High flux hemodialysis in elderly patients with chronic kidney failure

BACKGROUND Hemodialysis is an advanced blood purification technique to manage kidney failure.However,for conventional hemodialysis,the high prevalence of dyslipidemia may cause cardiovascular diseases and an increase in mortality.Moreover,toxins accumulating in the body over time may induce some complications.High flux hemodialysis can effectively improve disease indexes and clinical symptoms.AIM To investigate the efficacy of high flux hemodialysis in elderly patients with chronic kidney failure(CKF).METHODS A total of 66 elderly patients with CKF who were admitted to our hospital from October 2017 to October 2018 were included in the study.According to the therapies they received,the patients were divided into a study group and a control group with 33 patients in each group.The study group received high flux hemodialysis and the control group received conventional dialysis treatment.Kidney function,toxin levels in serum,and complications were compared in the two groups.RESULTS Before the treatment,there was no significant difference in kidney function,β2-microglobulin,or blood urea nitrogen between the two groups(P>0.05).In contrast,kidney function was better in the study group than in the control group after the treatment(P<0.05).In addition,the study group had significantly lower parathyroid hormone and serum cystatin C than the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of complications was 8.57%in the study group,which was lower than that of the control group(20.00%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION High flux hemodialysis may improve kidney function and reduce toxin levels in serum and the incidence of complications in elderly patients with CKF.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function by Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure

Objective:To establish a quantitative evaluation of the left ventricle's systolic function in patients with chronic kidney failure(CKF)by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.Methods:Two-dimensional and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed on 30 patients with CKF.The ejection fraction,mass and global peak longitudinal strain,global circumferential strain,global area strain,and global radial strain of the left ventricle were calculated.Results:The ejection fraction,mass and global peak longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain(GCS),global area strain(GAS),and global radial strain(GRS)in the CKF group were significantly lower than those in the control group.Simultaneously,the GLS,GCS,GAS and GRS were well correlated with the ejection fraction.For patients with normal ejection fraction in the CKF group,the GLS,GCS,GAS and GRS were lower than those in the control group,while the left ventricular mass was significantly higher in CKF patients than in the control group.For patients with hypertension in the CKF group,ejection fraction,GLS,GCS,GAS and GRS calculated using three-dimensional echocardiography were significantly lower than those in patients with normal blood pressure;however,the myocardial mass was higher.Conclusions:The parameters(GLS,GCS,GAS and GRS)calculated using three-dimensional speckle-tracking software were lower in the CKF group.Simultaneously,the left ventricular mass was higher in CFK patients than in the control group,thus showing that the myocardial contraction function was impaired and that myocardial remodeling had occurred.

Thromboelastographic Profile of Patients with Hyperparathyroidism Secondary to Chronic Kidney Failure Submitted to Total Parathyroidectomy

Coagulopathy in surgical patients can cause perioperative complications, as both bleeding and thromboembolic events increase surgical morbimortality. The recognition of preexisting disorders and the understanding of the dynamic changes in hemostasis during surgery are prerequisites of safe patient management. The perioperative management of patients with chronic kidney failure is a huge challenge due to both the hypercoagulable state and increased risk of bleeding. Classic laboratory exams performed for the evaluation of blood clotting seem insufficient regarding the determination of the risk of bleeding and thrombosis in surgical patients. As patients with chronic kidney failure develop secondary hyperparathyroidism, the aim of the present study was to describe a case series and correlate the perioperative thromboelastographic profile of patients with chronic kidney failure submitted to parathyroidectomy with their secondary hyperparathyroidism.

A Chinese Multi-Specialty Delphi Consensus to Optimize RAASi Usage and Hyperkalaemia Management in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure

Objective Variations are present in common clinical practices regarding best practice in managing hyperkalaemia(HK),there is therefore a need to establish a multi-specialty approach to optimal renin angiotension-aldosterone system inhibitors(RAASi)usage and HK management in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)&heart failure(HF).This study aimed to establish a multi-speciality approach to the optimal use of RAASi and the management of HK in patients with CKD and HF.Methods A steering expert group of cardiology and nephrology experts across China were convened to discuss challenges to HK management through a nominal group technique.The group then created a list of 41 statements for a consensus questionnaire,which was distributed for a further survey in extended panel group of cardiologists and nephrologists across China.Consensus was assessed using a modified Delphi technique,with agreement defined as"strong"(≥75%and<90%)and"very strong"(≥90%).The steering group,data collection,and analysis were aided by an independent facilitator.Results A total of 150 responses from 21 provinces across China were recruited in the survey.Respondents were comprised of an even split(n=75,50%)between cardiologists and nephrologists.All 41 statements achieved the 75%consensus agreement threshold,of which 27 statements attained very strong consensus(≥90%agreement)and 14 attained strong consensus(agreement between 75%and 90%).Conclusion Based on the agreement levels from respondents,the steering group agreed a set of recommendations intended to improve patient outcomes in the use of RAASi therapy and HK management in China.

Transition from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease in liver cirrhosis patients:Current perspective

In liver cirrhosis patients,acute kidney injury(AKI)is a common and severe complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality,often leading to chronic kidney disease(CKD).This progression reflects a complex interplay of renal and hepatic pathophysiology,with AKI acting as an initiator through maladaptive repair mechanisms.These mechanisms—such as tubular cell cycle arrest,inflammatory cascades,and fibrotic processes—are exacerbated by the hemodynamic and neurohormonal disturbances characteristic of cirrhosis.Following AKI episodes,persistent kidney dysfunction or acute kidney disease(AKD)often serves as a bridge to CKD.AKD represents a critical phase in renal deterioration,characterized by prolonged kidney injury that does not fully meet CKD criteria but exceeds the temporal scope of AKI.The progression from AKD to CKD is further influenced by recurrent AKI episodes,impaired renal autoregu-lation,and systemic comorbidities such as diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease,which compound kidney damage.The clinical management of AKI and CKD in cirrhotic patients requires a multidimensional approach that includes early identification of kidney injury,the application of novel biomarkers,and precision interventions.Recent evidence underscores the inadequacy of traditional biomarkers in predicting the AKI-to-CKD progression,necessitating novel biomarkers for early detection and intervention.

Optimizing chronic kidney disease management:The potential of a multi-strain probiotic formulation

Chronic kidney disease(CKD),which represents a significant global health concern,is characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function,leading to complications such as electrolyte imbalance,cardiovascular disease,and immune dysfunction.Standard CKD management includes dietary modifications,ketoana-logues supplementation,blood pressure and blood glucose control,hydration maintenance,and treatment of the underlying causes.Emerging evidence has indicated a significant role of the gut microbiota in CKD,and that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota contributes to the progression of CKD towards end-stage renal disease.Probiotics and prebiotics have recently garnered attention owing to their potential to enhance gastrointestinal health and well-being by restoring the balance of the gut microbiota.Specific probiotic strains,including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium,promote beneficial bacterial growth,suppress harmful bacteria,and exert anti-inflammatory,antihypertensive,and antidiabetic effects.The combination of Streptococcus thermophilus,Lactobacillus acidophilus,Bifidobacterium longum,and Bacillus coagulans has demonstrated potential as a therapeutic formulation for CKD management in various studies,highlighting its promise in treating CKD;however,supporting evidence remains limited,making it crucial to conduct further investigations to determine the specific effects of different probiotic formulations on outcomes in patients with CKD.

Intravenous iron in chronic kidney disease without anaemia but iron deficiency:A scoping review

Iron deficiency(ID)is a prevalent complication of chronic kidney disease(CKD),often managed reactively when associated with anaemia.This scoping review evaluates the evidence supporting intravenous(IV)iron therapy in non-anaemic individuals with CKD and ID,focusing on safety,efficacy,and emerging therapeutic implications.Current diagnostic markers,including serum ferritin,transferrin saturation,and reticulocyte haemoglobin content,are reviewed alongside their limitations in the context of inflammation and variability.The pathophysiology of ID in CKD is explored,highlighting the roles of hepcidin,hypoxia-inducible factor pathways,and uraemic toxins.Comparative studies reveal that IV iron offers a more rapid correction of iron stores,improved com-pliance,and fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral iron.Evidence from trials such as“iron and heart”and“iron and muscle”suggests potential benefits of IV iron on functional capacity and fatigue,though findings were sta-tistically non-significant.Insights from heart failure trials support the safety and efficacy of IV iron in improving quality of life and reducing hospitalizations,with newer formulations like ferric derisomaltose demonstrating favourable safety profiles.This review underscores the need for standardized screening protocols for ID in CKD,even in the absence of anaemia,to facilitate earlier intervention.Future research should prioritise robust outcome measures,larger sample sizes,and person-specific treatment strategies to optimise dosing and administration frequency.Tailored approaches to IV iron therapy have the potential to significantly improve functional outcomes,quality of life,and long-term health in people with CKD.

Safety and efficacy of sodium bicarbonate for treating metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Kidney dysfunction and reduced filtration capacity due to chronic kidney disease(CKD)lead to a shift in the body's acid-base balance,ultimately causing metabolic acidosis(MA).Sodium bicarbonate has been used as a supplement to alleviate the symptoms and reverse the acidosis,and it may even slow the progression of CKD.However,its safety profile and overall effectiveness are uncertain.AIM To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials assessing sodium bicarbonate's safety and efficacy for treating CKD-induced MA.METHODS Medline,Scopus,EMBASE,and Cochrane Central were systematically searched from inception until May 2024 to select all relevant randomized control trials(RCTs)and non-RCT(NRCTs)evaluating the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate in correcting MA in end-stage renal disease patients.In addition,ClinicalTrials.gov,Medrxiv.org,and Google Scholar were searched for other literature.A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to derive mean differences(MD)and risk ratios(RR)with their 95%CI for continuous and dichotomous outcomes respectively.RESULTS Following a systematic search of the databases,20 RCTs and 2 and NRCTs comprising 2932 patients were included in our study.The results revealed that sodium bicarbonate significantly increased serum bicarbonate in CKD patients(MD:2.59,95%CI:0.95-4.22;P=0.02;I2=95%).However,there was a non-significant increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)in patients on sodium bicarbonate therapy(MD:0.93,95%CI:-1.88-3.75;P=0.52;I2=93%).Upon assessment of the safety profile of sodium bicarbonate,no significant association was found in the outcomes of death/prolonged hospitalization(RR:1.05,95%CI:0.84-1.32;P=0.66;I2=0%),or gastrointestinal disorders(RR:1.64,95%CI:0.35-7.66;P=0.53;I2=76%),or worsening edema(RR:1.26,95%CI:0.94-1.68;P=0.12;I2=37%)when compared to control.CONCLUSION Sodium bicarbonate therapy may halt worsening kidney function by correcting serum bicarbonate levels and treating MA.Although sodium bicarbonate does not significantly improve the eGFR,it may potentially prevent CKD progression while maintaining an overall favorable safety profile.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of chronic kidney disease among patients with newly diagnosed ketosis-onset diabetes

BACKGROUND The prevalence and clinical characteristics of chronic kidney disease(CKD)among patients with ketosis-onset diabetes(also known as ketosis-prone diabetes)remain unclear.Furthermore,the classification of ketosis-onset diabetes remains controversial and requires further investigation.AIM To investigate the prevalence and clinical features of CKD in patients with newly diagnosed ketosis-onset diabetes.METHODS This real-world study included 217 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM),698 with ketosis-onset diabetes,and 993 with non-ketotic T2DM.The prevalence and clinical characteristics of CKD were compared among the three groups.Risk factors associated with CKD were evaluated using binary logistic regression for each group.RESULTS After adjusting for age and sex,the prevalence of CKD among patients with ketosis-onset diabetes(17.8%)was significantly higher than that in those with T1DM(8.3%,P=0.007),but was not statistically different compared to those with non-ketotic T2DM(21.7%,P=0.214).Furthermore,some risk factors for CKD,including age,and serum uric acid and C-reactive protein levels,in patients with ketosis-onset diabetes were similar to those with T2DM,but significantly different from those with T1DM.CONCLUSION The prevalence,clinical characteristics,and risk factors for CKD among patients with ketosis-onset diabetes were more similar to those with non-ketotic T2DM but considerably different from those with T1DM.These findings further support the classification of ketosis-onset diabetes as a subtype of T2DM rather than idiopathic T1DM.

Palliative care for end-stage liver disease and acute on chronic liver failure:A systematic review

BACKGROUND End stage liver disease(ESLD)represents a growing health concern characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality,particularly among individual ineligible for liver transplantation.The demand for palliative care(PC)is pronounced in patients grappling with ESLD and acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF).Unfortunately,the historical underutilization of PC in ESLD patients,despite their substantial needs and those of their family caregivers,underscores the imperative of seamlessly integrating PC principles into routine healthcare practices across the entire disease spectrum.AIM To comprehensively investigate the evidence surrounding the benefits of incorporating PC into the comprehensive care plan for individuals confronting ESLD and/or ACLF.METHODS A systematic search in the Medline(PubMed)database was performed using a predetermined search command,encompassing studies published in English without any restrictions on the publication date.Subsequently,the retrieved studies were manually examined.Simple descriptive analyses were employed to summarize the results.RESULTS The search strategies yielded 721 references.Following the final analysis,32 fulllength references met the inclusion criteria and were consequently incorporated into the study.Meticulous data extraction from these 32 studies was undertaken,leading to the execution of a comprehensive narrative systematic review.The review found that PC provides significant benefits,reducing symptom burden,depressive symptoms,readmission rates,and hospital stays.Yet,barriers like the appeal of transplants and misconceptions about PC hinder optimal utilization.Integrating PC early,upon the diagnosis of ESLD and ACLF,regardless of transplant eligibility and availability,improves the quality of life for these patients.CONCLUSION Despite the substantial suffering and poor prognosis associated with ESLD and ACLF,where liver transplantation stands as the only curative treatment,albeit largely inaccessible,PC services have been overtly provided too late in the course of the illness.A comprehensive understanding of PC's pivotal role in treating ESLD and ACLF is crucial for overcoming these barriers,involving healthcare providers,patients,and caregivers.

Association of physical activity with risk of chronic kidney disease in China:A population-based cohort study

Background:Information on the association between physical activity(PA)and the risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD)is limited.We aimed to explore the associations of total,domain-specific,and intensity-specific PA with CKD and its subtypes in China.Methods:The study included 475,376 adults from the China Kadoorie Biobank aged 30-79 years during 2004-2008 at baseline.An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information about PA,which was quantified as metabolic equivalent of task hours per day(MET-h/day)and categorized into 4 groups based on quartiles.Cox regression was used to analyze the association between PA and CKD risk.Results:During a median follow-up of 12.1 years,5415 incident CKD cases were documented,including 1159 incident diabetic kidney disease(DKD)cases and 362 incident hypertensive nephropathy(HTN)cases.Total PA was inversely associated with CKD risk,with an adjusted hazard ratio(HR,95%confidence interval(95%CI))of 0.83(0.75-0.92)for incident CKD in the highest quartile of total PA as compared with participants in the lowest quartile.Similar results were observed for risk of DKD and HTN,and the corresponding HRs(95%CIs)were 0.75(0.58-0.97)for DKD risk and 0.56(0.37-0.85)for HTN risk.Increased nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA were significantly associated with a decreased risk of CKD,with HRs(95%CIs)of 0.80(0.73-0.88),0.85(0.77-0.94),and 0.85(0.76-0.95)in the highest quartile,respectively.Conclusion:PA,including nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA,was inversely associated with the risk of CKD,including DKD,HTN,and other CKD,and such associations were dose dependent.

Meta-analysis of the association between chronic periodontitis and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND Many scholars have performed several clinical studies have investigated the association between chronic periodontitis(CP)and chronic kidney disease(CKD).However,there are still differences between these research results,and there is no unified conclusion.Therefore,a systematic review is required to understand this issue fully.AIM To explore the correlation between CP and CKD.METHODS Literature on the correlation between CP and CKD,as well as the clinical attachment level(CAL)and pocket probing depth(PPD)of CKD and non-CKD,were retrieved from PubMed,Embase,the Cochrane Library,and Web of Science repositories until January 2024.After the effective data were extracted,data processing and statistics were performed using Stata 12.0.RESULTS Of the 22 studies,13 were related to CP and CKD,and 9 reported CAL and PPD in patients with CKD and healthy controls.Meta-analysis of the correlation between CP and CKD revealed that CKD probability in people with CP was 1.54 times that of healthy individuals[relative risk=1.54,95%confidence interval(CI):1.40-1.70],and CP incidence in patients with CKD was 1.98 times that of healthy individuals[overall risk(OR)=1.98,95%CI:1.53-2.57].Meta-analysis of CAL and PPD evaluations between CKD patients and healthy individuals showed that CAL and PPD levels were higher in CKD patients[standard mean difference(SMD)of CAL=0.65,95%CI:0.29-1.01;SMD of PPD=0.33,95%CI:0.02-0.63].CONCLUSION A bidirectional association exists between CP and CKD.CKD risk is increased in CP patients and vice versa.Periodontal tissue or tooth loss risks increase over time in CKD patients.

Assessing myocardial indices and inflammatory factors to determine anxiety and depression severity in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)have a progressive disease that is associated with poor quality of life and high mortality.Many patients experience anxiety and depression(A&D)symptoms,which can further accelerate disease progression.We hypothesized that indicators of myocardial function and inflammatory stress may reflect the severity of A&D symptoms in patients with CHF.Changes in these biomarkers could potentially predict whether A&D symptoms will deteriorate further in these individuals.AIM To measure changes in cardiac and inflammatory markers in patients with CHF to determine A&D severity and predict outcomes.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients with CHF treated at the Jingzhou Hospital,Yangtze University between 2018-2022 and grouped them according to Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)scores.We compared clinical data in the no-A&D,mild-A&D,moderate-A&D,and severe-A&D groups,the SAS and SDS scores with the New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional classification,and cardiac markers and inflammatory factors between the no/mild-A&D and moderate/severe-A&D groups.Regression analysis was performed on the markers with P<0.05 to determine their ability to predict A&D severity in patients and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC)was used to evaluate their accuracy.RESULTS In the inter-group comparison,the following variables had an effect on A&D severity in patients with CHF:NYHA class,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(P<0.05).Other variables did not differ significantly between the A&D groups(P>0.05).In addition,we found that higher NYHA classes were associated with higher the SAS and SDS scores(P<0.05).Regression analysis showed that LVEF,NTproBNP,and IL-6 were independent risk factors for A&D severity(P<0.05).Among them,NT-proBNP had the best predictive ability as a single indicator(AUROC=0.781).Furthermore,the combination of these three indicators exhibited a good predictive effect toward discriminating the extent of A&D severity among patients(AUROC=0.875).CONCLUSION Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers,such as LVEF,NT-proBNP,and IL-6,are correlated with A&D severity in patients with CHF and have predictive value.

Risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients have been found to be at risk of concurrent cognitive dysfunction in previous studies,which has now become an important public health issue of widespread concern.AIM To investigate the risk factors for concurrent cognitive dysfunction in patients with CKD.METHODS This is a prospective cohort study conducted among patients with CKD between October 2021 and March 2023.A questionnaire was formulated by literature review and expert consultation and included questions about age,sex,education level,per capita monthly household income,marital status,living condition,payment method,and hypertension.RESULTS Logistic regression analysis showed that patients aged 60-79 years[odds ratio(OR)=1.561,P=0.015]and≥80 years(OR=1.760,P=0.013),participants with middle to high school education(OR=0.820,P=0.027),divorced or widowed individuals(OR=1.37,P=0.032),self-funded patients(OR=2.368,P=0.008),and patients with hypertension(OR=2.011,P=0.041)had a higher risk of cognitive impairment.The risk of cognitive impairment was lower for those with a college degree(OR=0.435,P=0.034)and married individuals.CONCLUSION The risk factors affecting cognitive dysfunction are age,60-79 years and≥80 years;education,primary school education or less;marital status,divorced or widowed;payment method,selffunded;hypertension;and CKD.

Heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in older patients with chronic kidney disease: the China Hypertension Survey (2012‒2015)

Background Heart failure(HF)is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality for older chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients.However,the epidemiological data is scarce.We aimed to determine the prevalence of left ventricular(LV)dysfunction and HF,and to explore the risk factors for HF among those patients.Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of the China Hypertension Survey conducted between October 2012 and December 2015.A total of 5,808 participants aged≥65 years were included in the analysis.Self-reported history of HF and any other cardiovascular diseases was acquired.2-D and Doppler echocardiography were used to assess LV dysfunction.CKD was defined as either estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or urinary albumin to creatinine ratio(ACR)≥30 mg/g.Results Among CKD patients aged≥65 years,the weighted prevalence of HF,heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF),heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction(HFmrEF),and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)was 4.8%,2.5%,0.8%,and 1.7%,respectively.The weighted prevalence of HF was 5.0%in patients with eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2,and was 5.9%in patients with ACR≥30 mg/g.The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction was 3.1%,and while it was 8.9%for moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction.Multivariate analysis showed that smoking was significantly associated with the risk of HF.Furthermore,age,smoking,and residents in rural areas were significantly associated with a risk of LV diastolic dysfunction.Conclusions The prevalence of HF and LV dysfunction was high in older patients with CKD,suggesting that particular strategies will be required.

Evaluation of chronic kidney disease in chronic heart failure: From biomarkers to arterial renal resistances

Chronic kidney disease and its worsening are recurring conditions in chronic heart failure(CHF) which are independently associated with poor patient outcome.The heart and kidney share many pathophysiological mechanisms which can determine dysfunction in each organ. Cardiorenal syndrome is the condition in which these two organs negatively affect each other, therefore an accurate evaluation of renal function in the clinical setting of CHF is essential. This review aims to revise the parameters currently used to evaluate renal dysfunction in CHF with particular reference to the usefulness and the limitations of biomarkers in evaluating glomerular dysfunction and tubular damage. Moreover, it is reported the possible utility of renal arterial resistance index(a parameter associated with abnormalities in renal vascular bed) for a better assesment of kidney disfunction.

Clinical trial with traditional Chinese medicine intervention ''tonifying the kidney to promote liver regeneration and repair by affecting stem cells and their microenvironment'' for chronic hepatitis B-associated liver failure

AIM:To study the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)intervention"tonifying the kidney to promote liver regeneration and repair by affecting stem cells and their microenvironment"("TTK")for treating liver failure due to chronic hepatitis B.METHODS:We designed the study as a randomized controlled clinical trial.Registration number of Chinese Clinical Trial Registry is Chi CTR-TRC-12002961.A total of 144 patients with liver failure due to infection with chronic hepatitis B virus were enrolled in this randomized controlled clinical study.Participants were randomly assigned to the following three groups:(1)a modern medicine control group(MMC group,36patients);(2)a"tonifying qi and detoxification"("TQD")group(72 patients);and(3)a"tonifying the kidney to promote liver regeneration and repair by affecting stem cells and their microenvironment"("TTK")group(36patients).Patients in the MMC group received general internal medicine treatment;patients in the"TQD"group were given a TCM formula"tonifying qi and detoxification"and general internal medicine treatment;patients in the"TTK"group were given a TCM formula of"TTK"and general internal medicine treatment.All participants were treated for 8 wk and then followed at 48 wk following their final treatment.The primaryefficacy end point was the patient fatality rate in each group.Measurements of various virological and biochemical indicators served as secondary endpoints.The one-way analysis of variance and the t-test were used to compare patient outcomes in the different treatment groups.RESULTS:At the 48-wk post-treatment time point,the patient fatality rates in the MMC,"TQD",and"TTK"groups were 51.61%,35.38%,and 16.67%,respectively,and the differences between groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences in the levels of hepatitis B virus DNA or prothrombin activity among the three groups(P>0.05).Patients in the"TTK"group had significantly higher levels of serum total bilirubin compared to MMC subjects(339.40μmol/L±270.09μmol/L vs 176.13μmol/L±185.70μmol/L,P=0.014).Serum albumin levels were significantly increased in both the"TQD"group and"TTK"group as compared with the MMC group(31.30 g/L±4.77g/L,30.72 g/L±2.89 g/L vs 28.57 g/L±4.56 g/L,P<0.05).There were no significant differences in levels of alanine transaminase among the three groups(P>0.05).Safety data showed that there was one case of stomachache in the"TQD"group and one case of gastrointestinal side effect in the"TTK"group.CONCLUSION:Treatment with"TTK"improved the survival rates of patients with liver failure due to chronic hepatitis B.Additionally,liver tissue was regenerated and liver function was restored.

Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease

Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia,which is now on course to reach epidemic proportions in the elderly population. AF is a commonly encountered comorbidity in patients with cardiac and major non-cardiac diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with AF makes it a major healthcare burden. The objective of our article is to determine the prognostic impact of AF on acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine if AF has an independent role in the overall mortality of such patients. Our review suggests that AF has an independent adverse prognostic impact on the clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Heat exposure and hospitalizations for chronic kidney disease in China: a nationwide time series study in 261 major Chinese cities

Background:Climate change profoundly shapes the population health at the global scale.However,there was still insufficient and inconsistent evidence for the association between heat exposure and chronic kidney disease(CKD).Methods:In the present study,we studied the association of heat exposure with hospitalizations for cause-specific CKD using a national inpatient database in China during the study period of hot season from 2015 to 2018.Standard time-series regression models and random-effects Meta-analysis were developed to estimate the city-specific and national averaged associations at a 7 lag-day span,respectively.Results:A total of 768,129 hospitalizations for CKD was recorded during the study period.The results showed that higher temperature was associated with elevated risk of hospitalizations for CKD,especially in sub-tropical cities.With a 1℃ increase in daily mean temperature,the cumulative relative risks(RR)over lag 0-7 d were 1.008[95% confidence interval(CI)1.003-1.012]for nationwide.The attributable fraction of CKD hospitalizations due to high temperatures was 5.50%.Stronger associations were observed among younger patients and those with obstructive nephropathy.Our study also found that exposure to heatwaves was associated with added risk of hospitalizations for CKD compared to non-heatwave days(RR=1.116,95%CI 1.069-1.166)above the effect of daily mean temperature.Conclusions:Short-term heat exposure may increase the risk of hospitalization for CKD.Our findings provide insights into the health effects of climate change and suggest the necessity of guided protection strategies against the adverse effects of high temperatures.

Clinical features of chronic kidney disease in dogs with the serological presence of Leptospira spp.,Ehrlichia canis,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Chronic kidney disease is commonly diagnosed in dogs,and clinical signs may be aggravated when infected agents are involved.In this case report,33 dogs with chronic kidney disease were clinically evaluated and serologically tested for Leptospira spp.,Ehrlichia canis,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum.The seroprevalence for Leptospira spp.was 39.4%.The most frequent serovars found were Pyrogenes,Canicola,Bratislava and Australis,with serological titers between 1:100 to 1:800.Clinical signs included fever,depression,decreased body condition,vomiting and hema‑turia.Signifcant laboratory fndings were anemia,leukocytosis,thrombocytopenia,increased liver enzymes,urea and creatinine,hyperbilirubinemia and hyperphosphatemia.All leptospira seronegative dogs were positive for one or both monitored homoparasites(i.e.,E.canis and A.phagocytophilum);only three leptospira seropositive dogs were positive for one or both hemoparasites.Findings also suggest that endemic hemoparasites of dogs should be moni‑tored in dogs with a kidney condition for a better clinical picture of the patients and therapeutic approach.