INTRODUCTION: The profile of patients referred from primary to tertiary nephrology care is unclear. Ethnic Malay patients have the highest incidence and prevalence of kidney failure in Singapore. We hypothesised that there is a Malay predominance among patients referred to nephrology due to a higher burden of metabolic disease in this ethnic group. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational cohort study. From 2014 to 2018, a coordinator and physician triaged patients referred from primary care, and determined co-management and assignment to nephrology clinics. Key disease parameters were collated on triage and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 6,017 patients were studied. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 16 years. They comprised 57% men; 67% were Chinese and 22% were Malay. The proportion of Malay patients is higher than the proportion of Malays in the general population (13.4%) and they were more likely than other ethnicities to have ≥3 comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease and stroke (70% vs. 57%, P < 0.001). Malay and Indian patients had poorer control of diabetes mellitus compared to other ethnicities (glycated haemoglobin 7.8% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.001). Higher proportion of Malay patients compared to other ethnicities had worse kidney function with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 on presentation (28% vs. 24%, P = 0.003). More ethnic Malay, Indian and younger patients missed appointments. CONCLUSION A disproportionately large number of Malay patients are referred for kidney disease. These patients have higher metabolic disease burden, tend to miss appointments and are referred at lower eGFR. Reasons underpinning these associations should be identified to facilitate efforts for targeting this at-risk population, ensuring kidney health for all.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Nephrology ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Metabolic Diseases/epidemiology* ; Ethnicity ; Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology* ; Malaysia/ethnology* ; Adult

INTRODUCTION: Conservative kidney management (CKM) is a recognised treatment option for selected patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD G5), but prognostic indicators for mortality and optimal timing for palliative care transition remain uncertain. METHOD: This is a single-centre, prospective cohort study of CKD G5 patients who opted for CKM, conducted between April 2021 and September 2024, with longitudinal monitoring of Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised: Renal; Palliative Perfor-mance Scale (PPS); Resources Utilisation Group.Activities of Daily Living (RUG-ADL) scale; Clinical Frailty Score; Karnofsky Performance Score; and clinical and laboratory data. Primary outcomes included identifying baseline mortality predictors and validating the PPS for survival estimation. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: Among 109 patients (mean age 79.8±7.3 years, 64.2% female), 62 (56.9%) died during follow-up. Multivariate analysis identified baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08.1.68, P<0.01) and serum albumin (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08.1.43, P<0.01) as predictors of 1-year mortality. Median survival varied by eGFR: 3.0 months (95% CI 0.6.2) for eGFR .5 mL/min/1.73 m², 13.0 months (95% CI 9.1.16.9) for eGFR 6.10 mL/ min/1.73 m², and 20.0 months (95% CI 16.5.23.5) for eGFR >10 mL/min/1.73 m² (P<0.01). Subsequent PPS correlated strongly with survival, with median survival of 1.8 months for PPS <50, 5.3 months for PPS 50.60, and 7.9 months for PPS 70.80 (P=0.03). CONCLUSION Baseline eGFR and serum albumin predict 1-year mortality in CKM patients. PPS offers a practical tool for identifying patients requiring palliative care transition, supporting personalised care pathways and timely integration of palliative care.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Palliative Care/methods* ; Conservative Treatment/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Prognosis ; Serum Albumin/analysis* ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Activities of Daily Living ; Singapore/epidemiology*

BACKGROUND: The benefits of ideal cardiovascular-health metrics (ICVHMs) in patients with renal insufficiency remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between ICVHM and prognosis in a renal insufficiency population. METHODS: The trial enrolled 29,682 participants from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2018, with mortality follow-up through December 31, 2019. Participants were divided into three groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rates. Cardiovascular health was assessed using new "Life's Essential 8" metrics. Cox regression analyses based on NHANES data were used to determine the associations between ICVHMs and cardiovascular mortality in patients with renal insufficiency. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 6.58 years, ideal cardiovascular health (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.25-0.70) and ideal health behavior (HR = 0.53; 95% CI; 0.39-0.73) reduced cardiovascular mortality in participants with renal insufficiency. For each one ICVHM increment, a 25% reduction in cardiovascular mortality was recorded (95% CI; 0.69-0.82). When compared with participants with normal renal function, for those with mild renal insufficiency, the HR for cardiovascular mortality gradually decreased from 1.47 (95% CI; 0.85-2.52) in those who had ≤1 ICVHMs to 0.30 (95% CI; 0.12-0.77) in participants who had >6 ICVHMs. CONCLUSIONS From an ICVHM perspective, enhanced cardiovascular benefits were observed in individuals with renal insufficiency, coupled with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Furthermore, when compared with individuals with normal renal function, increased ICVHMs can mitigate adverse risks associated with renal impairment.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Nutrition Surveys ; Middle Aged ; Renal Insufficiency/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Prognosis ; Adult ; Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality* ; Glomerular Filtration Rate/physiology* ; Proportional Hazards Models

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on prognosis of patients older than 80 years after hip fracture. METHODS: This retrospective, observational, single-center study included patients older than 80 years who underwent hip fracture operations between Feburary 2013 to June 2021 at our hospital. Patients were divided into CKD and non-GKD groups based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/(min·1.73m²)] or not. Outcomes were the incidence of in-hospital postoperative infectious and non-infectious complications, 30-day readmission, and in-hospital death. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of CKD on these outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 498 patients were included, 165 in the CKD group and 333 in the non-CKD group. Eighty-seven (52.7%) CKD patients experienced 140 episodes of postoperative complications. In comparison, 114 (34.2%) non-CKD patients had 158 episodes of postoperative complications. CKD patients were more likely to have postoperative complications than non-CKD patients (OR = 2.143, 95% CI: 1.465-3.134, P < 0.001). CKD increased the risk of cardiovascular complications (OR = 2.044, 95% CI: 1.245-3.356, P = 0.004), acute kidney injury (OR = 3.401, 95% CI: 1.905-6.072, P < 0.001), delirium (OR = 2.276, 95% CI: 1.140-4.543, P = 0.024), and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 4.151, 95% CI: 1.025-16.812, P = 0.031). The transfusion rate (OR = 2.457, 95% CI: 1.668-3.618, P < 0.001) and incidence of 30-day readmission (OR = 2.426, 95% CI:1.203-4.892, P = 0.011) in CKD patients were significantly higher than those in patients without CKD. CONCLUSIONS CKD is associated with poor postoperative outcomes in geriatric hip fracture patients. Special attention should be paid to patients with CKD.
Humans ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/physiopathology* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; Hip Fractures/complications* ; Male ; Female ; Patient Readmission/statistics & numerical data* ; Retrospective Studies ; Glomerular Filtration Rate

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals are significant risk factors for kidney function. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to heavy metals negatively correlates with kidney function through oxidative stress pathways, and serum α-klotho is linked to oxidative stress. However, the role of α-klotho in the relationship between blood lead, mercury, and kidney function remains unclear. METHOD: This study evaluated the mediating role of alpha-klotho in the relationship between lead, mercury and renal function, using data from the 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in U.S. adults aged 40-79. The sample included 11,032 participants, with blood lead, mercury, α-klotho, and other relevant covariates measured. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to assess blood lead and mercury levels, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure serum α-klotho. Kidney function was evaluated using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on creatinine levels. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to analyze the relationships between blood lead, mercury, α-klotho, and eGFR. A mediation analysis model was used to assess whether α-klotho influenced these associations. RESULTS: We observed a significant association between blood lead and eGFR. Mediation analysis revealed that α-klotho accounted for 12.76% of the relationship between serum lead and eGFR in the NHANES population. Subgroup analysis showed that α-klotho mediated 12.43%, 6.87%, 21.50% and 5.44% of the relationship between blood lead and eGFR in women, middle-aged adults (40-59 years old), without cardiovascular disease and hypertension, respectively. However, α-klotho did not mediate the relationship between blood mercury and eGFR in terms of gender or age. This newly identified pathway may provide valuable insights for the prevention and treatment mechanisms related to kidney function impairment. CONCLUSION We found that blood lead was associated with renal function. According to the results of subgroup analysis, for blood lead, serum α-klotho mediated the association in females, middle aged 60-79 years. The relationship between blood mercury and renal function was not clinically significant, and serum α-Klotho mediated the relationship between blood mercury and renal function without significant clinical significance.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Lead/blood* ; Female ; Klotho Proteins ; Male ; Aged ; Adult ; Mercury/blood* ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Nutrition Surveys ; United States ; Kidney/physiology* ; Glucuronidase/blood* ; Environmental Pollutants/blood*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the value of serum cystatin C (CysC) levels in evaluating renal prognosis in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of IgAN patients diagnosed by renal biopsy at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January, 2014 to December, 2018. Based on baseline serum CysC levels, the patients were divided into high serum CysC (>1.03 mg/L) group and normal serum CysC (≤1.03 mg/L) group. The composite endpoint for poor renal prognosis was defined as ≥50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and/or progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Lasso regression, multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to identify the risk factors and compare renal survival rates between the two groups. Smooth curves fitting and threshold effect analysis were used to explore the relationship between serum CysC levels and the outcomes. A nomogram model was constructed and its predictive performance was evaluated using concordance index, calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 356 IgAN patients were enrolled, who were followed up for 4.65±0.93 years. The composite endpoint occurred in 74 patients. High serum CysC was identified as an independent risk factor for poor renal prognosis in IgAN (HR=2.142, 95% CI 1.222 to 3.755), and the patients with high serum CysC levels had a lower renal survival rate (Log-rank χ²=47.970, P<0.001). In patients with serum CysC below 2.12 mg/L, a higher CysC level was associated with an increased risk of poor renal prognosis (β=3.487, 95% CI: 2.561-4.413, P<0.001), while above this level, the increase of the risk was not significant (β=0.676, 95% CI: -0.642-1.995, P=0.315). The nomogram model based on serum CysC and 3 other independent risk factors demonstrated good internal validity with a concordance index of 0.873 (95% CI: 0.839-0.907) and an AUC of 0.909 (95% CI: 0.873-0.945). CONCLUSIONS Serum CysC levels are associated with renal prognosis in IgAN patients, and high serum CysC an independent risk factor for poor renal prognosis.
Humans ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA/diagnosis* ; Cystatin C/blood* ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors ; Retrospective Studies ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Nomograms ; Middle Aged

Objective To investigate the value of repeat renal biopsy in the treatment and prognosis of nephrotic syndrome(NS)and acute kidney injury(AKI)following immunosuppressive therapy in patients with lupus nephritis(LN). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted for the clinicopathological data and follow-up records of LN patients undergoing repeat renal biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1,2009 to December 31,2021. Results A total of 76 patients(55 females,72.4%)were included in this study,with the mean age at the first biopsy being(29.0±10.4)years,the median inter-biopsy interval of 4.0(2.0,7.0) years,and the median total follow-up duration of 7.5(5.0,13.8)years.Pathological transformation occurred in 46(60.5%)patients,and 2 patients had comorbid diabetic nephropathy.At repeat renal biopsy,50(65.8%) patients presented NS.These patients demonstrated lower estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)(P<0.001),higher chronicity index(CI)(P=0.029),and higher complement C3(P<0.001)and C4(P<0.001)levels than those with NS at the first renal biopsy(n=50).Among the 28(36.8%) patients with AKI at repeat renal biopsy,8(28.6%)experienced acute exacerbation of chronic renal insufficiency.These patients exhibited higher serum creatinine level(P=0.002),C4 level(P=0.033),CI(P=0.042),and prevalence of thrombotic microangiopathy(P=0.046)than the patients showing AKI at the first renal biopsy(n=16),while the activity index(AI)showed no significant difference(P=0.051).Over 50% of NS and AKI patients underwent treatment modifications post-repeat renal biopsy,with clinical remission rates comparable to those after the first renal biopsy(both P>0.05).Elevated CI(≥5,P=0.001)and serum creatinine(≥140 μmol/L,P<0.001)at repeat renal biopsy were identified as independent risk factors for poor prognosis.The patients with AKI at repeat renal biopsy had higher incidence of endpoint events than the non-AKI patients(P=0.015).Neither AKI at the first renal biopsy nor NS at both biopsies had significant associations with prognosis. Conclusions Repeat renal biopsy reveals not only sustained high disease activity but also accelerates chronic progression in LN patients,which underscore its critical role in guiding the therapy for severe LN post-immunosuppression.AKI,CI≥5,and serum creatinine ≥140 μmol/L at repeat renal biopsy are strongly associated with poor prognosis.
Humans ; Lupus Nephritis/drug therapy* ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Male ; Prognosis ; Biopsy ; Kidney/pathology* ; Acute Kidney Injury/pathology* ; Nephrotic Syndrome/pathology* ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Young Adult ; Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use* ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health threat with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite current therapies, there is a need for innovative interventions to slow CKD progression. Probiotic supplementation shows promise due to its positive effects on gastrointestinal health and inflammation. However, existing research is inconclusive, necessitating a meta-analysis to assess probiotics’ impact on CKD outcomes.

To evaluate the existing scientific literature among probiotic supplementation and the improvement in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients compared to placebo treatment.

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to 2023. Studies that meet the predefined eligibility criteria were included. Data extraction was performed, and methodological quality and risk of bias assessment was conducted for each study. Effect measures, such as mean differences or standardized mean differences, were used to quantify the association between probiotic supplementation and GFR improvement. The random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall effect size, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed, and sensitivity analyses was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the findings.

The meta-analysis encompassed three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted from 2017 to 2023, involving 121 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The analysis focused on the impact of probiotic supplementation on CKD, examining Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), and Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (UPCR). While no significant distinctions were found in GFR and BUN changes between probiotics and placebos, there was a statistically significant reduction in UPCR associated with probiotic supplementation in one study. Notably, considerable heterogeneity in GFR and significant heterogeneity in UPCR reduction were observed among the trials. Sensitivity analysis, excluding studies with small sample sizes or high bias risk, remained consistent with overall findings.

The meta-analysis indicated no significant impact of probiotic supplementation on GFR and BUN, but there was a notable reduction in Urine UPCR. The observed heterogeneity among the studies calls for cautious interpretation due to variations in study designs, patient populations, and probiotic formulations. While the results suggest a potential role for probiotics in reducing proteinuria in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the need for further research with larger sample sizes and standardized methodologies is emphasized to establish definitive conclusions.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the factors associated with readmission in patients with congestive heart failure (HF) receiving long-term administration of tolvaptan (TLV) to support treatment decisions for HF. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 181 patients with congestive HF who received long-term administration of TLV. Long-term administration of TLV was defined as the administration of TLV for 60 days or longer. The outcome was a readmission event for worsening HF within 1 year after discharge. Significant factors associated with readmission were selected using multivariate analysis. To compare the time to readmission using significant factors extracted in a multivariate analysis, readmission curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method and analysed using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The median age was 78 years (range, 38-96 years), 117 patients (64.6%) were males, and 77 patients (42.5%) had a hospitalisation history of HF. Readmission for worsening HF within 1 year after long-term TLV treatment occurred in 62 patients (34.3%). In the multivariate analysis, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (odds ratio, 3.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.661-6.249; P = 0.001) was an independent significant factor. When eGFR at discharge was divided into two groups (eGFR < 30 vs. eGFR ≥ 30), readmission rates within 1 year were 53.3% vs. 25.4%, respectively ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION We revealed that eGFR was strongly associated with readmission in patients with HF who received long-term administration of TLV. Furthermore, we showed that eGFR is an important indicator in guiding treatment of HF in patients receiving TLV.
Humans ; Tolvaptan/therapeutic use* ; Heart Failure/drug therapy* ; Male ; Female ; Patient Readmission/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged, 80 and over ; Middle Aged ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Adult ; Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use* ; Risk Factors ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Multivariate Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Management of aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may often be overlooked, and this could confer poorer outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients ( n = 727) with index echocardiographic diagnosis of moderate to severe AS (aortic valve area <1.5 cm 2 ) were examined. They were divided into those with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min) and those without. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters were compared, and a multivariate Cox regression model was constructed. Clinical outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: There were 270 (37.1%) patients with concomitant CKD. The CKD group was older (78.0 ± 10.3 vs. 72.1 ± 12.9 years, P < 0.001), with a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and ischaemic heart disease. AS severity did not differ significantly, but left ventricular (LV) mass index (119.4 ± 43.7 vs. 112.3 ± 40.6 g/m 2 , P = 0.027) and Doppler mitral inflow E to annular tissue Doppler e' ratio (E: e' 21.5 ± 14.6 vs. 17.8 ± 12.2, P = 0.001) were higher in the CKD group. There was higher mortality (log-rank 51.5, P < 0.001) and more frequent admissions for cardiac failure (log-rank 25.9, P < 0.001) in the CKD group, with a lower incidence of aortic valve replacement (log-rank 7.12, P = 0.008). On multivariate analyses, after adjusting for aortic valve area, age, left ventricular ejection fraction and clinical comorbidities, CKD remained independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.50-2.57, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Concomitant CKD in patients with moderate to severe AS was associated with increased mortality, more frequent admissions for cardiac failure and a lower incidence of aortic valve replacement.
Humans ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complications* ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Middle Aged ; Severity of Illness Index ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Echocardiography ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Retrospective Studies ; Aortic Valve/surgery* ; Echocardiography, Doppler