Finerenone: From the Mechanism of Action to Clinical Use in Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease is a frequent microvascular complication of diabetes and is currently the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Although the prevalence of other complications of diabetes is falling, the number of diabetic patients with end-stage kidney disease in need of kidney replacement therapy is rising. In addition, these patients have extremely high cardiovascular risk. It is more than evident that there is a high unmet treatment need in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Finerenone is a novel nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist used for treating diabetic kidney disease. It has predominant anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects and exhibits several renal and cardiac protective effects. This review article summarizes the current knowledge and future prospects of finerenone in treating patients with kidney disease.

Sex disparities in mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in chronic kidney disease

Sex (biologically determined) and gender (socially constructed) modulate manifestations and prognosis of a vast number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). CVD remains the leading cause of death in CKD patients. Population-based studies indicate that women present a higher prevalence of CKD and experience less CVD than men in all CKD stages, although this is not as clear in patients on dialysis or transplantation. When compared to the general population of the same sex, CKD has a more negative impact on women on kidney replacement therapy. European women on dialysis or recipients of kidney transplants have life expectancy up to 44.8 and 19.8 years lower, respectively, than their counterparts of similar age in the general population. For men, these figures stand at 37.1 and 16.5 years, representing a 21% to 20% difference, respectively. Hormonal, genetic, societal, and cultural influences may contribute to these sex-based disparities. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of these differences and their implications for patient care, well-designed clinical trials that involve a larger representation of women and focus on sex-related variables are urgently needed. This narrative review emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the epidemiology and prognosis of sex disparities in CVD among CKD patients. Such insights can guide research into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to optimized treatment strategies and ultimately, improved clinical outcomes.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease

Millions of people worldwide have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Affected patients are at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease for several reasons. Among various comorbidities, CKD is associated with the more severe forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This is particularly true for patients receiving dialysis or for kidney recipients. From the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several CV complications have been observed in affected subjects, spanning acute inflammatory manifestations, CV events, thrombotic episodes and arrythmias. Several pathogenetic mechanisms have been hypothesized, including direct cytopathic viral effects on the myocardium, endothelial damage and hypercoagulability. This spectrum of disease can occur during the acute phase of the infection, but also months after recovery. This review is focussed on the CV complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with particular interest in their implications for the CKD population.

SGLT2i for evidence-based cardiorenal protection in diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease: a comprehensive review by EURECA-m and ERBP working groups of ERA

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue affecting an estimated 850 million people globally. The leading causes of CKD is diabetes and hypertension, which together account for >50% of patients with end-stage kidney disease. Progressive CKD leads to the requirement for kidney replacement therapy with transplantation or dialysis. In addition, CKD, is a risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease, particularly from structural heart disease and heart failure (HF). Until 2015, the mainstay of treatment to slow progression of both diabetic and many non-diabetic kidney diseases was blood pressure control and renin-angiotensin system inhibition; however, neither angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) nor angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) reduced cardiovascular events and mortality in major trials in CKD. The emergence of cardiovascular and renal benefits observed with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) from clinical trials of their use as anti-hyperglycaemic agents has led to a revolution in cardiorenal protection for patients with diabetes. Subsequent clinical trials, notably DAPA-HF, EMPEROR, CREDENCE, DAPA-CKD and EMPA-KIDNEY have demonstrated their benefits in reducing risk of HF and progression to kidney failure in patients with HF and/or CKD. The cardiorenal benefits-on a relative scale-appear similar in patients with or without diabetes. Specialty societies' guidelines are continually adapting as trial data emerges to support increasingly wide use of SGLT2i. This consensus paper from EURECA-m and ERBP highlights the latest evidence and summarizes the guidelines for use of SGLT2i for cardiorenal protection focusing on benefits observed relevant to people with CKD.

Simply adding oral nutritional supplementation to haemodialysis patients may not be enough: a real-life prospective interventional study

Introduction

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a common and serious co-morbidity in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Its importance as a prognostic factor has been increasingly recognised during the past decades. Much effort has been invested in the improvement of nutritional status and amelioration of consequences through different therapeutic approaches, either intradialytic parenteral nutrition or more commonly oral nutritional supplementation. In the article, we present the results of a prospective study in HD patients after 12 months of therapeutic intervention with oral nutritional supplements (ONS).

Methods

A total of 92 HD adult patients were enrolled in the study after 3 months of wash-out period. Baseline nutritional status was assessed using composite scores, laboratory markers, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and hand-grip strength test. Patients recognised as undernourished or at high risk for undernutrition received renal-specific commercially available ONS on HD day in addition to their regular diet. After 12 months, the effect of ONS on surrogate markers of undernutrition, serum albumin level, phase angle, and hand-grip strength was analysed in 71 surviving patients.

Results

After 12 months, data for 71 patients, 39 (54.9%) men, 62.4 ± 12.9 years, and median haemodialysis vintage 53.3 (IQR 27.5-92.8) months, were available. Patients were divided into three groups: group A patients were with normal nutritional status at baseline not necessitating ONS; group B patients received ONS; and group C patients were entitled to receive but refused to take ONS. The baseline results showed statistically significant differences between the groups in serum albumin levels and phase angle but not hand-grip strength. Differences between the groups remained statistically significant at month 12; we did not find any statistically significant positive changes within the groups, indicating no positive effect of intervention with ONS.

Conclusion

In a prospectively designed interventional single-centre study, we did not find a statistically significant change in surrogate markers of PEW in our cohort of HD patients, receiving ONS for 12 months. Since PEW is an independent risk factor influencing the survival of HD patients, efforts should be directed towards a timely and comprehensive nutritional approach, including intensive, personalised dietary counselling, increase in protein and energy intake and advocating tight control of nutritional status during HD treatment, possibly providing psychological support and motivation.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are among the most common non-communicable diseases in the developed world, with increasing prevalence. Patients with acute kidney injury are at an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. One of kidney injury's most common clinical sequelae is increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In recent years, new insights into the pathophysiology of renal damage have been made. Oxidative stress is the imbalance favoring the increased generation of ROS and/or reduced body's innate antioxidant defense mechanisms and is of pivotal importance, not only in the development and progression of kidney disease but also in understanding the enhanced cardiovascular risk in these patients. This article summarizes and emphasizes the role of oxidative stress in acute kidney injury, various forms of chronic kidney disease, and also in patients on renal replacement therapy (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and after kidney transplant). Additionally, the role of oxidative stress in the development of drug-related nephrotoxicity and also in the development after exposure to various environmental and occupational pollutants is presented.

Higher Body Mass Index is associated with increased arterial stiffness prior to target organ damage: a cross-sectional cohort study

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with several neurohumoral changes that play an essential role in organ damage. Increased arterial stiffness causes functional vessel wall changes and can therefore lead to accelerated target organ damage as well. Whether obesity causes an independent increase in central arterial stiffness is, however, not yet fully known.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-three patients (63.2% male) were included. Body Mass Index (BMI) was defined as body weight in kilograms, divided by the square of body height in meters. Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine 2009 equation was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Non-invasive applanation tonometry was used for arterial stiffness measurements (Sphygmocor Atcor Medical, Sydney, Australia). All patients underwent coronarography.

RESULTS

The mean age of our patients was 65.0 ± 9.2 years. Their mean BMI was 28.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2, eGFR 75.5 ± 17.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 and ankle-brachial index (ABI) 1.0 ± 0.1. Their arterial stiffness measurements showed mean carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) 10.3 ± 2.7 m/s, subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) 164.4 ± 35.0%, and pulse pressure (PP) 47.8 ± 14.5 mmHg. Spearman's correlation test revealed a statistically significant correlation between BMI and SEVR (r = -0.193; p = 0.026), BMI and cfPWV (r = 0.417; p < 0.001) and between BMI and PP (r = 0.227; p = 0.009). Multiple regression analysis confirmed an independent connection between BMI and cfPWV (B = 0.303; p < 0.001) and between BMI and SEVR (B = -0.186; p = 0.040). There was no association between BMI and kidney function, ABI, or coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSION

Increased BMI is independently associated with augmented central arterial stiffness and reduced subendocardial perfusion but not with coronary artery disease, kidney function, or ABI.

Atherosclerosis and Epigenetic Modifications in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, with prevalence currently projected at 10% and rising. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in CKD patients and is integrally linked with atherogenesis and vascular stiffness. Estimated glomerular filtration rate and the level of proteinuria are not only markers of kidney function but of cardiovascular risk, as well. Despite the efforts, CKD patients still experience excessive cardiovascular burden. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (18-24 nucleotides), single-stranded non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by blocking messenger RNA (mRNA) translation and initiating degradation of mRNA. Studies have confirmed the imperative role of miRNA dysregulation in the pathophysiology of several diseases, including atherosclerosis and CKD. This article summarizes what is currently known about the role of miRNAs in CKD patients.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Obesity

There is a pandemic of obesity worldwide and in Europe up to 30% of the adult population is already obese. Obesity is strongly related to the risk of CKD, progression of CKD, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), also after adjustment for age, sex, race, smoking status, comorbidities, and laboratory tests. In the general population, obesity increases the risk of death. In nondialysis-dependent CKD patients, the association between body mass index and weight with mortality is controversial. In ESRD patients, obesity is paradoxically associated with better survival. There are only a few studies investigating changes in weight in these patients and in most weight loss was associated with higher mortality. However, it is not clear if weight change was intentional or unintentional and this is an important limitation of these studies. Management of obesity includes life-style interventions, bariatric surgery, and pharmacotherapy. In the last 2 years, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist were shown to be effective in managing weight loss in non-CKD patients, but we are awaiting results of more definitive studies in CKD patients.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for nephroprotection and cardioprotection in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) develops in ∼40% of patients with diabetes and is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Patients with CKD, especially those with diabetes mellitus, are at high risk of both developing kidney failure and cardiovascular (CV) death. The use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers to reduce the incidence of kidney failure in patients with DKD dates back to studies that are now ≥20 years old. During the last few years, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have shown beneficial renal effects in randomized trials. However, even in response to combined treatment with RAS blockers and SGLT2is, the renal residual risk remains high with kidney failure only deferred, but not avoided. The risk of CV death also remains high even with optimal current treatment. Steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) reduce albuminuria and surrogate markers of CV disease in patients already on optimal therapy. However, their use has been curtailed by the significant risk of hyperkalaemia. In the FInerenone in reducing kiDnEy faiLure and dIsease prOgression in DKD (FIDELIO-DKD) study comparing the actions of the non-steroidal MRA finerenone with placebo, finerenone reduced the progression of DKD and the incidence of CV events, with a relatively safe adverse event profile. This document presents in detail the available evidence on the cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects of MRAs, analyses the potential mechanisms involved and discusses their potential future place in the treatment of patients with diabetic CKD.

Recovery of dialysis patients with COVID-19: health outcomes 3 months after diagnosis in ERACODA

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related short-term mortality is high in dialysis patients, but longer-term outcomes are largely unknown. We therefore assessed patient recovery in a large cohort of dialysis patients 3 months after their COVID-19 diagnosis.

METHODS

We analyzed data on dialysis patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from 1 February 2020 to 31 March 2021 from the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database (ERACODA). The outcomes studied were patient survival, residence and functional and mental health status (estimated by their treating physician) 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. Complete follow-up data were available for 854 surviving patients. Patient characteristics associated with recovery were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In 2449 hemodialysis patients (mean ± SD age 67.5 ± 14.4 years, 62% male), survival probabilities at 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis were 90% for nonhospitalized patients (n = 1087), 73% for patients admitted to the hospital but not to an intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 1165) and 40% for those admitted to an ICU (n = 197). Patient survival hardly decreased between 28 days and 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. At 3 months, 87% functioned at their pre-existent functional and 94% at their pre-existent mental level. Only few of the surviving patients were still admitted to the hospital (0.8-6.3%) or a nursing home (∼5%). A higher age and frailty score at presentation and ICU admission were associated with worse functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality between 28 days and 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis was low and the majority of patients who survived COVID-19 recovered to their pre-existent functional and mental health level at 3 months after diagnosis.

MO728: Association of Interleukin-6 with Subendocardial Viability Ratio in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammation is an important process in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is recognized as a proinflammatory state. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with cardiovascular events and also predicts mortality in individuals with CKD patients.

The subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) is one of the pulse wave analysis parameters and represents a non-invasive measure of coronary perfusion. In a non-dialysis CKD population, we previously reported about the prognostic value of SEVR for cardiovascular outcome in these patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between inflammatory markers IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and SEVR in CKD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD).

METHOD

In a cross-sectional study, we enrolled only HD patients. SEVR was assessed using a generalized transfer function applied to the radial artery pressure wave form (Sphygmocor, Atcor Medical, Sydney, Australia). Plasma IL-6, TNF-α and hsCRP were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A total of 40 HD patients (mean age 65.2 ± 11.8 years, 72.5% male) were included. Other descriptive parameters are presented in Table 1. A statistically significant correlation was found between SEVR and IL-6 (r = 0.379; P = 0.016), but not between SEVR and TNF-α (P = 0.195), nor between SEVR and hsCRP (P = 0.686).

In a multivariate adjusted model with SEVR as dependent variable and IL-6, TNF-α and hsCRP as independent variables we found a statistically significant association only between SEVR and IL-6 (β = 0.393; P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests an association between IL-6 and SEVR in HD patients.

MO931: Serum Uric AcidA Marker of Malnutrition and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Haemodialysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Malnutrition in patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) develops along different pathways, and factors contributing to the development of malnutrition may be categorized as of iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic origins. Iatrogenic factors are an inadvertent consequence of dialysis for HD patients (e.g. removal of uremic solutes), whereas non-iatrogenic factors develop spontaneously from different factors accompanying the progression of kidney disease but are not related to the primary treatment (e.g. low dietary energy and protein intake). Malnutrition is prevalent in 28%–54% HD patients and is an important risk factor for mortality. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of serum uric acid (SUA) and other non-invasive markers of malnutrition on the survival of maintenance HD patients.

METHOD

We performed a study on 77 HD patients without malignant disease who were observed from January 2016 until their death or January 2021. Their median age was 63.0 (IQR 19) years, and their dialysis vintage was 1449 (IQR 1848) days. We recorded past medical history, laboratory tests and basic demographic data and performed bioelectrical impedance analysis with BodyStat (BodyStat Ltd). Patients who were at risk for malnutrition, based on nutrition screening tools, received oral nutritional supplements (ONS). SUA was measured every 2 months and the mean value was used for analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox's regression were performed.

RESULTS

Included patients (51.9% males) had diabetes mellitus (33.8%), arterial hypertension (87.0%), ischemic heart disease (24.7%), chronic obstructive lung disease (3.9%), liver disease (3.9%) and were smokers (14.3%). They received an ONS in 63.6%. During the observation period, 50.6% of them died. We created tertile groups (low, medium and high) based on mean SUA &lt; 294 μmol/L, 294–337 μmol/L and &gt; 337 μmol/L, respectively. The low group had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.044), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (P = 0.001), phase angle (P = 0.003) and dry lean mass (DLM) (P = 0.048), however there were no significant differences in prescription of ONS (P = 0.092). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed significantly higher mortality for patients in the low tertile group (P = 0.004). In Cox's regression model, SUA remained significant when adjusted for age, sex, BMI and comorbidities (P = 0.026). However, when adjusting for other markers of malnutrition and receiving ONS, only phase angle, albumin, DLM, fat free mass index and TIBC remained statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Low SUA levels in chronic HD patients are associated with lower survival and can help identify individuals who are at risk for malnutrition. Further studies should be done to guide possible interventions.

MO891: Poor Tolerability of the Standard, Extended, 48h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Haemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), extended to 44h or 48h for the diagnosis of hypertension in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, is recommended by Consensus Documents of the American Society of Nephrology and the European Renal Association. About 10%–20% of individuals in the general population report sleeping problems and other symptoms during 24 h ABPM. Because the longer recording period (44 or 48 h versus 24 h), the notorious sleeping disturbances and the high symptom burden of the ESKD population, the feasibility of the technique may be limited in this population. However, the large-scale tolerability of ABPM in the haemodialysis population, has never been investigated.

METHOD

We performed an international survey of feasibility and tolerability of 48 h ABPM in six centres in three European countries. These centres are led by motivated clinical nephrologists, all members of the EURECA-m working group. 48 h ABPM recording was proposed to a large, representative sample of the whole dialysis population of these centres. Well validated instruments (AAMI/ESH/ISO) were applied in all centres. As recommended by the European Society of Hypertension guidelines, recordings were made at 15-min intervals during the day and 30 min during the night. Reasons for refusal to undergo the test were accurately registered. A tolerability (symptoms) questionnaire and a specific questionnaire for sleep evaluation were administered to all participants who underwent 48h ABPM. Reasons for not completing of the ABPM monitoring were systematically recorded.

RESULTS

In the whole haemodialysis population of participating centres including 735 patients, 440 (60%) were invited to participate in the study. Among these patients, 119 (27%) refused to undergo ABPM recording. Reasons for refusal were fear of discomfort (n = 30, 25%), measurement too long (n = 22, 18%), logistic problems (n = 17, 14%), previous negative experience (n = 13, 11%), clinical reasons (n = 12, 10%), other reasons (n = 25). Among the 321 patients who performed the 48h ABPM recording, 29 (9%) did not complete it and the main reason for interrupting the recording were discomfort [12 patients (41%)], followed by device failure [10 patients (34%)]. Among symptoms developed during the ABPM study, frequent interruption of sleeping because of noise or discomfort was reported by 32% of patients, followed by itching (24%) and pain during the measurements (20%). The detailed list of symptoms, is reported in the Table 1.

CONCLUSION

Overall, about 25% of haemodialysis patients consider 48h ABPM a laborious and discomforting test and prejudicially refuse to undergo it. Among patients who undergo 48h ABPM, itching and interruption of sleeping are complained by about 1/3 of patients. These figures are substantially higher than those reported in studies in the general population and in hypertensive patients and point to peculiar barriers at applying extended ABPM recordings in the haemodialysis population. Studies applying more tolerable instruments and a minimum set of measurements over a shorter time, with a reduced number of measurements overnight, are clinical research priority for extending the use of ABPM in the haemodialysis population.

MO723: Ankle-Brachial Index is Associated with Subendocardial Viability Ratio in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a marker of peripheral arterial disease and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Structural alterations in the arterial walls lead to functional central haemodynamic changes, potentially impacting pulse wave reflection and, consequently, myocardial perfusion.

The aim of this study was to determine the association between ABI and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) as a non-invasive measure of coronary perfusion in chronic haemodialysis patients.

METHOD

We measured ABI using an automated non-invasive waveform analysis device (MESI®, Slovenia) and SEVR using applanation tonometry (Sphygmocor, Atcor Medical, Sydney, Australia). All the measurements were performed on a non-dialysis day and SEVR on the non-arteriovenous fistula (non-AVF) hand. ABI was calculated as the ratio between systolic blood pressure on the non-AVF hand and systolic blood pressure on the calves of both legs. Mean ABI of both sides was used in the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients (mean age 63.6 ± 10.5 years, 69.0% male) were included. In Table 1, descriptive parameters are presented.

Of those, 4 patients (13.8%) have an ABI &lt;0.9 and the other 25 patients (86.2%) have a normal ABI between 0.9 and 1.3. Using the independent-samples T-test, patients with a lower ABI have a statistically significant lower SEVR compared with patients with normal ABI (109 versus 142%; P = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

Low ABI is independently associated with decreased subendocardial perfusion in chronic haemodialysis patients, suggesting that both methods of ABI and SEVR measurement may reflect an atherosclerotic process in peripheral and coronary arteries.

MO755: Comparison of Techniques for Fluid Status Assessment in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Several methods have been developed to assess hydration status in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to compare multifrequency body bioimpedance spectroscopy (MBIS) with ultrasound lung comet scores (ULCs) and inferior vena cava diameters (IVCD) using ultrasound to estimate dry weight on the non-dialysis day.

METHOD

We evaluated MBIS, ULCs at 28 typical sites and IVCD during expiration in 40 HD patients. All measurements were performed on a non-dialysis day. For MBIS measurement, we used the Body Composition Monitor (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany), and for ULCs and IVCD, we used an ultrasound device (Esaote MyLabOmega, Genoa, Italy). Overhydration was defined as &gt; 2L with MBIS, &gt; 15 ULCs, and &gt; 11.5 mm/m2 IVCD.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 65 (40–89) years, and 29 (72.5%) were men. Other descriptive data are in Table 1. We found a significant correlation between MBIS and ULCs (r = 0.464, P &lt;0.003) and between MBIS and IVCD (r = 0.589, P &lt;0.001). Multiple regression analysis with the MBIS as the dependent variable and ULCs, IVCD, albumin and haemoglobin as independent variables confirmed a statistically significant relationship between MBIS and IVCD (β = 0.436; P &lt; 0.001). According to the overhydration criteria, 14 (35%) patients were overhydrated by MBIS, 8 (20%) patients by ULCs and 9 (22.5%) patients by IVCD. Only 4 (10%) patients met overhydration criteria simultaneously by all three methods (MBIS, ULCs and IVCD).

CONCLUSION

All methods were able to describe overhydration in HD patients on a non-dialysis day. The MBIS was associated with the IVCD.

Polypharmacy and Mental Health Issues in the Senior Hemodialysis Patient

Hemodialysis (HD) is the most common method of chronic kidney failure (CKF) treatment, with 65% of European patients with CKF receiving HD in 2018. Regular two to three HD sessions weekly severely lower their quality of life, resulting in a higher incidence of depression and anxiety, which is present in one third to one half of these patients. Additionally, the age of patients receiving HD is increasing with better treatment and care, resulting in more cognitive impairment being uncovered. Lastly, patients with other mental health issues can also develop CKF during their life with need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT). All these conditions need to receive adequate care, which often means prescribing psychotropic medications. Importantly, many of these drugs are eliminated through the kidneys, which results in altered pharmacokinetics when patients receive KRT. This narrative review will focus on common issues and medications of CKF patients, their comorbidities, mental health issues, use of psychotropic medications and their altered pharmacokinetics when used in HD, polypharmacy, and drug interactions, as well as deprescribing algorithms developed for these patients.

Hyperkalemia in Chronic Kidney Disease in the New Era of Kidney Protection Therapies

Despite recent therapeutic advances, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the fastest growing global causes of death. This illustrates limitations of current therapeutic approaches and, potentially, unidentified knowledge gaps. For decades, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers have been the mainstay of therapy for CKD. However, they favor the development of hyperkalemia, which is already common in CKD patients due to the CKD-associated decrease in urinary potassium (K⁺) excretion and metabolic acidosis. Hyperkalemia may itself be life-threatening as it may trigger potentially lethal arrhythmia, and additionally may limit the prescription of RAAS blockers and lead to low-K⁺ diets associated to low dietary fiber intake. Indeed, hyperkalemia is associated with adverse kidney, cardiovascular, and survival outcomes. Recently, novel kidney protective therapies, ranging from sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to new mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have shown efficacy in clinical trials. Herein, we review K⁺ pathophysiology and the clinical impact and management of hyperkalemia considering these developments and the availability of the novel K⁺ binders patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, recent results from clinical trials targeting metabolic acidosis (sodium bicarbonate, veverimer), and an increasing understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease.

Hyperuricemia, the heart, and the kidneys - to treat or not to treat?

Background

Hyperuricemia is a state in which the serum levels of uric acid are elevated. As such it has a pronounced effect on vascular and renal function with their consequences, while also showing some antioxidant effects that show to be beneficial.

Summary

Hyperuricemia has shown to have a J-shaped relationship with mortality, is frequently associated with development and progression of heart and kidney disease, and is correlated with malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome, although several Mendelian studies have failed to show an association with morbidity and mortality. Hyperuricemia is usually associated with gout flares and tophi development but can also present as asymptomatic hyperuricemia. It is still uncertain whether asymptomatic hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular or renal disease and as such its treatment is questionable.

Key messages

Some possible tools for future decision making are the use of noninvasive techniques such as pulse wave analysis, urinary sediment analysis, and joint ultrasound, which could help identify individuals with asymptomatic hyperuricemia that could benefit from urate lowering therapy most.

Diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease: Non-invasive assessment of cardiovascular risk

The prevalence and burden of diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease on global health and socioeconomic development is already heavy and still rising. Diabetes mellitus by itself is linked to adverse cardiovascular events, and the presence of concomitant chronic kidney disease further amplifies cardiovascular risk. The culmination of traditional (male gender, smoking, advanced age, obesity, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia) and non-traditional risk factors (anemia, inflammation, proteinuria, volume overload, mineral metabolism abnormalities, oxidative stress, etc.) contributes to advanced atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. To decrease the morbidity and mortality of these patients due to cardiovascular causes, timely and efficient cardiovascular risk assessment is of huge importance. Cardiovascular risk assessment can be based on laboratory parameters, imaging techniques, arterial stiffness parameters, ankle-brachial index and 24 h blood pressure measurements. Newer methods include epigenetic markers, soluble adhesion molecules, cytokines and markers of oxidative stress. In this review, the authors present several non-invasive methods of cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue and main cause of chronic kidney disease. Both diseases are also linked through high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is present in up to 40% of diabetic patients; therefore, prevention and treatment of DKD are of utmost importance. Much research has been dedicated to the optimization of DKD treatment. In the last few years, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) have experienced a renaissance in this field with the development of non-steroidal MRA. Steroidal MRA have known cardiorenal benefits, but their use is limited by side effects, especially hyperkalemia. Non-steroidal MRA still block the damaging effects of mineralocorticoid receptor overactivation (extracellular fluid volume expansion, inflammation, fibrosis), but with fewer side effects (hormonal, hyperkalemia) than steroidal MRA. This review article summarizes the current knowledge and newer research conducted on MRA in DKD.

MO820INTRACELLULAR WATER BEFORE HEMODIALYSIS PREDICTS ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Background and Aims

Several factors may be responsible for the increased mortality in dialysis patients, but volume overload is considered among the main mechanisms of this association. Volume status is usually estimated using clinical criteria, i.e., patien's signs and symptoms, peridialytic blood pressure measurements, and intradialytic hemodynamic instability. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is another way to measure volume status in dialysis patients. BIA can measure overhydration (OH), extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW) and ECW/ICW ratio.

The aim of our study was to analyze the role of BIA parameters before and after hemodialysis (HD) on all-cause mortality.

Method

Eighty-three patients (mean age 64.2 years; 51 men) on maintenance HD were included. BIA was performed and blood pressure was measured before and after the HD session. Patients were followed for assigned time, until transplantation or death. The mean follow-up time was 1181±564 days.

Results

Descriptive statistics of our patients are shown in Table 1. During the follow-up period, 6 (7.2%) patients were transplanted and 39 (47%) patients died. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that only ICW before HD was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality (HR=1.089; 95%CI: 1.01-1.17, p=0.018). OH, ECW, ECW/ICW ratio before and after HD and ICW after HD were not associated with survival. In multivariate Cox regression analysis including ICW before dialysis, age, dialysis vintage, pulse pressure before HD, hemoglobin, CRP and serum albumin, ICW before dialysis was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR=1.102; 95%CI: 1.01-1.20, p=0.029) (Table 2).

Conclusion

ICW before HD predicts all-cause mortality in HD patients.

MO102LUNG ULTRASOUND-GUIDED DRY-WEIGHT REDUCTION DECREASES AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS IN HYPERTENSIVE HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: LONG-TERM ANALYSIS OF A LUST SUB-STUDY*

Background and Aims

Hypertension is highly prevalent and independently associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The main mechanism leading to BP elevation in these individuals is their inability to maintain water homeostasis. This study examines the long-term effects of dry-weight reduction with a standardized lung-ultrasound-guided strategy on ambulatory BP in hypertensive hemodialysis patients.

Method

This is the report of the 12-month trial phase of a randomized controlled trial in 71 clinically euvolemic, hemodialysis patients with hypertension. Patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) in the active group (23 male and 12 female), following dry-weight reduction guided by the total number of US-B lines prior to a mid-week dialysis session and the control group (24 male and 12 female), following standard-of-care treatment. A 48-hour ABPM was performed in all study participants at baseline and after 12 months.

Results

During follow-up more patients in the active compared to control group had dry weight reduction (71.4% vs 22.2%; p&lt;0.001). US-B lines -4.83±13.73 vs 5.53±16.01; p=0.005) and dry-weight (-1.68±2.38 vs 0.54±2.32; p&lt;0.001) decreased in the active and slightly increased in the control group. At 12 months, 48-hour SBP (136.19±14.78 vs 130.31±13.57; p=0.034) and DBP (80.72±9.83 vs 76.82±8.97; p=0.008) were lower compared to baseline in the active but similar in the control group. Changes in 48-hour SBP (-7.78±13.29 vs -0.10±14.75; p=0.021) were significantly greater in the active compared to the control group. Comparisons for intradialytic, 44-hour, Day-1, Day-2 and day- and night-time BP were to the same direction. The proportion of patients experiencing at least one episode of intradialytic hypotension was numerically lower in the active group (71.4% vs 88.9%, p=0.065).

Conclusion

A lung-ultrasound-guided strategy for dry-weight reduction can effectively and safely decrease ambulatory BP levels during a 12-month follow-up period This method is a simple treatment approach to improve hypertension management in hemodialysis patients.

MO147ASSOCIATION OF CHA2DS2-VASC SCORE WITH CAROTID-FEMORAL PULSE WAVE VELOCITY IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

Background and Aims

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients suffer from high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Arterial stiffness is an important parameter for the evaluation of cardiovascular risk. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is the gold standard measure for the assessment of arterial stiffness. CHA2DS2-VASc score was originally used to predict cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is also useful in predicting outcome in different cardiovascular conditions, independent of the presence of AF. Therefore, the aim of our research was to assess the association of CHA2DS2-VASc score with cfPWV in CKD patients.

Method

Eighty-seven non-dialysis CKD patients from our outpatient clinic were included. At the time of inclusion, medical history data and standard blood results were collected, CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated, cfPWV measurements (SphygmoCor System) were done. Correlation between CHA2DS2-VASc score and cfPWV was assessed. Multiple regression analysis with cfPWV as dependent and CHA2DS2-VASc score, eGFR, urinary albumin/creatinine, haemoglobin, high sensitivity CRP, serum calcium, phosphate and intact PTH as independent variables was performed. Additionally, patients were divided into two groups according to median value of CHA2DS2-VASc score (group 1: CHA2DS2-VASc score ≤2, group 2: CHA2DS2-VASc score &gt;2). Data of both groups were compared by t-test or Mann-Whitney test.

Results

CHA2DS2-VASc score correlated with cfPWV (r=0.380, p=0.001). In multiple regression analysis only CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly associated with cfPWV (p=0.001). Data of both groups of patients divided according to median value of CHA2DS2-VASc score are presented in table 1. cfPWV was significantly higher in group 2 (13.40±3.50 vs 10.46±2.93, p=0.001). Groups of patients also differed significantly in age, presence of diabetes, eGFR and serum phosphate.

Conclusion

CHA2DS2-VASc score is associated with cfPWV in CKD patients. Patients with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score have stiffer arteries.

MO159CHA2DS2-VASC SCORE AS A PREDICTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

Background and Aims

Cardiovascular mortality is high in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Recognizing patients with higher cardiovascular risk might help in their treatment. CHA2DS2-VASc score was originally used to predict cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is also useful in predicting outcome in different cardiovascular conditions, independent of the presence of AF. Therefore, the aim of our research was to assess the role of CHA2DS2-VASc score in cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients.

Method

Eighty-seven non-dialysis CKD patients from our outpatient clinic were included. At the time of inclusion, medical history data and standard blood results were collected and CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated. Patients were followed for assigned time or until their death. Mean follow-up time was 1696.45±564.60 days.

Results

Descriptive statistics of our patients are presented in table 1. During follow-up 11 patients suffered from cardiovascular death. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that CHA2DS2-VASc score is a significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.19, CI: 1.42-3.37, p=0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis in which CHA2DS2-VASc score, serum creatinine, urinary albumin/creatinine, haemoglobin, high sensitivity CRP and intact PTH were included, CHA2DS2-VASc score was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.04, CI: 1.20-3.45, p=0.008) (table 2).

Conclusion

CHA2DS2-VASc score is a simple and quick way to identify cardiovascular risk in CKD patients.

MO729LUNG ULTRASOUND GUIDED DRY-WEIGHT REDUCTION DECREASES CARDIAC CHAMBERS DIMENSIONS AND IMPROVES VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: LONG-TERM ANALYSIS OF A LUST SUB-STUDY

Background and Aims

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and dysfunction are highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients and independently associated with adverse outcomes. Few interventions were shown to effectively reduce LVH in hemodialysis. This study examines the long-term effects of dry-weight reduction with a standardized lung-ultrasound-guided strategy on echocardiographic indices of left and right cardiac chambers in hemodialysis patients.

Method

This is the report of the 12-month trial phase of a randomized controlled trial in 71 clinically euvolemic, hemodialysis patients with hypertension. Patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) in the active group (23 male and 12 female), following dry-weight reduction guided by the total number of US-B lines prior to a mid-week dialysis session and the control group (24 male and 12 female), following standard-of-care treatment. Among several assessments, participants underwent two-dimensional and tissue-Doppler echocardiographic (TDI) at baseline and study-end.

Results

During follow-up dry-weight reduction took place in more patients in the active compared with the control group (71.4% vs 22.2%; p&lt;0.001). Left atrial (LA) surface (-1.37±4.50 vs 1.28±5.00 cm2; P=0.006) and LA volume index (-3.22±11.82 vs 4.76±12.83 ml/m2; P=0.009) decreased in the active and increased in the usual-care group. Left ventricle (LV) diastolic (-0.94±11.45 vs 6.58±13.92 ml/m2; P=0.015) and systolic (-0.89±7.11 vs 3.38±7.89 ml/m2; P=0.018) volume index decreased only in the active group. LV mass index slightly decreased in the active (134.21±44.75 vs 133.57±45.51; P=0.844) and was marginally increased in the control group (134.21±40.96 vs 143.77±50.04 g/m2; P=0.089). Right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure was stable in the active (23.74±13.76 vs 24.35±12.99; P= 0.795) and significantly increased in the usual-care group (26.24±12.95 vs 31.20±16.13 mmHg; P=0.028). Reductions in LV A wave were greater in the active compared to the usual-care group (-4.98±15.11 vs 2.23±21.71 m/s; P=0.009). Changes in LV systolic and RV diastolic function indices were not different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Over 12 months, a lung-ultrasound-guided strategy for dry-weight reduction can effectively decrease cardiac chamber dimensions, prevent LVMi increase and improve LV diastolic and RV systolic function.

Polymorphism in the GATM Locus Associated with Dialysis-Independent Chronic Kidney Disease but Not Dialysis-Dependent Kidney Failure

The ten most statistically significant estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcrea)-associated loci from genome-wide association studies (GWAs) are tested for associations with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 208 patients, including dialysis-independent CKD and dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (kidney failure). The allele A of intergenic SNP rs2453533 (near GATM) is more frequent in dialysis-independent CKD patients (n = 135, adjusted p = 0.020) but not dialysis-dependent kidney failure patients (n = 73) compared to healthy controls (n = 309). The allele C of intronic SNP rs4293393 (UMOD) is more frequent in healthy controls (adjusted p = 0.042) than in CKD patients. The Allele T of intronic SNP rs9895661 (BCAS3) is associated with decreased eGFRcys (adjusted p = 0.001) and eGFRcrea (adjusted p = 0.017). Our results provide further evidence of a genetic difference between dialysis-dialysis-independent CKD and dialysis-dependent kidney failure, and add the GATM gene locus to the list of loci associated only with dialysis-independent CKD. GATM risk allele carriers in the dialysis-independent group may have a genetic susceptibility to higher creatinine production rather than increased serum creatinine due to kidney malfunction, and therefore, do not progress to dialysis-dependent kidney failure. When using eGFRcrea for CKD diagnosis, physicians might benefit from information about creatinine-increasing loci.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score as a Predictor of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Recognition of high-risk patients is important and could lead to a different approach and better treatment. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was originally used to predict cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but it is also a useful predictor of outcome in other cardiovascular conditions, independent of AF. Therefore, the aim of our research was to assess the role of CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in CKD patients.

METHODS

Stable nondialysis CKD patients were included. At the time of inclusion, medical history data and standard blood results were collected and CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated. Patients were followed till the same end date, until kidney transplantation or until their death.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven CKD patients were included (60.3 ± 12.8 years, 66% male). Mean follow-up time was 1,696.5 ± 564.6 days. During the follow-up, 21 patients died and 11 because of cardiovascular reasons. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that CHA2DS2-VASc score is a significant predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, in which CHA2DS2-VASc score, serum creatinine, urinary albumin/creatinine, hemoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and intact parathyroid hormone were included, CHA2DS2-VASc score was an independent predictor of cardiovascular (HR: 2.04, CI: 1.20-3.45, p = 0.008) and all-cause mortality (HR: 2.06, CI: 1.43-2.97, p = 0.001). The same was true after adding total cholesterol, triglycerides, and smoking status to both the analyses.

CONCLUSION

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a simple, practical, and quick way to identify the risk for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in CKD patients.

Early Detection of Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis in Hemodialysis Patients through Routine Measurements of Dialysis Dose (Kt/V)

BACKGROUND

Monitoring of arteriovenous (AV) fistula to detect hemodynamically important stenosis is crucial for the prevention of AV fistula thrombosis. The aim of our study was to analyze the importance of dialysis dose (Kt/V) during online postdilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) for early detection of AV fistula stenosis.

METHODS

Hemodialysis patients with AV fistula were included in this study. We compared a group of 44 patients who have undergone fistulography and subsequently percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of significant AV fistula stenosis (active group) with a group of 44 age- and sex-matched patients without PTA (control group). Observational time in both groups was the same.

RESULTS

All patients had postdilution online HDF using a F5008 dialysis machine, which can measure online single-pool Kt/V. All data were analyzed during the performance of 2056 HDF procedures. In the active group, we found statistically significantly lower values of Kt/V, all 8 weeks before PTA. In the active group, there was a significant improvement in Kt/V in the first (p < 0.001) and second week (p = 0.049) after PTA. Three and 8 weeks after PTA, we did not find any statistically significant difference in Kt/V between both groups (p = 0.114; p = 0.058). Patients in the active group had statistically significantly lower substitution volumes and blood pump flow rates during HDF over the whole observation period before and after PTA. In contrast, there were no differences in venous pressure in the dialysis circuit between both groups throughout the observation period.

CONCLUSION

In hemodialysis patients with AV fistula, treated with online HDF, routine measurements of Kt/V during each HDF are a beneficial, quick, and straightforward method for early detection of hemodynamically significant AV fistula stenosis.

Review on Inflammation Markers in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major health problems of the modern age. It represents an important public health challenge with an ever-lasting rising prevalence, which reached almost 700 million by the year 2017. Therefore, it is very important to identify patients at risk for CKD development and discover risk factors that cause the progression of the disease. Several studies have tackled this conundrum in recent years, novel markers have been identified, and new insights into the pathogenesis of CKD have been gained. This review summarizes the evidence on markers of inflammation and their role in the development and progression of CKD. It will focus primarily on cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules. Nevertheless, further large, multicenter studies are needed to establish the role of these markers and confirm possible treatment options in everyday clinical practice.

The association between pulse wave analysis, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and peripheral arterial disease in patients with ischemic heart disease

INTRODUCTION

Functional changes in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) could play a role in higher cardiovascular risk in these patients.

METHODS

123 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography were included. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured and arterial stiffness parameters were derived with applanation tonometry.

RESULTS

6 patients (4.9%) had a previously known PAD (Rutherford grade I). Mean ABI was 1.04 ± 0.12, mean subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) 166.6 ± 32.7% and mean carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) 10.3 ± 2.4 m/s. Most of the patients (n = 81, 65.9%) had coronary artery disease (CAD). There was no difference in ABI among different degrees of CAD. Patients with zero- and three-vessel CAD had significantly lower values of SEVR, compared to patients with one- and two-vessel CAD (159.5 ± 32.9%/158.1 ± 31.5% vs 181.0 ± 35.2%/166.8 ± 27.8%; p = 0.048). No significant difference was observed in cfPWV values. Spearman's correlation test showed an important correlation between ABI and SEVR (r = 0.196; p = 0.037) and between ABI and cfPWV (r = - 0.320; p ≤ 0.001). Multiple regression analysis confirmed an association between cfPWV and ABI (β = - 0.210; p = 0.003), cfPWV and mean arterial pressure (β = 0.064; p < 0.001), cfPWV and age (β = 0.113; p < 0.001) and between cfPWV and body mass index (BMI (β = - 0.195; p = 0.028), but not with arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus or smoking status. SEVR was not statistically significantly associated with ABI using the same multiple regression model.

CONCLUSION

Reduced ABI was associated with increased cfPWV, but not with advanced CAD or decreased SEVR.

Intravenous iron therapy and the cardiovascular system: risks and benefits

Anaemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this setting, iron deficiency is frequent because of the combination of increased iron needs to sustain erythropoiesis with increased iron losses. Over the years, evidence has accumulated on the involvement of iron in influencing pulmonary vascular resistance, endothelial function, atherosclerosis progression and infection risk. For decades, iron therapy has been the mainstay of therapy for renal anaemia together with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Despite its long-standing use, grey areas still surround the use of iron therapy in CKD. In particular, the right balance between either iron repletion with adequate therapy and the avoidance of iron overload and its possible negative effects is still a matter of debate. This is particularly true in patients having functional iron deficiency. The recent Proactive IV Iron Therapy in Haemodialysis Patients trial supports the use of intravenous (IV) iron therapy until a ferritin upper limit of 700 ng/mL is reached in haemodialysis patients on ESA therapy, with short dialysis vintage and minimal signs of inflammation. IV iron therapy has also been proven to be effective in the setting of heart failure (HF), where it improves exercise capacity and quality of life and possibly reduces the risk of HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths. In this review we discuss the risks of functional iron deficiency and the possible benefits and risks of iron therapy for the cardiovascular system in the light of old and new evidence.

Arylesterase Activity of HDL Associated Paraoxonase as a Potential Prognostic Marker in Patients With Sepsis and Septic Shock-A Prospective Pilot Study

Background: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an essential role in the immune system and shows effective antioxidative properties. We investigated correlations of lipid parameters with the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and the prognostic association with mortality in sepsis patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We prospectively recruited consecutive adult patients with sepsis and septic shock, according to sepsis-3 criteria as well as non-sepsis ICU controls. Results: Fifty-three patients with sepsis (49% with septic shock) and 25 ICU controls without sepsis were enrolled. Dyslipidemia (HDL-C < 40 mg/l) was more common in sepsis compared to non-sepsis patients (85 vs. 52%, p = 0.002). Septic patients compared to controls had reduced HDL-C (14 vs. 39 mg/l, p < 0.0001), lower arylesterase activity of the antioxidative paraoxonase of HDL (AEA) (67 vs. 111 mM/min/ml serum, p < 0.0001), and a non-significant trend toward reduced cholesterol efflux capacity (9 vs. 10%, p = 0.091). We observed a strong association between higher AEA and lower risk of 28-day [per 10 mM/min/ml serum increase in AEA: odds ratio (OR) = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61-0.94; p = 0.01) and ICU mortality (per 10 mM/min/ml serum increase in AEA: OR = 0.71, 95% CI, 0.56-0.90, p = 0.004) in the sepsis cohort in univariable logistic regression analysis. AEA was confirmed as an independent predictor of 28-day and ICU mortality in multivariable analyses. AEA discriminated well-regarding 28-day/ICU mortality in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyses. In survival analysis, 28-day mortality estimates were 40 and 69% with AEA ≥/< the 25th percentile of AEA's distribution, respectively (log-rank p = 0.0035). Conclusions: Both compositional and functional HDL parameters are profoundly altered during sepsis. In particular, the functionality parameter AEA shows promising prognostic potential in sepsis patients.

The Prospective Studies of Atherosclerosis (Proof-ATHERO) Consortium: Design and Rationale

Atherosclerosis - the pathophysiological mechanism shared by most cardiovascular diseases - can be directly or indirectly assessed by a variety of clinical tests including measurement of carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, -ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity, and coronary -artery calcium. The Prospective Studies of Atherosclerosis -(Proof-ATHERO) consortium (https://clinicalepi.i-med.ac.at/research/proof-athero/) collates de-identified individual-participant data of studies with information on atherosclerosis measures, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and incidence of cardiovascular diseases. It currently comprises 74 studies that involve 106,846 participants from 25 countries and over 40 cities. In summary, 21 studies recruited participants from the general population (n = 67,784), 16 from high-risk populations (n = 22,677), and 37 as part of clinical trials (n = 16,385). Baseline years of contributing studies range from April 1980 to July 2014; the latest follow-up was until June 2019. Mean age at baseline was 59 years (standard deviation: 10) and 50% were female. Over a total of 830,619 person-years of follow-up, 17,270 incident cardiovascular events (including coronary heart disease and stroke) and 13,270 deaths were recorded, corresponding to cumulative incidences of 2.1% and 1.6% per annum, respectively. The consortium is coordinated by the Clinical Epidemiology Team at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. Contributing studies undergo a detailed data cleaning and harmonisation procedure before being incorporated in the Proof-ATHERO central database. Statistical analyses are being conducted according to pre-defined analysis plans and use established methods for individual-participant data meta-analysis. Capitalising on its large sample size, the multi-institutional collaborative Proof-ATHERO consortium aims to better characterise, understand, and predict the development of atherosclerosis and its clinical consequences.

P0737THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CYSTATIN C AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN NON-CKD PATIENTS

Background and Aims

Serum cystatin C (cysC) is produced by all nucleated cells at a constant rate, is filtered freely by the glomerulus and metabolized after tubular reabsorption. It is influenced less by age, gender and muscle mass compared to serum creatinine. These properties make it an important marker in detecting renal impairment. Arterial stiffness is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and is connected to cardiovascular events and mortality. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), cysC correlates with increased arterial stiffness, but less is known about the association between cysC and arterial stiffness in non-CKD patients.

Method

The study was performed at the University Medical Centre Maribor between October 1st 2018 and January 1st 2020. Basic demographic and laboratory data were recorded. To estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) equation was used. Patients with previously diagnosed CKD and/or eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73m2 at the time of admission, known malignancy, thyroid disease and/or on steroid therapy were not enrolled in the study. Arterial stiffness was measured with applanation tonometry (Sphygmocor®, Australia), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was used as the gold standard of central arterial stiffness and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) was used as the marker of myocardial perfusion. SPSS® version 22 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

111 patients (65.8% male, average age 64.3±9.4 years) were included in our study. Most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension (n=86, 77.5%), hyperlipidaemia (n=64, 57.7%) and diabetes mellitus (n=22, 19.8%). Mean creatinine value was 77.7±13.8 μmol/L (range 49-108 μmol/L), mean eGFR was 81.3±9.4 ml/min/1.73m2 (range 62-90 ml/min/1.73m2) and mean value of cysC was 0.94±0.18 mg/L (range 0.67-1.63 mg/L). Mean SEVR value was 165.7±36.1% (range 92-299%) and mean cfPWV value was 10.1±2.4 m/s (range 6.2-16.8 m/s). Significant correlation was found between cysC and SEVR (r=-0.316, p&lt;0.001) and between cysC and cfPWV (r=0.472, p&lt;0.001). Multiple regression analysis of arterial stiffness indices and cysC, age, gender, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, eGFR and hyperlipidemia, showed statistically significant association between cysC and cfPWV (ß=0.220, p=0.038) and cysC and SEVR (ß=-0.278, p=0.017).

Conclusion

Serum cysC is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness, reduced myocardial perfusion and increased cardiovascular risk in non-CKD patients.

P1095USE OF CYTOKINE ADSORBING MEMBRANES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE RENAL FAILURE IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Background and Aims

Use of cytokine adsorbents has been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach in sepsis management. Our aim was to evaluate laboratory markers, clinical parameters and SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score in patients who were treated with cytokine adsorbing membrane (CytoSorb®, CytoSorbents Corp. New Jersey, USA) and continuous veno-venous haemodialysis.

Method

We included adult patients with septic shock and acute renal failure. We retrospectively collected laboratory results (leukocytes, thrombocytes, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, lactate, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, PaO2), clinical parameters (mean arterial pressure (MAP), FiO2, residual diuresis), SOFA score and vasopressor use at the beginning and at the end of the procedure.

Results

We included 69 patients, 51 men, aged 56.6 ± 15 years. 51 patients had 1 procedure, 14 patients had 2 procedures, 3 patients had 3 procedures and 1 patient had 4 procedures. Median time from admission to initiation of procedure was 47 hours, median treatment time was 23.6 hours.

We discovered significant improvement in procalcitonin (35.36 ± 37.33 ng/mL vs. 24.25 ± 31.18 ng/mL; p&lt;0.001), creatinine (345.06 ± 174.65 μmol/L vs. 233.11 ± 108.82 μmol/L; p&lt;0.0001), SOFA score (14.20 ± 2.64 vs. 12.69 ± 3.52; p&lt;0.001) and FiO2 (48.17 ± 21.17 % vs. 44.63 ± 21.45 %; p=0.020).

Patients with more than 1 procedure showed statistically significant reduction in lactate level (5.40 ± 4.74 mmol/L vs. 2.46 ± 1.74 mmol/L; p=0.010) and vasopressin dose (1.26 ± 1.61 vs. 0.88 ± 3.2 IU/h; p=0.022).

Conclusion

We observed potential beneficial effect of adsorptive membrane use in septic patients. According to our results two or more procedures were associated with improved laboratory markers and lower vasopressor requirement.

P1303ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PULSE PRESSURE AND EXTRACELLULAR TO INTRACELLULAR WATER RATIO IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Background and Aims

Optimal fluid management is a challenge in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy (MBIS) is a non-invasive method to estimate body composition, including estimates of extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW) and the ratio between both spaces (ECW/ICW). Pulse pressure is a significant risk factor of cardiovascular disease and death in general and dialysis population. Our study aimed to analyse the correlation between systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure with body composition status in ESRD patients before HD.

Method

We performed a retrospective single-centre cohort study in 93 HD patients. The body composition was measured using the portable whole-body MBIS device, Body Composition Monitor-BCM(®) (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). Blood pressure was measured with OMRON monitors.

Results

The mean age of patients was 64 ± 13 years, mean dialysis vintage 63 (1-352) months, 61% were men, all patients had arteriovenous fistula as vascular access. Sixty-nine (74.2%) patients were fluid overload (FO) with &gt; 1.1 L overhydration. Other data are presented in table 1. We found a statistically significant correlation between the pulse pressure and ECW/ICW ratio (r=0.258; P=0.033) in FO patients. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between systolic, diastolic blood pressure and ECW/ICW ratio in FO patients.

Conclusion

Only pulse pressure and not systolic or diastolic blood pressure values measured before HD are associated with ECW/ICW ratio in FO patients.

P1185LUNG COMETS AND EVALUATION OF HYDRATION STATUS IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Background and Aims

Assessment of optimal hydration status in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a challenge. Multiple diagnostic options to determine hydration status in PD patients are available. Multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy (MBIS) is a cheap, simple and non-invasive method of estimating body composition, including estimates of total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW) and the ratio between both spaces (ECW/ICW). Lung ultrasonography (LUS) and lung B-lines (lung comets) can be used for the evaluation of extravascular lung water. Ultrasound evaluation of inferior vena cava (UIVC) provides rapid, non-invasive assessment of a patient's hemodynamic and volume status. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is related to fluid status and fluid distribution. The aim of our study was to assess fluid status in PD patients comparing four different methods: MBIS, LUS, UIVC and NT-proBNP.

Method

We performed a single-centre cohort study in 19 PD patients. The body composition was measured using the portable whole-body MBIS device, Body Composition Monitor-BCM(®) (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany), LUS with portable US device (VScan, General Electrics Corporate), UIVC index with SonoSite US device. NT-proBNP was measured in a one-step sandwich chemiluminescent immunoassay (Dimension Vista® System 1500, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Newark, NJ, USA).

Results

The mean age of patients was 54 ± 10 years, mean dialysis vintage 53 (10-194) months, 63% were men. Thirteen (68.4%) patients had fluid overload (FO) &gt; 1.1 L. Data of patients are presented in table 1. We found a statistically significant correlation between the number of lung comets and ECW/ICW ratio (r = 0.496, P = 0.031) and NT-proBNP (r = 0.759, P &lt; 0.0001). In contrast, there was no significant correlation between the number of lung comets and UIVC (r = 0.221, P &lt; 0.364).

Conclusion

According to our results, LUS with lung comets, MBIS with ECW/ICW ratio and NT-proBNP are useful and complementary methods for evaluation of fluid status in PD patients.

Effect of biologics targeting interleukin-23/-17 axis on subclinical atherosclerosis: results of a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerotic vascular disease. The hypothesis that treatment of the skin inflammation may decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis and consequently, cardiovascular disease, is currently a focus of significant attention.

AIM

To assess the effect of biologic drugs targeting the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis on selected subclinical atherosclerosis parameters in patients with psoriatic disease.

METHODS

In a series of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who were eligible for biologic therapy, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and intima-media thickness (IMT) were determined before therapy and after 6 months of treatment with biologics (ustekinumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab).

RESULTS

After 6 months of treatment, a marked clinical improvement of skin lesions was observed in all patients. No significant changes in PWV or IMT values were observed before (8.59 ± 1.96 mm and 0.54 ± 0.9 mm, respectively) and after 6 months (8.89 ± 2.02 mm and 0.53 ± 0.9 mm) of therapy (P = 0.16 and P = 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic treatment of patients with a psoriatic disease with biologics targeting the IL-23/IL-17 axis has a possibly neutral effect on atherosclerosis. Additional studies are needed to assess the impact of newer biologic treatments on atherosclerosis.

SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists for nephroprotection and cardioprotection in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. A consensus statement by the EURECA-m and the DIABESITY working groups of the ERA-EDTA

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major problem of public health. Currently, many of these patients experience progression of cardiovascular and renal disease, even when receiving optimal treatment. In previous years, several new drug classes for the treatment of type 2 DM have emerged, including inhibitors of renal sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Apart from reducing glycaemia, these classes were reported to have other beneficial effects for the cardiovascular and renal systems, such as weight loss and blood pressure reduction. Most importantly, in contrast to all previous studies with anti-diabetic agents, a series of recent randomized, placebo-controlled outcome trials showed that SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are able to reduce cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, as well as progression of renal disease, in patients with type 2 DM. This document presents in detail the available evidence on the cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues, analyses the potential mechanisms involved in these actions and discusses their place in the treatment of patients with CKD and DM.

Outcome in Patients Resuscitated following Myocardial Infarction with Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Data on acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after cardiac arrest are scarce. The prevalence of AKI, as classified by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria; and its possible association with 30-day mortality were assessed. Methods: Data on 6387 patients with MI, 342 (5.3%) with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or arrest immediately after admission before PCI, were retrospectively analyzed. The AKI and no-AKI groups were compared. The 30-day mortality was determined. Results: Ninety-three (27.2%) patients suffered AKI. AKI KDIGO stages 1, 2 and 3 occurred in 45 (13.2%), 8 (2.3%) and 40 (11.7%) patients, respectively. Higher mortality was found in AKI patients [56 (60.2%) vs. no-AKI patients 32 (12.9%); p<0.0001]. More patients died in the higher AKI KDIGO stages. In AKI KDIGO stages 1/2 and stage 3, 20 (37.7%) patients and 36 (90.0%) patients died, respectively compared to 32 (12.9%) no-AKI patients; p<0.0001. AKI was the strongest predictor of 30-day mortality (adjusted OR 6.98; 95% CI 3.42 to 14.23; p<0.0001). Other predictors were bleeding, cardiogenic shock, contrast volume-to-glomerular filtration rate ratio, and female sex. The adjusted OR for AKI KDIGO stages 1/2 and stage 3 were 3.68; 95% CI 1.53 to 8.32; p=0.002 and 29.10; 95% CI 8.31 to 101.88; p<0.0001, respectively. Conclusion: In patients resuscitated after MI undergoing PCI, AKI had a deleterious impact on the prognosis. A graded increase in the severity of AKI according to the KDIGO definition was associated with a progressively increased risk of 30-day mortality.

P2640The effect of dry-weight reduction guided by lung ultrasound on ambulatory aortic blood pressure and arterial stiffness parameters in hemodialysis patients

Introduction and purpose

Arterial stiffness and aortic blood pressure (BP) augmentation are significantly increased in hemodialysis patients. Recent studies suggest that the prognostic significance of ambulatory recordings of arterial stiffness is high in hemodialysis. This study examines for the first time the effect of dry weight reduction with a standardized lung-ultrasound-guided strategy on ambulatory aortic BP and arterial stiffness parameters in hypertensive hemodialysis patients.

Methods

A total 71 hemodialysis patients with hypertension (mean home BP ≥135/85 mmHg), that were clinically euvolemic, were included in this single-blind randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio in the active group (n=35), following a strategy for dry-weight reduction guided by the total number of US-B lines (US-B lines score) prior to a mid-week dialysis session and the control group (n=), following standard-of-care treatment. All patients underwent 48-hour ABPM with the Mobil-O-Graph monitor (IEM, Stolberg, Germany) and PWV measurement in office with SphygmoCor (ArtCor, Sydney, Australia) at baseline and after 8-weeks.

Results

Overall, the US-B lines change during follow-up were −5.3±12.5 in active versus +2.2±7.6 in control group (p<0.001), which corresponded to dry-weight changes of −0.71±1.39 versus +0.51±0.98 kg (p<0.001). The change in 48-hour cSBP was significantly greater in the active group (−6.30±8.90 vs −0.50±12.46, p=0.027); the relevant cDBP fall was marginally greater (−3.85±6.61 vs −0.63±8.36, p=0.077) in the active group. 48-hour cPP (41.51±9.63 vs 39.06±9.61 mmHg, p=0.004) and 48-hour PWV (9.30±2.00 vs 9.08±2.04 m/sec, p=0.032) were significantly reduced from baseline to study-end in the active group but remained unchanged in controls. In contrast, 48-hour AIx and AIx(75) did not change between baseline and study-end in both groups; changes in AIx(75) were similar in the two groups (−0.97±3.51 vs −0.36±4.25, p=0.517). PWV measured in office was decreased from baseline to study-end in the active (10.07±2.66 vs 9.79±2.81, p=0.038) but not in the control group.

Conclusions

A lung-ultrasound-guided strategy for dry-weight reduction reduces ambulatory aortic BP and ambulatory or office PWV, but not ambulatory AIx(75). These results suggest that dry-weight reduction can primarily reduce aortic BP levels and large arteries stiffness but not wave reflections from the periphery.

4308Lung ultrasound guided dry-weight probing reduces left and right atrial dimensions and left ventricular filling pressures in hemodialysis patients with hypertension

Introduction and purpose

Left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction is tightly associated with adverse outcome in hemodialysis. Hypertension and increased preload due to hypervolemia are major factors for these cardiac anomalies in hemodialysis. This study examined the effect of lung-ultrasound-guided dry-weight reduction on echocardiographic indices of left and right cardiac size, systolic and diastolic function in hypertensive hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This pilot, single-blind trial randomised 71 clinically euvolemic hypertensive hemodialysis patients in an active group (n=35), following a strategy for dry-weight reduction guided by the total number of US-B lines (US-B lines score) prior to a mid-week dialysis session, and a control group (n=36), following standard-of-care treatment. Among others, patients underwent two-dimensional and tissue-Doppler echocardiographic (TDI) at baseline and after 8-weeks.

Results

Overall, 19 (54.3%) patients in the active and 5 (13.9%) in the control group had UF intensification (p<0.001) during follow-up (US-B lines 5.3±12.5 vs +2.2±7.6, p<0.001, dry-weight: −0.71±1.39 vs +0.51±0.98 kg, p<0.001). Inferior vena cava diameter was reduced to a greater extend in the active compared to control group (−0.43±4.00 vs 0.71±4.82, p=0.033) at study-end. Reductions in LA and RA sizing parameters were greater in the active group (LA Surface: −1.09±4.61 vs 0.93±3.06 cm2, p=0.034; RA surface: −1.56±6.17 vs 0.47±2.31, p=0.024; LAVi: −2.43±13.14 vs 2.95±9.42 ml/m2, p=0.052). Reductions in LV end-diastolic diameter and volume were marginally greater in the active group. LV filling pressures significantly decreased in the active compared to the control group (E/e' LV: −0.38±3.14 vs 1.36±3.54, p=0.034; DT: 35.43±85.25 vs −18.44±50.69, p=0.002). Systolic function indices were unchanged in both groups. In multivariate analysis, US-B lines reduction was a powerful predictor (OR: 4.542, 95% CI: 1.266–16.292, p=0.020) of E/e' LV ratio decrease, among various factors examined.

Conclusions

A lung-ultrasound-guided strategy for dry-weight reduction can effectively reduce cardiac chambers dimensions and LV filling pressures without changing systolic performance during an 8-week follow-up in hypertensive hemodialysis patients.