The Prognostic Value of Serum Uric Acid in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction

Background. Previous studies reported that the level of serum uric acid (SUA) was an important risk factor for acute cerebral infarction (ACI). However, the prognostic value of SUA levels in hospitalized patients with ACI has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the SUA level on admission was associated with subsequent mortality in hospitalized patients with ACI. Methods. The clinical data of ACI patients obtained from December 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. χ 2 and Kaplan–Meier methods were used to compare the clinical differences and overall survival between patients with or without hyperuricemia, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify independent prognoses. Results. In the total population, the in-hospital mortality of the hyperuricemia group was significantly higher than that of the normal uric acid group ( P = 0.006 ). In the abnormal renal function group, the in-hospital mortality among the hyperuricemia group was significantly higher than the normal uric acid group ( P = 0.002 ). However, there was no statistical difference of in-hospital mortality between the two groups in the normal renal function group ( P = 0.321 ). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that a previous history of diabetes ( P = 0.018 ), hyperuricemia ( P = 0.001 ), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission ( P ≤ 0.001 ) were independent factors for all samples. The hyperuricemia ( P = 0.003 ) on admission were independent factors for patients with abnormal renal function. Conclusions. In ACI patients with abnormal renal function, hyperuricemia may be associated with higher in-hospital mortality than patients with normal uric acid, and hyperuricemia may be an independent associated factor for in-hospital death in the subgroup patients.

Evaluation of Renal Tissue Oxygenation Using Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Kidney Disease

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI) has been widely used to assess renal oxygenation changes in different kidney diseases in recent years. This study was designed to evaluate and compare renal tissue oxygenation using 2 BOLD-MRI analysis methods, namely, the regional and whole-kidney region of interest (ROI) selection methods. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study ended up with 10 healthy controls and 40 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients without dialysis. Their renal BOLD-MRI data were analyzed using whole-kidney ROI selection method and compared with regional ROI selection method. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We found the cortical, medullary, and whole-kidney R2* values were significantly higher in CKD patients than those in controls. Compared with the regional ROI selection method, the whole-kidney ROI selection method yielded higher cortical R2* values in both controls and CKD patients. The whole-kidney R2* values of deteriorating renal function group were significantly higher than those in stable renal function group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Cortical and medullary oxygenation was decreased significantly in CKD patients compared with the healthy controls, particularly in the medulla. The whole-kidney R2* values were positively correlated with kidney function and inversely correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow. Whole-Kidney R2* value might effectively predict the progression of renal function in patients with CKD.

Ischemic stroke, hemorrhage, and mortality in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and renal dysfunction treated with rivaroxaban: sub-analysis of the EXPAND study

The EXPAND Study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in routine clinical practice in Japan. This sub-analysis was conducted to reveal the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban in Japanese NVAF patients according to baseline creatinine clearance (CrCl) levels and rivaroxaban doses in the EXPAND Study. We examined 6806 patients whose baseline CrCl data were available and classified them into 2 groups: normal renal function group with CrCl ≥ 50 mL/min (n = 5326, 78%) and renal dysfunction group with CrCl < 50 mL/min (n = 1480, 22%). In the normal renal function group, 1609 (30%) received 10 mg/day (under-dose), while in the renal dysfunction group, 108 (7%) received 15 mg/day (over-dose). In the normal renal function group, under-dose of rivaroxaban was associated with higher all-cause mortality, while in the renal dysfunction group, over-dose was associated with higher incidence of major bleeding. In contrast, the incidence of stroke or systemic embolism was not different between the 2 groups regardless of the dose of rivaroxaban. In the propensity score matched analysis to adjust the difference in characteristics according to doses of rivaroxaban, the incidences of clinical outcomes were comparable between the 2 dose groups in both renal function groups. These results indicate that the dose of rivaroxaban should be reduced depending on the renal function, considering the balance between risks of bleeding and ischemia.

Effects of mild and moderate renal dysfunction on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of dotinurad: a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor

Background Dotinurad, a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, exerts a serum uric acid-lowering effect by selectively inhibiting urate transporter 1 (URAT1) in patients with hyperuricemia. It is generally known that the progression of renal dysfunction is associated with a reduction in the serum uric acid-lowering effects of uricosuric drugs. We, therefore, investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of dotinurad in subjects with renal dysfunction. Methods This was a parallel-group, open-label, single-dose clinical pharmacology study. Dotinurad (1 mg) was administered once, orally to subjects with mild (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], ≥ 60 to < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) or moderate (eGFR, ≥ 30 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) renal dysfunction or normal (eGFR, ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) renal function. Results The time-course of mean plasma concentration of dotinurad had similar profiles across the groups. Regarding PK, there was no significant difference between the renal dysfunction groups and normal renal function group. Regarding PD, the maximum reduction rate in serum uric acid levels and the fractional uric acid excretion (FE) ratio (FE0–24/FE−24–0) were significantly lower in the moderate renal dysfunction group than in the normal renal function group. However, other PD parameters were not significantly different among the groups. No notable adverse events or adverse drug reactions were observed in this study. Conclusion These results suggested that no dose adjustment might be necessary when administering dotinurad to patients with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02347046.

Levels of Endocan, Angiopoietin-2, and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1a in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Different Levels of Renal Function

Background: Endothelial dysfunction leading to unbalanced vasoconstriction and ischemia of renal parenchyma is increasingly proposed as an alternative pathway of renal damage in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, human studies investigating the evolution of such phenomena are limited. This study investigated the levels of emerging biomarkers of endothelial function, angiogenesis and hypoxia, in ADPKD patients with different renal function. Methods: The study population consisted of three groups: 26 ADPKD patients with impaired renal function (Group A; estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 45–70 mL/min/1.73 m2), 26 ADPKD patients with preserved renal function (Group B; eGFR >70 mL/min/1.73 m2), and 26 age- and sex-matched controls with no history of renal disease. Circulating levels of endocan (endothelial cell-specific molecule-1) angiopoietin-2, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Results: Patients in Group A had significantly higher levels of endocan (7.17 ± 0.43 ng/mL), angiopoietin-2 (5,595.43 ± 3,390), and HIF-1a (163.68 ± 37.84 pg/mL) compared to patients in Group B (6.86 ± 0.59 ng/mL, p = 0.017, 3,854.41 ± 3,014.30, p = 0.018, 136.84 ± 42.10 pg/mL, p = 0.019 respectively) or controls (4.83 ± 0.69 ng/mL, 1,069 ± 427.88 pg/mL, 70.20 ± 17.49 pg/mL, p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Of note, patients in Group B had also higher levels of all markers compared to controls (p < 0.001) despite having similar renal function. In correlation analyses within ADPKD patients, we noted strong correlations of all studied markers with asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA; endocan r = 0.908, p < 0.001, angiopoietin-2 r = 0.983, p < 0.001 and HIF-1a r = 0.998, p < 0.001), and only weak or modest correlations with eGFR. Conclusions: This study suggests that endothelial dysfunction causing microcirculatory changes, linked to angiogenesis and hypoxia, may come early in the course of ADPKD and could be a key regulator of renal injury progression.

Impaired Renal Function is Associated with Severe Coronary Artery Disease in Chronic Stable Angina Patients

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in renal impaired patients. Many of the patients of chronic kidney disease die of cardiovascular disease before requiring dialysis. Cardiovascular disease in renal impaired patient is potentially preventable and treatable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between renal impairment and coronary artery disease severity in chronic stable angina patients. Methods: 110 patients with chronic stable angina who got admitted for coronary angiography were included in the study. They were divided into impaired renal function group (with estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <90 ml/min/1.73m2) and normal renal function group (eGFR e” 90 ml/min/1.73m2) on the basis of eGFR. The severity of the CAD was assessed by angiographic Vessel score and Gensini score. Results: Mean Gensini score was significantly high in impaired renal function group (42.30±24.9 vs 25.65±17.9, p <0.05). There was significant negative correlation between eGFR and vessel score (r=-0.30, p <0.05) and between eGFR and Gensini score (r =-0.65, P <0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment of factors eGFR remain independent predictors of severe CAD (P=0.002, OR -5.73). Conclusion: Impaired renal function, assessed by eGFR is associated with angiographic severe coronary artery disease in chronic stable angina patients and this association is independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v7i1.20796 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 7(1): 17-23

Impairment of Renal Function in Eclampsia

Objective: Aim of the study is to identify changes that occur in renal function in eclampsia patients and to determine the effect of impaired renal function on pregnancy outcome Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study on the impairment of renal function in eclamptic patients was carried out in the Eclampsia ward of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2009 to December 2009. Study group comprised of 50 diagnosed cases of eclampsia and 50 patients with uncomplicated pregnancy was taken as control. Results: In this study 30% of the eclamptic patients were found to have impairment of renal function. Incidence of impaired renal function was significantly increased among the patients > 25 years of age. Multigravida eclamptic patients were found to be more prone to develop impaired renal function compared to primigravida patients. Blood pressure was significantly increased and platelet count was significantly low in the impaired renal function group of eclamptic patients compared to the normal renal function group. Incidence of foetal complications was significantly higher among the patients with impaired renal function. The eclamptic patients who had proteinuria of >1 gm in 24 hours had more foetal complications than those who had protienuria of <1 gm/day.Conclusion: It has been observed that impairment of renal function is common among the patients with eclampsia. So, special attention should be paid to assess renal function in this group of patient DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i1.13758 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(1) : 31-36

Increased Nitric Oxide and Attenuated Diastolic Blood Pressure Variability in African Americans with Mildly Impaired Renal Function

We investigated the relationship between renal function, blood pressure variability (BPV), and nitric oxide (NO) in a group of African Americans with normal or mildly impaired renal function. 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed, NO measured, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated in 38 African Americans. Participants were categorized as having normal (GFR > 90 mL/min per 1.73 m2) or mildly impaired (GFR 60–89 mL/min per 1.73 m2) renal function. Diastolic BPV was significantly lower in the mildly impaired renal function group. Regression analyses revealed a significant positive association between GFR and diastolic BPV for the entire study group. Plasma NO levels were significantly higher in the mildly impaired renal function group and negatively correlated with diastolic BPV. In conclusion, diastolic BPV was reduced in African Americans with mildly impaired renal function, which may be the result of increased NO production. These results conflict with previous findings in diseased and nonblack populations and could provide rationale for studying BPV early in the disease state when BP-buffering mechanisms are still preserved.

A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Bortezomib–Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib–Dexamethasone with Added Cyclophosphamide or Lenalidomide in Multiple Myeloma Patients Achieving Stable Disease After Four Cycles of Bortezomib–Dexamethasone Administered as Second-Line Treatment.

Abstract 4937 Bortezomib (Velcade®) plus dexamethasone (Vel/Dex) is known to be effective and well tolerated in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). As demonstrated in the frontline setting, the addition to Vel/Dex of cyclophosphamide (VCD) or lenalidomide (Revlimid®; VRD) may lead to improved efficacy, but may be associated with increased toxicities; however, few studies have prospectively assessed Vel/Dex as second-line therapy. This randomized, open-label, parallel-group, phase 2 study in patients who have relapsed after or are refractory to primary MM therapy is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an additional 4 cycles of Vel/Dex, VCD, or VDR in patients achieving stable disease (SD) after 4 cycles of Vel/Dex. Bortezomib-naïve patients aged ≥18 years, with measurable MM, KPS ≥60, life expectancy ≥6 months, adequate hematologic and hepatic function, and without grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy (PN) received 4 3-week cycles of Vel/Dex (Vel 1.3 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, and Dex 20 mg PO on days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12). Patients then received a further 4 cycles of therapy as follows: patients achieving at least a partial response (PR) received Vel/Dex; patients with SD underwent central randomization to receive Vel/Dex, VCD, or VRD; patients with progressive disease (PD) discontinued treatment. Here we report efficacy and renal function improvement in patients who had the opportunity to complete the initial 4 cycles of Vel/Dex as of April 2009, and safety data for patients who received at least 1 dose of study drug. Response was assessed by IMWG uniform response criteria based on measurement of serum and urine M-protein prior to treatment on day 1 of each cycle, at end of treatment, and monthly thereafter. Renal function as defined by calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR; Cockcroft–Gault formula) was assessed prior to treatment on day 1 of cycles 1–5. Adverse events (AEs) were graded using NCI CTCAE v3.0. A total of 122 patients have been enrolled; by data cut-off (July 21 2009), 24 (20%) had not completed a single treatment cycle and are excluded from the safety population (N=98). Eighteen had received <4 cycles at data cut-off. Of the remaining 80 who were eligible for response, 63 had completed 4 cycles, 6 discontinued prior to completing 4 cycles (due to PD in 3 patients, death in 1, drug-related AEs in 2), 9 were not under treatment at data cut-off, and 2 had died. Their median age was 62 years (range 34–86), 55% were male, 21.3% had KPS ≤70; median time from prior therapy was 18.6 months. Response rate in the efficacy population was 41/80 (51%) after 4 cycles, including 8% CR. Median times to first and best response were 37 and 57 days, respectively. Patient renal function (by GFR) at baseline, median improvement in GFR, and responses achieved by the 10 patients in whom GFR improved by at least one renal function group are shown in the Table. Among the 98 patients who received at least one treatment dose, mean cumulative doses of bortezomib and dexamethasone were 14.6 mg/m2 (4.9, 4.5, 4.4, and 4.3 mg/m2 in cycles 1–4) and 478 mg (151.8, 145.6, 145.4, and 144.0 mg for cycles 1–4), respectively. Most patients (90%) reported AEs, including 39% with grade 3/4 AEs and 23% with serious AEs, within the first 4 cycles. The most common grade 3/4 AEs included thrombocytopenia (13%), anemia (7%), and pneumonia (6%). AEs resulting in dose reductions/treatment stop were seen in 21%/10% of patients. Incidence of sensory PN and PN was 29% (3% grade 3/4); most PN events were reversible, with 68% resolving within a median 53 days. Updated efficacy and safety data for the first 4 cycles of Vel/Dex for all patients enrolled by July 31 will be presented. Table: Improvement in renal function (as measured by GFR)* Renal function group at baseline, n† <15 mL/min 3 15–<30 mL/min 6 30–<60 mL/min 33 ≥60 mL/min 36 Median GFR (median improvement from previous cycle), mL/min At baseline 58.3 After cycle 1 64.4 (4.8) After cycle 2 68.9 (2.9) After cycle 3 68.6 (9.9) After cycle 4 73.5 (9.4) Renal improvement by at least 1 grade, n (response achieved) 10 <15 to 15–<30 mL/min 1 (1 CR) 15–<30 to 30–<60 mL/min 1 (1 PR) 30–<60 to ≥60 mL/min 8 (2 CR, 1 VGPR, 3 PR, 2 SD) * 1 patient only had a baseline GFR measurement and was not included in the renal analysis † 1 patient had no baseline GFR measurement Disclosures Dimopoulos: Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Honoraria; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Honoraria. Beksac:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Langer:Celgene: Consultancy; Ortho Biotech: Consultancy. Facon:Janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Johnson and Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

A Retrospective Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Nitrofurantoin in Renal Impairment

Background: Nitrofurantoin (NF) is an antibiotic commonly used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although NF is contraindicated in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 60 mL/min, the evidence demonstrating its lack of efficacy and an increased rate of adverse reactions in these patients is marginal. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of NF in patients with a UTI and an estimated GFR ≤50 mL/min (impaired renal function group) compared to >50 mL/min (control group). Results: A total of 356 patients met our inclusion criteria. The Modified Cockcroft-Gault equation was used to estimate GFR. The point estimate for cure rate in the impaired renal function group was 71% (95% CI 63–79), versus 78% (95% CI 73–84) for the control group. Conclusions: Similar NF cure rates were observed in patients with impaired renal function (estimated GFR ≤50 mL/min) and patients in the control group (estimated GFR >50 mL/min). The occurrence of adverse events was comparable between the 2 groups.