Frequency of Pulmonary Hypertension and Its Associated Risk Factors in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a recognized complication in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). PH is commonly found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESRD. PH is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD. Methodology This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of PH and its associated risk factors in MHD patients. A total of 220 ESRD patients on MHD patients at The Kidney Center, Karachi, Pakistan, aged 18-70 were included. Patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, valvular heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea were excluded, as these conditions can be responsible for PH. PH was evaluated by echocardiography (ECHO), which was performed by a cardiologist. Results The mean age was 50.65 ± 14.4 years, with 131 (59.5%) males and 89 (40.5%) females. The average duration on hemodialysis was 5.3 ± 2.8 years. Hypertension (89.5%) and ischemic heart disease (24.1%) were prominent comorbidities. Hypertensive nephropathy (42.7%) was the leading cause of ESRD. Left ventricular hypertrophy was mild in most cases (85.5%), whereas regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) was common (67.3%). The average pulmonary artery pressure was 35.2 ± 15.3 mmHg. Out of 220 patients, 109 patients (49.8%) of them had mild PH, nine patients (4.1%) had severe PH, and 72 patients (32.7%) had moderate PH. Associations between PH and various factors were examined. RWMA, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly associated with PH (p < 0.001). Serum calcium and albumin levels were also associated with PH severity (p < 0.05). Other demographic and laboratory parameters did not show a significant association. Conclusion This study highlights the prevalence of PH in MHD patients and identifies associated risk factors. Understanding these associations can aid in better managing PH in ESRD patients.

From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Investigating Fatigue and Its Associations in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Introduction Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) frequently experience fatigue. This cross-sectional study examined the severity of fatigue and the demographic and clinical characteristics that may contribute to fatigue in ESRD patients on MHD. Methods The study included 250 ESRD patients on MHD. Age, gender, marital status, occupation, level of education, and information regarding dialysis and laboratory parameters were gathered. The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) was used to quantify fatigue. The FAS consisted of 10 questions. Fatigue severity was categorized into three groups based on the total FAS score. Results The mean fatigue score using FAS in our study was 22.1 ± 4.1 (47.2%), indicating a moderate level of fatigue among the participants. Approximately 47.2% of the patients reported moderate fatigue, while severe fatigue was not observed in our study. Employment status showed a significant association with fatigue, with a higher prevalence among unemployed individuals 56 (47.5%) and those engaged in housework 40 (33.9%). The duration of hemodialysis was also significantly associated with fatigue in our study (p < 0.001), with patients undergoing treatment for more than 4 years experiencing a higher prevalence of 81 (68.7%). Among the demographic and clinical parameters analyzed, age, gender, residence, education, socioeconomic status, and comorbid conditions did not show a significant association with fatigue. However, phosphorus levels demonstrated a significant association (p = 0.014), with higher levels being associated with a decreased chance of experiencing fatigue. Conclusion These findings suggest that employment status and the duration of hemodialysis are potential factors influencing fatigue in ESRD patients on MHD. Furthermore, it is possible that phosphorus levels affect how tiredness manifests. Understanding these factors can contribute to improved management and timely interventions to address fatigue in this patient population. It is important to conduct more studies to understand the causes of fatigue in ESRD patients receiving MHD, as well as possible treatments.

Problem to solution; from mammalian skin grafts to renal allograft rejection: a tale of 66 years of evolution of our understanding

The first successful kidney transplant was done in 1954, and it remains the best option for those with failed kidneys. However, the recipient's immune system remains the most formidable barrier to transplantation, leading to rejection. Rejection continues to be the most important reason of graft malfunction and chronic renal allograft dysfunction and remains a challenge to date for successful transplant survival. The current narrative review was planned to find the best possible solution to the problem from among the different solutions presented in literature related to allograft rejection since 1954.

Causes of Emergency Department Visits Among End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis in Pakistan: A Single-Center Study

Background In this study, we aimed to determine the causes of emergency department (ED) visits by end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study that included 194 visits of ESKD patients on MHD aged ≥18 years of both genders presenting at the ED of The Kidney Centre Postgraduate Training Institute, Karachi, Pakistan between February 2021 and May 2021. The study investigated the causes behind ED visits. Frequencies were calculated for categorical variables, and a bar graph was used for the graphical representation of the causes. Results In total, 194 visits included 151 patients of whom 88 (58.3%) were males while 63 (41.7%) were females, with a mean age of 51.68 ± 15.8 years. The most common comorbidity among the ED visits was hypertension 182 (93.8%). The majority of the visits 129 (66.5%) were undergoing regular three dialysis sessions per week, 101 (52.1%) were registered for MHD at our Institute, and 69.1% of visits reported arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as the current access for hemodialysis. Around 111 (57.2%) of the visits had infection-related complications, followed by electrolyte abnormalities 74 (38.1%), cardiovascular 53 (27.3%), and pulmonary complications 41 (21.1%). Overall, 19 (9.8%), 16 (8.2%), and 14 (7.2%) patients reported access-related, neurological, and gastrointestinal complications, respectively. Conclusions Infection-related complications are a significant cause of ED visits among ESKD patients, followed by electrolyte abnormalities and systemic complications, many of which are related to the existing comorbid conditions. Risk identification of preventable causes and surveillance of existing comorbidities would help mitigate ED visits among ESKD patients.

Frequency of Intradialytic Hypertension Using Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Suggested Definition in a Single Hemodialysis Centre in Pakistan

OBJECTIVES

 To estimate the frequency of intradialytic hypertension (IDH) in our centre as per the definition suggested by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO).

METHODS

 A cross-sectional study was conducted at the dialysis department of The Kidney Centre Post Graduate Training Institute (PGTI) Karachi, Pakistan from August 2021 to October 2021 among 263 end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) aged ≥ 18 years of both genders. The study outcome was the frequency of IDH as per the latest KDIGO suggested definition i.e., systolic blood pressure (SBP) rise of > 10 mm Hg from pre- to post-dialysis within the hypertensive range in at least four out of six consecutive dialysis treatments. Frequencies (%) and mean (±SD) were calculated for categorical and continuous variables respectively, using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

RESULTS

 Among 263 patients, the mean age was 51.02 (±14.1) years and 56.3% were males. Around 30.8% of patients were dialysis-dependent for 1.1 to three years. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (88.6%). Standard dialysate calcium of 3mEq/l was received by 91.6% of study participants. About 78.7% of patients were using antihypertensive(s), out of which 85.5% were compliant and 37.6% were using a single antihypertensive. The most common antihypertensive in use was beta-blockers (78.3%). Around 16% of patients were found to have IDH. Age of the patients was significantly associated with IDH (p=0.038). The majority of the patients with IDH were those who were taking anti-hypertension medications as compared to the patients who were not taking them (p <0.004). Interdialytic weight gain was not a significant predictor for IDH.

CONCLUSION

 The frequency of IDH was 16% according to the latest suggested KDIGO definition. This is much lower than regional and global estimates according to earlier definitions. There is a dire need to establish a standardized definition of IDH in guidelines to diagnose, manage and compare data. Also, the association of IDH with fluid overload is not found in our study which emphasizes the need to evaluate other causative factors.

‘Haemodialysis burden’ overweighs the associations of demographic, social and clinical factors on quality of life: a single centre study from Pakistan

Objective: To assess health-related quality of life in haemodialysis patients, and the impact of various factors in this regard. Method: The retrospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted at The Kidney Centre Post-Graduate Training Institute, Karachi, and comprised data from June to December 2019 of patients on maintenance haemodialysis. The health-related quality of life was assessed using the self-administered Urdu version of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form version 1.3. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 150 questionnaires distributed, 110(73.3%) were received fully completed. There were 64(58.2%) males, 46(41.8%) were females, 90(81.8%) were under aged <60 years, 76(69%) were married, 54(49.1%) had income up to PKR50,000, 64(58.2%) had received education up to secondary school, and 56(50.9%) had been on haemodialysis for <5 years.  The overall health-related quality of life mean score was 52.0±11.7, and it had no significant association with age, gender, haemodialysis duration, marital status, education level, and income of the subjects (p>0.05). Conclusion: The health-related quality of life in haemodialysis patients was not found to have significant association with age, gender, haemodialysis duration, marital status, education level, and income. Key Words: Quality of life, Haemodialysis, Kidney disease.

The second wave of COVID-19 disease in hemodialysis patients: An experience of a dialysis center from Pakistan

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of second wave of coronavirus disease-2019 in haemodialysis patients. Method: The retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted at The Kidney Center Post-Graduate-Training-Institute, Karachi, Pakistan and comprised data of patients regardless of gender who contracted coronavirus disease-2019 during the second wave from November 3, 2020, till February 12, 2021. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and outcomes the patients were reviewed. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of 437 patients on haemodialysis, 46(10.5%) contracted coronavirus disease-2019; 29(63%) males and 17(37%) females. The overall median age was 61.5+/-13.02 years. Most patients developed mild disease 27(%). The most common symptom was fever 29(63%), and 6(13.1%) patients had patchy bilateral opacity on chest radiograph. Major complications were lymphocytopenia 29(63%), pneumonia 15(32.6%), thrombocytopenia 8(17.4%), and septic shock 5(10.9%). Overall, 15(32.6%) patients required hospitalisation, and 8(17.4%) required mechanical ventilation. There were 13(28.3%) deaths. Patients aged >60 years had 6.8 times more severe disease (p=0.023) and chances of death among them were 5.8 times higher (p=0.036) than in those aged <60 years. Conclusion: There was a high susceptibility of haemodialysis patients during the second wave of coronavirus disease compared to the general population. The most important determinants of death were advanced age, lower oxygen saturation and thrombocytopenia at presentation. Key Words: Second wave Covid-19, Clinical characteristics, Outcome, Haemodialysis.

Development of Banff Classification from 1991 to 2019 for identifying renal allograft rejection: a narrative review for nephrologists

Renal pathologists, nephrologists and transplant surgeons held a meeting in 1991 at Banff, Canada, and developed a classification scheme that standardised the international classification of renal allograft biopsies and called it the Banff Classification. Following the first meeting, 15 meetings were held, usually every two years, that revised the classification in the light of new evidence and techniques. The latest printed consensus was after the 2019 meeting in Pittsburgh in the United States of America. Several articles have been published in the last 30 years that have created ambiguities for nephrologists and have made things challenging for the expert pathologists. The current perspective review was planned to make it easy and clear for beginners and for practitioners how the Banff Classification has evolved since its inception. Key Words: Development, Banff classification, Renal allograft rejection.

Comparison of COVID-19 Inactivated Virus Vaccine Immunogenicity Between Healthy Individuals and Patients on Hemodialysis: A Single-Center Study From Pakistan

Introduction

This study compares the immune response after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inactivated virus vaccine between healthy individuals (HI) and patients on hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

In this cross-sectional, comparative study, the presence or absence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-S antibody and IgG anti-S antibody titer was compared between HI, and patients on HD after two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Results

A total of 81 participants, 50 (61.7%) HD patients and 31 (38.3%) HI, were studied. The mean age was 52.9±12 in HD patients and 42±12.4 in HI. Vaccination responder rates were 80.6% in HI and 72% in HD patients after the first dose (p=0.38) and 93.5% in HI and 94% in HD at the third week of the second dose of the vaccine (p=0.93). The mean IgG antibody titer was 156.3±113.8 in HI and 143.4 ± 117.8 in HD patients (p=0.538) after the first dose and 186.7 ± 97.9 in HI and 180.6 ± 105.8 in HD patients (p=0.552) at three weeks of the second dose. No statistically significant difference was found in antibody titer with respect to gender, age, vaccine (BBIBP-CorV or Conovac), and hypertension. Diabetic HD patients had a lower antibody titer than non-diabetic HD patients (p=0.03) while participants who had a history of COVID-19 infection had a higher IgG titer (p = 0.001). The levels of IgG titer in the same patient increased, corresponding to the doses of vaccine (p <0.001). No HD patient developed COVID-19 infection till the third week of vaccination.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a similar humoral response after COVID-19 inactivated virus vaccination in HD patients and HI. The response was lower among diabetic patients on HD and better in those with previous COVID-19 infection.

Comparison of the Quality of Sleep in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease

Objective

In this study, we aimed to compare the quality of sleep between patients with (CKD) and those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methodology

We performed a cross-sectional study between August 2020 and January 2021. We included 240 patients, among which 178 (74.2%) were CKD patients and 62 (25.8%) were ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Demographic data were collected on a pre-designed proforma. The quality of sleep was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). PSQI assesses subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. A PSQI score >5 indicates poor sleep quality.

Results

Out of the 240 patients, 159 (66%) had poor sleep quality. We found a significant difference in mean PSQI scores between CKD and ESRD patients (9.6 ± 12.4 vs. 11.4 ± 3.9 respectively), indicating poorer sleep quality in ESRD patients as compared to those with CKD (p<0.001). In our study, among all comorbidities, poor sleep was significantly associated with ischemic heart disease (IHD) (p = 0.025), after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions

Our study showed that two-thirds of the study population had poor sleep quality. ESRD patients suffered from more disturbed sleep as compared to CKD patients.

Frequency of iron deficiency anaemia in chronic kidney disease patients not on dialysis

Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anaemia in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients. Method: The observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology, The Kidney Centre Post-Graduate Training Institute, Karachi, from April 27 to October 26, 2018, and comprised adult patients of either gender diagnosed with anaemia and estimated glomerular filtration rate <90ml/min. Patient with transferrin saturation <20% were labelled as having iron deficiency anaemia. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 366 participants, 185(50.5%) were males and 181(49.5%) were females. The overall mean age was 54.47±14.93 years. The most prevalent comorbid was hypertension 263(71.9%), followed by diabetes mellitus 187(51.1%) and cardiovascular disease 54(14.8%). Besides, 192(52.5%) patients had CKD stage 5 followed by 115(31.4%) and 54(14.8%) with CKD stages 4 and 3, respectively. The mean haemoglobin was 9.17±1.57g/dL. Iron deficiency was found in 285(77.9%) patients. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anaemia was found to be highly prevalent and should be screened routinely and managed appropriately. Key Words: Iron deficiency, Anaemia, Chronic kidney disease.

Re-Hospitalization in First Six Months After Live Related Renal Transplantation: Risk Factors, Burden, Causes and Outcomes

Objective

The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence, causes, risk factors, outcomes, and cost of hospital readmission after live related renal transplantation (LRRT).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study and followed patients’ re-admissions for six months whose LRRT was done in our center between September 2019 and June 2020.

Results

We recruited 53 patients, 40 (75.5%) were male. The mean age was 36.9 ± 11.9 years. Donor gender was similar, and their mean age was 31.6 ± 9.2 years. The mean length of hospital stay after LRRT was 14 ± 2.2 days. A total of 81.1% were readmitted after LRRT within the first six months, with a total of 113 readmissions. The median time of readmission after LRRT was 66 days. The median readmission hospital stay was four days. The causes of readmission were surgical in 11 (9.7%), medical in 89 (78.8%), and combined medical and surgical in 13 (11.5%). Infection was the most common medical cause, followed by rejection. Statistically significant difference between readmission and non-readmission groups was found in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at six month 61.3 ± 25.9 vs. 84.3 ± 36.1 mL/min/1.73 m² respectively (p = 0.02). The median cost of readmission was PKR 40629, equivalent to USD 261.

Conclusion

Over three-fourths of the patients were readmitted after LRRT within the first six months. The most common causes were infection and rejection. Readmissions after LRRT are associated with lower graft function at six months and a significant cost burden on the health system.

A Comparative Study of Acidosis in Diabetic Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on and off Metformin

Aim

The aim of the study is to assess the risk of acidosis in diabetic advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on and off metformin.

Methods

This retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the nephrology department in The Kidney Centre Post Graduate Training Institute (TKC PGTI) Karachi from February to April 2020. We reviewed the records of all patients over 18 years old who visited the nephrology outpatient department in three months in 2020 (from February 2020 to April 2020), who had CKD (stage 2-5), are not on dialysis, and had type 2 diabetes. These were divided into two groups: those on metformin for more than one year and those not on metformin. We looked at hospitalizations due to acidosis in the previous one-year period.

Results

A total of 524 CKD patients had diabetes; out of those, 268 patients were on metformin, and 256 were not on metformin. The male vs. female distribution was 52.1% vs. 47.9%. A total of 114 (21.8%) patients required admission in the previous one-year period, and only 12 hospitalized patients had acidosis, seven (58.3%) were on metformin, and five (41.7%) were not on metformin, which was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

Biguanides, especially metformin, is a known oral hypoglycemic drug used for decades to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Metformin use is related to a rare but serious adverse event, metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA), especially in renal failure patients. In our study, metformin use in CKD diabetic patients did not result in more admissions due to acidosis than non-metformin users.

Assessment of nutritional status of hemodialysis patients by subjective global assessment score: a single centre study from Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: Despite being an important predictor of morbidity and mortality, routine screening for malnutrition in dialysis patients is not a common practice in Pakistan. Modified Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) is a convenient, inexpensive and practical method to assess nutritional status particularly in resource limited setup. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in The Kidney Center Post Graduate Training institute (TKC-PGTI). Patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. A one-time SGA score was calculated based on the history and physical examinations using modified SGA or Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS). Chi square test was applied to find association between variables, while to observe the amount of effect of factors on SGA score; binary logistic regression analysis was run. P value of ? 0.05 considered significant. Results: Mild-Moderately malnourished patients were the most frequent in our study 96(64%).None of patient had severe malnourishment. Females were 2.6 times more prone for malnourishment (p value=0.009). More than 5- years on hemodialysis also increased the risk of malnourishment by 12.5 times (p value <0.001). Overweight patients had 85 % less chance of being malnourished as compare to patients with normal weight (p value=0.004). Conclusion: Malnutrition is quite common in hemodialysis patients, which necessitates its regular assessment and monitoring. There is a need to assess the reasons of more malnourishment in female as compared to male. Similarly, the longer duration (> 5 years) on hemodialysis also need attention for prevention and cure of malnourishment.  Continuous...

A Comparative Study of the First and Second Waves of COVID-19 in Hemodialysis Patients From Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to compare the characteristics and outcomes of the first and second waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

METHOD

We compared the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and outcomes of a cohort of HD patients who contracted COVID-19 in our HD center during the first wave from May 2020 to September 2020 and the second wave from November 2020 to February 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 50 (11.8%) of 423 patients during the first wave and 46 (10.5%) of 437 patients during the second wave contracted COVID-19. The median age was 59.5 ± 9.99 years (first wave) and 60.3 ± 13.02 years (second wave). Most patients developed the mild disease. Patients requiring hospitalization (22% vs. 32.6%) and mechanical ventilation (10% vs. 17.4%) were more in the second wave. The most common symptom was fever (82% and 63%) in both waves. Patchy bilateral opacity was the most common radiological finding. Major complications including lymphocytopenia (36% and 63%), pneumonia (28% and 32.6%), thrombocytopenia (30% and 17.4%), and septic shock (6% and 10.9%) were shared. Ten (20%) patients died in the first wave and 13 (28.3%) in the second wave. Patients aged > 60 years had more severe disease and died more than patients aged < 60 years in both waves.

CONCLUSION

There is a high susceptibility and mortality of HD patients in both the first and second waves of COVID-19 as compared to the general population. Disease symptoms, radiological findings, and laboratory tests were similar in both waves. Patients developing critical disease and requiring hospitalization and mechanical ventilation were more in the second wave.

Comparison Between the Yield of Different Number of Blood Cultures in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With Suspected Septicemia

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the optimal and financially efficient numbers of blood cultures (BC) required in our chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSI).

Design: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study.

Place and duration of study: Department of Nephrology, The Kidney Center Post-Graduate-Training-Institute, Karachi from July 2020 to December 2020.

Methods: Single, two, or three BC were taken from CKD patients with suspected BSI within the first 24 hours and were incubated in the BACTEC 1050 CMBCS for five days. A positive culture was reported as per standard protocol.

Results: Four hundred and eighty-three BC sets were collected from 272 patients. A single set of BC was obtained from 111 (40.8%), two sets from 111 (40.8%), and three from 50 (18.4%) patients. BC from 93 patients showed growth of organisms in at least one set. Fifty-six (60.2%) episodes of BSI were detected with the first set, 34 (36.5%) with the second set, and 03 (3.2%) with the third set of BC. The detection rate of BSI was 60.2% with the first set, 97.7% with the first two sets, and 100% with the first three sets of BC. The most common source of infection was central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) (33.3%), followed by urinary tract (29%), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (16%), and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) (7.5%). 93.5% episodes of BSI, were monomicrobial. The most common monomicrobial organism was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (22.6%).

Conclusion: Two properly collected BC sets might be sufficient for an adequate diagnosis of BSI, in CKD patients especially in resource-limited settings.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Erythropoietin Alpha and Erythropoietin Beta in Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of erythropoietin alpha and erythropoietin beta in anemia management in the hemodialysis population.

STUDY DESIGN

Quasi-experimental study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Department of Nephrology, The Kidney Center Postgraduate Training Institute (TKC-PGTI), Karachi, from December 2019 to July 2020.

METHODOLOGY

All participants were initially started on erythropoietin alpha and then converted to erythropoietin beta after three months. The effectiveness of the erythropoietin alpha and erythropoietin beta was calculated on the basis of net change of mean hemoglobin and mean hematocrit level in the last four weeks on either erythropoietin therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients completed the study, in which 47 (58.8%) were males while 33 (41.3%) were females. The mean age was 59.7 ± 14.7 years. The net mean hemoglobin change during last 04 weeks was  ̶ 0.19 ± 1.2 and  ̶ 0.03 ± 1.0 for erythropoietin alpha and erythropoietin erythropoietin beta, respectively (p = 0.41). The net mean hematocrit change during the last four weeks was  ̶ 0.45 ± 3.9 and  ̶ 0.49 ± 3.7 for erythropoietin alpha and erythropoietin beta, respectively (p = 0.95). The mean weekly erythropoietin dosage per Kg body weight during the last four weeks was 177.6 ± 130.4 IU/Kg/week for erythropoietin alpha and 121.3 ± 69.6 IU/Kg/week for erythropoietin beta (p = <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Erythropoietin alpha and erythropoietin beta have similar therapeutic efficacy in anemia management in chronic kidney disease patients. Reduced dosage of erythropoietin beta achieves and maintains the target hemoglobin level. Key Words: Efficacy, Erythropoietin, Anemia, Chronic kidney disease.

Delay in Permanent Vascular Access Formation and Referral to a Nephrologist in Incident Hemodialysis Patients: A Single Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

 This study assessed the factors associated with delayed referral to a nephrologist and delay in formation of a permanent vascular access in incident hemodialysis (HD) patients.

METHODS

 This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to July 2021 on end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) at our center. Data were collected at the bedside during the HD session about a referral to a nephrologist, about when they were asked for permanent vascular access formation and the reason for the delay in its formation.  Results: Out of 296 patients recruited in our study, 168 (56.8%) were male and 128 (43.2) were female. The mean age was 53.5±15 years (minimum of 19 years and maximum of 90 years). The most common reason for refusal of making permanent vascular access [arterio-venous fistula (AVF) or arterio-venous graft (AVG)] was fear of pain in our patients 65 (43.3%) followed by the denial of the disease 32 (21.3%). Among the study subjects, 231 (78%) patients were referred to the nephrologist immediately or within one month of their diagnosis. Some 152 (51.4%) of the patients were not in favor of making AVF whereas 151 (51%) refused for starting HD, hence most of our patients 181 (61.1%) initiated HD in emergency by a central venous catheter (CVC).

CONCLUSION

 Early referral should be done by primary care physicians (PCPs) for the timely management of CKD patients. As CKD is a progressive disease, it requires special attention by a nephrologist for adjustment of patient's medications, timely follow-up, counseling, the early formation of AVF for HD, and planning for renal transplant. In our study, the majority of our patients initiated their HD via CVC because of the delayed visit to a nephrologist. Most patients were asked for AVF formation on the same day of presentation to our nephrology unit as they had advanced CKD (Stage 5) 134 (51.4%). Most patients in our study delayed AVF formation 152 (51.4%). With timely referral to a nephrologist, the nephrologist will be able to do better and repeated counseling about the disease, its progression, and the need for permanent vascular access for initiation of HD while patients and their families will get more time to make decisions.

Co-relation Between Calcium-Phosphorus Product and Hypertension in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

Objective

In our study, we evaluated the relation between calcium-phosphorus (Ca-P) product and various measurements of pre and post-dialysis blood pressure (BP) in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study in which patients undergoing maintenance HD for > six months were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling during a six-month period from October 2020 to March 2021. Linear regression analysis was done to study the effect of the Ca-P product for each parameter of BP and regression coefficients were acquired.

Results

There was a total of 111 patients in our study, of which 59 (53.2%) were male. The mean age was 50.1± 14.4. The most common comorbid was hypertension (98.2%). The mean HD vintage of patients was 5.7 ± 5.8 years. On linear regression analysis, the Ca-P product was strongly correlated with pre-HD diastolic BP (DBP) (0.7) and post-HD mean arterial pressure (MAP) (0.7) while a moderate correlation was present with pre (0.59) and post (0.64) HD systolic BP (SBP), post-HD diastolic BP (0.68), and pre-HD MAP (0.68). On the other hand, the Ca-P product was not correlated with pre and post-HD pulse pressure (0.06 and 0.1, respectively). When the independent effect of serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and parathyroid hormone on BP was studied, P had a significant correlation with pre and post-HD SBP, DBP, and MAP.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a significant association of the Ca-P product and an independent high P level with pre and post-dialysis SBP, DBP, and MAP while no association was found with pulse pressure.

Bone Marrow Findings in Renal Patients: A Single Renal Specialist Center Experience

Objective

This study evaluated the importance of bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy (BM) for the diagnosis of underlying hematological abnormalities in renal patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study on BM was carried out between August 2010 and April 2019, in our specialist renal center for various unexplained hematological abnormalities in patients with renal diseases [chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), patients with normal renal function but other nephrology and urology issues like stone disease and nephrotic syndrome].

Results

Out of 176 reported BM examinations, 48 (27.3%) were done on ESRD patients on MHD (CKD-D), and 69 (39.2%) on CKD patients not on MHD (CKD-nD). Fifty-nine (33.5%) BM were done on patients with normal renal function (n-CKD). The indication for BM was pancytopenia 50 (28.4%), unexplained anemia 39 (22.2%), and unexplained thrombocytopenia 43 (24.4%). In 91 (51.7%) patients BM was normal. In 30 (17%) patients multiple myeloma (MM) was diagnosed on BM, out of which 18 (26.1%), nine (18%), three (5.3%) were CKD-nD, CKD-D, and n-CKD patients, respectively. In 11 (6.3%) patients BM was suggestive of myelodysplasia (MD), out of these 11 patients, five (10%) were CKD-D patients.

Conclusion

BM is an underutilized method of diagnosis of hematological abnormalities in renal patients. Our study revealed the importance of BM examination, especially in patients with CKD.

Variety of Cardiac Events in Hospitalized Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Objective This study assessed the variety and frequency of various cardiovascular events in different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who were hospitalized due to different causes. Methods This prospective cross-sectional observational analysis was conducted at the Department of Nephrology in The Kidney Centre Post Graduate Training Institute Karachi on all adult CKD (of all stages with or without dialysis) patients, who developed cardiovascular events during their hospital admission either in ward or ICU due to any cause between August 2020 and February 2021. Total of 765 patients got admitted in the given time period and among them, 290 patients developed various cardiovascular events. Baseline data, co-morbidities, clinical features, drug history and management were determined. Results There were a total of 290 patients in our study in which 154 (53.1%) were male and 136(46.9%) were female. Mean age was 57 ± 15.5. Our majority of patients were end-stage renal disease and on maintenance hemodialysis (n=119, 41%) while the most prevalent co-morbid condition was hypertension (n=227, 78.3%) followed by diabetes mellitus (n=204, 70.4%). The most frequent cardiovascular events in CKD patients was the atrial fibrillation 101(34.8%) while 37(12.8%) patients suffered ST-elevation myocardial infarction and supraventricular tachycardia. Patients who had high potassium levels (>5.2) most frequently suffered from atrial fibrillation (n=16, 28.1%) as compared to other cardiovascular events. Conclusion Patients with CKD are at increased risk of having several cardiovascular events. Numerous risk factors involved in the pathogenesis. Among the diverse causes, fluctuations in serum levels of various electrolytes are important causes as certain electrolytes disbalance can trigger various life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

Transudative and Exudative Pleural Effusion in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Prospective Single-Center Study

Objective The aim of the study is to assess the incidence of pleural effusion and to assess its etiology in admitted chronic kidney disease patients who were admitted secondary to various causes, i.e., fluid overload, sepsis, etc. Material and methods A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology, The Kidney Centre Postgraduate Training Institute, Karachi. A total of 789 patients were admitted between August 2020-February 2021. This study comprised 280 adult chronic kidney disease (chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease patients who were on dialysis) patients having pleural effusion (either unilateral or bilateral) secondary to various causes.  Results Among 280 patients, the mean age was 55 years with 158 (56.4%) males and 122 (43.6%) females, diabetes (76%) was present in most of the patients along with hypertension (86.1%), and most of the patients were of stage IV and V. Transudative pleural effusion was present in 212 (75.7%) patients secondary to fluid overload and heart failure was the commonest cause while 68 (24.3%) patients had exudative pleural effusion with tuberculosis being the commonest etiology, 44 (15.7%) patients needed intervention while 236 (84.3%) were treated medically. The data was entered and analyzed on SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp, Armonk, USA). The cleaning and coding of data were done before analysis. Continuous variables were expressed in mean ± standard deviation, while the frequencies with percentages were obtained for categorical variables. The Chi-square test was applied to see the association between variables. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Conclusion Clarification of the cause of pleural effusion is essential. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment like thoracocentesis or in the case of patients on hemodialysis, adequate dialysis may be necessary.

Assessment of the Nutritional Status of the Hemodialysis Patients by Anthropometric Measurements

Objective This study assessed the nutritional status of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) by utilizing bedside anthropometric measurements. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study was done from November 2020 till April 2021 on ESRD patients three times a week MHD at our centre. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT), mid-arm circumference (MAC), calf circumference (CC) and handgrip strength (HGS) were measured mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) was calculated, and nutritional status was determined. Results Out of 195 patients recruited in our study, 127 (65.1%) were male. The mean age was 51.2 ± 14.8 years with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 90 years, while the mean duration of HD was 4.6 ± 4.1 years. The majority of our patients had TSFT of 60 % to 90% 93 (47.7%), indicating mild to moderate depletion of fat stores and MAMC of >90 % 128 (65.6%), indicating good protein stores. Among all anthropometric measures, BMI was strongly associated with age (<0.001), while gender and duration of MHD were associated with TSFT (p <0.001). Conclusion Anthropometric measurements are easy and inexpensive bedside methods for assessing the nutritional status of ESRD patients on MHD. Our study concluded that our MHD patients have overall good nutritional status, though our young patients have low BMI and old have obesity. Male patients have weaker HGS. With the increased number of years on MHD, malnutrition increases. Our study will help to treat physicians and nutritionists for proper nutritional planning and implementation to prevent malnutrition.

Frequency and etiology of tubulo-interstitial nephritis in an adult renal biopsies in a tertiary renal care hospital: A single-center study

Tubulo-interstitial nephritis (TIN) is an important cause of acute renal failure which may progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD). TIN is often under diagnosed with there are no specific signs and symptoms. As this entity has paramount importance, so we evaluated the frequency and etiological of TIN both acute TIN (ATIN) and chronic tububulo-interstitial nephritis (CTIN) in renal biopsies. This is a retrospective observational, descriptive study carried out in the Department of Nephrology at The Kidney Centre Post Graduate Training Institute from 2004 to 2016. A total of 1560 adult renal biopsies were done during this period with 125 biopsies of TIN, of which 70 (56%) cases were ATIN and 55 (44%), were CTIN. Thirty-eight (30%) patients had a history of taking proton-pump inhibitors, use of various antibiotics in 21 (16%) cases, and 11 (8%) patients had a history of taking Hakeemi (traditional healer using herbs and sometimes trace amounts of heavy metals) medications. The incidence of TIN is higher than suspected and can be caused by variety of etiological agents. Therefore, clinical awareness will help in the diagnosis and early identification of the disease.