eGFR and the Risk of Community-Acquired Infections

Impact of hepatic impairment and renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of linezolid and its metabolites: contribution of hepatic metabolism and renal excretion

Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibiotic, is used in patients with liver or kidney disease. However, the effects and mechanisms of hepatic impairment or renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of linezolid and its metabolites (PNU-142586 and PNU-142300) remain unclear. We used carbon tetrachloride-induced impaired hepatic function and 5/6 nephrectomy-induced renal failure rat models to investigate linezolid and metabolite pharmacokinetics. Isolated primary rat hepatocytes were used to evaluate the impact of hepatic impairment or renal failure on linezolid metabolism. Uptake and efflux transport studies were also conducted. The influence of hepatic impairment or renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of linezolid and two metabolites did not differ between intragastric gavage and intravenous administration in rats. Linezolid did not accumulate in the brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and small intestinal tissues of the hepatic impairment or renal failure rats. And PNU-142300 did not accumulate in the liver or kidney tissue. Compared to the isolated normal rat hepatocytes, the in vitro hepatic clearance of linezolid in hepatic impairment and renal failure rat hepatocytes decreased by 61.3% and 44.1%, respectively. Organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1, Na+-taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), organic anion transporter (OAT)1, OAT3, multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), or multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR) did not mediate linezolid transport. Hepatic impairment primarily increases linezolid exposure through reduced hepatic metabolism, whereas renal failure increases both linezolid and two metabolites exposure through reduced hepatic metabolism and renal glomerular filtration. These findings guide adjusting the dose of linezolid in patients with hepatic and renal insufficiency.

Effects of anti-inflammatory agents on clinical outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by chronic inflammation, which is strongly linked to risk of cardiovascular disease. Anti-inflammatory agents present a novel strategy to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in people with CKD, but their effects on clinical outcomes are uncertain.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of anti-inflammatory agents in CKD (PROSPERO CRD42021238755). Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to 8 October 2024 for randomized controlled trials of anti-inflammatory agents in CKD with at least 100 patient-years follow-up per treatment arm. The primary study outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; defined as myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death). Other outcomes included CKD progression, malignancy and infection.

Results

Nine trials of 12 042 participants and six different anti-inflammatory classes were identified. Overall, anti-inflammatory agents did not reduce the risk of MACE [risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-1.24], although there was significant heterogeneity across studies (P-heterogeneity = .001; I2 = 72%). Anti-inflammatory agents did not have a clear effect on the composite kidney outcome (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.55-1.22), although there were few events and some trials suggested improvements in the rate of decline in kidney function. Infections were increased with anti-inflammatory agents compared with placebo (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01-1.82).

Conclusion

There is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of anti-inflammatory agents to reduce cardiovascular risk or CKD progression in people with CKD, and further dedicated studies in this population are warranted. The potential increased risk of infection with anti-inflammatory agents is an important consideration in the evaluation of these therapies in CKD.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Infection Risk: A Lower Incidence of Peritonsillar Abscesses in Specific CKD Subgroups in a 16-Year Korean Nationwide Cohort Study

Peritonsillar abscesses and deep neck infection are potentially serious infections among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), posing risks for severe complications and drawing significant public health concern. This nationwide, population-based longitudinal study (2002-2019) assessed the extended relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the likelihood of peritonsillar abscess and deep neck infection in a Korean cohort. Using a 1:4 propensity score overlap-weighted matching, we included 16,879 individuals with CKD and 67,516 comparable controls, accounting for demographic variables and comorbidities to ensure balanced group comparisons. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for deep neck infection and peritonsillar abscesses in relation to CKD history were calculated with a propensity score overlap-weighted Cox proportional hazards model. Our results revealed no significant increase in the overall incidence of deep neck infections or peritonsillar abscesses in CKD patients compared to controls. Interestingly, CKD patients demonstrated a 50% reduced likelihood of developing peritonsillar abscesses (HR 0.50; 95% CI = 0.30-0.83; p = 0.007), particularly among subgroups aged 70 years or older, females, non-smokers, rural residents, overweight individuals, and those with lower comorbidity burdens (e.g., absence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia). In summary, the results suggest that lifestyle modifications and the effective management of comorbidities could reduce the risk of peritonsillar abscess in certain CKD subgroups. Our findings may help to alleviate public health concerns regarding peritonsillar abscesses and deep neck infections as CKD-related comorbidities.

Development and validation of a chronic kidney disease progression model using patient-level simulations

Chronic disease progression models are available for several highly prevalent conditions. For chronic kidney disease (CKD), the scope of existing progression models is limited to the risk of kidney failure and major cardiovascular (CV) events. The aim of this project was to develop a comprehensive CKD progression model (CKD-PM) that simulates the risk of CKD progression and a broad range of complications in patients with CKD. A series of literature reviews informed the selection of risk factors and identified existing risk equations/algorithms for kidney replacement therapy (KRT), CV events, other CKD-related complications, and mortality. Risk equations and transition probabilities were primarily sourced from publications produced by large US and international CKD registries. A patient-level, state-transition model was developed with health states defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes categories. Model validation was performed by comparing predicted outcomes with observed outcomes in the source cohorts used in model development (internal validation) and other cohorts (external validation). The CKD-PM demonstrated satisfactory modeling properties. Accurate prediction of all-cause and CV mortality was achieved without calibration, while prediction of CV events through CKD-specific equations required implementation of a calibration factor to balance time-dependent versus baseline risk. Predicted annual changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio were acceptable in comparison to external values. A flexible eGFR threshold for KRT equations enabled accurate prediction of these events. This CKD-PM demonstrated reliable modeling properties. Both internal and external validation revealed robust outcomes.

Occurrence of bacteremia, bacteriuria and bacteriuria-related bacteremia in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. A pilot study

In human medicine, major infections are the most significant and critical non-cardiovascular complications in patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), with bacteriuria being the primary source of bloodstream infections and its evolution toward sepsis. The availability of data on prevalence of bacteremia and its association with bacteriuria in dogs and cats with CKD is limited. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to determine the occurrence of bacteremia, bacteriuria, and bacteriuria-related bacteremia in dogs and cats affected by CKD. Client-owned dogs and cats with a documented history of CKD undergoing disease follow-up were enrolled. Each included animal underwent a comprehensive physical examination, clinico-pathological and microbiological analyses of blood and urine, along with molecular detection of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene in blood. Aseptically collected blood and urine were obtained through jugular venipuncture and cystocentesis, respectively. After collection, blood and urine samples underwent bacteriological culture within one hour. In the population enrolled, 2/47 dogs and 1/41 cats presented bacteriemia. Moreover, 8/47 dogs and 6/41 cats presented a positive urine culture. Additionally, in one out of the 47 dogs, the same pathogen was identified from blood and urine samples, with a final diagnosis of urosepsis. No instances of bacteriuria-related bacteriemia were observed in the cat population. In conclusion, this study shows a low prevalence of bacteremia and confirms a high prevalence of bacteriuria in companion animals affected by CKD. Moreover, a low prevalence of bacteriuria-related bacteremia was also found.

Cost-Effectiveness of Empagliflozin (JARDIANCE®) in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in France, Based on the EMPA-KIDNEY Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) were demonstrated in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, which showed a 28% reduction in combined risks of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.82; p < 0.001) compared with placebo. Based on these results, the present study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of empagliflozin + standard of care (SoC) compared with SoC alone in the treatment of CKD in France.

METHODS

A Markov state microsimulation model was adapted to compare the health and economic outcomes in France, considering a healthcare system perspective, in patients treated with empagliflozin in addition to SoC versus patients treated with SoC alone. The model simulated the intention-to-treat population of the trial, transitioning between 18 mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive health states defined based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes classification. For each arm, the model estimated (over a 25-year time horizon) the number of events and deaths, and the costs associated with these events, to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The resources used were derived using French authorities reports, literature, and French CKD guidelines. Both economic and health outcomes were discounted at a 2.5% annual rate according to French guidelines.

RESULTS

The model predicted that using empagliflozin + SoC to treat patients with CKD would prevent CKD-related complications and deaths associated with a cardiovascular event or all-cause deaths while in kidney replacement therapy, resulting on average in a discounted gain of 1.29 years in overall survival (9.48 years vs. 8.19 with SoC alone). Empagliflozin costs (treatment, events, and disease management) were completely offset by the cost savings from avoided kidney failure events. Overall, empagliflozin + SoC would be more effective and less costly than SoC alone and would therefore be the dominant treatment strategy. The sensitivity analyses conducted support the results' robustness in showing the dominance of empagliflozin + SoC over SoC alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The base-case results indicate that empagliflozin + SoC is a dominant strategy compared with the current SoC for the management of CKD in France. Empagliflozin + SoC would have a positive impact on patients with CKD by slowing CKD progression and leading to the prevention of kidney failure events on top of all-stages CKD complications.

Association between red blood cells transfusion and 28-day mortality rate in septic patients with concomitant chronic kidney disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have impaired immune function, making them more prone to infections that can lead to sepsis. The coexistence of these conditions can result in decreased hemoglobin levels and is associated with a higher mortality rate. To investigate whether the transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) improves the prognosis of septic patients with concomitant CKD and to explore the indications for red blood cell transfusion. This retrospective cohort study utilizes data from the MIMIC-IV (v2.0) database. The study enrolled 6,604 patients with sepsis and concomitant CKD admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to adjust for confounding factors. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed an association between RBC transfusion and a decreased risk of 28-day mortality (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.54-0.70, P < 0.001). Following a meticulous 1:1 propensity score matching analysis between the two cohorts, the matched population revealed a notable decrease in 28-day mortality within the RBC transfusion group (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.51-0.71; P < 0.001). Additionally, we observed that a SOFA score ≥ 5, a Base Excess (BE) value < 3, and an estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 30 may be considered when evaluating the potential need for RBC transfusion. This study demonstrated an association between RBC transfusion and decreased 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis accompanied by CKD. The patient's BE value, SOFA score, and eGFR are crucial factors influencing the treatment outcome and should be considered when deciding on RBC transfusion.

Chronic kidney disease and risk of bloodstream infections and sepsis: a 17-year follow-up of the population-based Trøndelag Health Study in Norway

PURPOSE

Bloodstream infections (BSI) and sepsis are important causes of hospitalization, loss of health, and death globally. Targetable risk factors need to be identified to improve prevention and treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and risk of and mortality from BSI and sepsis in the general population during a 22-year period.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study among participants in the population-based Norwegian HUNT Study, where 68,438 participated. The median follow-up time was 17.4 years. The exposures were estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) in urine. The outcomes were hazard ratios (HR) of hospital admission or death due to BSI or sepsis. The associations were adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, obesity, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, and cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Participants with eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.732 had HR 3.35 for BSI (95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.12-5.3) and HR 2.94 for sepsis (95% CI 1.82-4.8) compared to normal eGFR (≥ 90 ml/min/1.732). HRs of death from BSI and sepsis were 4.2 (95% CI 1.71-10.4) and 4.1 (95% CI 1.88-8.9), respectively. Participants with severely increased albuminuria (ACR > 30 mg/mmol) had HR 3.60 for BSI (95% CI 2.30-5.6) and 3.14 for sepsis (95% CI 1.94-5.1) compared to normal albumin excretion (ACR < 3 mg/mmol). HRs of death were 2.67 (95% CI 0.82-8.7) and 2.16 (95% CI 0.78-6.0), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this large population-based cohort study, CKD was clearly associated with an increased risk of BSI and sepsis and related death.

Efficacy and safety of first-line biological DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients with chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those undergoing haemodialysis (HD).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 425 patients with RA prescribed their first bDMARDs at two hospitals from 2004 to 2021. Patients were categorised by kidney function and bDMARD modality (TNFα inhibitors (TNFαis), interleukin-6 inhibitors (IL-6is), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig)). The primary outcome was the 36-month drug retention rate, with secondary outcomes including changes in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28)-C reactive protein (CRP)/erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), prednisolone dosage and reasons for discontinuation.

RESULTS

The 36-month drug retention rates by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (≥60, 30-60, <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) were as follows: all bDMARDs (45.2%, 32.0%, 41.4%), TNFαis (45.3%, 28.2%, 34.0%), IL-6is (47.4%, 66.7%, 71.4%) and CTLA-4Ig (50.0%, 31.3%, 33.3%). Even in groups with lower kidney function, the drug retention rate of bDMARDs was generally maintained. However, the retention rate of TNFαis was significantly lower in patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. IL-6is showed the highest retention rate and the lowest discontinuation rate due to ineffectiveness in this group (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.85, p=0.03). All bDMARDs improved DAS28-CRP/ESR and reduced prednisolone dosage across all groups.

CONCLUSION

bDMARDs demonstrated effective and safe profiles in patients with RA with CKD, even among patients on HD. In particular, IL-6is had a significantly higher drug retention rate in patients with an eGFR of <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and fewer discontinuations due to ineffectiveness. IL-6is were more efficacious as monotherapy compared with the other bDMARDs.

Fomite disinfection using spray systems: A computational multi-physics framework

Disinfecting inanimate objects or materials carrying infectious agents, i.e., fomites, using spray systems reduces healthcare-associated infections in medical settings and community-acquired infections in non-medical environments. However, an accurate prediction of such systems is challenging as these systems embrace multi-physics phenomena depending on several parameters. Therefore, this paper presents a computational modeling-based multi-physics framework to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of spray systems employed in disinfecting fomites with non-porous hydrophilic surfaces. The framework includes four key phases: (i) atomizing the liquid disinfectant jet into the disinfectant droplets; (ii) interactions between disinfectant droplets and the surrounding air; (iii) impingements created by the disinfectant droplets on the fomite surface; (iv) interactions between the disinfectant depositions and pathogens causing fomite disinfection. The accuracy of the framework is evaluated using two sets of experimental data on the reduction of viable Bacillus atrophaeus spores over an 1800-second period. The results show that the framework can predict fomite disinfection via spray systems, with the deviations from the measured data being 2.73% and 2.38%. By presenting a detailed perception of the dynamics involved in fomite disinfection, this framework has the potential to improve public health practices and lead to the development of more effective and targeted disinfection strategies in diverse settings.

Add-on astragalus in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A multi-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetes leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation. Astragalus, a common herbal medicine and US pharmacopeia-registered food ingredient, is shown kidney protective by retrospective and preclinical data but with limited long-term prospective clinical evidence. This trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of astragalus on kidney function decline in macroalbuminuric diabetic CKD patients.

METHODS

This randomized, assessor-blind, standard care-controlled, multi-center clinical trial randomly assigned 118 patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30-90 ml/min/1.73m2 and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of 300-5000 mg/g from 7 public outpatient clinics and the community in Hong Kong between July 2018 and April 2022 to add-on oral astragalus granules (15 gs of raw herbs daily equivalent) or to continue standard care alone as control for 48 weeks. Primary outcomes were the slope of change of eGFR (used for sample size calculation) and UACR of the intention-to-treat population. Secondary outcomes included endpoint blood pressures, biochemistry, biomarkers, concomitant drug change and adverse events. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03535935) RESULTS: During the 48-week period, the estimated difference in the slope of eGFR decline was 4.6 ml/min/1.73m2 per year (95 %CI: 1.5 to 7.6, p = 0.003) slower with astragalus. For UACR, the estimated inter-group proportional difference in the slope of change was insignificant (1.14, 95 %CI: 0.85 to 1.52, p = 0.392). 117 adverse events from 31 astragalus-treated patients and 41 standard care-controlled patients were documented. The 48-week endpoint systolic blood pressure was 7.9 mmHg lower (95 %CI: -12.9 to -2.8, p = 0.003) in the astragalus-treated patients. 113 (96 %) and 107 (91 %) patients had post-randomization and endpoint primary outcome measures, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In patients with type 2 diabetes, stage 2 to 3 CKD and macroalbuminuria, add-on astragalus for 48 weeks further stabilized kidney function on top of standard care.

Shared genetic correlations between kidney diseases and sepsis

Background

Clinical studies have indicated a comorbidity between sepsis and kidney diseases. Individuals with specific mutations that predispose them to kidney conditions are also at an elevated risk for developing sepsis, and vice versa. This suggests a potential shared genetic etiology that has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Summary statistics data on exposure and outcomes were obtained from genome-wide association meta-analysis studies. We utilized these data to assess genetic correlations, employing a pleiotropy analysis method under the composite null hypothesis to identify pleiotropic loci. After mapping the loci to their corresponding genes, we conducted pathway analysis using Generalized Gene-Set Analysis of GWAS Data (MAGMA). Additionally, we utilized MAGMA gene-test and eQTL information (whole blood tissue) for further determination of gene involvement. Further investigation involved stratified LD score regression, using diverse immune cell data, to study the enrichment of SNP heritability in kidney-related diseases and sepsis. Furthermore, we employed Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causality between kidney diseases and sepsis.

Results

In our genetic correlation analysis, we identified significant correlations among BUN, creatinine, UACR, serum urate, kidney stones, and sepsis. The PLACO analysis method identified 24 pleiotropic loci, pinpointing a total of 28 nearby genes. MAGMA gene-set enrichment analysis revealed a total of 50 pathways, and tissue-specific analysis indicated significant enrichment of five pairs of pleiotropic results in kidney tissue. MAGMA gene test and eQTL information (whole blood tissue) identified 33 and 76 pleiotropic genes, respectively. Notably, genes PPP2R3A for BUN, VAMP8 for UACR, DOCK7 for creatinine, and HIBADH for kidney stones were identified as shared risk genes by all three methods. In a series of immune cell-type-specific enrichment analyses of pleiotropy, we identified a total of 37 immune cells. However, MR analysis did not reveal any causal relationships among them.

Conclusions

This study lays the groundwork for shared etiological factors between kidney and sepsis. The confirmed pleiotropic loci, shared pathogenic genes, and enriched pathways and immune cells have enhanced our understanding of the multifaceted relationships among these diseases. This provides insights for early disease intervention and effective treatment, paving the way for further research in this field.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adults: A Swedish Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Kidney complications are common in patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Whether kidney complications, defined as low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), may predispose to later IBD is unknown.

METHODS

We analyzed the association between eGFR and the risk of being subsequently diagnosed with IBD among 1 612 160 adults from Stockholm. The exposure was categories of eGFR, with 90 to 104 mL/min/1.73 m2 as the reference. Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between eGFR, IBD, and IBD subtypes. Subgroup analyses included age strata, sex, education, and comorbidities. To explore the possibility of detection bias or reverse causation, we estimated IBD hazard ratios (HRs) after excluding cases and individuals censored during early years of follow-up.

RESULTS

During a median of 9 years of follow-up, we detected 9663 cases of IBD (3299 Crohn's disease, 5072 ulcerative colitis, 1292 IBD unclassified). Lower eGFR levels were associated with higher IBD risk (for eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2: adjusted HR, 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.33; and for eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2: adjusted HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.16-2.37). This association was stronger in magnitude for Crohn's disease (for eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2: HR, 1.33, 95% CI, 1.04-1.72; and for eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2: HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.26-3.99). Results were consistent across strata of age, comorbidities, and attained education but suggested the association between eGFR and IBD to be stronger in women (P for interaction <.05). Results attenuated but were robust to exclusion of early IBD cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an association between reduced eGFR and the risk of developing IBD, which was stronger in magnitude for Crohn's disease.

Inspiring Tactics with the Improvement of Mitophagy and Redox Balance for the Development of Innovative Treatment against Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the most common genetic form of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it involves the development of multiple kidney cysts. Not enough medical breakthroughs have been made against PKD, a condition which features regional hypoxia and activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. The following pathology of CKD can severely instigate kidney damage and/or renal failure. Significant evidence verifies an imperative role for mitophagy in normal kidney physiology and the pathology of CKD and/or PKD. Mitophagy serves as important component of mitochondrial quality control by removing impaired/dysfunctional mitochondria from the cell to warrant redox homeostasis and sustain cell viability. Interestingly, treatment with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist could reduce the pathology of PDK and might improve the renal function of the disease via the modulation of mitophagy, as well as the condition of gut microbiome. Suitable modulation of mitophagy might be a favorable tactic for the prevention and/or treatment of kidney diseases such as PKD and CKD.

CMV Infection and Lymphopenia: Warning Markers of Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) remains life-threatening in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Our study investigated risk factors one-year before PcP. We conducted a monocentric, case-control study including all KTR at the Dijon University Hospital (France) with a diagnosis of PcP between 2005 and 2022 (cases), and matched control KTR with no history of PcP (3 controls/case). Among all 1,135 KTR, 57 cases (5%) and 169 matched-controls were included. PcP was associated with 18% mortality. Compared to controls, cases were older, with a higher immunological risk, and CMV infection was more frequent in the year preceding the occurrence of PcP (23% vs. 4%; p < 0.001). As early as 1 year before PcP, lymphocyte counts were lower and serum creatinine levels were higher in cases, but immunosuppressive regimens were not significantly different. Multivariable analysis identified lymphocyte count, serum creatinine level, being treated by immunosuppressive therapy other than anti-rejection drugs, and CMV infection in the year preceding the time PcP as independently associated with the occurrence of PcP. PcP was associated with an increased risk of subsequent chronic rejection (27% vs. 3%; p = 0.001) and return to dialysis (20% vs. 3%; p = 0.002). The occurrence of CMV infection and a low lymphocyte count could redefine the indications for continuation or reinitiation of anti-Pneumocystis prophylaxis.

Factors associated with IgG titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein after second vaccination in people living with HIV controlled with anti-retroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify factors associated with the response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in people living with HIV (PLWH).

METHODS

This study was conducted at the Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. IgG antibodies against spike and nucleocapsid proteins were detected using Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assays.

RESULTS

During the investigation period, 371 PLWH were enrolled in this study. PLWH with previous COVID-19 infection, untreated or poorly controlled HIV infection, and those whose blood samples were obtained within less than seven days after the second vaccination were excluded. A total of 310 PLWH controlled with anti-retroviral therapy were included in the final analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that chronic kidney disease (CKD) (β = -0.353, p = 0.049) and the duration between the second vaccination and blood sampling (β = -0.005, p < 0.001) were associated with low spike protein IgG titers.

CONCLUSION

Even without hemodialysis or kidney transplant, CKD was associated with vaccine response in PLWH.

Intestinal homeostasis in the gut-lung-kidney axis: a prospective therapeutic target in immune-related chronic kidney diseases

In recent years, the role of intestinal homeostasis in health has received increasing interest, significantly improving our understanding of the complex pathophysiological interactions of the gut with other organs. Microbiota dysbiosis, impaired intestinal barrier, and aberrant intestinal immunity appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of immune-related chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Meanwhile, the relationship between the pathological changes in the respiratory tract (e.g., infection, fibrosis, granuloma) and immune-related CKD cannot be ignored. The present review aimed to elucidate the new underlying mechanism of immune-related CKD. The lungs may affect kidney function through intestinal mediation. Communication is believed to exist between the gut and lung microbiota across long physiological distances. Following the inhalation of various pathogenic factors (e.g., particulate matter 2.5 mum or less in diameter, pathogen) in the air through the mouth and nose, considering the anatomical connection between the nasopharynx and lungs, gut microbiome regulates oxidative stress and inflammatory states in the lungs and kidneys. Meanwhile, the intestine participates in the differentiation of T cells and promotes the migration of various immune cells to specific organs. This better explain the occurrence and progression of CKD caused by upper respiratory tract precursor infection and suggests the relationship between the lungs and kidney complications in some autoimmune diseases (e.g., anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies -associated vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus). CKD can also affect the progression of lung diseases (e.g., acute respiratory distress syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). We conclude that damage to the gut barrier appears to contribute to the development of immune-related CKD through gut-lung-kidney interplay, leading us to establish the gut-lung-kidney axis hypothesis. Further, we discuss possible therapeutic interventions and targets. For example, using prebiotics, probiotics, and laxatives (e.g., Rhubarb officinale) to regulate the gut ecology to alleviate oxidative stress, as well as improve the local immune system of the intestine and immune communication with the lungs and kidneys.

Development of a new prognostic index PNPI for prognosis prediction of CKD patients with pneumonia at hospital admission

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pneumonia and chronic kidney disease (CKD), to elucidate potential risk factors, and to develop a new predictive model for the poor prognosis of pneumonia in CKD patients.

Method

We conducted a retrospective observational study of CKD patients admitted to Tongji Hospital between June 2012 and June 2022. Demographic information, comorbidities or laboratory tests were collected. Applying univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, independent risk factors associated with a poor prognosis (i.e., respiratory failure, shock, combined other organ failure, and/or death during hospitalization) for pneumonia in CKD patients were discovered, with nomogram model subsequently developed. Predictive model was compared with other commonly used pneumonia severity scores.

Result

Of 3,193 CKD patients with pneumonia, 1,013 (31.7%) met the primary endpoint during hospitalization. Risk factors predicting poor prognosis of pneumonia in CKD patients were selected on the result of multivariate logistic regression models, including chronic cardiac disease; CKD stage; elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and D-dimer; decreased platelets, PTA, and chloride iron; and significant symptom presence and GGO presentation on CT. The nomogram model outperformed other pneumonia severity indices with AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.80, 0.84) in training set and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.80, 0.86) in testing set. In addition, calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) proved its efficiency and adaptability.

Conclusion

We designed a clinical prediction model PNPI (pneumonia in nephropathy patients prognostic index) to assess the risk of poor prognosis in CKD patients with pneumonia, which may be generalized after more external validation.

Rates of adverse clinical events in patients with chronic kidney disease: analysis of electronic health records from the UK clinical practice research datalink linked to hospital data

BACKGROUND

Further understanding of adverse clinical event rates in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is required for improved quality of care. This study described baseline characteristics, adverse clinical event rates, and mortality risk in patients with CKD, accounting for CKD stage and dialysis status.

METHODS

This retrospective, noninterventional cohort study included data from adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with two consecutive estimated glomerular filtration rates of < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, recorded ≥ 3 months apart, from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink of electronic health records obtained between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2017. Select adverse clinical events, associated with CKD and difficult to quantify in randomized trials, were assessed; defined by Read codes and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. Clinical event rates were assessed by dialysis status (dialysis-dependent [DD], incident dialysis-dependent [IDD], or non-dialysis-dependent [NDD]), dialysis modality (hemodialysis [HD] or peritoneal dialysis [PD]), baseline NDD-CKD stage (3a-5), and observation period.

RESULTS

Overall, 310,953 patients with CKD were included. Comorbidities were more common in patients receiving dialysis than in NDD-CKD, and increased with advancing CKD stage. Rates of adverse clinical events, particularly hyperkalemia and infection/sepsis, also increased with advancing CKD stage and were higher in patients on HD versus PD. Mortality risk during follow-up (1-5-year range) was lowest in patients with stage 3a NDD-CKD (2.0-18.5%) and highest in patients with IDD-CKD (26.3-58.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need to monitor patients with CKD for comorbidities and complications, as well as signs or symptoms of clinical adverse events.

The relationship between renal functions and multi-drug resistant organisms in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia

Objective: Despite the increase in the frequency of multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) colonisation and infection in dialysis patients, it is not well known whether the risk of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pneumonia increases in mild-to-severe chronic kidney disease patients not undergoing dialysis. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between renal functions and the risk of MDR ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and the specific microbial pattern. Patients and Methods: A total of 133 patients who developed VAP were divided according to their renal function into two groups, an estimated glomerular filtration rate of (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/ min/1.73 m2 (high eGFR, n=65) and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (low eGFR, n=68). Results: The low eGFR group presented a significantly high MDRO ratio (p

Infectious consequences of the AKI-to-CKD transition

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with short- and long-term complications but the consequences of the AKI-to-CKD transition are still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the association between the AKI-to-CKD transition and the long-term risk of infection.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients admitted in a tertiary hospital with community-acquired AKI in 2013 and 2014 who had their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assessed at 3 months (±2 weeks) after serum creatinine peaked in the AKI episode. Key exclusion criteria were baseline CKD or confounding factors (active neoplasia, primary immunodeficiency, human immunodeficiency virus, immunosuppressive drugs). The association between the AKI-to-CKD transition (defined as an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at 3 months) and long-term infections (defined using clinical features, blood/urine analysis, cultures and imaging) was assessed during a follow-up of 9 months (range 2-56).

Results

Among the 1731 patients admitted with AKI, 367 (21%) were included in the present analysis (64% male, 71 ± 15 years). Three months after AKI, 159 (43%) developed AKI-to-CKD transition. Baseline and post-AKI eGFR were independent predictors of AKI-to-CKD transition [hazard ratio (HR) 0.97, P = .044 and HR 0.96, P < .001, respectively].During follow-up, 153 (42%) patients developed an infection. Factors associated with infection were older age, cognitive impairment, lower post-AKI eGFR, eGFR loss from baseline to 3 months and AKI-to-CKD transition. Adjusted Cox regression showed that baseline eGFR, 3-month eGFR, eGFR loss and AKI-to-CKD transition were independent predictors of the long-term risk of infection.

Conclusions

The AKI-to-CKD transition independently predicts the long-term risk of infection following an episode of AKI.

Reduced renal function is associated with prolonged hospitalization in frail older patients with non-severe pneumonia

Objective

Pneumonia is a disease with high morbidity and mortality among older individuals in Japan. In practice, most older patients with pneumonia are not required ventilatory management and are not necessarily in critical respiratory condition. However, prolonged hospitalization itself is considered to be a serious problem even in these patients with non-critical pneumonia and have negative and critical consequences such as disuse syndrome in older patients. Therefore, it is essential to examine the factors involved in redundant hospital stays for older hospitalized patients with non-severe pneumonia, many of whom are discharged alive.

Method

We examined hospitalized patients diagnosed with pneumonia who were 65 years and older in our facility between February 2017 and March 2020. A longer length of stay (LOS) was defined in cases in which exceeded the 80th percentile of the hospitalization period for all patients was exceeded, and all other cases with a shorter hospitalization were defined as a shorter LOS. In a multivariate logistic regression model, factors determining longer LOSs were analyzed using significant variables in univariate analysis and clinically relevant variables which could interfere with renal function, including fasting period, time to start rehabilitation, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score of 2 or higher, bed-ridden state.

Results

We analyzed 104 eligible participants, and the median age was 86 (interquartile range, 82–91) years. Overall, 31 patients (30.7%) were bed-ridden, and 37 patients (35.6%) were nursing-home residents. Patients with a Clinical Frailty Scale score of 4 or higher, considered clinically frail, accounted for 93.2% of all patients. In multivariate analysis, for a decrease of 5 ml/min/1.73m² in eGFR, the adjusted odds ratios for longer LOSs were 1.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.44) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

Reduced renal function at admission has a significant impact on prolonged hospital stay among older patients with non-severe pneumonia. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the frail older pneumonia patients with reduced renal function or with chronic kidney disease as a comorbidity at the time of hospitalization to prevent the progression of geriatric syndrome associated with prolonged hospitalization.

Sepsis and the Risks of Long-Term Renal Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Background

Sepsis is known to cause renal function fluctuations during hospitalization, but whether these patients discharged from sepsis were still at greater risks of long-term renal adverse outcomes remains unknown.

Methods

From 2011 to 2018, we included 1,12,628 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) aged ≥ 20 years. The patients with CKD were further divided into 11,661 sepsis group and 1,00,967 non-sepsis group. The following outcome of interest was included: all-cause mortality, readmission for acute kidney injury, estimated glomerular filtration rate decline ≥50% or doubling of serum creatinine, and end-stage renal disease.

Results

After propensity score matching, the sepsis group was at higher risks of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.39, 95% CI, 1.31–1.47], readmission for acute kidney injury (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.58–1.76), eGFR decline ≥ 50% or doubling of serum creatinine (HR 3.34, 95% CI 2.78–4.01), and end-stage renal disease (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.34–1.53) than non-sepsis group.

Conclusions

Our study found that patients with CKD discharged from hospitalization for sepsis have higher risks of subsequent renal adverse events.

The Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project: Fostering improvements in chronic kidney disease care

SCREAM (Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements project) was initiated in 2010 in collaboration with the healthcare provider of Stockholm County healthcare to quantify potential medication errors, estimate the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to illustrate the value of incorporating measures of kidney function into the medical decision process. Because most patients are unaware of their CKD and diagnoses are seldom issued, SCREAM took advantage of the commonness of serum/plasma creatinine testing, which can be used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and classify the stage of CKD severity. SCREAM is periodically updated, and at present contains healthcare information of all residents in Stockholm region during 2006-2019 (about 3 million people), enriched with a broad range of laboratory measurements for those in whom creatinine or albuminuria has been measured (about 1.8 million people). This health information was linked with national administrative and quality registries via the unique personal identification number of each Swedish citizen, conforming the richest characterization in Sweden of the population's journey through health and disease. This review discusses the context of its creation, strengths and weakness, key findings and plans for the future. We summarize our findings related to the burden of CKD in Sweden, its adverse health risks (such as risk of infections, cancer or dementia) and how underlying kidney function alters the risk-benefit ratio of common medications. Results have had clinical impact and demonstrate the importance of population-based research in the spectrum of clinical research to improve health.

The effects of plasma exchange in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of plasma exchange on important outcomes in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials investigating effects of plasma exchange in patients with AAV or pauci-immune rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and at least 12 months' follow-up.

INFORMATION SOURCES

Prior systematic reviews, updated by searching Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL to July 2020.

RISK OF BIAS

Reviewers independently identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS

Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Quality of evidence was summarised in accordance with GRADE methods. Outcomes were assessed after at least12 months of follow-up and included all-cause mortality, end stage kidney disease (ESKD), serious infections, disease relapse, serious adverse events, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Nine trials including 1060 participants met eligibility criteria. There were no important effects of plasma exchange on all-cause mortality (relative risk 0.90 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.27), moderate certainty). Data from seven trials including 999 participants that reported ESKD demonstrated that plasma exchange reduced the risk of ESKD at 12 months (relative risk 0.62 (0.39 to 0.98), moderate certainty) with no evidence of subgroup effects. Data from four trials including 908 participants showed that plasma exchange increased the risk of serious infections at 12 months (relative risk 1.27 (1.08 to 1.49), moderate certainty). The effects of plasma exchange on other outcomes were uncertain or considered unimportant to patients.

LIMITATIONS OF EVIDENCE

There is a relative sparsity of events, and treatment effect estimates are therefore imprecise. Subgroup effects at the participant level could not be evaluated.

INTERPRETATION

For the treatment of AAV, plasma exchange has no important effect on mortality, reduces the 12 month risk of ESKD, but increases the risk of serious infections.

FUNDING

No funding was received.

REGISTRATION

This is an update of a previously unregistered systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2014.

Secondary Immunodeficiency Related to Kidney Disease (SIDKD)-Definition, Unmet Need, and Mechanisms

Kidney disease is a known risk factor for poor outcomes of COVID-19 and many other serious infections. Conversely, infection is the second most common cause of death in patients with kidney disease. However, little is known about the underlying secondary immunodeficiency related to kidney disease (SIDKD). In contrast to cardiovascular disease related to kidney disease, which has triggered countless epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental research activities or interventional trials, investments in tracing, understanding, and therapeutically targeting SIDKD have been sparse. As a call for more awareness of SIDKD as an imminent unmet medical need that requires rigorous research activities at all levels, we review the epidemiology of SIDKD and the numerous aspects of the abnormal immunophenotype of patients with kidney disease. We propose a definition of SIDKD and discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of SIDKD known thus far, including more recent insights into the unexpected immunoregulatory roles of elevated levels of FGF23 and hyperuricemia and shifts in the secretome of the intestinal microbiota in kidney disease. As an ultimate goal, we should aim to develop therapeutics that can reduce mortality due to infections in patients with kidney disease by normalizing host defense to pathogens and immune responses to vaccines.

Nocardia Infection in Nephrotic Syndrome Patients: Three Case Studies and A Systematic Literature Review

Objective

The multicenter literature review and case studies of 3 patients were undertaken to provide an updated understanding of nocardiosis, an opportunistic bacterial infection affecting immunosuppressed nephrotic syndrome (NS) patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant treatment. The results provided clinical and microbiological data to assist physicians in managing nocardiosis patients.

Methods

Three cases between 2017 and 2018 from a single center were reported. Additionally, a systematic review of multicenter cases described in the NCBI PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase in English between January 1, 2001 and May 10, 2021 was conducted.

Results

This study described three cases of Nocardia infection in NS patients. The systematic literature review identified 24 cases with sufficient individual patient data. A total of 27 cases extracted from the literature review showed that most patients were > 50 years of age and 70.4% were male. Furthermore, the glucocorticoid or corticosteroid mean dose was 30.9 ± 13.7 mg per day. The average time between hormone therapy and Nocardia infection was 8.5 ± 9.7 months. Pulmonary (85.2%) and skin (44.4%) infections were the most common manifestations in NS patients, with disseminated infections in 77.8% of patients. Nodule/masses and consolidations were the major radiological manifestations. Most patients showed elevated inflammatory biomarkers levels, including white blood cell counts, neutrophils percentage, and C-reactive protein. Twenty-five patients received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole monotherapy (18.5%) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-based multidrug therapy (74.1%), and the remaining two patients (7.4%) received biapenem monotherapy. All patients, except the two who were lost to follow-up, survived without relapse after antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions

Nephrotic syndrome patients are at high risk of Nocardia infection even if receiving low-dose glucocorticoid during the maintenance therapy. The most common manifestations of nocardiosis in NS patients include abnormal lungs revealing nodules and consolidations, skin and subcutaneous abscesses. The NS patients have a high rate of disseminated and cutaneous infections but a low mortality rate. Accurate and prompt microbiological diagnosis is critical for early treatment, besides the combination of appropriate antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage when needed for an improved prognosis.

mTOR Inhibitors Prevent CMV Infection through the Restoration of Functional αβ and γδ T cells in Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The reported association of mTOR-inhibitor (mTORi) treatment with a lower incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) who are CMV seropositive (R+) remains unexplained.

METHODS

The incidence of CMV infection and T-cell profile was compared between KTRs treated with mTORis and mycophenolic acid (MPA), and in vitro mTORi effects on T-cell phenotype and functions were analyzed.

RESULTS

In KTRs who were R+ and treated with MPA, both αβ and γδ T cells displayed a more dysfunctional phenotype (PD-1+, CD85j+) at day 0 of transplantation in the 16 KTRs with severe CMV infection, as compared with the 17 KTRs without or with spontaneously resolving CMV infection. In patients treated with mTORis (n=27), the proportion of PD-1+ and CD85j+ αβ and γδ T cells decreased, when compared with patients treated with MPA (n=44), as did the frequency and severity of CMV infections. mTORi treatment also led to higher proportions of late-differentiated and cytotoxic γδ T cells and IFNγ-producing and cytotoxic αβ T cells. In vitro, mTORis increased proliferation, viability, and CMV-induced IFNγ production of T cells and decreased PD-1 and CD85j expression in T cells, which shifted the T cells to a more efficient EOMES^low Hobit^high profile. In γδ T cells, the mTORi effect was related to increased TCR signaling.

CONCLUSION

Severe CMV replication is associated with a dysfunctional T-cell profile and mTORis improve T-cell fitness along with better control of CMV. A dysfunctional T-cell phenotype could serve as a new biomarker to predict post-transplantation infection and to stratify patients who should benefit from mTORi treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

Proportion of CMV Seropositive Kidney Transplant Recipients Who Will Develop a CMV Infection When Treated With an Immunosuppressive Regimen Including Everolimus and Reduced Dose of Cyclosporine Versus an Immunosuppressive Regimen With Mycophenolic Acid and Standard Dose of Cyclosporine A (EVERCMV), NCT02328963.

Burden of kidney disease on the discrepancy between reasons for hospital admission and death: An observational cohort study

Background

Physicians have long noted a substantial discrepancy between the reasons for hospital admission and ultimate causes of death, particularly among older adults or patients with complex underlying diseases. However, objective data on this phenomenon are lacking. We aimed to examine the risk of in-hospital death caused by a reason other than the original reason for hospitalization and its association with underlying kidney disease in a nationwide inpatient database.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we studied 639,556 Japanese adults who died in the hospital from 2012 to 2015, using data from Japan’s Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We analyzed the discrepancy rate between reasons for hospital admission and death and associated factors using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic codes and seven related categories.

Results

Among non-chronic kidney disease (CKD) (590,551), CKD (24,708), and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) (24,297) patients, the median age was 77 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 67–84 years), 83 years (IQR: 75–88), and 75 years (IQR: 67–81), and 25.7%, 30.3%, and 41.6% died from a reason other than the original reason for hospitalization, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses determined CKD/ESKD as the predominant risk factor for this discrepancy, rather than older age, male sex, obesity, and other comorbidities. Sankey diagrams that presented diagnostic changes from hospital admission to death revealed multiple wider segments connecting to different disease classifications, particularly to congestive and septic death in CKD and ESKD patients, respectively. Death owing to another disease classification led to an increase in the median length of hospital stay by 5–7 days and to a 1.3-–1.4-fold increase in medical costs across the populations.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of patients with CKD and ESKD died during hospitalization for a reason other than their original reason for admission, leading to increased length of hospital stay and cost.

Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia and Mortality in Patients with Dysphagia

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To identify risk factors for pneumonia incidence in patients with dysphagia undergoing a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) in an outpatient tertiary-care center.

STUDY DESIGN

Historical cohort study.

METHODS

All individuals undergoing a VFSS between 10/02/13 and 07/30/15 were identified and followed historically for 2 years. Demographic information, medical history, and fluoroscopic data were collected. The 2-year incidence of pneumonia was obtained from the medical records and telephone interview. The incidence of pneumonia and death were calculated and risk factors for pneumonia and mortality were ascertained.

RESULTS

689 patients were followed for 2 years. The mean age (±standard deviation) of the cohort was 65 (±15.5) years. 49% (338/689) were female. The most common causes of dysphagia were cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (270/689), head and neck cancer (175/689), and neurodegenerative disease (56/689). The incidence of pneumonia was 22% (153/689). The incidence of death was 11%. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder [COPD] (odds ratio [OR] = 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-4.19), hypertension (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.23-2.73), tracheotomy status (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.09-7.99), and vallecular residue (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.24-2.85) were all significantly associated with an elevated risk of pneumonia. Kidney disease (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-9.9), COPD (OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.65-6.49), vallecular residue (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.35-4.1), male gender (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.25-3.92), and low body mass index (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.19) were independent adjusted risk factors for death.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of aspiration pneumonia (22%) and death (11%) within 2-years of a VFSS was high. The greatest adjusted risk factors for incident pneumonia were tracheotomy (OR = 3.0), COPD (OR = 2.4) and vallecular residue (OR = 1.9). The greatest adjusted risk factors for death were COPD (OR = 3.3), vallecular residue (OR = 2.3), and male gender (OR = 2.2).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Increased vulnerability to COVID-19 in chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

The significance of chronic kidney disease on susceptibility to COVID-19 and subsequent outcomes remains unaddressed.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on risk of contracting COVID-19 and subsequent adverse outcomes.

METHODS

Rates of hospital-diagnosed COVID-19 were compared across strata of eGFR based on conditional logistic regression using a nested case-control framework with 1:4 matching of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with controls from the Danish general population on age, gender, diabetes and hypertension. Risk of subsequent severe COVID-19 or death was assessed in a cohort study with comparisons across strata of eGFR based on adjusted Cox regression models with G-computation of results to determine 60-day risk standardized to the distribution of risk factors in the sample.

RESULTS

Estimated glomerular filtration rate was inversely associated with rate of hospital-diagnosed COVID-19: eGFR 61-90 mL/min/1.73m² HR 1.13 (95% CI 1.03-1.25), P = 0.011; eGFR 46-60 mL/min/1.73m²   HR 1.26 (95% CI 1.06-1.50), P = 0.008; eGFR 31-45 mL/min/1.73m² HR 1.68 (95% CI 1.34-2.11), P < 0.001; and eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73m² 3.33 (95% CI 2.50-4.42), P < 0.001 (eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73m² as reference), and renal impairment was associated with progressive increase in standardized 60-day risk of death or severe COVID-19; eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73m² 13.9% (95% CI 9.7-15.0); eGFR 90-61 mL/min/1.73m² 16.1% (95% CI 14.5-17.7); eGFR 46-60 mL/min/1.73m² 17.8% (95% CI 14.7-21.2); eGFR 31-45 mL/min/1.73m² 22.6% (95% CI 18.2-26.2); and eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73m² 23.6% (95% CI 18.1-29.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal insufficiency was associated with progressive increase in both rate of hospital-diagnosed COVID-19 and subsequent risk of adverse outcomes. Results underscore a possible vulnerability associated with impaired renal function in relation to COVID-19.

Kidney Function, Kidney Function Decline, and the Risk of Dementia in Older Adults: A Registry-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

Community-based reports regarding the association between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and dementia risk show conflicting results. The aim of this study is to investigate the links among kidney function, kidney function decline, and dementia incidence.

METHODS

We analyzed the association of eGFR with the risk of dementia (defined as a new dementia diagnosis or initiation of dementia treatments) among 329,822 residents of Stockholm who accessed health care during 2006 to 2011, were ≥65 years of age, had no history of dementia, or underwent kidney replacement therapy. We also estimated the rate of eGFR decline among 205,622 residents with repeated eGFR measurements during the first year of observation and investigated its association with subsequent dementia risk.

RESULTS

We detected 18,983 cases of dementia (5.8% of participants) over a median follow-up of 5 years. Dementia incidence rates were progressively higher with lower eGFR: from 6.56/1,000 person-years in those with eGFR of 90 to 104 mL/min to 30.28/1,000 person-years in those with eGFR <30 mL/min. After multivariable adjustment, lower eGFR was associated with a higher dementia risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54-1.91 in eGFR 30-59 mL/min; HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.91-3.58 in eGFR <30 mL/min) compared with eGFR of 90 to 104 mL/min. A steeper decline in eGFR (decline >2 mL/min/1.73 m2/y) within 1 year was associated with higher dementia risk. Risk magnitudes were stronger for vascular dementia than for Alzheimer dementia. As many as 10% (95% CI 6%-14%) of dementia cases could be attributed to eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, a proportion higher than that attributed to other dementia risk factors such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Both lower kidney function and steeper kidney function decline are associated with the development of dementia.

Beyond Bone: Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Parathyroid Disorders

Parathyroid disorders are characterized by alterations in calcium and phosphate homeostasis due to inappropriately high or low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Despite PTH receptor type 1 has been described in almost all immune lineages and calcium signalling has been confirmed as a crucial mediator for immune response, in vitro studies on the physiological interactions between PTH and immunity are conflicting and not representative of the clinical scenarios seen in patients with parathyroid disorders. Infectious diseases are among the main causes of increased morbidity and mortality in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and chronic kidney disease. More, immune alterations have been described in primary hyperparathyroidism. Recent studies have unveiled an increased risk of infections also in hypoparathyroidism, suggesting that not only calcium, but also physiological levels of PTH may be necessary for a proper immune response. Finally, calcium/phosphate imbalance could affect negatively the prognosis of infectious diseases. Our review aimed to collect available data on infectious disease prevalence in patients with parathyroid disorders and new evidence on the role of PTH and calcium in determining the increased risk of infections observed in these patients.

Short- and long-term outcomes after incident pneumonia in adults with chronic kidney disease: a time-dependent analysis from the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurement project

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the health sequelae of pneumonia in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

We studied adults with CKD in Stockholm during 2006-11, who not previously been diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox regression with pneumonia as a time-varying exposure to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for the events of death, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), acute kidney injury (AKI), CKD progression or hospitalization for urinary tract infections (UTIs)/sepsis. Cataract and knee/joint replacement served as negative control outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 71 931 adults (mean age 79 years, 59% women), of whom 8379 (12%) were diagnosed with pneumonia during follow-up; incident pneumonia was associated with 10 times higher adjusted mortality risk during the first 90 days [HR = 10.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.5-10.5] and double the mortality beyond 90 days from pneumonia diagnosis (HR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.9-2.1). Incident pneumonia was similarly associated with higher adjusted risk of MACE (<90 days: HR = 12.6; 95% CI 12.0-13.3; ≥90 days: HR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.4-1.6). The adjusted risk of CKD progression and UTI/sepsis hospitalization was highest within 90 days from pneumonia but remained elevated thereafter. For AKI, the association with incident pneumonia was only seen within 90 days. Neither cataract nor knee/joint replacement was related to pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Incident pneumonia was associated with increased risks of MACE, CKD progression, severe UTI/sepsis and death, with risks highest soon after pneumonia diagnosis but extending beyond 90 days. Our findings highlight the susceptibility for adverse outcomes of CKD patients following pneumonia diagnosis, and may inform clinical decisions regarding vaccination strategies.

Uraemia-induced immune senescence and clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more prone to develop premature age-related diseases. Data on immune senescence are scarce in CKD populations, except in end-stage renal disease and dialysis. We designed a longitudinal prospective study to evaluate immune senescence at different CKD stages and its influence on CKD patient outcomes.

METHODS

Clinical and biological data collections were performed on 222 patients at different CKD stages [1-2 (n = 85), 4 (n = 53) and 5 (n = 84)]. Immune senescence biomarkers were measured by cytometry on T cells (CD28, CD57, CD45RA, CD31, γH2A.X) or by quantitative polymerase chain reaction [relative telomere length (RTL)] on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and analysed according to CKD stages and outcomes.

RESULTS

CKD was associated with an increase in immune senescence and inflammation biomarkers, as follows: low thymic output (197 ± 25 versus 88 ± 13 versus 73 ± 21 CD4+CD45RA+CD31+ T cells/mm3), an increased proportion of terminally differentiated T cells (CD8+CD28-CD57+) (24 ± 18 versus 32 ± 17 versus 35 ± 19%) restricted to cytomegalovirus-positive patients, telomere shortening (1.11 ± 0.36 versus 0.78 ± 0.24 versus 0.97 ± 0.21 telomere:single copy ratio) and an increase in C-reactive protein levels [median 2.9 (range 1.8-4.9) versus 5.1 (27-9.6) versus 6.2 (3.4-10.5) mg/L]. In multivariate analysis, shorter RTL was associated with death {hazard ratio [HR] 4.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-11.75]}. Low thymic output was associated with infections [HR 1.79 (95% CI (1.34-9.58)] and terminally differentiated CD8+ T-cell expansion with a risk of cardiovascular events [CEs; HR 4.86 (95% CI 1.72-13.72)].

CONCLUSION

CKD was associated with premature immune ageing. Each of these alterations increased the risk of specific age-related diseases, such as RTL and death, thymic function and infections and terminally differentiated CD8+ T-cell expansion and CEs.

Hospitalization With Major Infection and Incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the incidence of infectious diseases increases the long-term risk for incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the general population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 10,290 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study who attended visit 4 (1996-1998), we evaluated the association of incident hospitalization with major infections (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, bloodstream infection, and cellulitis and osteomyelitis) with subsequent risk for ESRD through September 30, 2015. Hospitalization with major infection was entered into multivariable Cox models as a time-varying exposure to estimate the hazard ratios.

RESULTS

Mean age was 63 years, and of 10,290 individuals, 56% (n=5781) were women, 22% (n=2252) were black, and 7% (n=666) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. During a median follow-up of 17.4 years, there were 2642 incident hospitalizations with major infection and 281 cases of ESRD (132 cases after hospitalization with major infection). The risk for ESRD was higher following major infection compared with while free of major infection (crude incidence rate, 10.9 vs 1.0 per 1000 person-years). In multivariable time-varying Cox analysis, hospitalization with major infection was associated with a 3.3-fold increased risk for ESRD (hazard ratio, 3.34; 95% CI, 2.56-4.37). The association was similar across pneumonia, urinary tract infection, bloodstream infection, and cellulitis and osteomyelitis, and remained significant across subgroups of age, sex, race, diabetes, history of cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalization with major infection was independently and robustly associated with subsequent risk for ESRD. Whether preventive approaches against infection have beneficial effects on kidney outcomes may deserve future investigations.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Risk of Hospitalization with Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease: The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study

BACKGROUND

Risk of infectious disease is increased among individuals with CKD. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is often elevated in CKD, and may impair immune function directly or indirectly through proinflammatory and vitamin D-suppressing pathways. Whether FGF23 is associated with risk of infection has not been evaluated in a CKD population.

METHODS

In 3655 participants of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study, we evaluated the association of baseline plasma levels of C-terminal FGF23 with time to first hospitalization with major infection, defined by hospital discharge with a diagnosis code for urinary tract infection, pneumonia, cellulitis/osteomyelitis, or bacteremia/septicemia. Multivariable Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 6.5 years, 1051 individuals (29%) were hospitalized with major infection. Multivariable Cox analysis indicated a graded increase in the risk of infection with higher levels of FGF23 (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.85 with the highest quartile [≥235.9 RU/ml] versus lowest quartile [<95.3 RU/ml]; HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.35 per SD increment in log FGF23). The association was consistent across infection subtypes and demographic and clinical subgroups, and remained significant after additional adjustment for biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and albumin), and bone mineral metabolism (25-hydroxyvitamin D, phosphorus, calcium, and parathyroid hormone). The association was consistent across infection subtypes of urinary tract infection (482 cases), cellulitis/osteomyelitis (422 cases), pneumonia (399 cases), and bacteremia/septicemia (280 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Among individuals with CKD, higher FGF23 levels were independently and monotonically associated with an increased risk of hospitalization with infection.

Risk of bloodstream infection in patients with renal dysfunction: a population-based cohort study

Although patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are known to be at high risk for developing bloodstream infections (BSI), the risk associated with lesser degrees of renal dysfunction is not well defined. We sought to determine the risk for acquiring and dying from community-onset BSIs among patients with renal dysfunction. A retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted among adult residents without ESRD in the western interior of British Columbia. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were determined for cases and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated using prevalence estimates. Overall, 1553 episodes of community-onset BSI were included of which 39%, 32%, 17%, 9%, 2% and 1% had preceding eGFRs of ≥90, 60-89, 45-59, 30-44, 15-29 and <15 ml/min/m2, respectively. As compared to those with eGFR ≥60 ml/min/m2, patients with eGFR 30-59 ml/min/m2 (IRR 4.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9-4.9) and eGFR <30 ml/min/m2 (IRR 7.0; 95% CI 5.0-9.5) were at significantly increased risk for the development of community-onset BSI. An eGFR <30 ml/min/m2 was an independent risk factor for death (odds ratio 2.3; 95% CI 1.01-5.15). Patients with renal dysfunction are at increased risk for developing and dying from community-onset BSI that is related to the degree of dysfunction.

Inflammatory Markers and Incidence of Hospitalization With Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease

Persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of infection. While low-grade inflammation could impair immune response, it is unknown whether inflammatory markers are associated with infection risk in this clinical population. Using 2003-2013 data from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study (3,597 participants with CKD), we assessed the association of baseline plasma levels of 4 inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)) with incident hospitalization with major infection (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis and osteomyelitis, and bacteremia and sepsis). During follow-up (median 7.5 years), 36% (n = 1,290) had incident hospitalization with major infection. In multivariable Cox analyses with each inflammatory marker modeled as a restricted cubic spline, higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were monotonically associated with increased risk of hospitalization with major infection (for 95th vs. 5th percentile, hazard ratio = 2.11 (95% confidence interval: 1.68, 2.66) for IL-6 and 1.88 (95% confidence interval: 1.51, 2.33) for TNF-α), while corresponding associations for IL-1RA or TGF-β were nonsignificant. Thus, higher plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, but not IL-1RA or TGF-β, were significantly associated with increased risk of hospitalization with major infection. Future studies should investigate whether inflammatory pathways that involve IL-6 and TNF-α increase susceptibility to infection among individuals with CKD.

Stratified risks of infection-related hospitalization in patients with chronic kidney disease - A prospective cohort study

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of infection, but whether the risks are attenuated in different patient groups remains unclear. This study enrolled participants with CKD stages 1-3 in the New Taipei City Health Screening Program between 2005 and 2008. A proportional hazard regression model was employed to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for infection-related hospitalization and mortality in younger (<50-year-old) and older (≥50-year-old) CKD patients. Of 119,871 adults, there were 14,207 cases of first hospitalization for infection during a median follow-up of 8.14 years; 45.5% of these cases were younger patients. Unlike CKD stage 1 and 2 patients, the risk of infection-related hospitalization in younger CKD stage 3 patients is as high as for older CKD stage 3 patients. Proteinuria increases the risk of infection-related hospitalization independent of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels in older CKD patients but this relationship is weak in their younger counterparts. In conclusion, the risk of infection-related hospitalization is high in subgroups of CKD patients. Prevention and treatment of infections in these patients merit more attention.

From Severe Herpes Zoster to Rare Suid Herpesvirus Encephalitis: A New Twist of the Varicellovirus Genus Infection in Patients with Kidney Diseases

Both the herpes zoster virus and suid herpesvirus type 1 (SuHV-1) belong to the Varicellovirus genus of the α-herpesviridae subfamily. They may cause opportunistic infections especially in patients with kidney diseases, varying from latent illness to overt lethality. Under these circumstances, impaired renal function is both the culprit for and victim of the infection. However, fulminant eruption of severe skin herpes zoster in lupus nephritis (LN) patients under prolonged immunosuppressive therapy is rare and even more rarely seen is the SuHV-1 encephalitis in human. Facing the evolution of these rare infections, we hence chose to review the clinical pathogenicity of these two viruses which were cognate in origin but distinct in virulence. As such, we began with the first of the two above viral diseases and proceeded with peculiar renal involvement, unique clinical symptoms and pertinent lethal risk. Of importance, LN was used to exemplify the reciprocally detrimental interactions between impaired renal function and suppressed immune response. Then in a manner similar to the gradient overlay, SuHV-1 encephalitis was discussed focusing on its neurotropic features, specific MRI findings and exclusive test of high throughput sequencing. Our report highlighted novel presentations of the Varicellovirus genus infection by providing a productive multidisciplinary communication with pointed disclosure of the renal involvement. It may therefore be of great medical relevance and educational value for clinicians, especially the unseasoned ones, to foresee and manage similar cases in susceptible patients.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Associations of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin and Natriuretic Peptide With Subsequent Risk of Infection in Persons Without Cardiovascular Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Whether persons without prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) but elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are at high risk of infection is unknown. Using 1996-2013 data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, we estimated hazard ratios for incident hospitalization with infection in relation to plasma hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP concentrations among participants without prevalent CVD and contrasted them with hazard ratios for persons with prevalent CVD (coronary heart disease, heart failure, or stroke). In a multivariable Cox model, prevalent CVD was significantly associated with risk of hospitalization with infection (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19, 1.45). Among participants without prevalent CVD, hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were independently associated with infection risk in a graded fashion (e.g., HR = 1.44 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.69) for hs-cTnT ≥14 ng/L and HR = 1.28 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.44) for hs-cTnT 9-13 ng/L vs. <3 ng/L; HR = 1.57 (95% CI: 1.35, 1.81) for NT-proBNP ≥248.1 pg/mL and HR = 1.19 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.34) for NT-proBNP 137.2-248.0 pg/mL vs. <48.1 pg/mL). The 15-year cumulative incidences of hospitalization with infection were similar for participants with prevalent CVD and participants who did not have prevalent CVD but had hs-cTnT ≥14 ng/L or NT-proBNP ≥248.1 pg/mL. Thus, hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were independently associated with infection risk. Persons without CVD but with elevated hs-cTnT or NT-proBNP levels should be recognized to have similar infection risks as persons with prevalent CVD.

[Premature immune senescence and chronic kidney disease: Update and perspectives]

Immune senescence is associated with age-related diseases (i.e. infectious disease, cardiovascular diseases and cancers). Chronic kidney disease patients die prematurely when compared with general population, because of a higher occurrence of infections, cardiovascular events and cancer. These diseases are commonly observed in the elderly population and frequently associated with immune senescence. Indeed, chronic kidney disease causes a premature aging of the T lymphocyte compartment, widely related to a decrease in thymic function, a phenomenon that plays a key role in the onset of age-related diseases in chronic kidney disease patients. The degree of immune senescence also influences patients' outcome after renal transplantation, particularly the risk of acute rejection and infections. Partial reversion of pre-transplant immune senescence is observed for some renal transplant patients. In conclusion, to reduce the increasing incidence of morbidity and mortality of chronic kidney disease patients, a better knowledge of uremia-induced immune senescence would help to pave the way to build clinical studies and promote innovative therapeutic approaches. We believe that therapeutic reversion and immune senescence prevention approaches will be part of the management of chronic kidney disease patients in the future.

Impact of urinary tract infection on nursing and healthcare-associated pneumonia

Nursing and healthcare-associated pneumonia (NHCAP), a concept of pneumonia proposed by the Japanese Respiratory Society, mostly occurs among elderly people in long-term care facilities. Similarly, the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) also increases with age, with UTIs common among those in long-term care. Therefore, NHCAP is sometimes complicated by the presence of a UTI. However, pneumonia complicated by a UTI has not been clinically well characterized. We retrospectively analyzed 376 patients with NHCAP admitted to our hospital over a three-year period. Sixty-seven patients (17.8%) showed complications by a UTI. Patients with a UTI had lower renal function (higher blood urea nitrogen [P = 0.001], higher creatinine [P = 0.001]), lower systolic blood pressure (P = 0.04), higher A-DROP scores (P = 0.005) and higher positive blood culture rates (P = 0.03) than those without a UTI. Furthermore, based on urine, sputum and blood culture results, nearly half of the microorganisms (4/7) in blood cultures were identical with those of urine, suggesting that a concurrent UTI increases positive blood culture rates. Multivariate analysis showed that UTI was not an independent factor associated with 30-day mortality (P = 0.17), although patients with a UTI showed higher 30-day mortality (P = 0.04) than those without a UTI in univariate analysis. In summary, patients with NHCAP and a UTI were more prone to complications than those without a UTI, although UTI itself did not affect the prognosis of patients with NHCAP. A concurrent UTI had a negative impact on the severity of NHCAP.

Point of Care eGFR and the Prediction of Outcomes in Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality. Severity-assessment scores in pneumonia guide treatment crucially, but the ones currently in existence are limited in their use. Community-based studies demonstrated the association between pre-existing low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and outcomes in pneumonia. However, whether a single emergency department-eGFR measurement could predict outcomes in pneumonia remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study included 1554 patients hospitalized with pneumonia. The predictor was the first eGFR measurement. Outcomes included mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, durations of hospital and ICU stay, and ventilator use. Receiver operating characteristic curves was used to determine optimal cutoff values to predict mortality. Of 1554 patients, 263 had chronic kidney disease, demonstrated higher C-reactive protein and SMART-COP scores, and had more multilobar pneumonia, acute kidney injury, ICU admission, and mortality. Patients with higher pneumonia severity scores tended to have lower eGFR. For predicting in-hospital mortality, the optimal eGFR cutoff value was 56 mL/min/1.73 m². eGFR < 56 mL/min/1.73 m² had an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.6–4.0) for mortality by multivariate logistic regression. In Conclusion, eGFR < 56 mL/min/1.73 m² is an independent predictor of mortality, indicating that even mild renal impairment affects the outcome of pneumonia adversely.

Nocardiosis in Kidney Disease Patients under Immunosuppressive Therapy: Case Report and Literature Review

The increased use of novel and powerful immunosuppressive drugs in kidney diseases may concomitantly expose the patients to higher risk of opportunistic infections, some of which still remain underdiagnosed thus mishandled. As such, we recently had a less prepared encounter of pulmonary nocardial infection in an ANCA-associated renal vasculitis patient under steroid therapy. Despite the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials including micafungin, the infection was still unbridled and eventually culminated in lethal brain abscess. We thus chose to renew the knowledge of the clinical features, imaging manifestations, differential diagnosis, specific laboratory tests and unique treatment about this rare infection in kidney diseases patients under immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, CT images of easily confused pulmonary lesions superimposed on kidney diseases were also retrieved from our depository. Moreover, impaired renal function as a risk factor for infection and pharmacological options for the treatment were also focused. By sharing our hard-learnt experience and reviewing the literatures, our report may contribute to the awareness among the clinicians in general and nephrologists in particular of this rare disease in susceptible patients and facilitate a swift thus life-saving treatment.

Microbial etiology of pneumonia in patients with decreased renal function

Background

Patients with renal impairment have altered immunity, which might cause vulnerability to specific pathogens and worsen pneumonia-related outcomes. Nonetheless, the microbiological features of pneumonia in patients with decreased renal function remain unknown.

Methods

Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study enrolling adult patients hospitalized with pneumonia to assess this knowledge gap. The baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and first sputum microbiology during hospitalization were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Overall, 1554 patients hospitalized with pneumonia (mean age, 76.1 ± 16.7) were included, and 162 patients had died at the end of hospitalization. The cutoff eGFR value predicting mortality was <55 mL/min/1.73 m², which defined decreased renal function in this study. Patients with decreased renal function demonstrated a significantly higher risk of fungi and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection. On the other hand, this group of patients showed significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which associated with higher mortality. Additionally, patients with S. aureus had a significantly lower eGFR, lymphocyte count and a higher NLR.

Conclusions

These findings suggested the altered immunity and vulnerability to S. aureus infection in patients with decreased renal function, which may be the underlying cause of worse outcomes of pneumonia in this group of patients.