The Impact of Finerenone on Changes in Pulse Wave Velocity, Arterial Pressure and Heart Related Deaths in Hemodialysis Patients—Study Perspective

The description in the abstract lacks clear logic and a comprehensive summary of this study, so please revise and improve it according to the design theme and main content of this study, and describe it in the order of (research background), purpose/aim, method, results and conclusions. The introduction of the abstract and preface is rather lengthy, but the summary of the whole study and the presentation of the research background are not perfect (mainly because the logic of the context is not clear and orderly), so it will appear a bit messy. Hope to be able to modify (this has been mentioned in the preliminary opinion). Cardiovascular events (CVE) pose a significant threat to individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), yet these patients are often excluded from cardiovascular clinical trials, leaving prognostic factors associated with CVE in ESRD patients largely unexplored. Recent human studies have demonstrated elevated circulating aldosterone levels in ESRD patients, correlating with left ventricular hypertrophy. Additionally, animal models have shown improvements in uremic cardiomyopathy with spironolactone therapy, prompting interest in assessing the efficacy of spironolactone or eplerenone in reducing mortality and improving cardiovascular function in dialysis patients. Clinicians have historically been cautious about prescribing mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) to congestive heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to hyperkalemia risk. However, the emergence of finerenone, a novel MR antagonist with a favorable safety profile and lower hyperkalemia risk, has renewed interest in MRA therapy in this population. Heart disease, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and left ventricular failure, is alarmingly prevalent in dialysis patients, contributing significantly to elevated mortality rates compared to the general population. Arterial stiffness, as indicated by pulse wave velocity (PWV), progressively worsens with advancing CKD stages, peaking in severity among ESRD patients undergoing dialysis. High PWV serves as a crucial risk stratification tool in ESRD. Elevated NT-proBNP and BNP levels in ESRD patients are well-documented, with significant associations observed between baseline peptide concentrations and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. By incorporating finerenone into our study, we aim to investigate its potential benefits in reducing arterial stiffness, lowering blood pressure, and ultimately mitigating heart-related mortality among hemodialysis patients. This study holds substantial implications for hypertension and cardiovascular risk management in this vulnerable patient population. Eligible participants must have been on chronic hemodialysis for at least three months, with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers included in their therapy at maximum tolerable doses. Serum potassium levels 5.7 mmol/L, left ventricular ejection fraction 50%, and PWV higher than age-estimated values are also prerequisites for study entry. Randomized allocation will be conducted using a permuted block design, stratified by center, with allocation communicated via signed study forms during initial examinations. All steps of this research will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration.

Infective Endocarditis in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Specificities and Therapeutic Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a frequent complication in chronic hemodialysis patients (CHD). The repeated placement and manipulation of central venous catheters, underlying valvulopathies, and immunosuppression are the main predisposing factors for these patients to develop IE. We aimed to highlight the clinical and microbiological specificities of IE in CHD patients, detail the therapeutic management in these patients and identify the risk factors for in-hospital mortality. We included 28 CHD patients in whom the diagnosis of IE was established according to modified Duke criteria. The mean age was 47 ± 17 years. Among them, 57% were hypertensive and 39% were diabetic. The average duration of hemodialysis was 3.5 ± 7 years. The vascular access was a tunnelled jugular catheter, arteriovenous fistula, and temporary catheter in 54%, 28%, and 18% of patients, respectively. Half of the patients presented with heart failure at admission. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus is the most commonly implicated pathogen. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed vegetation in all patients. In 60% of cases, the lesion is located on the mitral valve, and in 35% it is on the tricuspid valve. Patients initially received empirical antibiotic therapy, which was adjusted according to bacteriological results. Valve surgery was indicated in 12 patients, with aortic valve replacement being the most performed procedure followed by tricuspid annuloplasty. The in-hospital mortality rate was 32%. Factors associated with mortality were severe mitral insufficiency (p = 0.036), heart failure (p = 0.043), and the presence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus in blood cultures (p = 0.047). IE is a complication with high morbidity and mortality. Its increasing incidence, specificities in chronic CHD patients, and the complexity of its management require a rigorous preventive strategy. A multidisciplinary collaboration between nephrologists, infectious disease specialists, cardiologists, and surgeons is crucial to optimize therapeutic management.

Effects of physical activity by the teach-back educational method on the physical ability and quality of life in hemodialysis patients:a clinical trial

Objective:To determine the effect of physical activity by using the teach-back educational method on hemodialysis patients’quality of life(QOL)and physical ability.Methods:This is a single-blind clinical trial study involving a control group.A total of 90 patients who admitted to the dialysis centers of Beheshti and Besat hospitals in Hamadan were selected using a convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to intervention(n=45)and control(n=45)groups.Data were collected using a demographic information checklist,a kidney disease QOL questionnaire,and a 6-minute-walk distance(6MWD)checklist.The patients’QOL questionnaire was completed,and the 6MWD was recorded before and at the end of the 2nd,4th,6th,8th,and 12th weeks of the intervention.In the intervention group,the patients were taught to perform physical activities with Pilates stretches in different resistances using the teach-back educational method during dialysis sessions for 12 weeks.Data were analyzed by using the independent t-test and chi-square test using SPSS-22 software.Results:Before the intervention,no differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of demographic characteristics,QOL,and physical ability(P>0.05).The physical ability and QOL levels of patients exercising in the test group were higher than those in the control group after the intervention(P<0.05).Based on the results,the 2 groups significantly differed with regard to the scores of various dimensions of QOL and physical ability after the intervention(P<0.05).Conclusions:Physical activity by using the teach-back method can effectively increase physical ability and improve QOL of hemodialysis patients.Therefore,the recommendations and inclusion of exercise in the dialysis care plan can effectively promote patients’health.

Development of Health Literacy for Regular Hemodialysis Patients in Menoufia Governorate: A Cross-Sectional Study

Health literacy (HL) is essential to access, comprehend, assess and use health data allowing patients to make better health and quality of life decisions. To assess the health literacy level of hemodialysis Egyptian patients, a cross-sectional study from March to September 2020 was conducted at 4 hemodialysis (HD) units on 439 patients. A translated questionnaire including demographic characteristics and health literacy components was conducted. This study adapted Nutbeam’s model incorporating critical health literacy, interactive health literacy, and functional health literacy. Health literacy of hemodialysis patients was satisfactory among 35.5% of the studied patients. The average total score of health literacy questionnaire was (15.53 ± 4.32) distributed as (2.90 ± 1.26) for functional literacy, (3.10 ± 1.26) for basic health knowledge, (1.65 ± 1.21) for communicative literacy, (2.53 ± 0.70) for interactive literacy, (1.75 ± 1.30) for advanced health knowledge, (1.74 ± 0.48) for critical literacy, and (1.83 ± 0.93) for patient safety. It was found that poor health literacy was associated with low income (OR = 2.54, CI 95%: 1.66_3.89, p < 0.001), of increasing age (OR = 0.12 CI 95%: 0.07_0.19, p < 0.001), low education (OR = 1.08, CI 95%: 1.04_1.11, p < 0.001) and the patient did not undergo kidney transplant (OR = 4.19 CI 95%: 1.12_15.62, p = 0.033). There was a prevalent low health literacy among the studied regular hemodialysis patients which was affected by education, age and income and in turn it affected the adherence to treatment. Understanding the linkage between HL and self-care attitudes should enhance efforts to improve hemodialysis outcomes.

Nutritional Status in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Hitherto, there has been no systematic evaluation of the nutritional status of HD patients in Thailand. 27 patients awaiting renal transplantation, 19 M 8 F, age 47.2 ± 8.6y (mean±SD), underwent HD at Ramathibodi Hospital. Dietary assessment revealed the average daily intake of men and women to be respectively 1571 ±314 and 1379 ± 403 kcal, 47 ± 11 and 42 ± 14 g protein. Anthropometric data showed that mean of BMI,percent ideal body weight (%IBW), percent standard triceps skinfold thickness (%TSF) and percent arm muscle circumference (%std MUAMC) to be 20.5 ± 2.6 kg/m2, 90±12, 75 ±30 and 100±13, respectively. However, 37%, 56% and 70% of these patients had BMI, BW and MUAC less than the minimal cut-off levels. These data reflect the importance of energy depletion in these patients. The average serum albumin was 39 ± 6 g/L while 52% suffered from low albumin levels. TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG were 4.34 ± 1.34, 2.9 ±1.06, 0.89 ± 0.33 and 1.10 ± 0.67 mmol/L while 15% had high TC, LDL-C and 58% had low HDL-C levels. Only one patient was suffered from hypertriglyceridemia. Whereas inadequate thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol status were present in 4-30%, toxic levels of serum retinol were seen in almost all patients. Low serum zinc and copper levels were also present. This study disclosed a wide spectrum of nutritional problems usually overlooked in CRF patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Whereas zinc supplementation may be needed, vitamin A suppIementation in these patients should be discouraged

Effect of prayer on the self-care agency and hope in hemodialysis patients

Background:The level of self-care of hemodialysis patients is important in controlling the disease process and symptoms.Nursing care has an important place in the process of resolving existing or developing problems of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment and in adapting to treatment.Prayer is not only a resource that encourages religious/spiritual coping,it is also a spirituality that strengthens hope.Objective:The objective of this study is to determine whether prayer has an effect on self-care agency and hope in hemodialysis patients.Materials and Methods:This is a descriptive and correlational study which was conducted with 180 patients in a private and a public dialysis center.The data of 173 hemodialysis patients who met the inclusion criteria were collected using personal information form,Herth Hope Scale,Self-care Agency Scale,and Prayer Attitude Scale.Results:A positive,moderate,and statistically significant correlation was found between the Prayer Attitude Scale and total score(r=0.144,P=0.048)and sub-scale future(r=0.350,P=0.000)of Herth Hope Scale.And there was positive correlation between the Prayer Attitude Scale and the total score of Self-care Agency Scale(r=0.599,P=0.000)and its five sub-dimensions drug use(r=0.566,P=0.000),diet(r=0.619,P=0.000),self-monitoring(r=0.522,P=0.000),hygienic care(r=0.576,P=0.000)and mental status(r=0.328,P=0.000).Conclusions:The study found that prayer had a positive effect on self-care agency and hope in hemodialysis patients.

The effects of inhaled aromatherapy on complications of hemodialysis patients: a systematic review

Objective:To evaluate the effect of inhaled aromatherapy on complications in patients undergoing hemodialysis.Methods:We search the PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase and China Biomedical Literature Database from their inception to December,2019 to collect randomized controlled trials about the effects of inhaled aromatherapy on hemodialysis complications.Literatures screening,data extraction and risk of bias assessment for the included studies were conducted by two reviewers independently.We summarized all findings with qualitative analysis.Results:A total of 15 studies with 967 participants were included in the systematic review.Inhaled aromatherapy can reduce anxiety,depression,arteriovenous fistula puncture pain,stress and fatigue,and improve the quality of sleep and perceived well-being in hemodialysis patients.Conclusion:Inhaled aromatherapy had certain effects on complications in hemodialysis patients,which can be used as a simple and convenient treatment,but further research was needed to determine standardized implementation procedures and standards.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors among Hemodialysis Patients Monitored at the National Teaching Hospital, Hubert Koutoucou Maga in 2015

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular disease among hemodialysis patients. Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome among hemodialysis patients in Cotonou in 2015. Patients and methods: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted from 05th October to 02nd November 2015 at the National Teaching Hospital, Hubert Koutoucou Maga of Cotonou. All patients aged 18 years and above, regularly under hemodialysis for the past 3 months and who gave their informed consent were included in the study. Those excluded were: currently hospitalized hemodialysis patients, hemodialysis patients hospitalized in the last three months, hemodialysis patients whose general condition deteriorated or unable to answer the questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation’s criteria. Factors associated with metabolic syndrome were sought using logistic regression in univariate analysis. Confidence intervals were calculated at 95% and alpha significance threshold at 5%. Outcomes: In total 165 patients were included in the study. Male predominance was observed, with 1.27 sex-ratios. Average age was 49.3 ± 12.9 years with extremes ranging from 18 to 78 years. Metabolic syndrome is observed among 46 patients undergoing hemodialysis or 27.9% prevalence rate. Factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in univariate analysis were: gender (p 0.001), age (p = 0.007), body mass index (p = 0.029) and prior diabetes history (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is common among hemodialysis patients. Early screening and fighting against associated risk factors are very important.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients at Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined as high blood pressure in the lungs. It is recently described as a vascular disease entity in chronic kidney disease, particularly for chronic hemodialysis patients. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of PH, to describe clinico-biological and morphological characteristics and to identify risk factors associated with PH in hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study during a period of 8 months from January 1, 2019, to August 31, 2019, in the hemodialysis center of nephrology department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital. All chronic hemodialysis patients for more than 3 months and with PH confirmed by cardiac doppler ultrasound were included. Results: During the study period, 25/94 patients on chronic hemodialysis, presented with pulmonary hypertension (26.6%). The mean age was 49.3 ± 12.9 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.92. Exertional dyspnea was found in 18 patients (72%). Cardiac auscultation revealed an arrhythmia in 3 patients (12%), augmented second heart sound in 12 patients (48%). On transthoracic doppler ultrasound, pulmonary systolic arterial pressure was on average 51.4 ± 13.2 mmHg. PH was moderate in 13 patients (52%), mild in 9 patients (36%) and severe in 3 patients (12%). The left ventricular ejection fraction was altered in 9 patients (36%). Three patients (12%) had valve calcifications. They were mainly located at aortic valve (8%) and mitral valve (4%). The major risk factors associated to PH in our patients are pathological fractures (p = 0.023), aortic calcifications (p = 0.023), ischemic heart disease (p = 0.023). The duration of hemodialysis represents another favoring factor (p = 0.042). Also implicated are arrhythmias (p = 0.004), high cardiac index (p = 0.043), ventricular dilatation (p = 0.034) and left atrial dilation (p = 0.015), as well as dilation of the inferior vena cava (p = 0.048).

Sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients:Impact of a structured nursing intervention program

BACKGROUND Poor sleep quality is common among hemodialysis patients and can significantly impact their well-being.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program in improving sleep quality in middleaged and elderly hemodialysis patients.AIM To evaluate the impact of nursing intervention on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital,the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University,in 2023.This study included 105 middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients aged≥45 years who underwent maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 mo,utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)to identify poor sleepers.Those identified underwent a 12-wk nursing intervention program focusing on education,relaxation techniques,and counseling.Post-intervention,sleep quality was reassessed using the PSQI.RESULTS The study found that 68.6%of hemodialysis patients were poor sleepers.Following the 12-wk nursing intervention program,there was a significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score from 8.9±3.2 to 5.1±2.7(P<0.001),indicating improved sleep quality.This demonstrated the effectiveness of the structured nursing intervention in enhancing sleep quality for middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.CONCLUSION The structured nursing intervention program focusing on sleep hygiene education,relaxation techniques,and counseling effectively improved sleep quality among middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.The significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score post-intervention indicates the positive impact of tailored nursing interventions in addressing poor sleep quality in this patient population.These findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted nursing interventions to enhance the quality of life for hemodialysis patients by addressing the prevalent issue of poor sleep quality.

The Preventive Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention on Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Patients in the Hemodialysis Room

Objective:To explore the preventive effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on arteriovenous fistula failure in patients in the hemodialysis room.Methods:82 patients with arteriovenous fistula in the hemodialysis chamber treated in our hospital from July 2022 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects.The random number table method divided them into a control group and an experimental group of 41 cases each.The control group received general nursing intervention measures,while the experimental group underwent comprehensive nursing intervention.The incidence of complications(internal fistula failure,bleeding,thrombosis,infection),psychological emotions(SAS scale,SDS scale),quality of life(physical pain,physiological function,emotional function,social function),and nursing satisfaction(very satisfied,basically satisfied,satisfied,dissatisfied)were compared between the two groups of patients.Results:The incidence of complications in the experimental group(4,9.76%)was significantly lower than that in the control group(29,70.73%);the SAS scores and SDS scores of the patients in the experimental group after intervention were both lower than those in the control group;the quality of life score(physical pain,physiological function,emotional function,and social function)was all higher than those of the control group;the post-intervention nursing satisfaction of the experimental group(40,97.57%)was also significantly higher than that of the control group(29,73.17%);and the listed differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:For patients with hemodialysis ventricular arteriovenous fistula failure,comprehensive nursing intervention can reduce the incidence of complications,relieve anxiety and stress,improve quality of life and nursing satisfaction,and achieve better preventive effects.

Application of KDQOL-SF^(TM) 1.3 version in evaluating quality of life of maintenance hemodialysis patients in multiple centers

Objective To understand the quality of life(QOL)and its influencing factors in maintenance hemodialysis patients(hemodialysis maintenance,MHD),and to provide theoretical basis for improving QOL of patients.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the blood purification centre in 8 hospitals in Hefei,and patients’clinical data were collected.KDQOL-SF self-ad-

The psychological trajectory from diagnosis to approaching end of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis in China: A qualitative study

Background: In China,the number of patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease has increased rapidly in recent years.Patients undergoing dialysis treatment often experience psychosocial challenges,such as death anxiety,which may potentially cause patients to withdraw from treatment.Nephrology nurses and other practitioners who provide direct care to patients undergoing hemodialysis must understand how these challenges are perceived by patients and affect their daily lives.Aim: This article investigated the psychological trajectory and life experiences of hemodialysis patients to provide complementary guidance for nurses and healthcare practitioners.Method: This study utilized a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design.Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews and analyzed by content analysis.Data were collected through indepth interviews from May to December 2014.The questions were designed to reveal the life experiences and perspectives of hemodialysis patients.Participants were selected by convenience sampling approach and recruited from outpatients receiving treatment in a blood-purification center in Jiangsu Province,China.Results: Twenty-three participants were recruited.Three stages were extracted from the interview data:(1) afraid stage,(2) adapted stage,and (3) depression stage.Accordingly,three corresponding stages of physiological status were identified: (1) induced stage,(2) stable stage,and (3) severe complications or approaching-end-of-life stage.Conclusions: Patients undergoing dialysis exhibited differing psychological statuses at different physical stages.Thus,nurses must assess the psychophysiological symptoms of patients and design individual care plans for each stage.Future studies should focus on developing stage-specific nursing-care protocols.

Transcultural adaptation of Odia version of health-related kidney disease and quality of life-36 instrument

Objective:The study objective was to translate,validate,and test the reliability of the original kidney disease and quality of life-36(KDQOL-36^(TM))instruments in Odia.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional design with a purposive sampling technique was used.According to RAND Corporation guidelines,initially,the items of the KDQOL-36^(TM)questionnaires were translated into Odia by two independent,bilingual,professional translators,and then back-translated to English,followed by tryout and field testing.The experts validated the KDQOL-36^(TM)instrument review committee for review related to kidney health conditions.The tool was implemented among 180 patients undergoing“maintenance”hemodialysis.The following tests evaluated reliability and validity:test-retest reliability with Cronbach’s alpha correlation(stability),(reliability)internal consistency,and contents validity index.Results:The Cronbach’s alpha value and intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)score of all five domains,namely“physical component summary,mental component summary(MCS),the burden of kidney disease,symptoms and problems of kidney disease,and effects of kidney disease”of both KDQOL-36^(TM)English and Odia(KDQOL-36-E^(TM)and KDQOL-36-O^(TM))version,recommended excellent homogeneity.A high positive correlation(r=0.998)was found between the Odia version of KDQOL-36^(TM)and the English version KDQOL-36^(TM)questionnaire.The ICC score ranges from 0.889 to 0.997 at a 95%confidence interval for test-retest reliability,and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.832.Conclusion:This study explores the Odia version of KDQOL-36^(TM)psychometric properties,depicted at an acceptable level of internal consistency.The KDQOL-36-O^(TM)instrument is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the kidney disease-related quality of life in Odia-speaking hemodialysis patients.

Intra-Dialytique Hypotension: Prevalence and Associated Factors in 2 Haemodialysis Centres in Senegal

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Intra-dialytic hypotension (IDH) according to the European Best Practice Guidelines (EBPG) definition in relation to the number of haemodialysis sessions and the number of chronic haemodialysis patients and to identify its associated factors. Patients and Methods: We conducted an observational, multicentre and looking-forward study of descriptive and analytical purposes over a 4-week period. The study included all patients with regular chronic haemodialysis with at least two sessions per week and a duration of 180 minutes, who consented to participate in the study and were over 15 years of age. Data collection was done with pre-established forms. The following data were collected: blood pressure before each session, at 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes of each session;socio-demographic data;dialysis data;clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic data and nursing interventions. Results: The mean age of the patients was 43.84 ± 12.10 years. Among 568 haemodialysis sessions recorded in 50 patients, IDH was noted in 12 haemodialysis sessions, representing a prevalence of 2.11%. Fatigue was found in 5 sessions with IDH episodes (41.66%) followed by yawning (25%), nausea ± vomiting (16.66%) and cramps (16.66%). As nursing interventions, Trendelenburg position and normal saline administration were performed in all IDH episodes. High blood pressure, inter-dialytic weight gain greater than 3 kg, Uf/H > 10 ml/kg/H, anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia were associated with the occurrence of IDH. Conclusion: The prevalence of IDH according to the EBPG definition is low. However, it is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially cardiovascular involvement, and the factors associated with its presence have been clearly identified.