Background/objectivesVascular damage contributes to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Increased aortic stiffness measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) is a strong and independent predictor of the cardiovascular risk in ESRD patients. Recently, there has been considerable interest in developing strategies to lessen the progression of arterial stiffness in ESRD patients using cf-PWV as a tool to monitor therapeutic responses, but their benefit on the long-term cardiovascular risk is not known. Appraisal of the effects of existing stiffness-based interventions on the cf-PWV would facilitate selecting optimal therapies to be tested in randomized clinical trials. The aim of this systematic review will be to evaluate the impact of arterial stiffness-based interventions on the cf-PWV in ESRD patients. Secondarily, for each intervention, we will determine the minimal duration needed to achieve a significant reduction of cf-PWV, the minimal cf-PWV reduction threshold or effect size, and adverse events.Methods/designThis review will be conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EBM Reviews. We will select clinical trials and observational studies (cohort, case-control, and before/after studies and case series) that evaluated pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic interventions in which the primary effect is to improve structural and/or dynamic components of arterial stiffness in adults with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. The primary outcome of interest will be cf-PWV. Study selection and data collection will be performed by two reviewers. Validated tools will be used to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias among different study designs. We will describe all included citations according to study characteristics, methodological quality, and outcomes. Suitability for meta-analysis will be determined by the degree of clinical and statistical heterogeneity between studies. If appropriate, we will calculate effect estimates by obtaining the relative risks with 95 % confidence intervals pooled according to study design using a random effects model.DiscussionThis review will summarize evidence regarding effects of interventions targeting arterial stiffness in ESRD patients. Our results will inform clinicians and researchers on the type of existing arterial stiffness-based interventions for ESRD patients and their potential efficacy and safety, with a goal to guide future clinical trials aimed at reducing adverse cardiovascular events.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42016033463Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13643-016-0286-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Introduction Increased carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) indicates enhanced aortic stiffness and mortality risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of nonpharmacologic interventions in adults with ESRD to determine their effects on cf-PWV, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and intervention-associated adverse events. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EBM databases were searched. Study screening, selection, data collection, and methodological quality assessments were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Pooled-effect estimates from mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effect models. Results A total of 2166 subjects with ESRD from 33 studies (17 randomized; 16 nonrandomized) were included. Four intervention-comparator pairs were meta-analyzed. Quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Kidney transplantation decreased cf-PWV (−0.70 m/s; CI: –1.3 to −0.11; P = 0.02) and SBP (−8.3 mm Hg; CI: −13.2 to −3.3; P < 0.001) over pretransplantation. In randomized trials, control of fluid overload by bio-impedance reduced cf-PWV (−1.90 m/s; CI: −3.3 to −0.5); P = 0.02) and SBP (−4.3 mm Hg; CI: −7.7 to −0.93); P = 0.01) compared with clinical assessment alone. Cross-sectional studies also demonstrated significantly lower cf-PWV and SBP in normovolemia compared with hypervolemia ( P ≤ 0.01). Low calcium dialysate decreased cf-PWV (−1.70 m/s; CI: −2.4 to −1.0; P < 0.00001) without affecting SBP (−1.6 mm Hg; CI: −8.9 to 5.8; P = 0.61). Intradialytic exercise compared with no exercise reduced cf-PWV (−1.13 m/s; CI: −2.2 to −0.03; P = 0.04), but not SBP (+0.5 mm Hg; CI: −9.5 to 10.4); P = 0.93). Conclusions Several nonpharmacologic interventions effectively decrease aortic stiffness in ESRD. The impact of these interventions on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality risk reduction in ESRD requires further study.
Background: Increased carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), a surrogate of increased aortic stiffness, is a risk factor for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To minimize the deleterious effects of an increased aortic stiffness in ESRD patients, several interventions have been developed and cf-PWV has been used to monitor responses. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of pharmacologic interventions that target aortic stiffness on cf-PWV and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in adults with ESRD. Study design: This study implements a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Health Technology Assessment, and EBM databases were searched. Study eligibility, participants, and interventions: Randomized and non-randomized studies involving adults (>18 years) with ESRD of any duration, receiving or not renal replacement therapy (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis) and exposed to a pharmacologic intervention whose effects were assessed by cf-PWV. Methods: Study screening, selection, data extraction, and quality assessments were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Narrative synthesis and quantitative data analysis summarized the review. Results: We included 1027 ESRD participants from 13 randomized and 5 non-randomized studies. Most pharmacologic interventions targeted bone mineral metabolism disorder or hypertension. Treatment with vitamin D analogues or cinacalcet did not decrease cf-PWV or SBP over placebo or matched controls ( P > .05). Calcium-channel blockers (CCB) decreased cf-PWV and SBP compared with placebo or standard care ( P < .05). Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors did not show any advantage over placebo in decreasing cf-PWV ( P > .05). Limitations: Quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Overall evidence was limited by the low number of studies, small sample sizes, and methodological inconsistencies. Conclusions: Pharmacologic interventions targeting aortic stiffness in ESRD have mixed effects on reducing cf-PWV, with some strategies suggesting potential benefit. The quality of evidence, however, is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions on their use to slow progression of aortic stiffness in ESRD. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm these associations and their impact on cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD. Registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016033463)
Background Advanced colorectal neoplasms (ACNs), including colorectal cancers (CRC) and high-risk adenomas (HRA), are detected in less than 20% of persons aged 50 years or older who undergo colonoscopy. We sought to derive predictive models that identify persons at high risk of harbouring ACNs to improve the rational allocation of colonoscopy resources. Methods We characterized neoplastic findings through chart review for consecutive individuals aged 50 years or older who underwent outpatient colonoscopy at The Ottawa Hospital (Ottawa, Canada) between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2012 for low-to-moderate risk indications. We collected candidate predictors from chart review and population-level health administrative datasets to derive multivariable logistic regression models for risk of harboring ACNs at colonoscopy. We assessed model discriminatory capacity and calibration and ability of the models to improve colonoscopy specificity while maintaining excellent sensitivity for ACN capture. Results We modelled 17 candidate predictors in 11,724 individuals. The final CRC model comprised 8 variables and had a c-statistic value of 0.957 and a goodness-of-fit p-value of 0.527. Application of the models to our cohort permitted 100% sensitivity for identifying persons with CRC and > 90% sensitivity for identifying persons with HRA, while improving colonoscopy specificity for ACNs by 23.8%. Conclusions Our multivariable models show excellent discriminatory capacity for persons with ACNs and can significantly increase colonoscopy specificity. If validated, these models could allow more efficient allocation of colonoscopy resources, potentially reducing wait times for those at higher risk while deferring unnecessary colonoscopies in low-risk individuals.
Mycobacterium senegalense is primarily known in sub-Saharan Africa to cause bovine farcy, a chronic granulomatous inflammation of the skin and lymphatics in cows.Reports of M. senegalense are rare among humans. We report a unique case of M. senegalense bloodstream infection in a living donor kidney transplant recipient with multiple possible sources of infection.
Background: Controversy exists as to whether the insertion of temporary hemodialysis catheters (THDCs) should remain a mandatory requirement of nephrology fellowship training in Canada. A survey conducted by our group in 2012 showed that many nephrology trainees reported inadequate training to achieve procedural competence. Objective: To determine the current practices and training of the insertion of THDCs in nephrology fellowship programs in Canada and how this has evolved since 2012. Design: A survey study was designed comprising the following sections: demographics, details regarding the number and types of THDCs inserted within the past 6 months of fellowship training, adherence to sterile techniques, the use of ultrasound guidance during THDC insertion, training for THDC insertion received before and during nephrology fellowship, and self-perceived adequacy of training and competence in THDC insertion. Setting: The survey was distributed by e-mail in May 2018 either directly or through Canadian nephrology training programs. Participants: Current trainees of Canadian adult nephrology training programs. Measurements: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the summarized data. The means and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were used to summarize the number of THDC insertions performed, and the categorical data, including data on training and self-perceived competency, were reported using frequencies and percentages. A chi-squared test was used to evaluate the relationship between those who received simulation-based training and self-perceived confidence in either internal jugular or femoral catheter insertion. Methods: An online survey, available in both English and French, was distributed to all adult nephrology trainees in Canada in May 2018 either directly or through their respective programs. Results: Completed surveys were received from 46 of 136 nephrology trainees across Canada (34%). Of those who responded, the median (IQR) number of combined femoral and/or internal jugular THDCs inserted in the past 6 months of fellowship training was 3 (1-6). Eight respondents (17%) indicated that they had not inserted a THDC in the past 6 months. However, only 7 of 42 respondents (17%) indicated that they did not feel competent or adequately trained to perform either femoral or internal jugular THDC insertion. Limitations: Limitations of the study include participation of trainees at different stages of their training. Many trainees indicated that it was not a requirement to keep a formal log of their procedures performed and likely had recall bias when reporting their procedure details. Conclusions: Nephrology fellows in Canada are performing fewer THDC insertions compared to 2012 but report higher levels of self-perceived competence and better training. This may be as a result of significantly more simulation-based training. Our data suggest that training to procedural mastery using simulation-based techniques may be a path to ensuring adequate training for THDC insertion despite fewer procedures being performed during training.
Background Iron deficiency anemia in the absence of overt bleeding can result from chronic occult blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract. When esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy fail to demonstrate clinically significant lesions (CSLs), practitioners often consider small bowel investigations, such as CT enterography and video capsule endoscopy. Although most society guidelines recommend further investigations to evaluate the small bowel, few studies have evaluated the utility of small bowel radiographic imaging in this setting.Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating the rates and types of CSLs identified during EGD, colonoscopy and small bowel imaging among individuals over age 50 who were referred for new-onset iron deficiency anemia without overt bleeding. Data was collected on 334 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy with or without EGD to evaluate new-onset iron deficiency anemia at The Ottawa Hospital from January 1, 2010 to March 30, 2012. We evaluated the frequency of CSLs among all patients and those who further underwent small bowel radiographic imaging.Results Of the 332 individuals who underwent colonoscopy, 42 (12.7%) were found to have a CSL, with 37 of these being malignancy or high-grade adenomas. Of the 258 individuals who also underwent EGD, 49 (19.0%) had CSLs, including 11 vascular ectasias, 15 peptic ulcer disease, 8 celiac disease, 8 severe erosive esophagitis, and 9 esophageal varices. Of 243 patients who did not have any CSLs identified on colonoscopy +/- EGD, 75 underwent subsequent small bowel imaging, and 9 patients underwent small bowel imaging despite having a CSL found on endoscopy. A total of 84 patients underwent subsequent small bowel imaging (68 CT enterography, 13 small bowel follow-through, one MR enterography, one CT enteroclysis, and one push enteroscopy). In these 84 patients, only one relevant CSL was found (inflammatory bowel disease).Conclusions Upper and lower endoscopy are valuable tools for diagnosing gastrointestinal tract lesions in individuals over the age of 50 with newly diagnosed iron deficiency anemia in the absence of overt bleeding. CT enterography and small bowel follow-through have limited utility in this setting.
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