Ronco, Claudio

Advances in our understanding of uremic retention solutes, and improvements in hemodialysis membranes and other techniques designed to remove uremic retention solutes, offer opportunities to readdress the definition and classification of uremic toxins. A consensus conference was held to develop recommendations for an updated definition and classification scheme on the basis of a holistic approach that incorporates physicochemical characteristics and dialytic removal patterns of uremic retention solutes and their linkage to clinical symptoms and outcomes. The major focus is on the removal of uremic retention solutes by hemodialysis. The identification of representative biomarkers for different classes of uremic retention solutes and their correlation to clinical symptoms and outcomes may facilitate personalized and targeted dialysis prescriptions to improve quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Recommendations for areas of future research were also formulated, aimed at improving understanding of uremic solutes and improving outcomes in patients with CKD.

AKI is a global concern with a high incidence among patients across acute care settings. AKI is associated with significant clinical consequences and increased health care costs. Preventive measures, as well as rapid identification of AKI, have been shown to improve outcomes in small studies. Providing high-quality care for patients with AKI or those at risk of AKI occurs across a continuum that starts at the community level and continues in the emergency department, hospital setting, and after discharge from inpatient care. Improving the quality of care provided to these patients, plausibly mitigating the cost of care and improving short- and long-term outcomes, are goals that have not been universally achieved. Therefore, understanding how the management of AKI may be amenable to quality improvement programs is needed. Recognizing this gap in knowledge, the 22nd Acute Disease Quality Initiative meeting was convened to discuss the evidence, provide recommendations, and highlight future directions for AKI-related quality measures and care processes. Using a modified Delphi process, an international group of experts including physicians, a nurse practitioner, and pharmacists provided a framework for current and future quality improvement projects in the area of AKI. Where possible, best practices in the prevention, identification, and care of the patient with AKI were identified and highlighted. This article provides a summary of the key messages and recommendations of the group, with an aim to equip and encourage health care providers to establish quality care delivery for patients with AKI and to measure key quality indicators.

Numerous strategies have been evaluated to prevent early CSA-AKI. Although correction of hemodynamic problems is paramount, there are no clinical studies that compare different hemodynamic management or monitoring strategies with regard to their effect on kidney function. Pharmacologic strategies including diuretics, different classes of vasodilators and drugs with anti-inflammatory effects such as N-acetyl-cysteine, do not appear to be effective. Most of the studies are underpowered and use physiological rather than clinical endpoints. Further trials are warranted with fenoldopam and nesiritide (rhBNP). Observational and underpowered randomized studies show beneficial renal effects of off-pump technique and avoidance of aortic manipulation. There is very limited evidence for preoperative fluid loading and preemptive RRT. Potentially nephrotoxic agents should be used with caution in patients at risk of CSA-AKI. Tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid should be preferred over aprotinin. No pharmacologic intervention has been adequately tested in the prevention of late CSA-AKI. A single-center study, including a predominance of patients after cardiac surgery, showed a decrease of kidney injury with tight glycemic control.

Purpose of the review: Among hospitalized patients, acute kidney injury is common and associated with significant morbidity and risk for mortality. The use of electronic health records (EHR) for prediction and detection of this important clinical syndrome has grown in the past decade. The steering committee of the 15 th Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) conference dedicated a workgroup with the task of identifying elements that may impact the course of events following Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) e-alert. Sources of information: Following an extensive, non-systematic literature search, we used a modified Delphi process to reach consensus regarding several aspects of the utilization of AKI e-alerts. Findings: Topics discussed in this workgroup included progress in evidence base practices, the characteristics of an optimal e-alert, the measures of efficacy and effectiveness, and finally what responses would be considered best practices following AKI e-alerts. Authors concluded that the current evidence for e-alert system efficacy, although growing, remains insufficient. Technology and human-related factors were found to be crucial elements of any future investigation or implementation of such tools. The group also concluded that implementation of such systems should not be done without a vigorous plan to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of e-alerts. Efficacy and effectiveness of e-alerts should be measured by context-specific process and patient outcomes. Finally, the group made several suggestions regarding the clinical decision support that should be considered following successful e-alert implementation. Limitations: This paper reflects the findings of a non-systematic review and expert opinion. Implications: We recommend implementation of the findings of this workgroup report for use of AKI e-alerts.