The HRQOL of transplant patients is clearly better than that of chronic HD patients and similar to that of the general population. Differences in the HRQOL within transplant patients did not appear to be as a result of patient's age, but rather it would appear to be a consequence of gender, analytic figures, CI, KPS score, time with transplant, and educational level.

Background. Vascular calcifications and the bone fractures caused by abnormal bone fragility, also called osteoporotic fractures, are frequent complications associated with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between vascular calcifications, osteoporotic bone fractures and survival in haemodialysis (HD) patients.Methods. A total of 193 HD patients were followed up to 2 years. Vascular calcifications and osteoporotic vertebral fractures (quoted just as vertebral fractures in the text) were assessed by thoracic, lumbar spine, pelvic and hand X-rays and graded according to their severity. Clinical, biochemical and therapeutic data gathered during the total time spent on HD were collected.Results. The prevalence of aortic calcifications was higher in HD patients than in a random-based general population (79% versus 37.5%, P < 0.001). Total time on any renal replacement therapy (RRT) and diabetes were positively associated with a higher prevalence of vascular calcifications. In addition to these factors, time on HD was also positively associated with the severity of vascular calcifications, and higher haemoglobin levels were associated with a lower prevalence of severe vascular calcifications in large and medium calibre arteries. The prevalence of vertebral fractures in HD patients was similar to that of the general population (26.5% versus 24.1%). Age and time on HD showed a positive and statistically significant association with the prevalence of vertebral fractures. Vascular calcifications in the medium calibre arteries were associated with a higher rate of prevalent vertebral fractures. In women, severe vascular calcifications and vertebral fractures were positively associated with mortality [RR = 3.2 (1.0–10.0) and RR = 4.8 (1.7–13.4), respectively].Conclusions. Positive associations between vascular calcifications, vertebral fractures and mortality have been found in patients on HD.

In kidney transplantation, operational tolerance and almost tolerance are infrequent findings associated with excellent long-term death-censored graft survival.

J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f SPECIAL ARTICLE Recommendations on the management of the SARS-Co V-2 coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) in kidney transplant patients Recomendaciones en el manejo de la pandemia por coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) en pacientes con trasplante renal SUMMARY The SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) coronavirus pandemic is evolving very quickly and means a special risk for both immunosuppressed and comorbid patients. Knowledge about this growing infection is also increasing although many uncertainties remain, especially in the kidney transplant population. This manuscript presents a proposal for action with general and specific recommendations to protect and prevent infection in this vulnerable population such as kidney transplant recipients.RESUMEN La pandemia de coronavirus del SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) está evolucionando muy rápidamente y significa un riesgo especial para pacientes inmunosuprimidos y con comorbilidad.. El conocimiento sobre esta creciente infección también está aumentando, aunque Page 4 of 19 J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f persisten muchas incertidumbres, especialmente en la población de trasplante de riñón. Este manuscrito presenta una propuesta de acción con recomendaciones generales y específicas para proteger y prevenir la infección en esta población vulnerable, como los receptores de trasplante de riñón. Palabras clave: Covid-19, trasplante renal, inmunodeprimido, SARS-CoV-2.

The lack of an adequate AVF at the start of haemodialysis decreases survival significantly-even if patients are not diabetic, are referred to a nephrologist early and planned haemodialysis is initiated. It also increases the cost of each prevented death.