Short-term blood pressure variability in nondialysis chronic kidney disease patients: correlates and prognostic role on the progression of renal disease

Comparative assessment of the effects of dotinurad and febuxostat on the renal function in chronic kidney disease patients with hyperuricemia

Although hyperuricemia is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the impact of uric acid (UA)-lowering drugs on CKD has been controversial. Previous investigations have primarily included xanthine oxidase inhibitors; therefore, research of dotinurad, a recently developed selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, is necessary. This retrospective study included 58 patients with CKD; of these, 29 newly initiated dotinurad and 29 initiated febuxostat. The effects of dotinurad and febuxostat on the serum UA, urinary UA-to-creatinine ratio (UUCR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during 3 months were analyzed to compare their impacts on renal function. Dotinurad and febuxostat decreased serum UA (8.40 ± 1.11 to 6.50 ± 0.80 mg/dL [p < 0.001] and 8.91 ± 1.21 to 6.05 ± 1.28 mg/dL [p = < 0.001], respectively). The UUCR increased after dotinurad (0.35 ± 0.15 to 0.40 ± 0.21 g/gCr [p = 0.024]); however, it decreased after febuxostat (0.33 ± 0.12 to 0.21 ± 0.06 g/gCr [p = 0.002]). The eGFR improved after dotinurad (33.9 ± 15.2 to 36.2 ± 15.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 [p < 0.001]). No change was observed after febuxostat treatment (33.4 ± 19.6 to 34.1 ± 21.6 mL/min/1.73 m2). Renal function improved only with dotinurad, thus highlighting its renoprotective effects beyond the reduction of serum UA.

International Nephrology Masterclass in Chronic Kidney Disease: Rationale, Summary, and Future Perspectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects more than 10% of the population worldwide, accounting for more than 843 million (M) individuals. The prevalence of CKD (844 M patients) is higher than that of diabetes mellitus (422 M patients), cancer (42 M patients), and HIV (37 M patients), but people are often less aware of it. Global expert groups predict reductions in the nephrology workforce in the next decade, with a declining interest in nephrology careers. Over time, KDIGO guidelines have also focused on topics related to the prevention or management of CKD patients in real-life settings. On these premises, a new educational program with international experts in the field of nephrology took place from November 2022 until March 2023 in Milan, Italy. This multinational masterclass provided an educational platform providing unbiased education on diagnosis and treatment by sharing the most recent research data on CKD and comorbidities, therefore creating a snowball effect to increase the implementation of best practices worldwide, using examples from 'real-life' patient outcomes. This paper provides an overview of the International Nephrology Masterclass (INM) concept, summarizing the key lectures and discussions, and giving an outline of future key developments.

Long-Term Efficacy of an AI-Based Health Coaching Mobile App in Slowing the Progression of Nondialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease: Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern. Therefore, practical strategies for slowing CKD progression and improving patient outcomes are imperative. There is limited evidence to substantiate the efficacy of mobile app-based nursing systems for decelerating CKD progression.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the KidneyOnline intelligent care system in slowing the progression of nondialysis-dependent CKD.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the KidneyOnline app was used for patients with CKD in China who were registered between January 2017 and April 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: an intervention group using the app's nurse-led, patient-oriented management system and a conventional care group that did not use the app. Patients' uploaded health data were processed via deep learning optical character recognition, and the artificial intelligence (AI) system provided personalized health care plans and interventions. Conversely, the conventional care group received suggestions from nephrologists during regular visits without AI. Monitoring extended for an average duration of 2.1 (SD 1.4) years. The study's objective is to assess the app's effectiveness in preserving kidney function. The primary outcome was the estimated glomerular filtration rate slope over the follow-up period, and secondary outcomes included changes in albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and mean arterial pressure.

RESULTS

A total of 12,297 eligible patients were enrolled for the analysis. Among them, 808 patients were successfully matched using 1:1 propensity score matching, resulting in 404 (50%) patients in the KidneyOnline care system group and another 404 (50%) patients in the conventional care group. The estimated glomerular filtration rate slope in the KidneyOnline care group was significantly lower than that in the conventional care group (odds ratio -1.3, 95% CI -2.4 to -0.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year vs odds ratio -2.8, 95% CI -3.8 to -1.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year; P=.009). Subgroup analysis revealed that the effect of the KidneyOnline care group was more significant in male patients, patients older than 45 years, and patients with worse baseline kidney function, higher blood pressure, and heavier proteinuria. After 3 and 6 months, the mean arterial pressure in the KidneyOnline care group decreased to 85.6 (SD 9.2) and 83.6 (SD 10.5) mm Hg, respectively, compared to 94.9 (SD 10.6) and 95.2 (SD 11.6) mm Hg in the conventional care group (P<.001). The ACR in the KidneyOnline care group showed a more significant reduction after 3 and 6 months (736 vs 980 mg/g and 572 vs 840 mg/g; P=.07 and P=.03); however, there was no significant difference in ACR between the two groups at the end of the follow-up period (618 vs 639 mg/g; P=.90).

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of KidneyOnline, an AI-based, nurse-led, patient-centered care system, may be beneficial in slowing the progression of nondialysis-dependent CKD.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate in observational and interventional studies in chronic kidney disease

Estimated glomerular filtration rate is considered the principal measure of kidney function and, together with albuminuria, is a relevant prognostic factor for the development of end-stage kidney disease. Due to the strong association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and clinical events, such as commencement of dialysis, cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause death, estimated glomerular filtration rate is crucial for clinical decision-making in terms of scheduling follow-up and pharmacological interventions, and planning renal replacement therapies in advanced chronic kidney disease. In this review we discuss the available methods for measuring glomerular filtration rate and for estimating it through mathematical equations developed over the last few decades. We summarize the prognostic association of different percentages of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline and the main clinical outcomes, and how treatments modify estimated glomerular filtration rate decline and the risk of future endpoints. We also examine the role of pre-clinical trial slope and that of estimated glomerular filtration rate as a useful biomarker when evaluating patients for inclusion into both observational and interventional studies.

Association between short-term blood pressure variability and target organ damage in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with target organ damage in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted among 3442 non-dialysis CKD patients hospitalized in the department of Nephrology of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from November 2017 to July 2022 and collected the demographic, laboratory, clinic blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure data, and short-term BPV assessed by the weighted standard deviation (wSD) derived from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Multivariate logistic analyses were used to evaluate the independent effects between short-term BPV and subclinical target organ damage, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), abnormal carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albuminuria.

RESULTS

The average age of the participants was 47.53 ± 14.06 years and 56% of participants were male. The baseline eGFR was 69 mL/min/1.73 m2. Based on the tertile distribution of wSD according to equal numbers, patients were divided into three categories with T1(< 9.66 mmHg), T2(9.66-12.23 mmHg), and T3(> 12.23 mmHg) of SBPV; T1(< 8.17 mmHg), T2(8.17-9.93 mmHg), and T3(> 9.93 mmHg) of DBPV. The participants with the higher wSD group had a higher prevalence of target organ damage than their counterparts (P-trend < 0.05). An increasing trend in short-term variability was present with advancing CKD stages (P-trend < 0.001). Multivariate logistic analyses results showed that the odds ratio (OR) of SBP wSD was (1.07 [1.03,1.11], P < 0.001) for LVH, (1.04 [1.01,1.07, P = 0.029) for abnormal CIMT, (1.05 [1.02,1.08], P = 0.002) for low eGFR, and (1.06 [1.02,1.09], P = 0.002) for albuminuria; The OR of DBP wSD was (1.07 [1.02,1.12], P = 0.005) for LVH, (1.05 [1.01,1.09], P = 0.028) for abnormal CIMT, (1.05 [1.01,1.09], P = 0.022) for low eGFR, and (1.05 [1.01,1.10], P = 0.025) for albuminuria when adjusted for confounding factors and mean BP.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, short-term BPV is associated with target organ damage, and irresponsible of average blood pressure levels, in Chinese non-dialysis CKD participants.

Short-term blood pressure variability as a potential therapeutic target for kidney disease

Short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) measured with ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring has been demonstrated to be significant in predicting various clinical outcomes. Short-term BPV is distinguished from long-term BPV based on the time interval in which BP fluctuations are measured. Increased short-term BPV has been linked to detrimental effects on the microvascular structure and contributes to subclinical organ damage in the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys, regardless of the average 24-h BP levels. Short-term BPV can be defined by various measures, including calculated metrics (standard deviation, coefficient of variation, average real variability, weighted standard deviation, variability independent of the mean) or dipping patterns. Nevertheless, the additional role of short-term BPV beyond the predictive value of average 24-h BPs or established risk factors for cardiovascular disease and kidney disease remains unclear. In particular, longitudinal studies that evaluate the association between short-term BPV and kidney function impairment are limited and no conclusive data exist regarding which short-term BPV indicators most accurately reflect the prognosis of kidney disease. The issue of how to treat BPV in clinical practice is another concern that is frequently raised. This paper presents a review of the evidence for the prognostic role of short-term BPV in kidney outcomes. Additionally, this review discusses the remaining concerns about short-term BPV that need to be further investigated as an independent risk modifier.

Blood Pressure Variability and the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure variability (BPV) is a risk factor for poor prognosis including cardiovascular events, chronic kidney disease, and mortality, independent of elevated BP.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to November 23, 2022. Cohort studies reporting the association between BPV and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression were selected. Hazard ratios were pooled using a random-effects model. Meta-regression, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Increased BPV was associated with progression of CKD (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.33) and incidence of ESRD (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.08-1.30). Among the different BPV metrics, high variation independent of mean (VIM), coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD), and average real variability (ARV) were indicated as predictors of CKD progression.

DISCUSSION

Increased BPV was associated with CKD progression.

Vascular Calcification Exacerbates Abnormal Blood Pressure Variability in Chronic Kidney Disease: A "Two-Step" Study in Rats

INTRODUCTION

Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with poor cardiovascular prognosis. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of VC on blood pressure variability (BPV) in animal models of CKD.

METHODS

Two optimal modelling methods, adenine high-phosphorus (HP) diet + calcitriol and 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) + HP diet + calcitriol, for CKD-VC were chosen from the first-step experiment for the next step. A total of 36 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the standard-chow, sham-operated, adenine, 5/6Nx, adenine-VC, and 5/6Nx-VC groups. Continuous blood pressure (BP) measurement using the BP-2000 animal noninvasive BP analyser was started at the 9th week for the standard-chow, adenine, and adenine-VC groups and at the 7th week for the sham-operated, 5/6Nx, and 5/6Nx-VC groups. BPV metrics (BPVs), including the difference between maximum and minimum values, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, average real variability, and residuals derived from the generalized linear model of BP, were calculated.

RESULTS

The first experiment showed that the use of calcitriol accelerated the progression of VC in CKD rats (the modelling period was shortened from 16 weeks to 4-8 weeks) and confirmed the occurrence of VC at weeks 8 and 6 in the adenine-VC and 5/6Nx-VC groups, respectively. In the second experiment, 13 of 20 hour-to-hour BPVs increased significantly with the development of CKD and VC. BPV differences among the standard-chow, adenine, and adenine-VC groups were mainly due to the differences between the standard-chow and adenine-VC groups (7 of 10 BPVs were significantly different), followed by the differences between the standard-chow and adenine groups (3 of 10). BPV differences among the sham-operated, 5/6Nx, and 5/6Nx-VC groups were caused by the differences between the 5/6Nx-VC and 5/6Nx groups (4 of 10) or the 5/6Nx-VC and sham-operated groups (3 of 10).

CONCLUSION

An increased BPV is observed in CKD rats, and VC further aggravates the abnormality of BPVs independent of CKD.

Effect of dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist on weight loss in subjects with obesity

The occurrence of obesity is an increasing issue worldwide, especially in industrialized countries. Weight loss is important both to treat obesity and to prevent the development of complications. Currently, several drugs are used to treat obesity, but their efficacy is modest. Thus, new anti-obesity treatments are needed. Recently, there has been increased interest in the development of incretins that combine body-weight-lowering and glucose-lowering effects. Therefore, a new drug that simultaneously coactivates both the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor (GIPR) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) has been developed. Tirzepatide, the first in this class, improves glycemic control by increasing insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism as well as by reducing body weight. Combining the activation of the two receptors, greater improvement of β-cell function offers more effective treatment of diabetes and obesity with fewer adverse effects than selective GLP-1R agonists. In the present review, we discuss the progress in the use of GIPR and GLP-1R coagonists and review literature from in vitro studies, animal studies, and human trials, highlighting the synergistic mechanisms of tirzepatide.

Short-term blood pressure variability and outcomes in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease

Background

Blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and has been demonstrated in dialysis patients, but has been poorly studied and remains controversial in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We investigated the effect of short-term BPV on prognosis in this population.

Methods

A total of 245 stage 1–4 CKD patients with 24-h ambulatory blood pressure recordings were recruited. BPV was evaluated by standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and variation independent of the mean, respectively. All subjects were followed up to the composite end-point event or until January 15, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on 24-h median variation independent of the mean, and demographics, laboratory indicators and echocardiogram results were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for increased BPV. Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to explore the relationship between BPV and renal prognosis and major cardiovascular events.

Results

The mean age was 42.07 ± 12.66 years, with 141 males (57.55%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that high BMI (OR 1.110, P = 0.017), hyperkalemia (OR 2.227, P = 0.040), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (OR 1.103, P = 0.010) and hypertension (OR 2.525, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for high BPV. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that renal and cardiovascular outcomes were better in the low BPV group than in the high BPV group (P = 0.006; P = 0.002). After adjusting for age, sex and traditional kidney related risk factors, BPV were not independently associated with renal outcomes. High BPV (HR 4.662, P = 0.017) was the main independent risk factor for major cardiovascular events in CKD.

Conclusions

In non-dialysis CKD, short-term BPV was associated with major cardiovascular disease but not renal progression. BMI, hypertension, potassium balance, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter influenced short-term BPV.

Association of morning hypertension with chronic kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease and hypertension

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Associations of morning hypertension with chronic kidney disease are rarely investigated in prospective studies. We aim to investigate the predictive value of uncontrolled morning hypertension (UMH) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with CKD and hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this prospective two-center observational study, 304 hypertensive patients with CKD were enrolled. Time to total mortality, CKD progression and CV events was recorded; Kaplan-Meier survival function estimates and Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were used to investigate associations between UMH and outcomes. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org; TCTR20180313004). After a follow-up for median 30 months, 23 (7.6%) patients died, 34 (11.2%) had CKD progression, and 95 (31.3%) occurred new-onset CV events, respectively. UMH was shown to be a strong predictor of CKD progression [hazard ratio (HR) 2.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-4.94] and CV events (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.53). When morning hypertension was analyzed as a continuous variable, morning systolic blood pressure (per 10 mmHg) was also shown to be predictive to CKD progression (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.53, P < 0.01) and CV events (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03-1.28, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

UMH is strongly associated with CKD progression and CV events in patients with CKD and hypertension. UMH in CKD patients deserves further attentions.

Sex difference in ambulatory blood pressure control associates with risk of ESKD and death in CKD patients receiving stable nephrology care

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether faster progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in men than in women relates to differences in ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) levels.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 906 hypertensive CKD patients (553 men) regularly followed in renal clinics to compare men versus women in terms of ABP control [daytime <135/85 and nighttime blood pressure (BP) <120/70 mmHg] and risk of all-cause mortality and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

RESULTS

Age, estimated glomerular filtration rate and use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors were similar in men and women, while proteinuria was lower in women [0.30 g/24 h interquartile range (IQR) 0.10-1.00 versus 0.42 g/24 h, IQR 0.10-1.28, P = 0.025]. No sex-difference was detected in office BP levels; conversely, daytime and nighttime BP were higher in men (134 ± 17/78 ± 11 and 127 ± 19/70 ± 11 mmHg) than in women (131 ± 16/75 ± 11, P = 0.005/P < 0.001 and 123 ± 20/67 ± 12, P = 0.006/P < 0.001), with ABP goal achieved more frequently in women (39.1% versus 25.1%, P < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 10.7 years, 275 patients reached ESKD (60.7% men) and 245 died (62.4% men). Risks of ESKD and mortality (hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval), adjusted for demographic and clinical variables, were higher in men (1.34, 1.02-1.76 and 1.36, 1.02-1.83, respectively). Adjustment for office BP at goal did not modify this association. In contrast, adjustment for ABP at goal attenuated the increased risk in men for ESKD (1.29, 0.98-1.70) and death (1.31, 0.98-1.77). In the fully adjusted model, ABP at goal was associated with reduced risk of ESKD (0.49, 0.34-0.70) and death (0.59, 0.43-0.80). No interaction between sex and ABP at goal on the risk of ESKD and death was found, suggesting that ABP-driven risks are consistent in males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights that higher ABP significantly contributes to higher risks of ESKD and mortality in men.

Impact of home telemonitoring and management support on blood pressure control in non-dialysis CKD: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is a common public health problem and a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring (HBPT) and management is associated with improved BP control, accelerated delivery of care and decision-making strategies that can reduce adverse outcomes associated with hypertension. The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol for a systematic review to assess the impact of HBPT interventions used for improving BP control and reducing CV and kidney outcomes in non-dialysis CKD patients.

METHODS

We developed this protocol using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols 2015. We will search empirical databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO and grey literature for studies conducted in non-dialysis CKD patients on interventions using HBPT and reporting outcomes related to BP control and other outcomes such as CV events and kidney disease progression. All studies meeting these criteria, in adults and published from inception until 2020 with no language barrier will be included.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval will not be required for this review as the data used will be extracted from already published studies with publicly accessible data. As this study will assess the impact of HBPT on BP control in non-dialysis CKD patients, evidence gathered through it will be disseminated using traditional approaches that includes open-access peer-reviewed publication, scientific presentations and a report. We will also disseminate our findings to appropriate government agencies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020190705).

Predictive effect of salt intake on patient and kidney survival in non-dialysis CKD: competing risk analysis in older versus younger patients under nephrology care

BACKGROUND

The optimal level of salt intake remains ill-defined in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients under regular nephrology care. This unanswered question becomes critical in older patients who are exposed to higher risk of worsening of cardiorenal disease due to volemic changes.

METHODS

In this pooled analysis of four prospective studies in CKD, we compared the risk of all-cause mortality and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) between patients ≤65 and >65 years of age stratified by salt intake level (<6, 6-8 and >8 g/day) estimated from two measurements of 24-h urinary sodium.

RESULTS

The cohort included 1785 patients. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was 37 ± 21 mL/min/1.73 m2 overall, 41 ± 25 in younger patients and 34 ± 16 in older patients (P < 0.001). The median 24-h urinary sodium excretion was 143 mEq [interquartile range (IQR) 109-182] in all, 147 (112-185) in younger patients and 140 (106-179) in older patients (P = 0.012). Salt intake was ≤6, 6-8 and >8 g sodium chloride/day in 21.9, 26.2 and 52.0% of older patients and 18.6, 25.2 and 56.2% in younger patients, respectively (P = 0.145). During a median follow-up of 4.07 years we registered 383 ESKD and 260 all-cause deaths. In the whole cohort, the risks of ESKD and all-cause death did not differ by salt intake level. In older patients, ESKD risk [multi-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)] was significantly lower at salt intakes of 6-8 g/day [HR 0.577 (95% CI 0.361-0.924)] and >8 g/day [HR 0.564 (95% CI 0.382-0.833)] versus the reference group (<6 g/day). Mortality risk was higher in older versus younger patients, with no difference across salt intake categories. No effect of salt intake on ESKD and mortality was observed in younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CKD patients under nephrology care show a moderate salt intake (8.4 g/day) that is lower in older versus younger patients. In this context, older patients are not exposed to higher mortality across different levels of salt intake, while salt intake <6 g/day poses a greater risk of ESKD.

24-h ambulatory blood pressure variability and hypertensive nephropathy in Han Chinese hypertensive patients

Blood pressure (BP) is characterized by spontaneous oscillation over time, which is described as BP variability (BPV). The current study aimed to investigate whether short‐term BPV was correlated with hypertensive nephropathy in Han Chinese individuals with hypertension. A single‐center prospective cohort study of 300 Han Chinese participants with hypertension was conducted in Taiwan. Five different BPV parameters were derived from ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), including standard deviation (SD), weighted SD (wSD), coefficient of variation (CoV), successive variation (SV), and average real variability (ARV). Renal event was defined as > 50% reduction in baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The average age of the participants was 63.5 years. The baseline eGFR was 84.5 mL/min/1.73 m². The participants were divided into two groups according to the wSD of systolic BP (SBP). Survival was assessed via a Kaplan‐Meier analysis. During the 4.2‐year follow‐up, the participants with the highest SBP wSD tertile had a greater number of renal events (6.0%) than their counterparts (0.5%) (log‐rank test, p = .007). The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess the independent effects of BPV, and results showed that 24‐h SBP (HR = 1.105; 95% CI = 1.020–1.197, p = .015) and 24‐h DBP (HR = 1.162; 95% CI = 1.004–1.344, p = .044) were independently associated with renal events. However, BPV parameters were only associated with renal events univariately, but not after adjusting for baseline characteristics, 24‐h mean BP, and office BP. Therefore, the risk of hypertensive nephropathy was independently associated with 24‐h mean BP, but not with ambulatory BPV, in Han Chinese participants with hypertension.

The Role of Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers for Assessing Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is currently defined as the presence of proteinuria and/or an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m² on the basis of the renal diagnosis. The global dimension of CKD is relevant, since its prevalence and incidence have doubled in the past three decades worldwide. A major complication that occurs in CKD patients is the development of cardiovascular (CV) disease, being the incidence rate of fatal/nonfatal CV events similar to the rate of ESKD in CKD. Moreover, CKD is a multifactorial disease where multiple mechanisms contribute to the individual prognosis. The correct development of novel biomarkers of CV risk may help clinicians to ameliorate the management of CKD patients. Biomarkers of CV risk in CKD patients are classifiable as prognostic, which help to improve CV risk prediction regardless of treatment, and predictive, which allow the selection of individuals who are likely to respond to a specific treatment. Several prognostic (cystatin C, cardiac troponins, markers of inflammation, and fibrosis) and predictive (genes, metalloproteinases, and complex classifiers) biomarkers have been developed. Despite previous biomarkers providing information on the pathophysiological mechanisms of CV risk in CKD beyond proteinuria and eGFR, only a minority have been adopted in clinical use. This mainly depends on heterogeneous results and lack of validation of biomarkers. The purpose of this review is to present an update on the already assessed biomarkers of CV risk in CKD and examine the strategies for a correct development of biomarkers in clinical practice. Development of both predictive and prognostic biomarkers is an important task for nephrologists. Predictive biomarkers are useful for designing novel clinical trials (enrichment design) and for better understanding of the variability in response to the current available treatments for CV risk. Prognostic biomarkers could help to improve risk stratification and anticipate diagnosis of CV disease, such as heart failure and coronary heart disease.

Precision Nephrology Is a Non-Negligible State of Mind in Clinical Research: Remember the Past to Face the Future

CKD is a major public health problem. It is characterized by a multitude of risk factors that, when aggregated, can strongly modify outcome. While major risk factors, namely, albuminuria and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) have been well analyzed, a large variability in disease progression still remains. This happens because (1) the weight of each risk factor varies between populations (general population or CKD cohort), countries, and single individuals and (2) response to nephroprotective drugs is so heterogeneous that a non-negligible part of patients maintains a high cardiorenal risk despite optimal treatment. Precision nephrology aims at individualizing cardiorenal prognosis and therapy. The purpose of this review is to focus on the risk stratification in different areas, such as clinical practice, population research, and interventional trials, and to describe the strategies used in observational or experimental studies to afford individual-level evidence. The future of precision nephrology is also addressed. Observational studies can in fact provide more adequate findings by collecting more information on risk factors and building risk prediction models that can be applied to each individual in a reliable fashion. Similarly, new clinical trial designs can reduce the individual variability in response to treatment and improve individual outcomes.

COVID-19 and the Kidney: From Epidemiology to Clinical Practice

The new respiratory infectious disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and caused by a new strain of zoonotic coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), to date has killed over 630,000 people and infected over 15,000,000 worldwide. Most of the deceased patients had pre-existing comorbidities; over 20% had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, although SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized mainly by diffuse alveolar damage and acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury (AKI) has developed in a high percentage of cases. As AKI has been shown to be associated with worse prognosis, we believe that the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the kidney should be investigated. This review sets out to describe the main renal aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the role of the virus in the development and progression of kidney damage. In this article, attention is focused on the epidemiology, etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of kidney damage, histopathology, clinical features in nephropathic patients (CKD, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, AKI, transplantation) and prevention and containment strategies. Although there remains much more to be learned with regards to this disease, nonetheless it is our hope that this review will aid in the understanding and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Antiproteinuric effect of DPP-IV inhibitors in diabetic and non-diabetic kidney diseases

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic and severe metabolic disease, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and/or reduced insulin secretion. Concerning the non-insulin glucose-lowering therapy for diabetes, Dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, members of the incretin family, represent new agents, capable of a glycemic control improvement with an advantageous safety profile, given the absence of weight gain, the low incidence of hypoglycemia and the good renal tolerance in patients suffering from chronic renal failure. In addition to demonstrating efficacy in glycemic control through inhibition of GLP-1 degradation, DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) seem to demonstrate pleiotropic effects, which also make them interesting in both diabetic and non-diabetic nephropathies, especially for their capacity of reducing proteinuria. Several studies about diabetic nephropathy on patients' cohorts and murine models have demonstrated a solid direct relationship between DPP-4 activity and urinary albumin excretion (UAE), thus confirming the capacity of DPP-4is to reduce proteinuria; the mechanism responsible for that effect was studied to assess if it was the result of a direct action on renal impairment or a secondary consequence of the better glycemic control related to these agents. As a result of these more in-depth studies, DPP-4is have demonstrated an improvement of renal inflammation markers and consequent proteinuria reduction, regardless of glucose concentrations. Considering the nephroprotective effects of DPP-4is might be glycemic independent, several studies were conducted to prove the validity of the same effects in non-diabetic nephropathies. Among these studies, DPP-4is demonstrated an improvement of various renal inflammatory markers on several models of non-diabetes dependent renal impairment, confirming their capacity to reduce proteinuria, independently from the action on glucose metabolism. The objective of this review is to present and discuss the so far demonstrated antiproteinuric effect of DPP-4is and their effects on diabetic and non-diabetic nephropathies.

Short-Term Systolic Blood Pressure Variability and Kidney Disease Progression in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Results From C-STRIDE

Background

It is unclear whether short‐term blood pressure variability is associated with renal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods and Results

This study analyzed data from participants in the C‐STRIDE (Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease) who had chronic kidney disease stages 1 to 4. Short‐term blood pressure variability was measured by calculating the weighted SD (w‐SD) of systolic blood pressure (SBP). Renal outcomes were defined as dialysis initiation and/or transplantation. Risk factors associated with w‐SD of SBP were evaluated by linear regression. Associations of short‐term SBP variability with renal outcomes were evaluated by Cox regression. In total, 1421 patients with chronic kidney disease were included in this study (mean age, 49.4±13.6 years; 56.2% men; estimated glomerular filtration rate, 50.5±29.3 mL/min per 1.73 m²; proteinuria, 0.9 [0.3–2.0] g/d). Mean w‐SD of SBP was 12.6±4.4 mm Hg. w‐SD of SBP was independently associated with older age, 24‐hour SBP, blood pressure circadian pattern, and angiotensin II receptor blocker treatment. During a median follow‐up of 4.9 years, 237 patients developed renal outcomes (37.01 per 1000 patient‐years). The incidence rate increased across the quartiles of w‐SD (log‐rank P=0.005). w‐SD of SBP was associated with an increased risk of renal outcomes, both as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.09–1.99) and as a categorical variable (quartile 4 versus quartile 1: HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.08–2.36), independent of 24‐hour SBP, daytime SBP, and nighttime SBP.

Conclusions

Short‐term SBP was independently associated with the risk of dialysis initiation and/or transplantation in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Treatment Costs for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Who Received Multidisciplinary Care in a District Hospital in Thailand

Aim

To estimate direct medical treatment costs in patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a district hospital and to analyze the factors that affected the treatment costs.

Patients and Methods

Data were retrospectively retrieved from the hospital database in the period from January 2015 to December 2017. Patients who were diagnosed with CKD and had visited ambulatory care services at least two times during the index year (January to December 2015) were included. Patients' data were excluded if they had cancer, had received renal replacement therapy, or had been referred to receive treatment at other hospitals. Treatment costs based on the providers' perspectives in the first and second years after the index year were assessed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patients' characteristics, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors in the cost model.

Results

Data of 212 patients with CKD stage G3a, G3b, or G4 who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were included for analysis. Average costs for treatment in year 1 and year 2 were not statistically different. Total cost was 5701.34 Thai Baht (THB) per year. The total cost for patients with CKD stage G4 was two times greater than for patients with CKD stage G3. Costs were increased for longer hospitalization, more frequent ambulatory visits, having diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia as a comorbidity, and uncontrolled fasting blood glucose (FBG). A cost model with R ²=0.906 was provided. Significant predictors were length of stay, ambulatory visits, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, serum creatinine, FBG, and body mass index.

Conclusion

Total annual treatment costs for the 2 years were not different. A more advanced stage of CKD, having diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia as comorbidities, and uncontrolled FBG were significantly associated with increased costs for treatment in patients with pre-dialysis CKD.

Effect of novel GPCR ligands on blood pressure and vascular homeostasis

Maintenance of normal blood pressure under conditions of drug treatment is a measure of system-wide neuro-hormonal controls and electrolyte/fluid volume homeostasis in the body. With increased interest in designing and evaluating novel drugs that may functionally select or allosterically modulate specific GPCR signaling pathways, techniques that allow us to measure acute and long-term effects on blood pressure are very important. Therefore, this chapter describes techniques to measure acute and long-term impact of novel GPCR ligands on blood pressure regulation. We will use the angiotensin type 1 receptor, a powerful blood pressure regulating GPCR, in detailing the methodology. Normal blood pressure maintenance depends upon dynamic modulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor activity by the hormone peptide angiotensin II. Chronic activation of angiotensin type 1 receptor creates hypertension and related cardiovascular disease states which are treated with angiotensin type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs). Thus, a prototype for evaluation of blood pressure control under experimental evaluation of novel drugs.