Evaluation of febuxostat initiation during an acute gout attack: A prospective,randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveUrate-lowering treatment (ULT) is recommended in gout management. However, initiation of ULT during an acute gout flare is still inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ULT febuxostat administered at initiation of an acute gout attack.MethodsA prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted for 12 weeks in primary gout patients who were admitted with acute gout attacks. Subjects were randomly assigned to the febuxostat group in which febuxostat, 40 mg daily, was administered in the primary care setting for attacks, or to the control group in which febuxostat, 40 mg daily, was administered after the attacks. All patients received adequate anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapies. Serum urate (SU) levels were monitored throughout the study. Pain, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and gout recurrence rate were used as primary outcomes. Flare-related inflammation biomarkers were selected as secondary outcomes.ResultsFifty-two patients completed the study (febuxostat group: n = 28; control group: n = 24). No significant differences were detected in VAS scores between the two groups over the first 14-day observation period (P > 0.05). Administration of febuxostat decreased SU levels significantly during the first 2-week period. However, the gout recurrent rate or gout flare-related inflammation indicators did not change in the febuxostat or control groups. Treatment-related adverse events were mild and similar between groups.ConclusionInitiation of the urate-lowering drug febuxostat during an acute gout attack caused no significant difference in daily pain, recurrent flares, or adverse effects. The treatment significantly decreased SU levels in the early stage and might have potential long-term benefits in these patients.     

2020 Recommendations from the French Society of Rheumatology for the management of gout: Management of acute flares

ObjectiveTo develop French Society of Rheumatology-endorsed recommendations for the management of gout flares.MethodsThese evidence-based recommendations were developed by 9 rheumatologists (academic or community-based), 3 general practitioners, 1 cardiologist, 1 nephrologist and 1 patient, using a systematic literature search, one physical meeting to draft recommendations and 2 Delphi rounds to finalize them.ResultsA set of 4 overarching principles and 4 recommendations was elaborated. The overarching principles emphasize the importance of patient education, including the need to auto-medicate for gout flares as early as possible, if possible within the first 12 h after the onset, according to a pre-defined treatment. Patients must know that gout is a chronic disease, often requiring urate-lowering therapy in addition to flare treatment. Comorbidities and the risk of drug interaction should be screened carefully in every patient as they may contraindicate some anti-inflammatory treatments. Colchicine must be early prescribed at the following dosage: 1 mg then 0.5 mg one hour later, followed by 0.5 mg , 2 to 3 times/day over the next days. In case of diarrhea, which is the first symptom of colchicine poisoning, dosage must be reduced. Colchicine dosage must also be reduced in patients with chronic kidney disease or taking drugs, which interfere with its metabolism. Other first-line treatment options are systemic/intra-articular corticosteroids, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). IL-1 inhibitors can be considered as a second-line option in case of failure, intolerance or contraindication to colchicine, corticosteroids and NSAIDs. They are contraindicated in cases of infection and neutrophil blood count should be monitored.ConclusionThese recommendations aim to provide strategies for the safe use of anti-inflammatory agents, in order to improve the management of gout flares.     

UltraSound evaluation in follow-up of urate-lowering therapy in gout phase 2 (USEFUL-2): Duration of flare prophylaxis

ObjectivesTo determine whether changes in ultrasonography (US) features of monosodium urate crystal deposition is associated with the number of gouty flares after stopping gout flare prophylaxis.MethodsWe performed a 1-year multicentre prospective study including patients with proven gout and US features of gout. The first phase of the study was a 6-month US follow-up after starting urate-lowering therapy (ULT) with gout flare prophylaxis. After 6 months of ULT, gout flare prophylaxis was stopped, followed by a clinical follow-up (M6 to 12) and ULT was maintained. Outcomes were the proportion of relapsing patients between M6 and M12 according to changes of US features of gout and determining a threshold decrease in tophus size according to the probability of relapse.ResultsWe included 79 gouty patients [mean (± SD) age 61.8 ± 14 years, 91% males, median disease duration 4 (IQR 1.5;10) years]. Among the 49 completers at M12, 23 (47%) experienced relapse. Decrease in tophus size ≥ 50% at M6 was more frequent without than with relapse (54% vs. 26%, P = 0.049). On ROC curve analysis, a threshold decrease of 50.8% in tophus size had the best sensitivity/specificity ratio to predict relapse [AUC 0.649 (95% confidence interval 0.488; 0.809)]. Probability of relapse was increased for patients with a decrease in tophus size < 50% between M0 and M6 [OR 3.35 (95% confidence interval 0.98; 11.44)].ConclusionA high reduction in US tophus size is associated with lower probability of relapse after stopping gout prophylaxis. US follow-up may be useful for managing ULT and gout flare prophylaxis.     

Palpable tophi and more comorbidities associated with adherence to urate-lowering medical therapy in a Chinese gout cohort

ObjectiveUrate-lowering therapy (ULT) nonadherence is common and problematic in gout. Since, sociocultural factors affect adherence, we analyzed a Chinese cohort.MethodsWe studied 903 Chinese gout patients aged 46.4 ± 14.7 years (mean ± SD), uniquely extending to assay of 2-year medication possession ratio (MPR) ≥80% defined as high adherence. Multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated factors linked with adherence and ULT target attainment.ResultsCharacterization of ULT outcomes in this cohort revealed that after 2 years ULT, MPR ≥80% patients had better target serum urate (SU) achievement (from 23.3% to 71.0%, P < 0.001), lower flare frequency and palpable tophi compared to MPR < 80%. However, only 44.7% of cohort subjects had MPR ≥80%. Male sex (OR 3.68), gout onset age >60 years (OR 3.51), disease duration >5 years (OR 1.70), more comorbidities (OR 1.74), baseline palpable tophi (OR 1.53), SU < 6 mg/dL (360 μmol/L) (OR 1.92) and more frequent follow-up visits (OR 1.98) were significantly associated with high adherence. Nevertheless, significant independent risk factors for failed SU target achievement included male sex (OR 0.36) and more comorbidities (OR 0.85).ConclusionDespite adherence to ULT linked to better outcomes for flares and tophi, the more adherent Chinese male patients and those with more comorbidities had decreased target SU attainment. Differences in adherence of Chinese gout patients compared to several primarily Western studies emphasize the importance of not stereotyping gout patients for projected nonadherence. Results underline the dual importance of identifying gout patients more likely to be ULT-adherent and leveraging adherence to drive treatment to SU target.     

Predictive factors of tumour necrosis inhibitor treatment persistence for rheumatoid arthritis: An observational study in 8052 patients

ObjectivesTo determine whether changes in ultrasonography (US) features of monosodium urate crystal deposition is associated with the number of gouty flares after stopping gout flare prophylaxis.MethodsWe performed a 1-year multicentre prospective study including patients with proven gout and US features of gout. The first phase of the study was a 6-month US follow-up after starting urate-lowering therapy (ULT) with gout flare prophylaxis. After 6 months of ULT, gout flare prophylaxis was stopped, followed by a clinical follow-up (M6 to 12) and ULT was maintained. Outcomes were the proportion of relapsing patients between M6 and M12 according to changes of US features of gout and determining a threshold decrease in tophus size according to the probability of relapse.ResultsWe included 79 gouty patients (mean [± SD] age 61.8 ± 14 years, 91% males, median disease duration 4 [IQR 1.5; 10] years). Among the 49 completers at M12, 23 (47%) experienced relapse. Decrease in tophus size ≥ 50% at M6 was more frequent without than with relapse (54% vs. 26%, P = 0.049). On ROC curve analysis, a threshold decrease of 50.8% in tophus size had the best sensitivity/specificity ratio to predict relapse. Probability of relapse was increased for patients with a decrease in tophus size <50% between M0 and M6 (OR 3.35 [95% confidence interval 0.98; 11.44]).ConclusionA high reduction in US tophus size is associated with low probability of relapse after stopping gout prophylaxis. US follow-up may be useful for managing ULT and gout flare prophylaxis.     

The natural history of renal functional decline in patients undergoing surveillance in the DISSRM registry

ObjectiveTo describe the natural history of renal function in patients on active surveillance (AS) for small renal masses (SRM) in the Delayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses Registry.MethodsDelayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses is a prospective, multi-institutional registry of patients with SRM (≤4 cm) who choose intervention or AS. Of these, 64 patients on AS had longitudinal serum creatinine (sCr) values and underwent analysis of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). eGFR was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative chronic kidney disease (CKD) classification was used to categorize patients’ eGFR values.ResultsMedian age was 74 (range: 34–88) years at onset of AS. Overall, 9% (6/64) of patients had CKD at baseline. Median initial tumor size was 2.1 cm (range: 0.8–4.0). Median Charlson comorbidity index score was 4 (range: 0–8). Median baseline sCr was 1.0 mg/dl (range: 0.4–2.1) and median baseline eGFR was 70.25 (range: 24.07–165.52). After a median follow-up of 17 (range: 2–46) months, 64% of patients experienced a decrease in eGFR, with average yearly decrease in eGFR of 1.82 ml/min/1.73 m² (P = 0.092) and average yearly increase in sCr of 0.046 (P = 0.012). A total of 15 (24%) patients experienced an upstaging in classification of CKD.DiscussionNearly two-thirds of patients on AS experienced a decrease in eGFR and nearly one-fourth had upstaging of CKD classification. The annual eGFR decline experienced by patients on AS minimally exceeded the annual decline of 1.49±0.3 ml/min/1.73 m² that an individual who was 70 to 79 years of age can expect from aging alone. Further follow-up is necessary to assess this in a more definitive manner, but this trend should be considered when evaluating AS as an alternative to interventional therapies for SRM.     

Concordancia entre las ecuaciones de estimación del filtrado glomerular y el aclaramiento de creatinina en orina de 4 horas en pacientes críticos con trauma grave

Background and objectiveThere is a growing body of evidence that the equations used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are not suitable in critically ill patients, a population whose GFR fluctuates continuously. Glomerular filtration is usually estimated by measuring urine creatinine clearance (CrCl) at various time points. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the most widely used GFR calculators in the subpopulation of critically ill patients admitted for severe trauma, and to compare the results against determinations of CrCl in urine collected over a 4-hour period (4h-CrCl).Material and methodsObservational study in patients hospitalized for severe trauma. We measured the 4h-CrCl and estimated GFR using the Cockcroft-Gault, modified Jelliffe, MDRD, t-MDRD, and CKD-EPI equations, adjusting the results for body surface area (BSA) (ml/min/1.73m²). Data were analysed using R version 4.0.4.ResultsA total of 85 patients were included. Median age was 51 years, and 68 were men (78.82%). The mean BSA-adjusted 4h-CrCl (4h-ClCr/1.73 m²) was 84.5 ml/min/1.73 m². We found that GFR estimated using the t-MDRD equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73 m². The Cockcroft-Gault equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73 m² when GFR was greater than 130 ml/min/m².ConclusionsIn ICU patients, glomerular filtration can be reliably estimated by determining urine CrCl, but GFR calculators are not accurate in this population.     

Safety and oncologic efficacy of percutaneous MRI-guided cryoablation of intraparenchymal renal cancers

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and oncologic efficacy of percutaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided cryoablation of intraparenchymal renal cancer.Materials and methodsBetween February 2009 and August 2019, 31 consecutives patients with 31 entirely intraparenchymal biopsy-proven renal cancers were treated with cryoablation under MRI-guidance in our institution, and were retrospectively included. There were 20 men and 11 women with a mean age of 68.5 ± 12.5 (SD) (range: 40–91 years). Patient, tumor- and procedure-related, and follow-up data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Local recurrence free (LRFS), metastasis free (MFS), disease free (DFS), cancer specific (CSS), and overall survivals (OS) were calculated.ResultsPrimary and secondary technical efficacy rates were 94% and 100%, respectively. Median follow-up was 27 months. Seven (7/31; 23%) minor complications were noted in 7 patients. Patients showed a significant decline of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between baseline and nadir (mean basal eGFR 65.9 ± 22.4 [SD] mL/min/1.73 m² vs. mean nadir eGFR 52.8 ± 26.0 [SD] mL/min/1.73 m²; P < 0.001), but only two showed a clinically significant renal function decline. Three-year estimates of primary and secondary LRFS, MFS, and DFS were 64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 47–87%), 89% (95% CI: 78–99%), 83% (95% CI: 77–98%), and 45% (95% CI: 28–73%), respectively. No patients died due to renal cancer evolution (three-year CSS of 100%; 95% CI: 100–100%). One patient died 52 months after the percutaneous treatment due to cryoablation-unrelated causes (three-year OS of 100%; 95% CI: 100–100%).ConclusionMRI-guided percutaneous cryoablation for intraparenchymal renal cancer offers good oncologic outcomes with acceptable complication rates and renal function worsening.     

Adjuvant chemotherapy for upper-tract urothelial carcinoma treated with nephroureterectomy: Assessment of adequate renal function and influence on outcome

ObjectivesUpper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is associated with poor outcomes. Our aim was to assess adequacy of renal function and evaluate the role of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in patients with UTUC treated by radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in a universal health care system.Materials and methodsRetrospective data from 1,029 patients treated with RNU across 10 Canadian academic centers were collected. Tested variables included various clinico-pathological parameters, the use of perioperative chemotherapy, preoperative and postoperative creatinine values, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models addressed overall survival and disease-specific survival after surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare outcomes in patients who received or did not receive AC.ResultsMedian age of patients was 70 years with a median follow-up of patients who were alive of 26 months. The median preoperative and postoperative eGFR rates were 59 mL/min/1.73 m² and 47 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively. Using a cutoff eGFR of 60, 49% of all the patients and 48% of the patients with ≥pT3 or pTxN+ or both diseases would have been eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy preoperatively and only 18% and 21% of the patients, respectively remained eligible postoperatively. Of the patients who received AC, 75% had an eGFR<60. On multivariate analysis, AC was not prognostic for improved overall survival or disease-specific survival.ConclusionsChronic kidney disease is common in patients with UTUC. Following RNU, 57% of the high-risk patients with good preoperative renal function became ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Use of AC did not translate into improved survival. Whether this is due to inherent biases of retrospective analysis, limited efficacy of AC in patients with UTUC, or use of suboptimal regimen or dose because of poor postoperative renal function requires further evaluation.     

Renal Function After Nephron-sparing Surgery Versus Radical Nephrectomy: Results from EORTC Randomized Trial 30904

BackgroundIn the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) randomized trial 30904, nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) was associated with reduced overall survival compared with radical nephrectomy (RN) over a median follow-up of 9.3 yr (hazard ratio: 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–2.16).ObjectiveTo examine the impact of NSS relative to RN on kidney function in EORTC 30904.Design, setting, and participantsThis phase 3 international randomized trial was conducted in patients with a small (≤5 cm) renal mass and normal contralateral kidney who were enrolled from March 1992 to January 2003.InterventionPatients were randomized to RN (n = 273) or NSS (n = 268).Outcome measurements and statistical analysisFollow-up estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR; milliliters per minute per 1.73 m²) were recorded for 259 subjects in the RN arm and 255 subjects in the NSS arm. Percentages of subjects developing at least moderate renal dysfunction (eGFR <60), advanced kidney disease (eGFR <30), or kidney failure (eGFR <15) were calculated for each treatment arm based on the lowest recorded follow-up eGFR (intent-to-treat analysis).Results and limitationsWith a median follow-up of 6.7 yr, eGFR <60 was reached by 85.7% with RN and 64.7% with NSS, with a difference of 21.0% (95% CI, 13.8–28.3); eGFR <30 was reached by 10.0% with RN and 6.3% with NSS, with a difference of 3.7% (95% CI, –1.0 to 8.5); and eGFR <15 was reached by 1.5% with RN and 1.6% with NSS, with a difference of –0.1% (95% CI, –2.2 to 2.1). Lack of longer follow-up for eGFR is a limitation of these analyses.ConclusionsCompared with RN, NSS substantially reduced the incidence of at least moderate renal dysfunction (eGFR <60), although with available follow-up the incidence of advanced kidney disease (eGFR <30) was relatively similar in the two treatment arms, and the incidence of kidney failure (eGFR <15) was nearly identical. The beneficial impact of NSS on eGFR did not result in improved survival in this study population.RegistrationEORTC trial 30904; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00002473.     

En bloc kidney transplant from an 18-month-old donor to an adult recipient: Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTIONThere is an ever-increasing need for organ donations globally. Paediatric kidney transplantation into adult recipients is a well-recognised technique to expand the donor pool. The transplantation can be done either via en bloc kidney transplant (EBKT) or as single kidney transplantation (SKT).PRESENTATION OF CASEAn EKBT from a 18-month-old (15 kg) male patient was transplanted in a 35-year old, 85 kg male with end stage renal failure (ESRF), secondary to Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) on haemodialysis. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. Immuno-suppressant drugs used were tacrolimus, basiliximab and prednisolone. Doppler ultrasound scans performed post-operatively showed normal renal resistive indices in both kidneys. Serum creatinine decreased from 1200 to 170 μmol/L 57 with eGFR improving from 4 to 38 mL/min/1.73 m² at four weeks post-transplant.DISCUSSIONGiven the low incidence of paediatric donors, EBKTs are relatively uncommon and subsequently published series tend to be centre specific with small numbers. The graft survival rates tell us that paediatric kidney donors should not be considered as marginal transplants. The difficulty is in determining when it is more appropriate to perform a paediatric EBKT as opposed to splitting and performing two SKT. Unfortunately there are no widely accepted guidelines to direct clinicians.CONCLUSIONThis case report highlights the first EKBT performed at our institution. The current literature demonstrates that paediatric donors are excellent resources that should be procured whenever available.     

A successful live donor kidney transplantation after large angiomyolipoma excision

INTRODUCTIONAngiomyolipoma is the most common benign neoplasm of the kidney. Successful transplantation of an AML affected kidney has been reported. However it is still often seen as a contraindication to transplantation.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 47-year-old female underwent assessment for a direct specified kidney donation to her husband who had end stage renal failure, due to adult polycystic kidney disease. Routine pre-operative CT angiography demonstrated a large 6 cm × 4 cm AML arising from the upper pole of the right kidney. Right-side hand assisted retro-peritoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy with bench tumour excision was subsequently performed. Recipient implantation was unremarkable with no haemorrhage.DISCUSSIONHistology confirmed a 7 cm AML. At 36 months follow up, the recipient's serum creatinine was 158 μmol/l and eGFR 40 ml/min without the need for dialysis at any stage.CONCLUSIONAML should not be a contraindication for specified live kidney donation, despite a size of 7 cm.     

Epidemiology of gout and hyperuricemia in New Caledonia

ObjectivesNew Caledonia is a Pacific island of 270,000 inhabitants with mixed ethnicities, including Polynesians (10.2%), people from European ancestry (27.2%), and Melanesians (39.1%),. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in the general population and the various ethnicities of New Caledonia.MethodsA 3-degree random sample of the population aged 18 to 60 years was adjusted according to the 2014 New Caledonia census. Face-to-face planned interviews and physical measurements were performed by trained nurses. All consenting participants underwent capillary measurement of creatinine; all consenting men and only women older than 40 years underwent point-of-care uricemia testing. Gout was defined by a validated algorithm. Two definitions of hyperuricemia were used: capillary level equivalent to plasma uric acid level > 360 μmol/l (6 mg/dl) and > 420 μmol/l (7 mg/dl) and/or urate-lowering drug treatment for both thresholds.ResultsWe included 1144 participants (adjusted mean age 37.7 ± 12.0 years; adjusted sex ratio 50.4% men). The adjusted prevalence of gout was 3.3% (95% confidence interval 2.2–4.9). Prevalence was 6.7% (2.5–16.8), 4.1% (1.8–8.9), and 2.6% (1.4–4.7) for Polynesians, Europeans and Melanesians, respectively, and 1.9% (0.5–6.6) for other ethnicities. Prevalence of hyperuricemia, determined in 658 participants, was 67.0% (61.9–71.6) and 37.0% (32.3–42.0) for the 360- and 420-μmol/l thresholds, respectively, and was significantly greater for Polynesians and Melanesians than Europeans for both thresholds.ConclusionsThe prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in New Caledonia was high, including in patients of European descent.     

Novel homozygous inactivating mutation of the calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) in neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism—lack of effect of cinacalcet

BackgroundNSHPT is a life-threatening disorder caused by homozygous inactivating calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) mutations. In some cases, the CaSR allosteric activator, cinacalcet, may reduce serum PTH and calcium levels, but surgery is the treatment of choice.ObjectiveTo describe a case of NSHPT unresponsive to cinacalcet.Patient and ResultsA 23-day-old girl was admitted with hypercalcemia, hypotonia, bell-shaped chest and respiratory distress. The parents were first-degree cousins once removed. Serum Ca was 4.75 mmol/l (N: 2.10–2.62), P: 0.83 mmol/l (1.55–2.64), PTH: 1096 pg/ml (9–52) and urinary Ca/Cr ratio: 0.5 mg/mg. First, calcitonin was given (10 IU/kg × 4/day), and then 2 days later, pamidronate (0.5 mg/kg) for 2 days. Doses of cinacalcet were given daily from day 28 of life starting at 30 mg/m² and increasing to 90 mg/m² on day 43. On day 33, 6 days after pamidronate, serum Ca levels had fallen to 2.5 mmol/l but, thereafter, rose to 5 mmol/l despite the cinacalcet. Total parathyroidectomy was performed at day 45. Hungry bone disease after surgery required daily Ca replacement and calcitriol for 18 days. At 3 months, the girl was mildly hypercalcemic, with no supplementation, and at 6 months, she developed hypocalcemia and has since been maintained on Ca and calcitriol. By CASR mutation analysis, the infant was homozygous and both parents heterozygous for a deletion–frameshift mutation.ConclusionThe predicted nonfunctional CaSR is consistent with lack of response to cinacalcet, but total parathyroidectomy was successful. An empiric trial of the drug and/or prompt mutation testing should help minimize the period of unnecessary pharmacotherapy.     

Measures of body habitus are associated with lung function in adults with cystic fibrosis: A population-based study

BackgroundBody habitus differences may explain some of the variation in lung function between individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). We tested the hypothesis that measures of lean muscle mass and obesity are independently associated with lung function in CF.MethodsCross-sectional study design using UK CF registry data from 2096 clinically stable adults.ResultsSerum creatinine and BMI were positively and independently associated with FEV₁ and FVC. One standard deviation increment in serum creatinine was associated with an FEV₁ increase of 171 ml (95% confidence intervals CI: + 116 to + 227 ml) in males and 90 ml (95% CI: + 46 to + 133 ml) in females. Compared to the reference group of 20–24.9 kg/m², those with a BMI < 20 kg/m² had lower FEV₁ with values of ? 642 ml (95%CI: ? 784 to ? 500 ml) for males and ? 468 ml (95%CI: ? 564 to ? 372 ml) for females.ConclusionsProspective studies and controlled trials are required to ascertain if these associations have therapeutic potential in modifying disease progression.     

Effectiveness and safety of anakinra in gout patients with stage 4–5 chronic kidney disease or kidney transplantation: A multicentre,retrospective study

Objectives

Interleukin (IL)-1β blocking is effective for the treatment of gout flares and is recommended in patients with contraindications to the standard of care, such as stage 4–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, efficacy and safety data regarding these agents are lacking in this population. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of anakinra for the treatment of gout flares in patients with stage 4–5 CKD or renal transplantation.

Plasma free carnitine in severe trauma: Influence of the association with traumatic brain injury

BackgroundMetabolic response to severe trauma requires early nutritional resuscitation. Carnitine is essential for lipolysis, the energy source during this hypercatabolic phase. However l-carnitine is not present in nutritional replacement solutions. Furthermore, free carnitine depletion, defined as carnitine plasma level under 36 μmol/L, was not adequately reported in adult patients with severe trauma. The aim of this study was to assess plasma free carnitine levels and factors of variation in severe trauma.MethodOur observational study concerned 38 trauma patients including 18 with traumatic brain injury (TBI). On the third day after trauma, plasma free carnitine concentration was determined (by enzymatic method) while patients received artificial nutrition.ResultsLow plasmatic free carnitine concentration was evidenced in 95% of the patients with a median value of 18 μmol/L (11–47). Univariate analysis showed that mean arterial pressure, serum urea, CKD-EPI and patients with TBI were significantly associated with plasma free carnitine concentration less than 18 μmol/L. Lower plasma free carnitine concentration was observed in the group of patients with TBI with 17.72 μmol/L (11–36) versus 21.5 μmol/L (11–47) for others patients (p = 0.031). Logistic regression analysis showed that severe trauma with TBI and CKD-EPI above 94 mL/min/1.73 m2 appeared to be independent predictor of lower free carnitine plasmatic concentration (Goodness of fit = 0.87 and AUC = 0.89).ConclusionOur observations support hypotheses that plasma free carnitine concentration is lowered in severe injured patients especially for TBI patients and patients with estimated GFR above 94 mL/min/1.73 m².     

Faible indice de masse corporelle et impact des antirétroviraux sur la néphrotoxicité, la maladie rénale chronique chez les patients infectés par le VIH à Brazzaville,Congo

ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and risks factors of ART induced nephrotoxicity and chronic kidney disease in HIV-1-infected adults with low body mass index (<18.5 kg/m²).MethodsA retrospective cohort study at the Ambulatory Treatment Center in Brazzaville, Congo. Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease by 25% compared to baseline or a 0.5 mg/dL increase in serum creatinine above baseline were classified as having nephrotoxicity, and chronic kidney disease was defined as a value less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m². We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to determine factors associated with nephrotoxicity and chronic kidney disease.ResultsOf 325 patients, 73.23% were women. Median values were an age 37.55 years (IQR: 33.51–44.96), weight 45 kg (IQR: 41–49), CD4 count 137.5 cells/μL (42–245). In the first 24–months, follow-up on ART incidence rate of nephrotoxicity and chronic kidney disease was 27.95 and 7.44 per 100 persons-year respectively. Multivariate analysis identified as a risk factor of nephrotoxicity, baseline haemoglobin below or equal 8 g/dL (aHR = 2.25; 95%CI 1.28–3.98; P = 0.005) and the use of tenofovir (aHR = 1.51; 95%CI 1.01–2.27; P = 0.04). DFG between 60-80 mL/min/1.73 m2 (aHR = 0.35; 95%CI 0.21–0.59; P < 0.001) and 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m² (aHR = 0.10; 95%CI 0.01–0.72; P = 0.02) was not a contraindication for initiating antiretroviral therapy. Each 10-year older age was associated with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (aHR = 1.95; 95%CI 1.2–3.17; P = 0.007).ConclusionIncidence of nephrotoxicity and chronic kidney disease were high. African HIV-positive patient with low body mass index at baseline need close monitoring of their renal function when treated with tenofovir.