Predialysis nephrologic care and a functioning arteriovenous fistula at entry are associated with better survival in incident hemodialysis patients: an observational cohort study

A meta-analysis of the impact of initial hemodialysis access type on mortality in elderly incident hemodialysis population

BACKGROUND

Selecting the appropriate vascular access type for elderly patients before initiating hemodialysis presents a challenge, given their limited life expectancy and multiple comorbidities. This systematic review aims to evaluate whether initial arteriovenous access (AVa), including arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and/or arteriovenous grafts (AVG), offers a benefit in reducing the risk of all-cause mortality compared to central venous catheters (CVC) for patients aged ≥ 65 years.

METHODS

We conducted searches in PubMed (from 1946 to March 20, 2023), Embase (from 1947 to 20 March 20, 2023), and the Cochrane Library to identify studies comparing the use of CVC with AVa as the initial vascular access in hemodialysis patients aged ≥ 65 years. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. We pooled the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the included studies using a random-effect model. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was employed to assess the risk of bias for each included study.

RESULTS

Ten studies involving over 300,000 patients were included, all of which were retrospective cohort studies. Compared to AVa, the use of CVC as the initial dialysis access is associated with a higher incidence of all-cause mortality in patients aged ≥ 65 years (HR = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.41-1.67, I2 = 74.9).

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, we observed an increased risk of death in elderly patients initiating dialysis with CVC compared to those using AVa. However, the retrospective cohort studies included in this analysis are susceptible to selection bias, indicating that further randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

FUNDING

This systematic review and meta-analysis were not funded.

REGISTRATION

The protocol of this systematic review has been registered in the PROSPERO registry (CRD42023435577; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero ).

Impact of prepared vascular access on mortality and medical expenses in elderly and non-elderly Japanese patients with chronic kidney disease stage G5: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 (CKDG5) have greater dialysis requirements that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The elevated costs associated with CKDG5 are a serious concern. The impact of prepared vascular access (VA) through planned VA creation on mortality and medical expenses remains unclear in Japanese patients with CKDG5.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 157 patients with CKD who started hemodialysis (HD) at Shinshu University Hospital from April 2016 to March 2021 and assessed the relationship between the presence of a prepared VA and mortality and hospitalization expenses in elderly and non-elderly patients with CKDG5.

RESULTS

The presence of a prepared VA was associated with lower mortality in non-elderly patients but not in elderly patients. Medical expenses, emergency HD, and hospitalization duration were significantly lower in patients with a prepared VA in both age groups. The contribution of a prepared VA to mortality and medical expenses remained consistent after adjusting for sex, performance status, comorbidities, and nutritional status.

CONCLUSION

A prepared VA showed several benefits, including lower mortality rates and hospitalization costs; shorter hospital stays; and higher home discharge rates. Planned VA creation was significantly associated with lower hospitalization expenses, irrespective of age.

Early versus late nephrology referral and patient outcomes in chronic kidney disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nephrology referral has been recognized as a modifiable factor influencing patient outcomes. The study aimed to compare clinical outcomes among patients referred early versus late to nephrologists.

METHODS

We searched online database from inception to June 1, 2022, to obtain all eligible literature reporting outcomes of patients referred early versus late to nephrologists. The early and late referral was defined by the time at which patients were referred to nephrologists before dialysis onset.

RESULTS

Seventy-two studies with over 630,000 patients met the inclusion criteria. A lower likelihood of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.62-0.72) was achieved among patients referred early to nephrologists. The survival advantage of early referral was apparent in the first 6 months and extended to the 5th year after dialysis onset (6 months: HR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40-0.68; 5 years: HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.60-0.74). The early referral was associated with shorter durations of initial hospitalization, a higher rate of kidney transplantation (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.78), a lower likelihood of emergency start (RR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.28-0.54), a higher likelihood of permanent access creation (RR = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.43-4.59), increased initial use of permanent access (RR = 2.60, 95% CI: 2.18-3.11), and reduced initial catheter use (RR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32-0.58).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed a lower risk of mortality, shorter lengths of initial hospitalization, and better preparations for renal replacement therapy among patients referred early to nephrologists. Early nephrology care should be promoted to improve the management of advanced chronic kidney disease.

The effect of early conversion from central venous catheter to arteriovenous fistula on hospitalization and mortality in incident haemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Controversy remains as to whether initiating haemodialysis (HD) with a central venous catheter (CVC) and vascular access conversion are associated with the risk of morbidity and mortality in incident HD patients.

METHODS

At our dialysis centre, the vascular access strategy is to create an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) early and use the AVF to initiate HD. In emergency situations, HD is initiated with a CVC and subsequent conversion from a CVC to an AVF as soon as possible. The effects of early AVF conversion on hospitalization and mortality were analysed.

RESULTS

At HD initiation, 35.42% used AVF, 15.63% used CVC with immature AVF and 48.96% used CVC, and all patients were able to convert from CVC to AVF within approximately 3 months. Compared to starting HD using an AVF, using a CVC was associated with access-related hospitalizations at 2 years, regardless of whether an AVF was created before (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 3.02, 95% CI 0.89-10.24, p = 0.03) or after (IRR = 4.10, 95% CI 1.55-10.85, p < 0.01) HD initiation. The Kaplan-Meier method showed that the 2-year survival probability was not statistically significant between the three groups (log-rank χ2 = 0.165, p = 0.921). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression showed that starting HD with a CVC was not associated with mortality at 2 years (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, initiating HD with a CVC was associated with more access-related hospitalizations. Under the impact of an early AVF conversion strategy, despite initiating HD with a CVC, subsequent conversion from a CVC to an AVF within approximately 3 months had no impact on all-cause mortality in incident HD patients.

Derivation and Validation of a Machine Learning Model for the Prevention of Unplanned Dialysis

Key Points

Nearly half of all patients with CKD who progress to kidney failure initiate dialysis in an unplanned fashion, which is associated with poor outcomes. Machine learning models using routinely collected data can accurately predict 6- to 12-month kidney failure risk among the population with advanced CKD. These machine learning models retrospectively deliver advanced warning on a substantial proportion of unplanned dialysis events.

Background

Approximately half of all patients with advanced CKD who progress to kidney failure initiate dialysis in an unplanned fashion, which is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. A novel prediction model designed to identify patients with advanced CKD who are at high risk for developing kidney failure over short time frames (6–12 months) may help reduce the rates of unplanned dialysis and improve the quality of transitions from CKD to kidney failure.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study using machine learning random forest algorithms incorporating routinely collected age and sex data along with time-varying trends in laboratory measurements to derive and validate 6- and 12-month kidney failure risk prediction models in the population with advanced CKD. The models were comprehensively characterized in three independent cohorts in Ontario, Canada—derived in a cohort of 1849 consecutive patients with advanced CKD (mean [SD] age 66 [15] years, eGFR 19 [7] ml/min per 1.73 m2) and validated in two external advanced CKD cohorts (n =1356; age 69 [14] years, eGFR 22 [7] ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Results

Across all cohorts, 55% of patients experienced kidney failure, of whom 35% involved unplanned dialysis. The 6- and 12-month models demonstrated excellent discrimination with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87 to 0.89) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.86 to 0.87) along with high probabilistic accuracy with the Brier scores of 0.10 (95% CI, 0.09 to 0.10) and 0.14 (95% CI, 0.13 to 0.14), respectively. The models were also well calibrated and delivered timely alerts on a significant number of patients who ultimately initiated dialysis in an unplanned fashion. Similar results were found upon external validation testing.

Conclusions

These machine learning models using routinely collected patient data accurately predict near-future kidney failure risk among the population with advanced CKD and retrospectively deliver advanced warning on a substantial proportion of unplanned dialysis events. Optimal implementation strategies still need to be elucidated.

The impact of vascular access satisfaction on health-related quality of life in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A 2-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been demonstrated to predict mortality in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Vascular access (VA) is critical for MHD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in HRQoL among MHD patients with a 2-year follow-up and to explore the impact of VA satisfaction on HRQoL in this population.

METHODS

229 MHD patients in two dialysis centers were included in this observational prospective study. VA satisfaction was assessed using the Vascular Access Questionnaire (VAQ). The 36 Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was employed to evaluate HRQoL scores. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors of HRQoL.

RESULTS

A total of 229 MHD patients were enrolled in the study, and 198 individuals (86.46%) completed the 2-year follow-up. HRQoL decreased statistically significantly from baseline to the 2-year follow-up across all dimensions. Multivariable analyses showed that the overall score, social functioning score, dialysis-related complication score of VAQ influenced HRQoL in the study population. Furthermore, HRQoL total scores and scores on the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) domains were significantly higher in the satisfied VA group than in the dissatisfied group at baseline. After the 2-year follow-up, patients with a higher level of VA satisfaction reported higher HRQoL than patients with lower VA satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that VA satisfaction was significantly associated with HRQoL in MHD patients. These findings imply that surgeons and nephrologists should incorporate patient satisfaction into VA surgical decision-making.

Effects of 1-week inpatient multidisciplinary care for chronic kidney disease prior to outpatient collaborative care

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary care for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has been reported to be effective in preventing deterioration of renal function and avoiding hemodialysis induction using a central venous catheter.

METHODS

We included 171 patients who received dialysis at our department between October 2014 and June 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: an inpatient group who received inpatient multidisciplinary care for CKD (educational hospitalization) prior to outpatient collaborative care from their family physician and nephrologist, and a non-inpatient group who did not receive such care. We compared factors related to dialysis induction.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in eGFR between the groups at the start of observation. The mean time from the start of observation to dialysis induction (inpatient group vs. non-inpatient group; 40.8 ± 2.8 vs. 23.9 ± 3.0 months, respectively; P < 0.001) and the rate of hemodialysis induction using a central venous catheter (22.5 vs. 47.1%, respectively; P = 0.002) were significantly different between the groups. Survival analysis showed that the time to dialysis induction was significantly longer in the inpatient group (P = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that educational hospitalization (odds ratio = 0.30 [95% CI 0.13, 0.67]) was significantly associated with hemodialysis induction using a central venous catheter.

CONCLUSION

Educational hospitalization prior to outpatient collaborative care is beneficial for preventing hemodialysis induction using a central venous catheter and postponing dialysis induction.

Development and validation of prediction model for technique failure in peritoneal dialysis patients: An observational study

AIM

This study aimed to establish a prediction model in peritoneal dialysis patients to estimate the risk of technique failure and guide clinical practice.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory data of 424 adult peritoneal dialysis patients were retrospectively collected. The risk prediction models were built using univariate Cox regression, best subsets approach and LASSO Cox regression. Final nomogram was constructed based on the best model selected by the area under the curve.

RESULTS

After comparing three models, the nomogram was built using the LASSO Cox regression model. This model included variables consisting of hypertension and peritonitis, serum creatinine, low-density lipoprotein, fibrinogen and thrombin time, and low red blood cell count, serum albumin, triglyceride and prothrombin activity. The predictive model constructed performed well using receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve value, C-index and calibration curve.

CONCLUSION

This study developed and verified a new prediction instrument for the risk of technique failure among peritoneal dialysis patients.

Glasgow prognostic score as an outcome predictor for patients initiating hemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study examined the relationship between the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) at hemodialysis (HD) initiation and overall/cardiovascular mortality.

METHODS

A total of 264 patients starting HD between 2014 and 2015 at a single center were studied. Follow-up persisted until therapy change, death, or study end (December 31, 2021), with a median of 6.8 years.

RESULTS

Patients with a higher GPS more frequently had emergent HD initiation and showed increased eGFR at initiation. During follow-up, 60% of patients died, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause. Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in median survival time across GPS classes. Cox proportional hazard models confirmed a significant association between GPS and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a significant association between GPS at HD initiation and mortality. GPS may prove useful as a prognostic tool for identifying high-risk patients, underscoring the need for future research to validate these findings and explore the potential of GPS-based interventions.

Short Timeframe Prediction of Kidney Failure among Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Development of a short timeframe (6-12 months) kidney failure risk prediction model may serve to improve transitions from advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) to kidney failure and reduce rates of unplanned dialysis. The optimal model for short timeframe kidney failure risk prediction remains unknown.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 1757 consecutive patients with advanced CKD (mean age 66 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate 18 mL/min/1.73 m2). We compared the performance of Cox regression models using (a) baseline variables alone, (b) time-varying variables and machine learning models, (c) random survival forest, (d) random forest classifier in the prediction of kidney failure over 6/12/24 months. Performance metrics included area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) and maximum precision at 70% recall (PrRe70). Top-performing models were applied to 2 independent external cohorts.

RESULTS

Compared to the baseline Cox model, the machine learning and time-varying Cox models demonstrated higher 6-month performance [Cox baseline: AUC-ROC 0.85 (95% CI 0.84-0.86), PrRe70 0.53 (95% CI 0.51-0.55); Cox time-varying: AUC-ROC 0.88 (95% CI 0.87-0.89), PrRe70 0.62 (95% CI 0.60-0.64); random survival forest: AUC-ROC 0.87 (95% CI 0.86-0.88), PrRe70 0.61 (95% CI 0.57-0.64); random forest classifier AUC-ROC 0.88 (95% CI 0.87-0.89), PrRe70 0.62 (95% CI 0.59-0.65)]. These trends persisted, but were less pronounced, at 12 months. The random forest classifier was the highest performing model at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months, all models performed similarly. Model performance did not significantly degrade upon external validation.

CONCLUSIONS

When predicting kidney failure over short timeframes among patients with advanced CKD, machine learning incorporating time-updated data provides enhanced performance compared with traditional Cox models.

Dialysis after kidney transplant failure: how to deal with this daunting task?

The best treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease is kidney transplantation, which, if successful provides both a reduction in mortality and a better quality of life compared to dialysis. Although there has been significant improvement in short-term outcomes after kidney transplantation, long-term graft survival still remains insufficient. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of individuals who need dialysis again after kidney transplant failure, and increasingly contribute to kidney transplant waiting lists. Starting dialysis after graft failure is a difficult task not only for the patients, but also for the nephrologists and the care team. Furthermore, recommendations for management of dialysis after kidney graft loss are lacking. Aim of this narrative review is to provide a perspective on the role of dialysis in the management of patients with failed kidney allograft. Although numerous studies have reported higher mortality in patients undergoing dialysis following kidney allograft failure, reports are contrasting. A patient-centered, individualized approach should drive the choices of initiating dialysis, dialysis modality, maintenance of immunosuppressive drugs and vascular access.

Early start hemodialysis with a catheter may be associated with greater mortality: A propensity score analysis

INTRODUCTION

Deciding when and how to initiate hemodialysis (HD) is still controversial. An early start (ES) seems to show a lack of benefit. "Lead time bias" and comorbidities have been associated with different outcomes in ES groups. On the other hand, it is well accepted that the impact the type of vascular access (VA) has on patient survival. Our aim was to evaluate survival with early start (ES) versus late start (LS) on HD, taking into account the vascular access (VA) used.

METHODS

Between 01/1995 and 06/2018, 503 incidental patients initiated HD at our Dialysis Unit. eGFR was estimated by the CKD-EPI equation. Diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary disease (CD), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) were considered comorbid conditions. According to eGFR and VA, patients were divided into four groups: G1: ES (eGFR > 7 mL/min) with catheter (ES + C), G2: ES with fistula or graft (F/G) (ES + F/G), G3: LS (eGFR< 7 mL/min) with catheter (LS + C), and G4: LS with F/G (LS + F/G). The cut-off value to define ES or LS was based on median eGFR for these 503 patients. We compared patient's survival rates by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. The four groups were compared before and after matching with propensity scores (PS). Cox analysis was performed to determine the impact of predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

Median eGFR was 7 (5.3-9.5) mL/min/1.73 m2 , median follow-up time was 30.9 (13-50) months, 52.1% had F/G access at entry, and 46.9% died during the observation period. Among the four groups, the ES + C were significantly older, and there were more diabetics and comorbid conditions, while phosphatemia, iPTH, albumin, and hemoglobin were significantly higher in the LS groups. Before propensity score (PS) matching, the ES + C group had a poor survival rate (p < 0.0001), while LS + F/G access had the best survival. After PS, a total of 180 patients were selected in the same four groups and ES + C kept showing a statistically significant poorer survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that ES + C was an independent predictor of mortality.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study, ES + C on HD was associated with a higher mortality rate than LS. This association persisted after PS matching.

Social determinants of health and the transition from advanced chronic kidney disease to kidney failure

BACKGROUND

The transition from chronic kidney disease (CKD) to kidney failure is a vulnerable time for patients, with suboptimal transitions associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Whether social determinants of health are associated with suboptimal transitions is not well understood.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 1070 patients with advanced CKD who were referred to the Ottawa Hospital Multi-Care Kidney Clinic and developed kidney failure (dialysis or kidney transplantation) between 2010 and 2021. Social determinant information, including education level, employment status and marital status, was collected under routine clinic protocol. Outcomes surrounding suboptimal transition included inpatient (versus outpatient) dialysis starts, pre-emptive (versus delayed) access creation and pre-emptive kidney transplantation. We examined the association between social determinants of health and suboptimal transition outcomes using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean age and estimated glomerular filtration rate were 63 years and 18 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Not having a high school degree was associated with higher odds for an inpatient dialysis start compared with having a college degree {odds ratio [OR] 1.71 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-2.69]}. Unemployment was associated with higher odds for an inpatient dialysis start [OR 1.85 (95% CI 1.18-2.92)], lower odds for pre-emptive access creation [OR 0.53 (95% CI 0.34-0.82)] and lower odds for pre-emptive kidney transplantation [OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.24-0.96)] compared with active employment. Being single was associated with higher odds for an inpatient dialysis start [OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.07-1.93)] and lower odds for pre-emptive access creation [OR 0.67 (95% CI 0.50-0.89)] compared with being married.

CONCLUSIONS

Social determinants of health, including education, employment and marital status, are associated with suboptimal transitions from CKD to kidney failure.

Effect of patient characteristics on vessel enhancement on arterio-venous fistula CT angiography in a retrospective cohort study

To evaluate the effects of various patient characteristics on vessel enhancement on arterio-venous fistula (AVF) computed tomography (CT) angiography (AVF-CT angiography). A total of 127 patients with suspected or confirmed shunt stenosis and internal AVF complications were considered for inclusion in a retrospective cohort study. The tube voltage was 120 kVp, and the tube current was changed from 300 to 770 mA to maintain the image quality (noise index: 14) using automatic tube current modulation. To evaluate the effects of age, sex, body size, and scan delay on the CT number of the brachial artery or vein, we used correlation coefficients and multivariate regression analyses. There was a significant positive correlation between the CT number of the brachial artery or vein and age (R = 0.21 or 0.23, P < .01). The correlations were inverse with the height (r = -0.45 or -0.42), total body weight (r = -0.52 or -0.50), body mass index (r = -0.21 or -0.23), body surface area (body surface area [BSA]; r = -0.56 or -0.54), and lean body weight (r = -0.55 or -0.53) in linear regression analysis (P < .01 for all). There was a significant correlation between the CT number of the brachial artery or vein and scan delay (R = 0.19 or 01.9, P < .01). Only the BSA had significant effects on the CT number in multivariate regression analysis (P < .01). The BSA was significantly correlated with the CT number of the brachial artery or vein on AVF-CT angiography.

Demography and Outcomes of Arteriovenous Fistula: Challenges and Future Directions

The incidence and prevalence rates of treated end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are on the rise worldwide. Hemodialysis remains the main modality of providing renal replacement therapy for the ESKD patients, and the preferred vascular access is an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The objective is to assess the patency rates and primary failures of the AVF. All patients who attended the Royal Hospital in Muscat, Oman, from January 2010 to December 2014 for AVF creation were included in this study. Data were extracted from the hospital's electronic medical record system where data are entered prospectively. During the period of study from 2010 to 2014, 465 primary fistulae were created in 427 patients. The mean age of the patient was 58 years. Only 6% needed general anesthesia, while the rest were done under regional or local anesthesia. Fifty-one percent of the patients were diabetic. Preemptive AVF was constructed in only 12% of patients. Most cases (47%) had left brachiocephalic (BC) fistulae. The left radiocephalic (RC) fistulae constituted 25.7% and the left brachiobasilic fistulae 9.9%. The remaining were constructed in the right upper limb. The total patency was achieved in 80% of fistulae and the failure rate was 20% at 6 months. Whereas, at 12 months, the total patency rate was 71% and the failure rate was 29%. Thus, we can conclude that more than 50% of patients, half of them being females, were diabetics. This resulted in more fistulae being constructed in the arm, namely left BC fistulae and left RC fistulae. Furthermore, it is important to note that only a very small percentage of patients had an established preemptive AVF. These factors may be responsible for a failure rate of 20% and 29% of the AVFs at 6 months and 12 months, respectively.

Is there sex disparity in vascular access at dialysis initiation in France? A mediation analysis using the data of the REIN registry

Background

This study was conducted to estimate the direct effect of sex on the proportion of hemodialysis catheters at dialysis initiation and to investigate whether predialysis care or socioeconomic status acted as a mediator of the sex effect.

Methods

Patients who started dialysis between 01–01-2017 and 30–06-2018 in France were included using the data of the REIN registry. Logistic regression was performed to study the association between sex and the proportion of HD catheters. A mediation analysis with a counterfactual approach was carried out to evaluate whether there was an indirect effect of gender through the proxies of predialysis care (hemoglobin, albumin levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at dialysis initiation) and socioeconomic status. Due to the identification of an interaction between gender and social deprivation, a subgroup analysis was performed among deprived and nondeprived patients.

Results

There were 16 032 patients included, and the sex ratio (M/F) was 10 405/5627. In the multivariable analysis, women were associated with a greater risk of starting dialysis with a catheter (OR 1.32 [95% CI: 1.23–1.42]). There was an indirect effect of sex on the proportion of HD catheters through proxies for predialysis care (albuminemia &lt; 30 g/L (OR 1.08 [95% CI: 1.05–1.10]), hemoglobin &lt; 11 g/dL (OR 1.03 [95% CI: 1.02–1.04]), GFR &lt; 7 ml/min (OR 1.05 [95% CI: 1.04–1.07])). Among deprived patients, there was no direct effect of sex on the catheter proportion.

Conclusions

Women were associated with a higher risk of starting dialysis through an HD catheter. The effect of sex was mediated by predialysis care, particularly for deprived patients.

First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients: results of the Peridialysis study

Background

Controversy surrounds which factors are important for predicting early mortality after dialysis initiation (DI). We investigated associations of predialysis course and circumstances affecting planning and execution of DI with mortality following DI.

Methods

Among 1580 patients participating in the Peridialysis study, a study of causes and timing of DI, we registered features of predialysis course, clinical and biochemical data at DI, incidence of unplanned suboptimal DI, contraindications to peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD), and modality preference, actual choice, and cause of modality choice. Patients were followed for 12 months or until transplantation. A flexible parametric model was used to identify independent factors associated with all-cause mortality.

Results

First-year mortality was 19.33%. Independent factors predicting death were high age, comorbidity, clinical contraindications to PD or HD, suboptimal DI, high eGFR, low serum albumin, hyperphosphatemia, high C-reactive protein, signs of overhydration and cerebral symptoms at DI. Among 1061 (67.2%) patients who could select dialysis modality based on personal choice, 654 (61.6%) chose PD, 368 (34.7%) center HD and 39 (3.7%) home HD. The 12-months survival did not differ significantly between patients receiving PD and in-center HD.

Conclusions

First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients was in addition to high age and comorbidity, associated with clinical contraindications to PD or HD, clinical symptoms, hyperphosphatemia, inflammation, and suboptimal DI. In patients with a “free” choice of dialysis modality based on their personal preferences, PD and in-center HD led to broadly similar short-term outcomes.

Effects of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on the incidence of unplanned dialysis

Unplanned dialysis initiation is associated with poor outcomes. It is controversial whether patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) should receive renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RAS inhibitor therapy in patients with advanced CKD on the incidence of unplanned dialysis initiation. This single-center, retrospective study included patients who started maintenance dialysis at our hospital between April 2014 and March 2021. Patients who initiated dialysis within 6 months of nephrology referral or after kidney transplant were excluded. Among 334 patients (aged 70.0 [59.0-79.0] years; 28.4% women), 186 (55.7%) and 148 (44.3%) had planned and unplanned dialysis initiation, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of RAS inhibitors was significantly associated with a lower incidence of unplanned dialysis initiation (odds ratio [OR], 0.36; P < 0.01). Female sex (OR, 0.41; P < 0.05), use of potassium binders (OR, 0.28; P < 0.001), earlier referral to nephrology (OR, 0.39; P < 0.01), and earlier discussion of renal replacement therapy (OR, 0.33; P < 0.001) were also significantly associated with a lower incidence, whereas older age (OR, 1.28; P < 0.05), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR, 1.24; P < 0.05), and faster decline in kidney function (OR, 1.29; P < 0.01) were associated with a higher risk of unplanned dialysis initiation. RAS inhibitor therapy in patients with advanced CKD is associated with a lower risk of unplanned dialysis initiation.

Temporary central venous catheter at hemodialysis initiation and reasons for use: a cross-sectional study

Background

Creating permanent vascular access (VA) is recommended before hemodialysis initiation in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although many patients are still introduced to hemodialysis with temporary central venous catheters (CVCs), the reasons for their use remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of Japanese patients introduced to hemodialysis using temporary CVCs, the reasons for their use, and whether this rate can be reduced in the future.

Methods

We conducted this cross-sectional study in an acute care general hospital in Japan. We enrolled 393 patients aged ≥ 18 years who received a permanent VA creation for initiating hemodialysis. We classified participants into the temporary CVC group or the permanent VA group according to the VA type at hemodialysis initiation and compared their backgrounds. We identified why permanent VA could not be used at hemodialysis initiation for patients in the temporary CVC group.

Results

Of the 393 patients, 137 (35%) initiated hemodialysis with a temporary CVC, and arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) were created as the first VA in all patients during hospitalization following hemodialysis initiation. The remaining 256 patients (65%) initiated hemodialysis via AVF cannulation. The duration of predialysis nephrology care was significantly shorter in the temporary CVC group than that in the permanent VA group. The median time from AVF creation to the first successful cannulation was also shorter in the temporary CVC group (8 vs. 66 days, P < 0.001), but the estimated glomerular filtration rate values at hemodialysis initiation did not differ. Reasons for temporary CVC use were varied and complex. Problems on the part of healthcare providers, patient behavioral issues, and characteristics of causative kidney disease itself were underlying reasons. Delayed referral to a nephrologist was less frequent than expected (16%) and the most commonly reported reason (20%) was that a nephrologist was unable to predict the timing of hemodialysis initiation.

Conclusions

Patients with ESRD should be referred to a nephrologist earlier for AVF creation. However, given the already relatively high rate of hemodialysis initiation with permanent VA in Japan, we considered it surprisingly difficult to further reduce the temporary CVC usage rate in Japan.

Improvements in six aspects of quality of care of incident hemodialysis patients - a real-world experience

Background

The transition from chronic kidney disease stage 5 to initiation of hemodialysis has gained increased attention in recent years as this period is one of high risk for patients with an annual mortality rate exceeding 20%. Morbidity and mortality in incident hemodialysis patients are partially attributed to failure to attain guideline-based targets. This study focuses on improvements in six aspects of quality of dialysis care (adequacy, anemia, nutrition, chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), blood pressure and vascular access) aligning with KDIGO guidelines, during the first 6 months of hemodialysis.

Methods

We analyzed patient demographics, practice patterns and laboratory data in all 3 462 patients (mean age 65.9 years, 41% females) on hemodialysis (incident <90 days on hemodialysis, n=603, prevalent ≥90 days on hemodialysis, mean 55 months, n=2 859) from all 56 DaVita centers in Poland (51 centers) and Portugal (5 centers). 80% of patients had hemodialysis and 20% hemodiafiltration. Statistical analyses included unpaired and paired Students t-test, Chi-2 analyses, McNemar test and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Incident patients had lower Kt/V (1.4 vs 1.7, p<0.001), lower serum albumin (37 vs 40 g/l, p=0.001), lower Hb (9.9 vs 11.0 g/dl, p<0.001), lower TSAT (26 vs 31%, p<0.001), lower iPTH (372 vs 496 pg/ml, p<0.001), more often a central venous catheter (68 vs 26%, p<0.001), less often an AV fistula (34 vs 70 %, p<0.001) compared with all prevalent patients. Significantly more prevalent patients achieved international treatment targets.

Improvements in quality of care was also analyzed in a subgroup of 258 incident patients who were followed prospectively for 6 months. We observed significant improvements in Kt/V (p<0.001), albumin (p<0.001), Hb (p<0.001) transferrin saturation (TSAT, p<0.001), iPTH (p=0.005) and an increased use of AV fistula (p<0.001). Furthermore, logistic regression analyses identified treatment time and TSAT as major factors influencing the attainment of adequacy and anemia treatment targets.

Conclusion

This large real-world European multicenter analysis of representative incident hemodialysis patients indicates that the use of medical protocols and medical targets assures significant improvements in quality of care, which may correspond to better outcomes. A selection bias of survivors with less comorbidities in prevalent patients may have influenced the results.

Provision of Kidney Disease Education Service Is Associated with Improved Vascular Access Outcomes among US Incident Hemodialysis Patients

Background

Pre-ESKD Kidney Disease Education (KDE) has been shown to improve multiple CKD outcomes, but its effect on vascular access outcomes is not well studied. In 2010, Medicare launched KDE reimbursements policy for patients with advanced CKD.

Methods

In this retrospective USRDS analysis, we identified all adult patients on incident hemodialysis with ≥6 months of pre-ESKD Medicare coverage during the first 5 years of CMS-KDE policy and divided them into CMS-KDE services recipients (KDE cohort) and nonrecipients (non-KDE cohort). The primary outcome was incident arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and the composite of incident AVF or arteriovenous graft (AVG) utilization. Secondary outcomes were central venous catheter (CVC) with maturing AVF/AVG and pure CVC utilizations. Step-wise multivariate analyses were performed in four progressive models (model 1, KDE alone; model 2, multivariate model encompassing model 1 with sociodemographics; model 3, model 2 with comorbidity and functional status; and model 4, model 3 with pre-ESKD nephrology care).

Results

Of the 211,990 qualifying patients on incident hemodialysis during the study period, 2887 (1%) received KDE services before dialysis initiation. The rates of incident AVF and composite AVF/AVG were more than double (30% and 35%, respectively, compared with 14% and 17%), and pure catheter use about a third lower (40% compared with 65%) in the KDE cohort compared with the non-KDE cohort. The maximally adjusted odds ratios in model 4 for study outcomes were incident AVF use, 1.78, 99% confidence interval, 1.55 to 2.05; incident AVF/AVG use, 1.78, 99% confidence interval, 1.56 to 2.03; incident CVC with maturing AVF/AVG, 1.69, 99% confidence interval, 1.44 to 1.97; and pure CVC without any AVF/AVG, 0.51, 99% confidence interval, 0.45 to 0.58. The benefits of the KDE service were maintained even after accounting for the presence, duration, and facility of ESKD care.

Conclusion

The occurrence of pre-ESRD KDE service is associated with significantly improved incident vascular access outcomes. Targeted studies are needed to examine the effect of KDE on patient engagement and self-efficacy as a cause for improvement in vascular access outcomes.

Evolution of Vascular Access Use among Incident Patients during the First Year on Hemodialysis: A National Cohort Study

Background

Although the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) confers superior benefits over central venous catheters (CVCs), utilization rates remain low among prevalent patients on hemodialysis (HD). The goal of this study was to determine the evolution of vascular access type in the first year of dialysis and identify factors associated with conversion from CVC to a functioning AVF.

Methods

We studiedadult patients (n=610) who began HD between the January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 and were treated for at least 90 days, using data from the National Kidney Disease Clinical Patient Management System in the Irish health system. Prevalence of vascular access type was determined at days 90 and 360 after dialysis initiation and at 30-day intervals. Multivariable logistic regression explored factors associated with CVC at day 90, and Cox regression evaluated predictors of conversion from CVC to AVF on day 360.

Results

CVC use was present in 77% of incident patients at day 90, with significant variation across HD centers (from 63% to 91%, P<0.001), which persisted after case-mix adjustment. From day 90 to day 360, AVF use increased modestly from 23% to 41%. Conversion from CVC to AVF increased over time, but the likelihood was lower for older patients (for age >77 years versus referent, adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.96), for patients with a lower BMI (per unit decrease in BMI, HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.98), and varied significantly across HD centers (from an HR of 0.25 [95% CI, 0.08 to 0.74] to 2.09 [95% CI, 1.04 to 4.18]).

Conclusion

CVCs are the predominant type of vascular access observed during the first year of dialysis, with low conversion rates from CVC to AVF. There is substantial center variation in the Irish health system that is not explained by patient-related factors alone.

Suboptimal dialysis initiation is associated with comorbidities and uraemia progression rate but not with estimated glomerular filtration rate

BACKGROUND

Despite early referral of uraemic patients to nephrological care, suboptimal dialysis initiation (SDI) remains a common problem associated with increased morbimortality. We hypothesized that SDI is related to pre-dialysis care.

METHODS

In the 'Peridialysis' study, time and reasons for dialysis initiation (DI), clinical and biochemical data and centre characteristics were registered during the pre- and peri-dialytic period for 1583 end-stage kidney disease patients starting dialysis over a 3-year period at 15 nephrology departments in the Nordic and Baltic countries to identify factors associated with SDI.

RESULTS

SDI occurred in 42%. Risk factors for SDI were late referral, cachexia, comorbidity (particularly cardiovascular), hypoalbuminaemia and rapid uraemia progression. Patients with polycystic renal disease had a lower incidence of SDI. High urea and C-reactive protein levels, acidosis and other electrolyte disorders were markers of SDI, independently of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). SDI patients had higher eGFR than non-SDI patients during the pre-dialysis period, but lower eGFR at DI. eGFR as such did not predict SDI. Patients with comorbidities had higher eGFR at DI. Centre practice and policy did not associate with the incidence of SDI.

CONCLUSIONS

SDI occurred in 42% of all DIs. SDI was associated with hypoalbuminaemia, comorbidity and rate of eGFR loss, but not with the degree of renal failure as assessed by eGFR.

Multicenter Investigation of the Initial Hemodialysis Vascular Access and Its Related Factors in Hangzhou of China

Objective

To investigate the initial hemodialysis vascular access in Hangzhou and provide evidence for improving the use of autologous arteriovenous fistula by identifying factors associated with the choice of initial vascular access.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the initial hemodialysis vascular access of 257 patients in five hemodialysis units in Hangzhou of China during a 21-month period (January 2018 to September 2019). A logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors of failing to use an arteriovenous fistula at the initiation of hemodialysis.

Results

(1) 257 participants with mean age 67.65 ± 13.43 years old were reviewed, including 165 males (64.2%) and 92 females (35.8%). The etiologies of end-stage renal disease included diabetic nephropathy (37.35%), chronic glomerulonephritis (31.13%), hypertensive nephropathy (14.01%), and other diseases (17.51%). Only 51 patients (19.84%) received arteriovenous fistula, whereas the remaining 206 patients (80.16%) initiated dialysis with a central venous catheter. (2) Logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent risk factors for central venous catheter at the initial hemodialysis were age >70 years old (OR = 4.827, p < 0.01 versus ≤70 years old), chronic glomerulonephritis as the primary etiology (OR = 2.565, p < 0.05 versus nonchronic glomerulonephritis) and eGFR <8.5 mL/min/1.73m² (OR = 2.283, p < 0.05 versus eGFR ≥8.5 mL/min/1.73m²).

Conclusion

The proportion of patients using arteriovenous fistula as the initial hemodialysis vascular access in Hangzhou was still low. The choice of vascular access for the first hemodialysis was related to age, eGFR, and the primary etiology of end-stage renal disease. Increasing the proportion of planned vascular access and arteriovenous fistula at the initiation of hemodialysis is still our current goal.

Emergent initiation of dialysis is related to an increase in both mortality and medical costs

The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been increasing, with dialysis treatment being a serious economic problem. To date, no report in Japan considered medical costs spent at the initiation of dialysis treatment, although some reports in other countries described high medical costs in the first year. This study focused on patient status at the time of initiation of dialysis and examined how it affects prognosis and the medical costs. As a result, all patients dying within 4 months experienced emergent dialysis initiation. Emergent dialysis initiation and high medical costs were risk factors for death within 2 years. High C-reactive protein levels and emergent dialysis initiation were associated with increasing medical costs. Acute kidney injury (AKI) contributed most to emergent dialysis initiation followed by stroke, diabetes, heart failure, and short-term care by nephrologists. Therefore, emergent dialysis initiation was a contributing factor to both death and increasing medical costs. To avoid the requirement for emergent dialysis initiation, patients with ESRD should be referred to nephrologists earlier. Furthermore, ESRD patients with clinical histories of AKI, stroke, diabetes, or heart failure should be observed carefully and provided pre-planned initiation of dialysis.

Cost Analysis of Dialysis Access Maintenance Interventions across Physician Specialties in U.S. Medicare Beneficiaries

Background Dialysis maintenance interventions account for billions of dollars in U.S. Medicare spending and are performed by multiple medical specialties. Whether Medicare costs differ by physician specialty is, to the knowledge of the authors, not known. Purpose To assess patency-adjusted costs of endovascular dialysis access maintenance by physician specialty. Materials and Methods In this retrospective longitudinal cohort study, patients who were beneficiaries of Medicare undergoing their first arteriovenous access placement in 2009 were identified by using billing codes in the 5% Limited Data Set. By tracking their utilization data through 2014, postintervention primary patency and aggregate payments associated with maintenance interventions were calculated. Unadjusted payments per year of access patency gain were compared across physician specialty. A general linear mixed-effects model adjusted for covariates was used, as follows: patient characteristics, access type (fistula vs graft), clinical severity, type of intervention (angioplasty, stent, thrombolysis), clinical location (hospital outpatient vs office-based laboratory), and resource utilization (operating room use, anesthesia use). Results First arteriovenous access was performed in 1479 beneficiaries (mean age, 63 years ± 15 [standard deviation]; 820 men) in 2009. Through 2014, 8166 maintenance interventions were performed in this cohort. Unadjusted mean Medicare payments for each incremental year of patency were as follows: $71 000 for radiologists, $89 000 for nephrologists, and $174 000 for surgeons. Billing for operating room (41.8% [792 of 1895], surgery; 10.2% [277 of 2709], nephrology; and 31.1% [1108 of 3562], radiology) and anesthesia (19.9% [377 of 1895], surgery; 2.6% [70 of 2709], nephrology; 4.7% [170 of 3562], radiology) varied by specialty and accounted for 407% and 132% higher payments, respectively. After adjusting for clinical severity and location, type of intervention, and resource utilization, nephrologists and surgeons had 59% (95% confidence interval: 44%, 73%; P < .001) and 57% (95% confidence interval: 43%, 72%; P < .001) higher payments, respectively, for the same patency gain compared with radiologists. Operating room use and anesthesia services were major drivers of higher cost, with 407% (95% confidence interval: 374%, 443%; P < .001) and 132% (95% confidence interval: 116%, 150%; P < .001) higher costs, respectively. Conclusion Patency-adjusted payments for hemodialysis access maintenance differed by physician specialty, driven partly by discrepant rates of billing for operating room and anesthesia use. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by White in this issue.

Comparison of outcomes of urgent-start and conventional-start peritoneal dialysis: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

There has been a growing interest in urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patients with end-stage kidney disease to avoid central venous catheter use and its complications. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between urgent-start PD (defined as PD commencement within 2 weeks of PD catheter insertion) and conventional-start PD.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective cohort study of all incident PD patients at Singapore General Hospital between January 2017 and February 2018. The primary outcome was dialysate leak. Secondary outcomes included catheter malfunction, catheter readjustment, exit-site infection, peritonitis, technique and patient survival.

RESULTS

A total of 187 incident PD patients were included. Of these, 66 (35%) initiated urgent-start PD. Dialysate leak was significantly higher in urgent-start PD compared with conventional-start PD groups (7.6% versus 0.8%; p = 0.02) whilst catheter malfunction (4.5% vs. 3.3%; p  = 0.70) and catheter readjustment (1.5% vs. 2.5%; p  = 1.00) were comparable between the two groups. Exit-site infection was comparable (IRR: 0.66 95% CI 0.25-1.74) whilst peritonitis was significantly higher in urgent-start PD compared with conventional-start PD (incidence risk ratio (IRR) 3.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-7.44). Time to first episode of peritonitis, particularly Gram-positive peritonitis was significantly shorter with urgent-start PD. Technique survival (hazards ratio (HR) 1.95, 95% CI 0.89-4.31) and patient survival (HR 1.46, 95% CI 0.44-4.87) were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Urgent-start PD was associated with higher risks of dialysate leak and peritonitis but comparable technique and patient survival compared to conventional-start PD.

Statin Therapy Before Transition to End-Stage Renal Disease With Posttransition Outcomes

Background Although studies have shown that statin therapy in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease was associated with a lower risk of death, this was not observed in dialysis patients newly initiated on statins. It is unclear if statin therapy benefits administered during the predialysis period persist after transitioning to end-stage renal disease. Methods and Results In 47 720 veterans who transitioned to end-stage renal disease during 2007 to 2014, we examined the association of statin therapy use 1 year before transition with posttransition all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization incidence rates over the first 12 months of follow-up. Associations were examined using multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models and negative binomial regressions. Sensitivity analyses included propensity score and subgroup analyses. The cohort's mean± SD age was 71±11 years, and the cohort included 4% women, 23% blacks, and 66% diabetics. Over 12 months of follow-up, there were 13 411 deaths, with an incidence rate of 35.3 (95% CI , 34.7-35.8) deaths per 100 person-years. In adjusted models, statin therapy compared with no statin therapy was associated with lower risks of 12-month all-cause (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.79 [0.76-0.82]) and cardiovascular (hazard ratio [95% CI ], 0.83 [0.78-0.88]) mortality, as well as with a lower rate of hospitalizations (incidence rate ratio [95% CI ], 0.89 [0.87-0.92]) after initiating dialysis. These lower outcome risks persisted across strata of clinical characteristics, and in propensity score analyses. Conclusions Among veterans with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease, treatment with statin therapy within the 1 year before transitioning to end-stage renal disease is associated with favorable early end-stage renal disease outcomes.

Reduced survival in patients who return to dialysis after kidney allograft failure

BACKGROUND

The outcome of patients who return to dialysis after Kidney allograft failure (KAF) remains unclear. Our aim was to compare the outcome of KAF patients vs two different types of transplant naive incident dialysis (TNID) patients, those on the waiting list (WL) and those with a kidney transplant contraindication (KTC).

METHODS

We performed an observational study using data from the Argentinian Dialysis Registry between 2005 and 2016. We compare mortality between KAF, WL, and KTC.

RESULTS

We included 75 722 patients of which 2734 were KAF. Survival between the three cohorts (KAF vs WL (n = 14 630) vs KTC (n = 58 358) revealed a significant difference (log-rank test: P < .0001) indicating worse survival for KTC patients and best survival for WL. We found that KAF patients had as poor outcome as KTC patients after multivariate adjustment. Cox regression showed that age >65 years: HR: 1.845 (1.79-1.89) P < .0001, transient catheter: HR: 1.303 (1.26-1.34) P < .0001, diabetic: HR: 1.273 (1.22-1.31) P < .0001, hepatitis C: HR: 1.156 (1.09-1.22) P < .0001, and albumin: HR: 1.247 (1.21-1.28) P < .0001 were associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Patients who return to dialysis after KAF have higher mortality than WL patients and similar to KTC patients.

Vascular access in kidney transplant recipients

Vascular access is an important element in the overall care provided to kidney transplant recipients. The transplanted kidney is not indestructible, and chronic kidney disease after transplantation may result in needing another transplant or beginning dialysis. Commonly used vascular accesses, like peripheral and central lines, can preclude the creation of future, permanent dialysis access. Therefore, there is urgent need to preserve vessels for the future access needs for hemodialysis among kidney transplant recipients without functional vascular access for dialysis. Moreover, the proper care of functional vascular access among kidney transplant recipients is crucial. In this review article, we will address the common vascular access procedures and complications among kidney transplant recipients.

The effects of vascular access types on the survival and quality of life and depression in the incident hemodialysis patients

Background

Although arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis (HD), the association between vascular access types and quality of life is not well-known. We investigated the relationships between HD vascular access types and all-cause mortality, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the degree of depression in a large prospective cohort.

Methods

A total of 1461 patients who newly initiated HD were included. The initial vascular access types were classified into AVF, arteriovenous graft (AVG), and central venous catheter (CVC). The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and HRQOL and depression. The secondary outcome was all-cause hospitalization. Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL-36) and Beck’s depression inventory (BDI) scores were measured to assess HRQOL and depression.

Results

Among 1461 patients, we identified 314 patients who started HD via AVF, 76 via AVG, and 1071 via CVC. In the survival analysis, patients with AVF showed significantly better survival compared with patients with other accesses (p < .001). The AVF and AVG group had higher KDQOL-36 score and lower BDI score than CVC group at 3 months and 12 months after the initiation of HD. The frequency of hospitalization was higher in patients with AVG compared to those with AVF (AVF 0.7 vs. AVG 1.1 times per year) (p = .024).

Conclusions

The patients with AVF had better survival rate and low hospitalization rate, and the patients with AVF or AVG showed both higher HRQOL and lower depression scores than those with CVC.

Association between initial dialytic modalities and the risks of mortality, infection death, and cardiovascular events: A nationwide population-based cohort study

To date, few studies have been conducted to pairwise compare the prognosis of peritoneal dialysis (PD), unplanned PD, and unplanned hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed longitudinal data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. We included 45,165 patients whose initial dialytic modality was PD or unplanned HD between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2013. We divided the patients into three groups according to their initial dialytic modalities. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and death from infection during 1-year follow up. The risks of all-cause mortality and infection death were higher in the unplanned PD group than in the planned PD group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.60; HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.32–1.80). Likewise, the risks of all-cause mortality and infection death were higher in the unplanned HD group (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.48–1.82; HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.61–2.13). Furthermore, the risks of all-cause mortality and infection death were also higher in the unplanned HD group than in the unplanned PD group (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.23; HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.32). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that patients whose initial modality was planned PD or unplanned PD may have better clinical outcomes than those whose initial modality was unplanned HD.

Point-of-care ultrasound for assessing arteriovenous fistula maturity in outpatient hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care ultrasound in end-stage renal disease is on the rise. Presently the decision to cannulate an arteriovenous fistula is based on its duration since surgery and physical exam. This study examines the effects of point-of-care ultrasound on decreasing the time to arteriovenous fistula cannulation, time spent with a central venous catheter, and the complications and infections that arise.

METHODS

Prospective point-of-care ultrasound patients were recruited between January 2015 and January 2018, while retrospective data (non-point-of-care ultrasound) were collected via chart review from patients who had fistula creation between November 2011 and May 2014. Patients had point-of-care ultrasound within 3 weeks after arteriovenous fistula creation and were followed for 1 year. Arteriovenous fistula cannulation was initiated when the following parameters were met: diameter > 6 mm (with no depreciable narrowing of more than 20% throughout), depth < 6 mm, and length > 6 cm. Demographic data, as well as time to cannulation and central venous catheter removal, number of infections, complications, and interventions were compared between point-of-care ultrasound and non-point-of-care ultrasound groups using unpaired t-test, chi-square, and Fisher exact test statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients with new arteriovenous fistulas were followed by point-of-care ultrasound compared to 29 non-point-of-care ultrasound patients. Point-of-care ultrasound patients had earlier cannulations (35.5 vs 63.3 days, p < 0.05), shorter central venous catheter duration (68.2 vs 98.3 days, p < 0.05), and less infections (12 vs 19) without differences in complication compared to the non-point-of-care ultrasound.

CONCLUSION

Point-of-care ultrasound facilitates early and safe arteriovenous fistula cannulation leading to a reduction in central venous catheter time and risk of infection. Point-of-care ultrasound may also aid in earlier identification of complications and difficult cannulations.

Analysis of Patient Flow into Dialysis: Role of Education in Choice of Dialysis Modality

♦ Background

Despite advances in predialysis care, morbidity and mortality remain high.

♦ Objectives

To analyze end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient demographics and clinical data on education on dialysis treatment options, type of chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT), and effects of planned versus non-planned dialysis start.

♦ Methods

621 patients, from 24 Spanish hospitals, who started RRT in 2002. Peritoneal or vascular access at dialysis initiation was considered “planned.”

♦ Results

304 (49%) patients were non-planned and half of them had prior nephrology follow-up. Of the patients with ≥3 months nephrology follow-up (76% of all), only half were educated on dialysis modalities. Dialysis education was associated with planned start in 73.4% versus 26% in non-educated patients ( p < 0.05), shorter follow-up (55 vs 65 months, p = 0.033), more medical visits in the prior year (6.5 vs 4.4, * p < 0.001), more patients starting peritoneal dialysis (31% vs 8.3%*), and more specific follow-up by ESRD unit versus general nephrology care (63% vs 26%*). Non-planned start was associated with older age (63 vs 60.6 years, p = 0.06), fewer medical visits (4.6 vs 6.4*), less education about modality options, and greater use of hemodialysis (92% vs 75%*). Planned patients had better biochemical parameters at start of dialysis.

♦ Conclusion

Despite nephrology follow-up, half the patients did not have a planned dialysis start. Planned start was associated with better clinical status. More patients chose peritoneal dialysis when educated about dialysis modality options. ESRD-specific units were more likely to provide patient education.

Early and Late Patient Outcomes in Urgent-Start Peritoneal Dialysis

Background

Significant interest in the practice of urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) is mounting internationally, with several observational studies supporting the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of this approach. However, little is known about the early complication rates and long-term technique and peritonitis-free survival for patients who start PD urgently (i.e. within 2 weeks of catheter insertion), compared to those with a conventional start.

Methods

This single-center, matched case-control study evaluated patients commencing PD between 2010 and 2015. Urgent-start PD patients were matched 1:3 with conventional-start PD controls based on diabetic status and age. The primary outcomes were early complications, both following catheter insertion and PD commencement (within 4 weeks). Secondary outcomes included technique and peritonitis-free survival.

Results

A total of 104 patients (26 urgent-start, 78 conventional-start) were included. Urgent-start patients were more likely to be referred late, initiate PD in hospital, and be prescribed lower initial exchange volumes ( p < 0.01). They experienced more frequent leaks post-catheter insertion (12% vs 1%, p = 0.047) and more frequent catheter migration following commencement of PD (12% vs 1%, p = 0.047). There were no significant differences in the rates of overall or infectious complications. Kaplan-Meier estimates of technique survival and time to first episode of peritonitis were comparable between the groups.

Conclusion

Compared with conventional-start PD, urgent-start PD has acceptably low early complication rates and similar long-term technique survival. Urgent-start PD appears to be a safe way to initiate urgent renal replacement therapy in patients without established dialysis access.

Racial and Sex Disparities in Catheter Use and Dialysis Access in the United States Medicare Population

BACKGROUND

Despite efforts to increase arteriovenous fistula and graft use, 80% of patients in the United States start hemodialysis on a central venous catheter (CVC).

METHODS

To better understand in incident hemodialysis patients how sex and race/ethnicity are associated with time on a central venous catheter and transition to an arteriovenous fistula and graft, our observational cohort study analyzed US Renal Data System data for patients with incident ESKD aged ≥66 years who started hemodialysis on a CVC in July 2010 through 2013.

RESULTS

At 1 year, 32.7% of 74,194 patients transitioned to an arteriovenous fistula, 10.8% transitioned to an arteriovenous graft, 32.1% stayed on a CVC, and 24.5% died. Women spent a significantly longer time on a CVC than men. Compared with white patients, patients who were black, Hispanic, or of another racial/ethnicity minority spent significantly more days on a CVC. In competing risk regression, women were significantly less likely than men to transition to a fistula and more likely to transition to a graft. Compared with white patients, blacks were significantly less likely to transition to a fistula but more likely to transition to a graft, Hispanics were significantly more likely to transition to a fistula, and other races/ethnicities were significantly more likely to transition to either a fistula or a graft.

CONCLUSIONS

Female patients spend a longer time on a CVC and are less likely to transition to permanent access. Compared with white patients, minorities also spend longer time on a CVC, but are more likely to eventually transition to permanent access. Strategies to speed transition to permanent access should target groups that currently lag in this area.

The Potential Burden of Home Dialysis on Patients and Caregivers: A Narrative Review

Purpose of review:

Home dialysis modalities offer several benefits for patients with end-stage kidney disease when compared with facility-based thrice-weekly hemodialysis. To increase uptake of home dialysis, many centers are encouraging a “home-first” approach. However, it is important to appreciate that “one size may not fit all” and that dialysis modality selection is a complex decision that needs to be individualized. The purpose of this review was to explore aspects associated with home dialysis that may be associated with burden for patients and their caregivers and to discuss strategies to alleviate these concerns.

Sources of information:

Original research articles were identified from PubMed using search terms “peritoneal dialysis,” “home hemodialysis,” “home dialysis,” “barriers,” “quality of life” and “burden.”

Methods:

We performed a focused narrative review examining potential sources of burden with home dialysis therapies after conducting a critical appraisal of the literature and identifying the major recurring themes.

Key findings:

Home dialysis is associated with burden for certain patients. Indeed, some patients may experience ongoing concerns regarding the risks of adverse events and of inadequately performing dialysis on their own. Psychosocial issues affecting quality of life may also arise and include fear of social isolation, sleep disturbances, perceived financial burden, anxiety, and fatigue. Patients who depend on a caregiver may worry about creating a stressful home environment for their close ones. Furthermore, the demands associated with being a caregiver may lead to psychosocial distress in the caregivers themselves. All these factors may lead to burnout and consequently, therapy discontinuation necessitating an unplanned transition to in-center hemodialysis leading to adverse outcomes. However, certain strategies may help alleviate burden especially if concerns are identified early on.

Limitations:

As we did not apply any formal tool to assess the quality of the studies included, selection bias may have occurred. Nonetheless, we have attempted to provide a comprehensive review on the topic using numerous diverse studies and extensive review of the literature.

Implications:

Future studies should focus on better identifying patient priorities and strategies to facilitate dialysis modality selection and improve quality of life.

Implementation of Urgent Start Peritoneal Dialysis Reduces Hemodialysis Catheter Use and Hospital Stay in Patients with Unplanned Dialysis Start

Background: Unplanned start of renal replacement therapy is common in patients with end-stage renal disease and often accomplished by hemodialysis (HD) using a central venous catheter (CVC). Urgent start using peritoneal dialysis (PD) could be an alternative for some of the patients; however, this requires a hospital-based PD center that offers a structured urgent start PD (usPD) program. Methods: In this prospective study, we describe the implementation of an usPD program at our university hospital by structuring the process from presentation to PD catheter implantation and start of PD within a few days. For clinical validation, we compared the patient flow before (2013–2015) and after (2016–2018) availability of usPD. Results: In the 3 years before the availability of usPD, 14% (n = 12) of incident PD patients (n = 87) presented in an unplanned situation and were initially treated with HD using a CVC. In the 3 years after implementation of the usPD program, 18% (n = 18) of all incident PD patients (n = 103) presented in an unplanned situation of whom n = 12 (12%) were treated with usPD and n = 6 (6%) with initial HD. usPD significantly reduced the use of HD by 57% (p = 0.0005). Hospital stay was similar in patients treated with usPD (median 9 days) compared to those with elective PD (8 days), and significantly lower than in patients with initial HD (26 days, p = 0.0056). Conclusions: Implementation of an usPD program reduces HD catheter use and hospital stay in the unplanned situation.

Initiation of maintenance hemodialysis through central venous catheters: study of patients' perceptions based on a structured questionnaire

Background

Despite well-publicized suggestions to utilize arteriovenous fistulae and grafts to initiate hemodialysis, too many patients in the United States start dialysis via central venous catheters despite their well-known association with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost.

Methods

To determine the reasons for this high rate of catheter use, and, ultimately, ways to reduce it, we developed a questionnaire designed to determine where in the process of patient care the process to fistula or graft placement was not completed, thus requiring the use of central venous catheters. The questionnaire was reviewed by several nephrologists not involved with the study. We administered the questionnaire to 52 consecutive hospitalized patients who started maintenance dialysis with catheters at a University-affiliated Hospital and referral center. The questionnaire asked each patient to provide details pertaining to pre-dialysis care, referrals, and follow-through on recommended referrals. If the patient did not see the physician to whom he/she was referred, we asked the reason(s) for such failure.

Results

Patient responses showed that there were two major lapses in the transition from diagnosis of advanced kidney disease to construction of appropriate dialysis access: failure by the patients to see a nephrologist and/or an access surgeon, and failure by physicians to refer patients to an access surgeon. Twenty percent of the patients failed to follow up with either a nephrologist or a surgeon. Only 38% (15/40) of those seen by a nephrologist had been referred to a surgeon.

Conclusions

The quality of care was impaired by lack of referral to surgeons by nephrologists and by lack of follow-through by patients. Areas for improvement include improved communications between physicians and patients and more careful follow-up by both physicians and patients. Several methods of providing better patient care and communication between patients and nephrologists are recommended.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-019-1422-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association between initial vascular access and survival in hemodialysis according to age

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study aims to demonstrate whether the association between initial vascular access and mortality among hemodialysis patients varies by age.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study that included 2,552 patients who started hemodialysis. Vascular access was divided into three categories: percutaneous catheter, tunneled cuffed catheter, and arteriovenous (AV) access.

RESULTS

Survival rates for patients who received a central venous catheter, such as percutaneous or tunneled cuffed catheter, aged 65 to 74 years and those ≥ 75 years were reduced, but not for those aged < 65 years (log-rank test; p < 0.001, p = 0.007, and p = 0.278). After fully adjusting for potential confounding factors in the patients aged < 65 years, percutaneous and tunneled cuffed catheter were not associated with 5-year mortality. On the other hand, for patients aged 65 to 74 or ≥ 75 years, percutaneous catheter and tunneled cuffed catheter were associated with higher 5-year mortality rates. As age increased, the conversion rate from central venous catheter, including percutaneous catheter and tunneled cuffed catheter, to AV access decreased (94.1%, 90.5%, and 80.3% for patients aged < 65, 65 to 74, and ≥ 75 years, respectively; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients aged ≥ 65 years, initial vascular access was associated with long-term mortality. We suggest that a "fistula first" strategy is superior for elderly patients and demonstrates that it is desirable to change to AV access, and not maintain an initial central vascular catheter.

A randomized trial of vonapanitase (PATENCY-1) to promote radiocephalic fistula patency and use for hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

Arteriovenous fistulas created in patients with chronic kidney disease often lose patency and fail to become usable. This prospective trial evaluated the efficacy of vonapanitase, a recombinant human elastase, in promoting radiocephalic fistula patency and use for hemodialysis.

METHODS

PATENCY-1 was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 349 patients on or approaching hemodialysis and being evaluated for radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula creation. Of these, 313 were randomized and 311 treated. Patients were assigned to vonapanitase (n = 210) or placebo (n = 103). The study drug solution was applied topically to the artery and vein for 10 minutes immediately after fistula creation. The primary and secondary end points were primary patency (time to first thrombosis or corrective procedure) and secondary patency (time to abandonment). Tertiary end points included use of the fistula for hemodialysis, fistula maturation by ultrasound, and procedure rates.

RESULTS

The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 12-month primary patency were 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-49) and 31% (95% CI, 21-42) for vonapanitase and placebo (P = .25). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 12-month secondary patency were 74% (95% CI, 68-80) and 61% (95% CI, 51-71) for vonapanitase and placebo (P = .048). The proportions of vonapanitase and placebo patients were 39% and 25% (P = .035) with unassisted use for hemodialysis and 64% and 44% (P = .006) with unassisted plus assisted use.

CONCLUSIONS

Vonapanitase treatment did not significantly improve primary patency but was associated with increased secondary patency and use for hemodialysis. Further research is needed to evaluate these end points.

Timing of referral for vascular access for hemodialysis: Analysis of the current status and the barriers to timely referral

Introduction:

Current guidelines recommend the placement of vascular access 6 months before the anticipated start of hemodialysis therapy; however, many patients start hemodialysis using a central venous catheter. We investigated the timing of referral for vascular access, the vascular access type at hemodialysis initiation, and the barriers to a timely referral.

Methods:

The study involved a retrospective review of 237 patients for whom the first vascular access for hemodialysis was created between January and November 2017.

Results:

Among the 237 patients, 58.2% were referred before hemodialysis initiation, while 41.8% were referred after hemodialysis initiation. Among the 138 patients, 55, 59, and 24 patients were referred more than 6 months, between 2 and 6 months, and within 2 months before hemodialysis initiation, respectively. Within these subgroups, 3.6%, 10.2%, and 75.0% patients underwent hemodialysis initiation with a central venous catheter, respectively. Among the 99 patients referred after hemodialysis initiation, the reasons for late referral were as follows: unexpected rapid progression of kidney disease (n = 23), noncompliance (n = 21), late visit to the nephrologist (initial visit within 2 months of hemodialysis initiation; n = 14), change of treatment strategy from peritoneal dialysis or transplants (n = 9), and unknown reasons (n = 32).

Conclusion:

Only 23% of patients were referred for vascular access 6 months before the anticipated hemodialysis therapy. In addition, 53% of patients initiated hemodialysis with a central venous catheter. Avoidance of catheter insertion was mostly successful in patients referred 2 months before hemodialysis initiation. The most common modifiable barrier to the timely referral was noncompliance.

Hemodialysis vascular access and subsequent transplantation: a report from the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines advocate use of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) over central venous catheter (CVC) for children starting hemodialysis (HD). European data on current practice, determinants of access choice and switches, patient survival, and access to transplantation are limited.

METHODS

We included incident patients from 18 European countries who started HD from 2000 to 2013 for whom vascular access type was reported to the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, logistic and Cox regression models, and cumulative incidence competing risk analysis.

RESULTS

Three hundred ninety-three (55.1%) of 713 children started HD with a CVC and were more often females, younger, had more often an unknown diagnosis, glomerulonephritis, or vasculitis, and lower hemoglobin and height-SDS at HD initiation. AVF patients were 91% less likely to switch to a second access, and two-year patient survival was 99.6% (CVC, 97.2%). Children who started with an AVF were less likely to receive a living donor transplant (adjusted HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.16-0.54) and more likely to receive a deceased donor transplant (adjusted HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.17-1.93), even after excluding patients who died or were transplanted in the first 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

CVC remains the most frequent type of vascular access in European children commencing HD. Our results suggest that the choice for CVC is influenced by the time of referral, rapid onset of end-stage renal disease, young age, and an expected short time to transplantation. The role of vascular access type on the pattern between living and deceased donation in subsequent transplantation requires further study.

A virtual clinic to improve long-term outcomes in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common. A small proportion of patients with CKD progress to require interventions, which may include dialysis. Monitoring patients with CKD is supported by national guidelines. Monitoring systems to plan management of CKD vary in form. A novel monitoring system, the virtual CKD clinic (VC) was introduced at our hospital. The VC is a non-face-to-face results review of patients with CKD. We found that the VC was an effective monitoring system. None of the patients from the VC required emergency dialysis, suggesting robust surveillance. Survival was similar to patients with CKD discharged to primary care.