Inherited kidney disease and CAKUT are common causes of kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy: an ERA Registry study.

Background: Inherited kidney diseases (IKD) and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are causes of kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT) that major renal registries usually amalgamate into the primary renal disease (PRD) category 'miscellaneous' or in the glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis categories. This makes IKDs invisible (except for polycystic kidney disease) and may negatively influence the use of genetic testing, which may identify a cause for IKDs and some CAKUT.

Methods: We have re-examined the etiology of KRT by composing a separate IKD and CAKUT PRD group using data from the European Renal Association (ERA) Registry.

A comparison of the epidemiology of kidney replacement therapy between Europe and the United States: 2021 data of the ERA Registry and the USRDS.

Background: This paper compares the most recent data on the incidence and prevalence of kidney replacement therapy (KRT), kidney transplantation rates, and mortality on KRT from Europe to those from the United States (US), including comparisons of treatment modalities (haemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and kidney transplantation (KTx)).

Methods: Data were derived from the annual reports of the European Renal Association (ERA) Registry and the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). The European data include information from national and regional renal registries providing the ERA Registry with individual patient data.

COVID-19 Pandemic in Dialysis Patients: The Swiss Experience.

Background: Chronic dialysis patients are classified as patients with increased risk for COVID-19. Knowledge about the incidence and survival of chronic dialysis patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Switzerland - a high-income country with high density of relatively small dialysis centers - is scarce. We present the findings regarding incidence, survival and regional differences, compared to those of the general population in Switzerland.

[Managing diabetic kidney disease].

Managing diabetic kidney disease Diabetic kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality and is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. A heterogeneous set of pathological mechanisms drives the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease. A comprehensive diagnostic work-up and repeated reevaluation are needed since diabetic patients can suffer from other nephropathies with a clinical presentation similar to diabetic kidney disease.

Data from the ERA-EDTA Registry were examined for trends in excess mortality in European adults on kidney replacement therapy.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the improvement in survival seen in patients on kidney replacement therapy reflects the enhanced survival of the general population. Patient and general population statistics were obtained from the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry and the World Health Organization databases, respectively. Relative survival models were composed to examine trends over time in all-cause and cause-specific excess mortality, stratified by age and modality of kidney replacement therapy, and adjusted for sex, primary kidney disease and country.

Polypharmacy and Kidney Function in Community-Dwelling Adults Age 60 Years and Older: A Prospective Observational Study.

Objectives: Information on the impact of polypharmacy on kidney function in older adults is limited. We prospectively investigated the association between intake of total number of drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and kidney function.

Design: Our study is a prospective observational analysis of the 2-year Zurich Multiple Endpoint Vitamin D Trial in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.

The European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry Annual Report 2015: a summary.

Background: This article summarizes the European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry's 2015 Annual Report. It describes the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2015 within 36 countries.

Methods: In 2016 and 2017, the ERA-EDTA Registry received data on patients who were undergoing RRT for ESRD in 2015, from 52 national or regional renal registries.

The European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry Annual Report 2014: a summary.

This article summarizes the European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry's 2014 annual report. It describes the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2014 within 35 countries. In 2016, the ERA-EDTA Registry received data on patients who in 2014 where undergoing RRT for ESRD, from 51 national or regional renal registries.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Cost Effectiveness of High Cut-Off Dialyzers Compared to Conventional Dialysis in Patients with Cast Nephropathy.

Background: High Cut-Off (HCO) dialysis membranes efficiently reduce serum free light chain (FLC) concentrations and may improve renal recovery and survival from multiple myeloma (MM) associated renal failure with cast nephropathy. However, clinical trials comparing dialysis with HCO versus conventional filters are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes and economic impact of HCO dialyzers compared to conventional hemodialysis membranes in cast nephropathy.

Quantification of excretory renal function and urinary protein excretion by determination of body cell mass using bioimpedance analysis.

Background: Creatinine clearance (CrCl) based on 24 h urine collection is an established method to determine glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, its measurement is cumbersome and the results are frequently inaccurate. The aim of this study was to develop an alternative method to predict CrCl and urinary protein excretion based on plasma creatinine and the quantification of muscle mass through bioimpedance analysis (BIA).

A randomized, open-label trial of iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer®) compared with iron sucrose (Venofer®) as maintenance therapy in haemodialysis patients.

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease, and intravenous iron is the preferred treatment for those on haemodialysis. The aim of this trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer®) with iron sucrose (Venofer®) in haemodialysis patients.

Methods: This was an open-label, randomized, multicentre, non-inferiority trial conducted in 351 haemodialysis subjects randomized 2:1 to either iron isomaltoside 1000 (Group A) or iron sucrose (Group B).

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease in a primary care setting: a Swiss cross-sectional study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often remains clinically silent and therefore undiagnosed until a progressed stage is reached. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of CKD in a primary care setting in Switzerland. A multicenter, cross-sectional study with randomly selected general practitioners was performed.

Correction of metabolic acidosis with potassium citrate in renal transplant patients and its effect on bone quality.

Background: Acidosis and transplantation are associated with increased risk of bone disturbances. This study aimed to assess bone morphology and metabolism in acidotic patients with a renal graft, and to ameliorate bone characteristics by restoration of acid/base homeostasis with potassium citrate.

Methods: This was a 12-month controlled, randomized, interventional trial that included 30 renal transplant patients with metabolic acidosis (S-[HCO(3)(-)] <24 mmol/L) undergoing treatment with either potassium citrate to maintain S-[HCO(3)(-)] >24 mmol/L, or potassium chloride (control group).

Epidemiologic trends in chronic renal replacement therapy over forty years: a Swiss dialysis experience.

Background: Long term longitudinal data are scarce on epidemiological characteristics and patient outcomes in patients on maintenance dialysis, especially in Switzerland. We examined changes in epidemiology of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy by either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis over four decades.

Methods: Single center retrospective study including all patients which initiated dialysis treatment for ESRD between 1970 and 2008.

Protein intake in renal and hepatic disease.

The kidney and the liver play a central role in protein metabolism. Synthesis of albumin and other proteins occurs mainly in the liver, whereas protein breakdown and excretion are handled through an intricate interaction between these two organ systems. Thus, disease states of either the liver and/or the kidney invariably result in clinically relevant disturbances of protein metabolism.

Basal cell carcinoma in a series of renal transplant recipients: epidemiology and clinicopathologic features.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy among Caucasians worldwide. The risk of BCC is 10-16 times higher among immunosuppressed transplant recipients compared with the general population.

Objective: To analyze the incidence, clinical presentation, histologic features, treatment and recurrence rate of BCC in a cohort of 69 renal transplant recipients (RTRs; 53 male).

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A is an independent short-time predictor of mortality in patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

Aims: Mortality of maintenance haemodialysis (HD) patients is very high due to polymorbidity, mostly from metabolic and cardiovascular disease. In order to identify patients with high risk for life-threatening complications, reliable prognostic markers would be helpful. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) has been shown to predict cardiovascular events and death in patients with stable coronary artery disease as well as in acute coronary syndrome in patients with normal renal function.

Impact of gastrointestinal-related side effects on mycophenolate mofetil dosing and potential therapeutic strategies.

In renal transplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), maintaining an adequate dosing regimen has been shown to maximize short- and long-term outcomes. Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events associated with MMF are frequent, and lead to MMF dose reduction or withdrawal in 40-50% of cases. Among MMF-treated patients experiencing GI complications, one analysis has reported MMF discontinuation to be associated with almost a threefold increase in risk of graft loss, while a dose reduction > or = 50% carried over a twofold increase in risk.

Posttransplant acidosis and associated disorders of mineral metabolism in patients with a renal graft.

Background: Persisting disturbances in acid/base homeostasis may have an impact on several metabolic aspects of individuals with a kidney graft, specifically with regard to mineral metabolism and bone.

Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional analysis among 823 unselected patients being transplanted with a functioning renal allograft who had at least one measurement of venous serum bicarbonate available within a 4-year period before May 1, 2005. As a determinate of metabolic acidosis bicarbonate was measured along with serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and other routine serological and epidemiological parameters.

Posttransplant metabolic acidosis: a neglected factor in renal transplantation?

Purpose Of Review: The occurrence and pathogenesis of metabolic acidosis after renal transplantation is reviewed. Posttransplant acidosis is shown to be a key mechanism for major metabolic complications in mineral and muscle metabolism, and for anemia, discussed in the context of both acidosis and renal transplantation.

Recent Findings: Continuous improvement in kidney transplant survival has shifted attention to long-term outcomes, specifically to disorders linked to cardiovascular disease, physical capacity and quality of life.

Combination therapy with ribavirin and amantadine in renal transplant patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection is not superior to ribavirin alone.

Background: Standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection based on interferon is not an option in renal transplant recipients due to the high risk of acute allograft rejection.

Objectives: To assess efficacy and tolerability of combined treatment with ribavirin and amantadine regarding viral clearance, normalization of liver enzymes, and improvement of HCV-related hepatopathy and graft nephropathy in HCV-RNA-positive renal transplant patients.

Study Design: Prospective randomized controlled study comparing ribavirin, 1000 mg daily (n=7), versus ribavirin, 1000 mg, in combination with amantadine, 200 mg daily (n=8), for 12 months, versus no therapy (controls, n=26).

A vaccine for hypertension based on virus-like particles: preclinical efficacy and phase I safety and immunogenicity.

Background: Despite the availability of efficacious drugs, the success of treating hypertension is limited by patients' inconsistent drug intake. Immunization against angiotensin II may offer a valuable alternative to conventional drugs for the treatment of hypertension, because vaccines induce relatively long-lasting effects and do not require daily dosing. Here we describe the preclinical development and the phase I clinical trial testing of a virus-like particle (VLP)-based antihypertensive vaccine.