Malnutrition, Inflammation, Atherosclerosis Syndrome (MIA) and Diet Recommendations among End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Treated with Maintenance Hemodialysis

Association between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and mortality in Chinese maintenance haemodialysis patients: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in Chinese haemodialysis (HD) patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Patients from June 2015 to September 2016 and followed through September 2021 were categorised into quartiles according to the follow-up averaged TG/HDL-C ratio. The association between TG/HDL-C and mortality was examined by univariate and multivariate time-varying Cox regression analyses. The C-index was used to assess the predictive accuracy of the Cox regression models.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 534 maintenance HD patients were enrolled.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcomes were all-cause death and CV mortality.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up of 61 months, 207 patients died, with 94 (45.4%) classified as CV death. After adjusting for confounders, multivariate time-varying Cox regression analysis showed that the quartile 4 group (TG/HDL-C ≥2.64) was associated with decreased all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33-0.77, p=0.001) and CV mortality (adjusted HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.62; p=0.001) in maintenance HD patients. Model 1 of all-cause mortality achieved a C-index of 0.72 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.75), and model 2 achieved a C-index of 0.77 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.82). The C-index for model 1 in CV mortality was 0.74 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.77), and the C-index for model 2 was 0.80 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

High TG/HDL-C was associated with decreased all-cause and CV mortality in HD patients.

The association between new inflammation markers and frequent peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis

OBJECTIVE

To validate an association between new inflammation and frequent peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In China, retrospective clinical data were collected on 208 patients who received continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) between 2010 and 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: non-frequent PDAP (the interval between two peritonitis episodes of more than one year) and frequent PDAP (the interval between two peritonitis episodes of less than one year). Patients with their first episode of peritonitis had their age, gender, history of hypertension, diabetic disease, underlying renal disease, bacterial infection, and laboratory data collected. The outcomes of bacterial dispersion, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), C-reactive protein (CRP), and risk variables associated with frequent PDAP were analyzed.

RESULTS

There are differences between the two groups in dialysis time (p = 0.006), hypertensive nephropathy (p = 0.038), staphylococcus (p = 0.035), white blood cells (p = 0.001), neutrophil (p < 0.01), lymphocyte (p < 0.01), platelet(p = 0.01), SII(p < 0.01), CRP/HDL-C (p = 0.002), CRP (p < 0.001), serum creatinine (p = 0.007), blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.05), serum magnesium (0.03), serum potassium (p = 0.007), and dialysate polymorphonuclear cells (p = 0.004). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis found that SII (p < 0.001), CRP/HDL-C (p = 0.041), and Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.027) were independent risk factors for frequent PDAP. The ROC curve analysis revealed that combining SII with CRP/HDL-C resulted in the largest AUC area (AUC = 0.814).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings offer clinical proof of the combination of SII and CRP/HDL-C in patients with frequent PDAP.

Low HALP (Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet) Score Increases the Risk of Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Objective

The HALP (hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet) score is a novel indicator that measures systemic inflammation and nutritional status that has not been correlated with the risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods

Study participants were recruited from 40 stroke centers in China. The HALP score was derived using a weighted sum of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes and platelets, and study participants were categorized into 4 groups of equal sizes based on quartiles cutoffs of the HALP score. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-Beijing Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA-Beijing) was performed at 2 weeks and 12 months following stroke onset. Post-stroke cognitive impairment was considered in patients with MoCA-Beijing≤22. Multiple logistic regression methods were employed to evaluate the relationship between the HALP score and the subsequent risk of developing post-stroke cognitive impairment.

Results

The study population comprised 1022 patients (mean age 61.6±11.0 years, 73% men). The proportion of individuals with MoCA-Beijing≤22 at 2 weeks was 49.2% and 32.4% at one year. Patients in the lowest quartile of HALP score (<36.56) were observed to harbor the highest risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment at 12 months post-stroke/TIA compared to those in the highest quartile (odds ratio=1.59, 95% CI=1.07-2.37, p=0.022), and lower domain scores for executive function, naming, and attention. There were no statistically significant differences between patients in the different quartiles of HALP score and HALP score at 2 weeks post-stroke/TIA.

Conclusion

The HALP score is a simple score that could stratify the risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment in stroke/TIA patients to facilitate early diagnosis and interventions.

Elevated fibrinogen to pre-albumin ratio predicts mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Fibrinogen to pre-albumin ratio (FPR) is a promising predictor of mortality in various cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value of FPR to predict mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 324 incident PD patients form January 2011 to December 2020. Patients were stratified based on the optimal thresholds for FPR at baseline to predict overall and cardiovascular mortality during follow-up. The association of FPR and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

All patients were divided into three groups based on the optimal cutoff value of FPR. Higher FPR levels were strongly correlated with worse overall and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients. Compared with patients in the lowest FPR tertile (<14.3), those in the highest terile (≥18.8) had multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI confidence interval) of 3.37 (1.76-6.49) and 2.86 (1.31-6.23) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. Significant differences in overall survival were observed across nearly all subgroups after stratification.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a high FPR had increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. FPR is a potential prognostic indicator in PD patients.

Lower product of magnesium × potassium is associated with higher mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients: a cohort study

This study aimed to investigate the Mg × K product on the mortality risk of hemodialysis patients with concomitant hypokalemia and lower magnesium levels. This was a prospective observational study of patients in a HD center in southern Taiwan. A total of 444 HD patients were divided into 5 groups by the Mg × K product: group 1, bottom quintile, median Mg × K: 7.87, IQR: 7.03-8.12 (n = 89, age: 64 ± 13 years old); group 2, median Mg × K: 9.37, IQR: 8.97-9.86 (n = 89, age:62 ± 13 years old); group 3, median Mg × K: 10.95, IQR: 10.50-11.26 (n = 89, age:64 ± 13 years old); group 4, median Mg × K: 12.30, IQR: 11.87-12.82 (n = 89, 61 ± 12 years old); and group 5, top quintile, median Mg × K: 14.92, IQR:14.07-16.23 (n = 88, 62 ± 11 years old). The patients were followed up for 2 years to determine the risk of all-cause mortality. Patients with a lower Mg × K product had more comorbidities, malnutrition-inflammation status, and a higher mortality risk. Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, a higher Mg × K [HR, 0.89; 95%CI (0.81-0.98)] was found to be an independent predictor of better survival. HD patients with a lower Mg × K product had more comorbidities, a marked malnutrition-inflammation status, and were associated with long-term mortality. A higher Mg × K value is a favorable survival factor.

Association of malnutrition with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with mild to severe chronic kidney disease undergoing coronary angiography: a large multicenter longitudinal study

PURPOSE

Evidence on the prognostic impact of malnutrition was focused on patients with advanced kidney disease. The relationships between malnutrition and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with different severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been adequately addressed. We aimed to reveal the prevalence of malnutrition and its prognostic value in patients with different severity of CKD undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).

METHODS

This was a multicenter, longitudinal, and retrospective cohort study of 12,652 patients with non-dialysis dependent CKD (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) undergoing CAG from five tertiary hospitals between January 2007 and December 2020. The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score was applied to assess nutritional status. Cox regression models and competing risk Fine and Gray models were used to examine the relationships between malnutrition, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Further stratified analysis was performed according to baseline CKD severity (mild, moderate and severe, defined by eGFR < 30, 30-44 and 45-59 ml/min/1.73 m2).

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 5.5 years (interquartile range: 3.2 to 8.6 years), 3801 patients (30.0%) died, and 2150 (17.0%) definitely died of cardiovascular disease. After controlling for confounders, patients had higher all-cause mortality (mild, moderate, and severe vs. absent: HR 1.27, 95 CI % [1.17-1.39]; HR 1.54, 95 CI % [1.39-1.71]; HR 2.22, 95 CI % [1.78-2.77], respectively; P for trend < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (mild, moderate and severe vs. absent: HR 1.35, 95 CI % [1.21-1.52]; HR 1.67, 95 CI % [1.45-1.92]; HR 2.10, 95 CI % [1.55-2.85], respectively; P for trend < 0.001) with the severity of malnutrition. In further stratified analysis, a similar prognostic impact of malnutrition was observed in patients with mild to moderate CKD, while mild malnutrition did not seem to have a consistent effect on severe CKD patients.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition is common among patients with mild to severe CKD undergoing CAG and is strongly associated with increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Malnutrition seems to have a modestly stronger impact on mortality in patients with mild to moderate CKD. This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05050877.

Molecular Linkage between Immune System Disorders and Atherosclerosis

A strong relationship exists between immune dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Immune dysregulation can promote the development of cardiovascular diseases as well as exacerbate their course. The disorders may occur due to the presence of primary immune defects (currently known as inborn errors of immunity) and the more common secondary immune deficiencies. Secondary immune deficiencies can be caused by certain chronic conditions (such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, autoimmune diseases, or cancer), nutritional deficiencies (including both lack of nutrients and bioactive non-nutrient compounds), and medical treatments and addictive substances. This article unravels the molecular linkage between the aforementioned immune system disorders and atherosclerosis.

Regulatory effects of nutritional and metabolic disorders on vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Vascular calcification (VC) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. This study aims to review nutritive pro-calcifying factors of CKD.

Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from 2001 as at July 26, 2022, to select and summarize the basic and clinical studies reporting the effects of malnutrition or metabolic disorders on VC in CKD and the evolving treatments for these nutrient metabolic disorders.

Key Content and Findings

Hyperphosphatemia, calcium load, hypomagnesemia, iron deficiency, lipoprotein(a) abnormalities, protein malnutrition, and vitamin K deficiency secondary to CKD were closely associated with the occurrence and development of VC. Elevated phosphate and calcium levels were essential contributors to VC, yet current phosphate binders with good phosphate-lowering effects had not been shown to delay VC progression in CKD, and it remained challenging on how to identify and prevent calcium overload. Magnesium supplementation was the most promising treatment for mitigating VC, as supported by in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials. Correction of iron and vitamin K deficiency might contribute to VC attenuation, yet there was a lack of clinical evidence on CKD patients.

Conclusions

This review highlighted the effects of nutrient metabolism disorders on CKD-VC, and additional studies are needed to further address optimal nutrition strategies for mitigating VC in CKD.

Depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients: What do we need to know?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now recognized as a major public health problem in the world. The global prevalence of CKD is estimated at 13.4% (11.7-15.1%), with an estimated 490.2 to 7.083 million patients with End stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy. Hemodialysis is the main treatment for End stage renal disease patients because of its high safety and efficiency. The survival time of these patients was significantly prolonged, but many psychological problems followed. Depression is a type of mood disorder caused by a variety of causes, often manifested as disproportionate depression and loss of interest, sometimes accompanied by anxiety, agitation, even hallucinations, delusions and other psychotic symptoms. Depression has become the most common mental disorder in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients according to the meta-analysis. In recent years, depression has seriously affected the quality of life and prognosis of MHD patients from dietary, sleep, treatment adherence, energy and other dimensions. This article reviews the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of depression in MHD patients.

Prognostic Value of Systemic Inflammatory Response Index for the Prognosis of Diabetic Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background

The systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) had been identified as an inflammatory marker and has been linked to determining clinical outcomes in several diseases. We advocated the relationship between the initial SIRI and the prognosis of diabetic maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.

Methods

A total of 153 diabetic MHD patients who accepted regular HD treatment at our hospital were enrolled in this study. SIRI was calculated as neutrophil × monocyte/lymphocyte. All patients were separated into two groups based on the levels of SIRI. LASSO regression and Cox regression analyses were then made to determine the prognostic value of SIRI for diabetic MHD patients.

Results

During a median 33-month follow-up period, 50 (32.7%) patients died. The higher SIRI value (≥ 2.5) had a higher risk of death (adjusted HR=4.00, 95% CI 1.77-9.07, P=0.001) after adjusting for other confounding clinical features. The devised nomogram ground on SIRI value and clinical features had great predictive value for overall survival in diabetic MHD patients. The nomogram proved both prominent calibration competence and therapeutic subservience.

Conclusion

SIRI is a relatively excellent predictor for OS, and the suggested nomogram ground on SIRI leads to an accurate prediction value for diabetic MHD patients.

The Role of Inflammation in CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects many adults worldwide. Persistent low-grade inflammation is a substantial factor in its development and progression and has correlated with increased mortality and cardiovascular problems. This low-grade inflammation is a product of dysregulation of the normal balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Various factors such as increased innate immune system activation, reactive oxygen species production, periodontal disease, dysregulation of anti-inflammatory systems and intestinal dysbiosis result in the dysregulation of this balance. Furthermore, this low-grade inflammation has down-effects such as hypertension, renal fibrosis and acceleration of renal function decline. Moreover, low-grade inflammation over time has been linked to malignancy in CKD. As CKD progresses, many patients require dialysis, which has a negative bidirectional relationship with persistent inflammation. Treatment options for inflammation in CKD are vast, including cytokine inhibitors, statins and diets. However, more research is needed to create a standardized management plan. In this review, we will examine the normal physiology of the kidney and its relationship with the immune system. We will then delve into the pathology behind persistent inflammation, the various causes of inflammation, the downstream effects of inflammation, dialysis and potential treatments for inflammation in CKD.

Hemodialysis Serum Stimulates the TXNIP-eNOS-STAT3 Inflammatory Pathway In Vitro

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis have been investigated extensively in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These conditions, as well as protein-energy malnutrition and oxidative stress, impair kidney function and contribute to increased morbidity and mortality among patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD). TXNIP, a key regulator of oxidative stress, has been linked to inflammation and suppresses eNOS activity. STAT3 activation adds to endothelial cell dysfunction, macrophage polarization, immunity and inflammation. Therefore, it is critically involved in atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the effect of sera from HD patients on the TXNIP-eNOS-STAT3 pathway using an in vitro model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS

Thirty HD patients with end-stage kidney disease and ten healthy volunteers were recruited. Serum samples were taken at dialysis initiation. HUVECs were treated with HD or healthy serum (10% v/v) for 24 h. Then, cells were collected for mRNA and protein analysis.

RESULTS

TXNIP mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in HUVECs treated with HD serum compared to healthy controls (fold changes: 2.41 ± 1.84 vs. 1.41 ± 0.5 and 2.04 ± 1.16 vs. 0.92 ± 0.29, respectively), as were IL-8 mRNA (fold changes: 2.22 ± 1.09 vs. 0.98 ± 0.64) and STAT3 protein expression (fold changes: 1.31 ± 0.75 vs. 0.57 ± 0.43). The expression of eNOS mRNA and protein (fold changes: 0.64 ± 0.11 vs. 0.95 ± 0.24; 0.56 ± 0.28 vs. 4.35 ± 1.77, respectively) and that of SOCS3 and SIRT1 proteins were decreased. Patients' nutritional status, reflected by their malnutrition-inflammation scores, did not affect these inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that sera from HD patients stimulated a novel inflammatory pathway, regardless of their nutritional status.

Machine learning-based prediction of cerebral hemorrhage in patients with hemodialysis: A multicenter, retrospective study

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most serious complications in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing long-term hemodialysis. It has high mortality and disability rates and imposes a serious economic burden on the patient's family and society. An early prediction of ICH is essential for timely intervention and improving prognosis. This study aims to build an interpretable machine learning-based model to predict the risk of ICH in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

The clinical data of 393 patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis at three different centers between August 2014 and August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 70% of the samples were randomly selected as the training set, and the remaining 30% were used as the validation set. Five machine learning (ML) algorithms, namely, support vector machine (SVM), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), complement Naïve Bayes (CNB), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and logistic regression (LR), were used to develop a model to predict the risk of ICH in patients with uremia undergoing long-term hemodialysis. In addition, the area under the curve (AUC) values were evaluated to compare the performance of each algorithmic model. Global and individual interpretive analyses of the model were performed using importance ranking and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) in the training set.

Results

A total of 73 patients undergoing hemodialysis developed spontaneous ICH among the 393 patients included in the study. The AUC of SVM, CNB, KNN, LR, and XGB models in the validation dataset were 0.725 (95% CI: 0.610 ~ 0.841), 0.797 (95% CI: 0.690 ~ 0.905), 0.675 (95% CI: 0.560 ~ 0.789), 0.922 (95% CI: 0.862 ~ 0.981), and 0.979 (95% CI: 0.953 ~ 1.000), respectively. Therefore, the XGBoost model had the best performance among the five algorithms. SHAP analysis revealed that the levels of LDL, HDL, CRP, and HGB and pre-hemodialysis blood pressure were the most important factors.

Conclusion

The XGB model developed in this study can efficiently predict the risk of a cerebral hemorrhage in patients with uremia undergoing long-term hemodialysis and can help clinicians to make more individualized and rational clinical decisions. ICH events in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are associated with serum LDL, HDL, CRP, HGB, and pre-hemodialysis SBP levels.

Association between C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index and overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer: From the investigation on nutrition status and clinical outcome of common cancers study

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignant cancers worldwide, and its development is influenced by inflammation, nutrition, and the immune status. Therefore, we combined C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and lymphocyte, which could reflect above status, to be the CRP-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index, and evaluated its association with overall survival (OS) in patients with CRC.

Methods

The clinicopathological and laboratory characteristics of 1260 patients with CRC were collected from the Investigation on Nutrition Status and Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers (INSCOC) study. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the association between the CALLY index and OS. A nomogram including sex, age, the CALLY index and TNM stage was constructed. The Concordance Index (C-index) was utilized to evaluate the prognostic value of the CALLY index and classical CRC prognostic factors, such as modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), neutrocyte to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), as well as to assess the prognostic value of the nomogram and TNM stage.

Results

Multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that the CALLY index was independently associated with OS in patients with CRC [Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.87-0.95, P&lt;0.001]. The CALLY index showed the highest prognostic value (C-index = 0.666, 95% CI = 0.638-0.694, P&lt;0.001), followed by mGPS, NLR, SII, and PLR. The nomogram demonstrated higher prognostic value (C-index = 0.784, 95% CI = 0.762-0.807, P&lt;0.001) than the TNM stage.

Conclusion

The CALLY index was independently associated with OS in patients with CRC and showed higher prognostic value than classical CRC prognostic factors. The nomogram could provide more accurate prognostic prediction than TNM stage.

Association between Intra- and Extra-Cellular Water Ratio Imbalance and Natriuretic Peptides in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Natriuretic peptides are associated with malnutrition and volume overload. Over-hydration cannot simply be explained by excess extracellular water in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We assessed the relationship between the extracellular and intracellular water (ECW/ICW) ratio, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), and echocardiographic findings. Body composition was examined by segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis in 368 patients undergoing maintenance dialysis (261 men and 107 women; mean age, 65 ± 12 years). Patients with higher ECW/ICW ratio quartiles tended to be older, were on dialysis longer, and had higher post-dialysis blood pressure and lower body mass index, ultrafiltration volume, serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels (p < 0.05). The ECW/ICW ratio significantly increased with decreasing ICW, but not with ECW. Patients with a higher ECW/ICW ratio and lower percent fat had significantly higher natriuretic peptide levels. After adjusting for covariates, the ECW/ICW ratio remained an independent associated factor for natriuretic peptides (β = 0.34, p < 0.001 for NT-proBNP and β = 0.40, p < 0.001 for hANP) and the left ventricular mass index (β = 0.20, p = 0.002). The ICW-ECW volume imbalance regulated by decreased cell mass may explain the reserve capacity for fluid accumulation in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Demand for Water-Soluble Vitamins in a Group of Patients with CKD versus Interventions and Supplementation-A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming an inevitable consequence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. As the disease progresses, and through dialysis, the need for and loss of water-soluble vitamins both increase. This review article looks at the benefits and possible risks of supplementing these vitamins with the treatment of CKD.

METHODS

Data in the PubMed and Embase databases were analyzed. The keywords "chronic kidney disease", in various combinations, are associated with thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, folates, niacin, cobalamin, and vitamin C. This review focuses on the possible use of water-soluble vitamin supplementation to improve pharmacological responses and the overall clinical condition of patients.

RESULTS

The mechanism of supportive supplementation is based on reducing oxidative stress, covering the increased demand and losses resulting from the treatment method. In the initial period of failure (G2-G3a), it does not require intervention, but later, especially in the case of inadequate nutrition, the inclusion of supplementation with folate and cobalamin may bring benefits. Such supplementation seems to be a necessity in patients with stage G4 or G5 (uremia). Conversely, the inclusion of additional B6 supplementation to reduce CV risk may be considered. At stage 3b and beyond (stages 4-5), the inclusion of niacin at a dose of 400-1000 mg, depending on the patient's tolerance, is required to lower the phosphate level. The inclusion of supplementation with thiamine and other water-soluble vitamins, especially in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients, is necessary for reducing dialysis losses. Allowing hemodialysis patients to take low doses of oral vitamin C effectively reduces erythropoietin dose requirements and improves anemia in functional iron-deficient patients. However, it should be considered that doses of B vitamins that are several times higher than the recommended dietary allowance of consumption may exacerbate left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in CKD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking into account the research conducted so far, it seems that the use of vitamin supplementation in CKD patients may have a positive impact on the treatment process and maintaining a disease-free condition.

Lymphocyte-to-C reactive protein ratio as novel inflammatory marker for predicting outcomes in hemodialysis patients: A multicenter observational study

Background

Patients undergoing hemodialysis experience inflammation, which is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The lymphocyte-to-C reactive protein ratio (LCR) is a novel marker of inflammation that has been shown to predict mortality in patients with malignant cancer. However, the utility of LCR has not been evaluated in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

We performed a multi-center cohort study of 3,856 patients who underwent hemodialysis as part of the Beijing Hemodialysis Quality Control and Improvement Project between 1 January 2012 and December 2019. The relationship between LCR and all-cause mortality was assessed using a restricted cubic spline model and a multivariate Cox regression model. An outcome-oriented method was used to determine the most appropriate cut-off value of LCR. Subgroup analysis was also performed to evaluate the relationships of LCR with key parameters.

Results

Of the 3,856 enrolled patients, 1,581 (41%) were female, and their median age was 62 (53, 73) years. Over a median follow-up period of 75.1 months, 1,129 deaths occurred. The mortality rate for the patients after 60 months was 38.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 36%-40.1%), resulting in a rate of 93.41 events per 1,000 patient-years. LCR showed an L-shaped dose-response relationship with all-cause mortality. The optimal cut-off point for LCR as a predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients was 1513.1. An LCR of ≥1513.1 could independently predict mortality (hazard ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.66-0.85, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Baseline LCR was found to be an independent prognostic biomarker in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Implying that it should be a useful means of improving patient prognosis and judging the timing of appropriate interventions in routine clinical practice.

Association between the geriatric nutritional risk index and the risk of stroke in elderly patients with hypertension: A longitudinal and cohort study

Objective

We aimed to investigate the association between the GNRI and the risk of stroke in elderly patients with hypertension.

Methods

A total of 5312 elderly hypertensive patients free of history of stroke were included. Multivariate Cox models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for stroke and its subtypes.

Results

The average time of follow-up was 3.8 years, and the median time was 3.2 years. We identified 640 individuals with stroke, of whom 526 had an ischemic stroke (IS) and 114 had a hemorrhagic stroke (HS). After adjusting for confounding variables, compared with participants in the lowest quartile of the GNRI, those in the third and fourth quartiles were associated with a decreased risk of stroke (adjusted HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.58-0.90, and adjusted HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.46-0.74, respectively, P for trend < 0.001). Similar results were found for IS and HS. Moreover, there were L-shaped associations of GNRI with new-onset HS (P for non-linearity = 0.034). Multiple sensitivity analyses and stratified analyses did not materially change the results.

Conclusions

In summary, we found that a lower GNRI was associated with a higher risk of incident stroke in elderly hypertensive patients. Additional prospective data collection is required to confirm our findings.

Prognosis and risk factors of chronic kidney disease progression in patients with diabetic kidney disease and non-diabetic kidney disease: a prospective cohort CKD-ROUTE study

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is emerging rapidly as the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. In this 3-year prospective, multicenter cohort study, a total of 1138 pre-dialysis CKD patients were recruited. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the etiologies of DKD and non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for confounding factors, resulting in 197 patients being assigned to DKD and NDKD groups, respectively. The primary endpoints were 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and initiation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The secondary endpoints were all-cause death and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. We found that DKD patients have a higher risk to develop 50% eGFR decline endpoint (HR:2.30, 95%CI [1.48-3.58], p < 0.001) and KRT endpoint (HR:1.64, 95%CI [1.13-2.37], p < 0.05) than NDKD patients. The 3-year cumulative incidence of 50% eGFR decline and KRT endpoint was significantly higher in DKD patients (26.90% vs.13.71% and 35.03% vs. 22.34%, respectively). The Cox regression analyses showed that the increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), DKD, decreased serum albumin (Alb), and higher CKD stages were risk factors for the 50% eGFR decline endpoint; the increased SBP, DKD, decreased serum Alb, serum creatinine (Scr), higher CKD stages, presence of proteinuria and CVD were risk factors for KRT endpoint; the increased age, decreased hemoglobin (Hb), decreased serum Alb were risk factors for all-cause death endpoint; the increased age, decreased serum Alb were risk factors for CVD events endpoint. Appropriate preventive or therapeutic interventions should be taken to control these predictive factors to delay the development of CKD complications, thereby improving the prognosis and reducing the disease burden of the high-risk populations.

REHABILITATION OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH LOWER LIMB AMPUTATION RECEIVING HAEMODIALYSIS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To compare the functional outcomes of patients with lower limb amputations receiving haemodialysis and those not receiving haemodialysis.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

PATIENTS

Patients with lower limb amputation who were admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward between January 2018 and December 2021.

METHODS

The primary outcome was the effectiveness of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) during hospitalisation in the ward. Secondary outcomes included the total and subtotal (motor/cognitive) FIM scores at discharge, gain in the total and subtotal (motor/cognitive) FIM scores, K-level at discharge, length of hospital stay in the ward, rehabilitation time, and discharge destination. Outcomes were compared between the non-haemodialysis and haemodialysis groups.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 67.0 [11.9] years; men, 20) were enrolled in this study. Among them, 11 patients underwent haemodialysis. The FIM effectiveness was significantly higher in the non-haemodialysis group than in the haemodialysis group (median [interquartile range], 0.78 [0.72 - 0.81] vs 0.65 [0.28 - 0.75], p = 0.038). The amount of rehabilitation and all secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with lower limb amputation who were receiving haemodialysis had poorer FIM effectiveness than those not receiving haemodialysis.

High serum β2‐microglobulin is a significant predictor of mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Beta2-microglobulin, a novel marker of kidney function, predicts kidney failure and mortality in the general population. However, few studies have evaluated the association of serum β2-MG level with clinical outcome in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 303 MHD patients to investigate the factors related to β2-MG and its relationship to mortality in MHD patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the factors related to β2-MG level. Multivariable Cox regression was used to calculate the hazard ratios for β2-MG on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

The median value of serum β2-MG was 44.6 mg/L (interquartile range 37.60-50.40 mg/L). During the follow-up period of 24 months, there were 48 all-cause deaths (23.0%), including 36 cardiovascular causes (75.0% of all deaths). Multiple linear regression showed that dialysis duration, serum creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase were independent predictors of serum β2-MG level. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that mortality in MHD patients was significantly higher in low albumin patients with β2-MG > 44.6 mg/L. Cox regression analysis showed that β2-MG was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.122, 95% CI: 1.058-1.190, 𝑃 < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.145, 95%CI: 1.065-1.123, P < 0.001) in MHD patients with low albumin level after adjusting for confounding factors. However, our results showed that serum β2-MG was not associated with mortality in MHD patients with normal albumin level.

CONCLUSION

These results are supportive of the potential role of the serum β2-MG level as a predictor of mortality in MHD patients with low albumin.

Albumin to prealbumin ratio in peritoneal dialysis patients: Clinical implication and outcome prediction

Background

Serum prealbumin level is slightly higher, whereas albumin is lower in peritoneal dialysis (PD) than hemodialysis (HD) patients. It is unknown whether albumin to prealbumin ratio (APR) is associated with mortality risk among PD patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical implications of APR and its prediction value on long-term outcomes of PD patients.

Methods

The study population were prevalent PD patients at a tertiary hospital. Based on APR, a total of 220 PD patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1: top tertile, median APR: 121.1; IQR:109.5–131.9 (n = 73, male: 37%; age: 59±13); group 2: middle tertile, median APR: 97.1; IQR 93.5–100.0 (n = 73, male:37%; age: 54±14), and group3: bottom tertile, median APR: 81.3; IQR:76.8–85.0 (n = 74, male:38%; 54±11). Patients were followed up for a maximum of 5 years. Outcome of interest was all-cause mortality.

Results

Group 1 was characterized by older age, higher prevalence of diabetes, lower nPCR, higher Davies score and hs-CRP level. APR positively correlated to hs-CRP (β = 0.149, p = 0.045), but negatively correlated to nPCR (β = -0.161, p = 0.034). Hyperprealbuminemia, accounting for 0%, 23.3%, and 82.4% in groups 1,2, and 3, was associated with a lower risk for mortality (HR:0.41, 95%CI = 0.23–0.73). The cumulative survival is significantly lower in group 1 than the other two groups. By multivariable Cox regression, APR (HR:1.02; 95%CI:1.01–1.03) was found to be an independent predictor of long-term mortality.

Conclusion

PD patients with high APR are characterized by having more comorbidities and marked malnutrition-inflammation status, and are associated with long-term mortality, whereas hyperprealbuminemia and lower APR are favorable prognostic factors.

Microbiome and metabolome analysis to clarify the interaction between the urine microbiota and serum metabolites in Chinese patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Background

The bacterial and metabolic networks in immunoglobin A nephropathy (IgAN), the most common type of primary chronic glomerulonephritis worldwide, have not been extensively studied. To help develop better methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of IgAN, we characterized the alterations of the urinary microbiome and serum metabolome in patients with IgAN.

Methods

We analyzed serum and urine samples from Chinese patients with IgAN and healthy controls (HCs) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.

Results

Patients with IgAN had a higher relative abundance of Actinomyces and a lower relative abundance of Lactobacillus. The elements of metabolism have been affected, including free amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and oligopeptides. We also identified the 9 metabolites that might be the core metabolites, including guanidinoacetic acid, apo-[3-methylcrotonoyl-CoA:carbon-dioxide ligase (ADP-forming)], and diethanolamine, which linked the metabolic networks between the urinary tract (UT) and blood. Other core metabolites, such as homocitrulline, apo-[3-methylcrotonoyl-CoA:carbon-dioxide ligase (ADP-forming)], butyrylcarnitine, formiminoglutamic acid (FIGLU), diethanolamine, and prolylhydroxyproline, were positively correlated with urinary mili-total protein (MTP). Conversely, Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with MTP.

Conclusions

We verified the connection between the disruption of the microbiota and serum metabolites, along with the clinical parameters, in patients with IgAN, which may help provide a tool for IgAN interventions.

Association between hypomagnesemia and mortality among dialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome is caused by the inflammatory cytokines in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, and MIA complex-related factors may be associated with hypomagnesemia and mortality. However, the association between serum magnesium level and mortality for dialysis patients is still not clear. Additionally, no meta-analysis has investigated the impact of serum magnesium on peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, separately.

Methods

We searched published studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Collaboration Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Systematic Reviews through April 2022. Studies associated with serum magnesium and all-cause mortality or cardiovascular (CV) mortality in ESRD on kidney replacement therapy (KRT) patients were included. A hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to report the outcomes.

Results

Twenty-one studies involving 55,232 patients were included. Overall, there was a significant association between hypomagnesemia and all-cause mortality for dialysis patients (HR: 1.67, 95% CI [1.412-2.00], p < 0.001; certainty of evidence: moderate) using a mixed unadjusted and adjusted HR for analysis. There was also a significantly increased risk of CV mortality for individuals with hypomagnesemia compared with the non-hypomagnesemia group (HR 1.56, 95% CI [1.08-2.25], p < 0.001; certainty of evidence: moderate). In addition, a subgroup analysis demonstrated that hypomagnesemia was associated with a high risk of both all-cause mortality and CV mortality (all-cause mortality, HR:1.80, 95% CI [1.48-2.19]; CV mortality, HR:1.84, 95% CI [1.10-3.07]) in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but not in participants receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD; all-cause mortality, HR:1.26, 95% CI [0.84-1.91]; CV mortality, HR:0.66, 95% CI [0.22-2.00]). The systematic review protocol was prespecified and registered in PROSPERO [CRD42021256187].

Conclusions

Hypomagnesemia may be a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality and CV mortality in KRT patients, especially in those receiving hemodialysis. However, because of the limited certainty of evidence, more studies are required to investigate this association.

The Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Nutritional Status and Its Possible Relation with Oral Diseases

Several studies have demonstrated a strong relation between periodontal diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main mechanisms at the base of this link are malnutrition, vitamin dysregulation, especially of B-group vitamins and of C and D vitamins, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis and low-grade inflammation. In particular, in hemodialysis (HD) adult patients, an impairment of nutritional status has been observed, induced not only by the HD procedures themselves, but also due to numerous CKD-related comorbidities. The alteration of nutritional assessment induces systemic manifestations that have repercussions on oral health, like oral microbiota dysbiosis, slow healing of wounds related to hypovitaminosis C, and an alteration of the supporting bone structures of the oral cavity related to metabolic acidosis and vitamin D deficiency. Low-grade inflammation has been observed to characterize periodontal diseases locally and, in a systemic manner, CKD contributes to the amplification of the pathological process, bidirectionally. Therefore, CKD and oral disease patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary professional team that can evaluate the possible co-presence of these two pathological conditions, that negatively influence each other, and set up therapeutic strategies to treat them. Once these patients have been identified, they should be included in a follow-up program, characterized by periodic checks in order to manage these pathological conditions.

Malnutrition-Inflammation Complex Syndrome With Associated Atherosclerosis and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case Report

Patients with chronic kidney disease or on maintenance dialysis usually have secondary hyperparathyroidism. It is extremely rare for these patients to have hypoparathyroidism. It can be occasionally seen in patients on maintenance dialysis or after transplant if they have undergone parathyroidectomy for tertiary hyperparathyroidism or advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism. Also, the results of hypoparathyroidism on serum phosphorus in these patients have been infrequently reported in the literature. Here, we present a patient with chronic kidney disease stage 3 who presented with hypophosphatemia and hypoparathyroidism from the malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome.

Low serum prealbumin concentration predicts long-term mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients with hepatitis B and/or C virus infections

Background and Aim

A low serum prealbumin concentration is common in maintenance hemodialysis patients with hepatitis B and C and may be associated with mortality. In this study, we assessed Department of Nephrology and Hemodialysis predictive value of a low serum prealbumin concentration on mortality in HD patients using reused low-flux dialyzers who were infected with hepatitis B and/or C virus.

Methods

We used serum prealbumin levels to predict the long-term mortality of 326 hemodialysis patients. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 140, with hepatitis B and/or C virus infections), and group 2 (n = 186, without hepatitis virus infections).

Results

During a 5-year follow-up, there were 75 deaths due to all-cause mortality (23.0%). Mortality was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients with hepatitis B and/or C infection (44%) than in those without hepatitis infection (8%). Serum prealbumin was lower in the hepatitis infected group and mortality group than in non-infected group and survival group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that long duration of HD and lower serum prealbumin and albumin were related to mortality in patients undergoing maintenance HD. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that serum prealbumin had a good prognostic value in predicting mortality in both groups with hepatitis B and/or C virus infection and without hepatitis infection (AUC = 0.792 [95% confidence interval: 0.714-0.87], P < 0.001; cut-off value = 24.5 mg/dl, sensitivity = 62.3%, and specificity = 88.6%).

Conclusion

In HD patients, serum prealbumin was a good prognostic biomarker of mortality in both groups of patients with hepatitis B and/or C virus infections and without hepatitis infections.

Nomograms Based on the Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index for the Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease and Calcification

Aim

To develop and validate 3 nomograms incorporating the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) that can aid in predicting the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Methods

The study enrolled 562 consecutive patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography between September 2015 and June 2017. Independent risk factors for CAD, CAC, and CAD with CAC were identified via univariate and multivariate analysis, and nomograms were established based on the independent predictors identified. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the nomograms. Correlations between ALI and other clinical indicators were examined via Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

In total, 549 patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography were included. Male sex, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, ischemic stroke, and ALI were independent predictors of both CAD and CAC. Male sex, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and ALI were also identified as independent predictors of CAD with CAC. The AUC values for the nomograms developed using these risk factors were 0.739 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.693-0.785), 0.728 (95% CI, 0.684-0.772), and 0.717 (95% CI 0.673-0.761), respectively. ALI was negatively correlated with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and CAC score and positively correlated with serum albumin levels and body mass index (all P < .05).

Conclusions

ALI is an independent predictor of CAD, CAC, and CAD with CAC. Our ALI-based nomograms can provide accurate and individualized risk predictions for patients with suspected CAD.

Kernelized k-Local Hyperplane Distance Nearest-Neighbor Model for Predicting Cerebrovascular Disease in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease

Detecting and treating cerebrovascular diseases are essential for the survival of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Machine learning algorithms can be used to effectively predict stroke risk in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). An imbalance in the amount of collected data associated with different risk levels can influence the classification task. Therefore, we propose the use of a kernelized k-local hyperplane nearest-neighbor model (KHKNN) for the effective prediction of stroke risk in patients with ESRD. We compared our proposed method with other conventional machine learning methods, which revealed that our method could effectively perform the task of classifying stroke risk.

Predictive Impact of Early Changes in Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is reportedly associated with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) activity. However, in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the predictive value of CRP is unclear. In this study, we investigated the predictive impact of pretreatment CRP levels and early changes in CRP levels for the treatment of mRCC with nivolumab plus ipilimumab (NIVO-IPI) therapy.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients with mRCC treated with NIVO-IPI as a first-line therapy were retrospectively analyzed. First, patients were divided into 2 groups: initial CRP ≥ 1.0 mg/dL and < 1.0 mg/dL. Progression-free survival (PFS) was compared between the 2 groups. Second, based on the CRP change within the first 3 months of NIVO-IPI, patients were placed in the normal group (CRP remains < 1.0 mg/dL), normalized group (CRP decreased < 1.0 mg/dL), and non-normalized group (CRP remained or increased to ≥ 1.0 mg/dL). The predictive association between CRP change and PFS was evaluated.

RESULTS

PFS was significantly lower in the high initial CRP group (n = 24, 50%) compared to the normal CRP group (n = 24, 50%) (median: 4.3 vs. 28.1 months, P = .03). As for the early CRP change, the normal (2.7 vs. 28.1, P = .0002) and normalized (2.7 vs. 11.0, P = .0094) groups showed significantly higher PFS, compared to the non-normalized group. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between normal, and normalized groups (P = .51). The objective response rate was higher in the normal (57.1% vs. 18.7%, P = .015) and normalized (81.8 vs. 18.7%, P = .0008) groups, compared to the non-normalized group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that normal [Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.15, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 0.02-0.70, P = .026] and normalized (HR 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05-0.73, P = .015) CRP showed significant association with PFS.

CONCLUSION

In the NIVO-IPI therapy for mRCC, early changes in CRP could predict PFS. This data may be useful for the early detection of ineffective NIVO-IPI therapy and conversion to subsequent therapies.

Clinical Observation on the Nursing Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Combined with Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Uremic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Influence on Nutritional Status

Objective

To explore the nursing effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) combined with solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) in uremic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and its influence on nutritional status.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on 108 uremia patients undergoing PD who were admitted to the First People's Hospital of Wenling from March 2018 to December 2020. In accordance with the wishes of the patients, according to random number method, the patients were divided into control group (n = 54) and experimental group (n = 54). Patients in the control group were given routine care. Patients in the experimental group were given MBSR combined with SFBT. The clinical data, biochemical indicators, complication, compliance, nutritional status, and quality of life of the two groups were compared.

Results

After intervention, the serum hemoglobin, serum albumin levels, and urea clearance index of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a lower incidence of complications (P < 0.05). After intervention, the compliance score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After intervention, the malnutrition inflammation score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After intervention, the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-36 scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

MBSR combined with SFBT has a good nursing effect in uremia patients undergoing PD and can increase the patient's treatment compliance, improve the quality of life, and improve the nutritional status.

Toward an individualized determination of dialysis adequacy: a narrative review with special emphasis on incremental hemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

The search for the 'perfect' renal replacement therapy has been paralleled by the search for the perfect biomarkers for assessing dialysis adequacy. Three main families of markers have been assessed: small molecules (prototype: urea); middle molecules (prototype β2-microglobulin); comprehensive and nutritional markers (prototype of the simplified assessment, albumin levels; composite indexes as malnutrition-inflammation score). After an era of standardization of dialysis treatment, personalized dialysis schedules are increasingly proposed, challenging the dogma of thrice-weekly hemodialysis.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we describe the advantages and limitations of the approaches mentioned above, focusing on the open questions regarding personalized schedules and incremental hemodialysis.

EXPERT OPINION

In the era of personalized dialysis, the assessment of dialysis adequacy should be likewise personalized, due to the limits of 'one size fits all' approaches. We have tried to summarize some of the relevant issues regarding the determination of dialysis adequacy, attempting to adapt them to an elderly, highly comorbidity population, which would probably benefit from tailor-made dialysis prescriptions. While no single biomarker allows precisely tailoring the dialysis dose, we suggest using a combination of clinical and biological markers to prescribe dialysis according to comorbidity, life expectancy, residual kidney function, and small and medium-size molecule depuration.

Hypoalbuminaemia and One-Year Mortality in Haemodialysis Patients with Heart Failure: A Cohort Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF) has been rising over the past decade, with a prevalence close to 40%. Cardiovascular disease and malnutrition are common comorbidities and known risk factors for mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the one-year mortality rate after dialysis induction, and the impact of serum albumin levels on survival outcomes, in patients with CKD and HF.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patients with CKD and HF who underwent chronic HD between January 2016 and December 2019 in a tertiary-care Portuguese hospital. Variables were submitted to univariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors predictive of one-mortality after HD start.

RESULTS

In total, 204 patients were analysed (mean age 75.1 ± 10.3 years). Within the first year of HD start, 28.7% of patients died. These patients were significantly older [79.8 ± 7.2 versus 72.9 ± 10.9 years, p < 0.001; OR 1.08 (1.04-1.13), p < 0.001] and had a higher mean Charlson Index [9.0 ± 1.8 versus 8.3 ± 2.0, p = 0.015; OR 1.22 (1.04-1.44), p = 0.017], lower serum creatinine [5.1 ± 1.6 mg/dL versus 5.8 ± 2.0 mg/dL; p = 0.021; OR 0.80 (0.65-0.97), p = 0.022], lower albumin levels [3.1 ± 0.6 g/dL versus 3.4 ± 0.6 g/dL, p < 0.001; OR 0.38 (0.22-0.66), p = 0.001] and started haemodialysis with a central venous catheter more frequently [80.4% versus 66.2%, p = 0.050]. Multivariate analysis identified older age [aOR 1.07 (1.03-1.12), p = 0.002], lower serum creatinine [aOR 0.80 (0.64-0.99), p = 0.049] and lower serum albumin [aOR 0.41 (0.22-0.75), p = 0.004] as predictors of one-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort, older age, lower serum creatinine and lower serum albumin were independent risk factors for one-year mortality, highlighting the prognostic importance of malnutrition in patients starting chronic HD.

Near-term prognostic impact of integrated muscle mass and function in upper gastrointestinal cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the known association between muscle mass/function and malnutrition-related mortality in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer, no comprehensive study to determine the impact of muscle mass-dominant nutritional status on cancer prognosis has been conducted. The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of integrated muscle mass and function in UGI cancer.

METHODS

Between July 2013 and March 2018, we enrolled 2546 cancer patients with risks of malnutrition (Nutrition Risk Screening 2002, ≥3 points) from a multicenter cohort study and split 527 patients with primary UGI cancer into an internal validation group. We prospectively performed instant nutritional assessment and recorded all general clinical characteristics of the participants, such as weight loss, body mass index, anthropometric measurements of muscle mass and function, dietary intake conditions, and disease burden and/or inflammation status based on the validated tools. Prognostic analyses were performed with post-assessment overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

According to the entire set, UGI cancer was identified as the dominant risk factor for disease burden and inflammation criteria (hazard ratio (HR), 2.08, 95% confidence interval (Cl), 1.81-2.39, P < 0.001). Integrated muscle mass/function analysis with validated cutoff values showed that hand grip strength/weight followed by triceps skinfold thickness and maximum calf circumference are the most potent predictors. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that reduced muscle mass/function (74.8%) and dietary intake (66.2%) independently affect OS of patients with UGI cancer. Significant associations were found between the reduced muscle mass/reduced dietary intake and the shortest OS (HR, 4.48; 95% Cl, 3.07-6.53; P < 0.001). Appending subgroups of muscle mass/function and dietary intake to the pre-existing risk model increased the efficiency of the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for OS in UGI cancer, particularly within 2 years of instant nutritional assessment.

CONCLUSION

Impaired muscle mass/function adversely affects the near-term prognosis in patients with UGI cancer. Along with a comprehensive evaluation of dietary intake conditions, the timely nutritional assessment might be useful for risk stratification of UGI cancers with potential for enteral and parenteral nutrition interventions.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR1800020329.

The Correlation Between Low Serum T3 Levels and All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Objective

This study is to investigate the correlation between serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients.

Methods

A total of 376 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who started maintenance PD treatment in the Department of Nephrology in our hospital and stable treatment for ≥3 months were selected, and the total T3 (TT3) and free T3 (FT3) levels were determined. Among them, 168 cases with FT3 <3.5 pmol/L and/or TT3 <0.92 nmol/L were divided into the low serum T3 level group, and the remaining 208 cases were divided into normal serum T3 level group. The Cox survival analysis method was used to analyze the correlation between low serum T3 levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patient.

Results

Compared with the normal serum T3 level group, patients with low serum T3 levels had higher systolic blood pressure and a higher proportion of heart disease, and lower levels of total T4, free T4, hemoglobin, serum albumin, blood calcium, serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and 24-h urine volume (all P < 0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that heart disease (P = 0.003, OR: 2.628, 95% CI: 1.382–4.997) and high TT4 level (P < 0.001, OR: 0.968, 95% CI: 0.956–0.979) were related to low serum T3 levels in PD patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that low serum FT3 level was an independent risk factor for all-cause death in PD patients (HR = 0.633, 95% CI = 0.431–0.930; P < 0.020).

Conclusion

Low serum T3 levels in PD patients were associated with heart disease and TT4 levels. Low serum FT3 levels were associated with the risk of all-cause death in PD patients.

The clinical significance of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients treated with hemodialysis complicated with lung infection

ABSTRACT

The goal of this work was to investigate the potential significance of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).Herein, we retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 100 patients with end-stage renal failure who were treated with MHD. All patients enrolled in this study met the inclusion criteria and were followed. The differences in each indicator between the two groups were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. On the other hand, Spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the correlation and risk factors for pulmonary infection between NLR and other indicators. Finally, we determined the optimal cut-off values for NLR, hypersensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) diagnosis of pulmonary infection using the receiver operating characteristic curve.We found that NLR was positively correlated with age, PCT, hs-CRP, and hospital stay, but negatively correlated with hemoglobin, red blood cell, and Albumin. The expression levels of PCT, hs-CRP, and NLR in the infected group decreased significantly than those before treatment. Multiple regression analysis revealed that NLR is an important independent risk factor for MHD patients with pulmonary infection. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 87.76%, 100%, and 0.920 when using NLR combined with hs-CRP to predict pulmonary infection in MHD patients, whereas that of NLR combined with PCT were 87.76%, 96.08%, and 0.944, respectively.Findings from this study suggested that NLR is an independent risk factor for MHD patients with pulmonary infection, which can effectively predict pulmonary infection. Moreover, sensitivity and specificity were greatly enhanced when using NLR combined with PCT/hs-CRP to predict pulmonary infection in MHD patients.

Association between low serum prealbumin levels and carpal tunnel syndrome in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Aims

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and low serum prealbumin concentration are common in maintenance hemodialysis patients. In this study, we focused on the association between low serum prealbumin levels and carpal tunnel syndrome in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients using low-flux dialysis reuse.

Materials and methods

Serum prealbumin levels were assessed to determine the association between low serum prealbumin levels and CTS in 373 prevalent MHD patients (the mean age was 45 years old, hemodialysis duration was 46 months). The patients were divided into 2 groups: the CTS group with 44 patients and the non-CTS group with 329 patients.

Results

The prevalence of CTS was 11.8%. Serum prealbumin showed a good prognostic value to predict CTS in MHD patients using low-flux dialysis reuse (the Area Under the Curve = 0.841, p < .001; cutoff value: 26.5 mg/dL with sensitivity = 72.7% and specificity = 79.9%).

Conclusions

Serum prealbumin was a good prognostic biomarker of CTS in MHD patients using low-flux dialysis reuse.

Possible benefits of exogenous melatonin for individuals on dialysis: a narrative review on potential mechanisms and clinical implications

Prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic kidney disease patients (CKD) on dialysis may reduce dialysis-associated complications. Administration of powerful antioxidants may improve the consequences of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). This narrative review aimed to show the potential therapeutic effects of melatonin (MLT) on the consequences of CKD patients receiving HD or PD. The results of preclinical and clinical studies have proven that CKD and dialysis are accompanied by reduced endogenous MLT levels and related complications such as sleep disorders. Enhanced oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular damages, and renal fibrosis, along with dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), have been observed in CKD and patients on dialysis. Results of studies have revealed that the restoration of MLT via the exogenous source may regulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and RAS functions, inhibit fibrosis, and improve complications in patients with long-term dialysis patients. In summary, treatment of patients with CKD and dialysis with exogenous MLT is suggested as a practical approach in reducing the outcomes and improving the quality of life in patients via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic signaling pathways. Therefore, this hormone can be considered in clinical practice to manage dialysis-related complications.

Status of Nutrition In Hemodialysis Patients Survey (SNIPS): Malnutrition risk by diabetes status

BACKGROUND

Increased malnutrition risk has been observed in more than 40% people on haemodialysis in Israel. It is not clear that this risk is homogeneously distributed among people with versus without diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the influence of diabetes on malnutrition risk among people on haemodialysis.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 375 individuals on haemodialysis treated in hospital dialysis centres throughout Israel. Of these, 126 had diabetes. Dietary intake, biochemistry, anthropometric and hemodynamic measures were recorded. Malnutrition risk categories were defined: "minimal": body mass index (BMI) ≥23 kg/m2 and serum albumin ≥38 mmol/L; "mild": BMI <23 kg/m2 and albumin ≥38 mmol/L; "moderate": BMI ≥23 kg/m2 and albumin <38 mmol/L; "severe": BMI<23 k/m2 and serum albumin <38 mmol/L. These categories were dichotomized to "minimal" versus elevated malnutrition risk.

RESULTS

Despite greater BMI, elevated malnutrition risk was identified in 58.8% of individuals with versus 39.3% without diabetes. Adherence to International Society for Renal Nutrition and Metabolism nutrition guidelines was poor regardless of diabetes status. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, diabetes: OR 2.15; C-reactive protein (nmol/L): OR 1.02; delivered dialysis dose (Kt/V): OR 6.07; and haemoglobin (g/L): OR 0.79, predicted elevated malnutrition risk, even after controlling for age, sex and years on haemodialysis.

DISCUSSION

Individuals on haemodialysis who have diabetes have elevated malnutrition risk compared to those without diabetes despite greater BMI.

The Role of Plasma Neurofilament Light Protein for Assessing Cognitive Impairment in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is defined as the irreversible loss of renal function, necessitating renal replacement therapy. Patients with ESRD tend to have more risk factors for cognitive impairment than the general population, including hypertension, accumulative uremic toxin, anemia, and old age. The association between these risk factors and the pathologic protein was lacking. Blood-based assays for detecting pathologic protein, such as amyloid beta (Aβ), total tau protein, and neurofilament light chain (NfL), have the advantages of being less invasive and more cost-effective for diagnosing patients with cognitive impairment. The aim of the study is to validate if the common neurologic biomarkers were different in ESRD patients and to differentiate if the specific biomarkers could correlate with specific correctable risk factors. Methods: In total, 67 participants aged >45 years were enrolled. The definition of ESRD was receiving maintenance hemodialysis for >3 months. Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination score of <24. The participants were divided into groups for ESRD with and without cognitive impairment. The blood-based biomarkers (tau protein, Aβ1/40, Aβ1/42, and NfL) were analyzed through immunomagnetic reduction assay. Other biochemical and hematologic data were obtained simultaneously. Summary of results: The study enrolled 43 patients with ESRD who did not have cognitive impairment and 24 patients with ESRD who had cognitive impairment [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): 27.60 ± 1.80 vs. 16.84 ± 6.40, p < 0.05]. Among the blood-based biomarkers, NfL was marginally higher in the ESRD with cognitive impairment group than in the ESRD without cognitive impairment group (10.41 ± 3.26 vs. 8.74 ± 2.81 pg/mL, p = 0.037). The concentrations of tau protein, amyloid β 1/42, and amyloid β 1/40 (p = 0.504, 0.393, and 0.952, respectively) were similar between the two groups. The area under the curve of NfL to distinguish cognitively impaired and unimpaired ESRD patients was 0.687 (95% confidence interval: 0.548-0.825, p = 0.034). There was no correlation between the concentration of NfL and MMSE among total population (r = -0.153, p = 0.277), patients with (r = 0.137, p = 0.583) or without cognitive impairment (r = 0.155, p = 0.333). Conclusion: Patients with ESRD who had cognitive impairment had marginally higher plasma NfL concentrations. NfL concentration was not correlated with the biochemical parameters, total MMSE among total population or individual groups with or without cognitive impairment. The concentrations of Aβ1/40, Aβ1/42, and tau were similar between the groups.

Nutritional Status of Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Patients on hemodialysis therapy are at high risk of malnutrition which is attributed to multiple factors. Protein-energy malnutrition in these patients confers poor clinical outcomes. This study investigated the nutritional status of patients on maintenance hemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was done among 160 adult patients on maintenance hemodialysis therapy. Data concerning patients' personal, medical, dietary, and hemodialysis-related information were collected. Patients' anthropometric and laboratory tests (complete blood count, albumin, total cholesterol, creatinine, and urea) were measured. The quantitative Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) dialysis malnutrition score (DMS) was used to assess their nutritional status. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software version 20.

Results

Among the 160 hemodialysis patients, 49 (30.6%) were female. Patients' mean age was 52.2 ± 13.3 years. The median duration on hemodialysis was 18 (8.25–29.75) months. Malnutrition was present in 98 (61.2%) of the patients. Severe malnutrition was found in only 3 (1.9%) patients and 16.9% were underweight. The longer duration on hemodialysis, having diabetes mellitus, and being single were associated with increased risk for malnutrition in multivariate logistic regression. Malnourished patients had significantly lower dry weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference, albumin, total cholesterol, and creatinine levels.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is very common among hemodialysis patients at Muhimbili National Hospital, especially those on longer duration of hemodialysis, and diabetic patients. We recommend that hemodialysis patients should be regularly assessed for malnutrition and appropriately treated which if left unattended heralds worse outcomes.

Characteristics of adrenal insufficiency in hemodialysis patients

Background

Adrenal insufficiency causes abnormal subjective symptoms such as general fatigue, signs such as hypotension, and abnormalities such as hypoglycemia and leads to poor prognosis. However, all these are also observed in hemodialysis (HD) patients without adrenal insufficiency. The morphology of the adrenal glands in HD patients with adrenal insufficiency is unclear. Therefore, this study was performed to clarify the characteristics of adrenal insufficiency in HD patients.

Methods

Seventeen HD patients who had abnormal subjective symptoms and test results indicating adrenal insufficiency and whose serum cortisol levels were less than 18 μg/dL were recruited.

Results

Seven HD patients were diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. No significant differences were found about abnormal subjective symptoms and images between patients with and without adrenal insufficiency. The levels of serum cortisol and serum cholinesterase were significantly lower in patients with adrenal insufficiency than in those without adrenal insufficiency. A plasma cortisol level of 8.45 μg/dL showed the highest sensitivity and specificity in the receiver operating characteristic curve. The serum cortisol levels were significantly and negatively associated with the plasma ferritin levels in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the serum cortisol levels showed a significant negative association with the plasma ferritin levels after adjustments.

Conclusions

It is difficult to infer adrenal insufficiency in HD patients by subjective symptoms and images of the adrenal glands. Adrenal insufficiency correlates with nutritional and inflammatory status, and the levels of serum cholinesterase and plasma ferritin might reflect their corresponding status.

Herbal antioxidants in dialysis patients: a review of potential mechanisms and medical implications

The consumption of exogenous antioxidants isolated from herbal extracts has shown beneficial effects on ameliorating dialysis-related complications through debilitating oxidative stress and inflammatory process. Many clinical studies available in public databases have reported the improved consequences of dialysis in patients supplemented with herbal antioxidants. Exploration of such data offers great possibilities for gaining insights into the potential mechanisms and medical implications of herbal antioxidants. In this work, the mechanisms and implications of some famous bioactive substances including silymarin, curcumin, resveratrol, emodin, and quercetin on the consequences of dialysis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were explored. The protective features of silymarin are due to the flavonoid complex silybin. Curcumin is an active element from the root of curcuma longa with extensive beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, and inhibitory effects on cell apoptosis. Resveratrol can reduce the oxidative stress by neutralization of free radicals. Emodin is known as a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from Chinese herbs. Finally, quercetin has been reported to exhibit several properties including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, analgesic, antihistaminic, antiviral, cholesterol reducer, and renal hemodynamic modulator. However, potential mechanisms and medical implications of the aforementioned herbal antioxidants seem to be more complicated, that is, more studies are required in this field.

Vegetarian diet in dialysis patients: A significant gap between actual intake and current nutritional recommendations

Nutritional status is a predictor of mortality and morbidity in dialysis patients. This study aimed to assess dietary behaviors in dialysis patients compared to the recommendations of the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative.Ninety five dialysis patients recruited from a hospital completed a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. Body weight, energy requirements, protein requirements, albumin, normalized protein catabolic rate, and 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured.Of the 95 patients, 11 (11.6%) were below the desirable body mass index range, 59 (62.1%) were within the desired range, and 25 (26.3%) were above the desired range. However, only 32.7% of patients met the target energy intake, 29.5% reached the protein intake target, and 20.0% had adequate vitamin D concentrations. Vegetarian patients had lower energy, protein, fat, vitamin D intake, lower body mass index, serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphate, normalized protein catabolic rate, and vitamin D status than the omnivorous patients (P < .05). After adjusting for age, sex, and body weight, vegetarianism was an independent risk factor for severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml, P < .01).Most dialysis patients do not meet their dietary recommendations or goals. The risk of a vegetarian diet may outweigh the benefits in dialysis patients. Careful consideration of dietary behaviors is required for dialysis patients to prevent malnutrition, more so in vegetarians.

Uremic Sarcopenia and Its Possible Nutritional Approach

Uremic sarcopenia is a frequent condition present in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and is characterized by reduced muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Uremic sarcopenia is related to an increased risk of hospitalization and all-causes mortality. This pathological condition is caused not only by advanced age but also by others factors typical of CKD patients such as metabolic acidosis, hemodialysis therapy, low-grade inflammatory status and inadequate protein-energy intake. Currently, treatments available to ameliorate uremic sarcopenia include nutritional therapy (oral nutritional supplement, inter/intradialytic parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition, high protein and fiber diet and percutaneous endoscopic gastrectomy) and a personalized program of physical activity. The aim of this review is to analyze the possible benefits induced by nutritional therapy alone or in combination with a personalized program of physical activity, on onset and/or progression of uremic sarcopenia.

The Cross-Cultural Adaptation and the Reliability Test for the Chinese-Version Dietary Behavior and Psychological Series Scales in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

PURPOSE

To translate three novel measures of psychological mechanisms associated with dietary behavior, including the Dietary Goal-Desire Incongruence scale (DG-DI), the Motivation for Dietary Self-control scale (MDSC), the Satisfaction with Dietary Behavior scale (SWDB), to cross-culturally adapt the measures into Chinese and verify their reliability and validity in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

METHOD

After the forward translation and the back-translation, the perspective of a panel of experts and cognitive interviews with maintenance hemodialysis patients were used to ensure cultural relevance of the three scales. Subsequently, 420 maintenance hemodialysis patients from three hemodialysis centers in Zhengzhou were recruited for the item analysis and the internal consistency, content validity, construct validity and reliability tests.

RESULTS

The moderate associations between items and domains (r>0.50) and the significant differences between the high and low groups were measured by an independent sample t test (P<0.001). The Cronbach's α coefficient of the DG-DI reached 0.884. The Cronbach's α of the MDSC was 0.831, with Cronbach's α values (0.865,0.800 and 0.797 for "Internal", "External" and "Amotivation", respectively). In addition, the Cronbach's alpha of the SWDB was 0. 914. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) reached 0.96, 0.98 and 1.00 for the DG-DI, the MDSC and the SWDB, respectively. The exploratory factor analysis verified the scale structures of five factors, and the cumulative variance contribution rate of the respective factor was 65.507%. The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the original structure of the scale.

CONCLUSION

The DG-DI, the MDSC and the SWDB showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics. They could effectively assess the eating behavior of hemodialysis patients. Subsequent studies should recruit other different population samples in China to verify the applicability of the scale.

Urinary NGAL Measured after the First Year Post Kidney Transplantation Predicts Changes in Glomerular Filtration over One-Year Follow-Up

Currently, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) together with albuminuria or proteinuria are laboratory markers used in long-term monitoring of kidney transplant recipients. There is a need for more sensitive markers that could serve as early warning signs of graft dysfunction. Our aim was to assess the urinary concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a predictor of changes in kidney transplant function after the first year post-transplantation. We prospectively recruited 109 patients with functioning graft at least one year after the transplantation, with no acute conditions over the past three months, during their control visits in kidney transplant ambulatory. Urinary NGAL measured on recruitment was twice higher in patients with at least 10% decrease in eGFR over 1-year follow-up compared to those with stable or improving transplant function. Baseline NGAL significantly predicted the relative and absolute changes in eGFR and the mean eGFR during the follow-up independently of baseline eGFR and albuminuria. Moreover, baseline NGAL significantly predicted urinary tract infections during the follow-up, although the infections were not associated with decreasing eGFR. Additionally, we assessed urinary concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9-NGAL complex in a subgroup of 77 patients and found higher levels in patients who developed urinary tract infections during the follow-up but not in those with decreasing eGFR. High urinary NGAL in clinically stable kidney transplant recipients beyond the first year after transplantation may be interpreted as a warning and trigger the search for transient or chronic causes of graft dysfunction, or urinary tract infection.

Correlations and Prognostic Roles of the Nutritional Status and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio in Elderly Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Coronary Intervention

The prognostic capacities of nutritional status and inflammation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have attracted increasing interest. However, the combined usefulness of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting adverse outcomes has not been investigated. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between the CONUT score and the NLR in patients with AMI and assessing the potential of these factors as prognostic markers.In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients aged 65 years or older who were diagnosed with AMI and who underwent primary coronary intervention. We assessed the nutritional and inflammatory statuses using the CONUT score and the NLR, respectively. The NLR and CONUT score in the major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (+) patients were significantly higher than those in the MACE (-) patients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the NLR and CONUT score were 0.71 and 0.77, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with a high NLR (≥6.07) and CONUT score (≥3.5) had the worst prognoses. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses suggested that the CONUT score was an independent predictor.The CONUT score was proven to be a significant prognostic factor of clinical outcomes in patients with AMI. However, further research in this area is needed to more fully understand the relationship among nutritional status, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases, which might help reduce MACEs in patients with AMI.

Markers of protein-energy wasting and physical performance in haemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study

Background

Physical impairments are common in uraemia, as reflected by the high risk of falls of haemodialysis (HD) patients. Furthermore, these patients often suffer from malnutrition.

Objective

Up to now, it is unknown which aspects of physical performance are predominantly driven by malnutrition in HD patients. As this answer could steer different interventions, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional relationship between nutritional status, muscle strength, exercise capacity and the risk of falls.

Methods

This study recruited HD patients between December 2016 and March 2018 from two hospital-based and five satellite dialysis units (registration number on clinicaltrial.gov: NCT03910426). The mini-nutritional assessment scale as well as objective measures of protein-energy wasting were obtained (total iron-binding capacity, total protein levels, and CRP). Physical assessment included muscle strength (quadriceps, handgrip force, and sit-to-stand test), exercise capacity (six-minute walking test) and the risk of falls (Tinetti, FICSIT, and dialysis fall index). Their interrelationship was analysed by ridge regression models.

Results

Out of 113 HD patients (mean age 67 years ± 16.1, 57.5% male) 36.3% were malnourished according to the mini-nutritional assessment scale and a majority had impaired quadriceps force (86.7%), six-minute walking test (92%), and an increased risk of falls (73.5%). Total protein and CRP levels were identified as relevant nutritional factors in the association with physical performance. Nutritional parameters explained 9.2% of the variance in the risk of falls and 7.6% of the variance in exercise capacity. No conclusive association was found between nutritional status and muscle strength.

Conclusion

Protein-energy wasting is a determinant of the risk of falls and exercise capacity in patients on HD. The association between malnutrition and muscle weakness remains inconclusive.