Search

Abstract In Japan, Mongolia, and Indonesia, dialysis care has been covered by national health insurance and social welfare programs as of 2022, which covers much of the cost burden. However, the proportion of this burden varies by country and Japan is the only one of these countries in which medical fees are fully covered for all dialysis patients. As systems for dialysis medical care coverage have been established, the number of dialysis patients has increased dramatically in each country. However, the cost of dialysis treatment itself is very high relative to personal income in all countries. This puts pressure on national healthcare budgets and gives rise to concerns about the sustainability of dialysis care in the future. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is less expensive than hemodialysis (HD) in Mongolia and Indonesia, and a PD-first policy is considered effective in reducing costs. Nevertheless, an overwhelming number of patients still undergo HD. Despite the difficulties faced by these three countries in obtaining funds for dialysis treatment, among Asian countries, Mongolia and Indonesia are considered to have relatively advanced healthcare systems. It is considered that there has been progress in the provision of dialysis treatment subsidies to the citizens of these countries.

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the entire world with unprecedented impact on the health care and economy of countries. India, the most populous country, faced enormous challenges across its diverse population groups. The end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis, especially hemodialysis, were a high-risk group with inevitable regular hospital visits in contrast to the home peritoneal dialysis group. The unplanned lockdown and home confinement posed many risks to dialysis patients due to dialysis unit closures, logistical issues, and severe COVID-19-related morbidities. We have paucity of data on mortality of dialysis patients in India. We describe the reported and available data on COVID-19 in India from across different centers. The vaccination provided by two different pharmaceuticals such as Covaxin and Covishield in a small cohort of dialysis patients reduced infection and severity.

Abstract On 1 December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread around the world. In an effort to prevent transmission, global traffic flows were affected and lectures by international speakers at the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy were streamed over the internet. Speakers from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mongolia reported on the status of COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients from December 2019 to June 2022. In addition, the situation in Japan is discussed in the introduction. In Japan, the mortality rate due to COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients was approximately 20% in a national statistical survey before the introduction of the vaccine, and decreased to 3.1% with the introduction of the vaccine. In Vietnam, the mortality rate was 42% in non-vaccinated recipients and 21% in two-dose recipients, but this was reported by a single center. Mortality among dialysis patients with COVID-19 infection in Indonesia was 57%, although reported by a single center. In Indonesia, 6 million people were infected with COVID-19, and the number of COVID-19 cases among dialysis patients was estimated to be around 52,200. Mongolia was considered to be the country that was able to move to vaccination while most effectively controlling the domestic spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 compared with many other countries.

Abstract Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of ATP2B1 gene are associated with essential hypertension but their association with resistant hypertension (RHT) remains unexplored. The authors examined the relationship between ATP2B1 SNPs and RHT by genotyping 12 SNPs in ATP2B1 gene of 1124 Japanese individuals with lifestyle‐related diseases. Patients with RHT had inadequate blood pressure (BP) control using three antihypertensive drugs or used ≥4 antihypertensive drugs. Patients with controlled hypertension had BP controlled using ≤3 antihypertensive drugs. The association between each SNP and RHT was analyzed by logistic regression. The final cohort had 888 (79.0%) and 43 (3.8%) patients with controlled hypertension and RHT, respectively. Compared with patients homozygous for the minor allele of each SNP in ATP2B1, a significantly higher number of patients carrying the major allele at 10 SNPs exhibited RHT (most significant at rs1401982: 5.8% vs. 0.8%, p = .014; least significant at rs11105378: 5.7% vs. 0.9%, p = .035; most nonsignificant at rs12817819: 5.1% vs. 10%, p = .413). After multivariate adjustment for age, sex, systolic BP, and other confounders, the association remained significant for rs2681472 and rs1401982 (OR: 7.60, p

Abstract We evaluated the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for diabetic kidney disease patients by conducting a 12-month randomized controlled trial among 126 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with moderately increased albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): 30-299 mg/g creatinine) recruited from eight clinical sites in Japan. Using a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) behavior change theory framework, the intervention provides patients detailed information in order to improve patient control over exercise and dietary behaviors. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received DialBetesPlus, a self-management support system allowing patients to monitor exercise, blood glucose, diet, blood pressure, and body weight via a smartphone application. The primary outcome, change in UACR after 12 months (used as a surrogate measure of renal function), was 28.8% better than the control group’s change (P = 0.029). Secondary outcomes also improved in the intervention group, including a 0.32-point better change in HbA1c percentage (P = 0.041). These improvements persisted when models were adjusted to account for the impacts of coadministration of drugs targeting albuminuria (GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs) (UACR: −32.3% [95% CI: −49.2%, −9.8%] between-group difference in change, P = 0.008). Exploratory multivariate regression analysis suggests that the improvements were primarily due to levels of exercise. This is the first trial to show that a lifestyle intervention via mHealth achieved a clinically-significant improvement in moderately increased albuminuria.

BackgroundIncreasing physical activity improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been proven to increase exercise, but engagement often fades with time. As the use of health behavior theory in mHealth design can increase effectiveness, we developed StepAdd, an mHealth intervention based on the constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT). StepAdd improves exercise behavior self-efficacy and self-regulation through the use of goal-setting, barrier-identifying, and barrier-coping strategies, as well as automatic feedback functions. A single-arm pilot study of StepAdd among 33 patients with T2D showed a large increase in step count (mean change of 4714, SD 3638 daily steps or +86.7%), along with strong improvements in BMI (mean change of −0.3 kg/m2) and hemoglobin A1c level (mean change of −0.79 percentage points). ObjectiveIn this study, we aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of StepAdd, an mHealth exercise support system for patients with T2D, via a large, long, and controlled follow-up to the pilot study. MethodsThis is a randomized, open-label, multicenter study targeting 160 patients with T2D from 5 institutions in Japan with a 24-week intervention. The intervention group will record daily step counts, body weight, and blood pressure using the SCT-based mobile app, StepAdd, and receive feedback about these measurements. In addition, they will set weekly step count goals, identify personal barriers to walking, and define strategies to overcome these barriers. The control group will record daily step counts, body weight, and blood pressure using a non–SCT-based placebo app. Both groups will receive monthly consultations with a physician who will advise patients regarding lifestyle modifications and use of the app. The 24-week intervention period will be followed by a 12-week observational period to investigate the sustainability of the intervention’s effects. The primary outcome is between-group difference in the change in hemoglobin A1c values at 24 weeks. The secondary outcomes include other health measures, measurements of steps, measurements of other behavior changes, and assessments of app use. The trial began in January 2023 and is intended to be completed in December 2025. ResultsAs of September 5, 2023, we had recruited 44 patients. We expect the trial to be completed by October 8, 2025, with the follow-up observation period being completed by December 31, 2025. ConclusionsThis trial will provide important evidence about the efficacy of an SCT-based mHealth intervention in improving physical activities and glycemic control in patients with T2D. If this study proves the intervention to be effective and safe, it could be a key step toward the integration of mHealth as part of the standard treatment received by patients with T2D in Japan. Trial RegistrationJapan Registry of Clinical Trials (JRCT) jRCT2032220603; https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/en/detail?trial_id=jRCT2032220603 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/53514

Abstract The present status of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Bhutan as of June 2019 was reviewed from the interviews of leading doctors in every country. The timing was until just 6 months before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. The cost per hemodialysis session was 25–70 US dollar and expensive if it is compared with average monthly income of every country. In Cambodia and Laos, patients must cover 100% of expenses for maintenance hemodialysis, in Myanmar, the government covers the cost of once-weekly dialysis sessions, in Vietnam, the government covers 80% of the cost, and in Mongolia and Bhutan, the cost is fully covered by the government. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was widely available in Vietnam and Mongolia, which have achieved a relative standard of social infrastructure, but is far from common in any of the other countries. The number of patients on dialysis is increasing with economic development in all countries. Diabetic nephropathy is a common primary reason for dialysis. None of the countries discussed in this article had clinical engineers who could maintain hemodialysis equipment and carry out clinical tasks in dialysis centers. Hospitals were not maintaining their equipment, and damaged units were kept in storage to be used for spare parts. None of the countries had dieticians to provide patients with dietary guidance. Establishment and training of both clinical engineers and registered dietitians are major projects that must be undertaken.

Abstract Since 2015, the Committee of International Communication for Academic Research of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy has held a symposium every year at the society’s Annual Congress to discuss the current status of and demand for dialysis therapy in developing countries in Asia with the aim of identifying ways to contribute to the field of dialysis therapy in these countries. The 2018 symposium opened the door further, beyond Asian countries to include all non-Western countries. Two speakers from Cambodia and Japan contributed their manuscripts to the 2018 symposium issue. In Cambodia in 2017, a study of hemodialysis data from 5 centers in Phnom Penh was conducted for the first time. This study involving 407 patients (233 men [57.2%]; mean age 52 [SD, ± 15] years) revealed that hypertension was the main cause of end-stage renal disease (46.8%), followed by concomitant hypertension and diabetes mellitus (31%), with diabetes mellitus alone accounting for only 8.1% of cases. Mean frequency of hemodialysis was 7.5 (SD, ± 2.3) sessions per month. The duration of each session was 4 h. Patients in Cambodia are required to bear the full cost for hemodialysis because the country lacks a national health insurance system. From 2007 to 2018, several Japanese societies and organizations for dialysis therapy and technology carried out activities aimed at resolving problems in dialysis medical care in developing countries in East and Southeast Asia. The role of the academic societies and their activities in this region are discussed.

Background and Objectives: Omega-3 fatty acids have potent lipid-lowering and antiplatelet effects; however, randomized controlled trials have yet to examine the effect of high-dose omega-3 fatty acid administration on peripheral artery disease (PAD) in hemodialysis patients with dyslipidemia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the ankle–brachial index (ABI) and remnant-like lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C) levels, which are indicators of PAD severity. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight participants (mean age: 73.6 ± 12.7 years) were randomly assigned using stratified block randomization to either conventional therapy alone or conventional therapy supplemented with high-dose EPA/DHA (EPA: 1860 mg; DHA: 1500 mg) for a three-month intervention period. Patients in the conventional therapy alone group who opted to continue were provided with a low-dose EPA/DHA regimen (EPA: 930 mg; DHA: 750 mg) for an additional three months. The baseline and 3-month values for RLP-C, an atherogenic lipid parameter, and the ABI were recorded. Results: The results of the 3-month assessments revealed that the mean RLP-C changes were −3.25 ± 3.15 mg/dL and 0.44 ± 2.53 mg/dL in the EPA/DHA and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas the changes in the mean ABI values were 0.07 ± 0.11 and −0.02 ± 0.09 in the EPA/DHA and control groups, respectively (p = 0.007). In the EPA/DHA group, a significant negative correlation was found between the changes in RLP-C levels and the ABI (r = −0.475, p = 0.04). Additionally, the change in the RLP-C levels independently influenced the change in the ABI in the EPA/DHA group, even after adjusting for age, sex, and statin use (p = 0.042). Conclusions: Add-on EPA/DHA treatment improved the effectiveness of conventional therapy (such as statin treatment) for improving the ABI in hemodialysis patients with dyslipidemia by lowering RLP-C levels. Therefore, clinicians involved in dialysis should focus on RLP-C when considering residual cardiovascular disease risk in hemodialysis patients and should consider screening patients with elevated levels.

Abstract Since 2015, the Committee of International Communication on Academic Research of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy has held its Asian symposium during the society’s Annual Congress to discuss the present status of and demand for dialysis therapy in Asian countries. The aim of the symposium is to identify needs and find ways to contribute in the area of dialysis therapy in these countries. Three manuscripts are presented here by participants at the 2017 Asian symposium from Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. With economic development, hemodialysis (HD) therapy is now available worldwide. However, the cost of HD is very high compared with the average income in these three countries and, as of 2017, Cambodia and Myanmar have not yet established national health insurance systems. In Cambodia, patients must bear 100% of the cost for dialysis. In Myanmar, the government covers the cost of HD (20 USD, 40% of total cost) in public HD centers, but this service is still insufficient to meet current demand, with long waiting lists of up to 6 months at government HD centers. In contrast, in Vietnam, dialysis is almost completely covered by national health insurance. Dialyzers tend to be reused in all three countries. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is available in Vietnam and Myanmar but not in Cambodia. Viable health insurance systems should be established as soon as possible in Cambodia and Myanmar, although this will ultimately depend on the countries’ level of economic development.

BackgroundDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the main complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DKD is a known risk factor for end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause death. Effective intervention for early-stage DKD is vital to slowing down the progression of kidney disease and improve prognoses. Mobile health (mHealth) is reportedly effective in supporting patients’ self-care and improving glycemic control, but the impact of mHealth on DKD has yet to be shown. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of standard therapy with the addition of a self-management support system, DialBetesPlus, in patients with DKD and microalbuminuria. MethodsThis study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter clinical trial. The target population consists of 160 patients diagnosed with T2DM accompanied by microalbuminuria. We randomly assigned the patients to 2 groups—the intervention group using DialBetesPlus in addition to conventional therapy and the control group using conventional therapy alone. DialBetesPlus is a smartphone application that supports patients’ self-management of T2DM. The study period was 12 months, with a follow-up survey at 18 months. The primary outcome was a change in albuminuria levels at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in physical parameters, blood test results (glycemic control, renal function, and lipid metabolism), lifestyle habits, self-management scores, medication therapy, and quality of life. ResultsThe study was approved in April 2018. We began recruiting patients in July 2018 and completed recruiting in August 2019. The final 18-month follow-up was conducted in March 2021. We recruited 159 patients and randomly allocated 70 into the intervention group and 61 into the control group, with 28 exclusions due to withdrawal of consent, refusal to continue, or ineligibility. The first results are expected to be available in 2021. ConclusionsThis is the first randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mHealth on early-stage DKD. We expect that albuminuria levels will decrease significantly in the intervention group due to improved glycemic control with ameliorated self-care behaviors. Trial RegistrationUMIN-CTR UMIN000033261; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037924 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/31061

Abstract Since 2015, the Committee for International Communication on Academic Research of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy has held its Asian symposium during the society’s Annual Congress to discuss the present status of and demand for dialysis therapy in Asian countries in order to identify needs and find ways to contribute to these countries in the area of dialysis therapy. Five manuscripts are presented here by symposium participants from Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, Mongolia, and Indonesia from the Asian symposium of 2016. With progress in economic development, hemodialysis (HD) therapy has now been introduced in all countries worldwide. However, the cost of HD is extremely high compared with typical incomes in every country, and as of 2016, many countries still have not established national health insurance systems. In Cambodia and Laos, for example, patients must bear 100% of the cost for dialysis. In contrast, in Bhutan, the government bears all costs and the patients need not pay at all. In Mongolia and Indonesia, dialysis is almost completely covered by national health insurance. Dialyzers tend to be reused in Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia. In Mongolia and Bhutan, dialyzers are single-use only. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is available in Mongolia and Indonesia but is just starting to be introduced in Laos; it is not available in Cambodia and Bhutan. In Cambodia and Laos where there is no national health insurance system, patients with lower socioeconomic status come to the HD center only when they have enough money to pay for an HD session. Viable health insurance systems should be established as soon as possible. However, this will ultimately depend on the countries’ economic development.

Background: The carotid bulb has a high density of baroreceptors that play an important role in maintaining blood pressure. We hypothesized that atherosclerosis of the carotid bulb would reflect the severity of orthostatic hypotension more accurately than would atherosclerosis of other carotid artery segments. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 198 non-diabetic adults. We measured the cardio-vascular ankle index as an index of arterial stiffness, intima-media thickness in each carotid artery segment (internal carotid artery, carotid bulb, distal and proximal portions, respectively, of the common carotid artery) as a measure of atherosclerosis, and heart rate variability as a measure of cardiac autonomic function. The sit-to-stand test was used to assess severity of orthostatic hypotension. Results: Intima-media thickness of the carotid bulb was correlated with orthostatic systolic blood pressure change (r = −0.218, p = 0.002), cardio-ankle vascular index (r = 0.365, p < 0.001) and heart rate variability parameters. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that among all of the segments, only intima-media thickness of the carotid bulb was an independent predictor of orthostatic systolic blood pressure change (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Atherosclerosis of the carotid bulb was associated with severity of orthostatic hypotension, arterial stiffening and cardiac autonomic dysfunction than that of other carotid artery segments.

Abstract Background We recently demonstrated, using an index of recently synthesized hemoglobin, reticulocyte hemoglobin (Ret-Hb), that iron administration remarkably improves hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis during the period of high activation of erythropoiesis induced by the administration of a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA). We aimed to investigate whether repetition of iron dosing sustains effective erythropoiesis and suppresses iron storage. Methods In a 3-month comparison of monthly CERA administration, 104 hemodialysis patients were randomized into two groups that received 40 mg iron intravenously 3 times; the first-week iron group [n = 51], given iron in the first week after CERA administration, during the period of high activation of erythropoiesis, and the third-week iron group [n = 53], given iron in the third week at the time of mild erythropoiesis activation. Results Initial mean CERA dosages were 123.5 ± 67.5 μg/month and did not differ between the groups. Hb levels were not different between the groups throughout the study. One-week increases in Ret-Hb levels after CERA administration were higher, during the first and the third month, in the group given iron in the first week compared with the third-week iron group (241.9 ± 63.3 vs. 196.2 ± 82.8 mg/dL, P = 0.004; 227.2 ± 83.5 vs. 187.9 ± 88.7 mg/dL, P = 0.037, respectively). The increase in ferritin levels was suppressed 3 months later in the first-week iron group compared with that of the third-week iron group (22.3 ± 64.0 vs. 69.0 ± 76.6 ng/mL, P = 0.002). Hepcidin levels decreased 1 week after CERA administration in both groups and were not different between the groups. Conclusions Timing-adjusted iron administration increased the levels of recently produced Hb and iron utilization and suppressed the ferritin levels. The iron administration timing deserves consideration when optimizing the efficiency of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Trial registration UMIN000016375 . Registered 29 January 2015.

Subcutaneous arteriovenous fistula in the forearm is a common vascular access for hemodialysis. However, primary failure of native fistula occurs because of either thrombosis formation within the first several weeks after surgery or immature vein dilatation. To evaluate the effect of platelet inhibition on fistula thrombosis and maturation failure, we used an antiplatelet agent, sarpogrelate hydrochloride, in our study. The study was designed as an open-label, parallel, prospective, randomized study for 8 weeks, comparing patients receiving sarpogrelate 300 mg/day (sarpogrelate group, n=33) with controls receiving no medication (n=46). The primary outcome was fistula patency failure determined by pulse Doppler ultrasound examination of the arteriovenous fistula performed 8 weeks after surgery. Pulse wave velocity was also measured to determine the ankle brachial pressure index (ABI). The drug was well-tolerated and did not increase bleeding events during the 8-week study period. In the sarpogrelate group, patency failure occurred in 1 of 33 patients (3.0%), and the occlusion rate was significantly lower (P=0.001) than that in the control group (3 of 46 patients; 6.5%). Average blood flow rate in the sarpogrelate group was 546±174 mL/min, and was significantly higher (P=0.036) than 448±183 mL/min in the control group. However, the diameter of the shunt vessel in the sarpogrelate group was 5.2±1.3 mm, which was not different from 5.1±0.6 mm in the control group. The Vmax was not significantly different between two groups (1.01±0.56 m/sec in the sarpogrelate group and 0.89±0.66 m/sec in the control group). In all patients (n=79), blood flow correlated with ABI (r=0.34, P=0.045). Our results suggest that sarpogrelate reduces the frequency of fistula patency failure. Sarpogrelate may maintain fistula patency, which is necessary for hemodialysis, by increasing ABI.

The frequency of hypertriglyceridemia is high in CKD patients, but few medications are available for controlling this lipid parameter when renal insufficiency advances. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of long-term treatment with rosuvastatin, one of the strong statins for hypercholesterolemic control, on lipid abnormalities in patients with CKD stage 3 and above. The protocol consisted of a 4-week run-in period and a 48-week treatment phase with rosuvastatin. Inclusion criteria were CKD stage 3 and above with serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels above 100 mg/dL and triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL. Patients received 2.5 to 5.0 mg rosuvastatin daily. Lipid parameters and myolysis-related indicators were measured. Forty-nine patients (29 men and 20 women aged 61 ± 9 years, serum creatinine levels above 1.5 mg/dL) were enrolled in the study. Rosuvastatin significantly decreased (P〈0.05) serum LDL cholesterol from 163 ± 39 to 126 ± 31 mg/dL and apolipoprotein B from 151 ± 36 to 108 ± 24 mg/dL at 4 weeks and maintained these parameters at low levels. Rosuvastatin also significantly decreased (P = 0.001) serum triglyceride levels from 194 ± 43 mg/dL at baseline to 160 ± 51 mg/dL at 48 weeks. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations did not change from baseline (56 ± 16 mg/dL) to 48 weeks of treatment (57 ± 17 mg/dL). However, LDL/HDL ratio decreased significantly (P = 0.036) from 3.4 ± 0.7 to 2.2 ± 0.9, which approached the target level (2.0). During the rosuvastatin treatment period, serum creatine kinase, aldolase, and myoglobin concentrations did not change. In conclusion, rosuvastatin treatment improved serum triglyceride level as well as the LDL/HDL ratio in hyperlipidemic patients with CKD stage 3 and above, without serious adverse effects, suggesting that rosuvastatin is useful to control not only hypercholesterolemia but also hypertriglyceridemia in CKD patients.