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Introduction: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increased, and populations with high social vulnerability tend to have worse CKD progression. Objective: To evaluate the impact of ethnicity on the control of pre-dialytic CKD in a Brazilian Unified Health System interdisciplinary outpatient clinic. Material and Methods: Data of 1,992 CKD patients were retrospectively collected from August/2010 to December/2014. Patients referred by primary health care, >18 years, ≥ two consultations were included. Sociodemographic data were collected upon admission; clinical and laboratory data were obtained at each consultation. Patients were divided into groups according to skin colour (self-identified). A descriptive analysis was performed; variables were compared using ANOVA, chi-square or Mann-Whitney U tests. Variables associated with the delta of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were evaluated using linear regression, adjusting for confounding variables. Results: 25.1% were black, 34.4% brown, and 40.5% white. Approximately 51.2% had income ≤ two minimum wages, 84.8% had low level education, 14.0% were illiterate. Black patients were younger and had lower education level; they had higher systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, intact parathyroid hormone; their haemoglobin and vitamin D were lower. The median annual eGFR loss was 0 (P25 −6.70, P75 +8.76), 36.5% had rapid eGFR loss (>5 ml/min/year). Only use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and low proteinuria were determined as significant for the outcome (RR: 0.92, CI: 0.010–0.684, p=0.02; RR: 0.8, CI: 0.998-0.999, p=0.001). Conclusion: Ethnicity did not impact CKD progression, even though black patients presented clinical and sociodemographic characteristics associated with worse disease progression.

Background and Aims Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) consists of a decline of one or more cognitive domains, independent of functional impairment. There are common pathophysiological factors between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and MCI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MCI in pre-dialysis CKD with inflammation markers and alterations of image exams (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-MRI). Method Cross-sectional study, were evaluated non-dialysis CKD patients in categories 1 to 5 in a secondary care clinic, from 2013 to 2015. Inclusion Criteria: age ≥ 21 and ≤ 65 years and having signed the informed consent form. Non-inclusion criteria: previous history of stroke, degenerative and infectious diseases of the CNS, presence of delirium and / or psychotic disorders, previous history of mental retardation and cranioencephalic trauma, visual and auditory disorders that prevented the tests, HIV and / or AIDS, contraindication or intolerance to MRI. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. MCI was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), using the CKDEPI formula. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. Laboratory data were collected a maximum of 3 months after the MoCA evaluation, as well as the measurement of IL4, IL6, IL17, TNF alpha and hs-CRP. The brain MRI scans were performed in a Siemens Avanto high-field device (1.5 Tesla), without the use of paramagnetic contrast. Fazekas scales were used to quantify white matter lesions, MTA scale to quantify hippocampal involvement, ACG scale for global cortical atrophy. Statistical analysis a descriptive analysis was performed, followed by a comparison of abnormal vs normal MoCA among all variables with the relevant tests; MoCA and eGFR were also correlated with all variables. Finally, we performed a linear regression using MoCA as a dependent variable, adjusting for relevant confounding variables. Results 111 patients were invited, 80 were included in the neuropsychological assessment and 56 patients performed all stages of the study. The mean age was 56.3 ± 8.3 years, 51.8% had an altered MoCA. Comparing those with altered vs normal MoCA, we observed that there were fewer years of schooling (p = 0.04), greater use of diuretics (p = 0.04) and AAS (p = 0.002); in addition to higher levels of IL6 (p = 0.02) and IL17 (p = 0.05) among those with altered MoCA. There was no correlation between MoCA and eGFR. MoCA correlated with IL6 (R-0.201, p = 0.04). There was a correlation between eGFR (IL4 (R- -0.467, p = 0.005; IL6 (R- -0.652, p Conclusion The prevalence of changes in MoCA in this population was 51.8%, the eGFR was correlated with inflammation, MoCA was negatively correlated with IL6. There was no association between MRI findings and eGFR or inflammatory variables, and eGFR was not a predictor of MoCA values, while IL17 and IL6 were.

Background and Aims Fabry disease is a chronic, progressive and multi-systemic hereditary condition, related to a Xq22 mutation in X chromosome, which results in deficiency of acid alpha-galactosidase, hence reduced capacity of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) degradation. Gb3 accumulates in lysosomes throughout virtually every organ, thus causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To evaluate the types of Fabry disease mutations and enzyme levels of Alpha Galactosidase and Lyso Gb3 in a multicenter study; the RIM FABRY BRASIL PROJECT. Method We conducted a transversal study that consists of data analysis secondary to the multicenter project: Clinical and Epidemiological Analysis of Fabry's Disease in Dialysis Centers in Brazil, “PROJETO RIM FABRY BRASIL”. Included 854 dialysis centers throughout Brazil and 75059 individuals screened using a questionnaire and signing an Informed Consent Form. The data were entered into a computer program (algorithm) that filters the possible carriers of Fabry's disease. The program / algorithm discarded those who probably did not have Fabry's disease and sent blood suspects to filter enzyme dosage and genetic testing of those suspected of the disease. Results 75059 individuals from the RIM FABRY BRASIL project were screened, where 58.37% were men and 41.54% women. 408 individuals with mutations for Fabry disease were identified, including patients with kidney and Family history of the disease, 34.6% men and 65.4% women with a mean age of 42.7 years. 47 different mutations were identified, with a higher prevalence of c.352C> T p.Arg118Cys (24.8%), followed by c.376A> G p.Ser126Gly (13.1%), c.1102G> A p.Ala368Thr ( 7.8%), c.937G> T p.Asp313Tyr (7.8%), c.870G> C p.Met290Ile (7.3%). Alfa GalA dosage was performed in 120 men, with 90% of them showing decreased enzyme and Lyso Gb3 dosage of 320 individuals, (36.2% men and 63.8% women) 72.5% normal and 27.5% increased. Conclusion The most frequent mutations were: c.352C> T p.Arg118Cys, followed by c.376A> G p.Ser126Gly, c.1102G> A p.Ala368Thr, c.937G> T p.Asp313Tyr, c.870G> C p.Met290Ile. 90% of men showed a decrease in the enzyme Alpha GalA and 27.5% of individuals had increased Lyso Gb3.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and clinical studies show that this progression can be slowed. The objective of this study was to estimate the costs to Brazil’s public health system (SUS) throughout the course of CKD in the pre-dialysis stage compared to the costs to the SUS of dialysis treatment (DT). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze clinical and laboratory variables; the outcome analyzed was need for DT. To assess cost, a microcosting survey was conducted according to the Methodological Guidelines for Economic Evaluations in Healthcare and the National Program for Cost Management, both recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health for economic studies. Results: A total of 5,689 patients were followed between 2011 and 2014, and 537 met the inclusion criteria. Average costs increased substantially as the disease progressed. The average cost incurred in stage G1 in Brazilian reals was R$ 7,110.78, (US$1,832.06) and in stage G5, it was R$ 26,814.08 (US$6,908.53), accumulated over the four years. Conclusion: A pre-dialysis care program may reduce by R$ 33,023.12 ± 1,676.80 (US$ 8,508.26 ± 432.02) the average cost for each year of DT avoided, which is sufficient to cover the program’s operation, minimizing cost. These results signal to public health policy makers the real possibility of achieving significant cost reduction in the medium term for CKD care (4 years), to a program that disbursed R$ 24 billion (US$ 6.8 billion) for DT in Brazil between 2009 and 2018. Resumo Introdução: Doença renal crônica (DRC) pode progredir para doença renal estágio terminal (DRET). Estudos clínicos mostram que esta progressão pode ser retardada. Objetivo: estimar custos para o sistema público de saúde (SUS) do Brasil durante o curso da DRC no estágio pré-diálise, comparado com os custos para o SUS do tratamento dialítico (TD). Métodos: Conduziu-se estudo de coorte retrospectivo para analisar variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais; o desfecho analisado foi a necessidade de TD. Para avaliar os custos, realizou-se pesquisa de microcustos de acordo com as Diretrizes Metodológicas para Avaliações Econômicas em Saúde e o Programa Nacional de Gestão de Custos, ambos recomendados pelo Ministério da Saúde Brasileiro para estudos econômicos. Resultados: Acompanhou-se um total de 5.689 pacientes entre 2011-2014; 537 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os custos médios aumentaram substancialmente à medida que a doença progrediu. O custo médio incorrido no estágio G1 em reais foi R$ 7.110,78 (US$ 1.832,06) e no estágio G5 foi R$ 26.814,08 (US$ 6.908,53), acumulado durante os quatro anos. Conclusão: Um programa de atendimento pré-dialítico pode reduzir em R$ 33.023,12 ± 1.676,80 (US$ 8.508,26 ± 432,02) o custo médio para cada ano de TD evitado. Isso é suficiente para cobrir a operação do programa, minimizando custos. Estes resultados sinalizam aos formuladores de políticas de saúde pública a possibilidade real de alcançar redução significativa de custos em médio prazo para o cuidado da DRC (4 anos), para um programa que desembolsou R$ 24 bilhões (US$ 6,8 bilhões) para TD no Brasil entre 2009-2018.

Agradecemos a leitura cuidadosa do nosso estudo e as ponderacoes recebidas, pois sao pertinentes, demonstram a importância do debate multidisciplinar e levantam pontos fundamentais nesse campo de pesquisa. O artigo “Avaliacao da farmacoterapia na doenca renal cronica: validacao do instrumento PAIR para uso no Brasil”, de autoria de Alessandra Batista Marquito, Helady Sanders Pinheiro, Natalia Maria da Silva Fernandes e Rogerio Baumgratz de Paula, teve como objetivo principal validar o instrumento PAIR (Pharmacotherapy Assessment in Chronic Renal Disease) para o [...]

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) use polypharmacy, which, in combination with renal impairment, exposes them to the risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). There are no available tools in Brazil to systematically assess the pharmacotherapy and management of DRPs in this population. Therefore, the objective of this work was to validate the PAIR instrument (Pharmacotherapy Assessment in Chronic Renal Disease) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. This is a retrospective longitudinal observational study. Medical records from 100 CKD patients under conservative treatment, between 2016 and 2017, in a nephrology clinic, were analyzed. PAIR was applied by pharmacists in two consultations of the same patient, with an interval of 6 months. Reliability, conceptual validity, responsiveness of the instrument and prevalence of DRPs in the studied sample were assessed. A mean of 1.26 ± 0.96 DRPs/patient was identified. Inter-rater reliability coefficients (k) ranged from 0.58 to 0.94 and from 0.79 to 1.00 for test-retest, revealing moderate to perfect level of agreement. In conceptual validity, a mean of 1.60 ± 1.24 DRPs/patient was identified by the nephrologist through clinical judgment, compared to 1.33±0.76 DRPs/patient identified by the pharmacist using PAIR (p = 0.07). Therefore PAIR allowed the identification of clinically significant DRPs. In responsiveness, a mean of 1.26 ± 0.96 DRPs/patient was identified at the first consultation and 1.11 ± 1.02 DRPs/patient at the subsequent consultation (p = 0.17) by the pharmacist using PAIR. The number of DRPs between the periods did not change. As a conclusion, the PAIR allowed the identification of clinically significant DRPs in CKD, constituting a new validated instrument to be used in Brazil. Resumo Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) utilizam polifarmácia, que, associada ao comprometimento renal, os expõe ao risco de problemas relacionados a medicamentos (PRMs). No Brasil, não existem instrumentos para sistematizar a avaliação da farmacoterapia e a gestão de PRMs nessa população. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi validar o instrumento PAIR (Pharmacotherapy Assessment in Chronic Renal Disease) para uso em português brasileiro. Trata-se de um estudo observacional longitudinal retrospectivo. Foram analisados prontuários de 100 pacientes com DRC, em tratamento conservador, atendidos entre 2016 e 2017, em clínica de nefrologia. O PAIR foi aplicado por farmacêuticos em duas consultas do mesmo paciente, com intervalo de 6 meses. Avaliou-se confiabilidade, validade conceitual, responsividade do instrumento e prevalência de PRMs na amostra. Uma média de 1,26 ± 0,96 PRM/paciente foi identificada. Na confiabilidade entre avaliadores, o coeficiente k variou de 0,58 a 0,94 e no teste-reteste, de 0,79 a 1,00, revelando grau de concordância moderada a perfeita. Na validade conceitual, uma média de 1,60±1,24 PRM/paciente foi identificada pelo nefrologista, por meio do julgamento clínico, comparado com 1,33 ± 0,76 PRM/paciente identificada pelo farmacêutico, usando o PAIR (p = 0,07). Portanto, o PAIR permitiu identificar PRMs clinicamente significativos. Na responsidade, uma média de 1,26 ± 0,96 PRM/paciente foi identificada na primeira consulta e 1,11 ± 1,02 PRM/paciente na consulta subsequente (p = 0,17) pelo farmacêutico, usando o PAIR, não sendo observada diferença no número de PRMs entre os períodos. Dessa forma, o PAIR permitiu identificar PRMs clinicamente significativos em pacientes com DRC, constituindo um novo instrumento validado para ser utilizado no Brasil.

Kidney transplant recipients are a subset of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that remain at high risk for progression to dialysis and mortality. Recent advances in immunosuppression have only partially improved long-term graft and patient survival. Discovery of new immunosuppressive regimens is a slow and resource-intensive process. Hence, recognition and management of modifiable allogeneic and non-allogeneic risk factors for progression to CKD among kidney transplant recipients is of major interest for improving long-term outcomes. Graft survival is mainly determined by the quality of the allograft and by the patient's alloimmune response, which is influenced by human leukocyte antigen matching and the presence of donor-specific antibodies. Alloimmune responses manifest as acute and chronic forms of cell- and antibody-mediated rejection, which can be worsened by patient non-adherence or under-immunosuppression. However, donor and patient ages, glomerular disease recurrence, time on dialysis, pre-existing cardiovascular burden, medication side-effects and traditional risk factors, such as hypertension, proteinuria, anaemia, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and bone mineral disorder, which can ultimately lead to severe endothelial derangement, also contribute to graft loss and mortality. These traditional risk factors, common to pre-dialysis patients, often are considered of secondary importance when compared to alloimmunity and immunosuppression concerns. In this review article, we focus on the epidemiological, pathophysiological and therapeutic features of non-allogeneic traditional risk factors for CKD. We also discuss the benefit of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to pursue the same therapeutic targets recommended for pre-dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the validity and reliability of ultrasonography measurement of rectus femoris cross-sectional area compared to computed tomography in patients in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease and analyzed the association between these measurements and the diagnosis of sarcopenia. METHODS: One hundred patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease were evaluated. Sarcopenia was defined using the criteria of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project (FNIH). The rectus femoris cross-sectional area was evaluated using ultrasonography and computed tomography. RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 29% according to the FNIH criteria. The difference in mean rectus femoris cross-sectional area by ultrasonography and computed tomography was 3.97 mm, with a strong correlation between the two methods (p

Background/Aims: Evaluate the prevalence of Fabry disease in men and women with kidney disease; and observe the presence and importance of the main signs and symptoms in patients with kidney disease. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from a multicenter project of Clinical and Epidemiological Analysis of Fabry Disease in 854 Dialysis Centers. A total of 36,442 patients underwent the questionnaire and algorithm; of them, 28,284 were discarded for not presenting signs and symptoms of Fabry disease, while the other 8,087 submitted to blood collection and analysis. All participants signed a Free and Informed Consent Form and a questionnaire was applied. The questionnaire data were analyzed using a computerized algorithm. This program/algorithm analyzes and separates patients into: discarded, patients unlikely to have Fabry disease; suspect, patients who submitted to blood collection. The blood of suspect patients was collected on filter paper for enzyme measurement and genetic testing. A descriptive data analysis was performed and the likelihood ratio was determined. Results: The general prevalence was 0.19% and after use of algorithm was 0.87%. Although more men were screened (59.3%), the prevalence was higher in women (65.1%). The most prevalent signs and symptoms were: heart disease (60.6%), decreased or lack of sweating (42.3%), heat and cold intolerance (28.2%), and pain crises spreading throughout the body (26.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence was higher in women, and the most prevalent symptom was heart diseases.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate breast arterial calcification (BAC) detected on routine mammography, analyzing its association with chronic degenerative disease. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving women treated at a specialized outpatient clinic for high-risk hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, as well as volunteers who participated in a study to validate a method of screening for occult renal disease. A total of 312 patients between 40 and 69 years of age, with no history of breast cancer, all of whom had undergone routine mammography in the last two years, were included. The mammograms were analyzed by researchers who were unaware of the risk factors for BAC in each case. Results: The mean age was 55.9 ± 7.4 years, and 64.3% of the patients were white. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 41.87 ± 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2. Seventy-one patients (22.8%) had BAC. We found that BAC was associated with advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and low glomerular filtration rate. In the multivariate analysis, advanced age and diabetes continued to be associated with BAC. The odds ratio for BAC was higher for all chronic diseases. Conclusion: The association of BAC with advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and low glomerular filtration rate should call the attention of radiologists. Therefore, the presence of BAC should be reported, and patients with BAC should be screened for those diseases. Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar calcificações arteriais mamárias (CAMs) detectadas em mamografia de rotina e analisar sua associação com doenças crônicas degenerativas. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal com mulheres atendidas em um ambulatório especializado para tratamento de hipertensão de alto risco, diabetes ou doença renal crônica, bem como as voluntárias que participaram de um estudo para validar um escore para triagem de doença renal crônica oculta. Trezentas e doze pacientes entre 40 e 69 anos de idade, sem histórico de câncer de mama, com mamografia realizada nos últimos dois anos foram incluídas. Os pesquisadores, que desconheciam os fatores de risco para CAMs, analisaram as mamografias de rotina. Resultados: A média de idade foi 55,9 ± 7,4 anos, 64,3% brancas. A média da taxa de filtração glomerular foi 41,87 ± 6,23 mL/min/ 1,73 m2. Setenta e uma participantes (22,8%) apresentavam CAMs. Houve associação entre CAMs e idade, hipertensão, diabetes, doença renal crônica e taxa de filtração glomerular. Na análise multivariada, idade e diabetes persistiram associadas a CAMs. O odds ratio entre CAMs versus doenças crônicas foi elevado. Conclusão: Houve associação entre CAMs com a idade, hipertensão, diabetes, doença renal crônica e taxa de filtração glomerular. Esta associação chama a atenção do radiologista/clínico, para que a presença dessas alterações deva ser relatada, e essas doenças devam ser triadas nestes pacientes.

Among the 87 pa- tients enrolled, 39 (44.8%) presented the phenotype of metabolic syndrome. The mean age of the patients was 43.5 ± 12.1 years-old, with a predominance of male (69.0%) and white (66.7%). The mean and median times of post transplant fol-low-up were 64.2 ± 49.4 and 56 months, respectively. All the 12 patients who de-veloped post-transplant diabetes mellitus also met the criteria for metabolic syn-drome, which compromised the inclusion of this variable in the logistic regression. In the univariate analysis, patients with metabolic syndrome had higher mean age (p = 0.008), higher median blood level of cyclosporine (p = 0.021), higher prevalence of history of coronary disease (p = 0.023), and they were more frequent users of beta (p = 0.011) and calcium- channel blockers (p = 0.039). In the multivariate analysis, age (HR = 1.06; 95% CI=1.01-1.11, p=0.006) and use of beta-block-ers (HR = 4.02; 95% CI = 1.41 - 11.4, p = 0.009) were asso- ciated with increased

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of anemia and variability of hemoglobin (Hb) values in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, to establish its associated factors and their impact on clinical outcomes in a large cohort of patients starting PD treatment. Methods: Data were collected monthly in incident patients, who were followed until the primary endpoint (death from all causes) or until leaving the study. Results: 2,156 patients starting PD were included. The prevalence of Hb lower than 11 g/dl was 57% at baseline and decreased to 38% at the 4th month. Lack of adequate predialysis care and previous treatment with hemodialysis were the most important factors associated with anemia. Anemia was an independent predictor of mortality. There were no differences in patient survival throughout the different groups of Hb variability. Conclusion: Our data point to the need of identifying other risk factors for anemia and aggressively interfere with the modifiable ones in order to correct anemia and decrease mortality in this group of high-risk patients.

Summary Background and objectives Peritonitis remains as the most frequent cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD) failure, impairing patient9s outcome. No large multicenter study has addressed socioeconomic, educational, and geographic issues as peritonitis risk factors in countries with a large geographic area and diverse socioeconomic conditions, such as Brazil. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Incident PD patients recruited from 114 dialysis centers and reporting to BRAZPD, a multicenter observational study, from December 2004 through October 2007 were included. Clinical, dialysis-related, demographic, and socioeconomic variables were analyzed. Patients were followed up until their first peritonitis. Cox proportional model was used to determine independent factors associated with peritonitis. Results In a cumulative follow-up of 2032 patients during 22.026 patient-months, 474 (23.3%) presented a first peritonitis episode. In contrast to earlier findings, PD modality, previous hemodialysis, diabetes, gender, age, and family income were not risk predictors. Factors independently associated with increased hazard risk were lower educational level, non-white race, region where patients live, shorter distance from dialysis center, and lower number of patients per center. Conclusions Educational level and geographic factors as well as race and center size are associated with risk for the first peritonitis, independent of socioeconomic status, PD modality, and comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of periodontal treatment on serum levels of prohepcidin (the prohormone of hepcidin) and systemic inflammation markers, as well as correlations among these markers, in patients with chronic periodontitis and chronic kidney disease who were not undergoing dialysis. METHODS: We included 56 chronic periodontitis patients, 36 with chronic kidney disease and 20 without systemic diseases and with normal renal function (control group). Chronic kidney disease was defined as suggested by the clinical practice guidelines in the National Kidney Foundation. Chronic periodontitis was defined through clinical attachment level and by probing pocket depth, according to the American Association of Periodontology. The inflammatory markers ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and prohepcidin were evaluated before and 3 months after periodontal treatment. RESULTS: The efficacy of periodontal treatment was confirmed by the improvement in clinical parameters of chronic periodontitis in the control and chronic kidney disease groups. Periodontal treatment resulted in significant reductions in ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and serum prohepcidin levels in both groups. Moreover, in multivariate linear regression, the reduction in prohepcidin after periodontal treatment was significantly and independently associated with interleukin-6 levels in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: By inducing a decline in the systemic inflammatory response and a decrease in serum prohepcidin, successful periodontal treatment may represent an important means of ameliorating the inflammatory burden seen in patients with chronic kidney disease. Trial registration: ISRCTN59866656.

INTRODUÇÃO: O Brasil é um país continental com grande diversidade demográfica, social e cultural. Esse fator pode determinar diferenças demográficas, clínicas e no desfecho apresentado por pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica em diálise peritoneal (DP). OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características clínicas e os desfechos apresentados por pacientes em DP nas diversas regiões do Brasil, analisando uma coorte de pacientes (BRAZPD) no período de dezembro de 2004 a outubro de 2007. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Os dados foram coletados mensalmente e os pacientes foram acompanhados até o desfecho (óbito, transplante renal, recuperação da função renal, transferência para hemodiálise ou perda de seguimento). RESULTADOS: Avaliados 5.819 pacientes incidentes e prevalentes. A maioria dos pacientes realizava terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) no Sudeste, onde a média de tempo de acompanhamento foi maior (12,3 meses) e há maior percentual de idosos (36,4%). A prevalência de diabetes mellitus é maior no Sudeste e Sul do país (38,1% e 37%, respectivamente). A maioria dos pacientes da região Norte realizou hemodiálise previamente, 66,2%. A taxa de saída por óbito foi maior na região Norte (30,1%), assim como por falência da técnica (22,3%). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados revelam diferenças demográficas, clínicas e em taxas de mortalidade e falência da técnica de DP refletindo as peculiaridades demográficas e sociais do Brasil. A geografia da DP no Brasil demonstra ser um espelho da geografia do Brasil. Portanto, políticas de saúde devem levar em conta as características de cada região para que possamos melhorar a sobrevida dos pacientes e da técnica em diálise peritoneal. INTRODUCTION: Brazil is a continental country with great diversity of population, social and cultural. This factor may determine different demographic, clinical and outcome presented by patients with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis (PD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes presented by PD patients in different regions of Brazil, analyzing a cohort of patients (BRAZPD) in the period 12/2004 to 10/2007. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected monthly and patients were followed until the outcome (death, renal transplantation, renal function recovery, transfer to hemodialysis or loss of follow-up). RESULTS: We evaluated 5.819 patients incident and prevalent. Most patients performed renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the Southeast, where the average follow up time was longer (12.3 months) and there is a higher percentage of elderly (36.4%). The prevalence of diabetes is higher in Southeast and South (38.1% and 37%, respectively). Most patients in the North region had previously hemodialysis (66.2%). The mortality was higher in the Northern region (30.1%), as well as failure of the technique (22.3%). CONCLUSION: The data shows different demographic, clinical, mortality and technique failure of PD reflecting the demographic and social peculiarities of Brazil. The geography of the DP in Brazil proves to be a mirror of the geography of Brazil. So health policies should take into account the characteristics of each region so we can improve patient survival and technique on peritoneal dialysis.

Resumo Introdução: Indivíduos com doença renal crônica (DRC) têm grande risco de desenvolver comprometimento cognitivo (CC), inicialmente leve (CCL), passível de identificação, mas ainda subdiagnosticado e subtratado. O Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) vem sendo indicado para rastreio de CCL na DRC. Objetivo: Avaliar o CCL em indivíduos com DRC pré-dialítica. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado em 72 indivíduos, não idosos, com DRC nos estágios pré-dialíticos. A avaliação neuropsicológica incluiu: o teste de cognição global MoCA; o teste do relógio (TDR); o Digit Span ordem direta (DOD) e inversa (DOI); o teste de fluência verbal (FV), fonêmica (FAS) e semântica (animais); o punho-borda-mão (PBM); e de memória 10 figuras. Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 56,74 ± 7,63 anos, com predominância de homens (55,6%), com escolaridade ≥ 4 anos (84,3%), a maioria com DRC 1, 2 e 3a e 3b (67,6%), hipertensa (93,1%) e diabética (52,1%). O CC (MoCA ≤ 24) foi observado em 73,6% dos usuários. Não encontramos associação das variáveis demográficas e clínicas com CC, mas tendência de associação com a idade (p = 0,07), com a escolaridade (p = 0,06) e com o DM (0,06). Os testes de função executiva, TDR, DOI e PBM, isoladamente, apresentaram boa sensibilidade e valor preditivo negativo comparados ao MoCA para a identificação de CC e, em conjunto, foram capazes de predizer o resultado do MoCA. Conclusão: O CCL é frequente em usuários não idosos com DRC pré-dialítica. O TDR, DOI e PBM associados são equivalentes ao MoCA na identificação do CC nessa população, sugerindo comprometimento de funções executivas. Abstract Introduction: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairment (CI), initially mild (MCI), potentially identifiable, but still poorly diagnosed and treated. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has been indicated for MCI screening in CKD. Objective: To assess MCI in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. Methods: Study conducted in 72 non-elderly subjects with pre-dialysis CKD. The neuropsychological assessment included: The global cognitive assessment test MoCA; the clock drawing (CD); the digit span forward (DSF) and reverse (DSR); phonemic verbal (VF) fluency (FAS) and semantics (animals); the fist-edge-palm (FEP); and the memory 10 pictures. Results: The average age of the participants was 56.74 ± 7.63 years, with predominance of male sex (55.6%), mainly with ≥ 4 years of education (84.3%), with CKD cathegories 1, 2 and 3a and 3b (67.6%), hypertension (93.1%) and diabetes mellitus (52.1%). MCI (MoCA ≤ 24) was observed in 73.6% of the patients. We did not find association among MCI with demographic and clinical variables, but a tendency to association with age (p = 0.07), educational level (p = 0.06) and diabetes (0.06). The executive function tests CD, DS-reverse and FEP, individually were able to identify CI with good sensibility and negative predictive value compared to MoCA and together, showed the same capability to identify MCI when compared to MoCA. Conclusion: The MCI is common in non-elderly patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. Together, the CD, DSR and FEP showed similar performance in identify MCI in this population when compared to MoCA, suggesting impairment of executive functions.

After the second decade of life, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases progressively. There is still considerable debate about the importance of this "physiological decrease" in GFR with age in many situations attributed to the effects of concomitant hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases (among others) observed in the elderly. The GFR is considered the best indicator of renal function and its estimate has been suggested in the guidelines of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, in the most commonly equations used, the elderly subjects were not included or were underrepresented. The purpose of this is to describe a nomogram based on an equation to estimate GFR based on serum creatinine, age and sex that was developed for the study Berlin Initiative Study (only individuals older than 70 years were included). The performance of the equation, called BIS1 was compared with Hioxal (gold standard), three equations based on serum creatinine (CG, MDRD and CKD-EPI) and three equations based on cystatin C (proposed by the CKD-EPI) and the second showed less bias among that another equations and compared the CG, MDRD and CKD-EPI equations, had the lowest rate of misclassification of CKD in participants with less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

A sarcopenia é uma condição crônica associada ao processo fisiológico de envelhecimento e é definida pela redução da massa, força e função musculares. Na Doença Renal Crônica (DRC), a sarcopenia é prevalente, e associa-se ao aumento da morbimortalidade e à ocorrência de complicações cardiovasculares. Ao analisarmos a sarcopenia em pacientes com insuficiência renal, destacam-se mecanismos complexos que contribuem para a perda de massa muscular, como ativação de mediadores que estimulam o sistema da ubiquitina-proteossoma (SUP) dependente de ATP, inflamação, acidose metabólica, angiotensina II e alguns fatores hormonais. A abordagem terapêutica da sarcopenia na DRC inclui a realização de exercícios, correção da acidose metabólica, reposição hormonal e tratamento da resistência insulínica. Desta forma, é de suma importância o reconhecimento precoce da sarcopenia nesta população, com o intuito de estabelecer intervenções terapêuticas eficazes, evitando-se, assim, toda a gama de complicações associadas à perda de massa muscular na DRC. Sarcopenia is a chronic condition associated with physiological aging process and is defined by the reduction of the mass, muscle strength and function. In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), sarcopenia is prevalent and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and the occurrence of cardiovascular complications. By analyzing sarcopenia in patients with renal insufficiency, complex mechanisms that contribute to loss of muscle mass are highlighted, such as activation of mediators that stimulate the ubiquitin-proteasome system (SUP) ATP-dependent, inflammation, metabolic acidosis, angiotensin II and some hormonal factors. The therapeutic approach to sarcopenia in CKD includes exercises, correction of metabolic acidosis, hormone replacement therapy and insulin resistance. Thus, it is of paramount importance early recognition of sarcopenia in this population, in order to establish effective therapeutic interventions, thus avoiding the full range of complications associated with muscle wasting in CKD.

In line with the Editorial "How to explain the low penetration of peritoneal dialysis in Brazil," published in 2014 in the Brazilian Journal of Nephrology written by Professor Hugo Abensur, we show the results of a study "Assessment of knowledge on renal replacement therapy in the health workers of the regions: Juiz de Fora, Sao Joao Nepomuceno e Santos Dumont "(Approved by the Ethics Committee of UFJF CAAE: 23659213.8.0000.5147 and funded by FAPEMIG under APQ number 03626-12). We conducted a study with theObjective:to evaluate the knowledge of RRT for the health professionals of Juiz de Fora, Sao Joao Nepomuceno e Santos Dumont.Methods:A Cross-sectional study from April 2014 to April 2015 with the population of health professionals (doctors, nurses and nursing assistance) who worked in the emergency units (EU) and primary health care (PHC) . Health professionals were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, based on a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease who developed worsening renal function; initially presented creatinine 1.8 mg/dL and evaluated to 12 mg/dL. Different questions did made for professional category.Results:We interviewed 75 professionals from 8 municipalities, 26.7% physicians, 32% nurses and 41.3% of nurse assistance. A mean age was 38 years. Of these 70.7% were working in PHC and 29.3% in EU. Both the EU as in PHC, the frequency of cases care was similar between once a month, once every three months. Most would forward the patient to hospital and indicate RRT. The RRT is most suitable for physicians was HD (> 90% of cases) and less than 10% as first choice indicate was PD. The association of "creatinine" and "renal function" is appropriate in over 90% of respondents, despite no association with the same level of glomerular filtration when this question is asked. More than 90% of non-medical professionals wish to conduct education/training in nephrology/RRT.Conclusion:We observed that most professionals do not indicate peritoneal dialysis, especially medical professionals from EU or PHC; 90% of them indicated HD. On nurses from PHC 52.1% indicated HD and 9.4% DP. Those EU, 41.6% indicated HD and 26.6% PD. We conclude that minority health professionals indicate PD as first choice and the qualitative question often refer deficit "knowledge in the area" and are interested in conducting training/capacity building.

Introduction: Numerous studies examined the associations between socio-demographic, economic and individual factors and chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes and observed that the associations were complex and multifactorial. Socioeconomic factors can be evaluated by a model of social vulnerability (SV). Objective: To analyze the impact of SV on the outcomes of predialysis patients. Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from a cohort of patients with predialysis stage 3 to 5 who were treated by an interdisciplinary team (January 2002 and December 2009) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Factor, cluster and discriminant analysis were performed in sequence to identify the most important variables and develop a model of SV that allowed for classification of the patients as vulnerable or non-vulnerable. Cox regression was performed to examine the impact of SV on the outcomes of mortality and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Results: Of the 209 patients examined, 29.4% were classified as vulnerable. No significance difference was found between the vulnerable and non-vulnerable groups regarding either mortality (log rank: 0.23) or need for RRT (log rank: 0.17). In the Cox regression model, the hazard ratios (HRs) for the unadjusted and adjusted impact of SV on mortality were found to be 1.87 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.64-5.41) and 1.47 (CI: 0.35-6.0), respectively, and the unadjusted and adjusted impact of need for RRT to be 1.85 (CI: 0.71-4.8) and 2.19 (CI: 0.50-9.6), respectively. Conclusion: These findings indicate that SV did not influence the outcomes of patients with predialysis CKD treated in an interdisciplinary center. Introdução: Inúmeros estudos avaliaram as associações entre fatores sociodemográficos, econômicos e doença renal crônica (DRC) e demonstraram que essas associações foram complexas e multifatoriais. Um método para avaliar os fatores socioeconômicos é construir um modelo de vulnerabilidade social (VS). Objetivo: Identificar a influência de vulnerabilidade social (VS) sobre os desfechos de uma coorte de pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) pré-dialítica. Métodos: Foram coletados dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais, em uma coorte retrospectiva com pacientes nos estágios 3 a 5, que foram acompanhados por uma equipe interdisciplinar, no período compreendido entre janeiro de 2002 e dezembro de 2009, em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Para calcular a VS, foram utilizadas três técnicas estatísticas em sequência, análise fatorial, análise de agrupamento e análise discriminante. A sobrevida foi analisada com as curvas de Kaplan-Meier. O desfecho foi mortalidade ou iniciar a terapia renal substitutiva (TRS), analisadas por uma regressão de Cox. Resultados: Foram avaliados 209 pacientes, 29,4% eram vulneráveis. Não observamos diferença na mortalidade entre os grupos VS pela Kaplan Meier. Na regressão de Cox, hazard ratio (HR) e intervalo de confiança (CI) para o impacto da VS sobre a mortalidade, não ajustado foi HR: 1.87 (CI: 0.64-5 0,41) e HR ajustado:1,47 (C1: 0.35-60,0). O impacto da VS em TRS mostrou o HR e CI HR não ajustado: 1,85 (CI: 0.7140,8) e HR ajustado: 2,19 (CI: 0.50-90,6). Conclusão: Estes resultados indicam que a VS não influenciou os resultados de pacientes com DRC na pré-diálise tratados em um centro interdisciplinar.

Natalia Maria da Silva Fernandes.Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Fundacao Instituto Mineiro de Ensino e Pesquisas em Nefrologia (IMEPEN), e Nucleo Interdisciplinar de Ensino e Pesquisas em Nefrologia (NIEPEN) da UFJF.Rua Jamil Altaff, 132, Vale do Ipe, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil.CEP: 36035-380.E-mail: nataliafernandes02@gmail.com

Introduction Sarcopenia is a chronic condition that is associated with aging and characterized by a reduction of muscle mass, strength, and function. Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as cardiovascular complications. Objectives To investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis and its correlation with clinical and laboratory variables and inflammatory markers. Methods A total of 100 patients of both sexes aged over 18 were evaluated. Sarcopenia was defined using the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project. Sociodemographic and clinical data, activities of daily living, functional capacity, and physical activity were also evaluated. Inflammation was assessed by the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin (IL) 4 and 6. Results The prevalence of sarcopenia was 11.9% and 28.7% using the EWGSOP and FNIH criteria, respectively. Sarcopenia was more prevalent in the more advanced stages of CKD (34.5% in stages 2 and 3A; and 65.5% in stages 3B, 4, and 5) and associated with worse performance in activities of daily living (p = 0.049), lower walking speeds (p < 0.001), and higher body mass indexes (BMIs) (p = 0.001) in the non-adjusted model. In addition, patients with sarcopenia had lower functional capacity (p = 0.012) and higher prevalence of physical inactivity (p = 0.041) compared with patients without sarcopenia. After adjustment for confounding variables, sarcopenia was still significantly correlated with walking speed (p = 0.004) and BMI (p = 0.002). HsCRP levels were inversely correlated with appendicular lean mass adjusted for BMI (p = 0.007) and were also positively associated with BMI (p = 0.001). IL4 levels were positively correlated with walking speed (p = 0.007) and lean mass in the lower limbs (p = 0.022). Conclusions Sarcopenia is common in patients with CKD, particularly in the most advanced stages of the disease. We observed an association between the levels of inflammatory markers and peripheral lean body mass, physical performance, and BMI. This association between sarcopenia and modifiable factors highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the implementation of therapeutic measures to minimize adverse outcomes in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis.

Introduction: A dysfunctional autonomic nervous system (ANS) has also been recognized as an important mechanism contributing to the poor outcome in CKD patients, with several studies reporting a reduction in heart rate variability (HRV). Objective: Evaluate the sympathovagal balance in patients with chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, patients with CKD stages 3, 4 and 5 not yet on dialysis (CKD group) and age-matched healthy subjects (CON group) underwent continuous heart rate recording during two twenty-minute periods in the supine position (pre-inclined), followed by passive postural inclination at 70° (inclined period). Power spectral analysis of the heart rate variability was used to assess the normalized low frequency (LFnu), indicative of sympathetic activity, and the normalized high frequency (HFnu), indicative of parasympathetic activity. The LFnu/HFnu ratio represented sympathovagal balance. Results: After tilting, CKD patients had lower sympathetic activity, higher parasympathetic activity, and lower sympathovagal balance than patients in the CON group. Compared to patients in stage 3, patients in stage 5 had a lower LFnu/HFnu ratio, suggesting a more pronounced impairment of sympathovagal balance as the disease progresses. Conclusion: CKD patients not yet on dialysis have reduced HRV, indicating cardiac autonomic dysfunction early in the course of CKD.

Peritonitis remains the main cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique failure worldwide, despite significant reductions in infection rates observed over the past decades. Several studies have described risk factors for peritonitis, technique failure and mortality. However, there are scarce data regarding predictors of complications during and after a peritonitis episode. The aim of our study was to analyze predictors of peritonitis-related outcome in the Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis study (BRAZPD) cohort.All adult incident patients recruited in the BRAZPD Study between December 2004 and October 2007, who remained at least 90 days on PD and presented their first peritonitis episode (n = 474 patients) were included in the study. The endpoints analyzed were non-resolution, death due to a peritonitis episode and long-term technique survival after a peritonitis episode.In the multivariable regression, non-resolution was independently associated with older age (odds ratio (OR) 1.02; p0.01), collagenosis as the primary renal disease (OR 4.6; p0.05) and Pseudomonas spp as etiological agent (OR 2.9; p0.05). Patients who were transferred from APD to CAPD during peritonitis therapy presented a higher risk of non-response (OR 2.5; p0.05). The only factor associated with death during a peritonitis episode was older age (OR 1.04; p0.05). Exposure to vancomycin and male gender were the independent predictors of long-term technique failure (OR 2.2; p0.01).Apart from confirming previous observations of the negative impact of older age and Pseudomonas spp peritonitis on outcomes, we observed that collagenosis may negatively impact response to treatment and exposure to vancomycin may possibly reduce long-term technique survival. It is important to emphasize that the association of vancomycin with technique failure does not prove causality. These findings shed light on new factors predicting outcome when peritonitis is diagnosed.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves a progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function. While early-stage CKD patients may show changes in pulmonary function and lowered exercise tolerance, the role of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in these patterns remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigated pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in pre-dialytic CKD patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with 38 adult volunteers divided into a control group (CG), consisting of 9 healthy adults, and 29 pre-dialytic CKD patients in stages 3 (G3), 4 (G4), and 5 (G5). All participants underwent spirometric and manovacuometric tests, a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and laboratory tests. Results The significant differences was observed in maximal exercise tolerance, measured as peak oxygen consumption percentage (VO2peak) (mL/kg/min) (CG = 28.9 ± 7.8, G3 = 23.3 ± 5.6, G4 = 21.4 ± 5.2, G5 = 20.2 ± 6.9; p = 0.03), and submaximal exercise tolerance, measured by 6MWT (m) (CG = 627.6 ± 37.8, G3 = 577.4 ± 66.1, G4 = 542.7 ± 57.3, G5 = 531.5 ± 84.2, p = 0.01). The eGFR was associated with pulmonary function-forced expiratory volume in the first second percentage (FEV1) (%) (r = 0.34, p = 0.02) and maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) (r = 0.41, p = 0.02) - and exercise tolerance - VO2peak (mL/kg/min) (r = 0.43, p = 0.01) and 6MWT distance (m) (r = 0.55, p < 0.01). Conclusion Pre-dialytic CKD patients showed lower maximal and submaximal exercise tolerances than healthy individuals.

Background: There are no available epidemiologic studies about the impact of ethnicity on outcomes of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) in South America. This study aims to assess the effect of ethnicity on the mortality of incident PD patients in Brazil. Study Design: Prospective observational cohort study of incident patients treated with PD. Settings & Participants: Patients 18 years or older who started PD therapy between December 2004 and October 2007 in 114 Brazilian dialysis centers. Predictors: Self-reported ethnicity defined by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics as black and brown versus white patients and baseline demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at baseline. Outcome: Mortality, using cumulative mortality curves in which kidney transplantation and transfer to hemodialysis therapy were treated as competing end points. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to adjust for gradually more potential explanatory variables, censored for kidney transplantation and transfer to hemodialysis therapy. Analyses were performed for all patients, as well as stratified for elderly (aged 65 years) and nonelderly patients. Results: 1,370 patients were white, 516 were brown, and 273 were black. The competing-risk model showed higher mortality in white patients compared with black and brown patients. With white patients as the reference, Cox proportional hazards analysis showed a crude HR for mortality of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.56-1.05) for black and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.59-0.94) for brown patients. After adjusting for potential explanatory factors, HRs were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.48-0.95) and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.43-1.01), respectively. The same results were observed in elderly and nonelderly patients. Limitations: Ethnicity was self-determined and some misclassification might have occurred. Conclusions: Black and brown Brazilian incident PD patients have a lower mortality risk compared with white patients. Am J Kidney Dis. 62(1):89-96. © 2013 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

Hypertension is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease and hypervolemia is one of the principal causes.To evaluate the influence of the reduction of volemia on blood pressure as well as on echocardiographic parameters in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.Twelve patients with no clinical evidence of hypervolemia were submitted to an increase in the rate of the dialysis with the purpose of reducing body weight by 5%. The volemia was evaluated by electrical bioimpedance and by ultrasound of the inferior cava vena (ICV). Blood pressure was measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography both at baseline and 5 weeks after the intervention period.After the increase in the ultrafiltration, body weight, extracellular water and the inspiratory diameter of the ICV decreased significantly in parallel with a non-significant increase in the collapsing ICV index. Despite the reduction of anti-hypertensive drugs, systolic blood pressure during the sleep period decreased from 138.4 ± 18.6 to 126.7 ± 18.0 mmHg, the nocturnal blood pressure drop increased and the final systolic left ventricular diameter decreased significantly.Reduction of the volemia of patients on peritoneal dialysis, with no signs of hypervolemia, was associated with a better blood pressure control and with a decrease of the final systolic left ventricular diameter.

With the increase in life expectancy, the improvement of therapeutic arsenal, knowledge and control of chronic degenerative diseases, the world population has reached older age groups. As advanced age is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), along with the bonus of increased survival, today we are experiencing the greatest burden of progressive incidence of elderly patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT). Dialysis in elderly patients, which for three decades was considered out of question, today is a routine for nephrologists, who face the challenge of providing care to elderly patients with CKD stage 5 with dialysis indication. In fact, what we see nowadays are dialysis incidents elderly patients as the fastest growing group on RRT. Although without reaching a consensus, it seems indisputable that for elderly patients with CKD, the most important is the quality of life. In this paper we discuss the dialysis in the elderly patient.

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é muito prevalente e representa um importante problema de saúde pública. O maior conhecimento dos fatores de risco relacionados à progressão da DRC permite adotar estratégias terapêuticas que podem alterar o curso natural da doença. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais à admissão nos desfechos de óbito e início de terapia renal substitutiva (TRS). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva, composta de 211 pacientes adultos com DRC nos estágios 3-5 tratados, acompanhados por 56,6 ± 34,5 meses. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 65,4 ± 15,1 anos, sendo 63,5% com > 60 anos. As principais etiologias de DRC foram nefroesclerose hipertensiva (29%) e doença renal diabética (DRD) (17%). A maioria dos pacientes encontrava-se no estágio 4 da DRC (47,3%). A perda média anual de taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) foi 0,6 ± 2,5 mL/min/1,73 m2 (mediana 0,7 mL/min/1,73 m2). Após os ajustes para as variáveis demográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais, concluiu-se que apresentar DRD [risco relativo (RR) 4,4; intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%, 1,47-13,2; p = 0,008] foi preditor de TRS e a idade (RR 1,09; IC 95%, 1,04-1,15; p < 0,0001) e o não tratamento com bloqueador do receptor da angiotensina (BRA) (RR 4,18; IC 95%, 1,34-12,9; p = 0,01) foram preditores de óbito. A sobrevida renal e a geral dos pacientes foram de 70,9% e 68,6%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo, os pacientes com DRC nos estágios 3-5 tratados conservadoramente apresentaram estabilização funcional e baixa mortalidade, desfechos associados à DRD, idade e não tratamento com BRA. Introduction: Chronic kidney disea - se (CKD) is a very common condition that has become a public health issue. Knowing more about risk factors as - sociated with the progression of CKD allows therapeutic interventions that may change the natural course of the disease. Objective: To evaluate the im - pact of clinical and laboratory variables at admission on the outcomes death and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Methods: A retrospective cohort study comprised of 211 adult patients with stages 3-5 CKD, followed-up for 56.6 ± 34.5 months. Results: Mean age of patients was 65.4 ± 15.1 years and 63.5% were > 60 years. The main causes of CKD were hypertensive nephroscle - rosis (29%) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) (17%). Most patients (47.3%) were on stage 4 CKD. The mean annual loss of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 0.6 ± 2.5 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (median 0.77 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) After the adjust - ments for demographic, clinical and la - boratory variables, DKD [relative risk (RR) 4.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.47 to 13.2; p = 0.008] was predicti - ve of RRT; age (RR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.15; p < 0.0001) and the non-treat - ment with angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) (RR 4.18, 95% CI, 1.34 to 12.9; p = 0.01) were predictors of death. Renal and patient survival rates were 70.9% and 68.6%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, patients with stage 3-5 CKD treated conservatively showed stabiliza - tion of renal function and low mortality, which were impacted by DKD, age and to not using ARB, respectively.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica constituem uma população de alto risco para o declínio cognitivo, pois, frequentemente, são usuários de "polifarmácias" e apresentam comorbidades como diabetes e hipertensão arterial. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função cognitiva, a depressão e a qualidade de vida de pacientes em diferentes estágios da doença renal crônica. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado nos meses de junho a dezembro de 2007, em 119 pacientes, sendo 27 em diálise peritoneal, 30 em hemodiálise, 32 em pré-diálise e 30 com hipertensão arterial. Realizou-se bateria de testes: Mini-mental, Teste de Fluência Verbal, Dígitos, Teste do Relógio, Códigos, SF-36 (Qualidade de Vida) e Inventário Beck de Depressão. Coletaram-se dados clínicos e laboratoriais dos pacientes e foi feita sondagem, análise de prontuário, sobre uso de medicamentos. RESULTADOS: Não se observou diferença na média de idade dos pacientes nos diferentes grupos. Não houve diferença estatística na avaliação do MEEM (p = 0,558). Os pacientes em hemodiálise apresentaram pior performance nos testes de avaliação cognitiva Dígitos ordem direta (p = 0,01) e Relógio (0,02) e, no teste Código (p = 0,09), houve uma tendência de pior desempenho. O pior resultado no teste de Fluência Verbal foi observado nos pacientes do grupo da pré-diálise. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao nível de depressão e qualidade de vida. CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados evidenciam a ocorrência de déficit cognitivo nos pacientes com DRC, notadamente naqueles tratados pela hemodiálise, e sugerem a necessidade de se realizar estudos longitudinais para confirmar ou não a influência do tratamento dialítico no declínio cognitivo. INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic kidney disease constitute a population at high risk for cognitive decline. Therefore they are often users of "polypharmacy" and present comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognitive function, depression and quality of life in patients at different stages of chronic kidney disease. METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out from June to December 2007 in 119 patients: 27 in peritoneal dialysis, 30 in hemodialysis, 32 in pre-dialysis and 30 with arterial hypertension. Several tests were performed: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Verbal Fluency Test, Digits, Clock Test, Codes, SF-36 (Quality of Life) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Additionally, clinical and laboratory data of the patients were collected and medication use was recorded. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean age of the patients among the groups. There was no statistical difference when cognitive impairment was assessed by the Mini-mental test (p = 0.558). The Digit Span test (p = 0.01) and Clock test (p = 0.02) were significantly worse in the hemodialysis patients, and there was a trend with Code test (p = 0.09) in these patients. There was no difference between groups in the level of depression and Quality of Life. CONCLUSION: These results show that cognitive impairment is frequent among patients in with CKD, particularly in those undergoing hemodialysis and suggest the need to conduct longitudinal studies to confirm whether or not there is an influence of dialysis treatment on the cognitive decline.

The Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Study (BRAZPD) was launched in December 2004 aiming to collect data monthly and continuously from a representative cohort, allowing for a continuous snapshot of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) reality in the country. This is an observational study of PD patients comprising follow-up from December 2004 to February 2007 (mean follow-up of 13.6 months—ranging from 1 to 26 months) in 114 Brazilian centers. All centers report data through a central web-based database. After an initial baseline retrospective data collection, all patients are followed prospectively every month until they drop out from the PD program. Total number of patients recruited until February 2007 was 3226 (2094 incident patients). Mean age was 54±19 years (37% above 65 years old), with 55% females and 64% Caucasians. The more frequent causes of renal failure were diabetic nephropathy (34%), renal vascular disease associated with hypertension (26%), and glomerulopathies (13%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (76%), diabetes (36%), and ischemic heart disease (23%). Automated PD (APD) was the modality utilized in 53%. The estimated overall peritonitis rate was 1 episode per 30 patient-months (most frequently due to Staphylococcus aureus ). The total dropout rate was 33%, mainly due to deaths, whereas 20% of dropouts were due to renal transplant. The gross mortality was 17.6% and the main causes of mortality were cardiovascular diseases (40%) and infections (15%). The initial results of this first Brazilian PD registry provide a unique opportunity to develop future clinical studies addressing specific PD questions in the Brazilian reality and context.

BackgroundAdherence is the result of the interaction of the macro, meso, micro, and patient level factors. The macro level includes full coverage of immunosuppressive medications as is the case in Brazil. We studied the correlates of immunosuppressive non-adherence in post kidney transplant patients in the Brazilian health care system.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, adherence to immunosuppressives was assessed in a sample of 100 kidney transplant patients using a composite non-adherence score consisting of three methods (self-report [i.e., The Basel Adherence Scale for Assessment of Immunossupressives-BAASIS], collateral report, and immunosuppressive blood levels). Multilevel correlations of non-adherence were assessed (macro, meso, micro and patient level). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the correlates of non-adherence.ResultsOur sample consisted primarily of male (65%), Caucasians (72%) with a mean age of 45.0 ± 13.5 years old, who received grafts from a living donor (89%), with a mean time after transplantation of 72.3 ± 44.4 months. Prevalence of non-adherence was 51%. Family income higher than five reference wages (21.6 vs. 4%; OR 6.46 [1.35-30.89], p = 0.009; patient level), and having access to private health insurance (35.3% vs. 18.4%; OR 2.42 [0.96-6.10], p = 0.04; meso level) were associated with non-adherence in univariate analysis. Only the higher family income variable was retained in the multiple logistic regression model (OR 5.0; IC: 1.01-25.14; p = 0.04).ConclusionsHigher family income was the only factor that was associated with immunosuppressive non-adherence. In Brazil, lower income recipients benefit from better access to care and coverage of health care costs after transplantation. This is supposed to result in a better immunosuppressive adherence compared to high-income patients who have experienced these benefits continuously.

We describe the clinical course of a case of peritonitis caused by Salmonella sp. after an episode of intestinal salmonellosis, and a brief review of the literature is also done.

Background Frailty is a state of physiological vulnerability common in the elderly. It is more predominant in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in comparison to healthy subjects, which can also be diagnosed in non-elderly individuals and be associated with innumerous causes such as muscle strength, body composition and inflammation. The association between frailty and endothelial function, as well as the association between frailty and the combined outcome of mortality multiple cause and start of renal replace therapy were assessed. Methods In the initial analysis, sixty-one predialysis patients with Chronic Kidney Disease stages were evaluated and included in this study. Due to patient drop-out during follow-up, fifty-seven patients were subsequently re-evaluated 12 months later. The diagnosis of frailty was based on the Johansen et al. (J Am Soc Nephrol 18(11):2960-67, 2007) criteria. The groups were divided into Non-frail and Frail. Sociodemographic, inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-?, CRP-us), endothelial dysfunction (flow-mediated vasodilatation - FMD), body composition (DXA) and the 25-hidroxi-vitamin D parameters were analyzed. Results The average age of the patients used in the study was 64.9 ± 10.3 years old. The predominance of frailty was 42.6 %, of which 46 % were non-elderly. After some adjustments, frailty was associated with gender (OR = 11.32; IC 95 % = 2.30 to 55.67), advanced age (OR = 4.07; IC 95 % = 1.02 to 16.20), obesity (OR = 6.63; IC 95 % = 0.82 to 11.44) and endothelial dysfunction (OR = 3.86; IC 95 % = 1.00 to 14.88). The ratio of the incidence of frail subjects to the variable outcome was 2.5 (CI 95 %, 1.04 to 6.50). Conclusions Although an observational study does not allow one to determine the casual relation between frailty and endothelial dysfunction, we conclude that frailty was predominant in our sample of Brazilian patients with chronic kidney disease on predialysis, even in elderly individuals. This was linked to either worse endothelial function or mortality.

Introduction: Multidisciplinary clinics are the best approach towards Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients in pre-dialysis phases. The few studies regarding kidney transplant recipients (KTR) compare multidisciplinary and non-multidisciplinary clinics. Methods: In this study, we compared the quality of multidisciplinary CKD care between 101 KTR and 101 propensity score-matched non-transplant pre-dialysis patients (PDP). Prevalence of patients without specific treatment at any time and percent time without specific treatment for CKD complications were the main outcomes and patient and kidney function survival, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline, prevalence of CKD-related complications, and percent time within therapeutic goals were the exploratory ones. Results: Time within most goals was similar between the groups, except for diastolic blood pressure (83.4 vs. 77.3%, RR 0.92, CI 0.88-0.97, p = 0.002) and hypertriglyceridemia (67.7 vs. 58.2%, OR 0.85, CI 0.78-0.93, p < 0.001), better in non-transplant PDP, and for proteinuria (92.7 vs. 83.5%, RR 1.1, CI 1.05-1.16, p < 0.001), better in KTR. Patient survival and GFR decline were similar between the groups, although non-transplant PDP tended to progress earlier to dialysis (9.9% vs. 6.9%, HR 0.39, p = 0.07, CI 0.14-1.08). Discussion: The similar findings between non-transplant PDP and KTR suggests that good and comparable quality of multidisciplinary is a valid strategy for promoting optimal clinical management of CKD-related complications in KTR. Resumo Introdução: Clínicas multidisciplinares são a melhor abordagem para pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em fases pré-dialíticas. Os poucos estudos sobre receptores de transplante renal (RTR) comparam clínicas multidisciplinares e não multidisciplinares. Métodos: Neste estudo, comparamos a qualidade do atendimento multidisciplinar para DRC entre 101 RTR e 101 pacientes pré-dialíticos (PPD) não transplantados pareados com escore de propensão. A prevalência de pacientes sem tratamento específico em qualquer momento e a porcentagem de tempo sem tratamento específico para complicações de DRC foram nossos desfechos principais, e a sobrevida do paciente e da função renal, declínio da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), prevalência de complicações relacionadas à DRC e porcentagem de tempo dentro dos objetivos terapêuticos foram os exploratórios. Resultados: O tempo no alvo para a maioria dos objetivos foi semelhante entre os grupos, exceto para a pressão arterial diastólica (83,4 vs. 77,3%, RR 0,92, IC 0,88-0,97, p = 0,002) e hipertrigliceridemia (67. 7 vs. 58,2%, OR 0,85, IC 0,78-0,93, p < 0,001), melhor em PPD não transplantados, e para proteinúria (92,7 vs. 83,5%, RR 1,1, IC 1,05-1,16, p < 0,001), melhor em RTR. A sobrevida do paciente e o declínio da TFG foram semelhantes entre os grupos, embora PPD não transplantados tendessem a progredir mais cedo para a diálise (9,9% vs. 6,9%, HR 0,39, p = 0,07, IC 0,14-1,08). Discussão: Os resultados semelhantes entre PPD não transplantados e os RTR sugerem que a qualidade multidisciplinar boa e comparável é uma estratégia válida para promover a gestão clínica ideal de complicações relacionadas à DRC em RTR.