The Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Study (BRAZPD) : characterization of the cohort

Multicenter research in dialysis centers in Brazil: recruitment and implementation of the SARC-HD study

INTRODUCTION

Multicenter research initiatives in Brazilian dialysis centers are scarce. We described the recruitment and implementation phases of the SARC-HD study, aimed at investigating sarcopenia and its impact on adverse clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The SARC-HD is a cohort study being conducted with patients on hemodialysis in Brazil. The recruitment phase was defined as the period from the invitation to the center until the start of patient enrollment, whereas the implementation phase lasted from then until the completion of enrollment and baseline data collection. Upon implementation, a structured questionnaire was distributed to collect feedback from principal investigators.

RESULTS

21 centers from three Brazilian regions consented to participate, with two dropping out. Ten principal investigators oversaw the 19 sites. Nine centers (47%) were funded entirely by health insurance companies. A total of 1525 patients were screened for eligibility and 1008 were enrolled, with a 66.1% recruitment rate. Recruitment and baseline data collection took 12 [interquartile range: 5-15] weeks. Qualitative content analysis identified barriers such as a lack of infrastructure and logistics for research. Facilitators included the management and organization of the steering committee. Data collection challenges were mainly reported with the subjective 7-point global assessment and the international physical activity questionnaire. The main challenge for the ongoing maintenance phase will be the lack of standardized information in electronic health records.

CONCLUSIONS

The recruitment and implementation phases of the multicenter SARC-HD study were feasible. Barriers and facilitators identified by principal investigators may help future multicenter initiatives to integrate research-related tasks into clinical routine, facilitating successful experiences.

Characteristics and 1-year survival of incident patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis:a large 11-year cohort study

PURPOSE

Few studies have evaluated patients' characteristics and survival by dialysis modality in Brazil. We evaluated changes in dialysis modality and its survival in the country.

METHODS

This is a retrospective database of a cohort with incident chronic dialysis patients from Brazil. Patients' characteristics and one-year multivariate survival risk were assessed considering dialysis modality from 2011 to 2016 and 2017 to 2021. Survival analysis was also performed on a reduced sample after adjustment using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Of the 8295 dialysis patients, 5.3% were on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 94.7% on hemodialysis (HD). PD patients had higher BMI, schooling and the prevalence of elective dialysis starting in the first period than those on HD. In the second period, PD patients were predominantly women, non-white, from the Southeast region, and funded by the public health system, having more frequent elective dialysis starting and predialysis nephrologist follow-ups than those on HD. There was no difference in mortality comparing PD and HD (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.39-2.42; and HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.63-2.16; first and second period, respectively). This non-significantly different survival between both dialysis methods was also found in the reduced matched sample. Higher age and non-elective dialysis initiation were associated with higher mortality. In the second period, the lack of predialysis nephrologist follow-up and living in the Southeast region increased the mortality risk.

CONCLUSION

Some sociodemographic factors have changed according to dialysis modality over the last decade in Brazil. The one-year survival of the two dialysis methods was comparable.

Two decades of analysis of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia: Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and progression aspects

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on the main complication associated with peritoneal dialysis, peritonitis. Its relevance derives from its high morbidity, the negative effect it has on the peritoneum as a dialysis membrane and its financial cost.

METHODS

Analytical, non-interventional, observational cohort study, whose main objective is the analysis of peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2017, with a total of 2904 peritonitis cases. The database used is the Andalusian Autonomous Transplant Coordination Information System (SICATA).

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain how the rate of peritonitis is evolving in our community, analyse descriptive data pertaining to patients and peritonitis, ascertain the course of these infectious complications and analyse the factors that influence these cases of peritonitis and their outcomes: germ, hospitalisation and date.

RESULTS

The rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, from 0.7 peritonitis per patient in 1999 to 0.33 at the end of the period. Most infections were treated on an outpatient basis (72.5%). The most common germs were Gram-positive (55.9%), including coagulase-negative staphylococci (28.1%). Most cases of peritonitis progressed to healing (77.8%). The factors that significantly influence the need for hospitalisation and peritonitis progression were the causative germ and associated exit site infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, the rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, meeting guideline recommendations.

Methods and rationale of the DISCOVER CKD global observational study

Background

Real-world data for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), specifically pertaining to clinical management, metabolic control, treatment patterns, quality of life (QoL) and dietary patterns, are limited. Understanding these gaps using real-world, routine care data will improve our understanding of the challenges and consequences faced by patients with CKD, and will facilitate the long-term goal of improving their management and prognosis.

Methods

DISCOVER CKD follows an enriched hybrid study design, with both retrospective and prospective patient cohorts, integrating primary and secondary data from patients with CKD from China, Italy, Japan, Sweden, the UK and the USA. Data will be prospectively captured over a 3-year period from >1000 patients with CKD who will be followed up for at least 1 year via electronic case report form entry during routine clinical visits and also via a mobile/tablet-based application, enabling the capture of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). In-depth interviews will be conducted in a subset of ∼100 patients. Separately, secondary data will be retrospectively captured from >2 000 000 patients with CKD, extracted from existing datasets and registries.

Results

The DISCOVER CKD program captures and will report on patient demographics, biomarker and laboratory measurements, medical histories, clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization, medications, dietary patterns, physical activity and PROs (including QoL and qualitative interviews).

Conclusions

The DISCOVER CKD program will provide contemporary real-world insight to inform clinical practice and improve our understanding of the epidemiology and clinical and economic burden of CKD, as well as determinants of clinical outcomes and PROs from a range of geographical regions in a real-world CKD setting.

Two decades of analysis of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia: Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and progression aspects

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on the main complication associated with peritoneal dialysis, peritonitis. Its relevance derives from its high morbidity, the negative effect it has on the peritoneum as a dialysis membrane and its financial cost.

METHODS

Analytical, non-interventional, observational cohort study, whose main objective is the analysis of peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2017, with a total of 2,904 peritonitis cases. The database used is the Andalusian Autonomous Transplant Coordination Information System (SICATA).

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain how the rate of peritonitis is evolving in our community, analyse descriptive data pertaining to patients and peritonitis, ascertain the course of these infectious complications and analyse the factors that influence these cases of peritonitis and their outcomes: germ, hospitalisation and date.

RESULTS

The rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, from 0.7 peritonitis per patient in 1999 to 0.33 at the end of the period. Most infections were treated on an outpatient basis (72.5%). The most common germs were Gram-positive (55.9%), including coagulase-negative staphylococci (28.1%). Most cases of peritonitis progressed to healing (77.8%). The factors that significantly influence the need for hospitalisation and peritonitis progression were the causative germ and associated exit site infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, the rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, meeting guideline recommendations.

Peritoneal dialysis in Sichuan province of China - report from the Chinese National Renal Data System

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is one of the important treatment strategies for end stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, we aimed to study the patients on PD of Sichuan province in the registry system and to explore the risk factors.

Methods: This was a retrospective study based on data from the Chinese National Renal Data System (CNRDS). The outcomes were prevalence and incidence of patients receiving PD, all-cause mortality, technical failure, end events and peritonitis.

Results: This study included 2654 patients between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016. From 2010 to 2016, despite there were increasing numbers of patients requiring PD. Primary and secondary glomerular diseases were the main causes of ESRD. Erythropoietin, iron and antihypertensive agents were the most commonly used medications in this cohort. 12.43% of patients died and the most important cause of death was cardiac events (30.30%). The incidences of peritonitis were 0.09, 0.16, 0.11, 0.09, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.06 per patient-year, respectively. The most common etiological agent of peritonitis was staphylococcus. We divided the patients into four groups according to the incident months of peritonitis. Compared with <20 months group, the level of calcium and platelet in >60 months group were higher, and the level of ferritin in >60 months group was lower.

Conclusion: Our results, representing the first largest report of peritoneal dialysis in the Southwest of China, indicated increasing numbers of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis, which will require need for medical resource.

Cognition and renal function: findings from a Brazilian population

Introduction:

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing, with a potential impact in the risk of acceleration of dementia. The potential association between glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and cognitive performance was scarcely studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive performance levels across different degrees of kidney function.

Methods:

We analyzed 240 outpatients in a nephrology service, classified according to eGFR: Advanced (≤ 30ml/min/1.73m²), Moderate (30,1ml/min/1.73m² to ≤ 60ml/min/1.73m²), and Mild CKD (> 60ml/min/1.73m²). Word list memory, Semantic fluency, Mental State Mini Exam and Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to evaluate cognitive performance. In the TMT, lower scores are associated with better cognition. In linear regression, cognitive function was considered as dependent variables while groups based on eGFR were considered explanatory variables. The group with eGFR > 60ml/min was the reference and models were adjusted for confounding factors.

Results:

In our population (n = 240) 64 patients (26.7%) were classified as having advanced, 98(40,8%) moderate, and 78(32,5%) mild. There was no statistical difference among them in MMSE or in the verbal fluency test. However, comparing to mild, patients with advanced CKD presented significantly worse cognitive performance measured by TMTA [50,8s ± 31.1s versus 66,6s ± 35,7s (p = 0.016)] and TMTB [92,7s ± 46,2s versus 162,4s ± 35,7s (p < 0.001)]. Significantly lower TMTB scores (CI95%) 33,0s (4,5-61,6s) were observed in patients with mild compared to advanced CKD in the multivariate analysis adjusting for age, education, sex, diabetes, and alcohol use.

Conclusion:

Advanced CKD is independently associated with poorer cognitive performance measured by an executive performance test compared to mild CKD.

Evaluation of prevalence, biochemical profile, and drugs associated with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder in 11 dialysis centers

Introduction:

The diagnosis and treatment of mineral and bone disorder of chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) is a challenge for nephrologists and health managers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, biochemical profile, and drugs associated with CKD-MBD.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study between July and November 2013, with 1134 patients on dialysis. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between groups based on levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (< 150, 150-300, 301-600, 601-1000, and > 1001 pg/mL).

Results:

The mean age was 57.3 ± 14.4 years. The prevalence of iPTH < 150 pg/mL was 23.4% and iPTH > 601 pg/mL was 27.1%. The comparison between the groups showed that the level of iPTH decreased with increasing age. Diabetic patients had a higher prevalence of iPTH < 150 pg/mL (27.6%). Hyperphosphatemia (> 5.5 mg/dL) was observed in 35.8%. Calcium carbonate was used by 50.5%, sevelamer by 14.7%, 40% of patients had used some form of vitamin D and 3.5% used cinacalcet. Linear regression analysis showed a significant negative association between iPTH, age, and diabetes mellitus and a significant positive association between iPTH and dialysis time.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of patients outside the target for iPTH was 50.5%. There was a high prevalence of hyperphosphatemia (35.8%), and the minority of patients were using active vitamin D, vitamin D analogs, selective vitamin D receptor activators, and cinacalcet. These data indicate the need for better compliance with clinical guidelines and public policies on the supply of drugs associated with CKD-MBD.

Peritonitis in Children on Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis: The Experience of a Large National Pediatric Cohort

BACKGROUND

We performed this study to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, microbiology, treatment, and outcome of peritonitis in pediatric Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients at a nationwide prospective study.

METHODOLOGY

Patients younger than 18 years recruited in the BRAZPD II study from 2004 to 2011, who presented their first peritonitis episode, were included in the study.

RESULTS

We found 125 first episodes of peritonitis in 491 children PD patients (0.43 episodes/patient-year). Patients free of peritonitis episode constituted 75.6% in 1 year. Culture-negative episodes were very high (59.2%) and gram-positive (GP) bacteria were the most commonly found organisms (58.8%). First-generation cephalosporin was the initial choice to cover GP (40.5%) and aminoglycosides was the most prescribed antibiotics used for gram-negative agents (27.5%). Treatment failure was 26.4%. Technique failure (TF) occurred in 12.1% and peritonitis was the main cause (65.1%). Pseudomonas (p = 0.04) and negative cultures (p < 0.001) were identified as predictors of TF.

CONCLUSION

Peritonitis remains a common complication of PD in children and negative cultures and pseudomonas had a negative impact on TF.

Comparing the Effect of Dressing Versus No-dressing on Exit Site Infection and Peritonitis in Chronic Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Bachground:

Peritonitis and exit site (ES) infection are two main complications of peritoneal dialysis. There are some controversies regard to preventive strategies for ES care. In this study we compared peritonitis and ES infection rates in patients with and without dressing.

Materials and Methods:

This historical cohort study carried out on 72 patients under continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treatment, 54 with dressing versus 18 patients without dressing, followed from October 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 for peritonitis and ES infection.

Results:

A total of 17 episodes of ES infection occurred in 12 patients in dressing group, but no case was seen in no-dressing group (P = 0.02). Twenty-one episodes of peritonitis occurred in 15 patients in both groups (one episode every 20.6 patient-months). In no-dressing group two episodes occurred in only one patient (one episode every 54 patient-months), and in dressing group, 19 episode in 14 patients (one episode every 17.1 patient-months) (P = 0.03). Peritonitis was significantly more frequent in male versus female in overall patients (38% vs. 14%, P = 0.025) and in dressing group (52% vs. 15%, P = 0.003). In dressing group, peritonitis was more frequent in diabetics versus non-diabetics (48% vs. 11%, P = 0.01). Odds ratio for developing peritonitis was 9.4 in dressing group (95% confidence interval [CI] =1.05 − 84.4; P = 0.045), and 4.4 in men (95% CI = 1.26 − 15.19; P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

In this study, chronic ES care without dressing was associated with lower risk of peritonitis and ES infection.

Patients' Perspectives on the Prevention and Treatment of Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Semi-Structured Interview Study

♦ BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is recommended for adults with residual kidney function and without significant comorbidities. However, peritonitis is a serious and common complication that is associated with hospitalization, pain, catheter loss, and death. This study aims to describe the beliefs, needs, and experiences of PD patients about peritonitis, to inform the training, support, and care of these patients. ♦ METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 patients from 3 renal units in Australia who had previous or current experience of PD. The interviews were conducted between November 2014 and November 2015. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. ♦ RESULTS: We identified 4 themes: constant vigilance for prevention (conscious of vulnerability, sharing responsibility with family, demanding attention to detail, ambiguity of detecting infection, ineradicable inhabitation, jeopardizing PD success); invading harm (life-threatening, wreaking internal damage, debilitating pain, losing control and dignity); incapacitating lifestyle interference (financial strain, isolation and separation, exacerbating burden on family); and exasperation with hospitalization (dread of hospital admission, exposure to infection, gruelling follow-up schedule, exposure to harm). ♦ CONCLUSIONS: Patients perceived that peritonitis could threaten their health, treatment modality, and lifestyle, which motivated vigilance and attention to hygiene. They felt a loss of control due to debilitating symptoms including pain and having to be hospitalized, and they were uncertain about how to monitor for signs of peritonitis. Providing patients with education about the causes and signs of peritonitis and addressing their concerns about lifestyle impact, financial impact, hospitalization, and peritonitis-related anxieties may improve treatment satisfaction and outcomes for patients requiring PD.

Impact of baseline health-related quality of life scores on survival of incident patients on peritoneal dialysis: a cohort study

INTRODUCTION

In an attempt to decrease mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease, an increase in the lifetime of these patients without much focus on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was pursued for a long period of time. However, lately, an improvement in the quality of this extended lifetime has focused on both the physical as well as the social and emotional aspects, as these parameters may be associated with clinical outcomes in end-stage renal disease patients.

AIM

To evaluate the impact of self-determined HRQOL at admission on survival of incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 1,624 incident Brazilian PD patients participating in a multicenter prospective cohort study (BRAZPD) were evaluated. HRQOL was assessed using the SF-36, divided into mental and physical components. Cox proportional regression analysis was used to determine the influence of HRQOL (mental and physical components) on mortality. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to adjust gradually for more potential explanatory variables: first for demographic variables, followed by additional adjustment for socioeconomic, clinical and laboratory variables. The significance level in all analyses was set at p < 0.05. All analyses were carried out with SPSS 17.0.

RESULTS

Incident PD patients presented with low HRQOL scores on admission to therapy. Even after correction for sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, PD modality and laboratory parameters, HRQOL (both the mental and the physical components) remained a predictor [HR: 0.97 (CI: 0.95-0.98); HR: 0.97 (CI: 0.96-0.99), respectively] of survival.

CONCLUSION

On admission to therapy, patients presenting with low HRQOL scores for both the mental and the physical components were associated with a higher mortality. These results suggest that early and timely intervention measures to improve the QOL of these patients are important.

Longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life scores in Brazilian incident peritoneal dialysis patients (BRAZPD): socio-economic status not a barrier

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A large proportion of the patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Brazil have low levels of education and family income. The present study assessed whether education level and family income are associated with baseline and longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores during the first year of PD therapy.

METHODS

We evaluated 1624 incident patients from the Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Study (BRAZPD) at baseline, and 486 of them after 12 months. The SF-36 was used to determine HRQOL and the Karnofsky index (KI), physical performance.

RESULTS

At baseline, patients received high KI scores compared with scores on the SF-36. The means of the mental and physical components at baseline and after 12 months were 39.9 ± 10.5 compared with 38.7 ± 11.7 and 41.8 ± 9.6 compared with 40.7 ± 9.8 respectively, which were not statistically different. A multivariate regression analysis showed that age, sex, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were predictors of the mental component (respectively, β = 0.12, p < 0.001; β = 0.11, p < 0.001; β = -0.08, β = 0.007; and β = -0.07, p = 0.007) and that age, sex, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hemoglobin, glucose, and creatinine were predictors of the physical component (respectively, β = -0.28, p < 0.001; β = 0.06, p = 0.009; β = -0.09, p = 0.002; β = -0.09, p = 0.001; β = 0.07, p = 0.004; β = -0.05, p = 0.040; and β = 0.05, p = 0.040). Education level and family income were not significantly associated with HRQOL (mental and physical components) in the multivariate regression.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that, as predictors, family income and education level have no impact on HRQOL, supporting the idea that socio-economic status should not be a barrier to the selection of PD as a treatment modality in Brazil.

Characterization of the BRAZPD II cohort and description of trends in peritoneal dialysis outcome across time periods

Observational studies from different regions of the world provide valuable information in patient selection, clinical practice, and their relationship to patient and technique outcome. The present study is the first large cohort providing patient characteristics, clinical practice, patterns and their relationship to outcomes in Latin America. The objective of the present study was to characterize the cohort and to describe the main determinants of patient and technique survival, including trends over time of peritoneal dialysis (PD) initiation and treatment. This was a nationwide cohort study in which all incident adult patients on PD from 122 centers were studied. Patient demographics, socioeconomic and laboratory values were followed from December 2004 to January 2011 and, for comparison purposes, divided into 3 groups according to the year of starting PD: 2005/06, 2007/08 and 2009/10. Patient survival and technique failure (TF) were analyzed using the competing risk model of Fine and Gray. All patients active at the end of follow-up were treated as censored. In contrast, all patients who dropped the study for any reason different from the primary event of interest were treated as competing risk. Significance was set to a p level of 0.05. A total of 9,905 patients comprised the adult database, 7,007 were incident and 5,707 remained at least 90 days in PD. The main cause of dropout was death (54%) and of TF was peritonitis (63%). Technique survival at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 91%, 84%, 77%, 68%, and 58%, respectively. There was no change in TF during the study period but 3 independent risk factors were identified: lower center experience, lower age, and automated PD (APD) as initial therapy. Cardiovascular disease (36%) was the main cause of death and the overall patient survival was 85%, 74%, 64%, 54%, and 48% at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. Patient survival improved along all study periods: compared to 2005/2006, patients starting at 2007/2008 had a relative risk reduction (SHR) of 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72 - 0.95); and starting in 2009/2010 of 0.69 (95% CI 0.57 - 0.83). The independent risk factors for mortality were diabetes, age > 65 years, previous hemodialysis, starting PD modality, white race, low body mass index (BMI), low educational level, center experience, length of pre-dialysis care, and the year of starting PD. We observed an improvement in patient survival along the years. This finding was sustained even after correction for several confounders and using a competing risk approach. On the other hand, no changes in technique survival were found.

Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: towards improving evidence, practices, and outcomes

Peritonitis is a common serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that results in considerable morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. It also significantly limits the use of this important dialysis modality. Despite its importance as a patient safety issue, peritonitis practices and outcomes vary markedly and unacceptably among different centers, regions, and countries. This article reviews peritonitis risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, particularly focusing on potential drivers of variable practices and outcomes, controversial or unresolved areas, and promising avenues warranting further research. Potential strategies for augmenting the existing limited evidence base and reducing the gap between evidence-based best practice and actual practice also are discussed.

Novel predictors of peritonitis-related outcomes in the BRAZPD cohort

INTRODUCTION

Peritonitis remains the main cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique failure worldwide, despite significant reductions in infection rates observed over the past decades. Several studies have described risk factors for peritonitis, technique failure and mortality. However, there are scarce data regarding predictors of complications during and after a peritonitis episode. The aim of our study was to analyze predictors of peritonitis-related outcome in the Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis study (BRAZPD) cohort.

METHODS

All adult incident patients recruited in the BRAZPD Study between December 2004 and October 2007, who remained at least 90 days on PD and presented their first peritonitis episode (n = 474 patients) were included in the study. The endpoints analyzed were non-resolution, death due to a peritonitis episode and long-term technique survival after a peritonitis episode.

RESULTS

In the multivariable regression, non-resolution was independently associated with older age (odds ratio (OR) 1.02; p < 0.01), collagenosis as the primary renal disease (OR 4.6; p < 0.05) and Pseudomonas spp as etiological agent (OR 2.9; p < 0.05). Patients who were transferred from APD to CAPD during peritonitis therapy presented a higher risk of non-response (OR 2.5; p < 0.05). The only factor associated with death during a peritonitis episode was older age (OR 1.04; p < 0.05). Exposure to vancomycin and male gender were the independent predictors of long-term technique failure (OR 2.2; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Apart from confirming previous observations of the negative impact of older age and Pseudomonas spp peritonitis on outcomes, we observed that collagenosis may negatively impact response to treatment and exposure to vancomycin may possibly reduce long-term technique survival. It is important to emphasize that the association of vancomycin with technique failure does not prove causality. These findings shed light on new factors predicting outcome when peritonitis is diagnosed.

Hand hygiene in peritoneal dialysis patients: a comparison of two techniques

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Hand hygiene is essential for preventing peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections. The present study compared the effectiveness of two hygiene techniques in reducing the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) on the hands of patients undergoing PD.

METHODS

In this controlled clinical trial, 22 participants enrolled in the same PD program underwent a two-hand evaluation for microbiologic flora. Participants participated in two treatments: a) simple hand hygiene plus antiseptic hand hygiene, in which the patients washed their hands with water and glycerin soap for 1 minute and then rubbed and dried their hands with 70% ethyl alcohol gel; and b) antiseptic hand hygiene, in which the patients rubbed their hands with 70% ethyl alcohol gel until fully dry. To sample distal finger surfaces, we asked the participants to touch sheep blood agar plates directly.

RESULTS

The CFU count for both hands was significantly higher in the regular hygiene group than in the gel-only group [69.0 (16.0 - 101.0) CFU vs 9.0 (2.2 - 55.5) CFU, p < 0.010]. Growth of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus colonies was significantly higher in right-hand cultures from the regular hygiene group than in those from the gel-only group [69.5 (26.25 - 101.0) CFU vs 9.5 (1.0 - 41.7) CFU; p < 0.050].

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing PD, using 70% ethyl alcohol gel to cleanse the hands may be more effective than following the regular hygiene recommendations in reducing bacterial populations.

A Brazilian experience in assisted automated peritoneal dialysis: a reliable and effective home care approach

INTRODUCTION

Automated assisted peritoneal dialysis (AAPD) has been shown to be successful as renal replacement therapy for elderly and physically incapable end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In early 2003, a pioneer AAPD program was initiated at GAMEN Renal Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ♢

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the results of an AAPD program offered as an option to elderly ESRD patients with physical or cognitive debilities or as last resort to patients with vascular access failure or hemodynamic instability during hemodialysis. ♢

METHODS

A cohort of 30 consecutive patients started AAPD from January 2003 to March 2008 and was followed to July 2009. Demographics, clinical and laboratory parameters, causes of death, and patient and technique survival were analyzed. ♢

RESULTS

Median age of the patients was 72 years (range: 47 - 93 years), with 60% being older than 65. The Davies score was greater than 2 in 73% of patients, and the Karnofsky index was less than 70 in 40%. The overall peritonitis rate was 1 episode in 37 patient-months. The total duration of AAPD ranged from 3 to 72 months. Patient survival was 80% at 12 months, 60% at 24 months, and 23.3% at 48 months. The most common cause of death was cardiovascular problems (70%). ♢

CONCLUSIONS

In this clinical observational study, AAPD fulfilled its expected role, offering an opportune, reliable, and effective homecare alternative for ESRD patients with no other renal replacement therapy options.

Association of ethnicity and survival in peritoneal dialysis: a cohort study of incident patients in Brazil

BACKGROUND

There are no available epidemiologic studies about the impact of ethnicity on outcomes of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) in South America. This study aims to assess the effect of ethnicity on the mortality of incident PD patients in Brazil.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study of incident patients treated with PD.

SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS

Patients 18 years or older who started PD therapy between December 2004 and October 2007 in 114 Brazilian dialysis centers.

PREDICTORS

Self-reported ethnicity defined by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics as black and brown versus white patients and baseline demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at baseline.

OUTCOME

Mortality, using cumulative mortality curves in which kidney transplantation and transfer to hemodialysis therapy were treated as competing end points. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to adjust for gradually more potential explanatory variables, censored for kidney transplantation and transfer to hemodialysis therapy. Analyses were performed for all patients, as well as stratified for elderly (aged ≥65 years) and nonelderly patients.

RESULTS

1,370 patients were white, 516 were brown, and 273 were black. The competing-risk model showed higher mortality in white patients compared with black and brown patients. With white patients as the reference, Cox proportional hazards analysis showed a crude HR for mortality of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.56-1.05) for black and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.59-0.94) for brown patients. After adjusting for potential explanatory factors, HRs were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.48-0.95) and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.43-1.01), respectively. The same results were observed in elderly and nonelderly patients.

LIMITATIONS

Ethnicity was self-determined and some misclassification might have occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Black and brown Brazilian incident PD patients have a lower mortality risk compared with white patients.

Body size and longitudinal body weight changes do not increase mortality in incident peritoneal dialysis patients of the Brazilian peritoneal dialysis multicenter study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the roles of body size and longitudinal body weight changes in the survival of incident peritoneal dialysis patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients (n = 1911) older than 18 years of age recruited from 114 dialysis centers (Dec/ 2004-Oct/2007) and participating in the Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Cohort Study were included. Clinical and laboratory data were collected monthly (except if the patient received a transplant, recovered renal function, was transferred to hemodialysis, or died).

RESULTS

Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards. Total follow-up was 34 months. The mean age was 59 years (54% female). The weight category percentages were as follows: underweight: 8%; normal: 51%; overweight: 29%; and obese 12%. The multivariate model showed a higher risk of death for a body mass index <18.5 kg/m², a neutral risk between 25 and 29.9 kg/m² and a protective effect for an index >30 kg/m². Patients were divided into five categories according to quintiles of body weight changes during the first year of dialysis: <-3.1%, -3.1 to+0.12%, +0.12 to <+3.1% (reference category), +3.1 to +7.1% and >+7.1%. Patients in the lowest quintile had significantly higher mortality, whereas no negative impact was observed in the other quintiles.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that overweight/obesity and a positive body weight variation during the first year of peritoneal dialysis therapy do not increase mortality in incident dialysis patients in Brazil.

Lack of adequate predialyis care and previous hemodialysis, but not hemoglobin variability, are independent predictors of anemia-associated mortality in incident Brazilian peritoneal dialysis patients: results from the BRAZPD study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of anemia and variability of hemoglobin (Hb) values in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, to establish its associated factors and their impact on clinical outcomes in a large cohort of patients starting PD treatment.

METHODS

Data were collected monthly in incident patients, who were followed until the primary endpoint (death from all causes) or until leaving the study.

RESULTS

2,156 patients starting PD were included. The prevalence of Hb lower than 11 g/dl was 57% at baseline and decreased to 38% at the 4th month. Lack of adequate predialysis care and previous treatment with hemodialysis were the most important factors associated with anemia. Anemia was an independent predictor of mortality. There were no differences in patient survival throughout the different groups of Hb variability.

CONCLUSION

Our data point to the need of identifying other risk factors for anemia and aggressively interfere with the modifiable ones in order to correct anemia and decrease mortality in this group of high-risk patients.

Increase in BMI over time is associated with fluid overload and signs of wasting in incident peritoneal dialysis patients

OBJECTIVES

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients may suffer changes in nutritional status after starting PD. Several markers can be used to evaluate these modifications, such as body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, and serum creatinine. Fluid overload should be considered because it can overestimate or underestimate nutritional status. The objective of this study was to evaluate the BMI changes over time in incident PD patients and identify interactions among BMI, signs of fluid overload, serum albumin, and serum creatinine.

DESIGN

The study included a cohort of 1,997 incident PD patients of the BRAZPD recruited from 2004 to 2007. Sociodemographic data and BMI classification were obtained at baseline. The evolutions of BMI and body weight were assessed over a period of 29 months. Changes in the evolution were analyzed when a patient presented with albumin < 3.8 g/dL, creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL, or the presence of edema. Data analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects regression models as the main statistical procedure.

RESULTS

BMI increased over time (29 months) by an average of 0.05 kg/m(2) per month, and body weight increased by 0.11 kg/month for a total increase of 3.08 kg. BMI decreased by 0.12 kg/m(2) in the presence of albumin < 3.8 g/dL and by 0.38 kg/m(2) in the presence of creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL. BMI increased by 0.61 kg/m(2) in the presence of edema. BMI increased in the presence of edema and albumin < 3.8 mg/dL or edema and creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a mean increase in the BMI of incident PD patients over time, and these changes may be, at least partly, due to fluid overload, leading to distortions of body weight. When the patients presented with lower serum albumin or creatinine levels, the BMI values were reduced, suggesting that a reduction in lean mass and an increase in fat mass may be occurring in these patients.

Back to basics: pitting edema and the optimization of hypertension treatment in incident peritoneal dialysis patients (BRAZPD)

Systemic arterial hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease that is frequently observed in populations with declining renal function. Initiation of renal replacement therapy at least partially decreases signs of fluid overload; however, high blood pressure levels persist in the majority of patients after dialysis initiation. Hypervolemia due to water retention predisposes peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients to hypertension and can clinically manifest in several forms, including peripheral edema. The approaches to detect edema, which include methods such as bioimpedance, inferior vena cava diameter and biomarkers, are not always available to physicians worldwide. For clinical examinations, the presence of pitting located in the lower extremities and/or over the sacrum to diagnose the presence of peripheral edema in their patients are frequently utulized. We evaluated the impact of edema on the control of blood pressure of incident PD patients during the first year of dialysis treatment. Patients were recruited from 114 Brazilian dialysis centers that were participating in the BRAZPD study for a total of 1089 incident patients. Peripheral edema was diagnosed by the presence of pitting after finger pressure was applied to the edematous area. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with and without edema according to the monthly medical evaluation. Blood arterial pressure, body mass index, the number of antihypertensive drugs and comorbidities were analyzed. We observed an initial BP reduction in the first five months and a stabilization of blood pressure levels from five to twelve months. The edematous group exhibited higher blood pressure levels than the group without edema during the follow-up. The results strongly indicate that the presence of a simple and easily detectable clinical sign of peripheral edema is a very relevant tool that could be used to re-evaluate not only the patient's clinical hypertensive status but also the PD prescription and patient compliance.

Trabalho e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes em diálise peritoneal

OBJETIVO: Descrever e comparar a Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde (QVRS) de pacientes em Diálise Peritoneal (DP) que tinham ou não trabalho remunerado. MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional e populacional com 82 pacientes dos dois serviços de DP de Ribeirão Preto, (SP). A coleta de dados foi realizada por entrevistas entre dezembro/2009 e março/2010. Os questionário para caracterização dos pacientes, o Miniexame do Estado Mental e o Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-Short Form foram usados. Foram feitas as análises estatística exploratória uni e bivariada e a confirmatória bivariada entre variáveis independentes e as dimensões de QVRS. RESULTADOS: os pacientes com trabalho remunerado apresentavam maiores escores médios refletindo melhor QVRS para a maioria das dimensões do instrumento utilizado. CONCLUSÃO: o trabalho é uma faceta importante da vida desses pacientes e merece a atenção dos profissionais da saúde na busca de estratégias que favoreçam e incentivem sua manutenção e reinserção no mercado de trabalho.

Geographic and educational factors and risk of the first peritonitis episode in Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis study (BRAZPD) patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Peritonitis remains as the most frequent cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD) failure, impairing patient's outcome. No large multicenter study has addressed socioeconomic, educational, and geographic issues as peritonitis risk factors in countries with a large geographic area and diverse socioeconomic conditions, such as Brazil.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Incident PD patients recruited from 114 dialysis centers and reporting to BRAZPD, a multicenter observational study, from December 2004 through October 2007 were included. Clinical, dialysis-related, demographic, and socioeconomic variables were analyzed. Patients were followed up until their first peritonitis. Cox proportional model was used to determine independent factors associated with peritonitis.

RESULTS

In a cumulative follow-up of 2032 patients during 22.026 patient-months, 474 (23.3%) presented a first peritonitis episode. In contrast to earlier findings, PD modality, previous hemodialysis, diabetes, gender, age, and family income were not risk predictors. Factors independently associated with increased hazard risk were lower educational level, non-white race, region where patients live, shorter distance from dialysis center, and lower number of patients per center.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational level and geographic factors as well as race and center size are associated with risk for the first peritonitis, independent of socioeconomic status, PD modality, and comorbidities.

Qualidade de Vida: comparação entre diálise peritoneal automatizada e hemodiálise

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a Qualidade de Vida relacionada à saúde em pacientes submetidos à Diálise Peritoneal Automatizada (DPA) e Hemodiálise em um centro de diálise satélite no Município de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Este estudo observacional transversal, incluiu 101 pacientes com idade entre 18-75 anos, em terapia há mais de 90 dias e que compreenderam o questionário. RESULTADOS: O grupo em Hemodiálise (n=79) estava em terapia há mais tempo (p=0.001) e tinha albumina sérica maior (p<0.001) comparado ao grupo em DPA (n=22). Os escores do SF-36 foram semelhantes em várias dimensões, exceto pelo escore de Aspectos Físicos que foi maior nos pacientes em Hemodiálise (p=0.03). Não houveram interações significativas entre SF-36 e as demais variáveis que explicassem esta diferença. CONCLUSÃO: A Qualidade de Vida foi semelhante entre as modalidades, porém o escore de Aspectos Físicos foi menor para pacientes em Diálise Peritoneal Automatizada.

Applying Translational Research in Understanding Complications and Defining Targets for Intervention: Inflammation in PD as a Model

The bench-to-bedside approach to translational research is becoming increasingly important to efficiently advance understanding of the mechanisms underlying disease and to improve the quality of patient care. Although this investigation model has been practiced since the early days of the therapy, robust research platforms built to practice translational research have only recently been structured in the field of peritoneal dialysis. Experience with a translational research environment that generated most of the information cited in this overview is the core of this manuscript. The central investigation theme described is how to approach the cardiovascular complications of peritoneal dialysis. The research question was, could the continuous activation of inflammatory pathways be central in this process and represent a relevant target for interventions?