Accidental falls and risk of mortality among older adults on chronic peritoneal dialysis

Interventions to reduce falls among dialysis patients: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Despite all available evidence regarding increased morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients due to falls and their complications, and an increase in risk factors for falls, relatively little attention has been focused on evidence-based interventions that can reduce falls. We evaluated the effectiveness of fall prevention interventions among dialysis patients.

METHODS

We searched Ovid-Medline, Ovid-Embase, PubMed, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) from inception to 19 July 2023 for studies that evaluated the effectiveness of fall prevention interventions among dialysis patients. The search, screening and extraction of data followed standardised processes and the methodological quality of studies was independently assessed by two reviewers. Data was analysed using a narrative synthesis approach.

RESULTS

Of the 18 studies that had full text review, five were eligible. Three studies were performed in the USA and one each in UK and Japan. Four studies were conducted in outpatient hemodialysis centres and one in a hospital-based nephrology unit. Reported sample sizes ranged from 51 to 96 participants per study with a follow-up period of 3 to 35 months. There was moderate-quality evidence that exercises reduce the rate of falls compared to usual care and low to moderate quality of evidence that multifactorial falls prevention interventions reduce the rate of falls. However, treatment effects could not be quantitatively estimated for all interventions due to substantial heterogeneity of included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review reflects that there is insufficient evidence regarding falls prevention strategies specific to dialysis patients. Available data based on low to moderate quality studies, suggest that among dialysis patients, exercises may reduce falls and the effectiveness of multifactorial interventions such as staff and patient education still need to be explored using high-quality prospective studies.

Mortality risk factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis in a nursing home

AIM

This study aimed to verify the impact of low body mass index (BMI) on mortality in nursing home residents undergoing hemodialysis and to clarify other associated mortality risk factors.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients admitted to a nursing home affiliated with Nagasaki Renal Center between April 2014 and March 2022. Medical data were collected on admission, and participants were divided into low and high BMI groups according to their median BMI values. The patients were followed up until March 2023. The association between survival and patient history was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 106 patients (average age, 81.3 ± 7.9 years; male, 36.8%; median dialysis vintage, 32.5 [interquartile range (IQR), 13.8-79.3] months), 52 and 54 were classified into the low (median < 18.4 kg/m2 ) and high (≥18.4 kg/m2 ) BMI groups, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that BMI (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.94; P < 0.001) was closely associated with survival. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that dementia was associated with low BMI (odds ratio: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.07-7.83, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Low BMI was an important factor contributing to poor patient survival. Dementia was associated with low BMI. Therefore, the management of both nutrition and dementia is essential for nursing home residents undergoing hemodialysis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 660-664.

An International Survey of Peritoneal Dialysis Exercise Practices and Perceptions

Introduction

Low activity levels and poor physical function are associated with technique failure and mortality in people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Adequate levels of physical function are required to maintain independence for people choosing this predominantly home-based therapy. The objective of this study was to identify the exercise-related perceptions and practices of PD clinicians globally.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PD clinicians from English-, Thai-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking PD-prevalent countries exploring clinicians' perceptions and practices of swimming, activity following PD catheter insertion, lifting, and falls prevention. This study was convened by the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis and Global Renal Exercise Network between July and December 2021.

Results

Of 100 of the highest PD-prevalent countries, 85 responded and were represented in the findings. A total of 1125 PD clinicians (448 nephrologists, 558 nephrology nurses, 59 dietitians, and 56 others) responded from 61% high-income, 32% upper middle-income and 7% lower middle-income countries. The majority (n = 1054, 94%) agreed that structured exercise programs would be beneficial for people receiving PD. Most respondents believed people on PD could perform more exercise (n = 907, 81%) and that abdominal strengthening exercises could be safely performed (n = 661, 59%). Compared to clinicians in high-income countries, clinicians from lower middle-income status (odds ratio [OR], 5.57; 1.64 to 18.9) are more likely to promote participation in physical activity.

Conclusion

Clinicians know the importance of physical activity in people receiving PD. Exercise counseling and structured exercise plans could be included in the standard care of people receiving PD to maintain independence.

Uremic Sarcopenia

"Uremic sarcopenia" refers to a progressive decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function despite normal skeletal muscle physiology in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sarcopenia involves multiple risk factors, comprising immunological changes, hormonal, metabolic acidosis, reduced protein intake, and physical inactivity. All these risk factors, along with complex pathophysiological mechanisms including ubiquitin, insulin/IGF-1, myostatin, and indoxyl sulfate, activate downstream pathways that ultimately increase muscle degradation while reducing muscle regeneration. Uremic sarcopenia not only affects the quality of life but also increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD. Of all the treatment modalities, aerobic and resistance exercise have shown prevention and reduced rate of muscle degeneration. A variety of pharmacological agents have been tried to target different steps in the known pathogenetic pathways, including the use of androgens and anabolic steroids, correction of vitamin D deficiency, use of growth hormone supplementation, and suppression of the ubiquitin pathway. Though some of these techniques have had beneficial results in animal experiments, human trials are still sparse. This review article relates to recent publications that describe the abnormalities in skeletal muscle that primarily leads to muscle wasting and its consequences in patients with CKD.

Risk factors for early death in urgent-start peritoneal dialysis patients: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Assess risk factors for early death in patients who underwent urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (USPD).

METHODS

Patients who initiated USPD in five peritoneal dialysis centers from 2013 to 2019 were screened in this multicenter retrospective cohort study. Risk factors for all-cause mortality within 3 months were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 1265 USPD patients with 43 early deaths were included. Cox regression analyses showed that age older than 60 years (hazard ratio [HR], 3.054; 95% CI [1.597, 5.842]; p = 0.001), albumin less than 30 g/L (HR, 2.234; 95%CI [1.207, 4.136]; p = 0.011), blood glucose greater than 7 mmol/L (HR, 2.766; 95%CI [1.477, 5.180]; p = 0.001), higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; HR, 1.121; 95%CI [1.071, 1.172]; p = 0.000), and poor stages of heart failure (class IV compared with class 0-I; HR, 5.165; 95%CI [2.544, 10.486]; p = 0.000) were independent predicting factors for early death.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for early death were older age, hypoproteinemia, hyperglycemia, higher eGFR, and severe heart failure.

Difficulty in activities of daily living and falls in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A cross-sectional study with nondialysis controls

INTRODUCTION

Impaired activities of daily living (ADL) and falls are important issues in hemodialysis patients. So far, information is limited regarding self-reported difficulty with ADL (ADL difficulty) in hemodialysis patients. Then, we compared the degree of ADL difficulty and the prevalence of fallers between hemodialysis patients and a nondialyzed control group. Also, the possible association between ADL difficulty and falls was examined.

METHODS

This was a single center, cross-sectional study including two groups of outpatients aged 50 years or older; 209 prevalent hemodialysis patients, and 139 nonrenal patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and/or dyslipidemia (control group). ADL difficulty score was evaluated by a 48-item questionnaire including six subscales of ADLs namely locomotion, eating, toileting, dressing, bathing, and grooming. Experience of falls in the previous year period was examined by a questionnaire.

FINDINGS

The two groups did not differ significantly in age or sex. The hemodialysis group had a higher median (interquartile range) total score of ADL difficulty than the control group [10 (2-39) vs. 2 (0-10); p < 0.001] and a higher prevalence of fallers (73/209, 34.9% vs. 16/139, 11.5%; p < 0.001). In multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyses, history of falls was independently associated with a higher score of ADL difficulty for total or each of the six subscales.

DISCUSSION

The hemodialysis patients had a significantly higher ADL difficulty and a higher prevalence of fallers than the control group. Self-reported ADL difficulty and falls were closely linked regardless of the patient group.

Early-start and conventional-start peritoneal dialysis: a Chinese cohort study on outcome

Background

Early-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective option for patients need unplanned dialysis. However, there are few studies on the long-term prognosis of early-start PD patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 635 eligible patients from 1 March 1996 to 30 September 2016 were included, and divided into three groups according to the duration of break-in period: 3 days or less, 4–13 days and more than 14 days. Patients started PD within 2 weeks and after 2 weeks were defined as early-start and conventional-start, respectively. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome measures were peritonitis free survival and technical survival. Mechanical and infectious complications in the first 180 days were also analyzed.

Results

Early-start PD patients were more likely to have higher serum total carbon dioxide and creatinine levels and lower serum albumin, Kt/v, creatinine clearance (Ccr) and residual glomerular filtration rate (rGFR) levels at the start of PD. The median follow-up period was 30 months (interquartile range, 13-53 months). A worse survival was observed in the early-start group than that in the conventional-start group (p < 0.001), even adjustment for the covariates (HR 1.549, 95%CI 1.104–2.173, p = 0.011). In the subgroup analysis, in patients commencing PD after 2006 early-start and conventional-start PD patients had comparable survival. No differences were observed in the rate of infectious and mechanical complications, peritonitis-free survival and technique survival between early-start and conventional-start PD patients.

Conclusions

Early-start PD could be a safe and effective strategy for patients needing unplanned dialysis initiation with the progress of technology on PD.

Risk of Serious Falls Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study

The association between serious falls and dialysis modality [hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD)] is unclear. A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study with 127,823 end-stage renal disease patients aged over 18 years was conducted with the unmatched cohort of 101,304 HD and 7,584 PD patients retrieved from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database during 2000-2013. A total of 7,584 HD and 7,584 PD patients matched at 1:1 ratio by propensity score were enrolled to the study. Serious falls were defined by the diagnostic codes, E code, and image studies. Cox regression model and competing-risk model were used for statistical analysis. HD patients were older and had more comorbidities at baseline than PD patients. After matching and adjustment, HD patients had a higher risk of serious falls than PD patients [sHR 1.27 (95% CI 1.06-1.52)]. Females, elders, a history of falls before dialysis, comorbidity with stroke or visual problems, using diuretics, α-blockers, and mydriatics were associated with higher risks of serious falls among dialysis patients. The risk of serious falls was higher in HD patients than PD patients. Health professionals should create age-friendly environments, reduce unnecessary medications, and raise patients' awareness of falls in daily life.

An Exercise Program for Peritoneal Dialysis Patients in the United States: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

People with end-stage kidney disease receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) are generally physically inactive and frail. Exercise studies in PD are scarce and currently there are no PD exercise programs in the United States. The primary objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a combined resistance and cardiovascular exercise program for PD patients under the care of a dedicated home dialysis center in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

Parallel randomized controlled feasibility study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

PD patients were recruited from a single center and randomly assigned to the intervention (exercise; n = 18) or control (nonexercise; n = 18) group.

INTERVENTION

The intervention group received monthly exercise physiologist consultation, exercise prescription (resistance and aerobic exercise program using exercise bands), and 4 exercise support telephone calls over 12 weeks. The control group received standard care.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was study feasibility as measured by eligibility rates, recruitment rates, retention rates, adherence rates, adverse events, and sustained exercise rates. Secondary outcome measures were changes in physical function (sit-to-stand test, timed-up-and-go test, and pinch-strength tests) and patient-reported outcome measures.

RESULTS

From a single center with 75 PD patients, 57 (76%) were deemed eligible, resulting in a recruitment rate of 36 (63%) patients. Participants were randomly assigned into 2 groups of 18 (1:1). 10 patients discontinued the study (5 in each arm), resulting in 26 (72%) patients, 13 in each arm, completing the study. 10 of 13 (77%) intervention patients were adherent to the exercise program. A t test analysis of covariance found a difference between the treatment groups for the timed-up-and-go test (P = 0.04) and appetite (P = 0.04). No serious adverse events caused by the exercise program were reported.

LIMITATIONS

Single center, no blinded assessors.

CONCLUSIONS

A resistance and cardiovascular exercise program appears feasible and safe for PD patients. We recommend that providers of PD therapy consider including exercise programs coordinated by exercise professionals to reduce the physical deterioration of PD patients.

FUNDING

None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03980795.

Postural balance, muscle strength, and history of falls in end-stage renal disease patients living with a kidney transplant: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

End-stage renal disease patients living with a kidney transplant (KT) often present with frailty, functional disability, and mobility impairments that may result in a high risk of falls. Postural balance and muscle strength are implicated in the etiology of falls in the geriatric population, and both may be impaired in KT patients.

RESEARCH QUESTION

We conducted a cross-sectional investigation to estimate the prevalence of falls, as well as to explore the association between postural balance, muscle strength and history of falls in end-stage renal disease patients living with a KT.

METHODS

Fifty-nine prevalent KT patients (age = 53.2 ± 11 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants were classified as fallers/non-fallers and underwent an objectively-measured assessment of postural balance on a stabilometric platform in eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and dual-task (DT) conditions. Center of pressure (CoP) variables were taken for the analysis. In addition, participants underwent isometric (IM) and isokinetic (IK) assessments of lower limb muscle strength on a multi-joint evaluation system.

RESULTS

Thirty-four percent of the study participants reported at least one fall in the previous 12 months. In logistic regression analysis, CoP velocity in EO (OR: 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.06-1.43, p = .007), and IK ankle dorsiflexion strength (OR: 0.87, 95 % CI: 0.77-0.99, p = .034) were independently associated with increased odds of falling.

SIGNIFICANCE

This cross-sectional study indicates that patients living with a KT presented with a prevalence of falls indicative of a high risk of falling. Postural balance and muscle strength are exercise-modifiable factors and further research is warranted to establish to what extent these measures may be implicated in the etiology of falling in this patient group.

Sarcopenia and relationships between muscle mass, measured glomerular filtration rate and physical function in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5

Background

Sarcopenia and poor physical function are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our aim was to investigate the relationships between muscle mass and measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and between muscle mass and strength and balance, respectively, in patients with CKD stages 3-5.

Methods

This is a baseline data analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 148 adult patients with an estimated GFR <30 mL/min/1.72 m2, not on renal replacement therapy, irrespective of the number of comorbidities were included from the Department of Nephrology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, from 2011 to 2016. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). GFR was measured by iohexol clearance. Balance was measured by functional reach and the Berg balance test and strength by handgrip strength and isometric quadriceps strength.

Results

Measured GFR ranged from 8 to 55 mL/min/1.73 m2. Lean mass (P < 0.05), fat mass (P < 0.05), appendicular skeletal muscle (P < 0.001) and appendicular skeletal muscle index (P < 0.05) were associated with GFR. Functional reach was associated with leg lean mass (P < 0.05) and the Berg balance test score was associated with trunk lean mass (P < 0.05). Handgrip strength was associated with arm lean mass (P < 0.001). Isometric quadriceps strength was associated with leg lean mass (P < 0.001). More men (44%) suffered from low muscle mass than women (22%), whereas more women (36%) suffered from low muscle strength than men (26%). However, when combining both, men (16%) suffered from sarcopenia to a greater extent than women (8%).

Conclusions

Among patients with CKD stages 3-5, loss of lean body mass, especially appendicular skeletal muscle, was significantly related to GFR decline. Two important markers of physical function, balance and strength, were significantly related to muscle mass. Moreover, men were more prone to sarcopenia than women during kidney function decline.

The prevalence and impact of falls in elderly dialysis patients: Frail elderly Patient Outcomes on Dialysis (FEPOD) study

BACKGROUND

As the numbers of older patients on dialysis rise, geriatric problems such as falling become more prevalent. We aimed to assess the prevalence of falls and the impact on mortality and quality of life in frail elderly patients on assisted PD (aPD) and hemodialysis (HD) from the FEPOD Study.

METHODS

Data on falls and quality of life were collected with questionnaires at baseline and every six months during 2-year follow-up. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with falls. Additionally, we performed a review of literature concerning the relation between falls and poor outcome.

RESULTS

Baseline fall data were available for 203 patients and follow-up data for 114 patients. Dialysis modality was equally distributed (49% HD and 51% aPD). Mean (SD) age was 75 ± 7 years. Fall rate was 1.00 falls/patient year, comparable in HD and aPD. Falls led to fear of falling, resulting in less activities in 68% vs 42% (p < 0.01) and leaving the house less in 59% vs 31% (p < 0.01) of patients. Patients with diabetes mellitus were twice as likely to report falls at baseline (OR 1.91 [95%CI 1.00-3.63], p = 0.05) and falls at baseline were associated with falls during follow-up (OR 2.53 [95%CI 1.06-6.04] p = 0.03). Literature revealed frailty was a strong risk factor for falling and falling results in a higher mortality and hospitalization rate.

CONCLUSION

Falls were frequent in older dialysis patients and have a negative impact on quality of life. Fall incidence is comparable between aPD and HD.

Accidental falling in community-dwelling elderly with chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and accidental falling in elderly patients who visited the day clinic of the department of geriatric medicine of the University of Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU).

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis with people aged ≥ 65 years of the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort was performed. Patients were stratified into different stages of kidney disease (< 45, 45-59, and ≥ 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between chronic kidney disease and falling.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 1000 participants with a mean age 79.4 (± 6.6) years, of whom 38% had an eGFR of < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and 17% < 45 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Univariate analysis showed a significant higher prevalence [odds ratio 1.75 (95% confidence interval 1.21-2.53; p ≤ 0.01)] of falling in the population with an eGFR < 45 ml/min per 1.73 m2 compared to patients with an eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. After correcting for multiple potential confounders in the multivariate analysis, this association was no longer present.

CONCLUSIONS

In geriatric patients ≥ 65 years, patients with a decreased eGFR fall more often than patients with a preserved kidney function. This seems to be related with the risk profile of patients with CKD and not with a decreased eGFR itself, as after correcting for potential confounders no association remained. Nevertheless, accidental falling is a highly prevalent problem in the elderly CKD population. Therefore, nephrologists should actively ask about accidental falling, and thereby screen for high-risk patients.

Long-Term Factors Associated With Falls and Fractures Poststroke

Background

Risk factors for poststroke falls and fractures remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate which factors increased risk of these events after stroke.

Methods

Data from 7,267 hospitalized stroke patients were acquired from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Stroke Register from 2003–2015. The impacts of multiple patient level and stroke characteristics and comorbidities on post-discharge falls and fractures were assessed. Univariate and multivariable models were constructed, adjusting for multiple confounders, using binary logistic regression for short-term analysis (up to 1-year post-discharge) and Cox-proportional hazard models for longer term analysis (1–3, 3–5, and 0–10 years follow-up).

Results

The mean age (SD) was 76.3 ± 12.1 years at baseline. 1,138 (15.7%) participants had an incident fall; and 666 (9.2%) an incident fracture during the 10-year follow-up (total person years = 64,447.99 for falls and 67,726.70 for fractures). Half of the sample population were females (50.6%) and the majority had an ischemic stroke (89.8%). After adjusting for confounders: age, sex, previous history of falls, and atrial fibrillation were associated with an increased risk of both falls and fractures during follow-up. Furthermore, chronic kidney disease and hyperlipidemia were associated with an increased risk of falls, while previous stroke/transient ischemic attack increased fracture risk. Total anterior circulation stroke and a prestroke modified Rankin Scale score of 3–5 were associated with decreased risk of both events, with hypertension and cancer decreasing risk of falls only.

Conclusion

We identified demographic, stroke-related, and comorbid factors associated with poststroke falls and fracture incidence. Further studies are required to examine and establish the relationship between reversible factors and further explore the role of preventative measures to prevent poststroke falls and fractures.

Risk of falls in chronic kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is known to be an important risk factor for accidental, low-energy falls especially among elder individuals. The high incidence of falls is a major cause of morbidity and mortality with a substantial annual cost. Patients suffering from CKD are more prone to fall and develop fractures than the general population. Multiple risk factors have been identified and analyzed in order to explain this fact, such as drug combination, diabetes mellitus, orthostatic hypotension, vitamin D deficiency, sarcopenia and anemia, all very common in CKD. In this mini review of published evidence, we tried to search and present a complete aspect of the problem called 'Falls in Chronic Kidney Disease', focusing especially on the risk factors, discussing each one separately and its association with low- energy falls. Concluding, we discuss potential therapies and treatment goals based on the pathophysiology of CKD and accidental falls and propose new fields of investigation.

Ensuring Patient Safety During the Transition to ESRD

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk for complications both inherent to the disease and as a consequence of its treatment. The dangers that CKD patients face change across the spectrum of the disease. Providers who are well-versed in these safety threats are best poised to safeguard patients as their CKD progresses.

Association of Nondisease-Specific Problems with Mortality, Long-Term Care, and Functional Impairment among Older Adults Who Require Skilled Nursing Care after Dialysis Initiation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The majority of older adults who initiate dialysis do so during a hospitalization, and these patients may require post-acute skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. For these patients, a focus on nondisease-specific problems, including cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, exhaustion, falls, impaired mobility, and polypharmacy, may be more relevant to outcomes than the traditional disease-oriented approach. However, the association of the burden of nondisease-specific problems with mortality, transition to long-term care (LTC), and functional impairment among older adults receiving SNF care after dialysis initiation has not been studied.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We identified 40,615 Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years old who received SNF care after dialysis initiation between 2000 and 2006 by linking renal disease registry data with the Minimum Data Set. Nondisease-specific problems were ascertained from the Minimum Data Set. We defined LTC as ≥100 SNF days and functional impairment as dependence in all four essential activities of daily living at SNF discharge. Associations of the number of nondisease-specific problems (≤1, 2, 3, and 4-6) with 6-month mortality, LTC, and functional impairment were examined.

RESULTS

Overall, 39.2% of patients who received SNF care after dialysis initiation died within 6 months. Compared with those with ≤1 nondisease-specific problems, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for mortality were 1.26 (1.19 to 1.32), 1.40 (1.33 to 1.48), and 1.66 (1.57 to 1.76) for 2, 3, and 4-6 nondisease-specific problems, respectively. Among those who survived, 37.1% required LTC; of those remaining who did not require LTC, 74.7% had functional impairment. A higher likelihood of transition to LTC (among those who survived 6 months) and functional impairment (among those who survived and did not require LTC) was seen with a higher number of problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying nondisease-specific problems may help patients and families anticipate LTC needs and functional impairment after dialysis initiation.

Association of Reduced eGFR and Albuminuria with Serious Fall Injuries among Older Adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Falls are common and associated with adverse outcomes in patients on dialysis. Limited data are available in earlier stages of CKD.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We analyzed data from 8744 Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study participants ≥65 years old with Medicare fee for service coverage. Serious fall injuries were defined as a fall-related fracture, brain injury, or joint dislocation using Medicare claims. Hazard ratios (HRs) for serious fall injuries were calculated by eGFR and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). Among 2590 participants with CKD (eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) or ACR≥30 mg/g), cumulative mortality after a serious fall injury compared with age-matched controls without a fall injury was calculated.

RESULTS

Overall, 1103 (12.6%) participants had a serious fall injury over 9.9 years of follow-up. The incidence rates per 1000 person-years of serious fall injuries were 21.7 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 20.3 to 23.2), 26.6 (95% CI, 22.6 to 31.3), and 38.3 (95% CI, 31.2 to 47.0) at eGFR levels ≥60, 45-59, and <45 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), respectively, and 21.3 (95% CI, 20.0 to 22.8), 31.7 (95% CI, 27.5 to 36.5), and 42.2 (95% CI, 31.3 to 56.9) at ACR levels <30, 30-299, and ≥300 mg/g, respectively. Multivariable adjusted HRs for serious fall injuries were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.76 to 1.09) and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.86 to 1.37) for eGFR=45-59 and <45 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), respectively, versus eGFR≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.54) and 1.81 (95% CI, 1.30 to 2.50) for ACR=30-299 and ≥300 mg/g, respectively, versus ACR<30 mg/g. Among participants with CKD, cumulative 1-year mortality rates among patients with a serious fall and age-matched controls were 21.0% and 5.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated ACR but not lower eGFR was associated with serious fall injuries. Evaluation for fall risk factors and fall prevention strategies should be considered for older adults with elevated ACR.

Geriatric Assessment, Falls and Rehabilitation in Patients Starting or Established on Peritoneal Dialysis

Individuals aged over 70 years at the time of starting dialysis have a varied and often challenging existence on dialysis. Canadian data suggest those starting dialysis between the ages of 75 and 79 years will have an average life expectancy of 3.2 years, while based on US data, patients can expect an average life expectancy of 25 months. A substantial proportion of these patients will, however, experience transient or permanent loss of personal independence within the first few months to years on dialysis. Preliminary data from patients recently started on peritoneal dialysis (PD) suggest patients and families adapt, but that the adaptation often involves limiting activities and altering the social role the patient has within the family. As data emerge, it will be possible to hypothesize whether this adaptation is beneficial in the long term, or whether these adaptations are permissive, allowing the patient to play a sick role leading to an accelerated transition to frailty and possibly death. Future research will hopefully inform us whether the functional dependency can be identified early and whether it is preventable. In the interim, repair rather than prevention is possible through rehabilitation. We therefore advocate that programs providing PD care consider the integration of protocols whereby patients may undergo formal evaluation to identify those who would benefit from walking or personal care aids, rehabilitation interventions, and, when needed, personal support.

Equivalent Fall Risk in Elderly Patients on Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis

♦

BACKGROUND

Accidental falls are common in the hemodialysis (HD) population. The high fall rate has been attributed to a combination of aging, kidney disease-related morbidity, and HD treatment-related hazards. We hypothesized that patients maintained on peritoneal dialysis (PD) would have fewer falls than those on chronic HD. The objective of this study was to compare the falls risk between cohorts of elderly patients maintained on HD and PD, using prospective data from a large academic dialysis facility. ♦

METHODS

Patients aged 65 years or over on chronic in-hospital HD and PD at the University Health Network were recruited. Patients were followed biweekly, and falls occurring within the first year recorded. Fall risk between the 2 groups was compared using both crude and adjusted Poisson lognormal random effects modeling. ♦

RESULTS

Out of 258 potential patients, 236 were recruited, assessed at baseline, and followed biweekly for falls. Of 74 PD patients, 40 (54%) experienced 86 falls while 76 out of 162 (47%) HD patients experienced a total of 305 falls (crude fall rate 1.25 vs 1.60 respectively, odds ratio [OR] falls in PD patients 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61 - 0.92, p = 0.04). After adjustment for differences in comorbidity, number of medications, and other demographic differences, PD patients were no less likely to experience accidental falls than HD patients (OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.88 - 3.04, p = 0.1). ♦

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that accidental falls are equally common in the PD population and the HD population. These data argue against post-HD hypotension as the sole contributor to the high fall risk in the dialysis population.

Bone is Not Alone: the Effects of Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, collectively called "sarcopenia." Sarcopenia is associated with hospitalizations and mortality in CKD and is therefore important to understand and characterize. While the focus of skeletal health in CKD has traditionally focused on bone and mineral aberrations, it is now recognized that sarcopenia must also play a role in poor musculoskeletal health in this population. In this paper, we present an overview of skeletal muscle changes in CKD, including defects in skeletal muscle catabolism and anabolism in uremic tissue. There are many gaps in knowledge in this field that should be the focus for future research to unravel pathogenesis and therapies for musculoskeletal health in CKD.

Comparison of Subdural Hematoma Risk between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients with ESRD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study compared the risk of subdural hematoma (SDH) and subsequent mortality in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with ESRD.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Claims data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Administration Research Database in Taiwan. This retrospective cohort study comprised 10,136 PD patients and 10,136 HD patients with newly diagnosed ESRD from 1998 to 2010. Patients were matched by propensity score and year of dialysis initiation. Incidence rates and hazard ratios of SDH as well as odds ratios of subsequent 30-day deaths from SDH were evaluated from the date of the first dialysis session to the date when SDH was diagnosed, or the date of renal transplantation, death, withdraw from insurance, or the end of the follow-up period (December 31, 2011).

RESULTS

Median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) follow-up times for SDH events were 3.61 years (1.91, 6.33) and 3.33 years (1.83, 5.66) in the HD and PD cohorts, respectively. The overall SDH incidence rate (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) was 61.4% higher in the HD cohort than in the PD cohort (34.7 [95% CI, 31.4 to 35.4] versus 21.5 [95% CI, 20.2 to 22.9] per 10,000 person-years, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.62 [95% CI, 1.17 to 2.33]). Approximately 152 of 253 (60%) of SDH events were associated with trauma. Subsequent 30-day SDH-related mortality was not statistically higher in HD patients than in PD patients (29.1% versus 25.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.70 to 2.41).

CONCLUSIONS

HD patients have a higher risk of developing SDH than PD patients. Both patient groups have a high risk of mortality. Routine education on fall prevention is needed for dialysis patients.