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RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The utility of conventional upper reference limits (URL) for N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains debated. We analyzed the distribution of hsTnT and NT-proBNP in people with CKD in ambulatory settings to examine the diagnostic value of conventional URL in this population. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: We studied participants of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort with CKD and no self-reported history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). EXPOSURE: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). OUTCOMES: NT-proBNP and hsTnT at baseline. ANALYTICAL APPROACH:. We described the proportion of participants above the conventional URL for NT-proBNP (125 pg/ml) and hsTnT (14 ng/L) overall, and by eGFR. We then estimated 99(th) percentile URL for NT-proBNP and hsTnT. Using quantile regression of the 99(th) percentile, we modeled the association of eGFR with NT-proBNP and hsTnT. RESULTS: Among 2,312 CKD participants, 40% and 43% had levels of NT-proBNP and hsTnT above conventional URL, respectively. In those with eGFR

Kidney fibrosis constitutes the shared final pathway of nearly all chronic nephropathies, but biomarkers for the non-invasive assessment of kidney fibrosis are currently not available. To address this, we characterize five candidate biomarkers of kidney fibrosis: Cadherin-11 (CDH11), Sparc-related modular calcium binding protein-2 (SMOC2), Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), Matrix-Gla protein, and Thrombospondin-2. Gene expression profiles in single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (sc/snRNA-seq) datasets from rodent models of fibrosis and human chronic kidney disease (CKD) were explored, and Luminex-based assays for each biomarker were developed. Plasma and urine biomarker levels were measured using independent prospective cohorts of CKD: the Boston Kidney Biopsy Cohort, a cohort of individuals with biopsy-confirmed semiquantitative assessment of kidney fibrosis, and the Seattle Kidney Study, a cohort of patients with common forms of CKD. Ordinal logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to test associations of biomarkers with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy and progression to end-stage kidney disease and death, respectively. Sc/snRNA-seq data confirmed cell-specific expression of biomarker genes in fibroblasts. After multivariable adjustment, higher levels of plasma CDH11, SMOC2, and PEDF and urinary CDH11 and PEDF were significantly associated with increasing severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in the Boston Kidney Biopsy Cohort. In both cohorts, higher levels of plasma and urinary SMOC2 and urinary CDH11 were independently associated with progression to end-stage kidney disease. Higher levels of urinary PEDF associated with end-stage kidney disease in the Seattle Kidney Study, with a similar signal in the Boston Kidney Biopsy Cohort, although the latter narrowly missed statistical significance. Thus, we identified CDH11, SMOC2, and PEDF as promising non-invasive biomarkers of kidney fibrosis.

In the United States, hemodialysis remains the most common treatment modality for kidney failure, chosen by almost 90% of incident patients. A functioning vascular access is key to providing adequate hemodialysis therapy. Recently, major innovations in devices and technology for hemodialysis vascular access care have rapidly changed the landscape. Novel endovascular devices for creation of arteriovenous fistulas may offer a solution to the barriers encountered in initiating maintenance hemodialysis with a permanent vascular access rather than a central venous catheter (CVC). Furthermore, in the prevalent hemodialysis population, the minimally invasive endovascular arteriovenous fistula procedure should help improve long wait times for vascular access creation, which remains a major barrier to reducing CVC dependence. Bioengineered grafts are being developed and may offer another option to polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Early studies with these biocompatible grafts are promising, as additional studies continue to evaluate their clinical outcomes in comparison to cryopreserved or synthetic options. Prolonging the vascular access patency with appropriate use of devices such as drug-coated balloons and stent grafts may complement the novel techniques of creating arteriovenous access. Finally, innovative solutions to treat stenosed and occluded thoracic central veins can provide an approach to creating a vascular access and allow patients with exhausted vasculature to remain on hemodialysis. The robust developments in hemodialysis vascular access are likely to change practice patterns in the near future.

Introduction Management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) entails high medical complexity and often results in high hospitalization burden. There are limited data on the associations of longitudinal hospital utilization patterns with adverse clinical outcomes in individuals with CKD. Methods We derived cumulative all-cause hospitalization trajectory groups using latent class trajectory analysis in 3012 participants of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study who were alive and did not reach end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) within 4 years of study entry. Cox proportional hazards models tested the associations between hospitalization trajectory groups and risks of ESKD and death prior to the onset of ESKD (ESKD-censored death). Results Within 4 years of study entry, there were 5658 hospitalizations among 3012 participants. We identified 3 distinct subgroups of individuals with CKD based on cumulative all-cause hospitalization trajectories over 4 years: low-utilizer (n = 1066), intermediate-utilizer (n = 1802), and high-utilizer (n = 144). High-utilizers represented a patient population of lower socioeconomic status who had a greater prevalence of comorbid conditions and lower kidney function compared with intermediate- and low-utilizers. After the 4-year ascertainment period to form the trajectory subgroups, there were 544 ESKD events and 437 ESKD-censored deaths during a median follow-up time of 5.1 years. Compared with low-utilizers, intermediate-utilizers and high-utilizers were at 1.49-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–1.84) and 1.75-fold (95% CI 1.20–2.56) higher risk of ESKD in adjusted analyses, respectively. Compared with low-utilizers, intermediate-utilizers and high-utilizers were at 1.48-fold (95% CI 1.17–1.87) and 2.58-fold (95% CI 1.74–3.83) higher risk of ESKD-censored death in adjusted analyses, respectively. Conclusions Trajectories of cumulative all-cause hospitalization identify subgroups of individuals with CKD who are at high risk of ESKD and death., Graphical abstract

Background Studies in the general population suggest that atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for decline in cognitive function, but this relationship has not been examined in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the association between incident AF and changes in cognitive function over time in this population. Methods and Results We studied a subgroup of 3254 adults participating in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study. Incident AF was ascertained by 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained at a study visit and/or identification of a hospitalization with AF during follow-up. Cognitive function was assessed biennially using the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam. Linear mixed effects regression was used to evaluate the association between incident AF and longitudinal change in cognitive function. Compared with individuals without incident AF (n = 3158), those with incident AF (n = 96) were older, had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. After median follow-up of 6.8 years, we observed no significant multivariable association between incident AF and change in cognitive function test score. Conclusion In this cohort of adults with CKD, incident AF was not associated with a decline in cognitive function.

Concern for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis may lead to withholding important studies from patients with kidney disease. However, the actual risk or even the existence of these conditions has recently been called into question. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

Rationale and Objective: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation based on creatinine and cystatin C (eGFRcr-cys) is more accurate than estimated GFR (eGFR) based on creatinine or cystatin C alone (eGFRcr or eGFRcys, respectively), but the inclusion of creatinine in eGFRcr-cys requires specification of a person's race. beta 2-Microglobulin (B2M) and beta-trace protein (BTP) are alternative filtration markers that appear to be less influenced by race than creatinine is.Study Design: Study of diagnostic test accuracy.Setting and Participants: Development in a pooled population of 7 studies with 5,017 participants with and without chronic kidney disease. External validation in a pooled population of 7 other studies with 2,245 participants. Tests Compared: Panel eGFR using B2M and BTP in addition to cystatin C (3-marker panel) or creatinine and cystatin C (4-marker panel) with and without age and sex or race. Outcomes: GFRmeasured as the urinary clearance of iothalamate, plasmaclearanceof iohexol, orplasma clearance of [Cr-51]EDTA.Results: Mean measured GFRs were 58.1 and 83.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2), and the proportions of Black participants were 38.6% and 24.0%, in the development and validation populations, respectively. In development, addition of age and sex improved the performance of all equations compared with equations without age and sex, but addition of race did not further improve the performance. In validation, the 4-marker panels were more accurate than the 3-marker panels (P < 0.001). The 3-marker panel without race was more accurate than eGFRcys (percentage of estimates greater than 30% different from measured GFR [1-P30] of 15.6% vs 17.4%; P = 0.01), and the 4-marker panel without race was as accurate as eGFRcr-cys (1-P-30 of 8.6% vs 9.4%; P = 0.2). Results were generally consistent across subgroups.Limitations: No representation of participants with severe comorbid illness and from geographic areas outside of North America and Europe.Conclusions: The 4-marker panel eGFR is as accurate as eGFRcr-cys without requiring specification of race. A more accurate race-free eGFR could be an important advance.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 15% of the US population and is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The two leading causes of end stage kidney disease are hypertension and diabetes mellitus, both of which are modifiable risk factors. The cornerstones of CKD care include early detection, management of associated risk factors, modification of cardiovascular disease risk, slowing progression of disease, and management of complications including anemia, acid base disturbance, and mineral and bone disorders. For the last 20 years, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors were the mainstay treatment for proteinuric diabetic and nondiabetic kidney disease. Recently, new therapies such as sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors, have emerged as powerful tools in the treatment of CKD with indications in both diabetic and nondiabetic kidney disease. In this article, we define CKD staging, review new hypertension and diabetic guidelines for CKD patients, and discuss major trials for new potential therapies in CKD, particularly diabetic kidney disease. We will provide practical guidance for primary care physicians to diagnose CKD and implement these agents early in the disease course to prevent the progression of disease and reduce the morbidity and mortality of this vulnerable population.

BackgroundInterest in nephrology has been declining among internal medicine residents but the reasons behind this observation are not well characterized. Our objective was to evaluate factors influencing residents’ choice of subspecialty.MethodsThis is a mixed-method QUAL-QUAN design study that used the results of our previously published qualitative analysis on residents’ perception of nephrology to create and pilot a questionnaire of 60 questions. The final questionnaire was distributed to 26 programs across the United States and a total of 1992 residents. We calculated response rates and tabulated participant characteristics and percentage of participant responses. We categorized choice of fellowship into 2 medical categories (Highly Sought After vs. Less Sought After) and fitted a logistic regression model of choosing a highly vs. less sought after fellowship.ResultsFour hundred fifteen out of 1992 (21%) US residents responded to the survey. Of the 268 residents planning to pursue fellowship training, 67 (25%) selected a less sought after fellowship. Female sex was associated with significantly higher odds of selecting a less sought after fellowship (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.47, 4.74). Major factors deterring residents from pursuing nephrology were perception of inadequate financial compensation, broad scope of clinical practice and complexity of patient population. We observed a decline in exposure to nephrology during the clinical years of medical school with only 35.4% of respondents rotating in nephrology versus 76.8% in residency. The quality of nephrology education was rated less positively during clinical medical school years (median of 50 on a 0–100 point scale) compared to the pre-clinical years (median 60) and residency (median 75).ConclusionOur study attempts to explain the declining interest in nephrology. Results suggest potential targets for improvement: diversified trainee exposure, sub-specialization of nephrology, and increased involvement of nephrologists in the education of trainees.

Rationale & Objectives Adiposity and physical fitness levels are major drivers of cardiometabolic risk, but these relationships have not been well-characterized in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined the associations of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), intrahepatic fat, and physical function with inflammation, insulin resistance, and adipokine levels in patients with CKD. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting & Participants Participants with stages 3-5 CKD not receiving maintenance dialysis, followed up at one of 8 clinical sites in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study, and who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen at an annual CRIC Study visit (n = 419). Predictors VAT volume, SAT volume, intrahepatic fat, body mass index, waist circumference, and time taken to complete the 400-m walk test (physical function). Outcomes Markers of inflammation (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 [TNFR1], and TNFR2), insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), and adipokine levels (adiponectin, total and high molecular weight, resistin, and leptin). Analytical Approach Multivariable linear regression of VAT and SAT volume, intrahepatic fat, and physical function with individual markers (log-transformed values), adjusting for relevant covariates. Results Mean age of the study population was 64.3 years; 41% were women, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 53.2 ± 14.6 (SD) mL/min/1.73 m2. More than 85% were overweight or obese, and 40% had diabetes. Higher VAT volume, SAT volume, and liver proton density fat fraction were associated with lower levels of total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin, higher levels of leptin and insulin resistance, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher serum triglyceride levels. A slower 400-m walk time was associated only with higher levels of leptin, total adiponectin, plasma IL-6, and TNFR1 and did not modify the associations between fat measures and cardiometabolic risk factors. Limitations Lack of longitudinal data and dietary details. Conclusions Various measures of adiposity are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Physical function was also associated with the cardiometabolic risk factors studied and does not modify associations between fat measures and cardiometabolic risk factors. Longitudinal studies of the relationship between body fat and aerobic fitness with cardiovascular and kidney disease progression are warranted.

Background The relationship between proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression remains controversial. Specifically, there is a lack of data evaluating renal outcomes in established CKD patients. The aim of our study is to determine the risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or death amongst CKD patients on PPI, histamine-2 receptor blocker (H2B), or no anti-acid therapy. Methods Using our CKD registry, we evaluated the relationship between PPI and H2B use and outcomes amongst patients with CKD (eGFR Results 25,455 patients met inclusion criteria and were stratified according to medication group: no antacid therapy (15,961), PPI use (8646), or H2B use (848). At 4 years, the cumulative incidence of ESKD with death as a competing risk was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.7, 2.4), 1.5% (0.8, 2.8), and 1.6%(1.4, 1.9) among PPI, H2B, and no medication respectively (P = 0.22). The cumulative incidence of death with ESKD as a competing risk was 17.6% (95% CI: 16.6, 18.6), 16.7% (13.7, 19.8), and 17.3% (16.6, 18.0) (P = 0.71). Conclusions Use of PPI in a CKD population was not associated with increased mortality or progression to ESKD when compared to H2 blocker and to no acid suppressing therapy.

COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU have high incidence of AKI requiring prolonged renal replacement therapy and often necessitate the placement of a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC). We describe our experience with two cases of COVID-19 patients who underwent successful bedside placement of TDC under ultrasound guidance using anatomical landmarks without fluoroscopy guidance. Tunneled dialysis catheter placement under direct fluoroscopy remains the standard of care; but in well selected patients, placement of tunneled dialysis catheter at the bedside using anatomic landmarks without fluoroscopy can be safely and successfully performed without compromising the quality of care and avoid transfer of COVID-19 infected patients outside the ICU.

Acute kidney injury has been reported in as many as 29% of COVID-19 patients. Reported risk factors include elevated baseline serum creatinine, elevated blood urea nitrogen, acute kidney injury, proteinuria, and hematuria. Suspected causes include sepsis and acute tubular necrosis resulting from renal hypoperfusion, cytokine release syndrome, direct viral invasion, renal medullary hypoxia secondary to alveolar damage, rhabdomyolysis, and cardiorenal syndrome due to viral myocarditis.

Introduction Magnesium disorders are commonly encountered in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are typically a consequence of decreased kidney function or frequently prescribed medications such as diuretics and proton pump inhibitors. While hypomagnesemia has been linked with increased mortality, the association between elevated magnesium levels and mortality is not clearly defined. Additionally, associations between magnesium disorders, type of death, and CKD progression have not been reported. Therefore, we studied the associations between magnesium levels, CKD progression, mortality, and cause specific deaths in patients with CKD. Methods Using the Cleveland Clinic CKD registry, we identified 10,568 patients with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) between 15 and 59 ml/min/1.73 m2 in this range for a minimum of 3 months with a measured magnesium level. We categorized subjects into 3 groups based on these magnesium levels (≤ 1.7, 1.7–2.6 and > 2.6 mg/dl) and applied cox regression modeling and competing risk models to identify associations with overall and cause-specific mortality. We also evaluated the association between magnesium level and slope of eGFR using mixed models. Results During a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 4656 (44%) patients died. After adjusting for relevant covariates, a magnesium level 2.6 mg/dl (vs. 1.7–2.6 mg/dl) was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death only (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.48). We found similar results when evaluating magnesium as a continuous measure. There were no significant differences in the slope of eGFR across all three magnesium groups (p = 0.10). Conclusions In patients with CKD stage 3 and 4, hypomagnesemia was associated with higher all-cause and non-cardiovascular non-malignancy mortality. Hypermagnesemia was associated with higher all-cause mortality. Neither hypo nor hypermagnesemia were associated with an increased risk of CKD progression.

Rationale & Objective Plasma kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a sensitive marker of proximal tubule injury, but its association with risks of adverse clinical outcomes across a spectrum of kidney diseases is unknown. Study Design Prospective, observational cohort study. Setting & Participants 524 individuals undergoing clinically indicated native kidney biopsy with biopsy specimens adjudicated for semiquantitative scores of histopathology by two kidney pathologists enrolled into the Boston Kidney Biopsy Cohort (BKBC) Study and 3,800 individuals with common forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) enrolled into the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study. Exposure Histopathologic lesions and clinicopathologic diagnosis in cross-sectional analyses, baseline plasma KIM-1 in prospective analyses. Outcomes Baseline plasma KIM-1 in cross-sectional analyses, kidney failure (defined as initiation of kidney replacement therapy) and death in prospective analyses. Analytical Approach Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models tested associations of plasma KIM-1 with histopathologic lesions and clinicopathologic diagnoses. Cox proportional hazards models tested associations of plasma KIM-1 with future kidney failure and death. Results In the BKBC Study, higher plasma KIM-levels were associated with more severe acute tubular injury, tubulointerstitial inflammation, and more severe mesangial expansion after multivariable adjustment. Participants with diabetic nephropathy, glomerulopathies, and tubulointerstitial disease had significantly higher plasma KIM-1 levels after multivariable adjustment. In the BKBC Study, 124 participants progressed to kidney failure and 85 participants died during a median follow-up time of 5 years. In the CRIC Study, 1153 participants progressed to kidney failure and 1356 participants died during a median follow-up time of 11.5 years. In both cohorts, each doubling of plasma KIM-1 was associated with an increased risk of kidney failure after multivariable adjustment (BKBC: HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.38 and CRIC: HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.15). There was no statistically significant association of plasma KIM-1 with death in either cohort. Limitations Generalizability and unmeasured confounding. Conclusions Plasma KIM-1 is associated with underlying tubulointerstitial and mesangial lesions and progression to kidney failure in two cohort studies of individuals with kidney diseases.

Rationale & Objective The 2018 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) cholesterol guideline uses risk stratification to guide the decision to initiate nonstatin lipid-lowering medication among adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We determined atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) event rates among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) taking statin therapy within 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline risk categories. Study Design Observational cohort study. Setting & Participants Adults with CKD not on dialysis in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study who were taking a moderate/high-intensity statin 1 year after enrollment (baseline for the current analysis, n = 1,753). Exposure 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline risk categories: without a history of ASCVD, a history of 1 major ASCVD event and multiple high-risk conditions, and a history of ≥2 major ASCVD events. Outcome Adjudicated ASCVD events after the year 1 study visit. Analytical Approach We calculated age-sex standardized rates for ASCVD events and age-sex adjusted hazard ratios for ASCVD events accounting for the competing risk of death. Results There were 394 ASCVD events over a median follow-up period of 8 years. The ASCVD event rates (with 95% CI) per 1,000 person-years among participants without a history of ASCVD, with a history of 1 major ASCVD event and multiple high-risk conditions, and with a history of ≥2 major ASCVD events were 21.7 (18.4-25.1), 45.0 (37.8-52.3), and 73.3 (53.3-93.4), respectively. Compared with participants without a history of ASCVD, the HR (95% CI) rates for ASCVD events among those with a history of 1 major ASCVD event and multiple high-risk conditions, and with a history of ≥2 major ASCVD events were 1.89 (1.52-2.36) and 2.50 (1.85-3.39), respectively. Limitations Data on whether participants were taking a maximally tolerated statin dosage were unavailable. Conclusions The 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline identifies adults with CKD who have very high ASCVD risk despite taking a moderate/high-intensity statin., Graphical abstract

Background and objectives Avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is important for safe CKD care. This study examined nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use patterns and their association with other analgesic use in CKD. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study is an observational cohort study that enrolled 3939 adults ages 21–74 years old with CKD between 2003 and 2008 using age-based eGFR inclusion criteria. Annual visits between June of 2003 and December of 2011 were organized into 15,917 visit-pairs (with an antecedent and subsequent visit) for 3872 participants with medication information. Demographics, kidney function, and clinical factors were ascertained along with report of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or other analgesic use in the prior 30 days. Results In our study, 24% of participants reported nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use at baseline or at least one follow-up study visit. Having a 10 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 higher eGFR level at an antecedent visit was associated with higher odds of starting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at a subsequent visit (odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 1.56). Seeing a nephrologist at the antecedent visit was associated with lower odds of starting or staying on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at a subsequent visit (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 0.87 and odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.46 to 0.81, respectively). Starting and stopping nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were both associated with higher odds of increasing the number of other analgesics (odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 1.85 and odds ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.39 to 2.28, respectively) and higher odds of increasing the number of opioid analgesics specifically (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.48 to 2.48 and odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.03, respectively). Conclusions Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is common among patients with CKD but less so among those with worse kidney function or those who see a nephrologist. Initiation or discontinuation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is often associated with supplementation with or replacement by, respectively, other analgesics, including opioids, which introduces possible drug-related problems when taking these alternative analgesics.

Hemodialysis (HD) remains a principal modality for renal replacement therapy worldwide for patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and a functioning dialysis vascular access is critical to providing adequate therapy. Despite all the technological advances in the delivery of HD, the process of creating a vascular access has remained vastly unchanged. Almost six decades since the creation of an autogenous fistula, the dialysis community continues to struggle with creating a dependable method to remove blood from the body for [...]

Persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of infection. While low-grade inflammation could impair immune response, it is unknown whether inflammatory markers are associated with infection risk in this clinical population. Using 2003–2013 data from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study (3,597 participants with CKD), we assessed the association of baseline plasma levels of 4 inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)) with incident hospitalization with major infection (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis and osteomyelitis, and bacteremia and sepsis). During follow-up (median 7.5 years), 36% (n = 1,290) had incident hospitalization with major infection. In multivariable Cox analyses with each inflammatory marker modeled as a restricted cubic spline, higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were monotonically associated with increased risk of hospitalization with major infection (for 95th vs. 5th percentile, hazard ratio = 2.11 (95% confidence interval: 1.68, 2.66) for IL-6 and 1.88 (95% confidence interval: 1.51, 2.33) for TNF-α), while corresponding associations for IL-1RA or TGF-β were nonsignificant. Thus, higher plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, but not IL-1RA or TGF-β, were significantly associated with increased risk of hospitalization with major infection. Future studies should investigate whether inflammatory pathways that involve IL-6 and TNF-α increase susceptibility to infection among individuals with CKD.

Rationale & Objective Since 1994, the Nephrology and Hypertension Department at the Cleveland Clinic has prepared and used bicarbonate-based solution for continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) using a standard volumetric hemodialysis machine rather than purchasing from a commercial vendor. This report describes the process of producing Cleveland Clinic UltraPure Solution (CCUPS), quality and safety monitoring, economic costs, and clinical outcomes. Study Design Retrospective study. Setting & Participants CVVHD experience at Cleveland Clinic, focusing on dialysate production, institutional factors, and patients requiring continuous kidney replacement therapy. Production is shown at www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGQgephMEwA. Outcomes Feasibility, safety , and cost. Results Of 6,426 patients treated between 2011 and 2019 with continuous kidney replacement therapy, 59% were men, 71% were White, 40% had diabetes mellitus, and 74% presented with acute kidney injury. 98% of patients were treated with CVVHD using CCUPS, while the remaining 2% were treated with either continuous venovenous hemofiltration or continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration using commercial solution. The prescribed and delivered effluent doses were 24.8 (IQR) versus 20.7 mL/kg/h (IQR), respectively. CCUPS was as effective in restoring electrolyte and serum bicarbonate levels and reducing phosphate, creatinine, and serum urea nitrogen levels as compared with packaged commercial solution over a 3-day period following initiation of dialysis, with a comparable effluent dose. Among those with acute kidney injury, mortality was similar to that predicted with the 60-day acute kidney injury predicted mortality score (r = 0.997; CI: 0.989-0.999). At our institution, the cost of production for 1 L of CCUPS is $0.67, which is considerably less than the cost of commercially purchased fluid. Limitations Observational design without a rigorous control group. Conclusions CVVHD using locally generated dialysate is safe and cost-effective., Graphical abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is highly prevalent and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but sex-based differences are incompletely understood. We sought to define the associations between PAD and physical outcome measures and to determine if these associations differed by sex in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort.Among 3,543 participants, we assessed the cross-sectional relationship between PAD severity defined by ankle-brachial index; and (1) physical activity (metabolic equivalent [MET]-hr/wk), (2) walking pace (slow versus medium and/or fast), and (3) physical function (12-item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12]) at baseline.In a multivariable linear regression model, PAD severity was not associated with physical activity defined by total MET-hr per wk in men or women (P = 0.432). However, PAD severity was significantly associated with walking activity (P = 0.037), although this relationship did not differ by sex (P = 0.130). Similarly, PAD severity was significantly associated with walking pace (P 0.001), although this relationship did not differ by sex (P = 0.086). In contrast, there was an independent association between PAD severity and SF-12 (P = 0.018), with a significant interaction by sex (P 0.001).These data suggest that tools used to evaluate the functional consequences of PAD should focus on walking activity and walking pace, as well as physical function, where sex-specific associations should be accounted for.

Background and objectives Masked hypertension and elevated nighttime BP are associated with increased risk of hypertensive target organ damage and adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with normal kidney function. The significance of masked hypertension for these risks in patients with CKD is less well defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between masked hypertension and kidney function and markers of cardiovascular target organ damage, and to determine whether this relationship was consistent among those with and without elevated nighttime BP. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This was a cross-sectional study. We performed 24-hour ambulatory BP in 1492 men and women with CKD enrolled in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study. We categorized participants into controlled BP, white-coat, masked, and sustained hypertension on the basis of clinic and 24-hour ambulatory BP. We obtained echocardiograms and measured pulse wave velocity in 1278 and 1394 participants, respectively. Results The percentages of participants with controlled BP, white-coat, masked, and sustained hypertension were 49.3%, 4.1%, 27.8%, and 18.8%, respectively. Compared with controlled BP, masked hypertension independently associated with low eGFR (−3.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval, −5.5 to −0.9), higher proteinuria (+0.9 unit higher in log2 urine protein; 95% confidence interval, 0.7 to 1.1), and higher left ventricular mass index (+2.52 g/m2.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 4.1), and pulse wave velocity (+0.92 m/s; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 1.3). Participants with masked hypertension had lower eGFR only in the presence of elevated nighttime BP (−3.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval, −6.1 to −1.1; versus −1.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval, −6.9 to 4.0, among those with nighttime BP Conclusions Masked hypertension is common in patients with CKD and associated with lower eGFR, proteinuria, and cardiovascular target organ damage. In patients with CKD, ambulatory BP characterizes the relationship between BP and target organ damage better than BP measured in the clinic alone.

Magnesium disorders are commonly encountered in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are typically a consequence of decreased kidney function or frequently prescribed medications such as diuretics and proton pump inhibitors. While hypomagnesemia has been linked with increased mortality, the association between elevated magnesium levels and mortality is not clearly defined. Additionally, associations between magnesium disorders, type of death, and CKD progression have not been reported. Therefore, we studied the associations between magnesium levels, CKD progression, mortality, and cause specific deaths in patients with CKD.Using the Cleveland Clinic CKD registry, we identified 10,568 patients with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) between 15 and 59 ml/min/1.73 mDuring a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 4656 (44%) patients died. After adjusting for relevant covariates, a magnesium level 1.7 mg/dl (vs. 1.7-2.6 mg/dl) was associated with higher overall mortality (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.24), and with higher sub-distribution hazards for non-cardiovascular non-malignancy mortality (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.49). Magnesium levels 2.6 mg/dl (vs. 1.7-2.6 mg/dl) was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death only (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.48). We found similar results when evaluating magnesium as a continuous measure. There were no significant differences in the slope of eGFR across all three magnesium groups (p = 0.10).In patients with CKD stage 3 and 4, hypomagnesemia was associated with higher all-cause and non-cardiovascular non-malignancy mortality. Hypermagnesemia was associated with higher all-cause mortality. Neither hypo nor hypermagnesemia were associated with an increased risk of CKD progression.

Background Prior studies of adverse renal consequences of AKI have almost exclusively focused on eGFR changes. Less is known about potential effects of AKI on proteinuria, although proteinuria is perhaps the strongest risk factor for future loss of renal function. Methods We studied enrollees from the Assessment, Serial Evaluation, and Subsequent Sequelae of AKI (ASSESS-AKI) study and the subset of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study enrollees recruited from Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Both prospective cohort studies included annual ascertainment of urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, eGFR, BP, and medication use. For hospitalized participants, we used inpatient serum creatinine measurements obtained as part of clinical care to define an episode of AKI (i.e., peak/nadir inpatient serum creatinine ≥1.5). We performed mixed effects regression to examine change in log-transformed urine protein-to-creatinine ratio after AKI, controlling for time-updated covariates. Results At cohort entry, median eGFR was 62.9 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (interquartile range [IQR], 46.9-84.6) among 2048 eligible participants, and median urine protein-to-creatinine ratio was 0.12 g/g (IQR, 0.07-0.25). After enrollment, 324 participants experienced at least one episode of hospitalized AKI during 9271 person-years of follow-up; 50.3% of first AKI episodes were Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes stage 1 in severity, 23.8% were stage 2, and 25.9% were stage 3. In multivariable analysis, an episode of hospitalized AKI was independently associated with a 9% increase in the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio. Conclusions Our analysis of data from two prospective cohort studies found that hospitalization for an AKI episode was independently associated with subsequent worsening of proteinuria.

Background— To define how the incidence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in chronic kidney disease differs according to sex and age. Methods and Results— The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) is a multicenter, prospective cohort study of chronic kidney disease participants. Fine and Gray methods were used to determine the cumulative incidence of PAD, defined by an ankle brachial index P P =0.013). Women, compared with men were at a markedly increased risk for PAD at younger ages; however, at ages >70 years, the risk was similar across both the sexes. Older men had a substantially greater PAD risk compared with younger men. In women, PAD risk did not vary with age. Conclusions— Females with chronic kidney disease have a higher PAD risk compared with males at younger ages. There is an important need to improve our understanding of the biological and clinical basis for these differences.

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor that is often considered in a differential diagnosis of secondary hypertension but rarely diagnosed. The tumor is composed of chromaffin cells responsible for producing catecholamines. The classic triad (headache, palpitations and diaphoresis) is easily recognized by most clinicians, but catecholamine excess can present in a variety of different contexts. We describe the case of a woman who developed catecholamine excess after receiving glucocorticoids for an allergic reaction, which resulted in non-ketotic lactic acidosis, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema and progressed into cardiogenic shock and acute renal failure. A summary outlining this patient’s presentation, hospital course and management will be discussed; in addition, to relevant literature supporting the findings, management and teaching points.

Recent reports have raised concerns regarding renal outcomes in patients with decompensated acute heart failure (HF) treated with slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF). The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for renal failure (RF) requiring dialysis in patients with acute HF initiated on SCUF.We studied 63 consecutive patients with acute HF who required SCUF because of congestion refractory to hemodynamically guided intensive medical therapy. Median serum creatinine at SCUF initiation was higher in patients who developed RF requiring dialysis [2.5 (interquartile range 1.8-3.3) vs 1.6 (1.2-2.3) mg/dL; P.001]. Weight loss within 48 hours of SCUF initiation was larger in patients who did not progress to RF [-6 (-10 to -2) vs -4 (-6 to -2) kg; P = .03]. Systolic perfusion pressure had a nonlinear association with RF requiring dialysis, with a threshold effect noted at 90 mm Hg. Twelve-month mortality in patients who were moved to dialysis versus those who were not was 95% versus 35%, respectively (P.001).In patients with acute HF initiated on SCUF, onset of RF requiring dialysis is associated with high mortality. Systolic perfusion pressure which incorporates both perfusion and venous congestion parameters may present a modifiable risk factor for worsening RF during SCUF in acute HF patients.

Background Elevated total serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels have been associated with mortality in the general population and in dialysis patients. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting & Participants 28,678 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and 4 (estimated glomerular filtration rate, 15-59 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) were identified using the Cleveland Clinic CKD Registry. CKD was defined as 2 estimated glomerular filtration rate values 2 drawn more than 90 days apart using the CKD-EPI (CKD Epidemiology Collaboration) creatinine equation. Predictor ALP levels measured using the calorimetric assay were examined as quartiles (quartile [Q]1, Outcomes & Measurements All-cause mortality and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were ascertained using the Social Security Death Index and US Renal Data System. Results After a median follow-up of 2.2 years, 588 patients progressed to ESRD and 4,755 died. There was a graded increase in risk of mortality with higher ALP quartiles (Q2, Q3, and Q4) compared to the reference quartile (Q1) after adjusting for demographics, comorbid conditions, use of relevant medications, and liver function test results. The highest ALP quartile was associated with an HR for ESRD of 1.38 (95% CI, 1.09-1.76). Each 1-SD (42.7 U/L) higher ALP level was associated with 15% (95% CI, 1.09-1.22) and 16% (95% CI, 1.14-1.18) increased risk of ESRD and mortality, respectively. Limitations Single-center observational study; lack of complete data, including parathyroid hormone level, for all study participants, and attrition bias. Conclusions Higher serum ALP levels in patients with CKD stages 3-4 were associated independently with all-cause mortality and ESRD.