Diabetes and Trajectories of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate: A Prospective Cohort Analysis of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Time in target range of systolic blood pressure and eGFR slope in patients with type 2 diabetes

Time in target range (TTR) of systolic blood pressure is a novel measure to assess the effect of blood pressure control. However, few studies have explored the renoprotective value of systolic TTR in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We analyzed the database of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) blood pressure (BP) trial. The systolic target range was established as 120-140 and 110-130 mm Hg for the standard group and intensive therapy, respectively. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to evaluate the relationship between systolic blood pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope. After adjusting for covariates, systolic TTR showed a significant and positive association with two measures of eGFR slope (n = 4327, P < 0.04). The correlation of systolic TTR and eGFR slope was notably stronger in CKD patients (n = 1635) compared to those without (P for interaction < 0.05). When analyzing systolic TTR as a categorical variable, participants with CKD in the highest systolic TTR quantile had a significantly positive relationship with eGFR slope (P ≤ 0.0001). These findings were consistently observed across further subgroup analyses. Among T2D patients, systolic TTR exhibited a significant and positive relation to eGFR slope, with a stronger relationship noted in individuals diagnosed with CKD. This underscores the critical role of stable blood pressure control for renoprotection in patients with T2D, particularly in those with CKD. (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00000620).

ACSL4 predicts rapid kidney function decline in patients with diabetic kidney disease

Background

Ferroptosis of kidney tubular epithelial cells contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). An increase in the enzyme long-chain fatty acid CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4) favors ferroptosis. However, the association between ACSL4 in renal tubules and kidney outcomes of patients with DKD is unknown.

Methods

To investigate the predictive property of ACSL4 in rapid kidney function decline in patients with DKD, a retrospective cohort of 72 biopsy-proven DKD patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 23 months. Tubular expression levels of ACSL4 in the renal biopsy specimens from 72 DKD patients and 12 control subjects were measured using immunohistochemistry staining. The associations between the ACSL4 level and clinical characteristics as well as rapid kidney function decline defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope ≤ -5 ml/min/1.73m2/year were analyzed.

Results

ACSL4 was mainly expressed in tubular epithelial cells. The tubular ACSL4 expression levels in the DKD patients were significantly higher than those in the control subjects. ACSL4 was positively correlated with proteinuria and negatively correlated with albumin and hemoglobin at the time of the renal biopsy. During the follow-up time period, the median eGFR slope of these DKD patients was -2.30 ml/min/1.73m2/year. ACSL4 was negatively correlated with the eGFR slope. The top tertile of baseline ACSL4 was found to identify the subjects with DKD who were at high risk for rapid kidney function decline and a similar significant relationship was found using ACSL4 levels as a continuous variable.

Conclusions

ACSL4 was associated with a rapid progression of DKD and may serve as a novel pathological biomarker.

Nomenclature of renal involvement in diabetes mellitus: unify to manage diversity

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease leading to kidney failure and premature death. Over the years, the nomenclature of kidney involvement in diabetes mellitus has evolved, driven both by the understanding that the phenotype may be more diverse than initially thought and by pragmatism. In clinical practice, most patients with diabetes mellitus do not undergo a comprehensive work-up (including kidney biopsy and genetic testing) to exclude the presence or coexistence of additional factors or other kidney diseases. Furthermore, the inclusion criteria for successful kidney protection clinical trials that are the basis of current guidelines covered a wide range of kidney phenotypes under the label of "diabetes and kidney disease," without requiring proactive efforts to exclude other nephropathies. The aim of this review is to provide a critical review of the most common chronic kidney disease phenotypes in the context of diabetes mellitus and discuss the evolving nomenclature. Various topics are discuss diabetic kidney disease, classic diabetic nephropathy, regression of albuminuria, rapid progression, non-albuminuric and non-proteinuric kidney disease, the connections between and the impact of aging on these phenotypes and a glimpse into future phenotypes resulting from proactive prevention rather than reactive treatment of kidney disease in diabetes.

Long-term trajectory of estimated glomerular filtration rate in ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: clinical insights and prognostic implications

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies have evaluated renal function decline in patients with heart failure (HF), there is limited evidence on long-term renal trajectories, especially in patients with concomitant HF and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of renal function decline over an extended follow-up period in a well-characterized cohort of patients with HF and T2D.

METHODS

This is a post hoc subanalysis of a prospective registry involving ambulatory patients with HF and T2D referred to a specialized HF clinic. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed at baseline and during scheduled follow-up visits every three months using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula. Loess curves were plotted for predefined subgroups, and multivariable longitudinal Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between eGFR trajectories and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 1,114 patients with HF and T2D were included, with a mean age of 69.3 ± 10.3 years, and 68.2% were men. In total, 10,830 scheduled creatinine measurements were analysed, with a mean of 15.8 ± 9.4 measurements per patient. A significant progressive decline in the eGFR was observed, with an average annual rate of - 2.05 (95% CI - 2.11 to - 1.95, p < 0.001) ml/min/1.73 m2. Subgroup analysis indicated that older age, nonischaemic HF aetiology, HFpEF or HFmrEF, poor glycaemic control, and higher baseline eGFRs were associated with a more pronounced decline in renal function. Furthermore, a decrease in the eGFR was independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers novel insights into long-term renal function trajectories in patients with HF and T2D and identifies key clinical factors associated with accelerated renal decline. Future research is warranted to validate these results in larger, more diverse cohorts and to explore potential therapeutic interventions.

Metabolomics profiling in multi-ancestral individuals with type 2 diabetes in Singapore identified metabolites associated with renal function decline

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This study aims to explore the association between plasma metabolites and chronic kidney disease progression in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive metabolomic analysis in a prospective cohort study of 5144 multi-ancestral individuals with type 2 diabetes in Singapore, using eGFR slope as the primary outcome of kidney function decline. In addition, we performed genome-wide association studies on metabolites to assess how these metabolites could be genetically influenced by metabolite quantitative trait loci and performed colocalisation analysis to identify genes affecting both metabolites and kidney function.

RESULTS

Elevated levels of 61 lipids with long unsaturated fatty acid chains such as phosphatidylethanolamines, triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, ceramides and deoxysphingolipids were prospectively associated with more rapid kidney function decline. In addition, elevated levels of seven amino acids and three lipids in the plasma were associated with a slower decline in eGFR. We also identified 15 metabolite quantitative trait loci associated with these metabolites, within which variants near TM6SF2, APOE and CPS1 could affect both metabolite levels and kidney functions.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study identified plasma metabolites associated with prospective renal function decline, offering insights into the underlying mechanism by which the metabolite abnormalities due to fatty acid oversupply might reflect impaired β-oxidation and associate with future chronic kidney disease progression in individuals with diabetes.

Prevalence and clinical determinants of rapid eGFR decline among patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in the western world. Rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline is an independent predictor of ESKD and death in the general population and in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

AIM

We investigated in a large sample of subjects with newly diagnosed T2D the prevalence and clinical determinants of fast eGFR decline, taking advantage from the dataset of the Associazione Medici Diabetologi (AMD) Annals initiative.

METHODS

The eGFR trajectories were evaluated by applying a linear mixed model for repeated measures (LMMRM) and rapid eGFR decline defined as an eGFR decline greater than 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year at 3 years.

RESULTS

Among 105,163 (57.7% M) subjects with newly diagnosed T2D, 13,587 (12.9 %) subjects showed a rapid eGFR loss. The independent significant predictors were age, female gender, HbA1c, smoking, high baseline eGFR, albuminuria and retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that a significant percentage of newly diagnosed T2D subjects have a rapid eGFR decline. Given the association between dynamic changes in eGFR and the risk of ESKD or death, we suggest to include this variable in the definition of CKD.

Population-based reference values for kidney function and kidney function decline in 25- to 95-year-old Germans without and with diabetes

Understanding normal aging of kidney function is pivotal to help distinguish individuals at particular risk for chronic kidney disease. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is typically estimated via serum creatinine (eGFRcrea) or cystatin C (eGFRcys). Since population-based age-group-specific reference values for eGFR and eGFR-decline are scarce, we aimed to provide such reference values from population-based data of a wide age range. In four German population-based cohorts (KORA-3, KORA-4, AugUR, DIACORE), participants underwent medical exams, interview, and blood draw up to five times within up to 25 years. We analyzed eGFRcrea and eGFRcys cross-sectionally and longitudinally (12,000 individuals, age 25-95 years). Cross-sectionally, we found age-group-specific eGFRcrea to decrease approximately linearly across the full age range, for eGFRcys up to the age of 60 years. Within age-groups, there was little difference by sex or diabetes status. Longitudinally, linear mixed models estimated an annual eGFRcrea decline of -0.80 [95% confidence interval -0.82, -0.77], -0.79 [-0.83, -0.76], and -1.20 mL/min/1.73m2 [-1.33, -1.08] for the general population, "healthy" individuals, or individuals with diabetes, respectively. Reference values for eGFR using cross-sectional data were shown as percentile curves for "healthy" individuals and for individuals with diabetes. Reference values for eGFR-decline using longitudinal data were presented as 95% prediction intervals for "healthy" individuals and for individuals with diabetes, obesity, and/or albuminuria. Thus, our results can help clinicians to judge eGFR values in individuals seen in clinical practice according to their age and to understand the expected range of annual eGFR-decline based on their risk profile.

Agile 3+ and Agile 4 scores predict chronic kidney disease development in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Despite the development of transient elastography (TE)-based Agile scores for diagnosing fibrotic burden in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), their applicability in predicting kidney outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between liver fibrotic burden, as assessed by Agile scores, and the risk of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with MASLD.

METHODS

A total of 3240 participants with MASLD but without pre-existing CKD who underwent TE between July 2006 and October 2018 were selected. The primary outcome was incident CKD, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or proteinuria (≥1+ on dipstick) on two consecutive measurements. The secondary outcome was a 25% decline in eGFR measured on two consecutive visits.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 3.6 years, 187 participants (5.8%) developed incident CKD. When stratified into three groups according to Agile 3+ scores, multivariable Cox models revealed that risk of incident CKD was 2.77-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.89-4.07; p < 0.001) higher in the high-risk group (Agile 3+ >0.68), compared to the low-risk group (Agile 3+ <0.45). During a median follow-up of 3.4 years, the high-risk group had a 2.41-fold higher risk (95% CI, 1.86-3.12; p < 0.001) of experiencing the secondary outcome, compared to the low-risk group. Similar findings were observed for Agile 4 scores. Prediction testing revealed that Agile scores were better predictors of kidney outcomes, compared to liver stiffness measured by TE.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with MASLD, but without CKD, advanced liver fibrosis measured by Agile scores was significantly associated with a higher risk of incident CKD.

Ten years trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a multiethnic cohort of people with type 1 diabetes and preserved renal function

OBJECTIVES

We aim to evaluate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) patterns of progression in a multiethnic cohort of people with type I diabetes mellitus and with baseline eGFR ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2.

DESIGN

Observational cohort.

SETTING

People with a clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, attending two university hospital-based outpatient diabetes clinics, in South London between 2004 and 2018.

PARTICIPANTS

We studied 1495 participants (52% females, 81% white, 12% African-Caribbean and 7% others).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical measures including weight and height, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and laboratory results (such as serum creatinine, urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), HbA1c were collected from electronic health records (EHRs) and eGFR was estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration. Ethnicity was self-reported.

RESULTS

Five predominantly linear patterns/groups of eGFR trajectories were identified. Group I (8.5%) had a fast eGFR decline (>3 mL/min/1.73 m2 year). Group II (23%) stable eGFR, group III (29.8%), groups IV (26.3%) and V (12.4%) have preserved eGFR with no significant fall. Group I had the highest proportion (27.6%) of African-Caribbeans. Significant differences between group I and the other groups were observed in age, gender, HbA1C, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol and urine ACR, p<0.05 for all. At 10 years of follow-up, 33% of group I had eGFR <30 and 16.5%<15 (mL/min/1.73 m2).

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct trajectories of eGFR were observed in people with type 1 diabetes. The group with the highest risk of eGFR decline had a greater proportion of African-Caribbeans compared with others and has higher prevalence of traditional modifiable risk factors for kidney disease.

Exploring auditory temporal resolution and dichotic listening skills among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The study aimed to explore the auditory temporal resolution and dichotic listening skills in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and identify associated health-related factors. Using a cross-sectional design, 87 adults with T2DM and 48 non-diabetic controls, all with normal hearing, participated. The two central auditory processing (CAP) skills were assessed through the Gaps-In-Noise (GIN) and Dichotic-Digits Listening (DDL) tests. T2DM participants underwent blood tests to measure various health-related factors. In the GIN test, the shortest gap threshold (GapTh) obtained across both ears was significantly higher in the diabetic group (9.1 ± 2.4 ms) compared to the non-diabetic group (7.5 ± 1.5 ms), and the score of correctly identified gaps (GapSc) in the diabetic group (45±11 %) was significantly lower than GapSc in the non-diabetic group (52±9 %), p < 0.001. In the DDL test, the free-recall score (73.8 ± 18.5 %) across both ears and the right-ear advantage (-1.3 ± 20.6 %) in the diabetic group were significantly lower than the free-recall score (85.8 ± 11.9 %) and right-ear advantage (6.9 ± 11.9 %) in the non-diabetic group, p < 0.005. Furthermore, the duration of diabetes, eGFR level, retinopathy, carotid plaque, fasting blood glucose level, and HDL-C (good cholesterol) level were factors significantly associated with performances in the GIN and/or DDL tests for T2DM participants. In conclusion, individuals with T2DM are at risk of reduced auditory processing skills in temporal resolution and dichotic listening, impacting their speech understanding. Six health-related factors were identified as significantly associated with CAP skills in T2DM patients.

Retrospective analysis of the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes in the real world

Introduction

The protective effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on the kidneys has been widely recognized. However, limited research has reported the changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of real-world patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over time after administration of SGLT-2 inhibitors. This study aimed to reflect the trend of eGFR changes over time in T2DM patients having different baseline eGFR after SGLT-2 inhibitors administration in the real world.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study was performed in a tertiary public hospital in Beijing, China. In total, 998 outpatients with T2DM who initiated SGLT-2 inhibitors treatment were included in the study. The changes in eGFR, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), and glycolipid metabolism indicators were analyzed during the 18-month follow-up period.

Results

The eGFR levels significantly decreased to their lowest point (-3.04 mL/min/1.73 m2) in the first 3 months after initiation of SGLT-2 inhibitors treatment, however, gradually returned to the baseline level after 1 year. Compared to the subgroup with eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m2, improvements in renal function were more significant in patients with T2DM from the 60 < eGFR ≤90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and eGFR ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroups after treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors. Similarly, SGLT-2 inhibitors reduced the UACR in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Conclusion

This study further confirmed the real-world long-term protective effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on the kidneys of patients with T2DM, which is not related to baseline renal function and blood glucose.

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.

The 10-Year Effects of Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Kidney Outcomes

Rationale & Objective

Limited data exist on longitudinal kidney outcomes after nonsurgical obesity treatments. We investigated the effects of intensive lifestyle intervention on kidney function over 10 years.

Study Design

Post hoc analysis of Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) randomized controlled trial.

Setting & Participants

We studied 4,901 individuals with type 2 diabetes and body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 enrolled in Look AHEAD (2001-2015). The original Look AHEAD trial excluded individuals with 4+ urine dipstick protein, serum creatinine level of >1.4 mg/dL (women), 1.5 mg/dL (men), or dialysis dependence.

Exposures

Intensive lifestyle intervention versus diabetes support and education (ie, usual care).

Outcome

Primary outcome was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, mL/min/1.73 m2) slope. Secondary outcomes were mean eGFR, slope, and mean urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR, mg/mg).

Analytical Approach

Linear mixed-effects models with random slopes and intercepts to evaluate the association between randomization arms and within-individual repeated measures of eGFR and UACR. We tested for effect modification by baseline eGFR.

Results

At baseline, mean eGFR was 89, and 83% had a normal UACR. Over 10 years, there was no difference in eGFR slope (+0.064 per year; 95% CI: -0.036 to 0.16; P = 0.21) between arms. Slope or mean UACR did not differ between arms. Baseline eGFR, categorized as eGFR of <80, 80-100, or >100, did not modify the intervention's effect on eGFR slope or mean.

Limitations

Loss of muscle may confound creatinine-based eGFR.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved kidney function, intensive lifestyle intervention did not change eGFR slope over 10 years. Among participants with baseline eGFR <80, lifestyle intervention had a slightly higher longitudinal mean eGFR than usual care. Further studies evaluating the effects of intensive lifestyle intervention in people with kidney disease are needed.

Decreasing lifetime prevalence of diabetes-related foot ulcers in Norway: repeated cross-sectional population-based surveys from the HUNT study (1995-2019)

Background and aims

Diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) are a persistent healthcare challenge, impacting both patients and healthcare systems, with adverse effects on quality of life and productivity. Our primary aim was to examine the trends in lifetime prevalence of DFU, as well as other micro- and macrovascular complications in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway.

Methods

This study consists of individuals ≥20 years with diabetes participating in the population-based cross-sectional HUNT surveys (1995-2019). Prevalence ratios, comparing the lifetime prevalence of DFU and other relevant micro- and macrovascular complications between the HUNT surveys, were calculated using Poisson regression.

Results

The lifetime prevalence (95% confidence interval (CI)) of a DFU requiring three or more weeks to heal was 11.0% (9.5-12.7) in HUNT2, 7.5% (6.3-8.8) in HUNT3 and 5.3% (4.4-6.3) in HUNT4. The decrease in DFU prevalence from 1995 to 2019 was observed in both men and women, for all age groups, and for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The highest lifetime prevalence of DFU was found among those with type 1 diabetes. The decrease in HbA1c from HUNT2 to HUNT4 did not differ between those with and without a DFU. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (eGFR categories G3-G5)) increased in both individuals with and without a DFU.

Conclusion

Results from the HUNT surveys show a substantial decline in the lifetime prevalence of DFU from 1995 to 2019.

Role of perirenal adiposity in renal dysfunction among CKD individuals with or without diabetes: a Japanese cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

It remains unclear whether increased perirenal fat (PRF) accumulation is equally related to renal involvement in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). We evaluated the association between PRF volume (PRFV) and low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria in people with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 473 individuals without T2DM (non-DM, n=202) and with T2DM (DM, n=271). PRFV (cm3), obtained from non-contrast CT, was indexed as PRF index (PRFV/body surface area, cm3/m2). Multivariate-adjusted models were used to determine the ORs of PRFV and PRFV index for detecting estimated GFR (eGFR) decrease of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 proteinuria onset, or both.

RESULTS

Although body mass index (BMI), visceral fat area, and waist circumference were comparable between the non-DM and DM groups, kidney volume, PRFV, and PRFV index were higher in individuals with T2DM than in those without T2DM. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, hypertension, smoking history, and visceral fat area ≥100 cm2, the cut-off values of PRFV index were associated with an eGFR<60 in individuals with DM (OR 6.01, 95% CI 2.20 to 16.4, p<0.001) but not in those without DM.

CONCLUSIONS

PRFV is associated with low eGFR in patients with T2DM but not in those without T2DM. This suggests that PRF accumulation is more closely related to the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) than non-DKD. Clarifying the mechanisms through which PRF influences DKD development could pave the way for novel prevention and treatment strategies.

Two-Year Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Initial Triple Combination of Metformin, Sitagliptin, and Empagliflozin in Drug-Naïve Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

BACKGRUOUND

We investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of initial triple therapy using metformin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We enrolled 170 drug-naïve patients with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level >7.5% who had started triple therapy (metformin, sitagliptin, and empagliflozin). Glycemic, metabolic, and urinary parameters were measured for 24 months.

RESULTS

After 24 months, HbA1c level decreased significantly from 11.0%±1.8% to 7.0%±1.7%. At 12 and 24 months, the rates of achievement of the glycemic target goal (HbA1c <7.0%) were 72.5% and 61.7%, respectively, and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function and insulin resistance indices improved. Whole-body fat percentage decreased by 1.08%, and whole-body muscle percentage increased by 0.97% after 24 months. Fatty liver indices and albuminuria improved significantly. The concentration of ketone bodies was elevated at the baseline but decreased after 24 months. There were no serious adverse events, including ketoacidosis.

CONCLUSION

Initial triple combination therapy with metformin, sitagliptin, and empagliflozin led to achievement of the glycemic target goal, which was maintained for 24 months without severe hypoglycemia but with improved metabolic function and albuminuria. This combination therapy may be a good strategy for drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

HbA1c-dependent projection of long-term renal outcomes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). There is limited data addressing the value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to predict renal outcomes independent of diabetes status.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective observational study presents data of 19,285 subjects, irrespective of initial CKD or diabetes status. The primary endpoint was defined as the time to manifestation of moderate CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) in subjects with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline. The secondary endpoint was defined as time to progression of CKD (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) in subjects with eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Multivariate time-to-event and logistic regression models were applied to estimate the influences of HbA1c, sex, age, eGFR, triglycerides, and cholesterol on both endpoints.

RESULTS

Lowest baseline HbA1c levels were associated with the slowest decline of kidney function (median time to manifestation of moderate CKD for HbA1c <5.7%: 15.9 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.2-16.7]; for HbA1c 5.7%-6.5%: 14.5 years [95% CI: 14.0-15.1]; for HbA1c 6.5%-8.5%: 11.1 years [95% CI: 10.4-11.7]; for HbA1c >8.5%: 8.3 years [95% CI: 7.8-9.2]; p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for the secondary endpoint. Covariate-adjusted time-to-event analysis demonstrated an almost linear correlation between continuous baseline HbA1c levels and the probabilities of reaching both endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c levels are a strong predictor for eGFR decline, irrespective of diabetes status or CKD stage, demonstrating a tight concentration-dependent relationship. This association becomes apparent in the prediabetic HbA1c range and remains constant over the entire HbA1c spectrum.

The impact of diabetes, anemia, and renal function in the relationship between osteoporosis and fasting blood glucose among Taiwanese women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fasting blood glucose and osteoporosis in women with diabetes, anemia, and renal function.

METHODS

The medical records of women who underwent a general health examination at a regional hospital in southern Taiwan were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between osteoporosis and fasting blood glucose separately for the eight subgroups (diabetes or non-diabetes, anemia or non-anemia, normal or decreased renal function), adjusting for other clinical characteristics and laboratory findings.

RESULTS

A total of 11,872 women were included in the study. Among women with diabetes, anemia, and decreased renal function, an increment of 10 mg/dL in fasting blood glucose was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.57, p = 0.004). Among women without diabetes, fasting blood glucose was significantly associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis in those with anemia and normal renal function (OR = 1.14, p = 0.023) and those without anemia and normal renal function (OR = 1.04, p = 0.015), but these associations were not significant after adjusting for other covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher fasting blood glucose levels in women with diabetes, anemia, and decreased renal function were associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Clinicians should be vigilant about glucose control in patients with diabetes to reduce the risk of fracture.

Association between estimated glomerular filtration rate slope and cardiovascular disease among individuals with and without diabetes: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported an association between a significant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the association between the eGFR slope and CVD among individuals with and without diabetes.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted within the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) framework. We studied 6919 adults aged 20-70 years, including 985 with diabetes and 5934 without diabetes. The eGFR slope was determined based on repeated measurements of eGFR through linear mixed-effects models. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was employed to evaluate the association between eGFR slope, both in continuous and categorical form, and the risk of CVD.

RESULTS

The slopes of eGFR exhibited a bell-shaped distribution, with a mean (standard deviation (SD)) of -0.63 (0.13) and - 0.70 (0.14) ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year in individuals with and without diabetes, respectively. During a median follow-up of 8.22 years, following the 9-year eGFR slope ascertainment period, a total of 551 CVD events (195 in patients with diabetes) were observed. Among individuals with diabetes, a steeper decline in eGFR slope was significantly associated with a higher risk of CVD events, even after adjusting for baseline eGFR, demographic factors, and traditional risk factors for CVD; slopes of (-1.05 to -0.74) and (-0.60 to -0.52) were associated with 2.12 and %64 higher risks for CVD, respectively, compared with a slope of (-0.51 to 0.16). Among individuals without diabetes, the annual eGFR slope did not show a significant association with the risk of CVD.

CONCLUSION

Monitoring the eGFR slope may serve as a potential predictor of CVD risk in individuals with diabetes.

Add-on Rehmannia-6-Based Chinese Medicine in Type 2 Diabetes and CKD: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD and kidney failure. We assessed the real-world effectiveness of Rehmannia-6-based Chinese medicine treatment, the most used Chinese medicine formulation, on the change in eGFR and albuminuria in patients with diabetes and CKD with severely increased albuminuria.

METHODS

In this randomized, assessor-blind, standard care-controlled, parallel, multicenter trial, 148 adult patients from outpatient clinics with type 2 diabetes, an eGFR of 30-90 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of 300-5000 mg/g were randomized 1:1 to a 48-week add-on protocolized Chinese medicine treatment program (using Rehmannia-6-based formulations in the granule form taken orally) or standard care alone. Primary outcomes were the slope of change in eGFR and UACR between baseline and end point (48 weeks after randomization) in the intention-to-treat population. Secondary outcomes included safety and the change in biochemistry, biomarkers, and concomitant drug use.

RESULTS

The mean age, eGFR, and UACR were 65 years, 56.7 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , and 753 mg/g, respectively. Ninety-five percent ( n =141) of end point primary outcome measures were retrievable. For eGFR, the estimated slope of change was -2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.1 to -3.9) and -4.7 (95% CI, -2.9 to -6.5) ml/min per 1.73 m 2 in participants treated with add-on Chinese medicine or standard care alone, resulting in a 2.7 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 per year (95% CI, 0.1 to 5.3; P = 0.04) less decline with Chinese medicine. For UACR, the estimated proportion in the slope of change was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.75 to 1.02) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.85 to 1.14) in participants treated with add-on Chinese medicine or standard care alone, respectively. The intergroup proportional difference (0.89, 11% slower increment in add-on Chinese medicine, 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.10; P = 0.28) did not reach statistical significance. Eighty-five adverse events were recorded from 50 participants (add-on Chinese medicine versus control: 22 [31%] versus 28 [36%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Rehmannia-6-based Chinese medicine treatment stabilized eGFR on top of standard care alone after 48 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes, stage 2-3 CKD, and severely increased albuminuria.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

Semi-individualized Chinese Medicine Treatment as an Adjuvant Management for Diabetic Nephropathy (SCHEMATIC), NCT02488252 .

Predicting diabetic kidney disease for type 2 diabetes mellitus by machine learning in the real world: a multicenter retrospective study

Objective

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has been reported as a main microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Although renal biopsy is capable of distinguishing DKD from Non Diabetic kidney disease(NDKD), no gold standard has been validated to assess the development of DKD.This study aimed to build an auxiliary diagnosis model for type 2 Diabetic kidney disease (T2DKD) based on machine learning algorithms.

Methods

Clinical data on 3624 individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was gathered from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 using a multi-center retrospective database. The data fell into a training set and a validation set at random at a ratio of 8:2. To identify critical clinical variables, the absolute shrinkage and selection operator with the lowest number was employed. Fifteen machine learning models were built to support the diagnosis of T2DKD, and the optimal model was selected in accordance with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy. The model was improved with the use of Bayesian Optimization methods. The Shapley Additive explanations (SHAP) approach was used to illustrate prediction findings.

Results

DKD was diagnosed in 1856 (51.2 percent) of the 3624 individuals within the final cohort. As revealed by the SHAP findings, the Categorical Boosting (CatBoost) model achieved the optimal performance 1in the prediction of the risk of T2DKD, with an AUC of 0.86 based on the top 38 characteristics. The SHAP findings suggested that a simplified CatBoost model with an AUC of 0.84 was built in accordance with the top 12 characteristics. The more basic model features consisted of systolic blood pressure (SBP), creatinine (CREA), length of stay (LOS), thrombin time (TT), Age, prothrombin time (PT), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU), fibrinogen (FIB-C), red blood cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), as well as hemoglobin A1C(HbA1C).

Conclusion

A machine learning-based model for the prediction of the risk of developing T2DKD was built, and its effectiveness was verified. The CatBoost model can contribute to the diagnosis of T2DKD. Clinicians could gain more insights into the outcomes if the ML model is made interpretable.

Longitudinal Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Trajectories in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Although children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at risk for developing diabetic kidney disease (DKD), clinical practice guidelines do not uniformly recommend routine serum creatinine (SCr) monitoring, and data describing changes in renal function from diagnosis are lacking. As part of a quality improvement initiative, the Diabetes Clinic at British Columbia Children's Hospital in Vancouver, Canada, implemented routine serum SCr monitoring. This study describes estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) trajectories and prevalence of decreased eGFR, hypertension, and albuminuria and their relationship to patterns of nephrology referral in a cohort of children aged ≤18 years (n = 307) with T1D recruited between December 2016 and February 2019. Annualized eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2 per year) was calculated using the CKiD U25 formula and categorized as declining (<-3), stable (-3 to +3), and inclining (>+3). eGFR was categorized as normal (≥90), mildly decreased (60 to <90), and chronic kidney disease (CKD, <60). In this cohort, 54% were male; the median age at diagnosis and duration of T1D was 6.2 years and 6.9 years, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 2.3 years, declining, stable, and inclining trajectories were observed in 33%, 32%, and 35%, respectively. During their follow-up, 32% had mildly decreased eGFR, elevated blood pressures (≥90th percentile), and/or abnormal urine albumin-creatinine ratios (≥2 mg/mmol), with <10% referred for nephrology assessment. Twenty-three percent of subjects had an eGFR <90; this subgroup was more highly represented in the declining trajectory group (vs. stable and inclining). Logistic regression analysis found female sex and higher baseline eGFR to be associated with a declining eGFR trajectory. In conclusion, these data challenge the commonly held paradigm that renal function remains stable in childhood T1D and supports systematic monitoring of renal function in children with T1D, as well as collaboration across disciplines, particularly endocrinology and nephrology, to provide evidence-based individualized care.

Time trajectories of key cardiometabolic parameters and of cardiovascular risk in subjects with diabetes in a real world setting

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), lipid parameters and blood pressure are known risk factors for adverse outcome. The aim of the study was to explore the time trajectories of these key parameters and of the associated cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

We linked the diabetes electronic health records to the laboratory information system so as to investigate the trajectories of key metabolic parameters from 3 years prior to the diagnosis of diabetes to 10 years after diagnosis. We calculated the cardiovascular risk at the different time points during this period using the United Kingdom Prospective Study (UKPDS) risk engine.

RESULTS

The study included 21,288 patients. The median age at diagnosis was 56 years and 55.3% were male. There was a sharp decrease in HbA_1c after diagnosis of diabetes, but there was a progressive rise thereafter. All lipid parameters after diagnosis also improved in the year of diagnosis, and these improvements persisted even up to 10 years post-diagnosis. There was no discernible trend in mean systolic or diastolic blood pressures following diagnosis of diabetes. There was a slight decrease in the UKPDS-estimated cardiovascular risk after diagnosis of diabetes followed by a progressive increase. Estimated glomerular filtration rate declined at an average rate of 1.33 ml/min/1.73 m²/year.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that lipid control should be tightened with increasing duration of diabetes since this is more readily achievable than HbA_1c lowering and since other factors such as age and duration of diabetes are unmodifiable.

Comparison of outcomes of chronic kidney disease based on etiology: a prospective cohort study from KNOW-CKD

The causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects its outcomes. However, the relative risks for adverse outcomes according to specific causes of CKD is not well established. In a prospective cohort study from KNOW-CKD, a cohort was analyzed using overlap propensity score weighting methods. Patients were grouped into four categories according to the cause of CKD: glomerulonephritis (GN), diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypertensive nephropathy (HTN), or polycystic kidney disease (PKD). From a total of 2070 patients, the hazard ratio of kidney failure, the composite of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, and the slope of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline according to the cause of CKD were compared between causative groups in a pairwise manner. There were 565 cases of kidney failure and 259 cases of composite CVD and death over 6.0 years of follow-up. Patients with PKD had a significantly increased risk for kidney failure compared to those with GN [Hazard ratio (HR) 1.82], HTN (HR 2.23), and DN (HR 1.73). For the composite outcome of CVD and death, the DN group had increased risks compared to the GN (HR 2.07), and HTN (HR 1.73) groups but not to the PKD group. The adjusted annual eGFR change for the DN and PKD groups were - 3.07 and - 3.37 mL/min/1.73 m² per year, respectively, and all of these values were significantly different than those of the GN and HTN groups (- 2.16 and - 1.42 mL/min/1.73 m² per year, respectively). In summary, the risk of kidney disease progression was relatively higher in patients with PKD compared to other causes of CKD. However, the composite of CVD and death was relatively higher in patients with DN-related CKD than in those with GN- and HTN-related CKD.

Non-albuminuric Diabetic Kidney Disease Phenotype: Beyond Albuminuria

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic and end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Its pathogenic mechanism is complex, and it can affect the entire structures of the kidneys such as the glomerulus, tubules and interstitium. Currently, the urinary albumin excretion rate and the estimated glomerular filtration rate are widely accepted as diagnostic criteria. However, some studies have reported a different or non-classical clinical course of DKD, with some patients showing declined kidney function with normal levels of albuminuria, known as the 'non-albuminuric DKD' phenotype. The pathogenesis of this phenotype remains unclear, but some clinical and pathological features have been postulated. This review explores the evidence regarding this topic.

Predictors of rapid progression of estimated glomerular filtration rate among persons living with diabetes and/or hypertension in Ghana: Findings from a multicentre study

In Ghana, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is 28.5% in diabetic hypertensive patients, 26.3% in hypertensives, and 16.1% in those with diabetes only. Trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among patients with hypertension and diabetes are important for monitoring and instituting prompt interventions to prevent the development of CKD, especially in the face of limited access to renal replacement therapy. In this prospective multi‐center study conducted at five hospitals in Ghana, we assessed predictors of rapid eGFR progression among adults with hypertension and/or diabetes. Serum creatinine at baseline and 18 months were taken and eGFR determined using the CKD‐EPI formula. eGFR trajectory was defined as fast when the decline of GFR was ≥ 5 ml/min/1.73 m² per year. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify predictors of the fast progression of eGFR. Total 13% of 1261 participants met the criteria for rapid decline in eGFR. The adjusted odds ratio, aOR (95%CI), of four factors adversely associated with fast progression of eGFR were: increasing age 1.20 (1.03–1.14), partial health insurance coverage for medications 1.48 (1.05–2.08), history of smoking 1.91 (1.11–3.27), angiotensin‐receptor blockade use 1.55 (1.06–2.25) while metformin use was protective .56 (.35–.90). Proportion with eGFR <60 ml/min increased from 14% at baseline to 19% at month 18. Effective health insurance policies to improve medication access and avoidance of smoking are interventions that may mitigate the rising burden of CKD in individuals with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension.

Role of Primary Care Clinicians in the Management of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiorenal Diseases

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of both renal and cardiovascular events. The convergence of type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, requires management by a multidisciplinary health care team. Primary care clinicians are likely to be the first and most frequent point of contact for individuals with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk of cardiorenal disease and therefore play a pivotal role in early diagnosis, establishment of effective treatment strategies, and coordination of care. This article presents a clinical perspective with multidisciplinary collaboration on a patient case representative of those seen in routine clinical practice. The authors assess reasons why patients may not receive evidence-based care and identify opportunities to initiate therapies that reduce cardiovascular and renal events in the primary care setting.

Determinants of the Evolution of Kidney Function With Age

Introduction

Kidney function declines with age, but its determinants in the general population remain incompletely understood. We investigated the rate and determinants of kidney function decline in the general population.

Methods

Participants with information on kidney function were selected from a population-based cohort study. Joint models were used to investigate the evolution of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, expressed in ml/min per 1.73 m² per year) and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR, expressed in mg/g per year) with age. We stratified for 8 potential determinants of kidney function decline, including sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiovascular disease.

Results

We included 12,062 participants with 85,922 eGFR assessments (mean age 67.0 years, 58.7% women) and 3522 participants with 5995 ACR measurements. The annual eGFR decline was 0.82 and the ACR increase was 0.05. All determinants appeared detrimental for eGFR and ACR, except for prediabetes and higher body mass index which proved only detrimental for ACR. In participants without the determinants, eGFR decline was 0.75 and ACR increase was 0.002. Higher baseline eGFR but faster eGFR decline with age was detected in men (0.92 vs. 0.75), smokers (0.90 vs. 0.75), and participants with diabetes (1.07 vs. 0.78).

Conclusion

We identify prediabetes, smoking, and blood pressure as modifiable risk factors for kidney function decline. As with diabetes, hyperfiltration seems important in accelerated kidney function decline in men and smokers. The interpretation of kidney function decline may require adjustment for age and sex to prevent overdiagnosis of chronic kidney disease in aging populations.

Trajectories of kidney function in diabetes: a clinicopathological update

Diabetic nephropathy has been traditionally diagnosed based on persistently high albuminuria and a subsequent decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is widely recognized as the classical phenotype of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Several studies have emphasized that trajectories of kidney function in patients with diabetes (specifically, changes in GFR and albuminuria over time) can differ from this classical DKD phenotype. Three alternative DKD phenotypes have been reported to date and are characterized by albuminuria regression, a rapid decline in GFR, or non-proteinuric or non-albuminuric DKD. Although kidney biopsies are not typically required for the diagnosis of DKD, a few studies of biopsy samples from patients with DKD have demonstrated that changes in kidney function associate with specific histopathological findings in diabetes. In addition, various clinical and biochemical parameters are related to trajectories of GFR and albuminuria. Collectively, pathological and clinical characteristics can be used to predict trajectories of GFR and albuminuria in diabetes. Furthermore, cohort studies have suggested that the risks of kidney and cardiovascular outcomes might vary among different phenotypes of DKD. A broader understanding of the clinical course of DKD is therefore crucial to improve risk stratification and enable early interventions that prevent adverse outcomes.

Incidence of end-stage renal disease and risk factors for progression of renal dysfunction in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: the Fukuoka Diabetes Registry

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological data regarding diabetic kidney disease are accumulated insufficiently in Japan. We prospectively investigated the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and risk factors for progression of renal dysfunction in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

4904 participants with type 2 diabetes (mean age 65 years, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 75 mL/min/1.73 m², proportion of eGFR  < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² 21%) were investigated for the progression to ESRD requiring dialysis in multicenter outpatients registry for 5 years. Risk factors for progression of renal dysfunction (≥ 30% decline in eGFR from the baseline and annual eGFR decline rates) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of ESRD and all-cause mortality were 4.1/1000 person-years and 12.3/1000 person-years, respectively, and increased according to stages of chronic kidney disease (eGFR  < 30 mL/min/1.73 m², incidence of ESRD 176.6/1000 person-years, all-cause mortality 57.4/1000 person-years). Incidence of  ≥ 30% decline in eGFR from the baseline was 16.4% at 5 years, and the mean annual decline rate was -1.84 mL/min/1.73 m²/year. The progression of renal dysfunction was significantly associated with older age, poor glycemic control, blood pressure, albuminuria, eGFR, previous cardiovascular disease, lifestyle factors (body mass index, reduced intake of dietary fiber, increased intake of sodium, no regular exercise), and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study has emphasized the importance of multifactorial interventions on risk factors to suppress the high incidence of ESRD in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Impact of Annual Cardiovascular Screening Tests in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus without Previous Histories of Cardiovascular Disease: Four-year Clinical Outcomes

Objective We previously reported that, among asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), up to 19% of the patients with myocardial ischemia were detected by annual cardiovascular screening tests (ACVSTs). Thus, the present study assessed the long-term clinical outcomes of ACVSTs in those patients. Methods Six hundred and fifty-seven outpatients with T2DM who received ACVSTs at least once or not at all from April 2014 to March 2018 were defined as the S and NS groups, respectively. The data were compared between these two groups. Results This study revealed that, among outpatients with T2DM in our hospital over those four years, with the increasing frequency of receiving ACVSTs, 1) the frequency of the internal use of statins, anti-platelets, and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, which are well-known as medications for preventing CVD, significantly increased; 2) low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly improved; 3) levels of highly sensitive C-protein, a strong predictors of CVD, were significantly suppressed; 4) the progression of renal dysfunction was significantly suppressed; 5) the cumulative of four-point major adverse cardiovascular events and admissions due to heart failure significantly decreased; and 6) the cumulative of all-cause mortality was significantly suppressed. Conclusions Given the above, it may be important to continue ACVSTs in outpatients with T2DM without a history of CVD for several years.

Combined changes in albuminuria and kidney function and subsequent risk for kidney failure in type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Changes in albuminuria or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) can be used as a surrogate endpoint of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in people with type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether the combined changes in albuminuria and eGFR are more strongly associated with future risk of ESKD.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using data from a multicenter observational cohort study of people with type 2 diabetes, we evaluated the association of percentage change in urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and/or annual change in eGFR over 2 years with subsequent ESKD risk.

RESULTS

Among 1417 patients with repeated albuminuria and eGFR over 2 years, 129 (9.1%) developed ESKD. Patients with >30% UACR decline had lower ESKD risk (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.77), whereas those with >30% UACR increase had higher ESKD risk (HR 2.31; 95% CI 1.52 to 3.51), compared with those with minor UACR change. Patients with greater eGFR decline had an increased ESKD risk than those with minor eGFR change (a decline of <2.5 mL/min/1.73 m²/year): HR 4.19 (95% CI 1.87 to 9.38) and 2.89 (95% CI 1.32 to 6.33) for those with a decline of >5 and 2.5-5 mL/min/1.73 m²/year, respectively. When the combined changes in UACR and eGFR were used, the highest ESKD risk (HR 5.60; 95% CI 2.08 to 15.09) was observed among patients with >30% UACR increase and an eGFR decline of >5 mL/min/1.73 m²/year compared with those with a minor change in UACR and eGFR.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined changes in albuminuria and eGFR over 2 years were strongly associated with future risk of kidney failure in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Neighborhood context and kidney disease in Philadelphia

Neighborhood context might influence the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that impacts approximately 10% of the United States population and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and costs. We included a sample of 23,692 individuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who were seen in a large academic primary care practice between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017. We used generalized linear equations to estimate the associations between indicators of neighborhood context (e.g., proximity to healthy foods stores, neighborhood walkability, social capital, crime rate, socioeconomic status) and CKD, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance coverage. Among those with CKD, secondary outcomes were poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%) and uncontrolled blood pressure (systolic ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg). The cohort represented residents from 97% of Philadelphia census tracts. CKD prevalence was 10%. When all neighborhood context metrics were considered collectively, only lower neighborhood socioeconomic index (a composite assessment of neighborhood income, educational attainment, and occupation) was associated with a higher risk of CKD (lowest tertile vs. highest tertile: adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.46 [1.25, 1.69]; mid-tertile vs. highest-tertile: aRR 1.35 [1.25, 1.52]). Among those with CKD, compared to residence in the most walkable neighborhoods (i.e., where most essential resources are accessible by foot), residence in neighborhoods with mid-level WalkScore® (i.e., where only some essential neighborhood resources are accessible by foot) was independently associated with poor glycemic control (aRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.42). These findings suggest a potential role for measures of neighborhood socioeconomic status in identifying communities that would benefit from screening and treatment for CKD. Studies are also needed to determine mechanisms to explain why residence in neighborhoods not easily navigated by foot or car might hinder glycemic control among people with CKD.

Serum Levels of Adipocyte Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Are Associated with Rapid Renal Function Decline in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Preserved Renal Function

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated that the levels of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) are closely associated with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to examine the association between serum A-FABP level and rapid renal function decline in patients with T2DM and preserved renal function.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of 452 patients with T2DM and preserved renal function who had serial measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Rapid renal function decline was defined as an eGFR decline of >4% per year. The association between baseline serum A-FABP level and rapid renal function decline was investigated.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 7 years, 82 participants (18.1%) experienced rapid renal function decline. Median A-FABP levels were significantly higher in patients with rapid renal function decline, compared to non-decliners (20.2 ng/mL vs. 17.2 ng/mL, P=0.005). A higher baseline level of A-FABP was associated with a greater risk of developing rapid renal function decline, independent of age, sex, duration of diabetes, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, history of cardiovascular disease, baseline eGFR, urine albumin creatinine ratio, total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and use of thiazolidinedione, insulin, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II-receptor blockers and statin (odds ratio, 3.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.53 to 6.29; P=0.002).

CONCLUSION

A high level of serum A-FABP is associated with an increased risk of rapid renal function decline in patients with T2DM and preserved renal function. This suggests that A-FABP could play a role in the progression of DKD in the early stages.

Risk factors for kidney disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk: An exploratory analysis (DEVOTE 12)

AIM

To investigate risk factors associated with kidney disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high cardiovascular (CV) risk.

METHODS

In DEVOTE, a cardiovascular outcomes trial, 7637 patients were randomised to insulin degludec (degludec) or insulin glargine 100 units/mL (glargine U100), with standard of care. In these exploratory post hoc analyses, serious adverse event reports were searched using Standardised MedDRA^® Queries related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI). Baseline predictors of CKD, AKI and change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were identified using stepwise selection and Cox or linear regression.

RESULTS

Over 2 years, eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) decline was small and similar between treatments (degludec: 2.70; glargine U100: 2.92). Overall, 97 and 208 patients experienced CKD and AKI events, respectively. A history of heart failure was a risk factor for CKD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.97 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41; 2.75]) and AKI (HR 2.28 [95% CI 1.64; 3.17]). A history of hepatic impairment was a significant predictor of CKD (HR 3.28 [95% CI 2.12; 5.07]) and change in eGFR (estimate: -8.59 [95% CI -10.20; -7.00]).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that traditional, non-modifiable risk factors for kidney disorders apply to insulin-treated patients with T2D at high CV risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01959529 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Racial disparity in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in hospitalized patients with diabetes 2005-2015: Potential warning signs for future U.S. public health

Introduction

The pattern of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and diabetes driven hospitalizations in the United States (U.S.) is unclear. We attempted to identify the disparate outcome in race related ASCVD hospitalizations with comorbid diabetes.

Methods

Adults aged ≥40 years old with ASCVD (acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD)) as the first-listed diagnosis with comorbid diabetes as a secondary diagnosis were determined using the U.S. 2005-2015 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) data. The incidence of other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking/substance abuse, obesity, and renal failure), in hospital procedures and outcomes was estimated. Complex samples multivariate regression was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence Interval (CI) of risk associations and to determine patient comorbidity adjusted ASCVD related in-hospital mortality rate.

Results

The rate of total ASCVD hospitalizations with comorbid diabetes adjusted to the U.S. census population increased by 5.7% for black men compared to 4% for black women. There was a higher odd of an ASCVD hospitalization if there was comorbid hypertension (Odds Ratio (OR 1.29; 95% CI 95% 1.28-1.31), dyslipidemia (OR 2.03; 95% CI 2.01-2.05), renal failure (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.82-1.86), and smoking/substance use disorder (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.29-1.33). White Women had the highest risk-adjusted incidence of ASCVD related in-hospital mortality (4.2%) relative to black women (3.9%), compared to white men (3.6%) and black men (3.5%) respectively.

Conclusions

Despite improving treatment options for ASCVD in the diabetic population, blacks with diabetes continue to have a higher hospitalization burden with a concomitant disparity in comorbid presentation and outcome. Further evaluation is the need to understand these associations.

Effect of angiotensin II on diabetic glomerular hyperpermeability: an in vivo permeability study in rats

Angiotensin II drives the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease, and its systemic administration induces glomerular hyperpermeability in normal rats. However, the response of diabetic glomerular permeability to angiotensin II is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the impact of extended systemic administration of angiotensin II on the glomerular permeability of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced late diabetes in rats. We examined the changes in the glomerular permeability after subcutaneous infusion of angiotensin II at 200 ng·kg^-1·min^-1 for 7 days in male Wistar diabetic rats with 3 mo of STZ-induced diabetes (i.e., blood glucose of ∼20 mmol/L). We also compared these changes with the effects on nondiabetic rats. The sieving coefficients (θ) for inert polydisperse Ficoll molecules, which had a radius of 10-90 Å (Ficoll_{70-90 Å}), were measured in vivo. The θ for large Ficoll molecules was selectively enhanced after infusion of extended angiotensin II in both diabetic (θ for Ficoll_{70-90 Å} = 0.00244 vs. 0.00079, P < 0.001) and nondiabetic animals (θ for Ficoll_{70-90 Å} = 0.00029 vs. 0.00006, P < 0.001). These changes were compatible with the more than twofold increase in the macromolecular glomerular transport through the large-pore pathways after infusion of angiotensin II in both diabetic and nondiabetic animals. Angiotensin II infusion enhanced the large shunt-like glomerular transport pathway of STZ-induced late diabetes. Such defects can account for the large-molecular-weight IgM-uria that is observed in severe diabetic kidney disease.

Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Type 1 Levels Exhibit A Stronger Association With Renal Outcomes Than Traditional Risk Factors in Chinese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Associations between albuminuria and renal outcomes are inconsistent in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 (sTNFR1) is involved in declined kidney function and poor renal outcomes but this has not been confirmed among Chinese T2D patients. This study aimed to examine the association of sTNFR1 and renal outcomes in a cohort of these patients.

METHODS

Two hundred and eighty-three Chinese T2D patients were enrolled in a prospective observational study which excluded individuals with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73m2. Composite renal outcomes included either or both a >30% decline in eGFR and worsening albuminuria from consecutive tests of blood/urine during a 3.5-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Higher sTNFR1 levels were associated with impaired renal outcomes. sTNFR1 levels of ≥979 pg/mL yielded the most sensitivity and specific predictions of renal outcomes according to the receiver operating curve (area under the curve 0.68, P<.001; sensitivity 78.3%, specificity 48.9%). Renal events occurred more frequently in subjects with sTNFR1 ≥979 pg/mL than in others (sTNFR1 <979 pg/mL; 29% versus 10%; P<.001 by log-rank test). The association between sTNFR1 ≥979 pg/mL and renal outcomes remained significant after adjustment for relevant covariates (adjusted hazard ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval 1.18 to 5.02; P = .01) and consistent across subgroups stratified by age, sex, blood pressure, eGFR, albuminuria, and the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Increased sTNFR1 levels were associated with renal outcomes in Chinese T2D subjects, making sTNFR1 a potential biomarker in diabetic kidney disease.

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus: highlights of a complex relationship

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Herein, we provide a review of the recent literature on the epidemiological and pathophysiological relationship between hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus, along with prognostic implications and current treatment concepts.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diabetes mellitus affects ∼10% of US adults. The prevalence of HTN in adults with diabetes mellitus was 76.3% or 66.0% based on the definitions used by guidelines. There exist differences among major society guidelines regarding the definition of HTN and target blood pressure (BP) levels. Recent basic and clinical research studies have shed light on pathophysiologic and genetic links between HTN and diabetes mellitus. Randomized controlled trials over the past 5 years have confirmed the favorable BP and cardiovascular risk reduction by antidiabetic agents.

SUMMARY

HTN and diabetes mellitus are 'silent killers' with rising global prevalence. The development of HTN and diabetes mellitus tracks each other over time. The coexistence of both clinical entities synergistically contributes to micro- and macro-vasculopathy along with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Various shared mechanisms underlie the pathophysiological relationship between HTN and diabetes mellitus. Moreover, BP reduction with lifestyle interventions and antihypertensive agents is a primary target for reducing cardiovascular risk among patients with HTN and diabetes mellitus.

Renal function deterioration in adult patients with type-2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

To explore, in a large group of patients with type-2 diabetes (T2DM), renal function decline in terms of the slope of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time, and to find out how classical risk factors, such as the presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and microalbuminuria, affect the renal function.

METHODS

The analysis included 32,492 adult T2DM patients from the DIVE/DPV registries who had serial eGFR determinations and information on the presence of microalbuminuria, hypertension and dyslipidemia available.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age of 66.3 years, 52.6% were male with a mean BMI of 31.7 kg/m2. The mean eGFR was 78.4 ± 21.4 mL/min/1.73m2. The results showed that the prevalence of renal function impairment understood as chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considerable (53.0%) in a population of patients with T2DM and has a high incidence rate of 6.6% within a year. Serial determinations of the eGFR are, however, infrequent (7.8% of all patients) and these patients are characterised by the presence of a high-risk profile for CKD, such as hypertension (88.1%) and dyslipidemia (66.1%). Over a three-year time period, 30.9% of the patients had an eGFR slope of -12 mL/min/1.73m2 or more; and more than a doubled proportion of patients with an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (3.8% vs. 1.8%; p < 0.001). Hypertension and albuminuria contributed to renal function decline while dyslipidemia did not negatively affect the slope.

CONCLUSION

CKD is highly prevalent in patients with T2DM. Serial surveillance of the glomerular filtration rate is, however, not established in clinical practice, which would be necessary as indicated by a doubling of patients with an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 within 3 years. Moreover, the use of renin-angiotensin blocking agents was low, pointing at considerable room for improvement. Taken together we conclude that a closer surveillance of patients with diabetes based on the presence of further risk factors is mandatory combined with a mandatory prescription of RAS blocking agents once microalbuminuria and / or renal function deterioration develops.

Different eGFR Decline Thresholds and Renal Effects of Canagliflozin: Data from the CANVAS Program

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, clinical trials evaluating effects of a new therapy with creatinine-based renal end points use doubling of serum creatinine (equivalent to a 57% eGFR reduction), requiring large sample sizes.

METHODS

To assess whether eGFR declines <57% could detect canagliflozin's effects on renal outcomes, we conducted a post hoc study comparing effects of canagliflozin versus placebo on composite renal outcomes using sustained 57%, 50%, 40%, or 30% eGFR reductions in conjunction with ESKD and renal death. Because canagliflozin causes an acute reversible hemodynamic decline in eGFR, we made estimates using all eGFR values as well as estimates that excluded early measures of eGFR influenced by the acute hemodynamic effect.

RESULTS

Among the 10,142 participants, 93 (0.9%), 161 (1.6%), 352 (3.5%), and 800 (7.9%) participants recorded renal outcomes on the basis of 57%, 50%, 40%, or 30% eGFR reduction, respectively, during a mean follow-up of 188 weeks. Compared with a 57% eGFR reduction (risk ratio [RR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.34 to 0.77), the effect sizes were progressively attenuated when using 50% (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.83), 40% (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.86), or 30% (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.93) eGFR reductions. In analyses that controlled for the acute hemodynamic fall in eGFR, effect sizes were comparable, regardless of whether a 57%, 50%, 40%, or 30% eGFR reduction was used. Estimated sample sizes for studies on the basis of lesser eGFR reductions were much reduced by controlling for this early hemodynamic effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Declines in eGFR <57% may provide robust estimates of canagliflozin's effects on renal outcomes if the analysis controls for the drug's acute hemodynamic effect.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study (CANVAS), NCT01032629 and CANVAS-R, NCT01989754.

Low Plasma Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase (LCAT) Concentration Predicts Chronic Kidney Disease

Low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) is the most remarkable lipid trait both in mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients as well as in advanced renal disease stages, and we have previously shown that reduced lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) concentration is a major determinant of the low HDL phenotype. In the present study, we test the hypothesis that reduced LCAT concentration in CKD contributes to the progression of renal damage. The study includes two cohorts of subjects selected from the PLIC study: a cohort of 164 patients with CKD (NefroPLIC cohort) and a cohort of 164 subjects selected from the PLIC participants with a basal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (PLIC cohort). When the NefroPLIC patients were categorized according to the LCAT concentration, patients in the 1st tertile showed the highest event rate at follow-up with an event hazard ratio significantly higher compared to the 3rd LCAT tertile. Moreover, in the PLIC cohort, subjects in the 1st LCAT tertile showed a significantly faster impairment of kidney function compared to subjects in the 3rd LCAT tertile. Serum from subjects in the 1st LCAT tertile promoted a higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in renal cells compared to serum from subjects in the third LCAT tertile, and this effect was contrasted by pre-incubation with recombinant human LCAT (rhLCAT). The present study shows that reduced plasma LCAT concentration predicts CKD progression over time in patients with renal dysfunction, and, even more striking, it predicts the impairment of kidney function in the general population.

Real-World Glycemic Lowering Effectiveness of Linagliptin Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes by Age, Renal Function, and Race

INTRODUCTION

To assess real-world effectiveness of linagliptin in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) across a range of ages and renal function. Effectiveness was assessed in different races, with a focus on African Americans (AA).

METHODS

This was a non-interventional retrospective cohort study using data in the Optum clinical database from adults with T2DM initiating linagliptin. Date of the first linagliptin prescription was the index date. Outcomes included change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the percentage of persons achieving an HbA1c < 7% (53 mmol/mol) during the 60-180 days following linagliptin initiation. Analyses of age by renal function were conducted. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess change in HbA1c, controlling for an a priori list of covariates.

RESULTS

Overall, 11,001 persons were included. Mean pre-index HbA1c value was 8.2% (66 mmol/mol), with higher levels in younger versus older persons and AAs versus other race groups. Persons initiating linagliptin had an average HbA1c reduction of 0.51% (5.6 mmol/mol). Without adjusting for age, renal function, race, and pre-index HbA1c, greater reductions in HbA1c were observed in younger versus older persons, persons with higher versus lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and AAs versus white or Asians. After multivariate analysis, variables significantly associated with a greater HbA1c reduction included higher pre-index HbA1c and older age.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the HbA1c-lowering effectiveness of linagliptin across age, race, and renal function categories among a large real-world population of adults with T2DM.

Predicting Adverse Events beyond Stroke and Bleeding with the ABC-Stroke and ABC-Bleeding Scores in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: The Murcia AF Project

Background The ABC (age, biomarkers, and clinical history)-stroke and ABC-bleeding are biomarker-based scores proposed to predict stroke and bleeding, but non-specificity of biomarkers is common, predicting different clinical events at the same time. We assessed the predictive performance of the ABC-stroke and ABC-bleeding scores, for outcomes beyond ischemic stroke and major bleeding, in a cohort of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

Methods We included AF patients stable on vitamin K antagonists for 6 months. The ABC-stroke and ABC-bleeding were calculated and the predictive values for myocardial infarction (MI), acute heart failure (HF), a composite of cardiovascular events, and all-cause deaths were compared.

Results We included 1,044 patients (49.2% male; median age 76 [71–81] years). During 6.5 (4.3–7.9) years, there were 58 (5.6%) MIs, 98 (9.4%) acute HFs, 167 (16%) cardiovascular events, and 418 (40%) all-cause deaths. There were no differences in mean ABC-stroke and ABC-bleeding scores in patients with/without MI (p = 0.367 and p = 0.286, respectively); both scores were higher in patients with acute HF, cardiovascular events, or death (all p < 0.05). Predictive performances for the ABC-stroke and ABC-bleeding scores were similar, ranging from “poor” for MI (c-indexes ∼0.54), “moderate” for acute HF and cardiovascular events (c-indexes ∼0.60 and ∼0.64, respectively), and “good” for all-cause mortality (c-indexes > 0.70). Clinical usefulness whether assessed by ABC-stroke or ABC-bleeding was similar for various primary endpoints.

Conclusion In AF patients, the ABC-stroke and ABC-bleeding scores demonstrated similar predictive ability for outcomes beyond stroke and bleeding, including MI, acute HF, a composite of cardiovascular events, and all-cause deaths. This is consistent with nonspecificity of biomarkers that predict “sick” patients or poor prognosis overall.

Kidney disease progression and all-cause mortality across estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria categories among patients with vs. without type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Studies of progression of kidney dysfunction typically focus on renal replacement therapy or percentage decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as outcomes. Our aim was to compare real-world patients with and without T2D to estimate progression from and to clinically defined categories of kidney disease and all-cause mortality.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of 31,931 patients with and 33,201 age/sex matched patients without type 2 diabetes (T2D) who had a serum creatinine and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) or dipstick proteinuria (DP) values. We used the first available serum creatinine value between 2006 and 2012 to calculate baseline eGFR and categorized them and the corresponding UACR/DP values using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) categories. To assess our primary outcomes, we extracted probabilities of eGFR progression or mortality from life-table analyses and conducted multivariable Cox regression analyses of relative risk adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and use of renal-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.

RESULTS

Patterns of eGFR decline were comparable among patients with vs. without T2D with larger percentage declines at higher albuminuria levels across all eGFR categories. eGFR decline was generally larger among T2D patients, particularly in those with severely increased albuminuria. Across all CKD categories, risk of progression to the next higher category of eGFR was substantially increased with increasing albuminuria. For example, the risk was 23.5, 36.2, and 65.1% among T2D patients with eGFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73m2 and UACR < 30, 30-299, and > 300 mg/dL, respectively (p < 0.001). Other comparisons were similarly significant. Among patients with low eGFR and normal to mildly increased albuminuria, the relative risk was up to 8-fold greater for all-cause mortality compared with the non-CKD subgroup (eGFR> 60 ml/min/1.73m2 with normal to mildly increased albuminuria).

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of albuminuria was associated with accelerated eGFR decline independent of T2D. Risk for adverse outcomes was remarkably high among patients with CKD and normal to mildly increased albuminuria levels. Independent of T2D or albuminuria, a substantial risk for adverse outcomes exists for CKD patients in a routine care setting.

Application of Metabolomics to Renal and Cardiometabolic Diseases

Metabolomics has been increasingly applied to study renal and related cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These studies span cross-sectional studies correlating metabolites with specific phenotypes, longitudinal studies to identify metabolite predictors of future disease, and physiologic/interventional studies to probe underlying causal relationships. This chapter provides a description of how metabolomic profiling is being used in these contexts, with an emphasis on study design considerations as a practical guide for investigators who are new to this area. Research in kidney diseases is underlined to illustrate key principles. The chapter concludes by discussing the future potential of metabolomics in the study of renal and cardiometabolic diseases.

Impacto do controle glicêmico intensivo na lesão renal aguda: ensaio clínico randomizado

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o impacto do controle glicêmico intensivo na redução da incidência de lesão renal aguda em pacientes adultos submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado que avaliou 95 pacientes submetidos a duas estratégias de controle glicêmico. Os pacientes foram randomizados para o grupo intervenção (GI), com a meta de manutenção da glicemia pós-operatória entre 90 e 110 mg/dl. Nos pacientes alocados no grupo convencional (GC) o objetivo era a manutenção da glicemia entre 140 e 180 mg/dl. O ajuste da dose de insulina foi baseado em medições de glicose no sangue arterial não diluído, em intervalos de uma hora por meio de um sistema de monitoramento de glicose e beta-cetona no sangue. Resultados A incidência de LRA foi de 53,7% (KDIGO estágios 1, 2 ou 3). Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos quanto ao desfecho primário (p=0,294). Entretanto, observou-se maior frequência de recuperação da função renal (p=0,010), na alta da UTI (p=0,028) e alta hospitalar (p=0,048) entre os pacientes submetidos ao controle glicêmico convencional. A utilização do controle glicêmico intensivo esteve associada com maior tempo de permanência na UTI (p=0,031). O número de episódios de hipoglicemia foi semelhante nos dois grupos (1,6 ± 0,9 vs. 1,3 ± 0,6, p=0,731), demonstrando a segurança das estratégias utilizadas. Conclusão Não se observou o impacto do controle glicêmico intensivo na redução da incidência de lesão renal aguda. Em contrapartida, os pacientes tratados no GC apresentaram maior frequência de recuperação da função renal.

The relationship between eGFR slope and subsequent risk of vascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes: the ADVANCE-ON study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Some studies have reported that annual change in eGFR (eGFR slope) is associated with the future risk of end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and death in general or chronic kidney disease cohorts. However, the benefits of using eGFR slopes for prediction of major clinical outcomes in diabetes are unclear.

METHODS

We used data from the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial and the ADVANCE Post-Trial Observational Study (ADVANCE-ON). After excluding the first 4 months during which an acute fall in eGFR was induced by the initiation of an ACE inhibitor and diuretic combination agent, eGFR slopes were estimated by linear mixed models, using three measurements of eGFR at 4, 12 and 24 months after randomisation over 20 months, and categorised according to quartiles. Cox regression models were used to evaluate adjusted HRs for the study's primary outcome, a composite of major renal events, major macrovascular events and all-cause mortality during the subsequent follow-up from 24 months after randomisation.

RESULTS

A total of 8,879 participants (80%) were included in this cohort. The mean age was 65.6 years (SD 6.3), the mean eGFR was 75 ml min-1 (1.73 m)-2 (SD 17) and the median urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was 14 μg/mg (interquartile range 7-38). The mean eGFR slope was -0.63 ml min-1 (1.73 m)-2 year-1 (SD 1.75). Over a median follow-up of 7.6 years following the 20-month eGFR slope ascertainment period, 2,221 participants (25%) met the primary outcome. An annual substantial decrease in eGFR (lowest 25%, <-1.63 ml min-1 [1.73 m]-2 year-1) was significantly associated with the subsequent risk of the primary outcome (HR 1.30 [95% CI 1.17, 1.43]) compared with a stable change in eGFR (middle 50%, -1.63 to 0.33). An annual substantial increase in eGFR (highest 25%, >0.33) had no significant association with the risk of the primary outcome (HR 0.96 [95% CI 0.86, 1.07]).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study supports the utility of eGFR slope in type 2 diabetes as a surrogate endpoint for renal outcomes, as well as a prognostic factor for identifying individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT00145925 and no. NCT00949286.