Project description:BackgroundWe studied to what degree and at whose initiative 25 informational topics, formerly identified as important, are discussed in diagnostic consultations.MethodsAudio recordings of clinician-patient consultations of 71 patients and 32 clinicians, collected in eight Dutch memory clinics, were independently content-coded by two coders. The coding scheme encompassed 25 informational topics.ResultsApproximately half (Mdn = 12) of the 25 topics were discussed per patient during the diagnostic process, with a higher frequency among individuals receiving a dementia diagnosis (Mdn = 14) compared to others (Mdn = 11). Individual topics ranged from being discussed with 2/71 (3%) to 70/71 (99%) of patients. Patients and/or care partners rarely initiated topic discussion (10%). When they did, they often enquired about one of the least frequently addressed topics.ConclusionMost patients received information on approximately half of the important informational topics. Providing the topic list to patients and care partners beforehand could allow consultation preparation and stimulate participation.
Project description:The KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD) was launched in 2011 with the support of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The study was designed with the aim of exploring the various clinical features and characteristics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Koreans, and elucidating the risk factors for CKD progression and adverse outcomes of CKD. For the cohort study, nephrologists at 9 tertiary university-affiliated hospitals participated in patient recruitment and follow-up. Biostatisticians and epidemiologists also participated in the basic design and structuring of the study. From 2011 until 2016, the KNOW-CKD Phase I recruited 2238 adult patients with CKD from stages G1 to G5, who were not receiving renal replacement therapy. The KNOW-CKD Phase II recruitment was started in 2019, with an enrollment target of 1500 subjects, focused on diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive kidney diseases in patients with reduced kidney function who are presumed to be at a higher risk of adverse outcomes. As of 2021, the KNOW-CKD investigators have published articles in the fields of socioeconomics, quality of life, nutrition, physical activity, renal progression, cardiovascular disease and outcomes, anemia, mineral bone disease, serum and urine biomarkers, and international and inter-ethnic comparisons. The KNOW-CKD researchers will elaborate a prediction model for various outcomes of CKD such as the development of end-stage kidney disease, major adverse cardiovascular events, and death.
Project description:IntroductionDespite much research on chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka and the Mesoamerican nephropathy, the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease remains elusive. The pathology has broadly been described as chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis and no specific signature lesions have been identified.MethodsA scoping review was conducted through MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases for peer-reviewed publications on biopsy studies related to CKDu - Sri Lanka and Mesoamerican nephropathy to develop a comparative and critical analysis of the renal pathology found in these patients.ResultsThirteen studies met the selection criteria. Interstitial fibrosis was the predominant lesion in all the studies. Tubulointerstitial and glomerular abnormalities showed a more variable distribution. No characteristic histopathological feature was reported other than a proximal tubular lysosomal inclusion body which was claimed to indicate a toxic etiology. Three main pathogenetic mechanisms were postulated: repeated acute insults leading to scarring, low-grade chronic insults leading to non-inflammatory fibrosis, and tubulointerstitial damage in combination with glomerular injury. The main limitations in the interpretation and comparative analysis of these studies were the heterogeneity in case selection and biopsy reporting.ConclusionsAlthough no characteristic histopathological feature could be found in CKDu-Sri Lanka or Mesoamerican nephropathy, there are noticeable differences between these two groups in the frequency and severity of the glomerular and tubulointerstitial changes which warrant more explorative studies preferably on kidneys in early stages of the disease. Future strategies should ensure that more uniform selection criteria and reporting methods are used.
Project description:Rationale & objectiveAcute kidney injury (AKI) in the hospital often occurs with other serious illnesses that take medical priority. Despite a persistent risk of adverse outcomes following hospital discharge, AKI survivors often receive inadequate education about how best to mitigate risks once home. We sought to identify AKI survivors' perceived barriers to shared and informed decision-making regarding their AKI diagnosis and self-management.Study designSemistructured phone interviews were used to assess patients' perceived barriers and facilitators to AKI self-management after a hospital-related AKI event.Setting & participantsAKI survivors discharged from Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC, were recruited for interviews to discuss their AKI experiences. Those who received dialysis for AKI were excluded because their perceptions of AKI care were hypothesized to be much different from those of patients not requiring dialysis.Analytical approachTwenty-four interviews were conducted between May and August 2018. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by study team members to identify common themes and discrepancies and reach a final consensus.ResultsFive consistent themes emerged after thematic saturation: (1) patients were unaware of their AKI diagnosis; (2) patients lacked information about AKI and how to manage it at home; (3) patients identified a lack of understanding about AKI; (4) patients were concerned about dialysis; and (5) patients wanted to know how to prevent AKI in the future.LimitationsLimitations include recruitment from a single center, all study participants receiving a nephrology consultation, and several patients being unable to participate because of persistent illness following hospitalization.ConclusionsAKI survivors are unaware of their diagnosis, receive suboptimal education while hospitalized, and are not equipped with tools to mitigate risks following discharge. Patient-centered interventions promoting AKI awareness and self-management may improve long-term outcomes for high-risk AKI survivors.
Project description:Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is an endemic, disease that mostly affects young agricultural workers in the rural dry zone of Sri Lanka. This study was designed to identify specific biochemical manifestations of CKDu cases. All (119) non-dialysis definite CKDu patients in Girandurukotte and Wilgamuwa were selected. Blood and urine samples were collected and measured biochemical parameters. All analyses were performed in IBM SPSS statistics version 23 (IBM Corp, USA). The median blood pressure was normal though nearly half of the patients (45.4%) who were in the advanced stages (Stage 3b, 4 and 5) of CKDu. Patients without a history of hypertension before the diagnosis of CKDu (100%) and minimal proteinuria (26%) are similar to the previous findings. Patients without a history of diabetes before the CKDu diagnosis had high percentages of diabetes (15.7%) and pre-diabetes (59.8%) and hence indicated the possibility of uremia induced impaired glucose intolerance in the rural areas of the country. There were 62.2% patients who had low vitamin D and only a minority had evidence of bone mineral diseases. Out of liver disease markers serum glutamic pyruvic transaminases (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases (SGOT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and Lactic acid degydrogenase (LDH) had an inverse correlation with the advancement of the disease indicating subclinical liver disease. Osmolality in serum and urine showed a discrepancy despite > 50% of CKDu patients had increased their serum osmolality. The current study supports most of the previously described manifestations of CKDu. Moreover, some specific patterns have been identified which need to be validated in a larger group.
Project description:BackgroundThis study describes chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu), which cannot be attributed to diabetes, hypertension or other known aetiologies, that has emerged in the North Central region of Sri Lanka.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for CKDu. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, selenium, pesticides and other elements were analysed in biological samples from individuals with CKDu and compared with age- and sex-matched controls in the endemic and non-endemic areas. Food, water, soil and agrochemicals from both areas were analysed for heavy metals.ResultsThe age-standardised prevalence of CKDu was 12.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.5% to 14.4%) in males and 16.9% (95% CI = 15.5% to 18.3%) in females. Severe stages of CKDu were more frequent in males (stage 3: males versus females = 23.2% versus 7.4%; stage 4: males versus females = 22.0% versus 7.3%; P < 0.001). The risk was increased in individuals aged >39 years and those who farmed (chena cultivation) (OR [odds ratio] = 1.926, 95% CI = 1.561 to 2.376 and OR = 1.195, 95% CI = 1.007 to 1.418 respectively, P < 0.05). The risk was reduced in individuals who were male or who engaged in paddy cultivation (OR = 0.745, 95% CI = 0.562 to 0.988 and OR = 0.732, 95% CI = 0.542 to 0.988 respectively, P < 0.05). The mean concentration of cadmium in urine was significantly higher in those with CKDu (1.039 μg/g) compared with controls in the endemic and non-endemic areas (0.646 μg/g, P < 0.001 and 0.345 μg/g, P < 0.05) respectively. Urine cadmium sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 68.3% respectively (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.682, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.75, cut-off value ≥0.397 μg/g). A significant dose-effect relationship was seen between urine cadmium concentration and CKDu stage (P < 0.05). Urine cadmium and arsenic concentrations in individuals with CKDu were at levels known to cause kidney damage. Food items from the endemic area contained cadmium and lead above reference levels. Serum selenium was <90 μg/l in 63% of those with CKDu and pesticides residues were above reference levels in 31.6% of those with CKDu.ConclusionsThese results indicate chronic exposure of people in the endemic area to low levels of cadmium through the food chain and also to pesticides. Significantly higher urinary excretion of cadmium in individuals with CKDu, and the dose-effect relationship between urine cadmium concentration and CKDu stages suggest that cadmium exposure is a risk factor for the pathogensis of CKDu. Deficiency of selenium and genetic susceptibility seen in individuals with CKDu suggest that they may be predisposing factors for the development of CKDu.
Project description:The prognostic value of urinary angiotensinogen (UAGT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been completely evaluated, although the association of UAGT with renal outcomes has been suggested in specific subsets of CKD. In the present study, to investigate the association of UAGT with renal outcomes in patients with non-dialysis CKD irrespective of the primary cause, a total of 1688 subjects from the Korean Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD) were prospectively analyzed. The subjects were divided into the quintile by UAGT to urine creatinine ratio (UAGT/Cr) level. The primary outcomes of interest were composite renal event, which included decline in kidney function and onset of end-stage renal disease during follow-up periods. The median follow-up duration was 6.257 years. Cox regression model analysis unveiled that the risk of composite renal event was significantly higher in the fifth quintile (adjusted hazard ratio 1.528, 95% confidence interval 1.156 to 2.021) compared to that of the first quartile. The association between high UAGT/Cr level and adverse renal outcome remained consistent in sensitivity analyses, including the analysis of the cause-specific hazard model. Subgroup analyses revealed that the association of UAGT level with renal outcomes is modified by certain clinical contexts, such as BMI and albuminuria. In conclusion, high UAGT level is associated with adverse renal outcomes in patients with non-dialysis CKD. Further studies are warranted to elaborate and expand the predictive role of UAGT as a biomarker for renal outcomes in CKD.
Project description:Diet is a key component of care during chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nutritional interventions, and, specifically, a restricted protein diet has been under debate for decades. In order to reduce the risk of nutritional disorders in very-low protein diets (VLDP), supplementation by nitrogen-free ketoacid analogues (KAs) have been proposed. The aim of this review is to summarize the potential effects of this dietary therapy on renal function, uremic toxins levels, and nutritional and metabolic parameters and propose future directions. The purpose of this paper is also to select all experimental and randomized clinical studies (RCTs) that have compared VLDP + KA to normal diet or/and low protein diet (LPD). We reviewed the SCOPUS, WEB of SCIENCES, CENTRAL, and PUBMED databases from their inception to 1 January, 2019. Following duplicate removal and application of exclusion criteria, 23 RCTs and 12 experimental studies were included. LPD/VLPD + KAs appear nutritionally safe even if how muscle protein metabolism adapts to an LPD/VLPD + KAs is still largely unknown. VLPD + KAs seem to reduce uremic toxins production but the impact on intestinal microbiota remains unexplored. All studies observed a reduction of acidosis, phosphorus, and possibly sodium intake, while still providing adequate calcium intake. The impact of this diet on carbohydrate and bone parameters are only preliminary and need to be confirmed with RCTs. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study, the largest RCTs, failed to demonstrate a benefit in the primary outcome of the decline rate for the glomerular filtration rate. However, the design of this study was challenged and data were subsequently reanalyzed. However, when adherent patients were selected, with a rapid rate of progression and a long-term follow up, more recent meta-analysis and RCTs suggest that these diets can reduce the loss of the glomerular filtration rate in addition to the beneficial effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. The current evidence suggests that KAs supplemented LPD diets should be included as part of the clinical recommendations for both the nutritional prevention and metabolic management of CKD. More research is needed to examine the effectiveness of KAs especially on uremic toxins. A reflection about the dose and composition of the KAs supplement, the cost-effective features, and their indication to reduce the frequency of dialysis needs to be completed.
Project description:BackgroundChronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is an emergent health concern, particularly in tropical farming communities in several global hotspots, including Sri Lanka. This particular nephropathy is characterized by a progressive decline in kidney function in the absence of conventional chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other identifiable kidney disorders. As it is almost asymptomatic at early stages, CKDu is mostly diagnosed at late stages with significant kidney damage. Hence, the identification of disease susceptibility and vulnerable communities at the earliest possible instances is highly important for the management of the disease.ObjectiveWe aimed to compare kidney health across three different farming communities in Sri Lanka to identify CKDu susceptibilities.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed with three selected farming communities: paddy farmers (PF; N = 581), sugarcane farmers (SF; N = 550), and vegetable farmers (VF; N = 244) in comparison with an age-matched control group of nonfarming (NF; N = 225) individuals. A medical examination was performed to investigate health status and medical history, whereas a urinalysis was performed to determine creatinine and albumin contents. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were used for assessment of kidney function. CKDu susceptibility was determined based on eGFR, and urinary ACR adhering to the clinical practice guidelines in Sri Lanka.ResultsThe median (interquartile range [IQR]) eGFR levels of PF (85 mL/min/1.73 m2 [72-97]) and SF (93 mL/min/1.73 m2 [73-112]) were significantly lower than that of the NF group (103 mL/min/1.73 m2 [87-125]) (P < .0001), whereas eGFR of VF (100 mL/min/1.73 m2 [80-111]) was not significantly different compared with NF. The median (IQR) urinary ACR levels of the study groups, PF, SF, VF, and NF, were 0.59 (0.26-1.45), 0.46 (0.28-0.88), 0.45 (0.34-0.90), and 0.44 (0.34-1.02) mg/mmol, respectively. However, urinary ACR did not differ significantly across the study groups (P > .05). The prevalence of CKDu within PF (13.60%), SF (12.54%), and VF (6.67%) communities was significantly higher (P < .05) compared with the NF (2.67%). Of the total CKD cases, CKDu susceptible cases represented 73%, 69%, 50%, and 25% in PF, SF, VF, and NF, respectively, indicating a high risk of CKDu susceptibility among farming communities. Moreover, a noteworthy association of CKDu was observed with agrochemical exposure (odds ratio [OR] = 3.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36-7.09). Concerning the farming practices, sugarcane farming showed the highest association with CKDu prevalence (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.49-7.78).ConclusionsCompared with the nonfarming group, a significant risk of CKDu was observed in the three farming communities, particularly among paddy and sugarcane farmers. Longitudinal epidemiological studies to identify vulnerable farming communities and associated risk factors are critically needed to develop effective management strategies against CKDu within farming communities.
Project description:The KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD) was developed to investigate various clinical courses and risk factors for progression of Korean chronic kidney disease (CKD). The KNOW-CKD study consists of nine clinical centers in Korea, and patients aged between 20 and 75 years with CKD from stage 1 to 5 (predialysis) were recruited. At baseline, blood and urine samples were obtained and demographic data including comorbidities, drugs, quality of life, and health behaviors were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation using isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)-calibrated serum creatinine measured at a central laboratory. As a dynamic cohort, a total of 2,341 patients were enrolled during the enrollment period from 2011 until 2015, among whom 2,238 subjects were finally analyzed for baseline profiles. The mean age of the cohort was 53.7 ± 12.2 year and 61.2% were men. Mean eGFR was 50.5 ± 30.3 mL/min/1.73 m². The participants with lower eGFR had a tendency to be older, with more comorbidities, to have higher systolic blood pressure (BP) and pulse pressure, with lower income level and education attainment. The patients categorized as glomerulonephritis (GN) were 36.2% followed by diabetic nephropathy (DN, 23.2%), hypertensive nephropathy (HTN, 18.3%), polycystic kidney disease (PKD, 16.3%), and other unclassified disease (6.1%). The KNOW-CKD participants will be longitudinally followed for 10 years. The study will provide better understanding for physicians regarding clinical outcomes, especially renal and cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients.