Evaluation of renal function in the Brazilian adult population, according to laboratory criteria from the National Health Survey

Gut Dysbiosis and Probiotic Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a multifactorial disease affecting more than 13.4% of the world's population and is a growing public health problem. It is silent in its early stages and leads to irreversible kidney damage as the disease progresses. A key factor in this progression is the bidirectional relationship between CKD and gut dysbiosis, which creates an imbalance that promotes the accumulation of uremic toxins (UTs), contributing to renal fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, and decreased glomerular filtration rate. In addition, CKD itself exacerbates gut dysbiosis by altering the composition of the gut microbiota (GM) and promoting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, it is crucial to explore new therapeutic strategies, and the use of probiotics and synbiotics has shown promise in modulating the GM. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that the use of probiotics in CKD has a beneficial effect on the kidney by reducing UTs, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Probiotic treatment has also been associated with restoration of intestinal integrity, modulation of microbial composition and diversity, and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These positive results have also been observed in patients at different stages of CKD, where the use of probiotics and/or synbiotics was able to improve creatinine levels and uremic parameters and alleviate abdominal discomfort, in addition to modulating GM and reducing serum endotoxin levels. Although recent studies have explored the benefits of probiotics in the treatment of CKD, further research is needed to determine their long-term efficacy and clinical relevance. This review focuses on the factors driving gut dysbiosis in CKD, its role in disease progression, and the potential of probiotics as a therapeutic strategy.

Chronic Kidney Disease in Brazil: Current Status and Recommended Improvements

Background

Over the last 3 decades, over 700 million individuals worldwide have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In a 2017 survey in southern Brazil, 11.4% of those surveyed had CKD. Early identification and effective therapy in Brazil may reduce CKD's impact. This panel discusses the early diagnosis and treatment of CKD and the barriers and actions needed to improve the management of CKD in Brazil. A panel of Brazilian nephrologists was provided with relevant questions to address before a multiday conference. During this meeting, each narrative was discussed and edited through several rounds until agreement on the relevant topics and recommendations was achieved.

Summary

Panelists highlighted hurdles to early diagnosis and treatment of CKD. These include, but are not limited to, a lack of public and patient education, updated recommendations, multidisciplinary CKD treatment, and a national CKD database. People-centered, physician-centered, and healthcare institution-centered actions can be taken to improve outcomes. Patient empowerment is needed via multiple channels of CKD education and access to health-monitoring wearables and apps. Primary care clinicians and nonspecialists must be trained to screen and manage CKD-causing illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension. The healthcare system may implement a national health data gathering system, more screening tests, automated test result reporting, and telehealth.

Key Messages

Increasing access to early diagnosis can provide a path to improving care for patients with CKD. Concerted efforts from all stakeholders are needed to overcome the barriers.

Aesthetic Radiofrequency Associated with Rosmarinus officinalis Supplementation is Safe and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Women: Randomized, and Double-Blind Clinical Trial

The objective were to evaluate the effects of supplementation of standardized dry extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) and the application of aesthetic radiofrequency on the oxidative stress markers catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), non-protein thiols (NP-SH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and the biochemical markers triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (TGO/AST), pyruvic-glutamic transaminase (TGP/ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT), and creatinine. This study included 32 women received the aesthetic therapy to reduce localized fat. They were divided into the control group (n = 8) receiving placebo capsules and the intervention group (n = 24) subdivided into Group A, B, and C, each with eight members receiving supplementation with 100, 500, and 1000 mg/day of standardized dry extract of RO, respectively. The Universal Trial Number (UTN) - U1111-1274-6255. Supplementation with RO (500 mg/day) demonstrated a reduction in oxidative stress (quantified with through a significant increase in NP-SH and a reduction in SOD and CAT enzymes). The radiofrequency aesthetic treatment did not promote an increase in oxidative stress; however, it caused significant changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and creatinine. RO is a plant with antioxidant effects and its oral consumption is safe in selected women subjects in hepatic and renal markers.

Validation of glomerular filtration estimation equations adjustable by race/colour in adults from Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil

The assessment of renal function is performed using the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) whose measurement by creatinine clearance (ClCr) and is dependent on a 24-hour urine sample, hindering it use in primary healthcare. The equations that estimate GFR from serum creatinine make the test more accessible, however, their adjustments by race/color have been questioned in mixed populations. To test the agreement between CrCl and GFR estimated by formulas (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease [MDRD-4] and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration [CKD-EPI]), with or without adjusting for race/color, data were used from a sub-study of the National Health Survey (NHS) including 272 adults from Vitória/Espírito Santo who underwent a 24-hour urinary sampling. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bland-Altman method were adopted. There was adequate agreement between ClCr and equations, but the adjustment by race/color decreases the accuracy of both equations. In the race/color factor, there was similarity between groups for CrCl (p=0.21), suggesting that there is no difference in creatinine metabolism induced by skin color. It is concluded that MDRD and CKD-EPI equations perform satisfactorily in the evaluation of renal function, and the use of corrections for race/color is not recommended.

Validation of equations to estimate kidney function with and without adjustment by race/color in Brazilian adults (ELSA-Brazil)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate accuracy and agreement between creatinine clearance (CrCl) measured in 12-h urine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD-4) and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formulas, with and without adjustment for race/color.

METHODS

Baseline data from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brazil) in adults (35-74 years of age) of both genders were used. Serum creatinine was measured in fasting blood and urinary creatinine was measured in an overnight 12-h urine collect. The agreement between CrCl and the calculated GFR was analyzed by the Bland-Altman method. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with race/color factor was used to verify differences between means of CrCl and GFR with and without correction for race/color. Statistical significance was accepted for p<0.05.

RESULTS

From 15,105 participants in the ELSA-Brazil, 12,813 had a validated urine collect. The Bland-Altman diagrams showed that formulas and CrCl agree with each other with a better accuracy for GFR <90 mL/.min x 1.73m2. The adjustment by race/color increased data dispersion. In this range, one-way ANOVA of CrCl with race/color factor showed similarity between groups (p=0.27).

CONCLUSION

MDRD-4 and CKD-EPI are useful formulas for screening cases of chronic kidney disease, and correction by race/color, only in blacks or in black and brown subjects, proved to be unnecessary and reduced the reliability of the equations.

Construction of a logical model of the line of care for people with chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

To build and validate a logical model of the line of care for people with chronic kidney disease.

METHODS

This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, with documentary research and analysis of primary data collected in interviews with key informants, carried out from May to September 2019, in the Guarani Aquifer Health Region, belonging to the Regional Health Department 13. Based on the theoretical framework proposed by McLaughlin and Jordan, five stages were followed: collection of relevant information; description of the problem and context; defining the elements of the logical model; construction and validation.

RESULTS

The logical model was organized into three care dimensions - primary health care, specialized care and high complexity care - composed of structure, process and result components.

CONCLUSION

The constructed logical model has the potential to contribute to the assessment of the line of care for people with chronic kidney disease, in order to achieve better results in the management of this disease, something that favors both the patient and the health system.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate in Brazilian adults with sickle cell disease: results from the REDS-III multicenter cohort study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on sickle cell disease (SCD) morbidity and mortality. Early identification of individuals at highest risk of developing CKD may allow therapeutic intervention to prevent worse outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among adults with SCD in Brazil. Participants in the REDS-III multicenter SCD cohort with more severe genotypes aged ≥ 18 years with at least two serum creatinine values were analyzed. The eGFR was calculated using the Jamaica Sickle Cell Cohort Study GFR equation. The eGFR categories were defined according to the K/DOQI. Participants with eGFR ≥ 90 were compared to those with those with eGFR < 90. Among the 870 participants, 647 (74.4%) had eGFR ≥ 90, 211 (24.3%) had eGFR 60 to 89, six (0.7%) had eGFR 30 to 59, and six (0.7%) had ESRD. Male sex (OR: 37.3; 95%CI: 22.4-65.1), higher age (OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.02-1.06), higher diastolic blood pressure (OR: 1.03; 95%CI: 1.009-1.06), lower Hb (OR: 0.80; 95%CI: 0.68-0.93), and lower reticulocytes (OR: 0.94; 95%CI: 0.89-0.99) levels were independently associated with eGFR < 90. There was a trend towards higher odds of death in participants with eGFR < 90 (OR: 1.8; 95%CI: 0.95-3.32; p = 0.065). In turn, participants with eGFR < 60 had a 12.2 (95%CI: 2.1-96.9) times higher odds for death when compared to those with eGFR ≥ 60. In this study, eGFR < 90 was observed in one-quarter of adults. Older age, male sex, higher diastolic blood pressure, lower hemoglobin, and lower reticulocyte levels were associated with occurrence of eGFR < 90. Estimated GFR < 60 increased the risk of mortality.

[Mineral and bone disorder: underestimated prevalence in the early stages of chronic kidney diseaseTrastorno mineral y óseo: prevalencia subestimada en las primeras fases de la enfermedad renal crónica]

Introduction

mineral and bone disorder (BMD) is a serious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that increases risks for death from cardiovascular causes and impairs quality of life of affected patients.

Objective

to evaluate the prevalence of BMD in patients with CKD and the association between estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and BMD indicators (calcium, phosphorus and PTH) in non-dialysis patients.

Materials and Methods

sectional study of a two-year cohort of chronic renal adults and elderly patients on conservative treatment. BMD was identified by serum values of: PTH (> 150 pg/mL) and/or hypocalcemia (Ca < 8.8mg/dl) and/or hyperphosphatemia (P > 4.6 mg/dl). The statistical analysis used: Poisson regression; Student's T, Mann Whitney and Pearson and Spearman correlations with 5% significance level.

Results

BMD prevalence was 54.6% (n=41) (95% CI: 43.45 - 65.43), more frequent in women, literate, elderly, non-drinkers, non-smokers, sedentary and white skin color. Correlations between P and PTH with GFRe were significant, inverse, moderate strength (p= <0.005 and p = 0.003; correlation coefficients = - 0.312 and - 0.379 respectively). the findings of this study highlighted gaps in the monitoring of BMD-DRC by primary care, requiring a review of clinical practices.

Conclusion

robust prevalence of BMD in the early stages of CKD was identified, in addition to correlations between increased phosphorus and PTH levels and worsening kidney function.

Self-report of medical diagnosis of chronic kidney disease: prevalence and characteristics in the Brazilian adult population, National Health Survey 2013 and 2019

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the adult Brazilian population and to describe its characteristics, according to the National Health Survey (PNS) 2013-2019.

METHODS

Descriptive cross-sectional study, with adults participating in the PNS, based on self-reported medical diagnosis of CKD. Prevalence of CKD and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated for Brazil.

RESULTS

In 2013, 60,202 individuals were analyzed, and in 2019, 85,854. The prevalence of self-reported diagnosis of CKD in both editions was 1.4% and increased with increasing age. In 2019, the prevalence of self-reported CKD was 3.3% (95%CI 2.9;3.7) in hypertensive individuals, 4.1% (95%CI 3.4;5.0) among diabetics, and 3.3% (95%CI 2.8;3.9) in those reporting hypercholesterolemia.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CKD in Brazil remained stable in the period but reinforces the need for expansion of diagnosis and strengthening of primary care in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS).

Primary care coverage and individual health: evidence from a likelihood model using biomarkers in Brazil

Background

Although the use of biomarkers to assess health outcomes has recently gained momentum, literature is still scarce for low- to middle-income countries. This paper explores the relationship between primary care coverage and individual health in Brazil using a dataset of blood-based biomarkers collected by the Brazilian National Health Survey. Both survey data and laboratory results were crossed with coverage data from the Family Health Strategy (ESF) program, the most important primary care program in Brazil; the coverage measures aim to capture both direct (household) and indirect (spill-over) effects.

Methods

The empirical strategy used a probit model to estimate the relationship between ESF program coverage and the likelihood of abnormal biomarker levels while controlling for a rich set of individual and household characteristics based on data from the national survey.

Results

Household ESF coverage was associated with a lower likelihood of abnormal results for biomarkers related to anemia (marginal effect between − 2.16 and − 2.18 percentage points), kidney failure (between − 1.01 and − 1.19 p.p.), and arterial hypertension (between − 1.48 and − 1.64 p.p). The likelihood of abnormal levels of white blood cells and thrombocytes was negatively related to primary care coverage (marginal effect between − 1.8 and − 2 p.p.). The spillover effects were relevant for kidney failure and arterial hypertension, depending on the regional level. Although not sensitive to household coverage, diabetes mellitus was negatively associated with the state supply of primary care, and abnormal cholesterol levels did not present any relationship with ESF program coverage.

Conclusions

The presence of spillover effects of ESF program coverage regarding these conditions reveals that the strengthening of primary care by increasing the household registration and the regional density of ESF teams is an efficient strategy to address important comorbidities.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07329-9.

Terapia de reemplazo renal, una alternativa para la calidad de vida de los pacientes

La enfermedad renal crónica es una patología causada por la pérdida del funcionamiento del riñón con una filtración glomerular alterada por más de tres meses, por lo que es necesario recibir terapia de reemplazo renal consistente en la sustitución de esta función mediante la extracción de líquidos de la sangre y su filtración a través de membranas semipermeables, en especial para mantener la homeostasis mediante la eliminación de sustancias tóxicas nitrogenadas y desechos acumulados. Estos procedimientos y en particular la hemodiálisis pueden presentar diversas complicaciones debido a que son procesos invasivos. Cabe mencionar que los pacientes en terapia de reemplazo presentan una disminución de la calidad de vida sobre todo a nivel físico y psicológico, a costa de mantener una mejor condición de su salud renal.

Association between Adiposity Indexes and Kidney Disease: Findings from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (Elsa-Brazil)

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem and it is associated with a high risk of mortality. Overweight and obesity are known as independent risk factors for CKD.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between adiposity indexes and kidney disease.

METHODS

This study included 14,636 adults from ELSA-Brazil. Outcome variables: altered glomerular filtration rate (GFR), categorized as yes (GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and no (GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²), albuminuria, estimated by albumin-creatinine ratio and categorized as yes (≥30 mg/g) and no (<30 mg/g), and presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (altered GFR and/or albuminuria). Exposure variables: obesity and overweight (body mass index (BMI)≥30 and ≥25 kg/m², respectively), high waist circumference (WC) (≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women), high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (≥0.90 in men and ≥0.85 in women), and high waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (≥0.5). To estimate the association between main exposures and outcomes, logistic regression analyses were performed using models adjusted for sociodemographic variables (age, gender, race/skin color, education), behavioral (smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption), components of the metabolic syndrome (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension, diabetes mellitus) and history of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, angina or heart failure).

RESULTS

Individuals with obesity, high WC, WHR and WHtR were more prone to albuminuria when compared to individuals with normal values for these measures. It was also observed that these altered measures were positively associated with the presence of CKD.

CONCLUSION

Adiposity indexes have a direct and significant association with albuminuria and CKD.

Estratégias para redução do consumo de nutrientes críticos para a saúde: o caso do sódio

Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis correspondem à principal causa de morte no mundo e têm a alimentação inadequada como um de seus principais fatores de risco modificáveis, destacando-se o consumo excessivo de sódio e sua associação com doenças cardiovasculares, mediadas pela pressão arterial. Este estudo avaliou o impacto de diferentes cenários de políticas para a redução do consumo de sódio com base em alimentos processados e ultraprocessados na prevenção de mortes por desfechos cardiovasculares na população adulta no Brasil. Foram utilizados dados secundários, de relatórios e bases públicas do Sistema Único de Saúde e de inquéritos populacionais. Foram analisados os impactos, até 2027, de três cenários: manutenção das atuais metas voluntárias, e dois cenários mandatórios, considerando as menores metas nas Américas e as menores metas mundiais. Para a análise das mortes prevenidas ou adiadas com base no consumo de sódio em tais cenários foi utilizado o Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl (PRIME). Em 2027, mais de 72 mil mortes seriam atribuíveis ao excesso de sódio e as metas voluntárias resultariam na prevenção ou adiamento de até 4.001 (intervalos de 95% de incerteza - II95%: 1.611-6.563) mortes, e os cenários mandatórios resultariam na prevenção de 9.704 (II95%: 3.955-15.665) e 15.561 (II95%: 6.350-25.096) mortes por doenças cardiovasculares, considerando as menores metas regionais e internacionais, respectivamente. Os achados sugerem que a manutenção de metas voluntárias tem impacto limitado quando comparada a cenários possíveis e mais restritivos de redução do teor de sódio em alimentos processados e ultraprocessados, e reforçam a necessidade de adoção de medidas com maior efetividade no país.

Differences between self-reported and laboratory measures of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypercholesterolemia

This paper aims to compare the self-reported prevalence measured by laboratory tests and the false positive and negative values for diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypercholesterolemia. We used information from the interview and laboratory tests of the National Health Survey (2013, 2014-2015). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by gender, age, schooling, having health insurance, and time since the last medical visit. We used logistic regression to analyze associated factors with false positives and negatives. Sensitivity was higher for diabetes and among older adults and those who had a medical visit more recently. Specificity was high for all diseases, with better performance among younger people, those with high schooling, and a visit more than one year ago. The likelihood of false positives and negatives decreased with schooling and increased with age. Low sensitivity suggests that prevalence might be higher than indicated by self-reported measures.

Brazilian public policy for chronic kidney disease prevention: challenges and perspectives

Chronic kidney disease is a pathology with exponential increasing prevalence worldwide. This trend derives mainly from population aging and the growth of chronic conditions, making prevention a priority in public health. Thus, this observation instigates debates on the advances and challenges in public policies aimed at facing the progression of this disease and its risk factors in a contemporary reality that requires changes in the management models of chronic conditions. Brazilian and international experiences show that actions to prevent chronic kidney disease in risk groups remain incipient, especially in low-income countries. This area requires investment, supporting planning individualized, interdisciplinary and shared care with primary health care, as well as the user’s responsibility for their care, with proactivity and establishment and monitoring of goals to achieve satisfactory results.

Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome and its components in the Brazilian adult population

We estimated the prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its components in the Brazilian population according to sociodemographic factors. This is a cross-sectional population-based study that used laboratory data from the National Health Survey. We estimated the prevalence of MetS and its components with 95% confidence intervals and the unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) with the Poisson regression. MetS prevalence ratio was 38.4%. High waist circumference (WC) (65.5%) and low HDL cholesterol (49.4%) were the most prevalent components, including in the youngest people. MetS and its components were more frequent among women (41.8%), individuals with low schooling (47.5%), and older adults (66.1%). In the adjusted analysis, females (PR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.08-1.24), older adults (PR = 3.69; 95% CI 3.26-4.17), and low schooling (PR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.17-1.49) were associated with MetS. MetS was prevalent in the Brazilian population, especially among women, individuals with low schooling, and older adults. High WC and low HDL cholesterol were the most prevalent components, with the aggravating high prevalence factor in young adults. These findings reveal the need to consider laboratory data for a more accurate analysis of this condition, which can be challenging at the national level.

Fatores associados à doença renal crônica segundo critérios laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde

RESUMO: Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência da taxa de filtração glomerular estimada pelo clearance da creatinina endógena (estimativa da taxa de filtração glomerular - eTFG) menor que 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 no Brasil e os fatores associados. Métodos: Trata-se de um inquérito epidemiológico transversal de base domiciliar. Os dados foram obtidos em subamostra de participantes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), realizada em 2013, na qual foi feita coleta de sangue para medida de creatinina plasmática e calculado a eTFG (n = 7.457). Os grupos de variáveis explicativas foram: características sociodemográficas, estilos de vida, doenças crônicas, antropometria e avaliação de saúde. Foram estimadas as prevalências de eTFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 e os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) utilizando a regressão de Poisson para calcular a razão de prevalência bruta (RPb) e ajustada (RPaj) por idade, sexo, escolaridade e região. Resultados: A prevalência de eTFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 foi de 6,48% (IC95% 5,88 - 7,09). Após ajuste, mantiveram-se associados: sexo feminino (RP = 1,40; IC95% 1,16 - 1,68), idade 45-59 anos (RPaj = 7,27; IC95% 3,8 - 14,1), 60 anos ou mais (RPaj = 33,55; IC95% 17,8 - 63,4), obesidade (RP = 1,32; IC95% 1,1 - 1,7), diabetes (RP = 1,44; IC95% 1,2 - 1,8), autoavaliação de saúde ruim/muito ruim (RP = 1,50; IC95% 1,2 - 1,9); menor RPaj foi encontrado nas regiões Nordeste e Sudeste, entre fumantes e com consumo elevado de sal. Conclusão: eTFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 foi mais elevada no sexo feminino, aumentou com a idade, foi associada com obesidade, diabetes e pior avaliação de saúde. O conhecimento da prevalência da doença renal crônica, por meio de exames bioquímicos e dos fatores de risco e proteção, é essencial para subsidiar políticas públicas de saúde.