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At the beginning of 2020, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to a worldwide pandemic and mass panic. The number of infected people has been increasing exponentially since, and the mortality rate has also been concomitantly increasing. At present, no study has summarized the mortality risk of COVID-19 in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a literature review and meta-analysis to understand the frequency of mortality among CKD patients infected with COVID-19. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted on the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to find articles published until May 15, 2020. Study quality was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. After careful screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 3,867,367 patients from 12 studies were included. The mortality rate was significantly higher among CKD patients with COVID-19 infection than among CKD patients without COVID-19 infection, as indicated by a pooled OR of 5.81 (95% CI 3.78–8.94, P  < 0.00001, I 2  = 30%). The patients were then stratified into ≥ 70 and < 70 years, and subgroup analysis revealed that among CKD patients with COVID-19 infection, the mortality rate was higher in the < 70 years group (OR 8.69, 95% CI 7.56–9.97, P  < 0.0001) than in the ≥ 70 years group ( OR 2.44, 95% CI 0.75–6.63, P  = 0.15). Thus, COVID-19 patients with CKD have a high mortality risk and require a comprehensive multidisciplinary management strategy.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) consists of a rapid renal function decline which usually increases serum urea and creatinine levels. Since kidney injury begins by inducing biological and molecular changes which evolve to cellular damage, biomarkers could be used as tools for monitoring early AKI appearance, and predicting its recovery. Among the main AKI biomarkers the neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, cystatin C, kidney injury molecule-1, monocyte chemotactic peptide-1, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, interleukin-18, liver-type fatty acid-binding protein, netrin-1, cycle arrest markers, endogenous ouabain, selenium-binding protein 1, and BPIFA2 marker, have been described. Even though novel biomarkers seem to be more helpful to early detect AKI and/or predict the need for renal replacement, and mortality compared to serum creatinine, more comprehensive studies are still required to determine their clinical utility.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on the long-term kidney function of survivors. The clinical relevance is not clear. Methods This review summarises the currently published data. Results There is a bidirectional relationship between chronic kidney disease and COVID-19 disease. Chronic kidney diseases due to primary kidney disease or chronic conditions affecting kidneys increase the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, the risks for progression and critical COVID-19 disease (with acute or acute-on-chronic kidney damage), and death. Patients who have survived COVID-19 face an increased risk of worse kidney outcomes in the post-acute phase of the disease. Of clinical significance, COVID-19 may predispose surviving patients to chronic kidney disease, independently of clinically apparent acute kidney injury (AKI). The increased risk of post-acute renal dysfunction of COVID-19 patients can be graded according to the severity of the acute infection (non-hospitalised, hospitalised or ICU patients). The burden of chronic kidney disease developing after COVID-19 is currently unknown. Conclusion Post-acute COVID-19 care should include close attention to kidney function. Future prospective large-scale studies are needed with long and complete follow-up periods, assessing kidney function using novel markers of kidney function/damage, urinalysis and biopsy studies.

BackgroundKidney stones (KSs), in fact, have been considered one of the most ancient and prevalent medical conditions that impact a significant number of human beings all around the world. Such stones can range greatly in size and can be detected in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, or bladder itself. The development of stones is caused by the mineral’s crystallization, which then interacts with each other and adheres together. Kidney stone formation can represent a prime medical condition for which there are numerous therapies available, among them natural ones. Recurrence of stones after curing is very common, and strategies available to prevent their reoccurrence or even their development for the first time are numerous, with enhanced fluid consumption or avoiding dehydration being the most important one.ObjectiveThe current review article aims to draw attention to the potential of natural remedies besides lifestyle modification in the management and prevention of KSs. This is not arbitrary but based on real, documented scientific evidence.MethodThe natural remedies mentioned in the context of this manuscript were chosen for their availability in almost all nations, or perhaps even in every home.ResultsThe findings of the present article are very promising and exhibit the potential benefit of natural remedies in addition to shifting to a healthy lifestyle in both the treatment and prevention of KSs.

BackgroundMedication adherence plays an essential role in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review aims to summarise factors affecting medication adherence among these pre-dialysis CKD patients.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed in Medline®, Embase®, SCOPUS® and CINAHL®. Peer-reviewed, English language articles which evaluated factors associated with medication adherence among pre-dialysis CKD patients were included. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the pooled medication adherence rates across studies. Factors identified were categorised using the World Health Organization’s five dimensions of medication adherence (condition, patient, therapy, health-system, and socio-economic domains).ResultsOf the 3727 articles reviewed, 18 articles were included. The pooled adherence rate across studies was 67.4% (95% CI 61.4–73.3%). The most studied medication class was anti-hypertensives (55.6%). A total of 19 factors and 95 sub-factors related to medication adherence were identified. Among condition-related factors, advanced CKD was associated with poorer medication adherence. Patient-related factors that were associated with lower medication adherence included misconceptions about medication and lack of perceived self-efficacy in medication use. Therapy-related factors which were associated with poorer medication adherence included polypharmacy while health system-based factors included loss of confidence in the physician. Socioeconomic factors such as poor social support and lower education levels were associated with poorer medication adherence.ConclusionFactors associated with poor medication adherence among pre-dialysis CKD patients were highlighted in this review. This will aid clinicians in designing interventions to optimise medication adherence among pre-dialysis CKD patients.

Estimates of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) should provide accurate measure of an individual’s kidney function because important clinical decisions such as timing of renal replacement therapy and drug dosing may be dependent on eGFR. Formulae from which eGFR is derived are generally based on serum creatinine measurement, such as Cockcroft–Gault, MDRD and CKD-EPI. More recently, calculation of eGFR using other laboratory biomarkers such as cystatin C has emerged with apparent greater accuracy. In old people, there is age-related physiological change in the kidney, which could lead to reduced GFR. Likewise, physiological changes in body composition that occur with the ageing process impede the use of a single creatinine-based calculation of eGFR across all adult age groups. Studies have shown differences in the prevalence of CKD based on the type of equation used to estimate GFR. This review discusses the evolution of eGFR calculations and the relative accuracy of such equations in older population.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), including chronic glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy, are common chronic diseases characterized by structural damage and functional decline of the kidneys. The current treatment of CKD is symptom relief. Several studies have reported that the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway is a pathway closely related to the pathological process of CKD. It can ameliorate kidney damage by inhibiting this signal pathway which is involved with inflammation, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and autophagy. This review highlights the role of activating or inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in CKD-induced inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy and EMT. We also summarize the latest evidence on treating CKD by targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway, discuss the shortcomings and deficiencies of PI3K/Akt research in the field of CKD, and identify potential challenges in developing these clinical therapeutic CKD strategies, and provide appropriate solutions.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been shown to result in profound changes in the composition and functions of the gut microbial flora which by disrupting intestinal epithelial barrier and generating toxic by-products contributes to systemic inflammation and the associated complications. On the other hand, emerging evidence points to the role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of CKD by provoking inflammation, proteinuria, hypertension, and diabetes. These observations demonstrate the causal interconnection between the gut microbial dysbiosis and CKD. The gut microbiota closely interacts with the inflammatory, renal, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems via metabolic, humoral, and neural signaling pathways, events which can lead to chronic systemic inflammation, proteinuria, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease. Given the established role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of CKD and its complications, favorable modification of the composition and function of the gut microbiome represents an appealing therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of CKD. This review provides an overview of the role of the gut microbial dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of the common causes of CKD including hypertension, diabetes, and proteinuria as well as progression of CKD.

AimTo assess the efficacy of the multidisciplinary care (MDC) model for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).BackgroundThe MDC model has been used in clinical practice for years, but the effectiveness of the MDC model for patients with CKD remains controversial.MethodsEmbase, PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were used to search for relevant articles. Only randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were pooled. Two independent authors assessed all articles and extracted the data. The efficacy was estimated from the odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. A random effects model was used according to the heterogeneity.ResultsTwenty-one studies including 10,284 participants were analyzed. Compared with the non-MDC group, MDC was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and lower hospitalization rates for patients with CKD. In addition, MDC also resulted in a slower eGFR decline and reduced temporary catheterization for patients receiving dialysis. However, according to the subgroup analysis, the lower rates of all-cause mortality in the MDC group were observed only in patients in stage 4–5 and when the staff of the MDC consisted of nephrologists, nurse specialists and professionals from other fields. The most prominent effect of reducing the hospitalization rates was also observed in patients with stage 4–5 but not in patients with stage 4–5 CKD.ConclusionsMDC can lower the all-cause mortality of patients with CKD, reduce temporary catheterization for patients receiving dialysis, decrease the hospitalization rate, and slow the eGFR decline. Moreover, the reduction in all-cause mortality crucially depends on the professionals comprising the MDC staff and the stage of CKD in patients. In addition, the CKD stage influences the hospitalization rates.

Purpose Hemodialysis has become a standard therapy for adults with end-stage renal diseases. Adults undergoing hemodialysis have to cope with unique psychological issues that make their care journey particularly fatiguing. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize and evaluate the effects of psychosocial interventions on the reduction of anxiety and depression in adults with HDs. Methods We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that measure change in depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Results We identify three categories of psychosocial interventions delivered to adults undergoing hemodialysis. Based on our analysis, there was a medium effect of psychosocial intervention on depression (SMD − 0.85, 95%CI − 1.17; − 0.52, I 2  = 80%, p <  0.01) and anxiety (SMD − 0.99, 95%CI − 1.65; − 0.33, I 2  = 88%, p <  0.01) in adults undergoing hemodialysis. Conclusions Psychosocial interventions, such as psychological support or relaxation-based therapy, seems all to reduce depression and anxiety in adults undergoing HD. Preliminary evidence suggests that there may be a benefit of psychosocial interventions on the quality of life for adults undergoing HD.