Craici, Iasmina M

The accurate interpretation of CRRT machine alarms is crucial in the intensive care setting. ChatGPT, with its advanced natural language processing capabilities, has emerged as a tool that is evolving and advancing in its ability to assist with healthcare information. This study is designed to evaluate the accuracy of the ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 models in addressing queries related to CRRT alarm troubleshooting. This study consisted of two rounds of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 responses to address 50 CRRT machine alarm questions that were carefully selected by two nephrologists in intensive care. Accuracy was determined by comparing the model responses to predetermined answer keys provided by critical care nephrologists, and consistency was determined by comparing outcomes across the two rounds. The accuracy rate of ChatGPT-3.5 was 86% and 84%, while the accuracy rate of ChatGPT-4 was 90% and 94% in the first and second rounds, respectively. The agreement between the first and second rounds of ChatGPT-3.5 was 84% with a Kappa statistic of 0.78, while the agreement of ChatGPT-4 was 92% with a Kappa statistic of 0.88. Although ChatGPT-4 tended to provide more accurate and consistent responses than ChatGPT-3.5, there was no statistically significant difference between the accuracy and agreement rate between ChatGPT-3.5 and -4. ChatGPT-4 had higher accuracy and consistency but did not achieve statistical significance. While these findings are encouraging, there is still potential for further development to achieve even greater reliability. This advancement is essential for ensuring the highest-quality patient care and safety standards in managing CRRT machine-related issues.

Background and Objectives: Limited evidence exists regarding the safety and efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of GLP-1RAs in T2DM patients with advanced CKD and ESKD. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane database until 25 October 2023. Included were clinical trials and cohort studies reporting outcomes of GLP-1RAs in adult patients with T2DM and advanced CKD. Outcome measures encompassed mortality, cardiovascular parameters, blood glucose, and weight. Safety was assessed for adverse events. The differences in effects were expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes and the weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals for continuous outcomes. The Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions (ROBIN-I) tool was used in cohort and non-randomized controlled studies, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2) tool was used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42023398452) and received no external funding. Results: Eight studies (five trials and three cohort studies) consisting of 27,639 patients were included in this meta-analysis. No difference was observed in one-year mortality. However, GLP-1RAs significantly reduced cardiothoracic ratio (SMD of −1.2%; 95% CI −2.0, −0.4) and pro-BNP (SMD −335.9 pmol/L; 95% CI −438.9, −232.8). There was no significant decrease in systolic blood pressure. Moreover, GLP-1RAs significantly reduced mean blood glucose (SMD −1.1 mg/dL; 95% CI −1.8, −0.3) and increased weight loss (SMD −2.2 kg; 95% CI −2.9, −1.5). In terms of safety, GLP-1RAs were associated with a 3.8- and 35.7-time higher risk of nausea and vomiting, respectively, but were not significantly associated with a higher risk of hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Despite the limited number of studies in each analysis, our study provides evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of GLP-1RAs among T2DM patients with advanced CKD and ESKD. While gastrointestinal side effects may occur, GLP-1RAs demonstrate significant improvements in blood glucose control, weight reduction, and potential benefit in cardiovascular outcomes.

This comprehensive critical review critically examines the ethical implications associated with integrating chatbots into nephrology, aiming to identify concerns, propose policies, and offer potential solutions. Acknowledging the transformative potential of chatbots in healthcare, responsible implementation guided by ethical considerations is of the utmost importance. The review underscores the significance of establishing robust guidelines for data collection, storage, and sharing to safeguard privacy and ensure data security. Future research should prioritize defining appropriate levels of data access, exploring anonymization techniques, and implementing encryption methods. Transparent data usage practices and obtaining informed consent are fundamental ethical considerations. Effective security measures, including encryption technologies and secure data transmission protocols, are indispensable for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of patient data. To address potential biases and discrimination, the review suggests regular algorithm reviews, diversity strategies, and ongoing monitoring. Enhancing the clarity of chatbot capabilities, developing user-friendly interfaces, and establishing explicit consent procedures are essential for informed consent. Striking a balance between automation and human intervention is vital to preserve the doctor–patient relationship. Cultural sensitivity and multilingual support should be considered through chatbot training. To ensure ethical chatbot utilization in nephrology, it is imperative to prioritize the development of comprehensive ethical frameworks encompassing data handling, security, bias mitigation, informed consent, and collaboration. Continuous research and innovation in this field are crucial for maximizing the potential of chatbot technology and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The utilization of vasopressin receptor antagonists, known as vaptans, in the management of hyponatremia among patients afflicted with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) remains a contentious subject. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaptans for treating chronic hyponatremia in adult SIADH patients. Clinical trials and observational studies were identified by a systematic search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database from inception through September 2022. The inclusion criteria were the studies that reported vaptans’ safety or efficacy outcomes compared to placebo or standard therapies. The study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD 42022357307). Five studies were identified, comprising three RCTs and two cohort studies, enrolling a total of 1840 participants. Regarding short-term efficacy on days 4–5, vaptans exhibited a significant increase in serum sodium concentration from the baseline in comparison to the control group, with a weighted mean difference of 4.77 mmol/L (95% CI, 3.57, 5.96; I2 = 34%). In terms of safety outcomes, the pooled incidence rates of overcorrection were 13.1% (95% CI 4.3, 33.6; I2 = 92%) in the vaptans group and 3.3% (95% CI 1.6, 6.6; I2 = 27%) in the control group. Despite the higher correction rate linked to vaptans, with an OR of 5.72 (95% CI 3.38, 9.70; I2 = 0%), no cases of osmotic demyelination syndrome were observed. Our meta-analysis comprehensively summarizes the efficacy and effect size of vaptans in managing SIADH. While vaptans effectively raise the serum sodium concentration compared to placebo/fluid restriction, clinicians should exercise caution regarding the potential for overcorrection.

Longer pre-transplant dialysis duration is known to be associated with worse post-transplant outcomes. Our study aimed to cluster kidney transplant recipients with prolonged dialysis duration before transplant using an unsupervised machine learning approach to better assess heterogeneity within this cohort. We performed consensus cluster analysis based on recipient-, donor-, and transplant-related characteristics in 5092 kidney transplant recipients who had been on dialysis ≥ 10 years prior to transplant in the OPTN/UNOS database from 2010 to 2019. We characterized each assigned cluster and compared the posttransplant outcomes. Overall, the majority of patients with ≥10 years of dialysis duration were black (52%) or Hispanic (25%), with only a small number (17.6%) being moderately sensitized. Within this cohort, three clinically distinct clusters were identified. Cluster 1 patients were younger, non-diabetic and non-sensitized, had a lower body mass index (BMI) and received a kidney transplant from younger donors. Cluster 2 recipients were older, unsensitized and had a higher BMI; they received kidney transplant from older donors. Cluster 3 recipients were more likely to be female with a higher PRA. Compared to cluster 1, cluster 2 had lower 5-year death-censored graft (HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.16–1.71) and patient survival (HR 2.98; 95% CI 2.43–3.68). Clusters 1 and 3 had comparable death-censored graft and patient survival. Unsupervised machine learning was used to characterize kidney transplant recipients with prolonged pre-transplant dialysis into three clinically distinct clusters with variable but good post-transplant outcomes. Despite a dialysis duration ≥ 10 years, excellent outcomes were observed in most recipients, including those with moderate sensitization. A disproportionate number of minority recipients were observed within this cohort, suggesting multifactorial delays in accessing kidney transplantation.

Background: Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is an infrequent but serious neurological condition that occurs shortly after the administration of contrast during endovascular and angiography procedures. Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are considered to be at a higher risk of contrast medium neurotoxicity, due to the delayed elimination of the contrast medium. However, the occurrence and characteristics of CIE in CKD/ESKD patients have not been extensively investigated. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search, utilizing databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, up to September 2022. The purpose was to identify documented cases of CIE among patients with CKD or ESKD. Employing a random-effects model, we calculated the pooled incidence and odds ratio (OR) of CIE in CKD/ESKD patients. Results: Our search yielded a total of eleven articles, comprising nine case reports and two observational studies. Among these studies, 2 CKD patients and 12 ESKD patients with CIE were identified. The majority of the CKD/ESKD patients with CIE (93%) had undergone intra-arterial contrast media and/or endovascular procedures to diagnose acute cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. The male-to-female ratio was 64%, and the median age was 63 years (with an interquartile range of 55 to 68 years). In the two observational studies, the incidence of CIE was found to be 6.8% in CKD patients and 37.5% in ESKD patients, resulting in a pooled incidence of 16.4% (95% CI, 2.4%–60.7%) among the CKD/ESKD patients. Notably, CKD and ESKD were significantly associated with an increased risk of CIE, with ORs of 5.77 (95% CI, 1.37–24.3) and 223.5 (95% CI, 30.44–1641.01), respectively. The overall pooled OR for CIE in CKD/ESKD patients was 32.9 (95% CI, 0.89–1226.44). Although dialysis prior to contrast exposure did not prevent CIE, approximately 92% of CIE cases experienced recovery after undergoing dialysis following contrast exposure. However, the effectiveness of dialysis on CIE recovery remained uncertain, as there was no control group for comparison. Conclusions: In summary, our study indicates an association between CIE and CKD/ESKD. While patients with CIE showed signs of recovery after dialysis, further investigations are necessary, especially considering the lack of a control group, which made the effects of dialysis on CIE recovery uncertain.

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to assess outcomes of delivery hospitalizations, including acute kidney injury (AKI), obstetric and foetal events and resource utilization among pregnant women with kidney transplants compared with pregnant women with no known kidney disease and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stages 3–5.MethodHospitalizations for delivery in the US were identified using the enhanced delivery identification method in the National Inpatient Sample dataset from the years 2009 to 2014. Diagnoses of CKD Stages 3–5, kidney transplantation, along with obstetric events, delivery methods and foetal events were identified using ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis and procedure codes. Patients with no known kidney disease group were identified by excluding any diagnoses of CKD, end stage kidney disease, and kidney transplant. Multivariable logistic regression accounting for the survey weights and matched regression was conducted to investigate the risk of maternal and foetal complications in women with kidney transplants, compared with women with no kidney transplants and no known kidney disease, and to women with CKD Stages 3–5.ResultA total of 5, 408, 215 hospitalizations resulting in deliveries were identified from 2009 to 2014, including 405 women with CKD Stages 3–5, 295 women with functioning kidney transplants, and 5, 405, 499 women with no known kidney disease. Compared with pregnant women with no known kidney disease, pregnant kidney transplant recipients were at higher odds of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR = 3.11, 95% CI [2.26, 4.28]), preeclampsia/eclampsia/HELLP syndrome (OR = 3.42, 95% CI [2.54, 4.60]), preterm delivery (OR = 2.46, 95% CI [1.75, 3.45]), foetal growth restriction (OR = 1.74, 95% CI [1.01, 3.00]) and AKI (OR = 10.46, 95% CI [5.33, 20.56]). There were no significant differences in rates of gestational diabetes or caesarean section. Pregnant women with kidney transplants had 1.30‐times longer lengths of stay and 1.28‐times higher costs of hospitalization. However, pregnant women with CKD Stages 3–5 were at higher odds of AKI (OR = 5.29, 95% CI [2.41, 11.59]), preeclampsia/eclampsia/HELLP syndrome (OR = 1.72, 95% CI [1.07, 2.76]) and foetal deaths (OR = 3.20, 95% CI [1.06, 10.24]), and had 1.28‐times longer hospital stays and 1.37‐times higher costs of hospitalization compared with pregnant women with kidney transplant.ConclusionPregnant women with kidney transplant were more likely to experience adverse events during delivery and had longer lengths of stay and higher total charges when compared with women with no known kidney disease. However, pregnant women with moderate to severe CKD were more likely to experience serious complications than kidney transplant recipients.

Patient monitoring after kidney transplantation (KT) for early detection of allograft rejection remains key in preventing allograft loss. Serum creatinine has poor predictive value to detect ongoing active rejection as its increase is not sensitive, nor specific for acute renal allograft rejection. Diagnosis of acute rejection requires allograft biopsy and histological assessment, which can be logistically challenging in some cases and carries inherent risk for complications related to procedure. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA), DNA of donor origin in the blood of KT recipient arising from cells undergoing injury and death, has been examined as a potential surrogate marker for allograft rejection. A rise in dd-cfDNA levels precedes changes in serum creatinine allows early detections and use as a screening tool for allograft rejection. In addition, when used in conjunction with donor-specific antibodies (DSA), it increases the pre-biopsy probability of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) aiding the decision-making process. Advancements in noninvasive biomarker assays such as dd-cfDNA may offer the opportunity to improve and expand the spectrum of available diagnostic tools to monitor and detect risk for rejection and positively impact outcomes for KT recipients. In this this article, we discussed the evolution of dd-cfDNA assays and recent evidence of assessment of allograft rejection and injury status of KT by the use of dd-cfDNA.