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Context Patients with mutations in thyroid hormone transporter MCT8 have developmental delay and chronic thyrotoxicosis associated with being underweight and having cardiovascular dysfunction. Objective Our previous trial showed improvement of key clinical and biochemical features during 1-year treatment with the T3 analogue Triac, but long-term follow-up data are needed. Methods In this real-life retrospective cohort study, we investigated the efficacy of Triac in MCT8-deficient patients in 33 sites. The primary endpoint was change in serum T3 concentrations from baseline to last available measurement. Secondary endpoints were changes in other thyroid parameters, anthropometric parameters, heart rate, and biochemical markers of thyroid hormone action. Results From October 15, 2014 to January 1, 2021, 67 patients (median baseline age 4.6 years; range, 0.5-66) were treated up to 6 years (median 2.2 years; range, 0.2-6.2). Mean T3 concentrations decreased from 4.58 (SD 1.11) to 1.66 (0.69) nmol/L (mean decrease 2.92 nmol/L; 95% CI, 2.61-3.23; P < 0.0001; target 1.4-2.5 nmol/L). Body-weight-for-age exceeded that of untreated historical controls (mean difference 0.72 SD; 95% CI, 0.36-1.09; P = 0.0002). Heart-rate-for-age decreased (mean difference 0.64 SD; 95% CI, 0.29-0.98; P = 0.0005). SHBG concentrations decreased from 245 (99) to 209 (92) nmol/L (mean decrease 36 nmol/L; 95% CI, 16-57; P = 0.0008). Mean creatinine concentrations increased from 32 (11) to 39 (13) µmol/L (mean increase 7 µmol/L; 95% CI, 6-9; P < 0.0001). Mean creatine kinase concentrations did not significantly change. No drug-related severe adverse events were reported. Conclusions Key features were sustainably alleviated in patients with MCT8 deficiency across all ages, highlighting the real-life potential of Triac for MCT8 deficiency.

Sleep-disordered breathing, a prevalent condition among adult renal transplant (RTx) recipients, has become an established independent risk factor of MetS, and furthermore, it might contribute to increased CV risk. Despite the proven correlations in adults, there is a lack of evidence for its significance in the pediatric RTx population. In this study, we aimed at assessing the prevalence and the clinical correlates of SDB in RTx children. Data of 13 patients (age [mean ± SD]: 14.2 ± 2.7 years) were analyzed. SDB was evaluated by PSG, as severity score OAHI was applied. Carbohydrate metabolism was characterized by OGTT, whereas CV status was studied by ABPM. Three composite end-points were calculated as sum of z-scores: daytime systolic and diastolic BP; nighttime systolic and diastolic BP; and glucose and insulin levels at 120 minutes. Eight patients (61.5%) were diagnosed with SDB of whom five patients (38.5%) had moderate or severe SDB. In linear regression analysis, OAHI during REM was associated with the CV variables (daytime BP P = 0.032, ß = 0.748; nighttime BP P = 0.041, ß = 0.715), and the correlations remained significant after adjustments for BMI. However, we did not confirm a significant association with the metabolic variables. The prevalence of SDB was high, and its severity during REM was a predictor of the BP suggesting that RTx children with SDB might be at risk of developing CV complications, especially HTN similarly to adults.

Depressive disorders are 1.5-4 times more prevalent in medically ill patients than in the general population. Mood disorders can be regarded as the final common pathway developing from the interaction among multiple pathophysiological, psychological, and socioeconomic stressors that chronic illness imposes on the individual. Symptoms of clinical depression affect approximately 25% patients on hemodialysis and can be associated with low quality of life and increased mortality. The epidemiology of depressive disorders is less well studied in the renal transplant population. However, depression is a risk factor for poor outcomes, such as graft failure and death after renal transplantation. A high prevalence of severe psychological distress in patients with advanced CKD and its impact on CKD outcomes call for screening and intervention integrated in routine renal care. Preliminary data indicate that some of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor agents and time-limited, manualized, structured psychotherapies can be safe and effective for treating depression in this population.

Aims: This survey was con-ducted to assess psychosocial problems and functional status among patients on main-tenance dialysis in Hungary. Methods: All adult patients (n = 4,321) receiving mainte-nance dialysis in the 56 dialysis centers in Hungary in 2006 were approached to partici -pate in a national, cross-sectional survey. Pa-tients completed a brief self-reported ques-tionnaire. Socio-demographic parameters, disease-related information and data about functional status were collected. Self-rated health and depressive symptoms were also assessed. Results: Mean age was 62 ± 14 y; 52% were males. The prevalence of diabe-tes was 30%. 46% of participants reported having depressive symptoms. Significant functional limitation was frequent. In mul-tivariable regression models, female gender, poor self-reported finances, less education, history of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or cerebrovascular disease, the presence of visual or hearing impairment and difficulties with basic activities of daily living were in-dependently associated with the presence of depressive symptoms. In a separate model, age, dialysis vintage, history of AMI or cere -brovascular disease, the presence of visual or hearing impairments, difficulties with basic activities of daily living and also having de-pressive symptoms were independently asso-ciated with self-rated health score. Conclu-sions: Chronic dialysis patients in Hungary have disadvantaged socioeconomic status, frequent depressive symptoms and many functional limitations. Professional psycho-social help would be particularly important for this underprivileged patient population in addition to high quality dialysis to optimize outcomes.

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important outcome measure in patients with chronic kidney disease. It also has been shown repeatedly to predict mortality in various patient populations. In a prospective cohort study, we assessed the association between HRQoL and long-term clinical outcome in kidney transplant recipients. Study Design Prospective prevalent cohort study. Setting & Participants We collected sociodemographic parameters, medical and transplant history, and laboratory data at baseline from 879 prevalent kidney transplant recipients (mean age, 49 ± 13 [standard deviation] years; 58% men; and 17% with diabetes mellitus). Predictor We assessed HRQoL using the KDQoL-SF (Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form) questionnaire and assessed depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale. Outcomes All-cause mortality and death-censored transplant loss or death with functioning transplant. Cox regression models and semiparametric competing-risks regression analyses were used to measure associations between HRQoL scores and outcomes. Results Most examined HRQoL domains were associated with clinical outcome in unadjusted models. After adjusting for several important confounders, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Composite Score and Physical Functioning and General Health Perception subscale scores remained independently associated with clinical outcomes. Every 10-point increase in SF-36 Physical Composite Score and Physical Functioning and General Health Perception scores was associated with 18% (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71-0.95), 11% (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.94), and 7% lower risks of mortality (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-1.00), respectively. Limitations Single-center study. Conclusions We showed that the SF-36 Physical Composite Score and Physical Functioning and General Health Perception KDQoL-SF domain scores are associated independently with increased risk of mortality in kidney transplant patients. Regular assessment of HRQoL may be a useful tool to inform health care providers about the prognosis of kidney transplant recipients. Additional studies are needed to assess whether interventions aimed at improving HRQoL would improve clinical outcomes in this patient population.

A depresszió a külföldi és hazai felmérések szerint is a leggyakoribb pszichiátriai tünetegyüttes. Nyugat-Európában a major depresszió élettartam-prevalenciája 13%, egyéves prevalenciája 4% körül alakul. Magyarországon is hasonló a súlyos depresszió előfordulási aránya; a családorvosnál megjelenő betegek mintegy 5–8%-ánál diagnosztizálható valamilyen depresszív zavar. A megbetegedés nők körében és az életkor előrehaladtával gyakrabban fordul elő. Az Egészségügyi Világszervezet szerint a depresszió jelenleg a harmadik leggyakoribb munkaképesség-csökkenésért felelős betegség. A kórkép jelentőségét növeli, hogy nagymértékben rontja az életminőséget, gyakran társul szorongással, alvászavarokkal, alkohol- és drogfüggőséggel, valamint egyes szomatikus kórképekkel. A depresszió az öngyilkosság legfőbb rizikófaktora. A depresszió szűrésében, diagnosztizálásában nagy szerep jut a családorvosnak. Nemcsak a levert hangulatról, szomorúságról, öngyilkossági gondolatokról panaszkodó beteg esetén kell depresszióra gondolni, hanem szervi betegséggel nem magyarázható egyéb tünetek, fejfájás, fáradékonyság, hasi fájdalom, gastrointestinalis panaszok, testsúlyváltozás esetén is. A családorvosnak megfelelő ismeretekkel kell rendelkeznie a különböző terápiás lehetőségekről – pszichoterápiás módszerekről, antidepresszív gyógyszerekről, egyéb terápiás lehetőségekről –, hogy betegét hatékonyan tudja kezelni, szükség esetén a pszichológussal, pszichiáter szakorvossal együttműködve. Jelen közleményünkben bemutatjuk a depresszió jelentőségét és előfordulási gyakoriságát vizsgáló irodalmi adatokat, valamint összefoglaljuk a depresszió diagnosztikus és terápiás lehetőségeit a családorvosi gyakorlatban.

A depresszió gyakori társbetegség krónikus szomatikus betegségekben, többek között krónikus vesebetegségben szenvedő páciensek körében. Ennek ellenére kevés jól tervezett vizsgálatot végeztek a krónikus vesebetegek pszichés állapotának felmérésére. A depresszív zavarok prevalenciájának pontos meghatározását ebben a betegcsoportban is nehezítheti az eltérő definíciók és változatos mérési módszerek használata a különböző vizsgálatokban. Az is problémát okoz, hogy jelentős átfedés van a depresszió és az urémia tünetei között. A depresszió és a krónikus vesebetegség kapcsolata igen összetett. Feltételezhető, hogy ez a kapcsolat kétirányú, így a hangulatzavarok kezelése hatással lehet a szomatikus betegség alakulására is. Kevés szakirodalmi adat ismert a hangulatzavarok terápiás lehetőségeiről krónikus vesebetegségben szenvedők körében, de a meglévő adatok alapján úgy tűnik, hogy számos antidepresszív gyógyszer és pszichoterápiás módszer ebben a betegcsoportban is hatékonyan és biztonságosan alkalmazható. Közleményünk egy sorozat második része. Jelen írásunkban a krónikus vesebetegek depresszív zavarainak diagnosztikájával és szűrésével kapcsolatos sajátosságokat, valamint a depresszió terápiás lehetőségeit elemző szakirodalmi adatokat foglaljuk össze.

Objective Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is associated with insomnia and impaired quality of life (QoL) in patients on maintenance dialysis; however, no information has been published on the association of RLS and QoL in kidney-transplanted patients. In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed the complex relationship between RLS, insomnia, and health-related QoL in kidney-transplanted patients. Methods In a cross-sectional survey at a single transplant center, 1067 patients were invited to participate. Complete data set was available from 785 kidney-transplanted patients. The RLS Questionnaire and the Athens Insomnia Scale were used to assess the prevalence of RLS and insomnia, respectively. QoL was measured using the Kidney Disease QoL-SF Questionnaire. Results Patients with RLS were three times more likely to have insomnia than patients without RLS (29% vs. 9%, P =.001), and the presence of RLS was a significant and independent predictor of insomnia in multivariate analysis. The presence of RLS was independently associated with impaired health-related QoL along several QoL domains after statistical adjustment for clinical and sociodemographic covariables. Importantly, this association remained significant even after adjusting for insomnia for some QoL domains. Conclusion RLS is associated with poor sleep, increased odds for insomnia, and impaired QoL in kidney-transplanted patients. Our results suggest that both sleep-related and sleep-independent factors may contribute to the association of RLS and QoL.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the basic psychometric properties, reliability, and validity of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaire in kidney transplant patients. Methods The reliability and validity of the instrument were determined in 418 kidney transplant patients followed in a single outpatient transplant centre. Results Internal consistency of all the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) domains was very good, and the Cronbach's alpha value was above .70 for all but three of the disease-specific subscales. We found significant, moderate to strong negative correlations between most of the KDQOL-SF domains and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression (CES-D) scores. Finally, substantial differences in KDQOL-SF scores were seen between groups of transplanted patients who were expected to be clinically different, supporting the discriminant validity of the KDQOL-SF instrument. Conclusion We propose that the KDQOL-SF is a reliable and valid tool and most of its subscales can be used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in kidney transplant patients and to compare HRQOL between different end stage renal disease (ESRD) patient populations.

Recent studies confirmed that sleep disorders have a significant impact on various aspects of health in patients at different stages of chronic kidney disease. At the same time, there is an almost complete lack of information on the prevalence and correlates of insomnia in kidney transplant recipients.In a cross-sectional study, the Athens Insomnia Scale was used to assess the prevalence of insomnia in a large sample of kidney transplant recipients compared with wait-listed dialysis patients and also a matched group obtained from a nationally representative sample of the Hungarian population.The prevalence of insomnia was 15% in wait-listed patients, whereas it was only 8% in transplant recipients (P0.001), which, in turn, was not different from the prevalence of this sleep problem in the sample of the general population (8%). Prevalences of insomnia in the transplant group were 5%, 7%, and 14% for the groups with glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) greater than 60 mL/min (1.00 mL/s), 30 to 60 mL/min (0.50 to 1.00 mL/s), and less than 30 mL/min (0.5 mL/s), respectively (P0.01). However, estimated GFR was no longer associated significantly with insomnia in the transplant population after statistical adjustment for several covariates. In a multivariate model, insomnia was significantly and independently associated with treatment modality (transplantation versus wait listing), as well as the presence of depression, restless legs syndrome, and high risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and with self-reported comorbidity.The prevalence of insomnia was substantially less in the transplant group than in wait-listed dialysis patients and similar to that observed in the general population. Because this condition potentially is treatable, attention should be directed to the appropriate diagnosis and management of insomnia in the kidney transplant recipient population.

Background: Although a known cardiovascular risk factor, anemia in the renal transplant recipients has only recently been receiving an increasing attention. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, data was obtained from 959 patients followed at a single outpatient transplant clinic. Based on the guideline of the American Society of Transplantation, anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) 130 g/L in males and 120 g/L in females. Results: About one-third (34%) of the patients were anemic. The prevalence of anemia was comparable in males and females. Serum Hb concentration was significantly correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease formula) (r = 0.266, p

There is an almost complete lack of information on the epidemiology of sleep disorders in kidney-transplanted patients. In this report the authors assess the prevalence and clinical correlates of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in kidney-transplanted (Tx) patients. They also analyze the impact of declining renal function on this condition in the Tx population. Finally, the prevalence of RLS was compared between waitlisted dialysis patients (WL), and the Tx group.In a cross-sectional study enrolling 992 patients (816 Tx and 176 WL), the presence of RLS was assessed using the Restless Legs Syndrome Questionnaire. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from the patients' medical records.In transplanted patients, the prevalence of RLS was 4.8%. RLS was associated strongly with declining renal function. In groups formed on the basis of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the prevalence of RLS was 1.8%, 5.1%, 6.5%, and 23.5% in patients with eGFR greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; eGFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; and eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , respectively (P0.001). There was also a significant association between RLS and lower serum hemoglobin, higher number of self-reported comorbid conditions, and higher prevalence of iron deficiency. RLS was significantly less frequent in patients taking steroids than in patients not taking this medication (4% versus 9%, P0.05). In multivariate analysis, not taking steroids, eGFR, self-reported comorbidity, and iron deficiency were significant and independent predictors of RLS. Dialysis treatment was associated with increased odds for RLS (odds ratio 2.2; 95% confidence interval 1.11 to 4.35; P0.05) even after adjusting for serum hemoglobin and comorbidity.The prevalence of RLS is significantly lower in Tx patients than in patients on maintenance dialysis. Declining renal function is associated with increasing prevalence of the condition.

Background. In a cross-sectional study, we analysed the complex relationship between restless legs syndrome (RLS), insomnia and specific insomnia symptoms and health-related quality of life (QoL) in patients on maintenance dialysis. Methods. Data were obtained from 333 patients on chronic maintenance dialysis. To assess the prevalence of RLS, we used the RLS Questionnaire (RLSQ). The Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used to assess insomnia and QoL was measured with the Kidney Disease Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of RLS was 14%. The number of comorbid conditions was significantly higher in patients with vs without RLS (median: three vs two; P

Background Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare and heterogeneous disorder. The first line treatment of aHUS is plasma therapy, but in the past few years, the recommendations have changed greatly with the advent of eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti C5-antibody. Although recent recommendations suggest using it as a primary treatment for aHUS, important questions have arisen about the necessity of immediate use of eculizumab in all cases. We aimed to draw attention to a specific subgroup of aHUS patients with rapid disease progression and high mortality, in whom plasma therapy may not be feasible. Methods We present three pediatric patients of acute complement-mediated HUS with a fatal outcome. Classical and alternative complement pathway activity, levels of complement factors C3, C4, H, B and I, as well as of anti-factor H autoantibody and of ADAMTS13 activity were determined. The coding regions of CFH, CFI, CD46, THBD, CFB and C3 genes were sequenced and the copy number of CFI, CD46, CFH and related genes were analyzed. Results We found severe activation and consumption of complement components in these patients, furthermore, in one patient we identified a previously not reported mutation in CFH (Ser722Stop), supporting the diagnosis of complement-mediated HUS. These patients were not responsive to the FFP therapy, and all cases had fatal outcome. Conclusion Taking the heterogeneity and the variable prognosis of atypical HUS into account, we suggest that the immediate use of eculizumab should be considered as first-line therapy in certain small children with complement dysregulation.

Children's sleep duration is decreasing in the last decade. Despite of the well known negative consequences, there are no data on children's sleep duration in Hungary and Romania.The aim of the authors was to assess sleep duration of school-age children in Hungary and Romania.A self-edited questionnaire was used for the study. 2446 children were enrolled. All elementary and secondary schools in a Hungarian city, and one elementary and secondary school in a Romanian city took part in the study.Mean sleep duration was 8.3 ± 1.2 hours on weekdays. There was a significant difference between the two countries (Hungary vs. Romania, 8.5 ± 1.2 hours vs. 7.8 ± 0.9 hours, p = 0.001). Age correlated with sleep duration on weekdays (r= -0.605, p = 0.001), but not during weekend.This is the first study on children's sleep duration in Hungary and Romania. The difference between countries may be due to the difference in mean age or cultural and/or geographical differences.Bevezetés: A gyermekek alvásideje az utóbbi száz évben csökkenést mutat. A csökkent alvásidő egészségre gyakorolt káros hatásai ismertek, magyarországi és romániai adatokkal azonban nem rendelkezünk a gyermekek alvásidejéről. Célkitűzés: A szerzők célul tűzték ki az alvással töltött idő felmérését Magyarországon és Romániában élő iskoláskorú gyermekek körében. Módszer: Saját szerkesztésű kérdőívvel 2446 gyermeket mértek fel. A kérdőívet Magyarországon egy nagyváros alap- és középfokú oktatási intézményeiben, Romániában egy általános és középiskolát magába foglaló intézményben osztották ki. Eredmények: Az átlagos alvásidő hétköznap 8,3±1,2 óra volt, amely a két országban szignifikáns különbséget mutatott (Magyarország vs. Románia, 8,5±1,2 óra vs. 7,8±0,9 óra, p = 0,001). A hétköznapokon mért alvásidő az életkorral negatív korrelációt mutatott (r = –0,605, p = 0,001), a hétvégi alvásidő esetében ez az összefüggés nem állt fenn. Következtetések: A vizsgálat az első, iskoláskorú gyermekek alvásidejét felmérő vizsgálat Magyarországon és Romániában. A két ország között talált különbségek hátterében életkori különbség állhat, de szerepe lehet a kulturális és életmódbeli különbségeknek, földrajzi fekvésnek is. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1592–1596.

Psychosocial factors are associated with clinical outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease. It is not known if self-reported depression and quality of life influence the likelihood of being wait-listed and receiving a transplant.Prevalent cross section of 18- to 65-year-old hemodialysis (HD) patients in the USA (N = 2033) and seven European countries (N = 4350) from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study phase II and III was analyzed. Wait-listed patients (N = 1838) were followed until kidney transplantation. Self-reported depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, 10-item version (CES-D) and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 12 scale Physical Component Score (PCS).At study entry, 27% (USA) to 53% (UK) of patients were wait-listed in participating countries. Variables associated with lower odds of being on the waiting list included worse HR-QoL, more severe depressive symptoms, older age, fewer years of education, lower serum albumin, lower hemoglobin, shorter time on dialysis and presence of multiple comorbid conditions. Among wait-listed patients, significantly lower transplantation rates were seen for females, blacks, patients having prior transplantation and multiple comorbid conditions but not PCS or CES-D.Fewer depressive symptoms and better HR-QoL are associated with being on the waiting list in prevalent HD patients but not with receiving a kidney transplant among wait-listed dialysis patients. Regular assessment of subjective well-being may help identify patients with reduced access to wait-listing and kidney transplantation.

Depressive symptoms and the Malnutrition-Inflammation Complex Syndrome (MICS) are prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease. The complex relationship between MICS and depression has never been studied in kidney transplanted (Tx) patients. Here we evaluate the association between the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) (Kalantar score) and depressive symptoms in Tx patients.Cross-sectional data of 973 prevalent Tx patients were analyzed. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics and clinical and laboratory data were collected, and serum levels of inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] were measured. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale, the MIS and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were computed. We used linear regression analysis to examine whether the relationship between MIS and CES-D score is independent from sociodemographic and laboratory parameters.The CES-D score, corrected for age, gender and estimated glomerular filtration rate weakly but significantly correlated with serum IL-6 and the CCI (0.124 and 0.103, respectively; P.05 for both) and marginally significantly with CRP (0.06; P=.06). We found a moderate correlation between CES-D score and MIS (0.262; P.001). In a multivariable linear regression model, the MIS was independently associated with the CES-D score (B=0.110; P.001).The MIS was significantly associated with depressive symptoms after adjusting for important covariables in patients after renal transplantation.

Background Kidney transplantation is believed to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Recent studies suggested that the observed difference in HRQoL between kidney transplant recipients (Tx) vs patients treated with dialysis may reflect differences in patient characteristics. We tested if Tx patients have better HRQoL compared to waitlisted (WL) patients treated with dialysis after extensive adjustment for covariables. Methods Eight hundred and eighty-eight prevalent Tx patients followed at a single outpatient transplant clinic and 187 WL patients treated with maintenance dialysis in nine dialysis centres were enrolled in this observational cross-sectional study. Data about socio-demographic and clinical parameters, self-reported depressive symptoms and the most frequent sleep disorders assessed by self-reported questionnaires were collected at enrollment. HRQoL was assessed by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results Patient characteristics were similar in the Tx vs WL groups: the proportion of males (58 vs 60%), mean ± SD age (49 ± 13 vs 49 ± 12) and proportion of diabetics (17 vs 18%), respectively, were all similar. Tx patients had significantly better HRQoL scores compared to the WL group both in generic (Physical function, General health perceptions, Energy/fatigue, Emotional well-being) and in kidney disease-specific domains (Symptoms/problems, Effect- and Burden of kidney disease and Sleep). In multivariate regression models adjusting for clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, sleep disorders and depressive symptoms, the modality of RRT (WL vs Tx) remained independently associated with three (General health perceptions, Effect- and Burden of kidney disease) out of the eight HRQoL dimensions analysed. Conclusions Kidney Tx recipients have significantly better HRQoL compared to WL dialysis patients in some, but not all, dimensions of quality of life after accounting for differences in patient characteristics. Utilizing multidimensional disease-specific questionnaires will allow better understanding of treatment, disease and patient-related factors potentially affecting quality of life in patients with chronic medical conditions.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity in the general population. The clinical significance of OSA among kidney transplant patients is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the association of "high risk of OSA" with death-censored graft loss and mortality in a large cohort of kidney transplant recipients.Using the Berlin questionnaire 1067 prevalent kidney transplant recipients were assessed for risk of OSA. Socio-demographic variables, laboratory parameters and data about graft loss and mortality were obtained from the medical records. Multivariable-adjusted associations of OSA risk with graft loss and with all-cause mortality was assessed in competing-risks regression models.Of the 823 patients who completed the Berlin questionnaire 28% had high risk of OSA (HRO) at baseline. Patients with HRO were older (52±11 vs. 47±13years, p0.001), had a higher prevalence of diabetes (22 vs. 15%, p=0.018), worse baseline kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate: 46±18 vs. 51±19ml/min/1.73m(2), p=0.001) and higher BMI (27±5 vs. 24±4kg/m(2), p0.001). In multivariate models HRO was an independent predictor of graft loss among females after adjusting for age, comorbidity, hypertension, BMI, kidney function, duration of chronic kidney disease, other laboratory parameters and transplant-related data (HR=3.05; CI: 1.24-7.51; p=0.015), while HRO did not predict graft survival among males. HRO at baseline was not independently associated with all-cause mortality in the sample.High risk of OSA is an independent predictor of graft loss among female kidney transplant patients.

Objective To analyze in a prospective cohort study if depressive symptoms are an independent predictor of mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Methods Data from 840 transplanted patients followed at a single outpatient transplant center were analyzed. Sociodemographic parameters and clinical data were collected at enrollment (between August 2002 and February 2003). Participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Depression was defined as CES-D score of > or = 18. Data on 5-year outcomes (death censored graft loss or mortality) were collected. Results The prevalence of depression was 22%. Mortality was higher (21% versus 13%; p = .004) in patients with versus without depression. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, both the baseline CES-D score (hazard ratio(for each 1-point increase) = 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.04) and the presence of depression at baseline (hazard ratio(presence) = 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.47) were significantly associated with mortality. The baseline CES-D score also significantly predicted death censored graft loss (hazard ratio(for each 1-point increase) = 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.05). Conclusion Depressive symptoms are an independent predictor of mortality in kidney transplanted patients.

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders, according to Hungarian and international data. In Western- Europe, lifetime prevalence of major depression is 13%, while one-year prevalence is 4%. The prevalence of severe depressive symptoms is similar in Hungary: approximately 5 to 8% of all patients seen by primary care physicians suffer from some kind of depressive disorders. Depression is more prevalent in women and in the elderly. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the third most common disabling disorder. Patients with depression experience impaired quality of life, anxiety, sleep disturbances, alcohol and drug abuse, and different somatic disorders. Furthermore, depression is the most important risk factor for suicide. Primary care physicians have a crucial role in the screening and diagnosing of depressive disorders. Depressive disorders can exist not only in patients complaining about depressed mood, but also in patients with "medically unexplained symptoms" (headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, weight change). Primary care physicians should have appropriate knowledge about the different therapeutic options (including various psychotherapies, antidepressant medications and other treatment options) to be able to treat their patients properly. We review the literature about the significance and epidemiology of depression and summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic options of depressive disorders in primary care practice.

Background: Depression is associated with impaired quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Little is known about the prevalence and correlates of depression in kidney transplant recipients. In this study, we aimed to compare depressive symptoms between kidney transplant recipients and wait-listed dialysis patients and identify the correlates of depressive symptoms in the transplant recipient population. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. A cutoff score of 18 was used to identify the presence of depression. Setting & Participants: 1,067 kidney transplant recipients and 214 wait-listed dialysis patients were asked to participate; the final analysis included 854 kidney transplant and 176 wait-listed dialysis patients, respectively. Predictors: Sociodemographic and clinical variables. Outcome: Severity of depressive symptoms and presence of depression (CES-D score >= 18). Results: The prevalence of depression was 33% versus 22% in wait-listed versus transplant patients, respectively (P = 0.002). In multivariate regression, number of comorbid conditions, estimated glomerular filtration rate, perceived financial situation, and marital status were significant and independent predictors of depression in the transplant recipient group. Treatment modality was associated significantly with the presence of depression, even after adjustment for clinical and sociodemographic variables (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.25-3.23; P = 0.004). Limitations: Self-reported measurement of depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression is lower in transplant recipients than in wait-listed patients. However, one-fifth of transplant patients are still at high risk of clinically significant depression. Comorbid conditions, socioeconomic status, and treatment modality predicted depressive symptoms in patients with end-stage renal disease. Am J Kidney Dis 55: 132-140.

Due to the rapidly increasing number of end-stage renal disease patients and the high costs of their treatment, all the aspects of kidney disease that may significantly affect clinical outcome (quality of life mortality) deserve increasing attention. It has been established and accepted that in addition to clinical/somatic factors, also psycho-social factors, including depression, may have a significant impact on the clinical outcome of chronic diseases. Depression is considered to be one of the most prevalent mental health problems in patients with chronic kidney disease. In spite of this fact, there are only few studies on the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of depression in this population using accurate, well defined diagnostic criteria and appropriate epidemiologic methods. In the last decades we have experienced a significant improvement in the quality and effectiveness of the therapeutic options for chronic kidney disease, but mortality is still very high in this population. Our review provides an overview of the literature regarding the prevalence and etiology of depression, and calls the attention to the interrelation among depression, quality of life and mortality. The second part of our paper to be published later will survey the specific diagnostic and therapeutic features of depression in chronic kidney disease patients.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is reportedly associated with depression. This association may be mediated by both sleep-dependent and sleep-independent mechanisms. Here we analyze the association between RLS and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We also assessed whether the relationship is independent of insomnia. In a cross-sectional study, socio-demographic parameters, laboratory data, and medical history were collected from 788 kidney transplant patients and 161 dialyzed patients. Insomnia, depression, and the presence of RLS symptoms were assessed with standard questionnaires. Patients with probable RLS had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than those without RLS (56% vs. 22% with vs. without RLS, respectively; P

Although anemia is a known risk factor of mortality in several patient populations, no prospective study to date has demonstrated association between anemia and mortality in kidney-transplanted patients. In our prospective cohort study (TransQol-HU Study), we tested the hypothesis that anemia is associated with mortality and graft failure (return to dialysis) in transplanted patients. Data from 938 transplanted patients, followed at a single outpatient transplant center, were analyzed. Sociodemographic parameters, laboratory data, medical history and information on comorbidity were collected at baseline. Data on 4-year outcome (graft failure, mortality or combination of both) were collected prospectively from the patients' charts. Both mortality and graft failure rate during the 4-year follow-up was significantly higher in patients who were anemic at baseline (for anemic vs nonanemic patients, respectively: mortality 18% vs. 10%; p < 0.001; graft failure 17% vs 6%; p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox proportional hazard models the presence of anemia significantly predicted mortality (HR = 1.690; 95% CI: 1.115-2.560) and also graft failure (HR = 2.465; 95% CI: 1.485-4.090) after adjustment for several covariables. Anemia, which is a treatable complication, is significantly and independently associated with mortality and graft failure in kidney-transplanted patients.

Although a known cardiovascular risk factor, anemia in the renal transplant recipients has only recently been receiving an increasing attention.In a cross-sectional study, data was obtained from 959 patients followed at a single outpatient transplant clinic. Based on the guideline of the American Society of Transplantation, anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb)or =130 g/L in males andor =120 g/L in females.About one-third (34%) of the patients were anemic. The prevalence of anemia was comparable in males and females. Serum Hb concentration was significantly correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease formula) (r = 0.266, p0.001), serum transferrin (r = 0.268, p0.001) and serum albumin (r = 0.196, p0.001). None of the immunosuppressive medications or the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors was associated with a higher likelihood of anemia. In multivariate analysis the eGFR, serum albumin and serum transferrin, potential markers of nutritional status and/or chronic inflammation, and also iron deficiency were independently and significantly associated with anemia. Erythropoietin was administered only to 63 (19%) anemic patients.Post-transplant anemia is a prevalent and under-treated condition. Based on our results we suggest that, besides other factors, protein/energy malnutrition and/or chronic inflammation may be independently associated with anemia. Further studies are needed to determine whether the presence of anemia and its treatment will have an impact on long-term outcomes of this population.

ObjectivesChronic kidney disease (CKD) has profound effects on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with serious mental health, physiological, and socio-economic implications. The co-occurrence of inflammation and protein-energy wasting in patients with CKD (called the Malnutrition-Inflammation Complex Syndrome (MICS)) is known to be associated with adverse medical outcomes and increased mortality. We designed this study to examine the relationship between nutritional and inflammational status and QoL in patients with kidney transplant.MethodsData from 100 randomly selected patients were analyzed in a cross-sectional survey. Socio-demographic parameters, laboratory results, transplantation related anamnestic data, co-morbidities and medication were tabulated at baseline. MICS was assessed with a recently developed scoring system (Malnutrition Inflammation Score - MIS). Health related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed with the KDQOL-SFTM questionnaire.ResultsMean age was 51±13 years, median (Interquartile range, IQR) time since transplantation 65 (83) months, 57% were males and 19% had diabetes. The median (IQR) MIS was 3 (3). The MIS significantly and negatively correlated with almost all HRQOL domains analyzed, and this association remained significant or near significant in multivariate linear regression analysis for the log-transformed scores on Energy/fatigue (beta=-0.059 p< 0.001), Bodily pain (beta=-0.056 p=0.004), Physical functioning (beta=-0.029, p=0.072), Emotional well-being (beta=-0.024 p=0.077), Symptoms/problems (beta=-0.023 p=0.005) and Sleep domains (beta=-0.027, p=0.056) after statistical correction for age, gender, renal function, dialysis time, comorbidity and occupational status.ConclusionMalnutrition Inflammation Score is independently associated with different dimensions of health related quality of life in kidney transplanted patients.