Prediction of Heart Function and Volume Status in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients through N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide

I Brazilian guideline on hypertension in dialysis of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology

Hypertension in dialysis patients (HTND) has a high prevalence, affecting at least 80% or more of patients, and its management in the nephrology practice is heterogeneous and often empirical. Knowing how to define, understand the pathophysiology, diagnose, monitor and treat with lifestyle changes, and adjust antihypertensive drugs to achieve the recommended blood pressure (BP) target - to reduce morbidity and mortality - requires specific knowl-edge and approaches within the contexts of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). This document is the first guideline of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, developed by the departments of Hypertension and Dialysis. It aims to guide physicians who provide care in dialysis centers on how to manage patients with HTND, in a comprehensive and individualized manner, based on the critical appraisal of the best available scientific evidence. When such evidence is scarce or unavailable, the opinion of specialists should be recommended. The different topics covered include HTND definition (pre-HD BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and post-HD BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg), epidemiology, and pathophysiology; diagnosis of HTND preferably with BP measurements outside the dialysis setting (BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg); complementary assessment; blood pressure targets; non-pharmacological treatment; use of the most appropriate antihypertensive medications; special situations; and complications of HTND, predominantly cardiovascular ones.

On Whether Ca-125 Is the Answer for Diagnosing Overhydration, Particularly in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients-A Systematic Review

Overhydration (OH) is a prevalent medical problem that occurs in patients with kidney failure, but a specific marker has still not been found. Patients requiring kidney replacement therapy suffer from a water imbalance, which is correlated with mortality rates in this population. Currently, clinicians employ techniques such as bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and ultrasound (USG) markers of overhydration or markers of heart and kidney function, namely NT-pro-BNP, GFR, or creatinine levels. New serum markers, including but not limited to Ca-125, galectin-3 (Gal-3), adrenomedullin (AMD), and urocortin-2 (UCN-2), are presently under research and have displayed promising results. Ca-125, which is a protein mainly used in ovarian cancer diagnoses, holds great potential to become an OH marker. It is currently being investigated by cardiologists as it corresponds to the volume status in heart failure (HF) and ventricular hypertrophy, which are also associated with OH. The need to ascertain a more precise marker of overhydration is urgent mainly because physical examinations are exceptionally inaccurate. The signs and symptoms of overhydration, such as edema or a gradual increase in body mass, are not always present, notably in patients with chronic kidney disease. Metabolic disruptions and cachexia can give a false picture of the hydration status. This review paper summarizes the existing knowledge on the assessment of a patient's hydration status, focusing specifically on kidney diseases and the role of Ca-125.

Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Heart Failure in People with Diabetes: A Consensus Report from Diabetes Technology Society

Diabetes Technology Society assembled a panel of clinician experts in diabetology, cardiology, clinical chemistry, nephrology, and primary care to review the current evidence on biomarker screening of people with diabetes (PWD) for heart failure (HF), who are, by definition, at risk for HF (Stage A HF). This consensus report reviews features of HF in PWD from the perspectives of 1) epidemiology, 2) classification of stages, 3) pathophysiology, 4) biomarkers for diagnosing, 5) biomarker assays, 6) diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers, 7) benefits of biomarker screening, 8) consensus recommendations for biomarker screening, 9) stratification of Stage B HF, 10) echocardiographic screening, 11) management of Stage A and Stage B HF, and 12) future directions. The Diabetes Technology Society panel recommends 1) biomarker screening with one of two circulating natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide or N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide), 2) beginning screening five years following diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and at the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D), 3) beginning routine screening no earlier than at age 30 years for T1D (irrespective of age of diagnosis) and at any age for T2D, 4) screening annually, and 5) testing any time of day. The panel also recommends that an abnormal biomarker test defines asymptomatic preclinical HF (Stage B HF). This diagnosis requires follow-up using transthoracic echocardiography for classification into one of four subcategories of Stage B HF, corresponding to risk of progression to symptomatic clinical HF (Stage C HF). These recommendations will allow identification and management of Stage A and Stage B HF in PWD to prevent progression to Stage C HF or advanced HF (Stage D HF).