cardiovascular-agents and Renal-Insufficiency--Chronic

In the current paper, we review recently published studies that are helping us to understand how the treatment landscape for glucagon-like peptiide-1 receptor agonists and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors is moving forward. We have also included relevant articles related to cardiovascular disease prevention in the setting of obesity, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and chronic kidney disease.

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome of exertional intolerance, cardiac dysfunction, and fluid overload and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.. As our understanding of this syndrome has evolved, we are beginning to recognize the similarities and associations with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Salt and fluid retention are common in CKD and may be the sentinel event leading ultimately to the syndrome of HFpEF. Mechanisms linking both disease states include hypervolemia, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which are also common to comorbidities that drive both HFpEF and CKD. In this review, we will discuss recent clinical research focusing on HFpEF, CKD, and comorbidities including hypertension and diabetes mellitus. We will review strategies for volume management and novel therapeutic approaches with new classes of drugs, including sodium-glucose cotransporters and angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors, which may work through targeting of both the heart and the kidney. Lastly, we emphasize why focusing on the alleviation of factors provoking renal injury and slowing the progression of renal dysfunction may provide the most therapeutic benefit in patients who have been diagnosed with HFpEF.

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Comorbidity; Diabetes Complications; Endothelium, Vascular; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Stroke Volume

Life expectancy in patients with all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) falls far short of that in the general population. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in pediatric patients with CKD. In contrast to the intimal atherosclerotic lesions that characterize cardiovascular disease in the general population, vascular endothelial dysfunction, medial arterial calcification, and cardiac dysfunction contribute to cardiovascular pathological conditions in CKD. The pathogenesis of these lesions, the origins of which can be identified in the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, is incompletely understood. CKD-mediated vascular calcification in CKD is characterized by a transition of vascular smooth muscle cells to an osteoblast-like phenotype and altered bone and mineral metabolism are strongly linked to progressive cardiovascular disease in this population. Renal osteodystrophy therapies, including phosphate binders, vitamin D analogs, and calcimimetics, have an impact on the progression of cardiovascular disease. However, cardiovascular disease has its origins before the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and optimal therapeutic regimens that minimize cardiac dysfunction, vascular calcification, and early mortality remain to be defined.

Topics: Age Factors; Arteries; Bone and Bones; Calcimimetic Agents; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chelating Agents; Child; Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder; Disease Progression; Endothelium, Vascular; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Minerals; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Tunica Media; Vascular Calcification; Vitamin D

Current Renal Association guidelines recommend the creation of an arteriovenous fistula as the first choice for hemodialysis access, with artificial grafts kept in reserve. However, maintaining working access comes with significant difficulties, as well as an estimated annual cost to the National Health Service of greater than £84 million. Multiple methods of improving the successful creation of hemodialysis access, improving access maintenance and preventing access dysfunction therefore exist. The aim was to review these methods, including surgical, radiological, and pharmacological techniques.. The literature was reviewed up to March 2016 for reports of surgical, radiological, and pharmacology approaches to improve maturation, maintain function, and prevent dysfunction of arteriovenous fistulas and artificial access grafts.. Access function has been related to fistula and graft configuration and anastomotic technique. Novel surgical approaches include the use of early-cannulation grafts and biological grafts. Preoperative radiological vessel mapping and access surveillance have both been studied, and once stenosis or thrombosis has occurred, endovascular management techniques for thrombolysis and thrombectomy, along with angioplasty and stenting, are common. Pharmacological trials include the use of antiplatelets, ACE inhibitors, statins, along with perivascular therapies, and other more novel drug targets.. The evidence for the strategies that can be used to maintain access function is highly variable, with many small, observational, and retrospective studies. In the future, the more widespread use of early cannulation grafts, hybrid surgical and endovascular procedures, and the further pursuit of both biological grafts and biological perivascular therapies may yield improvements in vascular access function.

Topics: Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Bioprosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Humans; Prosthesis Design; Regional Blood Flow; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Patency

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has risen remarkably over the past decades, and the number of patients with CKD is expected to continue to grow significantly in the next 10 years. The mean global prevalence of CKD was estimated to be 14.8% in the latest United States Renal Data System (USRDS) 2016 report, making CKD an important public health problem that has encompassed diabetes mellitus in prevalence. 45% of patients with CKD have Stage 3 disease, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30-59 mL/min.

Topics: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Cardiovascular Agents; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Kidney; Prevalence; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; United States

Maintaining vascular access patency represents a tremendous challenge in hemodialysis patients. Although "native" arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is currently recommended as primary vascular access, neointimal hyperplasia stenoses frequently develop, with a risk for AVF thrombosis and vascular access loss. For years, first-line treatment of AVFs stenoses has been percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, generally with high-pressure or cutting uncoated balloons. However, restenosis and reintervention rates remain incredibly high and occur, according to recent studies, in up to 60% and 70% of patients at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Drug-coated balloons delivering paclitaxel at the angioplasty site have proved their superiority in the treatment of coronary and peripheral arterial stenoses. Paclitaxel reduces neointimal hyperplasia and drug-coated balloons, therefore, it represents an attractive option for AVF stenoses. Because data are scarce, the aim of this paper was to review the concepts and current results of drug-coated balloons in AVF stenosis management.

Topics: Angioplasty, Balloon; Animals; Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Cardiovascular Agents; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Equipment Design; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Humans; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Access Devices; Vascular Patency

The development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and renal disorders are very closely related. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), therapies proven to protect the cardiovascular and renal systems simultaneously are generally used only at low doses or not at all. In particular, patients with CKD who receive angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, or mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists (MRAs) often do not experience complete blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, primarily owing to the risk of hyperkalaemia. In this Review, we provide an overview of the available treatments required for adequate cardiorenal protection in patients with CKD. Drugs such as β-blockers that interfere with renin secretion will be discussed, in addition to agents that can prevent hyperkalaemia, such as potassium binders and nonsteroidal MRAs. Furthermore, the current literature on the role of statins, in addition to new compounds and dosing recommendations for the treatment of patients with CKD will also be reviewed. Further studies with these new compounds and doses are needed to ascertain whether these approaches can improve the long-term cardiovascular and renal prognosis in patients with CKD.

Topics: Cardio-Renal Syndrome; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Renal Agents; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Renin-Angiotensin System; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome

LCZ696, a first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), is comprised of the angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan and the neprilysin inhibitor pro-drug sacubitril (AHU377). After oral administration, AHU377 is rapidly metabolized to the active neprilysin inhibitor LBQ657. LCZ696 exerts its effects of diuresis, natriuresis, vasodilation and aldosterone secretion inhibition through simultaneous renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade and natriuretic peptides system (NPS) enhancement. Powerful evidence including PARAMETER and PRARDIGM-HF trials have shown that LCZ696 outperforms RAAS inhibition in treating patients with hypertension and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and is well tolerated. In addition, accumulating evidence also suggests its potential use in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), post-myocardium infarction (post-MI) and stroke. Both the FDA and CHMP have approved LCZ696 for treatment of HFrEF. Despite all this, some special issues (e.g. use in specific subgroups, adverse events, contraindications and cost-effectiveness analysis) should be considered before its implementation in clinical practice.

Topics: Aminobutyrates; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Animals; Biphenyl Compounds; Cardiovascular Agents; Contraindications; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Drug Combinations; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Myocardial Infarction; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Tetrazoles; Valsartan

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; American Heart Association; Cardiovascular Agents; Humans; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; United States

During 2013, a meta-analysis provided evidence that cystatin C improves estimated glomerular filtration rate in cardiovascular risk categorization in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Another study showed that low diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is harmful in patients with CKD, challenging the paradigm of treating elevated systolic blood pressure regardless of DBP. Overall, mortality rates in CKD have decreased but further improvement is required.

Topics: Animals; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Disease Progression; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Incidence; Prevalence; Prognosis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Survival Rate

The burden of cardiovascular disease is high in patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease. The presence of kidney dysfunction affects the cardiovascular system in multiple ways, including accelerated progression of atherosclerosis and valvular disease, the exacerbation of congestive heart failure, and the development of pericardial disease. This comorbidity results not only from the concordance of shared risk factors, but also from other issues specific to this population, such as systemic inflammation and vascular calcification. Furthermore, both the sensitivity and specificity of noninvasive testing modalities, and the efficacy of several pharmacotherapeutic strategies, are diminished in this population. The exclusion of patients with severe kidney disease from many clinical trials of cardiac interventions raises various therapeutic uncertainties, and kidney disease itself is likely to alter the underlying cardiovascular physiology. In this Review, we discuss aspects of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in patients with kidney disease, and propose specific, evidence-based recommendations for pharmacological and surgical treatment.

Topics: Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Kidney Transplantation; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome

Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries is common, extensive, and more unstable among patients with chronic renal impairment or chronic kidney disease (CKD). The initial presentation of coronary disease is often acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that tends to be more complicated and has a higher risk of death in this population. Medical treatment of ACS includes antianginal agents, antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulants, and pharmacotherapies that modify the natural history of ventricular remodeling after injury. Revascularization, primarily with percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting, is critical for optimal outcomes in those at moderate and high risk for reinfarction, the development of heart failure, and death in predialysis patients with CKD. The benefit of revascularization in ACS may not extend to those with end-stage renal disease because of competing sources of all-cause mortality. In stable patients with CKD and multivessel coronary artery disease, observational studies have found that bypass surgery is associated with a reduced mortality as compared with percutaneous coronary intervention when patients are followed for several years. This article will review the guidelines-recommended therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of stable coronary atherosclerosis and ACS and give specific guidance on benefits, hazards, dose adjustments, and caveats concerning patients with baseline CKD.

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Artery Disease; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Myocardial Revascularization; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Assessment

A metamorphosis in the etiology of valvular heart disease (VHD) has occurred over the last 6 decades. In this review, the factors contributing to this metamorphosis, the common causes of VHD today, the relationship of valvular calcification to atherosclerosis and the interrelationship of VHD with other systems/organs are presented.

Topics: Calcinosis; Cardiomyopathies; Cardiovascular Agents; Disease Susceptibility; Endocarditis; Female; Heart Neoplasms; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Male; Pedigree; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

For anesthetic management, various kinds of drugs are administered to the patient. When unchanged drugs or their active metabolites are eliminated from the kidney, renal function has significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of the drugs. Generally, in such cases, drug or metabolite clearance shows a positive relation with glomerular filtration rate. When these drugs are administered to patients with renal impairment, drug concentrations are increased, prolonging the pharmacological effects or causing side-effects. In anesthesia related drugs, morphine, muscle relaxants, antibiotics and phosphodiesterase III inhibitors require special attention. Their dosages should be adjusted according to parameters of renal function such as creatinine clearance.

Topics: Analgesics; Anesthetics; Biological Transport, Active; Cardiovascular Agents; Carrier Proteins; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Drug Administration Schedule; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Kidney; Metabolic Clearance Rate; Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; Protein Binding; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Sorption Detoxification

To avoid perioperative cardiac complications and deterioration of renal function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), anesthesiologists are required to manage respiration and circulation properly. Three mechanisms are considered to worsen renal function during inappropriate mechanical ventilation; first, hypercapnia or hypoxemia, second, unstable systemic hemodynamic, and third, systemic inflammatory mediators derived from pulmonary biotrauma. Many circulatory problems are present in CKD patients, for example, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, arterial sclerotic valve disease, salt and water retention etc. Blood pressure in CKD patients should be controlled properly before surgery. Renal blood flow and renal perfusion pressure should be maintained by aggressive fluid therapy to avoid perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) on CKD, while cardiac congestion should also be avoided. Perioerative renal protective effects of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) on CKD still needs further investigation. Appropriate hemodynamic monitoring, including direct arterial pressure, left ventricular preload, intravascular volume and cardiac output could be helpful for anesthesiologists to manage CKD patients safely. In the area of CKD and anesthesia, there is lack of evidence in respiratory and circulatory strategies. Prospective studies in these aspects are required in the future.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Fluid Therapy; Hemodynamics; Humans; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Perioperative Care; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Postoperative Complications; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Respiration, Artificial

Cardiac and kidney disease are becoming increasingly more prevalent in the population, and may exist concurrently. One of the most important comorbidities in heart failure is renal dysfunction. The pathophysiology of cardio-renal syndromes is complicated, and has been divided into five categories. Cardio-Renal syndrome type 2 is described by chronic cardiac abnormalities resulting in impaired renal function. It is important to recognize this entity and to understand the pathophysiology underlying the cardiac and renal disorders to distinguish best treatment practices. The success in improved outcomes lies in optimization of heart failure therapies.

Topics: Cardio-Renal Syndrome; Cardiovascular Agents; Diuretics; Heart Failure; Humans; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure are closely interlinked; an abnormality in one system adversely impacts upon the function of the other. Despite the wealth of evidence available for beneficial treatment strategies in chronic heart failure, the prognosis remains poor and optimum therapy under-utilised. The applicability of proven therapies to patients with co-morbidity remains a particular challenge, especially since marked renal impairment has often been an exclusion criteria in major studies. In this article we discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the two conditions and then focus on the aspects of treatment most pertinent to those patients with heart failure patients and concomitant chronic kidney disease.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Cardiovascular Agents; Comorbidity; Heart Failure; Humans; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Co-existent cardiac and renal dysfunction is increasingly recognized as both a predictor and mediator of poor outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure. Novel therapies, including adenosine receptor antagonists, are currently under development for the treatment of 'cardiorenal syndrome'.. To review the pathophysiologic rationale for using rolofylline, a selective adenosine 1 receptor antagonist, in patients with cardiorenal syndrome; and to provide a critical overview of safety and efficacy data from clinical studies.. We reviewed published data on the pharmacology of rolofylline, and used this to inform a comprehensive summary of preclinical and clinical trials. Cardiac and renal effects, and safety data with a particular reference to seizures, are highlighted.. Rolofylline facilitates diuresis and preserves renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and renal dysfunction. Pilot data also suggest beneficial effects on symptoms and short-term outcomes. The risk of seizures may be minimized by excluding high-risk patients.

Topics: Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonists; Animals; Cardiovascular Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Heart Failure; Humans; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Syndrome; Xanthines

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) is a highly prevalent atherosclerotic syndrome associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is defined by atherosclerotic obstruction of the abdominal aorta and arteries to the legs that reduces arterial flow during exercise and/or at rest, and is a common manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis. PAD represents a marker for premature cardiovascular events, and in patients with PAD, even in the absence of a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemic stroke, they have approximately the same relative risk of death from cardiovascular causes as do patients with a history of coronary or cerebrovascular disease. In addition, their death rate from all causes is approximately equal in men and women and is elevated even in asymptomatic patients. The major risk factors for PAD are the well defined atherosclerotic risks such as diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, advanced age, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Due to the presence of these risk factors, the systemic nature of atherosclerosis, and the high risk of ischemic events, patients with PAD should be candidates for aggressive secondary prevention strategies including aggressive risk factor modification, antiplatelet therapy, lipid lowering therapy and antihypertensive treatment. This article reviews the current medical treatment and risk factor modification of patients with PAD.

Topics: Age Factors; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Complications; Disease Progression; Drugs, Investigational; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertension; Inflammation; Intermittent Claudication; Male; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Treatment Outcome

Age is well recognized as a powerful prognostic factor in the setting of cardiovascular disease. With the aging of the US population, it is projected that more than 50 million people will be aged over 65 years by the year 2020. This growing elderly population has increased rates of morbidity and mortality owing to cardiovascular disease; however, proven therapies for prevention and treatment are often underused in older patients, largely because physicians perceive them as being frail and have limited understanding of age-related unique adverse and therapeutic effects. Advancing age is associated with a number of physiologic and pathophysiologic changes that impact the toxic effects, efficacy and dosing of many medications. Decreases in lean muscle mass affect the volume of distribution, and reductions in hepatic function affect the metabolism of many medications. Age-related reductions in renal function might have the most profound impact on the safety profile and dosing of medications in elderly patients. The strong association between renal and cardiovascular disease makes recognition of renal dysfunction and appropriate dose adjustment particularly important in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease. This article reviews current approaches to the estimation of renal function, and unique considerations related to prescribing medication for elderly patients with concomitant renal and cardiovascular disease.

Topics: Aged; Aging; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Chronic kidney disease is a known risk factor in cardiovascular disease, but its influence on treatment effect of bypass surgery remains unclear. We assessed the influence of chronic kidney disease on 10-year mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ischemic heart failure treated with medical therapy (medical treatment) with or without coronary artery bypass grafting.. We calculated the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula, chronic kidney disease stages 1-5) from 1209 patients randomized to medical treatment or coronary artery bypass grafting in the Surgical Treatment for IsChemic Heart failure trial and assessed its effect on outcome.. In the overall Surgical Treatment for IsChemic Heart failure cohort, patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3 to 5 were older than those with stages 1 and 2 (66-71 years vs 54-59 years) and had more comorbidities. Multivariable modeling revealed an inverse association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and risk of death, cardiovascular death, or cardiovascular rehospitalization (all P < .001, but not for stroke, P = .697). Baseline characteristics of the 2 treatment arms were equal for each chronic kidney disease stage. There were significant improvements in death or cardiovascular rehospitalization with coronary artery bypass grafting (stage 1: hazard ratio, 0.71; confidence interval, 0.53-0.96, P = .02; stage 2: hazard ratio, 0.71; confidence interval, 0.59-0.84, P < .0001; stage 3: hazard ratio, 0.76; confidence interval, 0.53-0.96, P = .03). These data were inconclusive in stages 4 and 5 for insufficient patient numbers (N = 28). There was no significant interaction of estimated glomerular filtration rate with the treatment effect of coronary artery bypass grafting (P = .25 for death and P = .54 for death or cardiovascular rehospitalization).. Chronic kidney disease is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with ischemic heart failure with or without coronary artery bypass grafting. However, mild to moderate chronic kidney disease does not appear to influence long-term treatment effects of coronary artery bypass grafting.

Topics: Aged; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Artery Bypass; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Ischemia; Prospective Studies; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for developing cardiovascular events. However, limited evidence is available regarding the use of aspirin in CKD patients to decrease cardiovascular risk and to slow renal disease progression.. Prospective, multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial.. One hundred eleven patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15-60 ml/min/1.73 m. Aspirin treatment (100 mg/day) (n = 50) or usual therapy (n = 61). Mean follow-up time was 64.8 ± 16.4 months.. The primary endpoint was composed of cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome (nonfatal MI, coronary revascularization, or unstable angina pectoris), cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, or nonfatal peripheral arterial disease. Secondary endpoints were fatal and nonfatal coronary events, renal events (defined as doubling of serum creatinine, ≥ 50% decrease in eGFR, or renal replacement therapy), and bleeding episodes.. During follow-up, 17 and 5 participants suffered from a primary endpoint in the control and aspirin groups, respectively. Aspirin did not significantly reduce primary composite endpoint (HR, 0.396 (0.146-1.076), p = 0.069. Eight patients suffered from a fatal or nonfatal coronary event in the control group compared to no patients in the aspirin group. Aspirin significantly reduced the risk of coronary events (log-rank, 5.997; p = 0.014). Seventeen patients in the control group reached the renal outcome in comparison with 3 patients in the aspirin group. Aspirin treatment decreased renal disease progression in a model adjusted for age, baseline kidney function, and diabetes mellitus (HR, 0.272; 95% CI, 0.077-0.955; p = 0.043) but did not when adjusted for albuminuria. No differences were found in minor bleeding episodes between groups and no major bleeding was registered.. Small sample size and open-label trial.. Long-term treatment with low-dose aspirin did not reduce the composite primary endpoint; however, there were reductions in secondary endpoints with fewer coronary events and renal outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01709994.

Topics: Aged; Aspirin; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Disease Progression; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Hemorrhage; Humans; Kidney; Male; Middle Aged; Primary Prevention; Prospective Studies; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Spain; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Strict implementation of guidelines directed at multiple targets reduces vascular risk in diabetic patients. Whether this also applies to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain. To evaluate this, the MASTERPLAN Study randomized 788 patients with CKD (estimated GFR 20-70 ml/min) to receive additional intensive nurse practitioner support (the intervention group) or nephrologist care (the control group). The primary end point was a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death. During a mean follow-up of 4.62 years, modest but significant decreases were found for blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, anemia, proteinuria along with the increased use of active vitamin D or analogs, aspirin and statins in the intervention group compared to the controls. No differences were found in the rate of smoking cessation, weight reduction, sodium excretion, physical activity, or glycemic control. Intensive control did not reduce the rate of the composite end point (21.3/1000 person-years in the intervention group compared to 23.8/1000 person-years in the controls (hazard ratio 0.90)). No differences were found in the secondary outcomes of vascular interventions, all-cause mortality or end-stage renal disease. Thus, the addition of intensive support by nurse practitioner care in patients with CKD improved some risk factor levels, but did not significantly reduce the rate of the primary or secondary end points.

Topics: Aged; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Progression; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Myocardial Infarction; Netherlands; Nurse Practitioners; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Preventive Health Services; Proportional Hazards Models; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Risk Reduction Behavior; Severity of Illness Index; Smoking Cessation; Stroke; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Weight Loss

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are vulnerable to adverse-drug events from cardiovascular drugs.. To evaluate awareness and knowledge for appropriate dose adjustment of cardiovascular drugs in CKD patients among Internal Medicine house-staff (IMHS).. Cross-sectional convenience sample survey in Fall 2015 among 341 IMHS from multiple academic institutions in the suburban New York City metropolitan area. Awareness was whether drug dose adjustment was needed. Knowledge was correct GFR level for drug dose adjustment. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted.. We found overall high percentages and high odds for all cardiovascular drugs for incorrect awareness and knowledge. Postgraduate year (PGY)-1 had greater odds than PGY-3 for Carvedilol (OR: 5.56, 95% CI: 2.19-14.12, p < 0.001) and Digoxin (OR: 3.87, 95% CI: 1.37-10.95, p < 0.05), and lesser odds than PGY3 for Atenolol (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.91, p < 0.05). Nephrology exposure during medical school rotation, renal clinic, or family history had lesser odds for Carvedilol (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21-0.97, p < 0.05), Simvastatin (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16-0.97, p < 0.05), and Hydralazine (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12-0.81, p < 0.05). Nephrology exposure during residency (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.10-3.50, p < 0.05) and US osteopathic graduates (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.04-5.50, p < 0.05) each had greater odds for Enalapril (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.04-5.50, p < 0.05). International medical graduates had lesser odds than US graduates for Amlodipine (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11-0.82, p < 0.05).. IMHS had overall poor awareness and knowledge for dose adjustment for common cardiovascular drugs in patients with CKD. As the majority of CKD patients are managed by their primary care providers, training programs should ensure that IMHS have adequate education in Nephrology during their residency training.

Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug Dosage Calculations; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Health Care Surveys; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Internal Medicine; Kidney; Male; Medical Staff, Hospital; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Cardiovascular Agents; Case-Control Studies; Comorbidity; Drug Prescriptions; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prospective Studies; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Severity of Illness Index; Stroke Volume; Treatment Outcome

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the 5-year clinical outcomes of everolimus-eluting stent (EES) implantation.. Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of EES. However, limited information exists on the long-term clinical outcomes associated with CKD.. The Tokyo-MD PCI study is a multi-center observational study designed to describe the clinical outcomes of unselected patients after EES implantation. In this subanalysis, patients on maintenance hemodialysis were excluded, and patients with (n = 316) or without (n = 1,424) CKD were evaluated for their 5-year incidence rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, ischemia driven target lesion revascularization (ID-TLR), and stent thrombosis (ST).. The mean and median follow-up duration were 1,391 ± 557 days and 1,769 days (interquartile range, 1,012-1,800 days), respectively. Although the incidence of ID-TLR and ST was similar between patients with and without CKD (4.9% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.26, 0.5% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.20, respectively), cardiac death and MACE were significantly higher in patients with CKD than in those without CKD (6.5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.007, 26.9% vs. 14.0%, P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, CKD was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio 1.22 [95% confidence interval 1.04-1.43], P = 0.01).. Patients with CKD had similar ID-TLR and ST rates as those without CKD at 5 years after EES implantation. The risk of long-term MACEs appeared to be associated with CKD.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiovascular Agents; Cause of Death; Comorbidity; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Thrombosis; Drug-Eluting Stents; Everolimus; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Incidence; Kidney; Male; Middle Aged; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Prevalence; Registries; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Tokyo; Treatment Outcome

Chronic kidney disease is associated with a high likelihood of receiving cardiovascular drugs. The Haute Autoritéde santé in France still recommends the use of the Cockcroft and Gault formula for dosage adjustments, on the pretext that it is the main data available in the Vidal. Vidal. A total of 196 molecules were identified, of which 62.6% required dose adjustment to renal function. The most commonly used evaluation method was creatinine clearance (without precision about estimation or measurement) with a frequency of 35.5%. The frequency of use of the Cockcroft and Gault formula was 3.9% (8.4% after review of the literature concerning the molecules stating the clearance of creatinine, as the reference method).. The privileged use of Cockcroft and Gault formula for dose adjustment, as recommended by the Haute Autoritéde santé, does not seem to be justified. An overhaul of recommendations for pharmacokinetic studies and renal function assessment methods for dose adjustments appears necessary.

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Creatinine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; France; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Mathematical Concepts; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

A strong association exists between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). The role of CKD in the long-term prognosis of CAD patients with versus those without CKD is unknown. This study investigated whether CKD affects ventricular function.From January 2009 to January 2010, 918 consecutive patients were selected from an outpatient database. Patients had undergone percutaneous, surgical, or clinical treatment and were followed until May 2015.In patients with preserved renal function (n = 405), 73 events (18%) occurred, but 108 events (21.1%) occurred among those with CKD (n = 513) (P < .001). Regarding left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%, we found 84 events (21.5%) in CKD patients and 12 (11.8%) in those with preserved renal function (P < .001). The presence of LVEF <50% brought about a modification effect. Death occurred in 22 (5.4%) patients with preserved renal function and in 73 (14.2%) with CKD (P < .001). In subjects with LVEF <50%, 66 deaths (16.9%) occurred in CKD patients and 7 (6.9%) in those with preserved renal function (P = .001). No differences were found in CKD strata regarding events or overall death among those with preserved LVEF. In a multivariate model, creatinine clearance remained an independent predictor of death (P < .001).We found no deleterious effects of CKD in patients with CAD when ventricular function was preserved. However, there was a worse prognosis in patients with CKD and ventricular dysfunction.Resgistry number is ISRCTN17786790 at https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17786790.

Topics: Aged; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Artery Disease; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Function Tests; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Kidney Function Tests; Middle Aged; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Reoperation; Smoking; Socioeconomic Factors

It remains controversial whether coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be optimized to treat coronary artery disease in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). Recently, further refinement of drug-eluting stents, such as the everolimus-eluting stent (EES), has led to marked development in this field. We compared long-term clinical outcomes after CABG versus PCI with EES implantation in patients on chronic HD.. We compared 138 patients undergoing CABG and 187 patients treated with EES implantation. The endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) as a composite outcome, including any revascularization, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or mortality. To reduce the selection bias for the two procedures, propensity score-matching was performed.. During the follow-up period (43 months), 95 (29.2%) MACEs, including 43 (13.2%) revascularizations, 14 (4.3%) nonfatal myocardial infarctions, and 63 (19.4%) deaths, occurred. The freedom rate from MACE and mortality at 5 years were comparable between groups (69.7 vs. 66.7%, P=0.82 and 75.0 vs. 80.6%, P=0.10, respectively); however, those from revascularization at 5 years was higher in the CABG group than the EES group (89.4 vs. 81.0%, P=0.030). In propensity score-matched patients (n=92), the freedom rate from revascularization at 5 years was still higher in the CABG group than in the EES group (93.4 vs. 79.1%, P=0.013). Similarly, the freedom rates from MACE and mortality were comparable (70.0 vs. 66.3%, P=0.69 and 73.8 vs. 79.7%, P=0.30, respectively).. Even in the second-generation drug-eluting stent era, CABG is still superior for preventing revascularization in patients on chronic HD. However, PCI with EES implantation might not have disadvantages compared with CABG in terms of MACE.

Topics: Aged; Cardiovascular Agents; Clinical Decision-Making; Coronary Artery Bypass; Coronary Artery Disease; Drug-Eluting Stents; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Prosthesis Design; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), low diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, but its association with angina is unknown.. The goal of this study was to examine the association of low DBP and angina in patients with CAD.. The study assessed the frequency of angina (measured by using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire-Angina Frequency score) according to DBP in patients with known CAD from 25 U.S. cardiology clinics. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to test the association between DBP and angina, with a spline term for DBP to assess nonlinearity.. Among 1,259 outpatients with CAD, 411 (33%) reported angina in the prior month, with higher rates in the lowest DBP quartile (40 to 64 mm Hg: 37%). In the unadjusted model, DBP was associated with angina with a J-shaped relationship (p = 0.017, p for nonlinearity = 0.027), with a progressive increase in odds of angina as DBP decreased below ∼70 to 80 mm Hg. This association remained significant after sequential adjustment for demographic characteristics (p = 0.002), comorbidities (p = 0.002), heart rate (p = 0.002), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.046), and antihypertensive antianginal medications (p = 0.045).. In patients with chronic CAD, there seemed to be an association between lower DBP and increased odds of angina. If validated, these findings suggest that clinicians should consider less aggressive blood pressure control in patients with CAD and angina.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Angina Pectoris; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Artery Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diastole; Diuretics; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Nitrates; Ranolazine; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Sex Factors; United States

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with multiple comorbidities. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of comorbidities in patients with COPD and to relate their prevalence to the severity of the disease by using a large German health care database. Based on the retrospective analysis of a two-year (2013-2014) database from the German Statutory Health Insurance system, we obtained a representative sample of 4,075,493 german insurants. This sample included 146,141 patients with COPD (age: ≥35 years). To these patients, we matched 1:1 by age and gender randomly selected non-COPD controls. We assessed the comorbidities and the use of cardiovascular drugs, and examined COPD subgroups according to lung function (ICD-10-coded FEV1) and the treatment with long-acting inhaled bronchodilators. Compared to non-COPD, patients with COPD had a higher prevalence of hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, psychiatric disease and lung cancer, and used more cardiovascular-related drugs. However, the prevalence of comorbidities did not correlate to the severity of airflow limitation. The results of this sizeable nationwide survey support the concept that individuals with COPD need careful evaluation regarding comorbidities. This can already be of relevance in patients with mild to moderate airflow limitation.. Comorbidities in COPD have a complex relationship with disease severity, requiring a comprehensive therapy approach.

Topics: Aged; Bronchodilator Agents; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Comorbidity; Diabetes Mellitus; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Germany; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoporosis; Prevalence; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index

Drug dosing errors result in adverse patient outcomes and are more common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As internists treat the majority of patients with CKD, we study if Internal Medicine house-staff have awareness and knowledge about the correct dosage of commonly used medications for those with CKD.. A cross-sectional survey was performed and included 341 participants. The outcomes were the awareness of whether a medication needs dose adjustment in patients with CKD and whether there was knowledge for the level of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) a medication needs to be adjusted.. The overall pattern for all post-graduate year (PGY) groups in all medication classes was a lack of awareness and knowledge. For awareness, there were statistically significant increased mean differences for PGY2 and PGY3 as compared to PGY1 for allergy, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and rheumatologic medication classes but not for analgesic, cardiovascular, and neuropsychotropic medication classes. For knowledge, there were statistically significant increased mean differences for PGY2 and PGY3 as compared to PGY1 for allergy, cardiovascular, endocrine, and gastrointestinal, medication classes but not for analgesic, neuropsychotropic, and rheumatologic medication classes.. Internal Medicine house-staff across all levels of training demonstrated poor awareness and knowledge for many medication classes in CKD patients. Internal Medicine house-staff should receive more nephrology exposure and formal didactic educational training during residency to better manage complex treatment regimens and prevent medication dosing errors.

Topics: Adult; Analgesics; Anti-Allergic Agents; Antirheumatic Agents; Cardiovascular Agents; Clinical Competence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gastrointestinal Agents; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Internal Medicine; Male; Medical Staff, Hospital; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Psychotropic Drugs; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Surveys and Questionnaires

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular events. Cystatin C (CysC) has been proposed as a sensitive marker for CKD. However, the predictive value of CysC for cardiovascular events in CAD patients with preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is unclear. We enrolled 277 consecutive patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention with sirolimus-eluting stents (SES). Patients with an eGFR ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were excluded. Serum CysC levels were measured immediately before SES implantation. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were defined as cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and hospitalization because of congestive heart failure. After a median follow-up of 63 months, 29 patients had MACCE. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on median serum CysC levels and eGFR (0.637 mg/L and 72.43 ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the high CysC group had a significantly higher occurrence of MACCE than the low CysC group (p = 0.006), although a low level of eGFR was not significantly associated with an increased risk for occurrence of MACCE. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum CysC levels were an independent predictor of MACCE [hazards ratio: 1.30 per 0.1 mg/L (1.01-1.63), p = 0.038]. These data suggested that serum CysC level is an independent predictor of MACCE, even in patients with preserved eGFR after elective SES implantation.

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Aged; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Coronary Artery Disease; Cystatin C; Drug-Eluting Stents; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Failure; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Kidney; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Proportional Hazards Models; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sirolimus; Stroke; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Up-Regulation

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with increased mortality rates. We assessed long-term outcomes of patients with PAD and CKD. Patients with PAD undergoing invasive angiography and/or endovascular revascularization between 2005 and 2010 were retrospectively classified into 5 CKD stages. A follow-up was performed and 572 patients were included, 116 patients (20%) had normal renal function, 245 were in CKD stage 2 (43%), 156 in CKD stage 3 (27%), and 55 in CKD stages 4 + 5 (10%). Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and anemia were more frequent in higher CKD stages (P < .03). During follow-up (mean 1135 days; 95% confidence interval 1159-1259), cumulative mortality was 21% and increased with advanced CKD stages (9%, 16%, 29%, and 47%, respectively, P < .001). In multivariate Cox regression models, higher CKD stages were significantly associated with poor survival. Medication adherence for secondary prevention was significantly lower than recommended but irrespective of CKD stages. Kidney function is an independent predictor of worse long-term survival in patients with PAD. While standard medications were used less often than recommended, no differences between CKD stages were noted.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Comorbidity; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Kidney; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Proportional Hazards Models; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Secondary Prevention; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiovascular Agents; Contraindications; Digoxin; Drug Substitution; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Electrocardiography; Female; Heart Failure, Diastolic; Humans; Hypertension; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Treatment Outcome; Withholding Treatment

Concern about the renal safety of commonly used cardiovascular drugs with demonstrated clinical benefit appears to be an obstacle to their use in the elderly. The objective was to describe the relationship between cardiovascular drugs and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in elderly individuals in the real-life setting. This is an ancillary study of the prospective non-interventional S.AGE (aged individuals) cohort. General physicians were free to prescribe any drug their patients needed. The participants were non-institutionalized patients aged 65 years and older treated by their primary physician for either chronic pain or atrial fibrillation or type 2 diabetes mellitus. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) derived from the CKD-EPI formula was determined at inclusion and every year during 2 years of follow-up. This study comprised 2505 patients aged 77.8 ± 6.2 years. At inclusion, the factors associated with CKD (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ) in multivariate analysis were age, female gender, hypertension, heart failure, history of atherothrombotic disease and renin angiotensin system blockers, loop diuretics and calcium channel inhibitors. Introduction of each of these three drug classes during the follow-up period led to only a small decrease in the eGFR: -3.8 ± 12.7 (p < 0.0006), -2.2 ± 12.0 (p < 0.003) and -1.0 ± 13.4 ml/min./1.73 m(2) (NS), respectively. Only the introduction of loop diuretics was associated with CKD (OR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.25-2.90; p = 0.002). Renal safety of cardiovascular drugs in the elderly appears acceptable and should not be a barrier to their use.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiovascular Agents; Chronic Pain; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Prospective Studies; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors

Hyperphosphatemia increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity but the use of medicines as a source of phosphate has not been investigated yet. This study aims to explore the use of absorbable phosphate-containing drugs in CKD patients.. Incident CKD patients were identified within the Arianna database (containing data from 158,510 persons in Caserta (Southern Italy) registered with 123 general practitioners) from 2005 to 2011. Drugs prescribed to these patients were classified as phosphate-containing based on the summary of product characteristics (SPC), PubChem and Micromedex. The number and duration of prescriptions for these drugs as well as the overall intake of phosphate were estimated. Out of 1989 CKD patients, 1381 (70%) were prescribed 266 medicinal products containing absorbable phosphate over a median follow-up of 6 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 5.2-6.0). Most patients were prescribed ATC A (650; 47.1%) and C (660; 47.8%) phosphate-containing drug products targeting the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system for a median of 232 (IQR: 56-656) and 224 (IQR: 56-784) days respectively.. Several medications, especially chronically prescribed ones, contain absorbable phosphate. This study's findings confirm the relevance of medicines as a phosphate source for the first time.

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Gastrointestinal Agents; Humans; Hyperphosphatemia; Italy; Phosphates; Prescription Drugs; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors

We evaluated the effects of patiromer, a potassium (K(+))-binding polymer, in a pre-specified analysis of hyperkalaemic patients with heart failure (HF) in the OPAL-HK trial.. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) with serum K(+) levels ≥5.1 mEq/L to <6.5 mEq/L (n = 243) received patiromer (4.2 g or 8.4 g BID initially) for 4 weeks (initial treatment phase); the primary efficacy endpoint was mean change in serum K(+) from baseline to week 4. Eligible patients (those with baseline K(+) ≥5.5 mEq/L to <6.5 mEq/L and levels ≥3.8 mEq/L to <5.1 mEq/L at the end of week 4) entered an 8-week randomized withdrawal phase and were randomly assigned to continue patiromer or switch to placebo; the primary efficacy endpoint was the between-group difference in median change in the serum K(+) over the first 4 weeks of that phase. One hundred and two patients (42%) had heart failure (HF). The mean [± standard error (SE)] change in serum K(+) from baseline to week 4 was -1.06 ± 0.05 mEq/L [95% confidence interval (CI), -1.16,-0.95; P < 0.001]; 76% (95% CI, 69,84) achieved serum K(+), 3.8 mEq/L to <5.1 mEq/L. In the randomized withdrawal phase, the median increase in serum K(+) from baseline of that phase was greater with placebo (n = 22) than patiromer (n = 27) (P < 0.001); recurrent hyperkalaemia (serum K(+), ≥5.5 mEq/L) occurred in 52% on placebo and 8% on patiromer (P < 0.001). Mild-to-moderate constipation was the most common adverse event (11%); hypokalaemia occurred in 3%.. In patients with CKD and HF who were hyperkalaemic on RAASi, patiromer was well tolerated, decreased serum K(+), and, compared with placebo, reduced recurrent hyperkalaemia.

Topics: Aged; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Cardiovascular Agents; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hyperkalemia; Male; Middle Aged; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Polymers; Potassium; Recurrence; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Renin

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disorder associated with impaired quality of life, high morbidity, mortality and frequent hospitalization and affects millions of people from all around the world. Despite further improvements in HF therapy, mortality and morbidity remains to be very high. The life-long treatment, frequent hospitalization, and sophisticated and very expensive device therapies for HF also leads a substantial economic burden on the health care system. Therefore, implementation of evidence-based guideline-recommended therapy is very important to overcome its worse clinical outcomes. However, HF therapy is a long process that has many drawbacks and sometimes HF guidelines cannot answers to every question which rises in everyday clinical practice. In this paper, commonly encountered questions, overlooked points, controversial issues, management strategies in grey zone and problems arising during follow up of a HF patient in real life clinical practice have been addressed in the form of expert opinions based on the available data in the literature.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Aged; Anemia; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiovascular Agents; Chronic Disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Diuretics; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Middle Aged; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Turkey

In patients with chronic digoxin toxicity, especially in the presence of renal impairment, a prolonged duration of continuous monitoring is required with consideration given to further doses of immune fab if necessary for re-emergence of toxicity.

Topics: Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiovascular Agents; Digoxin; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; Recurrence; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Patients requiring chronic hemodialysis (HD) are at high risk for restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bare metal stents. Outcome data on drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in HD patients are limited and suggest superiority of paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) over limus-eluting stents (LES).. In total, 218 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. A comparison of post-PCI outcomes up to 2 years was carried out between patients receiving PES (n=62) and LES (n=156; SES n=112, EES n=44). The primary end point was 2-year major adverse cardiac events [MACE; death, Q-wave myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization (TLR)].. Baseline characteristics were comparable. The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 71%. On clinical follow-up to 2 years, MACE rates were similar [PES 32/51 (62.7%) vs. LES 77/132 (58.3%), p=0.59]; however, clinically-driven revascularization occurred more than twice as frequently in LES patients: TLR [PES 4/36 (11.1%) vs. LES 24/93 (25.8%), p=0.07] and target vessel revascularization [5/37 (13.5%) vs. 33/96 (34.4%), p=0.02]. Given that overall mortality was nominally higher for PES patients [31/50 (62.0%) vs. 61/127 (48.0%), p=0.09], a competing outcome analysis was implemented for TLR against mortality, which demonstrated that the trend for increased TLR with LES was no longer apparent (p=0.282). On multivariable adjustment, only diabetes mellitus was independently associated with TLR (use of PES was not).. Patients on chronic HD experience high rates of clinically driven TLR despite DES implantation. Use of PES does not demonstrate a significant advantage over LES in this population.

Topics: Aged; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Restenosis; Diabetes Mellitus; District of Columbia; Drug-Eluting Stents; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Myocardial Infarction; Paclitaxel; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Prevalence; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Prosthesis Design; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

To review the product information (PI) for various brands of the same generic drugs and investigate the extent to which information is currently available on dosing in renal impairment and the concordance between the dosing recommendations for the same generic drug.. The Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS) was examined for 28 generic drugs recommended to be used with caution in renal impairment. For each generic drug all available brands listed as having solid oral dosage form were recorded. For each identified brand, the current PI was consulted and data referring to renal impairment was collated. The dissimilarity between these PI regarding the renal dosage recommendation was determined.. There was generally a lack of detailed information in the PI on the use of drugs in patients with renal impairment. The majority of PI documents (88 of 155 PI; 57%) provided quantitative dosage recommendations, but this was often not detailed enough to help users to make an informed decision. For 37 PI documents (24%), an altered dosage regimen was proposed without a quantifiable measure of renal function reported in the dose recommendation. The renal function severity category terms used and the associated quantitative values were also not consistent. It was observed that the recommendations varied among different brands of hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone, tramadol, metformin and topiramate.. The reporting of renal function quantification methods, and associated dosage recommendations, in PI requires standardisation to ensure optimal drug dosing. Regularly updating of PI is also necessary.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Alendronate; Cardiovascular Agents; Central Nervous System Agents; Contraindications; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Dosage Calculations; Drug Labeling; Drugs, Generic; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Gout Suppressants; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Function Tests; Narcotics; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Psychotropic Drugs; Ranitidine; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

To assess the frequency of chronic kidney disease (CKD), define the associated demographics, and evaluate its association with use of evidence-based drug therapy in a contemporary global study of patients with stable coronary artery disease.. 22,272 patients from the ProspeCtive observational LongitudinAl RegIstry oF patients with stable coronary arterY disease (CLARIFY) were included. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated (CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration formula) and patients categorised according to CKD stage: >89, 60-89, 45-59 and <45 mL/min/1.73 m2.. Mean (SD) age was 63.9±10.4 years, 77.3% were male, 61.8% had a history of myocardial infarction, 71.9% hypertension, 30.4% diabetes and 75.4% dyslipidaemia. Chronic kidney disease (eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was seen in 22.1% of the cohort (6.9% with eGFR<45 mL/min/1.73 m2); lower eGFR was associated with increasing age, female sex, cardiovascular risk factors, overt vascular disease, other comorbidities and higher systolic but lower diastolic blood pressure. High use of secondary prevention was seen across all CKD stages (overall 93.4% lipid-lowering drugs, 95.3% antiplatelets, 75.9% beta-blockers). The proportion of patients taking statins was lower in patients with CKD. Antiplatelet use was significantly lower in patients with CKD whereas oral anticoagulant use was higher. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use was lower (52.0% overall) and inversely related to declining eGFR, whereas angiotensin-receptor blockers were more frequently prescribed in patients with reduced eGFR.. Chronic kidney disease is common in patients with stable coronary artery disease and is associated with comorbidities. Whilst use of individual evidence-based medications for secondary prevention was high across all CKD categories, there remains an opportunity to improve the proportion who take all three classes of preventive therapies. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were used less frequently in lower eGRF categories. Surprisingly the reverse was seen for angiotensin-receptor blockers. Further evaluation is required to fully understand these associations. The CLARIFY (ProspeCtive observational LongitudinAl RegIstry oF patients with stable coronary arterY disease) Registry is registered in the ISRCTN registry of clinical trials with the number ISRCTN43070564. http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN43070564.

Topics: Aged; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Artery Disease; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Prospective Studies; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; China; Dyslipidemias; Humans; Motor Activity; Nutritional Status; Overweight; Prevalence; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors; Smoking; Time Factors

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important global health problem, involving to 10% of the Spanish population, promoting high morbidity and mortality for the patient and an elevate consumption of the total health resources for the National Health System. This is a summary of an executive consensus document of ten scientific societies involved in the care of the renal patient, that actualizes the consensus document published in 2007. The central extended document can be consulted in the web page of each society. The aspects included in the document are: Concept, epidemiology and risk factors for CKD. Diagnostic criteria, evaluation and stages of CKD, albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate estimation. Progression factors for renal damage. Patient remission criteria. Follow-up and objectives of each speciality control. Nephrotoxicity prevention. Cardio-vascular damage detection. Diet, life-style and treatment attitudes: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycemia, smoking, obesity, hyperuricemia, anemia, mineral and bone disorders. Multidisciplinary management for Primary Care, other specialities and Nephrology. Integrated management of CKD patient in haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplant patients. Management of the uremic patient in palliative care. We hope that this document may be of help for the multidisciplinary management of CKD patients by summarizing the most updated recommendations.

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Combined Modality Therapy; Comorbidity; Diabetic Nephropathies; Diet; Disease Progression; Dyslipidemias; Health Behavior; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Hypolipidemic Agents; Interdisciplinary Communication; Kidney Function Tests; Kidney Transplantation; Obesity; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Renal Replacement Therapy; Severity of Illness Index; Terminal Care

It is a case report of bleeding when using dabigatran in patient with renal failure caused by the concurrent use of spironolactone and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The patient (75 years old) at the decompensation of chronic heart failure in the background of persistent atrial fibrillation was appointed the combination of ACE inhibitors, spironolactone, and dabigatran. 10 days after the start of using spironolactone and dabigatran bleeding was marked with decrease in hemoglobin levels to 69 g/l, creatinine level increases to 3.6 mg/dL (glomerular filtration rate by MDRD 18 ml/min/1,73 m2), and potassium to 5.5 mEq/ l. Against the background of the abolition of drugs normalization of renal function was marked. The question of an increased risk of nephrotoxicity with concurrent use of ACE inhibitors and spironolactone is discussed.

Topics: Aged; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Atrial Fibrillation; Benzimidazoles; beta-Alanine; Cardiovascular Agents; Dabigatran; Drug Interactions; Drug Therapy, Combination; Heart Failure; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Spironolactone; Treatment Outcome; Withholding Treatment

Topics: Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Topics: Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Chronic kidney disease is associated with increased death risk. The estimated size of this high-risk population is too large for effective care to be delivered by nephrologists alone and will require models of care delivery that include partnerships with primary-care physicians and incorporate physician extenders. Studies show that some of these care models provide outcomes similar to those seen with nephrologists as sole providers; whether they are cost-effective or improve satisfaction with care remains to be demonstrated.

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Female; Humans; Male; Nurse Practitioners; Preventive Health Services; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Reduction Behavior