Diagnosis and management of pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in hemodialyzed patients

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a disabling symptom which is frequent and often underestimated. Pa-MRC has a negative impact on quality of life, and is frequently accompanied by sleep disorders and depression. The approval of difelikefalin – a kappa opioid receptor agonist – in this indication requires updated recommendations. As a first step, secondary causes of pruritus without skin lesions must be ruled out, and general measures taken (emollients, psychological support, optimization of dialysis, normalization of serum calcium, phosphate and PTH in the range proposed by the KGIDO guidelines, treatment of iron deficiency). A therapeutic test with a non-sedating oral antihistamine may be proposed. If this test is negative, Pa-MRC must be strongly suspected, and its intensity (WI-NRS scale) and impact on quality of life assessed. In the case of mild Pa-MRC (WI-NRS ≤ 3), only general measures are implemented. If Pa-MRC is moderate to severe (WI-NRS ≥ 4), specific treatment with difelikefaline can be initiated for 6 months in addition to general measures. At 3 months, if the response is complete (WI-NRS score ≤ 1) or partial (decline ≥ 3 points), treatment is continued. At 6 months, if the response is complete, treatment may be discontinued with the patient’s agreement; treatment is maintained if the response is partial. At 3 or 6 months, if response is insufficient (decline < 3 points) and/or in the event of intolerance, treatment is discontinued and an alternative treatment (e.g., gabapentinoids, UVB) may be considered after dermatological consultation.

[Pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis patients: a survey in French nephrologists]

Background

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is common in hemodialysis patients and severely impairs their quality of life, but the practices of nephrologists remain poorly known.

Methods

The objective of this on-line survey was to describe the management of CKD-aP in French nephrologists affiliated with the French-speaking Society of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation (SFNDT) and involved in hemodialysis.

Results

In total, 122 questionnaires were completed and 100 were usable. Nephrologists reported they personally managed a median of 52 patients; they estimated that the CKD-aP prevalence in their hemodialysis patients was a median of 10% (IQR, 6.3-17.2); 6% of nephrologists reported not following any patient with CKD-aP. In case of CKD-aP, the first-intention intervention was the evaluation of phosphocalcic metabolism (53.5%) and verification of dialysis adequacy (52%). For moderate-to-severe CKD-aP, the first-line prescription was topical therapy (71.3%), antihistamine (23.2%) and membrane change (15.9%). Patients were referred to a dermatologist mainly in case of treatment failure (86.9%) or scratching lesions (40.4%). Available treatments were considered ineffective for 50.5% of nephrologists, partially effective for 45.5% and effective for only 4%.

Conclusion

These results show that according to the opinion of nephrologists, the pruritus prevalence is low in dialysis patients. This is inconsistent with studies based on systematic patient interviews, thus suggesting that pruritus is a symptom overlooked by nephrologists. In the context of the arrival of a new drug for pruritus, patients should be more questioned about this symptom in order to propose this treatment.

Moderate-to-severe pruritus in untreated or non-responsive hemodialysis patients: results of the French prospective multicenter observational study Pruripreva

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common condition in patients treated with hemodialysis, and has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Due to the lack of standardized diagnostic tools and frequent underreporting, pruritus prevalence remains poorly documented.

METHODS

Pruripreva was a prospective multicenter observational study that aimed to evaluate the prevalence of moderate to severe pruritus in a cohort of French hemodialysis patients. The primary endpoint was the rate of patients with mean Worst Itch Numerical Rating Scale (WI-NRS) score ≥4 calculated over 7 days (moderate pruritus, 4-6; severe, 7-8; very severe, 9-10). Impact of CKD-aP on QoL was analyzed according to its severity (WI-NRS), using 5-D Itch scale, EQ-5D and Short Form (SF)-12.

RESULTS

Mean WI-NRS was ≥4 in 306 patients (mean age, 66.6 years; male, 57.6%) out of 1304 and prevalence of moderate to very severe pruritus was 23.5% (95% confidence interval 21.2-25.9). Pruritus was unknown prior to the systematic screening in 37.6% of patients, and 56.4% of those affected were treated for this condition. The more severe the pruritus, the poorer the QoL according to the 5-D Itch scale, EQ-5D and SF-12.

CONCLUSION

Moderate to very severe pruritus was reported in 23.5% of hemodialysis patients. CKD-aP was underrated although it is associated with a negative impact on QoL. These data confirm that pruritus in this setting is an underdiagnosed and underreported condition. There is an urgent demand for new therapies to treat chronic pruritus associated with CKD in hemodialysis patients.

Antineutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody-Associated Vasculitides Valvular Impairment: Multicenter Retrospective Study and Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

While myocardial impairment is a predictor of poor prognosis in antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV), little is known about valvular involvement. This study aims at describing the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of endocarditis associated with AAV.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in centers affiliated with the French Vasculitis Study Group. We included patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), or eosinophilic GPA with endocardial impairment. A systematic review was then performed through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception up to September 2020.

RESULTS

The retrospective cohort included 9 patients (82%) with GPA, 1 (9%) with MPA, and 1 (9%) with unclassified AAV. Clinical presentation included acute valvular insufficiency (n = 7, 64%), cardiac failure (n = 3, 27%), dyspnea (n = 3, 27%), and no symptoms (n = 2, 18%). The aortic valve was the most frequently affected (n = 8/10, 80%), and vegetations were noted in 4 of 10 patients (40%). Six patients (55%) underwent surgical valvular replacement. No death from endocarditis was reported. The systematic review retrieved 42 patients from 40 references: 30 (71%) had GPA, 21 (50%) presented with vegetations, the aortic valve (n = 26, 62%) was the most frequently involved. Valvular replacement was required in 20 cases (48%) and 5 patients (13%) died from the endocarditic impairment.

CONCLUSION

Endocarditis is a rare and potentially life-threatening manifestation of AAV. Acute valvular insufficiency may lead to urgent surgery. Implementing transthoracic echocardiography in standard assessment at baseline and follow-up of AAV might reduce the delay to diagnosis and allow earlier immunosuppressive treatment before surgery is needed.

Two pediatric cases of multisystem inflammatory-like syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a novel post-infectious disease occurring in the context of SARS-CoV2 infection. COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized since December 2020, and adverse events including myocarditis have been reported following vaccination. We describe the cases of two pediatric patients presenting with clinical and laboratory features suggestive of MIS-C a few days after receiving their first dose of the Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine. The outcome was favorable for both patients (after corticosteroid and immunoglobulin administration for one patient). These cases suggest an association between the COVID-19 vaccine and the occurrence of MIS-C.

Renal and vascular outcomes in patients with isolated antiphospholipid syndrome nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) nephropathy (APSN) is a rare pattern with specific features resulting from microvascular lesions. The prognosis of APSN, outside of lupus nephritis, is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the renal, vascular and overall outcomes of patients with APSN.

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter study of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) associated with histological APSN lesions and no other nephropathy, identified through a national call for medical records. End-stage renal disease (ESRD)-free survival, thrombosis recurrence-free survival and overall survival were assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were included (19 women) with a median age of 40 years (34-52 years). Fifteen patients had APS, 26/28 had lupus anticoagulant, and 15/26 had triple positivity for aPL. Median eGFR was 50 (31-60) mL/min/1.73 m². Glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy was found in 12/24 cases, fibrous intimal hyperplasia in 12/22 cases and focal cortical atrophy in 17/29 cases. Nineteen patients had moderate to severe interstitial fibrosis (>25%). Six patients developed ESRD at a median follow-up of 6.2 (1.8-9.1) years. The ESRD-free survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 80.0% (95% CI 57.6%-91.4%) and 72.7% (95% CI, 46.9%-87.4%) respectively. None of the histological factors considered was significantly associated with a decrease in eGFR at 12 months. Thrombosis recurrence-free survival was 77.8% (95% CI 48.2%-91.6%) at 10 years. Overall survival was 94% at 10 years (95% CI 65.0%-99.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The renal prognosis of isolated APSN is poor. The severe fibrotic lesions observed are suggestive of late diagnosis.

Early Renal Recovery after the First Flare of Pauci-Immune Glomerulonephritis

INTRODUCTION

Renal involvement is a severe manifestation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Patients often progress to end-stage renal disease. The potential for renal recovery after the first flare has seldom been studied. Our objectives were to describe the evolution of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and identify factors associated with the change in the eGFR between diagnosis and the follow-up at 3 months (ΔeGFRM0-M3).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study over the period 2003-2018 of incident patients in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais (France). The primary outcome was the ΔeGFRM0-M3.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-seven patients were included. The eGFR at 3 months was significantly higher than at diagnosis (mean ± standard deviation, 40 ± 24 vs. 28 ± 26 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001), with a ΔeGFRM0-M3 of 12 ± 19 mL/min/1.73 m2. The eGFR at 12 months was higher than at 3 months (44 ± 13 vs. 40 ± 24 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.003). The factors significantly associated with the ΔeGFRM0-M3 in multivariate analysis were the percentage of cellular crescents and neurological involvement. The mean increase in the eGFR was 2.90 ± 0.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 for every 10-point gain in the percentage of cellular crescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Early renal recovery after the first flare of pauci-immune glomerulonephritis occurred mainly in the first 3 months of treatment. The percentage of cellular crescents was the main independent predictor of early renal recovery.

ANCA-Negative Pauci-Immune Necrotizing Glomerulonephritis: A Case Series and a New Clinical Classification

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis (PING) is usually associated with the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). However, a minority (2%-3%) of patients with PING do not have detectable ANCA. We assessed the clinical spectrum and outcome of patients with ANCA-negative PING.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

74 patients with ANCA-negative PING diagnosed in 19 French nephrology centers between August 2006 and December 2018 were included in the series. Patients' medical files were reviewed, and kidney biopsies were centrally reexamined by pathologists who were masked to the diagnosis.

FINDINGS

Median age at diagnosis was 69 (IQR, 61-76) years. The clinical and pathological features were remarkable for a high frequency of extrarenal manifestations (54%), nephrotic syndrome (32%), and endocapillary hypercellularity (31%). Three main subtypes of ANCA-negative PING were observed: infection-associated (n=9[12%]), malignancy-associated (n=6[8%]), and primary (n=57[77%]). For patients with primary PING, induction treatment included mainly corticosteroids (n=56[98%]), cyclophosphamide (n=37[65%]), and rituximab (n=5[9%]). Maintenance treatment consisted mainly of corticosteroids (n=42[74%]), azathioprine (n=18[32%]), and mycophenolate mofetil (n=11[19%]). After a median follow-up period of 28 months, 28 (38%) patients had died and 20 (27%) developed kidney failure (estimated glomerular filtration rate<15mL/min/1.73m²). Eleven (21%) patients (9 with primary and 2 with malignancy-associated PING) relapsed.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study and limited number of patients; electron microscopy was not performed to confirm the absence of glomerular immune deposits.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the spectrum of ANCA-negative PING, infection and malignancy-associated forms represent a distinct clinical subset. This new clinical classification may inform the management of ANCA-negative PING, which remains a severe form of vasculitis with high morbidity and mortality rates despite immunosuppressive treatments.

MO282EARLY RENAL RECOVERY AFTER A FIRST FLARE OF PAUCI IMMUNE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

Background and Aims

Renal involvement is a severe manifestation of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Patients often progress to end-stage renal disease. The potential for renal recovery after a first flare has seldom been studied. Our objectives were to describe the evolution of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and identify factors associated with the change in eGFR between diagnosis and follow-up at 3 months (ΔeGFRM0–M3) in a cohort of patients with a first flare of pauci-immune glomerulonephritis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study over the period 2003–2018 of incident patients in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais (France). Patients were recruited if they had a first histologically-proven flare of pauci immune glomerulonephritis with at least 1 year of follow up. Kidney function was estimated with MDRD-equation and analysed at diagnosis, 3rd, 6th and 12th months. The primary outcome was ΔeGFRM0–M3. Factors evaluated were histological (Berden classification, interstitial fibrosis, percentage of crescents), clinical (extra-renal manifestations, sex, age) or biological (severity of acute kidney injury, dialysis, ANCA subtype).

Results

One hundred and seventy-seven patients were included. The eGFR at 3 months was significantly higher than at diagnosis (mean ± standard deviation, 40 ± 24 vs 28 ± 26 ml/min/1.73 m2, p &lt; 0.001), with a ΔeGFRM0–M3 of 12 ± 19 ml/min/1.73 m2. The eGFR at 12 months was higher than at 3 months (44 ± 13 vs 40 ± 24 ml/min/1.73m2, p = 0.003). The factors significantly associated with ΔeGFRM0–M3 in univariate analysis were: sclerotic class according to Berden classification, percentage of interstitial fibrosis, percentage of cellular crescents, acute tubular necrosis, neurological involvement. The factors associated with ΔeGFRM0–M3 in multivariate analysis were the percentage of cellular crescents and neurological involvement. The mean increase in eGFR was 2.90 ± 0.06 ml/min/1.73m2 for every 10-point gain in the percentage of cellular crescents. ΔeGFRM0–M3 was not associated with the risks of end-stage renal disease or death in long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

Early renal recovery after a first flare of pauci-immune glomerulonephritis occurred mainly in the first three months of treatment. The percentage of cellular crescents was the main independent predictor of early renal recovery.

Infection à SARS-CoV-2 et biomédicaments : une étude multicentrique française de 7808 patients

Introduction

Les formes sévères d’infection à COVID-19 sont liées à une importante réponse inflammatoire. Certains biomédicaments (BM) sont en cours d’évaluation dans des essais thérapeutiques avec pour rationnel cet orage cytokinique. À l’inverse, nous pouvons nous interroger sur le risque d’infections à COVID-19 chez les patients sous BM au long cours. L’objectif principal de notre étude était de déterminer l’impact de la prise d’un BM sur le taux d’hospitalisation, de passage en réanimation (ICU) et de décès chez les patients sous BM atteints d’une infection à COVID-19.

Matériels et méthodes

Étude de cohorte rétrospective multicentrique à partir des données médico-administratives de l’Entrepôt de Données de Santé (EDS) de l’APHP. L’ensemble des patients recevant un BM (anti-TNF, anti-IL-12/23, anti-IL-17 ou anti-intégrine) étaient inclus. Les événements d’intérêt étaient la survenue d’une hospitalisation, d’un séjour en ICU ou d’un décès dans le cadre d’une infection à COVID-19 (confirmée par RT-PCR ou TDM thoracique) entre le 01/02 et le 22/04/20. Le risque d’hospitalisation/ICU/décès était évalué selon la méthodologie du Ratio de Morbidité/Mortalité Standardisé (SMR) en calculant le rapport entre le nombre observé et le nombre attendu. Le nombre attendu d’hospitalisation/ICU/décès était calculé en appliquant le taux d’hospitalisation/ICU/décès à COVID-19 de la population d’Ile-de-France (par tranche d’âge de 20 ans et par sexe) au nombre de personnes sous BM dans la sous-classe correspondante de la même source de données (données EDS de l’APHP).

Résultats

Un total de7808 patients (âge médian 45 ans, 51 % de femmes) étaient inclus ; dont 48 avec un diagnostic d’infection à COVID-19 : 19 (40 %) hospitalisés, 4 (8 %) en ICU et 1 décès. En comparaison avec la population d’Ile-de-France, les taux d’hospitalisation et d’ICU étaient significativement élevés chez les patients sous BM avec SMR 2,19, IC95 % 1,32-3,42, p < 0,001 et SMR 6,04, IC95 % 1,62-15,45, p < 0,001 respectivement, significativement observés chez les [20-40[. Cependant, une analyse post-hoc suggérait que les SMR d’hospitalisation et d’ICU étaient surestimés, un retour aux compte-rendus mettant en évidence une poussée de la pathologie sous-jacente comme principal motif d’hospitalisation chez les [20-40[et non une infection à COVID-19 nécessitant une hospitalisation ou un passage en ICU. Aucun sur-risque de mortalité était mis en évidence.

Discussion

À partir d’une large base de données, notre étude a permis de confirmer que les taux d’hospitalisation, de passage en réanimation et de mortalité n’étaient pas augmentés chez les patients sous BM. Nos résultats sont concordants avec les différentes études publiées dans la littérature (Haberman et al., Favalli et al. ou Sanchez-Piedra et al.).

Conclusion

Ces résultats plaident pour un maintien des BM en période d’épidémie du virus COVID-19 pour éviter la rechute des pathologies inflammatoires de fond.

Results of a nation-wide cohort study suggest favorable long-term outcomes of clone-targeted chemotherapy in immunotactoid glomerulopathy

Immunotactoid glomerulopathy is a rare disease defined by glomerular microtubular immunoglobulin deposits. Since management and long-term outcomes remain poorly described, we retrospectively analyzed results of 27 adults from 21 departments of nephrology in France accrued over 19 years. Inclusion criteria were presence of glomerular Congo red-negative monotypic immunoglobulin deposits with ultrastructural microtubular organization, without evidence for cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. Baseline manifestations of this cohort included: proteinuria (median 6.0 g/day), nephrotic syndrome (70%), microscopic hematuria (74%) and hypertension (56%) with a median serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL. Nineteen patients had detectable serum and/or urine monoclonal gammopathy. A bone marrow and/or peripheral blood clonal disorder was identified in 18 cases (16 lymphocytic and 2 plasmacytic disorders). Hematologic diagnosis was chronic/small lymphocytic lymphoma in 13, and monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance in 14 cases. Kidney biopsy showed atypical membranous in 16 or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 11 cases, with microtubular monotypic IgG deposits (kappa in 17 of 27 cases), most commonly IgG1. Identical intracytoplasmic microtubules were observed in clonal lymphocytes from 5 of 10 tested patients. Among 21 patients who received alkylating agents, rituximab-based or bortezomib-based chemotherapy, 18 achieved a kidney response. After a median follow-up of 40 months, 16 patients had sustained kidney response, 7 had reached end-stage kidney disease, and 6 died. Chronic/small lymphocytic lymphoma appears as a common underlying condition in immunotactoid glomerulopathy, but clonal detection remains inconstant with routine techniques in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance. Thus, early diagnosis and hematological response after clone-targeted chemotherapy was associated with favorable outcomes. Hence, thorough pathologic and hematologic workup is key to the management of immunotactoid glomerulopathy.

Consideration of coping strategies for patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus: reflection for a personalised practice of patient education

OBJECTIVES

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune multi-organ disease with an unpredictable course. SLE causes functional disability, changes in body appearance, and psychological distress. When faced with SLE, patients have to implement coping strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe patients' coping strategies, consider the implications for a personalised practice of patient education and evaluate patients' adherence to HCQ treatment.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-eight SLE patients receiving hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment entered a prospective, non-comparative, longitudinal study aimed at describing patients' coping strategies and evaluating their adherence to the HCQ regimen. Coping strategies were evaluated using an abbreviated French version of the WCC-27 exploring 3 dimensions of coping: problem-centered coping, emotion-centered coping and search for social support. Adherence was assessed by the MASRI, the MMAS-8 and also objectively assessed by the patient's serum level of HCQ. Data collected at study entry also included disease activity: SLEDAI, and disease extent: SLICC damage index. The prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms was evaluated with the HADS. Quality of life was evaluated using the LupusQoL questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients were clustered using an unsupervised hierarchical classification based on coping strategies. Four clusters of patients were individualised. The cluster of patients with low problem-centered coping, high emotion-centered coping and the lowest search for social support had worse quality of life and more psychological distress. We did not find any inter-cluster differences in terms of compliance to HCQ.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' knowledge is not the only parameter to consider for a personalised educational therapy: psychological parameters such as coping must also be considered to ensure the best possible quality of life. For educational therapy purposes, it is important not to group patients with the same coping style; heterogenous groups will enable patients to share their experiences and learn from the coping strategies of others.

Prognostic Value of Microscopic Hematuria after Induction of Remission in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies-Associated Vasculitis

BACKGROUND

Pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is a major prognostic factor in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis (AAV). Renal remission is usually defined as improvement or stabilization of serum creatinine and proteinuria levels but the significance of hematuria is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic value of microscopic hematuria in patients in remission from a first flare of PIGN.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted of all patients with histologically proven PIGN in northern France who presented a first renal flare of AAV between 2003 and 2013. All patients received conventional induction treatment and were considered in remission. Two groups were defined by the presence (H+) or absence (H-) of hematuria (dipstick 1+ and/or cytology ≥10,000 erythrocytes/mL). The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of renal relapse (RR) and/or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients were included: 41 (48%) had hematuria at remission. The median follow-up time was 44 ± 34 months. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the primary endpoint or the number of RR. However, the survival rate without RR was significantly lower in the H+ group (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, risk factors for RR were hematuria at remission for relapses within 44 months (hazard ratio [HR] 4.15; 95% CI 1.15-15.01; p = 0.03) and the duration of maintenance immunosuppressive therapy (HR 0.96 per additional month; 95% CI 0.94-0.99; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Hematuria at remission after a first PIGN flare was not associated with ESRD but with the occurrence of RR within 44 months of remission.

Adverse events associated with currently used medical treatments for cystinuria and treatment goals: results from a series of 442 patients in France

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate medical treatments, in terms of adverse events (AEs) and therapeutic goals, in a large series of patients with cystinuria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 442 patients with cystinuria were recorded retrospectively. Crystalluria was studied in 89 patients. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to estimate how urine pH, specific gravity and cysteine-binding thiols (CBT) correlate with risk of cystine crystalluria.

RESULTS

Alkalizing agents and CBT agents were given to 88.8% (n = 381) and 55.3% (n = 238) of patients, respectively. Gastrointestinal AEs were reported in 12.3%, 10.4% and 2.6% of patients treated with potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate and sodium bicarbonate, respectively (P = 0.008). The percentages of patients who experienced at least one AE with tiopronin (24.6%) and with D-penicillamine (29.5%) were similar (P = 0.45). Increasing urine pH and decreasing urine specific gravity significantly reduced the risk of cystine crystalluria, whereas D-penicillamine and tiopronin treatments did not reduce this risk (odds ratio [OR] 1 for pH ≤6.5; OR 0.52 [95% confidence interval {95% CI} 0.28-0.95] for 7.0 <pH ≤7.5, P = 0.03; OR 0.26 [95% CI 0.13-0.53] for 7.5 < pH ≤8.0, P <0.001; OR 1 for specific gravity ≤1.005 OR 5.76 [95% CI 1.45-22.85] for 1.006 ≤ specific gravity ≤1.010, P = 0.01; and OR 11.06 [95% CI 2.76-44.26] for 1.011 ≤ specific gravity ≤ 1.014, P < 0.001). Increased urine pH significantly increased the risk of calcium phosphate crystalluria (OR 1 for pH≤ 6.5; OR 6.09 [95% CI 2.15-17.25] for pH >8.0, P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adverse events were frequent with D-penicillamine and tiopronin. Alkaline hyperdiuresis was well tolerated and reduced cystine crystalluria. Urine specific gravity ≤1.005 and urine pH >7.5, while warning about calcium-phosphate crystallization, should be the goals of medical therapy.

Differential Determinants of Tubular Phosphate Reabsorption: Insights on Renal Excretion of Phosphates in Kidney Disease

We assessed the tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP) and maximal renal threshold for phosphate reabsorption to glomerular filtration rate (TmPi/GFR) and their determinants in 64 stages 2-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in order to define the early changes in phosphate metabolism in CKD. In multivariable analysis, TmPi/GFR correlates were estimated GFR (eGFR), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and hemoglobin (R2 = 0.417), while TRP correlates were eGFR, iPTH, 24-h phosphaturia, and calcitriol (R2 = 0.72). This suggests that TmPi/GFR and TRP, respectively, assess hemoglobin-phosphate and bowel-kidney phosphate regulation axis. Iron supplementation based on TmPi/GFR or earlier phosphate restriction based on TRP should be investigated in view of modifying clinical outcomes in CKD.

[Sucroferric oxyhydroxide, a novel iron-based phosphate binder. Which current use in dialysis patients?]

International guidelines suggest lowering elevated phosphorus level to the normal range in patients on dialysis. Among the phosphate-lowering strategies, phosphate binder is frequently used in addition to dietary phosphate restriction and an adequate dialysis strategy. However, serum phosphate concentration higher than 1.78mmol/L is observed in more than 40% of patients justifying the quest for new drugs. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is one of the new iron-based agents and is available in France since May 2016. A recent international multicentre study showed this new drug to be as efficacious and non-inferior to sevelamer carbonate in magnitude of serum phosphate control. The serum phosphorus-lowering effect was maintained over 1year. When compared to carbonate sevelamer, the pill-burden was half with sucroferric oxyhydroxide because of its high phosphate binding capacity. As previously shown by experimental studies, no risk of iron accumulation was observed since iron absorption is negligible. Discolored feces and diarrhea were fairly frequent side effects. When diarrhea subsides, the tolerability of this new phosphate binder is excellent on a long-term basis.

Spontaneous heterotopic triplets - A review of literature

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous heterotopic triplets, a tubal ectopic pregnancy and a twin pregnancy, are rare disorders. The study aimed to examine all available evidence regarding signs and symptoms, imaging findings, management and newborn outcome of spontaneous heterotopic triplets.

DESIGN

A literature search in Medline and EMBASE databases from 2000 to 2016 was conducted. The following key words were employed: 'spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy', OR 'heterotopic triplets'. Only cases of spontaneous heterotopic triplets without assisted reproduction techniques were included.

RESULTS

Six cases were identified and included in the present review. All cases presented with abdominal pain and one case presented in shock. Hemoperitoneum was present in five cases. Laterouterine mass with adnexal gestational sac is not systematically described (3 cases/6), but was a good ultrasonographic sign of heterotopic pregnancy. All patients had tubal rupture, but anyone had vaginal bleeding. The surgical treatment was made by salpingectomy in five cases to ensure successful treatment. The mean and median gestational age at delivery were 29.9 and 37.54 weeks, respectively (range 6-41 weeks). The neonatal outcome was good for 6 newborns.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous heterotopic triplets are rare. Early surgical intervention is the key to successful treatment of heterotopic triplet pregnancy and allows good neonatal outcome.

Cost-effectiveness of home telemonitoring in chronic kidney disease patients at different stages by a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (eNephro): rationale and study design

BACKGROUND

Home telemonitoring has developed considerably over recent years in chronic diseases in order to improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients and to promote early detection of deteriorating health status. In the nephrology setting, home telemonitoring has been evaluated in home dialysis patients but data are scarce concerning chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients before and after renal replacement therapy. The eNephro study is designed to assess the cost effectiveness, clinical/biological impact, and patient perception of a home telemonitoring for CKD patients. Our purpose is to present the rationale, design and organisational aspects of this study.

METHODS

eNephro is a pragmatic randomised controlled trial, comparing home telemonitoring versus usual care in three populations of CKD patients: stage 3B/4 (n = 320); stage 5D CKD on dialysis (n = 260); stage 5 T CKD treated with transplantation (n= 260). Five hospitals and three not-for-profit providers managing self-care dialysis situated in three administrative regions in France are participating. The trial began in December 2015, with a scheduled 12-month inclusion period and 12 months follow-up. Outcomes include clinical and biological data (e.g. blood pressure, haemoglobin) collected from patient records, perceived health status (e.g. health related quality of life) collected from self-administered questionnaires, and health expenditure data retrieved from the French health insurance database (SNIIRAM) using a probabilistic matching procedure.

DISCUSSION

The hypothesis is that home telemonitoring enables better control of clinical and biological parameters as well as improved perceived health status. This better control should limit emergency consultations and hospitalisations leading to decreased healthcare expenditure, compensating for the financial investment due to the telemedicine system.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT02082093 (date of registration: February 14, 2014).

[Community pharmacists' interventions to prevent and screen chronic kidney disease patients]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major concern of public health. The pharmacist is known as a health practitioner involved in prevention and therapeutic education. Our study aimed at defining the impact of community pharmacists' interventions for preventing and screening CKD. In our observational prospective study of 5 months conducted in 109 community pharmacy, we included 2 groups of patients: A (therapeutic optimization): CKD patients and B (CKD screening): population at risk. In group A, we included 354 patients, mainly women (51.2%), in stage 3 of CKD, mean age 73 years old, with hypertension alone (40.6%) or associated with diabetes (44%). About 70% of the patients had a follow up by a nephrologist and 45% of them were good adherent according to the Morisky-Green self-report. However, approximately 20% of patients did not have nephroprotective treatments in their regimen although they were on stage 3 or 4 CKD patients, and about half of them were not aware of medical situations at risk. Concerning group B, 532 patients were included. The pharmaceutical interventions screened 10% of patients with a GFR<60mL/min/1.73m². The community pharmacists' interventions helped to optimize the therapeutic management of CKD patients and in the early screening of patients at risk. More studies are needed to extrapolate our observations to a larger population.

Glutathione S Transferases Polymorphisms Are Independent Prognostic Factors in Lupus Nephritis Treated with Cyclophosphamide

OBJECTIVE

To investigate association between genetic polymorphisms of GST, CYP and renal outcome or occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in lupus nephritis (LN) treated with cyclophosphamide (CYC). CYC, as a pro-drug, requires bioactivation through multiple hepatic cytochrome P450s and glutathione S transferases (GST).

METHODS

We carried out a multicentric retrospective study including 70 patients with proliferative LN treated with CYC. Patients were genotyped for polymorphisms of the CYP2B6, CYP2C19, GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes. Complete remission (CR) was defined as proteinuria ≤0.33g/day and serum creatinine ≤124 µmol/l. Partial remission (PR) was defined as proteinuria ≤1.5g/day with a 50% decrease of the baseline proteinuria value and serum creatinine no greater than 25% above baseline.

RESULTS

Most patients were women (84%) and 77% were Caucasian. The mean age at LN diagnosis was 41 ± 10 years. The frequency of patients carrying the GST null genotype GSTT1-, GSTM1-, and the Ile→105Val GSTP1 genotype were respectively 38%, 60% and 44%. In multivariate analysis, the Ile→105Val GSTP1 genotype was an independent factor of poor renal outcome (achievement of CR or PR) (OR = 5.01 95% CI [1.02-24.51]) and the sole factor that influenced occurrence of ADRs was the GSTM1 null genotype (OR = 3.34 95% CI [1.064-10.58]). No association between polymorphisms of cytochrome P450s gene and efficacy or ADRs was observed.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that GST polymorphisms highly impact renal outcome and occurrence of ADRs related to CYC in LN patients.

CKD and Its Risk Factors among Patients with Cystinuria

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting renal cystine reabsorption; it causes 1% and 8% of stones in adults and children, respectively. This study aimed to determine epidemiologic and clinical characteristics as well as comorbidities among cystinuric patients, focusing on CKD and high BP.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

This retrospective study was conducted in France, and involved 47 adult and pediatric nephrology and urology centers from April 2010 to January 2012. Data were collected from 442 cystinuric patients.

RESULTS

Median age at onset of symptoms was 16.7 (minimum to maximum, 0.3-72.1) years and median diagnosis delay was 1.3 (0-45.7) years. Urinary alkalinization and cystine-binding thiol were prescribed for 88.8% and 52.2% of patients, respectively, and 81.8% had at least one urological procedure. Five patients (1.1%, n=4 men) had to be treated by dialysis at a median age of 35.0 years (11.8-70.7). Among the 314 patients aged ≥16 years, using the last available plasma creatinine, 22.5% had an eGFR≥90 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation), whereas 50.6%, 15.6%, 7.6%, 2.9%, and 0.6% had an eGFR of 60-89, 45-59, 30-44, 15-29, and <15, respectively. Among these 314 patients, 28.6% had high BP. In multivariate analysis, CKD was associated with age (odds ratio, 1.05 [95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.07]; P<0.001), hypertension (3.30 [1.54 to 7.10]; P=0.002), and severe damage of renal parenchyma defined as a past history of partial or total nephrectomy, a solitary congenital kidney, or at least one kidney with a size <10 cm in patients aged ≥16 years (4.39 [2.00 to 9.62]; P<0.001), whereas hypertension was associated with age (1.06 [1.04 to 1.08]; P<0.001), male sex (2.3 [1.3 to 4.1]; P=0.003), and an eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (2.7 [1.5 to 5.1]; P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CKD and high BP occur frequently in patients with cystinuria and should be routinely screened.

Phenotype-genotype correlation and follow-up in adult patients with hypokalaemia of renal origin suggesting Gitelman syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a tubulopathy caused by SLC12A3 gene mutations, which lead to hypokalaemic alkalosis, secondary hyperaldosteronism, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalciuria.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SLC12A3 gene mutations in adult hypokalaemic patients; to compare the phenotype of homozygous, heterozygous and non-mutated patients; and to determine the efficiency of treatment.

METHODS

Clinical, biological and genetic data were recorded in 26 patients.

RESULTS

Screening for the SLC12A3 gene detected two mutations in 15 patients (six homozygous and nine compound heterozygous), one mutation in six patients and no mutation in five patients. There was no statistical difference in clinical symptoms at diagnosis between the three groups. Systolic blood pressure tended to be lower in patients with two mutations (P=0.16). Hypertension was unexpectedly detected in four patients. Five patients with two mutated alleles and two with heterozygosity had severe manifestations of GS. Significant differences were observed between the three groups in blood potassium, chloride, magnesium, supine aldosterone, 24 h urine chloride and magnesium levels and in modification of the diet in renal disease. Mean blood potassium levels increased from 2.8 ± 0.3, 3.5 ± 0.5 and 3.2 ± 0.3 before treatment to 3.2 ± 0.5, 3.7 ± 0.6 and 3.7 ± 0.3 mmol/l with treatment in groups with two (P=0.003), one and no mutated alleles respectively.

CONCLUSION

In adult patients referred for renal hypokalaemia, we confirmed the presence of mutations of the SLC12A3 gene in 80% of cases. GS was more severe in patients with two mutated alleles than in those with one or no mutated alleles. High blood pressure should not rule out the diagnosis, especially in older patients.

[Anemia management in French hemodialysis patients: DiaNE study results at 3 years (DiaNE2)]

The observational study DiaNE provides a current state of anemia management with Epoetine bêta in hemodialysis patients regarding European recommendations over a 3-year period in France. Patients still treated with Epoetine bêta twelve months after their inclusion in DiaNE were eligible for a 24-month extension phase entitled DiaNE 2. Data regarding 439 patients followed during three years, from M0 to M36, were analyzed. Hemoglobin (Hb) level of the cohort remained over the target value of 11g/dL during the study (M0: 11.3±1.2g/dL; M36: 11.8±1.3g/dL). The anemia management had evolved with European recommendations updates and was in accordance with the last recommended target range (11-12g/dL) in a third of patients. During the follow-up, the majority of patients (97%) had at least one modification of treatment with Epoetine bêta (change in frequency of injections, adjustment of doses) mainly justified by excursion of Hb level out of the target range. However, the median dose of Epoetine bêta was relatively stable. The number of patients with iron treatment remained stable (60%). In spite of undertaken efforts, anemia management of hemodialysed patients in France still needs optimization for maintaining Hb level in the recommended target range.

Factors associated with presentation to care with advanced HIV disease in Brussels and Northern France: 1997-2007

Background

Our objective was to determine the frequency and determinants of presentation to care with advanced HIV disease in patients who discover their HIV diagnosis at this stage as well as those with delayed presentation to care after HIV diagnosis in earlier stages.

Methods

We collected data on 1,819 HIV-infected patients in Brussels (Belgium) and Northern France from January 1997 to December 2007. "Advanced HIV disease" was defined as CD4 count <200/mm³ or clinically-defined AIDS at study inclusion and was stratified into two groups: (a) late testing, defined as presentation to care with advanced HIV disease and HIV diagnosis ≤6 months before initiation of HIV care; and (b) delayed presentation to care, defined as presentation to care with advanced HIV disease and HIV diagnosis >6 months before initiation of HIV care. We used multinomial logistic regression to determine the factors associated with delayed presentation to care and late testing.

Results

Of the 570 patients initiating care with advanced HIV disease, 475 (83.3%) were tested late and 95 (16.7%) had delayed presentation to care. Risk factors for delayed presentation to care were: age 30-50 years, injection drug use, and follow-up in Brussels. Risk factors for late testing were: sub-Saharan African origin, male gender, and older age. HIV transmission through heterosexual contact was associated with an increased risk of both delayed presentation to care and late testing. Patients who initiated HIV care in 2003-2007 were less likely to have been tested late or to have a delayed presentation to care than patients who initiated care before 2003.

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of HIV-infected patients present to care with advanced HIV disease. Late testing, rather than a delay in initiating care after earlier HIV testing, is the main determinant of presentation to care with advanced HIV disease. The factors associated with delay presentation to care differ from those associated with late testing. Different strategies should be developed to optimize early access to care in these two groups.