResultsSerum OPN, OC and OPG concentrations increased significantly along with the progression of renal disease. We found a significant positive correlation among these proteins. Additionally, OPN and OPG were significantly and positively correlated to CS. Serum OPG revealed the strongest correlation to the calcium turnover markers of GFR decline and was significantly associated with an increased risk of death in subjects with CKD3-4 or ESRD (HR 5.8, CI 95%).ConclusionSingle measurement of osteoprotegerin is associated with 5-year all-cause mortality in patients with CKD3-4 or ESRD. We suggest assessing its concentration, preferably in combination with calcium score, to stratify mortality risks in CKD patients.

Urinary procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide and β-catenin – New diagnostic biomarkers in solitary functioning kidney?

Purpose: We aimed at evaluating urinary levels of procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide (PIIINP) and β-catenin and the relationship between these markers and clinical and laboratory variables in children with a solitary functioning kidney (SFK).Patients and methods: The study group consisted of 98 (M/F: 62/36) children with an SFK with a median age of 8 years. An age-matched control group contained 54 healthy peers. Urinary levels of procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide and β-catenin were measured using a commercially available immunoassay kit.Results: The urinary values of PIIINP (UPIIINP) were significantly increased in patients with SFK versus controls (p < 0.01). Our analysis revealed no significant differences in urinary β-catenin levels between the SFK patients and control subjects (p > 0.05). Only urinary PIIINP levels were correlated to renal function tests, such as serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p<0.05).Conclusions: An increased urinary level of PIIINP may indicate early kidney impairment in children with SFK. Urinary β-catenin does not seem to play any important role as a marker of renal function in children with SFK. Further long-term studies are required in order to evaluate the clinical usefulness of these markers and their predictive value of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression.

Risk of stroke and bleeding in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease: a nationwide cohort study.

AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in relation to ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, major bleeding, and all‐cause death in heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation.Methods and resultsIn this observational cohort study, heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation were identified using Danish nationwide registries. Risk of stroke, major haemorrhage, and death were calculated after 1 and 5 years to compare patients with and without CKD, ±dialysis [dialysis: CKD with renal replacement therapy (CKD‐RRT); no dialysis: CKD‐no RRT]. A total of 43 199 heart failure patients were included, among which 0.8% had CKD‐RRT and 5.9% had CKD‐no RRT. When compared with heart failure patients without CKD, both CKD‐RRT and CKD‐no RRT were associated with a higher 5 year rate of major bleeding (CKD‐RRT: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 2.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.29 to 3.70; CKD‐no RRT: aHR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.45) and all‐cause death (CKD‐RRT: aHR: 2.40, 95% CI: 2.07 to 2.77; CKD‐no RRT: aHR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.55 to 1.73). For the endpoints of ischaemic stroke and intracranial bleeding, only CKD‐no RRT was associated with significantly higher 5 year rates (ischaemic stroke: aHR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.52; intracranial haemorrhage: aHR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.65).ConclusionsCompared with patients without CKD, among incident heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation, CKD both with and without dialysis was associated with a higher rate of major bleeding and all‐cause death. Only CKD‐no RRT was associated with a higher rate of ischaemic stroke and intracranial bleeding.

Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Kidney Disease More Often Undergo Angioplasty of Left Main Coronary Artery – a 867 Patient Study

Background/Aims: Several studies have implicated atrial fibrillation (AF) as a contributing factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular events. The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with AF varies substantially from 17% to 46.5%. There are only few studies concerning renal function in population with AF undergoing coronary angiography. The aim of the present study was to assess which type of AF is dominant in CKD population scheduled for coronary angiography and if it can influence patients’ outcome, the association between renal impairment and the type of coronary procedures in AF patients and the influence of renal function on in-hospital mortality. Methods: We retrospectively studied 867 patients with AF hospitalized due to coronary angiography in two year time. The cut off value of CKD was eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min./1.73m² evaluated by CKD-EPI formula. Results: A total of 867 patients with AF (44% women; mean age 72±10 years) were included in the analysis. The mean eGFR was 44±11ml/min./1.73m² in patients with CKD and 89±18 ml/min./1.73m² in patients with preserved renal function. Patients with CKD and AF were older (p< 0.001), had more often diabetes (p=0.009), heart failure (p< 0.001) and anaemia (p< 0.001). Patients with CKD and AF had more often permanent type of AF (p< 0.001). In CKD patients CHA₂DS₂VASc score was 4.3±1.5 and HAS-BLED score was 2.0±1.2 and it was significantly higher as compared to population with preserved renal function (p< 0.001, p=0.02, respectively). The use of oral anticoagulation was less frequent in CKD group (p< 0.001) although these patients had higher CHA₂DS₂VASc score. Patients with AF and CKD were more often admitted due to myocardial infarction (STEMI or NSTEMI) (p=0.02, p< 0.001, respectively) and more often underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (p=0.01). Among coronary arteries the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of left main artery was done more frequently in CKD patients (p=0.01). Among CKD population in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with CKD had more often permanent type of AF. Percutaneous interventions of the left main coronary artery, the only elective procedures influencing patients’ prognosis, were done more frequently in CKD patients with AF. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with severe renal impairment. Despite the higher risk of ischaemic stroke in CKD group the use of oral anticoagulation therapy was significantly less frequent and the patients were deprived of the confirmed benefits of such treatment.

Insights from Screening a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population for Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: The value of chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening in the general population remains unclear but may be beneficial in populations with high disease prevalence. We examined risk factors for albuminuria among participants in a state-wide CKD screening program in Hawaii. Methods: The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii Kidney Early Detection Screening (NKFH-KEDS) program held 19 CKD screening events from 2006 to 2012. Participants rotated through 5 stations during which sociodemographic, blood glucose, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and spot urine albumin data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analyses (adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index [BMI]) were used to identify clinical predictors of abnormal ACR (≥30 μg/mg) and abnormal spot urine albumin (>20 mg/L) levels. Results: Among 1,190 NKFH-KEDS participants who met eligibility criteria, 13 and 49% had abnormal ACR and urine albumin levels, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, participants of older age (>65 years), Asian and Pacific Islander race/ethnicity, BMI ≥30 kg/m², and with hypertension had higher risk of abnormal ACR. Being of older age; Asian, Pacific Islander, and Mixed race/ethnicity; and having diabetes was associated with higher risk of abnormal urine albumin levels in adjusted analyses. Conclusions: NKFH-KEDS participants of older age; Asian and Pacific Islander race/ethnicity; and with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes had higher risk of kidney damage defined by elevated ACR and urine albumin levels. Further studies are needed to determine whether targeted screening programs can result in timely identification of CKD and implementation of interventions that reduce cardiovascular disease, death, and progression to end-stage renal disease.

Prognostic Value of Chronic Kidney Disease in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt;Impact of renal impairment (RI) on short&amp;amp;long term outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ACS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; 427 patients with ACS, treated with PCI .They were classified into 4 groups (normal , mild, moderate and severe renal impairment) based on creatinine clearance (eCrCl).MACE including death, new myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) were recorded during early (30 days) and late for average 49months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt;Patients with severe RI had higher number of vessels affected (p 0.023), lower grade of TIMI flow(p0.029), lower percent dilatation of culprit lesion( p&amp;lt;0.001), less frequent use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors(p0.002) and more frequent need for TVR(p0.03). eCrCl had positive correlation with EF and percent dilatation of stenotic lesion (p,0.001)and negative correlation with number of vessels &amp;amp; late MACE(p0.001).Patients with severe RI had increase in frequency of lateMACE compared to other groups(p0.001).TypeC lesions were more common in patients with advanced RI(p0.03).MACE free survival showed significant decline matching the decline in eCrCl among study groups.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; PCI outcome in patients with severe RI was suboptimal.They had increased riskof TVR within one month and increased riskof MI,death and total MACE on the long term.&lt;/p&gt;

Abstract 108: Chronic Kidney Disease Is Associated with the Risk of Dementia in Patients with Vascular Risk Factors Independently of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Background and Purpose: Vascular disease is an important cause of dementia and cognitive decline. In this context, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a possible risk factor of cognitive decline. Small-vessel pathology due to endothelial dysfunction has been evoked to explain the connection between kidney and cerebral microvasculature: they share similar anatomic and physiologic characteristics. However, to what extent CKD impact future dementia beyond cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is unknown. We assessed the predictive value of CKD, when controlling for MRI-findings on the risk of dementia. Methods: Using data from a Japanese cohort of participants with vascular risk factors in an ongoing observational study from 2001, we evaluated the association between dementia and CKD (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] &lt;60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). Baseline brain MRI was used to determine SVD (lacunar and white matter hyperintensities), medial-temporal atrophy and subcortical atrophy. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed as predictors of dementia with adjusting for age, gender, APOE ε4 allele, educational level, baseline MMSE score, clinical stroke (previous and incident), conventional vascular risk factors, and MRI-findings. Results: Of 600 subjects (mean: 68 ± 8.3 years, male: 57%, 12.8 ± 2.6 years of schooling, CKD: 29%, mean eGFR: 68.4 ± 17.4 mL/min per 1.73 m2), a total of 50 incident dementia cases were diagnosed (Alzheimer disease: 24 patients, vascular dementia: 18, mixed type dementia: 5, other type: 3), during median 7.5 years follow-up. Baseline eGFR and the presence of CKD were associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia in the age, gender, education level, and APOE ε4 allele adjusted models. These associations of both eGFR (per 1-SD decrease) and CKD remained significant even after additional adjusting for MRI-findings and confounding variables (HR: 1.44, 95% CI [1.02-2.02], and HR: 2.30 [1.19-4.43], respectively). Conclusion: Our longitudinal study showed that CKD was independently related to the risk of all-cause dementia in patients with vascular risk factors. Our results reinforce the hypothesis that CKD exert deleterious effects on dementia incidence.

Chronic kidney disease: an independent risk factor of all-cause mortality for elderly Chinese patients with chronic heart failure

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prognostic value of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in elderly Chinese patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).MethodsThe study consisted of 327 elderly patients with CHF. All-cause mortality was chosen as an endpoint over the median follow-up period of 345 days. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of mortality.ResultsThe median age of the entire cohort was 85 years (60–100 years). The mortality for 168 elderly patients with CHF and CKD (51.4% of entire cohort) was 39.9% (67 deaths), which was higher than the mortality for CHF patients without CKD [25.2% (40/159 deaths)] and the mortality for entire cohort with CHF [32.7% (107/327 deaths)]. The Cox regression analysis showed that old age [hazard ratio (HR): 1.033; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.004–1.064], CKD (HR: 1.705; 95% CI: 1.132–2.567), CHF New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV (HR: 1.913; 95% CI: 1.284–2.851), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (HR: 1.696; 95% CI: 1.036–2.777), elevated resting heart rate (HR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.009–1.033), and decreased plasma albumin (HR: 0.883; 95% CI: 0.843–0.925) were independent risk factors of mortality for elderly patients with CHF.ConclusionsCKD was an independent risk factor of mortality for elderly Chinese patients with CHF.

The predictive value of chronic kidney disease for assessing cardiovascular events under consideration of pretest probability for coronary artery disease in patients who underwent stress myocardial perfusion imaging

Pretest probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) facilitates diagnosis and risk stratification of CAD. Stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are established major predictors of cardiovascular events. However, the role of CKD to assess pretest probability of CAD has been unclear. This study evaluates the role of CKD to assess the predictive value of cardiovascular events under consideration of pretest probability in patients who underwent stress MPI. Patients with no history of CAD underwent stress MPI (n = 310; male = 166; age = 70; CKD = 111; low/intermediate/high pretest probability = 17/194/99) and were followed for 24 months. Cardiovascular events included cardiac death and nonfatal acute coronary syndrome. Cardiovascular events occurred in 15 of the 310 patients (4.8 %), but not in those with low pretest probability which included 2 CKD patients. In patients with intermediate to high pretest probability (n = 293), multivariate Cox regression analysis identified only CKD [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.88; P = 0.022) and summed stress score of stress MPI (HR = 1.50; P < 0.001) as independent and significant predictors of cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular events were not observed in patients with low pretest probability. In patients with intermediate to high pretest probability, CKD and stress MPI are independent predictors of cardiovascular events considering the pretest probability of CAD in patients with no history of CAD. In assessing pretest probability of CAD, CKD might be an important factor for assessing future cardiovascular prognosis.

Bone assessment in children with chronic kidney disease: data from two new bone imaging techniques in a single-center pilot study

Bone damage in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a challenge for pediatric nephrologists. Areal measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) have been routinely performed to assess bone mass but recent international guidelines have concluded that DXA was of less value in CKD. The aim of this study is to evaluate bone quality in CKD children using new bone imaging techniques in a pilot cross-sectional single-center study. We performed bone imaging (high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography, HR-pQCT, XtremeCT, Scanco Medical AG, Switzerland), to assess compartmental volumetric BMD and trabecular microarchitecture in 22 CKD children and 19 controls. In seven younger patients (i.e., under 10 years of age), we performed bone texture analysis (BMA, D3A Medical Systems, France) in comparison to 15 healthy prepubertal controls. Among older children, CKD patients had significantly lower height and body weight without significant impairment of BMD and microarchitecture than healthy controls. In univariate analysis, there were significant correlations between cortical BMD and glomerular filtration rate (r= -0.46), age (r=0.60) and body mass index (r=0.67). In younger children, bone texture parameters were not different between patients and controls. Our results did not show significant differences between healthy controls and CKD children for compartmental bone densities and microarchitecture, but the small sample size and the heterogeneity of the CKD group require caution in the interpretation. Novel bone imaging techniques seem feasible in children, and further longitudinal studies are required to thoroughly explore long-term cardiovascular and bone consequences of phosphate-calcium metabolism deregulation during CKD.

Prognostic value of chronic kidney disease in patients with coronary heart disease: Role of glomerular filtration rate estimating equations

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), and different equations for estimating kidney function on CHD are available. Our aim was to describe the prognostic value of CKD as defined by various creatinine- (Cr-eGFR) and cystatin C-based (Cys-eGFR) estimating equations and their combinations on subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in patients with CHD. Material and Methods: All patients with CHD aged 30 to 70 years and participating in an in-hospital rehabilitation program between 01/1999 and 05/2000 were enrolled. In all patients, active follow-up was conducted 1, 3, 4.5 and 6 years after discharge from the rehabilitation center. CKD was defined as eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD stage 3 to 5) estimated by three Cr-eGFR equations (CG/BSA, MDRD, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPIcrea) equation) and by two Cys-eGFR equations (Arnal-Dade equation, CKD-EPIcys) and a combination. The primary endpoint of our study were subsequent physician-reported CVD events. Results: 1050 patients with coronary heart disease aged 30 to 70 years at baseline were included in this prospective cohort study (follow-up response 87.1%). During follow-up (mean time 63.4 months) 118 patients (11.2%) experienced CVD events. CKD assessed by the CG/BSA, the MDRD, and CKD-EPIcrea equations showed no statistically significant association with subsequent CVD events after adjustment for multiple covariates (hazard ratio (HR) 1.45 [95% CI, 0.81–2.59], HR 1.47 [95% CI 0.84–2.60], and HR 1.31 [95% CI, 0.72–2.83) respectively). By contrast, the Cys-eGFR equations were much stronger associated with secondary CVD endpoints (Arnal-Dade: HR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.34–3.04]; CKD-EPIcys HR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.46–3.37]). The CKD-EPIcys also provided the highest Area Under Curve value. Conclusion: Our study shows that prevalent CKD is an independent risk factor for subsequent CVD in patients with prevalent CHD and implies that Cys-eGFR equations show a better clinical utility.

Prognostic value of chronic kidney disease in patients with coronary heart disease: Role of estimating equations

ObjectiveChronic kidney disease (CKD) increases risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), but the impact of using different equations for estimating kidney function on CHD is not clear yet. This study described the prognostic value of CKD as defined by various creatinine- (Cr-eGFR) and cystatin C-based estimating (Cys-eGFR) equations and their combinations on subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in patients with CHD. DesignCohort study. SettingPatients with coronary heart disease in in-patient rehabilitation and long-term follow-up (mean 63.4 months). Subjects1050 patients with coronary heart disease aged 30–70 years at baseline. MethodsCKD was defined as eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m2 (CKD stages 3–5) estimated by three Cr-eGFR equations (Cockroft–Gault equation adjusted for body surface area (CG/BSA), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equation, CKD-EPIcrea) and by two Cys-eGFR equations (Arnal-Dade equation, CKD-EPIcys) and a combination. The primary endpoint of our study was subsequent CVD events. ResultsDuring follow-up 118 patients (11.2%) experienced the outcome of our study. CKD assessed by the CG/BSA, MDRD, and CKD-EPIcrea equations showed no statistically significant association with subsequent CVD events after adjustment for multiple covariates (hazard ratio (HR) 1.45 [95% CI, 0.81–2.59], HR 1.47 [95% CI, 0.84–2.60], and HR 1.31 [95% CI, 0.72–2.83], respectively). By contrast, the Cys-eGFR equations were much stronger associated with subsequent CVD endpoints (Arnal-Dade: HR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.34–3.04]; CKD-EPIcys HR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.46–3.37]). The CKD-EPIcys also provided the highest area under the curve value. ConclusionOur study shows that prevalent CKD is an independent risk factor for subsequent CVD in patients with prevalent CHD and implies that Cys-eGFR equations show a better clinical utility compared to the Cr-eGFR equations.

How important is echocardiography for risk stratification in follow-up of patients with chronic kidney disease?

Focusing largely on end-stage renal disease, this Viewpoint outlines some echocardiographic indices of left ventricular function, and examines their prognostic value in chronic kidney disease. Recommendations are provided for optimal indexing of estimates of left ventricular mass to body size in this population. The role of echocardiography as an outcome measure in interventional studies and in the longitudinal monitoring of cardiac risk are also briefly considered.