Disturbances of acquired immunity in hemodialysis patients

Longitudinal Analysis of Antibody Responses to the mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccine in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A 6-Month Follow-Up

Background: Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk for COVID-19, overall are poor responders to vaccines, and were prioritized in the Portuguese vaccination campaign. Objective: This work aimed at evaluating in HD patients the immunogenicity of BTN162b2 after the two doses induction phase, the persistence of specific antibodies along time, and factors predicting these outcomes. Methods: We performed a prospective, 6-month long longitudinal cohort analysis of 156 HD patients scheduled to receive BTN162b2. ELISA quantified anti-spike IgG, IgM, and IgA levels in sera were collected every 3 weeks during the induction phase (t0 before vaccine; t1, d21 post first dose; and t2 d21 post second dose), and every 3-4 months during the waning phase (t3, d140, and t4, d180 post first dose). The age-matched control cohort was similarly analyzed from t0 to t2. Results: Upon exclusion of participants identified as previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2, seroconversion at t1 was lower in patients than controls (29 and 50%, respectively, p = 0.0014), while the second vaccine dose served as a boost in both cohorts (91 and 95% positivity, respectively, at t2, p = 0.2463). Lower response in patients than controls at t1 was a singularity of the participants ≤ 70 years (p = 2.01 × 10-05), associated with immunosuppressive therapies (p = 0.013), but not with lack of responsiveness to hepatitis B. Anti-spike IgG, IgM, and IgA levels decreased at t3, with IgG levels further waning at t4 and resulting in >30% seronegativity. Anti-spike IgG levels at t1 and t4 were correlated (ρ = 0.65, p < 2.2 × 10-16). Conclusions: While most HD patients seroconvert upon 2 doses of BNT162b2 vaccination, anti-spike antibodies levels wane over the following 4 months, leading to early seroreversion in a sizeable fraction of the patients. These findings warrant close monitoring of COVID-19 infection in vaccinated HD patients, and advocate for further studies following reinforced vaccination schedules.

The Humoral Immune Response to BNT162b2 Vaccine Is Associated With Circulating CD19+ B Lymphocytes and the Naïve CD45RA to Memory CD45RO CD4+ T Helper Cells Ratio in Hemodialysis Patients and Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background

The humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS-COV-2 vaccination remain to be elucidated in hemodialysis (HD) patients and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), considering their baseline immunosuppressed status. The aim of our study was to assess the associations of vaccine-induced antibody responses with circulating lymphocytes sub-populations and their respective patterns of alterations in maintenance HD patients and KTRs.

Materials and Methods

We included 34 HD patients and 54 KTRs who received two doses of the mRNA-vaccine BNT162b2. Lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry before vaccination (T0), before the second vaccine dose (T1) and 2 weeks after the second dose (T2). The anti-SARS-CoV2 antibody response was assessed at T1 and at T2.

Results

31 HD patients (91.8%) and 16 KTRs (29.6%) became seropositive at T2. HD patients who became seropositive following the first dose displayed higher CD19+ B lymphocytes compared to their seronegative HD counterparts. A positive correlation was established between CD19+ B cells counts and antibody titers at all time-points in both groups (p < 0.001). KTRs showed higher naïve CD4+CD45RA+ T helper cells compared to HD patients at baseline and T2 whereas HD patients displayed higher memory CD45RO+ T cells compared to KTRs at T2. The naïve CD4+CD45RA to memory CD4+CD45RO+ T helper cells fraction was negatively associated with antibody production in both groups.

Conclusions

Our study provides a potential conceptual framework for monitoring vaccination efficacy in HD patients and KTRs considering the correlation established between CD19+ B cells, generation of memory CD4+ T helper cells and anti SARS-CoV2 antibody response to vaccination.

Cholecalciferol supplementation to improve the hepatitis B vaccination response in hemodialysis patients: A first randomized open label pilot study (DeVitaHep)

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. In observational studies vitamin D insufficiency is associated with a reduced seroconversion rate. The effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on hepatitis B vaccination response in haemodialysis patients with vitamin D insufficiency is unknown.

METHODS

In this randomized open label pilot study 40 unvaccinated haemodialysis patients with 25(OH)D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) were enrolled. In the supplementation group, we administered cholecalciferol orally in a dose of 28,000 IU weekly for a maximum of 12 weeks. Hepatitis B vaccination (HBvaxPRO 40 µg i.m. months 0, 1, 6) was performed after achieving a 25(OH)D level >30 ng/mL or after completing three months of supplementation despite failure to achieve the target level. In the control group, patients were vaccinated immediately after randomization. Anti-hepatitis B-antibody titer (anti-HBs) was measured eight weeks after completing the vaccination course.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven (26 male, 11 female) patients aged 65 (13.5) years underwent randomization with 17 patients allocated to the control group and 20 patients included in the supplementation group. After 12 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation, mean (SD) 25(OH)D concentration increased from 15.0 (8.0) to 31.0 (7.1) ng/mL, but remained unchanged in the control group (14.0 (7.1) to 11.6 (7.5) mg/mL). Neither the number of patients with seroconversion (anti-HBs titer ≥ 10 IU/L; n = 6 (35.3%) vs n = 3 (27.3%), p = 0.704), nor the number of patients with seroprotection (anti-HBs titer >100 IU/L; n = 4 (23.5%) vs n = 2 (18.2%) differed between treatment groups. Cholecalciferol supplementation was safe without treatment-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

In this small pilot study, high-dose oral cholecalciferol supplementation did not improve the hepatitis B vaccination response in haemodialysis patients with vitamin D insufficiency. This clinical trial was registered within EudraCT (EudraCT number 2011-004621-26).

Humoral and Cellular Responses to mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Administered to Hemodialysis Patients

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Patients with kidney failure who are receiving maintenance dialysis have a higher risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and worse clinical outcomes after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population. Therefore, immunization against SARS-CoV-2 with effective vaccines is an important component of health-maintenance strategies for these patients. This study evaluated the humoral and cellular responses to messenger RNA (mRNA) SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational prospective multicenter cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

205 patients treated at 3 dialysis units at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona (Spain) were vaccinated from February 3 to April 4, 2021, and followed until April 23, 2021.

EXPOSURE

Immunization with either the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) or BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.

OUTCOME

Seroconversion, defined as the detection of IgG antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of the S1 spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 (anti-S1-RBD IgG), and the identification of activated CD4+T cells 3 weeks after completing vaccination. Anti-S1-RBD IgG levels were also analyzed as a secondary outcome.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Univariate and multivariable logistic and multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between vaccination and study outcomes.

RESULTS

We found that 97.7% of 175 vaccinated patients who were seronegative at baseline developed a response (humoral, cellular, or both); 95.4% of these patients seroconverted, while 62% of those tested for cellular immunity had a positive response. Greater age and immunosuppressive treatment were associated with lower antibody levels.

LIMITATIONS

Mandatory vaccine administration by health authorities. Anti-S1-RBD IgG levels were reported up to 150U/mL and cellular immune responses were characterized qualitatively. Antibody assay and cellular response assessment may not be comparable with previously published laboratory approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunization with mRNA vaccines generated a humoral and cellular immune response in a high proportion of patients with kidney failure receiving maintenance dialysis. These findings as well as the high risk of infection and poor clinical outcomes among these patients make their vaccination a health priority.

Haemodialysis patients show a highly diminished antibody response after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination compared with healthy controls

BACKGROUND

Haemodialysis (HD) patients are exposed to a high risk due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. They are prone to acquiring the infection and are threatened by high mortality rates in case of infection. However, HD patients were not included in the efficacy trials of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Such efficacy data would have been critical because HD patients show decreased responses against various other vaccines and this could translate to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as well.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study that contained a group of 81 HD patients and 80 healthy controls. All of them had been vaccinated with the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA vaccine (two doses, as per the manufacturer's recommendation). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) antibody response was measured for all participants 21 days after the second dose. The groups were compared using univariate quantile regressions and a multivariate analysis. The adverse events (AEs) of the vaccination were assessed via a questionnaire. Finally, a correlation between the HBs-antibody response and the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in the HD patients was established.

RESULTS

The HD patients had significantly lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody titres than the control patients 21 days after vaccination (median was 171 U/mL for dialysis patients and 2500 U/mL for the controls). Further, the HD group presented fewer AEs than the control group. No correlation was found between the antibody response to previous Hepatitis B vaccination and that of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

HD patients present highly diminished SARS-CoV-2 S antibody titres compared with a cohort of controls. Therefore, they could be much less protected by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations than expected. Further studies to test alternative vaccination schemes should be considered.

The Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines in Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplantation Patients: A Narrative Review

The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic has posed a huge threat to global health because of its rapid spread and various mutant variants. Critical illness occurs in the elderly and vulnerable individuals, such as those with chronic kidney disease. The severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD)and even kidney transplantation (KT) because of the chronic use of immunosuppressive agents. To develop adaptive immunity against SARS-CoV-2, vaccination against the spike protein is important. Current phase III trials of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have not focused on a specific group of individuals, such as patients with CKD or those undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation. Chronic use of immunosuppressive agents might disturb the immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. On the basis of limited evidence, the immune compromised status of CKD patients might decrease neutralizing antibody development after a single dose of a specific vaccine. Boosting dosage more than the protocol might increase the titer of the neutralizing antibody in CKD patients. Further evidence is needed to understand the factors disturbing the immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and CKD patients should receive the recommended dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine due to their relatively immune compromised status.

Safety and Tolerability of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Dialyzed Patients. COViNEPH Project

Background and Objectives: The Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) COVID-19 mRNA vaccine has demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety in phase 3 trials. However, no dialyzed patients were included, and therefore safety data for this patient group is lacking. The aim of the study was to assess the safety and tolerances of vaccinations with BNT162b2 performed in chronically dialyzed patients. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study including a group of 190 dialyzed patients (65% male) at median age 68.0 (55-74) years. 169 (89.0%) patients were treated with hemodialysis and 21 (11.0%) with peritoneal dialysis. The control group consisted of 160 people (61% male) without chronic kidney disease at median age 63 (range 53-77) years. Both groups were vaccinated with BNT162b2 with a 21-day interval between the first and the second dose. Solicited local and systemic reactogenicity, unsolicited adverse events and antipyretic and pain medication use were assessed with a standardized questionnaire. The toxicity grading scales were derived from the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research guidelines. Results: 59.8% (dose 1), 61.4% (dose 2) and 15.9% (dose 1), 29.4% (dose 2) dialyzed patients reported at least one local and one systemic reaction respectively within seven days after the vaccination. Many local and systemic solicited reactions were observed less frequently in dialyzed patients than in the age and sex matched control group and much less frequently than reported in the pivotal study. They were mostly mild to moderate, short-lived, and more frequently reported in younger individuals and women. No related unsolicited adverse events were observed. Conclusions: We have shown here that BNT162b2, an mRNA vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech against SARS-COV-2 is safe and well-tolerated by dialyzed patients. The results can be useful for the nephrological community to resolve patients' doubts and reduce their vaccine hesitancy.

Ameliorative effects of crocin on the inflammation and oxidative stress-induced kidney damages by experimental periodontitis in rat

Objective(s):

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of periodontitis on kidneys and the protective role of crocin in periodontitis-induced kidney damage.

Materials and Methods:

Ethics committee approval was obtained and 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 rats: Control (C), Periodontitis (P), and Periodontitis + Crocin (P + Cr). After the treatments, rat kidney tissues were incised under anesthesia and blood samples were collected. Biochemical and histopathological analyses were conducted on the samples.

Results:

Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) increased in P group rat kidney tissues; urea, creatinine, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels increased in the serum; glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were reduced in rat kidney tissues, and renal histopathology deteriorated. In the P + Cr group, we observed improvements in biochemical and histopathological parameters when compared with the P group.

Conclusion:

Periodontitis (P) led to deterioration in oxidative stress parameters and histopathology by increasing the oxidants in kidney tissue. P also led to inflammation in the blood of the rats. Periodontitis + Crocin (P + Cr) administration alleviated the effects of P due to powerful antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties. Cr could be employed as a protective agent in P-induced inflammation and oxidative damage.

Immunomodulation by the Commensal Microbiome During Immune-Targeted Interventions: Focus on Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy and Vaccination

Emerging evidence in clinical and preclinical studies indicates that success of immunotherapies can be impacted by the state of the microbiome. Understanding the role of the microbiome during immune-targeted interventions could help us understand heterogeneity of treatment success, predict outcomes, and develop additional strategies to improve efficacy. In this review, we discuss key studies that reveal reciprocal interactions between the microbiome, the immune system, and the outcome of immune interventions. We focus on cancer immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment and vaccination as two crucial therapeutic areas with strong potential for immunomodulation by the microbiota. By juxtaposing studies across both therapeutic areas, we highlight three factors prominently involved in microbial immunomodulation: short-chain fatty acids, microbe-associate molecular patterns (MAMPs), and inflammatory cytokines. Continued interrogation of these models and pathways may reveal critical mechanistic synergies between the microbiome and the immune system, resulting in novel approaches designed to influence the efficacy of immune-targeted interventions.

Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy for Metastatic Renal Cancer Boosted Humoral Immunity In a Hemodialysis Patient

Immune checkpoint inhibitors by blocking specific inhibitory pathways induce T-cell-mediated tumor lysis. However, many remain to be elucidated about their effect on human humoral immunity. We evaluated the effect of the PD1 inhibitor nivolumab on humoral immunity by following the levels of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) in a hemodialysis patient successfully vaccinated against hepatitis B virus 5 years ago and now starting nivolumab for renal cell carcinoma lung metastases. Anti-HBs kinetics after administration of an extra vaccine dose were also evaluated. Nivolumab increased anti-HBs and facilitated a further increase following an additional vaccine dose. The observed time frame indicates that nivolumab boosts humoral immune response by affecting long-lived plasma cells and at least memory B cells. This may protect cancer patients from pathogens encountered in the past or against which vaccination has been performed and provide information for the emerging immune checkpoint inhibitors administration concept against chronic infectious diseases.

Efficacy and Safety of Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment in Patients with Advanced Renal or Urothelial Cell Carcinoma and Concomitant Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Simple Summary

Immune checkpoint inhibition plays a pivotal role in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The association of chronic kidney disease with these tumors is well established. However, to what extent kidney failure modifies the efficacy or the toxicity profiles of checkpoint inhibitors has been poorly investigated. In this paper, we reviewed the files of 85 patients with renal cell carcinoma and 41 with urothelial cancer who had received checkpoint inhibitor treatment, and found that 37.6% and 41.5% had evidence of chronic kidney disease, respectively. We found that neither general treatment-related nor immune-related adverse events differed between patients with normal or impaired renal function. Using a multivariate analysis, we found that chronic kidney disease had no effect on progression-free survival. However, irrespective of the tumor entity, chronic kidney disease was found to positively influence overall survival. We conclude that treatment with checkpoint inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease is safe and efficient.

Abstract

Background: Checkpoint inhibitors are a standard of care in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC). Patients with these tumors often suffer from concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD). Limited data are available on the efficacy and toxicity of checkpoint inhibitors in patients with CKD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients who received checkpoint inhibitors for RCC (n = 85) or UC (n = 41) and analyzed the frequency of treatment- and immune-related adverse events (AEs). We performed a multivariate analysis to determine progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 38.9% of patients had CKD. Frequencies of general AEs (49.0% in CKD vs. 48.1%, p > 0.99999) and immune-related AEs (28.6 vs. 24.7%, p ≥ 0.9999) did not significantly differ between the groups. There was no difference in PFS for patients with RCC or UC and CKD or without CKD (RCC: 6.81 vs. 7.54 months, HR 1.000 (95%CI 0.548–01.822), p = 0.999; UC:2.33 vs. 3.67 months, HR 01.492 (95%CI 0.686–3.247), p = 0.431). CKD appeared to be a potential effect modifier for OS in both RCC and UC (RCC: NR vs. 23.9 months, HR 0.502 (95%CI 0.219–1.152), p = 0.104; UC:18.84 vs. 15.42 months, HR 0.656 (95%CI 0.296–1.454), p = 0.299). Conclusions: Checkpoint inhibitor treatment in our cohort of patients with CKD was as safe and efficient as in the cohort of patients without CKD.

Association of lactate dehydrogenase with mortality in incident hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) plays a role in the glucose metabolism of the human body. Higher LDH levels have been linked to mortality in various cancer types; however, the relationship between LDH and survival in incident hemodialysis (HD) patients has not yet been examined. We hypothesized that higher LDH level is associated with higher death risk in these patients.

METHODS

We examined the association of baseline and time-varying serum LDH with all-cause, cardiovascular and infection-related mortality among 109 632 adult incident HD patients receiving care from a large dialysis organization in the USA during January 2007 to December 2011. Baseline and time-varying survival models were adjusted for demographic variables and available clinical and laboratory surrogates of malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome.

RESULTS

There was a linear association between baseline serum LDH levels and all-cause, cardiovascular and infection-related mortality in both baseline and time-varying models, except for time-varying infection-related mortality. Adjustment for markers of inflammation and malnutrition attenuated the association in all models. In fully adjusted models, baseline LDH levels ≥360 U/L were associated with the highest risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratios = 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.14-1.25). In time-varying models, LDH >280 U/L was associated with higher death risk in all three hierarchical models for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher LDH level >280 U/L was incrementally associated with higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in incident dialysis patients, whereas LDH <240 U/L was associated with better survival. These findings suggest that the assessment of metabolic functions and monitoring for comorbidities may confer survival benefit to dialysis patients.

Microbiome, Immunosenescence, and Chronic Kidney Disease

The gut microbiome is known as an important predictive tool for perceiving characteristic shifts in disease states. Multiple renal diseases and pathologies seem to be associated with gut dysbiosis which directly affects host homeostasis. The gastrointestinal-kidney dialogue confers interesting information about the pathogenesis of multiple kidney diseases. Moreover, aging is followed by specific shifts in the human microbiome, and gradual elimination of physiological functions predisposes the microbiome to inflammaging, sarcopenia, and disease. Aging is characterized by a microbiota with an abundance of disease-associated pathobionts. Multiple factors such as the immune system, environment, medication, diet, and genetic endowment are involved in determining the age of the microbiome in health and disease. Our present review promotes recently acquired knowledge and is expected to inspire researchers to advance studies and investigations on the involved pathways of the gut microbiota and kidney axis.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Herpes Zoster Vaccine in Patients With CKD

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for herpes zoster (HZ) infection. Few studies have examined HZ vaccine (HZV) in this population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the efficacy and safety of HZV in patients with renal disease (CKD, dialysis, and transplant).

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases (up to May 2020) were searched for randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized controlled studies evaluating HZV in patients with CKD for effectiveness and adverse event risks. Studies without a control group (placebo or no vaccine) were excluded. Extraction of prespecified data and risk of bias assessments using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials were done by 3 authors. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to generate pooled treatment effects and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Included were 404,561 individuals from 8 studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 5 nonrandomized). All 8 studies examined HZ as an outcome, with 3 reporting adverse events. Risk of HZ was lower in patients who received HZV compared with controls (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.82; P < 0.01); however, heterogeneity was high (I² = 88%, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in adverse events associated with HZV (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–1.28; P = 0.8).

Conclusions

HZV compared with control significantly lowers the risk of HZ without an increase in adverse events in CKD patients. However, significant heterogeneity was present. HZV should be actively considered in CKD patients because the prevalence of HZ is higher in this population.

Hepatitis B virus vaccine and chronic kidney disease. The advances

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B is an important agent of liver disease in patients with chronic kidney disease and chronic HBV infection promotes the development of CKD in the adult general population. Patients with CKD have a suboptimal response to various vaccines, and it remains unclear how we boost the immune response of CKD patients to HB vaccine.

STUDY AIMS AND DESIGN

We performed a narrative review to assess the mechanisms of lower immunogenicity of HBV vaccine in CKD population; multiple approaches to improve the response rate of CKD patients to HBV vaccine have been reported. This is a very important topic for nephrologists who often serve as primary case providers for patients with CKD.

RESULTS

The recommended vaccine schedule for CKD patients including those on maintenance dialysis is based on recombinant vaccine, four doses (month 0,1,2, and 6; 40mcg each) by intramuscular route (deltoid muscle). According to RCTs or observational studies, some recombinant vaccines with adjuvants (i.e., HBV-AS02 and HBV-AS04) look promising. HBV-AS04 showed to give better seroprotection rates and durable immune response over extended follow-ups compared with licensed HBV vaccine in CKD patients. The seroprotection rate was 95% (97/102) and 82% (202/248) in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients, respectively, one month after completing vaccine schedule with HBV-AS04. HBV-AS02 was superior to licensed vaccine in terms of seroprotection rate, 76.9% vs. 37.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest adjuvanted recombinant (HBV-AS04) vaccine (0,1,2 and 3 months; 20 mcg each dose) and post vaccination testing of anti-HBs antibody after vaccination. Booster doses to patients whose anti-HBs titers fall below the seroprotection level (<10IU/mL) during the follow-up are appropriate. The patho-physiologic mechanisms responsible for the poor immunogenicity of HBV vaccine in CKD patients are under active investigation.

Hepatitis B virus vaccine and chronic kidney disease. The advances

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B is an important agent of liver disease in patients with chronic kidney disease and chronic HBV infection promotes the development of CKD in the adult general population. Patients with CKD have a suboptimal response to various vaccines, and it remains unclear how we boost the immune response of CKD patients to HB vaccine.

STUDY AIMS AND DESIGN

We performed a narrative review to assess the mechanisms of lower immunogenicity of HBV vaccine in CKD population; multiple approaches to improve the response rate of CKD patients to HBV vaccine have been reported. This is a very important topic for nephrologists who often serve as primary case providers for patients with CKD.

RESULTS

The recommended vaccine schedule for CKD patients including those on maintenance dialysis is based on recombinant vaccine, four doses (month 0,1,2, and 6; 40mcg each) by intramuscular route (deltoid muscle). According to RCTs or observational studies, some recombinant vaccines with adjuvants (i.e., HBV-AS02 and HBV-AS04) look promising. HBV-AS04 showed to give better seroprotection rates and durable immune response over extended follow-ups compared with licensed HBV vaccine in CKD patients. The seroprotection rate was 95% (97/102) and 82% (202/248) in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients, respectively, one month after completing vaccine schedule with HBV-AS04. HBV-AS02 was superior to licensed vaccine in terms of seroprotection rate, 76.9% vs. 37.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest adjuvanted recombinant (HBV-AS04) vaccine (0,1,2 and 3 months; 20 mcg each dose) and post vaccination testing of anti-HBs antibody after vaccination. Booster doses to patients whose anti-HBs titers fall below the seroprotection level (<10IU/mL) during the follow-up are appropriate. The patho-physiologic mechanisms responsible for the poor immunogenicity of HBV vaccine in CKD patients are under active investigation.

Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins and Immunity

Protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) are bioactive microbiota metabolites originated exclusively from protein fermentation of the bacterial community resident within the gut microbiota, whose composition and function is profoundly different in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. PBUTs accumulate in the later stages of CKD because they cannot be efficiently removed by conventional hemodialysis due to their high binding affinity for albumin, worsening their toxic effects, especially at the cardiovascular level. The accumulation of uremic toxins, along with oxidative stress products and pro-inflammatory cytokines, characterizes the uremic status of CKD patients which is increasingly associated to a state of immune dysfunction including both immune activation and immunodepression. Furthermore, the links between immune activation and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and between immunodepression and infection diseases, which are the two major complications of CKD, are becoming more and more evident. This review summarizes and discusses the current state of knowledge on the role of the main PBUTs, namely indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate, as regulators of immune response in CKD, in order to understand whether a microbiota modulation may be useful in the management of its main complications, CVD, and infections. Summarizing the direct effects of PBUT on immune system we may conclude that PCS seemed to be associated to an immune deficiency status of CKD mainly related to the adaptative immune response, while IS seemed to reflect the activation of both innate and adaptative immune systems likely responsible of the CKD-associated inflammation. However, the exact role of IS and PCS on immunity modulation in physiological and pathological state still needs in-depth investigation, particularly in vivo studies.

Seroepidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii in Hemodialysis Patients

PURPOSE

Immunocompromised patients may be at risk for reactivation of the toxoplasmosis infection, because of defection in cell-mediated immunity. Therefore, early diagnosis would be highly desirable in these individuals. This case-control study was designed to increase information about toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients in Guilan province, Iran.

METHODS

The study was performed among 150 patients and 150 controls referred to hospitals of Guilan University of Medical Sciences during 2018-2019. Questionnaire forms, including demographic and epidemiological information, were completed. Peripheral blood samples were taken for serum separation and were collected into tubes and then kept at - 20 °C until use. IgG and IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected by a commercial ELISA kit. Accordingly, IgG absorbance levels < 9 were considered negative, 9-11 was considered borderline, and > 11 was positive; IgM absorbance levels < 0.9 were considered negative, 0.9-1.1 was assumed to be borderline, and > 1.1 was positive.

RESULTS

Throughout the study, 72.0% of HD patients and 64.7% of the control group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody subsequently. 2% of HD patients and 0.7% of the control group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody and these difference weren't significant between control and ones with HD (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between dialysis duration factor and the seropositivity rate. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection did not vary significantly with age, educational level, residence and presence of a cat at home. On the contrary, seroprevalence varied significantly with gender and consumption of raw vegetables.

CONCLUSION

Because of the high percentage of positivity for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in hemodialysis patients, we suggest a periodically screening program to carry out for monitoring and evaluating the possible dissemination of toxoplasmosis during hemodialysis.

Pyuria, urinary tract infection and renal outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3-5

Pyuria is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD), which could be due to either urinary tract infection (UTI) or renal parenchymal inflammation. Only little is known regarding the association of pyuria or UTI with renal outcomes. We investigated 3226 patients with stage 3–5 CKD. Pyuria was defined as ≥ 50 WBC per high-power field (hpf) and was correlated to old age, female, diabetes, hypoalbuminemia, lower eGFR, and higher inflammation status. In Cox regression, patients with more than one episode of pyuria in the first year (11.8%) had increased risks for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.90 (1.58–2.28); p < 0.001], rapid renal function progression [odds ratio (95% CI): 1.49 (1.13–1.95); p = 0.001], and all-cause mortality [hazard ratio: 1.63 (1.29–2.05); p < 0.001], compared to those without pyuria. In a subgroup analysis, the risk of pyuria for ESRD was modified by CKD stages. We investigated the effects of UTI (urinary symptoms and treated by antibiotics) and pyuria without UTI (urine WBC < 50 to ≥ 10/hpf without any episodes of ≥ 50 WBC/hpf or UTI), while both groups were associated with clinical outcomes. In conclusion, CKD stage 3–5 patients with frequent pyuria or UTI episodes have increased risks of renal outcomes.

Adjuvanted recombinant HBV vaccine (HBV-AS04) is effective over extended follow-up in dialysis population. An open-label non randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Patients on regular dialysis show a poor response to hepatitis B vaccine due to uremia. A recombinant HB vaccine (containing an improved adjuvant system AS04, HBV-AS04) has been licensed but the evidence on its efficacy and safety in dialysis population over the long term is extremely limited.

AIM

We have measured antibody (anti-HBs) persistence for up to 72 months in a large cohort of patients on long-term dialysis (with susceptibility to HBV infection) who underwent vaccination with HBV-AS04 vaccine.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively recruited to receive four 20-mcg doses of HBV-AS04 by intramuscular route (deltoid muscle). Two vaccine schedules were adopted: 0,1,2, and 3 month (n=217 patients) and 0,1,2, and 6 month (n=31 patients). Anti-HBs antibody concentrations were tested at 1,2,3, 4, 7 and 12 months and then every year up to 72 months. Multivariate analysis was made to find the baseline parameters that were associated with the immune response to HBV-AS04 vaccine.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy-two patients were included and 248 completed the study. At completion of vaccine schedule, the frequency of responders (anti-HBs titers≥10mIU/mL) was 81.5% (202/248) (mean anti-HBs antibody titers, 384.9±391.9mIU/mL), according to per-protocol analysis. On the grounds of univariate analysis, age was lower in responder than non- responder patients to HBV AS04 even if no statistical significance was achieved (P=0.09). The sero-protection rate at month 72 was 77% (7/9) (anti-HBs antibody titers, 184.9±360.1mIU/mL, P=0.001). Multivariate analysis found a relationship between sero-response rate and age (P=0.04). No major side effects and no de novo HBV episodes were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our open-label nonrandomized trial performed in a 'real-world' practice showed the persistence of anti-HBs antibody among responder patients over a very long follow-up. Studies with longer observation periods are under way.

Characteris Tics and Causes of Immune Dysfunction Related to Uremia and Dialysis

From the immunologic viewpoint, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by disorders of both the innate and adaptive systems, generating a complex and still not fully understood immune dysfunction. Markers of a chronically activated immune system are closely linked to several complications of CKD and represent powerful predictors for mortality in the CKD population. On the other hand, CKD patients respond poorly to vaccination and to challenges such as bacterial infection. Interestingly, the main causes of death in patients with CKD are cardiovascular and infectious diseases, both being pathologic processes closely linked to immune function. Therefore, accelerated tissue degeneration (as a consequence of chronic inflammation) and increased rate of sepsis (because of a poorly orchestrated immune response) represent the most important targets for interventions aiming to reduce mortality in CKD patients. Understanding the mechanisms behind the immune dysfunction that is peculiar to CKD generates a perspective to improve outcomes in this group of patients.

Oncogenic mechanisms in renal insufficiency

The prevalence of both cancer and end-stage renal disease is increasing. In addition, medical advances have meant increased survival rates for both diseases. Many chemotherapeutics are renally excreted, and conversely, renal insufficiency promotes a pro-neoplastic state, including genitourinary and other cancers. Dialysis prolongs life while increasing cancer risk. Proposed oncogenic mechanisms include immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, changes in gut microbiota and stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system. This review summarizes current concepts in the relationship between cancer and renal insufficiency.

Ochrobactrum Peritonitis: Case Report and Literature Review

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, including those on peritoneal dialysis (PD), are considered immunocompromised and at risk for opportunistic pathogens. Peritonitis is a major infectious PD complication with common causative pathogens, including gram-positive organisms such as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus more often than gram negative organisms. PD peritonitis is often secondary to suboptimal technique leading to contamination of the catheter site but can also be due to bacterial translocation from the bowel lumen or transient bacteremia after procedures; this makes identification of the causative organism crucial to optimal management of PD peritonitis. Ochrobactrum are glucose-non-fermentative, non-fastidious, motile gram-negative bacilli typically isolated in aqueous environments. Reported infections primarily occur in immunocompromised hosts with environmental exposure, including nosocomial contamination of fluids or indwelling catheters. We present only the seventh reported case of Ochrobactrum peritonitis in a 67-year-old PD patient secondary to poor technique, and review the literature for all prior cases. Although there have been no previous cases leading to bacteremia, three of the seven cases required removal of PD catheter.

Immune Dysfunction in Uremia 2020

Cardiovascular disease and infections are major causes for the high incidence of morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic kidney disease. Both complications are directly or indirectly associated with disturbed functions or altered apoptotic rates of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells. Normal responses of immune cells can be reduced, leading to infectious diseases or pre-activated/primed, giving rise to inflammation and subsequently to cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes the impact of kidney dysfunction on the immune system. Renal failure results in disturbed renal metabolic activities with reduced renin, erythropoietin, and vitamin D production, which adversely affects the immune system. Decreased kidney function also leads to reduced glomerular filtration and the retention of uremic toxins. A large number of uremic toxins with detrimental effects on immune cells have been identified. Besides small water-soluble and protein-bound compounds originating from the intestinal microbiome, several molecules in the middle molecular range, e.g., immunoglobulin light chains, retinol-binding protein, the neuropeptides Met-enkephalin and neuropeptide Y, endothelin-1, and the adipokines leptin and resistin, adversely affect immune cells. Posttranslational modifications such as carbamoylation, advanced glycation products, and oxidative modifications contribute to uremic toxicity. Furthermore, high-density lipoprotein from uremic patients has an altered protein profile and thereby loses its anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequent transfusion and specific HLA-DRB1 alleles correlate independently with Miltenberger blood group alloimmunization in dialysis patients

Anti-"Mi^a " is the most frequent irregular RBC antibody in Taiwan due to high prevalence of Miltenberger antigens. Dialysis patients, a special patient group that needs frequent transfusions of RBCs, may have the greatest risk for developing anti-"Mi^a " antibodies. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between specific HLA-DRB1 alleles and Mi alloimmunization among dialysis patients. A cohort of 267 maintenance dialysis patients who had ever received at least one RBCs transfusion was enrolled. Anti-"Mi^a " was identified in patients' serum using the manual polybrene technique and HLA-DRB1 genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe nonradioactive hybridization. Twenty-one (7.9%) of patients had positive anti-"Mi^a " tests and had received significantly more units of RBC transfusions than those without anti-"Mi^a " antibodies (11.3 ± 14.5 U vs 4.5 ± 10.1 U, P = .005). DRB1*04, *07, and *09 alleles were also more prevalent in patients with anti-"Mi^a " compared to those without Mi III alloimmunization. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of RBC transfusions and the presence of DRB1*04, *07, and *09 phenotypes correlated independently with Mi III immunization (Odds ratios [OR] 1.05 (P = .001) for each unit of RBCs transfused; ORs 4.80 (P = .006), 12.29 (P = .005), and 5.42 (P = .003) for presence of DRB1*04, *07, and *09, respectively). This study is the first to demonstrate markedly high prevalence of Mi III alloimmunization in dialysis patients of Taiwan. Extending Mi III matching for RBC transfusions in susceptible dialysis patients may help to reduce the risk of Mi III alloimmunization in this patient population.

Biological basis of lymphocyte ratios for survival prediction in hemodialysis patients: a longitudinal study

PURPOSE

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios have been proposed as emerging markers of inflammation and prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, to date, no longitudinal performance of these indices is known. The study's purpose was to examine the longitudinal relationship between NLR, PLR, inflammatory and nutritional parameters in MHD patients and how their changes over time associate with adverse clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A historical longitudinal cohort study was conducted using a clinical database which included 554 patients (mean age, 67.6 ± 14.2 years; 34% women) from a single center receiving MHD from November 2007 to July 2018. NLR, PLR, C-reactive protein (CRP) and nutritional parameters were recorded at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months, followed by 58 additional months of clinical observations.

RESULTS

In a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for baseline demographics and clinical parameters, including white blood cell count, NLR and PLR were both associated with CRP levels at any given time point observation (linear estimates (95% CI): 1.53, (0.11-2.95) and 1.55 (0.15-2.93), respectively). For each 1.0-unit increase in NLR over time, the fully adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratio using Cox models with the time-varying risk effect was 1.04 (95% CI 1.01-1.07, P = 0.006). However, when CRP was included in this model, the relationship was no longer significant. PLR's performance did not match the prognostic marker.

CONCLUSION

Longitudinal changes in NLR mimic CRP changes and predict all-cause mortality risk in MHD patients.

Interleukin 6 is a better predictor of 5-year cardiovascular mortality than high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in hemodialysis patients using reused low-flux dialyzers

PURPOSE

In this study, we focused on the role of elevated serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentration in predicting 5-year cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients using low-flux dialyzer reuse.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured serum IL-6 concentrations in 236 hemodialysis patients (138 males and 98 females) to predict 5-year cardiovascular mortality. We assessed the baseline demographics of all patients who had a mean age of 44 years and a median hemodialysis duration of 38.5 months. We divided all patients into two equal groups based on the serum IL-6 concentration: G1 (n = 118) with serum IL-6 concentration < 6.78 pg/L and G2 (n = 118) with serum IL-6 concentration ≥ 6.78 pg/L.

RESULTS

After the 5-year follow-up, 45 patients died due to cardiovascular causes (19.1%). Lipid disorder, hemoglobin, serum albumin, β2-M, and IL-6 concentration were independent risk factors for predicting cardiovascular mortality during the 60-month follow-up in hemodialysis patients. Based on the Kaplan-Meier analysis, we realized that patients with a higher interleukin 6 concentration (G2) had a significantly higher cardiovascular mortality rate than patients in G1 (log-rank test p < 0.001). Serum IL-6 concentration was a better predictor of 5-year cardiovascular mortality than high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in hemodialysis patients using low-flux dialyzer reuse (AUC = 0.818; p < 0.001; cut-off value: 8.055 pg/mL, Se = 77.8%, Sp = 78.5%).

CONCLUSION

Serum IL-6 concentration was a better predictor of 5-year cardiovascular mortality than high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in maintenance hemodialysis patients using low-flux dialysis reuse.

Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Disorders in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Process Related to Accelerated Senescence

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially those involving a systemic inflammatory process such as atherosclerosis, remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is a systemic condition affecting approximately 10% of the general population. The prevalence of CKD has increased over the past decades because of the aging of the population worldwide. Indeed, CVDs in patients with CKD constitute a premature form of CVD observed in the general population. Multiple studies indicate that patients with renal disease undergo accelerated aging, which precipitates the appearance of pathologies, including CVDs, usually associated with advanced age. In this review, we discuss several aspects that characterize CKD-associated CVDs, such as etiopathogenic elements that CKD patients share with the general population, changes in the cellular balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the associated process of cellular senescence. Uremia-associated aging is linked with numerous changes at the cellular and molecular level. These changes are similar to those observed in the normal process of physiologic aging. We also discuss new perspectives in the study of CKD-associated CVDs and epigenetic alterations in intercellular signaling, mediated by microRNAs and/or extracellular vesicles (EVs), which promote vascular damage and subsequent development of CVD. Understanding the processes and factors involved in accelerated senescence and other abnormal intercellular signaling will identify new therapeutic targets and lead to improved methods of diagnosis and monitoring for patients with CKD-associated CVDs.

HBV vaccination with Fendrix is effective and safe in pre-dialysis CKD population

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease have a poor response to hepatitis B vaccine due to the immunodeficiency conferred from chronic uremia. A recombinant HB vaccine containing an improved adjuvant system AS04 (HBV-AS04) has been manufactured but scarce evidence exists on HBV-AS04 use among patients with CKD.

AIM

To assess efficacy and safety of an adjuvanted recombinant vaccine (HBV-AS04) in a large cohort of CKD patients at pre-dialysis stage (with susceptibility to HBV infection).

METHODS

Patients were prospectively enrolled to receive four 20-mcg doses of HBV-AS04 by intramuscular route (deltoid muscle) at months 1, 2, 3, and 4. Anti-HBs surface antibody concentrations were tested at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 12months. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess the parameters, which predicted immunologic response to HBV-AS04 vaccine.

RESULTS

One hundred and seven patients were included and 102 completed the study. At completion of vaccine schedule, the frequency of responders (anti-HBs titers≥10mIU/mL) was 95% (97/102) (mean anti-HBs antibody titers, 688.9±385mIU/mL), according to per-protocol analysis. Serum haemoglobin levels were greater in responder than non- or low-responder patients to HBV-AS04 (P=0.04) and this was confirmed by multivariate analysis. The seroprotection rate at month 50 was 88% (30/34) with lower anti-HBs antibody titers (218.5±269.6mIU/mL, P=0.001). No major side effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our prospective study performed in a real-world setting showed a high immunogenicity and safety of HBV-AS04 vaccine in patients with CKD not yet on maintenance dialysis. Studies provided with longer follow-ups are under way to assess the durability of seroprotection in responders.

Risk factors for complications of percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy in children

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy (PURB) is an invasive but essential procedure in establishing the histologic diagnosis of pediatric renal diseases. Large studies which describe PURB complications and its contributory risk factors are scarce in the pediatric literature.

METHODS

Patients who underwent real-time PURB from September 2011 to August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data pertaining to clinical characteristics, histologic diagnosis and biopsy-related complications were collected. In addition, the risk factors for complications were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 183 patients (109 females) were enrolled and 201 biopsies were obtained. The mean age was 14.4 ± 13.7 years. Over 98% of the biopsies were considered adequate in quality. The major complications were perirenal hematoma requiring blood transfusion (4 cases, 2.0%), followed by perirenal abscess (1 case, 0.5%) and arteriovenous fistula (1 case, 0.5%). All patients recovered without sequelae after treatment. Hypertension, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and anemia were more common in patients with complication than in those without. Further logistic regression model analysis demonstrated that eGFR <30 ml/1.73m²/min was an independent risk factor for major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Perirenal hematoma needing blood transfusion is the most common major complication for children undergoing renal biopsy. Low eGFR is an independent risk factor for major complications. Early recognition and timely treatment should be delivered to children with renal function impairment accordingly.

Preoperative risk stratification of deep sternal wound infection after coronary surgery

OBJECTIVE

To develop a risk score for deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care referral hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 7,352 patients from the European multicenter coronary artery bypass grafting (E-CABG) registry.

INTERVENTION

Isolated CABG.

METHODS

An additive risk score (the E-CABG DSWI score) was estimated from the derivation data set (66.7% of patients), and its performance was assessed in the validation data set (33.3% of patients).

RESULTS

DSWI occurred in 181 (2.5%) patients and increased 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.275; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.804-6.517). Female gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.804; 95% CI, 1.161-2.802), body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (OR, 1.729; 95% CI, 1.166-2.562), glomerular filtration rate <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR, 2.410; 95% CI, 1.413-4.111), diabetes (OR, 1.741; 95% CI, 1.178-2.573), pulmonary disease (OR, 1.935; 95% CI, 1.178-3.180), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.854; 95% CI, 1.096-3.138), critical preoperative state (OR, 2.196; 95% CI, 1.209-3.891), and bilateral internal mammary artery grafting (OR, 2.088; 95% CI, 1.422-3.066) were predictors of DSWI (derivation data set). An additive risk score was calculated by assigning 1 point to each of these independent risk factors for DSWI. In the validation data set, the rate of DSWI increased along with the E-CABG DSWI scores (score of 0, 1.0%; score of 1, 1.8%; score of 2, 2.2%; score of 3, 6.9%; score ≥4: 12.1%; P < .0001). Net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement, and decision curve analysis showed that the E-CABG DSWI score performed better than other risk scores.

CONCLUSIONS

DSWI is associated with poor outcome after CABG, and its risk can be stratified using the E-CABG DSWI score.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02319083.

Lower Rates Of Naturally Occurring Resistance-Associated Substitutions (RASs) In Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-Infected Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients Than In HCV-Infected Patients With Only Liver Disease

Purpose

Baseline viral load and existence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) are associated with direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment failure in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Patients and methods

This study was done on HCV-infected patients with different clinical conditions, group 1 included HCV-infected patients with only liver disease (n= 24) and group 2 had HCV-infected patients with coexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n =26). Baseline RAS in the viral genome, before treatment initiation, was examined in both the groups to understand the host disease status on their occurrence.

Results

Predominant genotype (gt) differed in both the groups, in group 1 it was gt3 while it was gt1 in group 2. Overall, the occurrence of RASs at baseline was seen in 10 patients (20%); in group 1 it was seen in 8 (33.3%) as compared to only 2 (7.6%) in group 2; p < 0.001. RAS in both NS5a and NS5b regions of the virus was seen in group 1 while in group 2, RASs were seen only in the NS5a region of the virus at 30K position. In group 1, multiple RASs were also seen. The existence of RAS at baseline in both the groups did not affect the attainment of post-treatment cure for the virus in terms of sustained virological response (SVR).

Conclusion

Host disease status influences the occurrence of baseline RAS in the virus.

Imbalance of Th22/Treg cells causes microinflammation in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are of critical functionality in immune activation and inflammation in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). A disruption in balance of Treg cells has potency to elicit infectious disease progression. Here, we examined possible association between ratio imbalance of Th22/Treg cells and microinflammation in uremic patients undergoing HD.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated to allow measurement of the percentage of Th22 cells and Treg cells using flow cytometry. Subsequently, serum levels of related cytokines, interleukin (IL) 22 (IL-22) and IL-10 and inflammatory factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), (TNF-α), IL-6 were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then relationships among dialysis time, microinflammation status (CRP) and dialysis adequacy (immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), urea clearance index (Kt/V), β2-MG, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus) were evaluated. Finally, correlation between microinflammation status and dialysis adequacy was analyzed with Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

An increased percentage of Th22 and a decreased percentage of Treg cells were evident in uremic patients undergoing HD. Serum levels of IL-22, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were increased, while IL-10 serum level was reduced. An imbalance of Th22/Treg cells was associated with microinflammation status in uremic patients undergoing HD. Furthermore, prolongation of the dialysis time, the microinflammation status and dialysis adequacy were changed. Increased dialysis adequacy was observed to correlate with alleviated microinflammation of uremic patients undergoing HD.

CONCLUSIONS

Conjointly, an imbalance of Th22/Treg cells may be a potential cause responsible for uremia occurrence, which in turn indicates that uremia could be effectively alleviated by altering the ratio of Th22/Treg cells.

Effect of Type of Dialysis on CMV-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Kidney Transplant Candidates

Background: Dialysis is the first procedure to partially replace renal function in end-stage renal diseases, despite several adverse side effects, such as infections. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of immune CMV-specific CD8+ T cells in a representative cohort of pre-transplant patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). The secondary aim was to monitor the CMV-specific CD8+ T cells in kidney transplant recipients undergoing different types of dialysis during the first year following their transplant.

Methods: Sixty-nine patients were enrolled and examined with respect to the type of dialysis they received. HLA class I dextramers for CMV were used to determine the quantity of CMV-specific CD8+ T cells. The CMV DNA viral load was also determined. Forty-two of the patients enrolled in the study underwent solid organ transplantation and were analyzed during their first year post-transplantation.

Results: Patients receiving HD had fewer CMV-specific CD8+ T cells than those in PD (p < 0.05). We also observed that patients in PD had more CMV-specific CD8+ T cells during the follow-up period than those in HD (p < 0.05), independently of the CMV DNA. Finally, PD patients had a higher frequency of CD8+ Effector-Memory RA T cells (TEMRA) and a lower frequency of central memory T cells (TCM) than did HD patients.

Conclusions: These results indicate the better status of CMV-specific T cell immunity in PD patients. The use of CMV T cell dextramers would be advantageous for monitoring the CD8+ T-specific response, enabling the use of prophylactic treatment to be optimized.

The relationship of blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with nutrition markers and health outcomes in hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVE

Adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients have been attributed, in part, to the pro-inflammatory state prevalent in this population. This study examines the relationship between blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with nutrition markers and health outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

DESIGN

This is a 12-month prospective cohort study that recruited 77 participants from May to Jun 2017.

SETTINGS AND SUBJECTS

Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Hospitalization, transplants and mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 77 participants, 63.8% were hospitalized, 10 (13%) died of cardiovascular diseases and 6 (7.8%) had a kidney transplant. Spearman correlations using baseline values showed an inverse significant correlation between the total number of hospitalizations and BMI kg/m2 (BMI rho = - 0.37, P <0.001); a significant inverse correlation between NLR and albumin (rho = - 0.22, P  = 0.028); and a significant direct correlation between baseline NLR and BMI kg/m2 (rho = 0.22, P  = 0.028). Participants were grouped by their NLR value into quartiles for outcomes analysis: quartile 1 (NLR ≤ 1.75), quartile 2 (NLR 1.76-2.6), quartile 3 (NLR 2.7-3.9) and quartile 4 (NLR ≥ 4). The percentage of patients with the lowest level of inflammation (NLR ≤ 1.75) was greater for not hospitalized patients than for hospitalized (39.3% vs 16.3%, P  = 0.025) and not hospitalized participants had higher BMI kg/m2 (mean ± SD) at baseline compared to those hospitalized (29.11 ± 5.4 vs 26.22 ± 5.34, P  = 0.026). In a multivariate cox regression analysis, participants in the lowest quartile (NLR ≤ 1.75) were compared to the rest on hospitalization, mortality and transplant. Years in dialysis, BMI kg/m2 and NLR ≤ 1.75 were significant predictors of hospitalization after adjustment (P  = 0.021, P  = 0.005, P  = 0.039; respectively) and we observed an association of low NLR with a hazard ratio (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.96, P  =  0.039), BMI (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.97, P  = 0.005) and years in dialysis (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.98, P  = 0.021) for hospitalization in overall participants. In a further analysis comparing the effect of low NLR in the subgroup of diabetic vs non-diabetics, it was observed that BMI kg/m2 was a significant predictor for hospitalization in the non-diabetic subgroup (P  = 0.040) but not significant in the case of diabetics (P  = 0.128) after adjustments. Years in dialysis and NLR ≤ 1.75 were significant predictors of hospitalizations in the subgroup of diabetic before and after adjustment (P  = 0.049, P  = 0.044; respectively). Having a low NLR decreased 73% the risk for hospitalization (HR 0.27 95% CI 0.07-0.96, P  = 0.044) in this subgroup. Survival and hospitalization curves were analyzed by comparing all participants and the diabetic subgroup, in the lowest inflammation quartile vs the rest (NLR ≤ 1.75 vs NLR > 1.75). Participants with NLR ≤ 1.75 had 100% survival rate (log-rank test, P  = 0.059) and lower hospitalization rate (log-rank test, P  = 0.025); participants with diabetes had lower hospitalization rate (log-rank test, P  = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

NLR at baseline was associated with nutritional markers (albumin, BMI). Low NLR at baseline was a predictor of lower risk for hospitalizations in HD patients with diabetes.

Opportunistic parasitoses among Egyptian hemodialysis patients in relation to CD4+ T-cell counts: a comparative study

Background

Some reports are available on the prevalence of opportunistic parasitoses among hemodialysis (HD) patients, yet there is a paucity of data on the association of CD4+ T-cell counts with such infections. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and Toxoplasma gondii in relation to CD4+ counts among HD patients in Alexandria, Egypt.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 HD patients and 100 apparently healthy individuals between December 2014 and January 2016. Data and samples (stool and blood) were collected from the participants after obtaining their informed consent. Stool samples were examined for parasites after concentration and staining, EDTA-blood samples were used for CD4+ counting by flow cytometry, and sera were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies.

Results

A significantly higher prevalence rate of intestinal parasitoses was found among HD patients compared to apparently healthy individuals (52.5% vs. 12.0%, respectively), with absence of helminths. Cryptosporidium species (32.5%), B. hominis(24.2%) and microsporidia (11.7%) were the most frequent parasites among HD patients, while B. hominis (13.0%), Cryptosporidium species (11.0%) and G. lamblia (4.0%) were the most frequent parasites among their counterparts. Statistically significant differences in parasite infection rates between patients and their counterparts were found for Cryptosporidium species, B. hominis and microsporidia. However, parasite species were not significantly associated with diarrhea. On the other hand, the overall T. gondii seroprevalence rate among HD patients was significantly higher than that among their counterparts (33.3% vs. 8%, respectively). HD patients with CD4+ counts < 200 cells/μl were twice more exposed to intestinal parasitoses compared to those with counts ≥200 cells/μl, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, low CD4+ counts were significantly associated with higher rates of Cryptosporidium species, microsporidia and T. gondii.

Conclusions

Intestinal parasitoses and T. gondii infection rates are significantly higher among Egyptian HD patients compared to apparently healthy individuals, with Cryptosporidium species, B. hominis, microsporidia and T. gondii being the most frequent parasites. CD4+ counts < 200 cells/μl are significantly associated with Cryptosporidium species, microsporidia and T. gondii among HD patients. Therefore, regular screening of HD patients for opportunistic parasites is recommended.

Association of serum IL-18 with protein-energy wasting in end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis

PURPOSE

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is highly prevalent in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with inflammation who are on haemodialysis treatment. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine that is significantly elevated in ESRD patients. However, the relationship between PEW and IL-18 is unclear. We therefore performed a cross-sectional study on 100 ESRD patients undergoing haemodialysis to clarify this.

METHODS

PEW was defined according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Inflammation was assessed based on the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-18. We analysed the association between PEW and IL-18 by using logistic analysis and linear regression after adjustment for basic characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory findings.

RESULTS

Among the 100 haemodialysis patients who were recruited, 56 had PEW. Even though there was no difference between the PEW group and non-PEW group with regard to disease causes, age, gender, cholesterol, ferritin, and haemoglobin, the levels of inflammation indicators such as CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly higher in the PEW group. Moreover, IL-18 was found to contribute to PEW, but was negatively correlated with pre-albumin after adjustment for possible confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, the findings indicate that IL-18 is associated with PEW in ESRD patients on haemodialysis, which suggests that IL-18 may be involved in the pathogenesis of PEW in this setting.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Risk of Cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Community-based reports regarding eGFR and the risk of cancer are conflicting. We here explore plausible links between kidney function and cancer incidence in a large Scandinavian population-based cohort.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

In the Stockholm Creatinine Measurements project, we quantified the associations of baseline eGFR with the incidence of cancer among 719,033 Swedes ages ≥40 years old with no prior history of cancer. Study outcomes were any type and site-specific cancer incidence rates on the basis of International Classification of Diseases-10 codes over a median follow-up of 5 years. To explore the possibility of detection bias and reverse causation, we divided the follow-up time into different time periods (≤12 and >12 months) and estimated risks for each of these intervals.

RESULTS

In total, 64,319 cases of cancer (affecting 9% of participants) were detected throughout 3,338,226 person-years. The relationship between eGFR and cancer incidence was U shaped. Compared with eGFR of 90-104 ml/min, lower eGFR strata associated with higher cancer risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.11 for eGFR=30-59 ml/min and adjusted hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 1.35 for eGFR<30 ml/min). Lower eGFR strata were significantly associated with higher risk of skin, urogenital, prostate, and hematologic cancers. Any cancer risk as well as skin (nonmelanoma) and urogenital cancer risks were significantly elevated throughout follow-up time, but they were higher in the first 12 months postregistration. Associations with hematologic and prostate cancers abrogated after the first 12 months of observation, suggesting the presence of detection bias and/or reverse causation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a modestly higher cancer risk in individuals with mild to severe CKD driven primarily by skin and urogenital cancers, and this is only partially explained by bias.

Would hemodialysis patients benefit from a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine?

Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection can have potentially catastrophic consequences for patients on hemodialysis. Consequently, an effective vaccine to prevent S aureus infection would have a significant influence on morbidity and mortality in this group. To date, however, efforts to develop a vaccine have been unsuccessful. Previous antibody-inducing vaccine candidates did not prevent or attenuate S aureus infection in clinical trials. Recent advances have helped to elucidate the role of specific T-cell subsets, notably T-helper cell 1 and T-helper cell 17, in the immune response to S aureus. These cells are essential for coordinating an effective phagocytic response via cytokine production, indirectly leading to destruction of the organism. It is now widely accepted that next-generation S aureus vaccines must also induce effective T-cell-mediated immunity. However, there remains a gap in our knowledge: how will an S aureus vaccine drive these responses in those patients most at risk? Given that patients on hemodialysis are an immunocompromised population, in particular with specific T-cell defects, including defects in T-helper cell subsets, this is likely to affect their ability to respond to an S aureus vaccine. We urgently need a better understanding of T-cell-mediated immunity in this cohort if an efficacious vaccine is ever to be realized for these patients.

Causes of death across categories of estimated glomerular filtration rate: The Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project

Introduction

Reduced kidney function increases the risk of death, but there is limited information on causes of death across stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to identify leading causes of death in community-dwelling individuals with differing kidney function.

Methods

Observational analysis from SCREAM, a healthcare utilization cohort of Stockholm, Sweden. We included all individuals who died during 2006–2012 and had one serum creatinine measured in the year prior to death. Using the CKD-EPI formula, we calculated eGFR and stratified individuals according to CKD stages. Causes of death were classified as cardiovascular (CVD), cancer, infection and other, using ICD-10 codes. We compared age- and sex-adjusted differences in the proportions of deaths from each cause.

Results

Out of 89,117 registered deaths, 70,547 (79%) had a recent eGFR estimation and were included in this study. Individuals had a median age of 82 (IRE 62–93) years and 52% were women. The proportions of deaths from CVD increased with lower eGFR, along with the proportion of deaths from infections. Deaths due to diabetes and genito-urinary diseases increased. Deaths due to cancer decreased, but other death causes did not vary. Within CVD causes of death, the proportion of arrhythmias and heart failure increased, but ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease remained stable.

Conclusion

In a region-representative Swedish healthcare extraction, we observe differences regarding specific causes of death across different CKD stages. Increasing patient and provider awareness of this differential pattern of risk may have benefits for patient management, prevention strategies, and health service planning.

Immune Dysfunction and Risk of Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular disease and infections are directly or indirectly associated with an altered immune response, which leads to a high incidence of morbidity and mortality, and together, they account for up to 70% of all deaths among patients with chronic kidney dysfunction. Impairment of the normal reaction of the innate and adaptive immune systems in chronic kidney disease predisposes patients to an increased risk of infections, virus-associated cancers, and a diminished vaccine response. On the other hand, an abnormal, exaggerated reaction of the immune systems can also occur in this group of patients, resulting in increased production and decreased clearance of proinflammatory cytokines, which can lead to inflammation and its sequelae (eg, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease). Epigenetically, modifications in hematopoietic stem cells involving a shift from lymphoid to myeloid cell lineage may underlie uremia-associated immunological senescence, which is not reversed by renal replacement therapy, including kidney transplantation. Measures aimed at attenuating the immune abnormalities in chronic kidney disease/end-stage renal disease should be an area of focused research as this could potentially lead to a better understanding and, thus, development of therapies that could reduce the disastrously high death rate in this patient population. The aim of the present article is to review the characteristics, causes, and mechanisms of the immune dysfunction related to chronic kidney disease.

Critically ill healthcare workers with the middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS): A multicenter study

Background

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) leads to healthcare-associated transmission to patients and healthcare workers with potentially fatal outcomes.

Aim

We aimed to describe the clinical course and functional outcomes of critically ill healthcare workers (HCWs) with MERS.

Methods

Data on HCWs was extracted from a multi-center retrospective cohort study on 330 critically ill patients with MERS admitted between (9/2012–9/2015). Baseline demographics, interventions and outcomes were recorded and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Survivors were approached with questionnaires to elucidate their functional outcomes using Karnofsky Performance Status Scale.

Findings

Thirty-Two HCWs met the inclusion criteria. Comorbidities were recorded in 34% (11/32) HCW. Death resulted in 8/32 (25%) HCWs including all 5 HCWs with chronic renal impairment at baseline. Non-surviving HCW had lower PaO2/FiO2 ratios 63.5 (57, 116.2) vs 148 (84, 194.3), p = 0.043, and received more ECMO therapy compared to survivors, 9/32 (28%) vs 4/24 (16.7%) respectively (p = 0.02).Thirteen of the surviving (13/24) HCWs responded to the questionnaire. Two HCWs confirmed functional limitations. Median number of days from hospital discharge until the questionnaires were filled was 580 (95% CI 568, 723.5) days.

Conclusion

Approximately 10% of critically ill patients with MERS were HCWs. Hospital mortality rate was substantial (25%). Patients with chronic renal impairment represented a particularly high-risk group that should receive extra caution during suspected or confirmed MERS cases clinical care assignment and during outbreaks. Long-term repercussions of critical illness due to MERS on HCWs in particular, and patients in general, remain unknown and should be investigated in larger studies.