El-Zoghby, Ziad

Background: Total kidney volume (TKV), a prognostic biomarker in ADPKD, is used to stratify high risk individuals. eGFR measures may carry significant error in ADPKD compared to measured GFR(mGFR). This retrospective study investigates the association between height adjusted TKV (htTKV) and eGFR derived from race-free CKD-EPI equations utilizing creatinine and cystatin C. Methods: eGFR was calculated using 3 race-free CKD-EPI formulas: creatinine-based (CKD-EPI creatinine), cystatin C (CKD-EPI cys), and creatinine-cystatin C (CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C) equations on 697 Mayo Clinic ADPKD patients. Correlations between eGFR and TKV measures were estimated and stratified by MIC class risk groups and CKD. Linear regression models were computed to predict ln(htTKV) from the 3 eGFR data sets. The eGFR measures were compared to iothalamate-based mGFR in a subset of patients (n=50). Results: A correlation between eGFR measures and htTKV (Pearson correlation r of -0.53 to -0.54), varied by MIC stratification. Pearson correlation was -0.47 to -0.48 for MIC 1A and 1B, -0.67 to -0.71 for MIC 1C, and -0.67 to -0.68 for MIC 1D and 1E. All equations were significantly associated with htTKV levels, with similar adjusted beta values (95% CI) of -0.15 (-0.17 to -0.13), -0.14 (-0.16 to -0.12), -0.15 (-0.16 to -0.13), for CKD-EPI creatinine, CKD-EPI cystatin C, and CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C, respectively. Compared to mGFR, the CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation was the least biased (mean -0.86 (95% CI: -3.09 to 1.37)) versus CKD-EPI creatinine (2.31 (-0.73 to 5.34)) or CKD-EPI cystatin C (-3.54 (-5.86 to -1.21)), and most precise, with 1-P30 of 16% (95% CI 7.2% to 29.1%), compared to 18% (8.6% to 31.4%) for CKD-EPI creatinine, or 20% (10.0% to 33.7%) for CKD-EPI cystatin C. Conclusion: A moderate correlation between eGFR and htTKV associated with MIC stratification. Associations between htTKV and all 3 CKD-EPI equations were similar. CKDEPIcrcys tended to be the least biased and most precise equation when compared to mGFR and may be a reasonable alternative.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension, the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, remains suboptimally controlled. Large language models (LLMs) could improve hypertension control by augmenting clinical decision-making, but their reliability for guideline-driven tasks is unverified. This study evaluated the accuracy and safety of hypertension management recommendations generated by 3 LLMs. METHODS: Fifty-one vignettes were constructed and submitted to the LLMs (GPT-4, Gemini, Medical Large Language Model [by Google; MedLM]) and a hypertension expert to generate the responses. Three blinded reviewers rated each response on a 4-point accuracy scale, a binary safety (safe/unsafe) scale, and attempted to identify the source (LLM versus expert) providing the response. RESULTS: GPT-4 had the highest accuracy (83%) and safety (86%) scores among LLMs but remained inferior to expert responses (92% accuracy, 93% safety). Gemini and MedLM performed significantly worse (accuracy: 64% and 35%; safety: 73% and 39%, respectively). GPT-4 generated the most guideline-concordant responses (46%) among the 3 LLMs (Gemini 35%, MedLM 14%) but was lower than expert responses (68%). Interrater reliability for accuracy ratings was higher for LLM-generated responses (GPT-4 [intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.30], Gemini [intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.61], and MedLM [intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.58]), with lower agreement for expert responses (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.23). A similar pattern was observed for safety and source discrimination ratings. The agreement was strongest for safety assessments and weakest for source discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Among the 3 tested LLMs, GPT-4 demonstrated closer agreement to expert decisions, thereby showing greater potential for supporting hypertension management. Despite their potential, current LLM versions are inferior to expert recommendations. Human-in-the-loop supervision remains essential when deploying LLMs for clinical decision-making.

Key Points Patient-centered care in an interdisciplinary CKD clinic addresses complex needs and supports comprehensive CKD management. Implementation of an interdisciplinary CKD clinic reduced hospital admissions by 26%, emergency department visits by 30%, and increased nephrology consultations. Comprehensive care models with integrated registries enhance tailored interventions, leading to improved CKD management outcomes. Background CKD is a significant public health issue globally. Its progressive nature calls for innovative care models to mitigate disease progression and enhance patient outcomes. An interdisciplinary clinic model may offer comprehensive care tailored to the needs of patients with CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an interdisciplinary CKD clinic on disease progression, health care utilization, and social determinants of health (SDOH). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The study included 534 patients enrolled in the CKD clinic between March 5, 2021, and May 31, 2022, excluding those who opted out of research. The intervention involved a clinical registry and an interdisciplinary team delivering evidence-based care pathways, patient education, shared decision making, and care coordination. The primary outcomes assessed were CKD progression and health care utilization, while secondary outcomes examined the effect of SDOH. Results At entry, the median age was 73 (interquartile range, 64–79) years, with 60% at stage 4 or lower. Clinic implementation correlated with a 26% decrease in hospital admissions (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 0.91; P = 0.004) and a 30% reduction in emergency visits (IRR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.87; P = 0.001). Nephrology consultations increased by 46% (IRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.60; P < 0.001), reflecting enhanced specialized care. Lower exercise frequency and unemployment were linked to increased CKD progression and health care usage. Conclusions An interdisciplinary CKD clinic supported by a registry can potentially reduce health care utilization among patients with CKD, with SDOH playing a critical role in disease management.

Background and objectives Despite the dramatic increase in the provision of virtual nephrology care, only anecdotal reports of outcomes without comparators to usual care exist in the literature. This study aimed to provide objective determination of clinical noninferiority of hybrid (telenephrology plus face-to-face) versus standard (face-to-face) inpatient nephrology care. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This retrospective study compares objective outcomes in patients who received inpatient hybrid care versus standard nephrology care at two Mayo Clinic Health System community hospitals. Outcomes were then additionally compared with those patients receiving care at another Mayo Clinic Health System site where only standard care is available. Hospitalized adults who had nephrology consults from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 were considered. Regression was used to assess 30-day mortality, length of hospitalization, readmissions, odds of being prescribed dialysis, and hospital transfers. Sensitivity analysis was performed using patients who had ≥50% of their care encounters via telenephrology. Structured surveys were used to understand the perspectives of non-nephrology hospital providers and telenephrologists. Results In total, 850 patients were included. Measured outcomes that included the number of hospital transfers (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.37 to 3.82) and 30-day readmissions (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.84 to 1.06), among others, did not differ significantly between controls and patients in the general cohort. Telenephrologists ( n =11) preferred video consults (82%) to phone for communication. More than half (64%) of telenephrologists spent less time on telenephrology compared with standard care. Non-nephrology hospital providers ( n =21) were very satisfied (48%) and satisfied (29%) with telenephrology response time and felt telenephrology was as safe as standard care (67%), while providing them enough information to make patient care decisions (76%). Conclusions Outcomes for in-hospital nephrology consults were not significantly different comparing hybrid care versus standard care. Non-nephrology hospital providers and telenephrologists had favorable opinions of telenephrology and most perceived it is as safe and effective as standard care. Podcast This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2022_04_11_CJN13441021.mp3

Key Points Asymptomatic pyuria is associated with kidney failure and faster kidney function decline irrespective of the ADPKD gene and cystic growth. The eGFR decline occurred after detection of asymptomatic pyuria without significant changes in the rate of total kidney volume growth. This study supports the use of asymptomatic pyuria as an enriching prognostic biomarker to predict faster disease progression. Background Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) has phenotypic variability only partially explained by established biomarkers that do not readily assess pathologically important factors of inflammation and kidney fibrosis. We evaluated asymptomatic pyuria (AP), a surrogate marker of inflammation, as a biomarker for disease progression. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with ADPKD. Patients were divided into AP and no pyuria (NP) groups. We evaluated the effect of pyuria on kidney function and kidney volume. Longitudinal models evaluating kidney function and kidney volume rate of change with respect to incidences of AP were created. Results There were 687 included patients (347 AP, 340 NP). The AP group had more women (65% versus 49%). Median ages at kidney failure were 86 and 80 years in the NP and AP groups (log rank, P =0.49), respectively, for patients in Mayo Imaging Class (MIC) 1A–1B as compared with 59 and 55 years for patients in MIC 1C–1D–1E (log rank, P =0.02), respectively. Compared with the NP group, the rate of kidney function (ml/min per 1.73 m 2 per year) decline shifted significantly after detection of AP in the models, including all patients (−1.48; P <0.001), patients in MIC 1A–1B (−1.79; P <0.001), patients in MIC 1C–1D–1E (−1.18; P <0.001), and patients with PKD1 (−1.04; P <0.001). Models evaluating kidney volume rate of growth showed no change after incidence of AP as compared with the NP group. Conclusions AP is associated with kidney failure and faster kidney function decline irrespective of the ADPKD gene, cystic burden, and cystic growth. These results support AP as an enriching prognostic biomarker for the rate of disease progression.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate and risk factors associated with the development of acute kidney injury after total hip arthroplasty, including the perioperative use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Methods: We retrospectively collected the demographic and comorbidity data of all patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty between 2004 and 2014 at our institution (n = 8,949). We conducted analyses of the entire cohort and a nested case-control subset. Subjects who developed acute kidney injury were matched by age, sex, and year of surgical procedure to subjects without acute kidney injury. Variables associated with acute kidney injury were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results: The mean patient age (and standard deviation) was 64.6 ± 13.8 years, 48.6% of patients were male, and 114 cases (1.1%) developed acute kidney injury, mostly stage 1 (79%). Variables associated with acute kidney injury included older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.4 per decade; p < 0.001), male sex (OR, 1.78; p = 0.005), chronic kidney disease (OR, 4.6; p < 0.001), heart failure (OR, 4.5; p < 0.001), diabetes (OR, 2.1; p < 0.001), and hypertension (OR, 2.1; p = 0.007). The results were consistent in the case-control analysis. NSAIDs were not associated with acute kidney injury (OR, 1.26; p = 0.36), but were avoided in subjects at risk, making any interpretation difficult because of confounding. A risk model for acute kidney injury after total hip arthroplasty was developed for clinical use and had good discrimination (area under the curve, 0.82; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The rate of acute kidney injury after total hip arthroplasty is low, but increases significantly, from <1% to >20%, in those with several independent risk factors present preoperatively. Increasing awareness of these risk factors may help to decrease the risk of acute kidney injury after total hip arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background and objectives Intracranial aneurysm rupture is the most devastating complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Whether selective or widespread intracranial aneurysm screening is indicated remains controversial. Design, setting, participants & measurements Records of 3010 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease evaluated at the Mayo Clinic between 1989 and 2017 were reviewed. Those who had presymptomatic magnetic resonance angiography screening were included. Results Ninety-four intracranial aneurysms were diagnosed in 75 of 812 (9%) patients who underwent magnetic resonance angiography screening. Sex, age, race, and genotype were similar in the groups with and without aneurysms; hypertension and history of smoking were more frequent in the aneurysm group. Twenty-nine percent of patients with aneurysms compared with 11% of those without aneurysms had a family history of subarachnoid hemorrhage ( P <0.001). Most aneurysms were small (median diameter =4 mm; range, 2–12 mm); 85% were in the anterior circulation. During a total imaging follow-up of 469 patient-years, de novo intracranial aneurysms were detected in five patients; eight intracranial aneurysms grew (median =2 mm; range, 1–3 mm). During a total clinical follow-up of 668 patient-years, seven patients had preemptive clipping or coil embolization; no intracranial aneurysms ruptured. During a total clinical follow-up of 4783 patient-years in 737 patients with no intracranial aneurysm detected on the first magnetic resonance angiography screening, two patients had an intracranial aneurysm rupture (0.04 per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval, 0 to 0.10). The rate of intracranial aneurysm rupture in large clinical trials of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease was 0.04 per 100 patient-years (95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.06). Conclusions Intracranial aneurysms were detected by presymptomatic screening in 9% of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, more frequently in those with familial history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, hypertension, or smoking. None of the patients with and two of the patients without aneurysm detection on screening suffered aneurysmal ruptures. The overall rupture rate in our autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease cohort was approximately five times higher than that in the general population.

Use of the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) as a liver support device continues to grow worldwide. Various components of the MARS circuit remove both protein‐bound and water‐soluble molecules. Little is known about the extent of the enhanced clearance mechanisms used in MARS therapy on drug elimination. Of particular interest to acute care practitioners is the impact of MARS on antibiotic clearance, as suboptimal concentrations of such drugs can negatively impact patient outcomes. The properties of piperacillin/tazobactam suggest that elimination may be enhanced in the setting of MARS therapy. We describe two cases in which this was studied. Piperacillin concentrations were determined at various points within the MARS circuit, and patient serum concentrations were reported throughout the dosing interval while receiving MARS therapy. Piperacillin concentrations in both cases were in excess of the desired goal minimum inhibitory concentrations for treatment of gram‐negative infections. Use of an extended‐infusion strategy of piperacillin/tazobactam 3.375 or 4.5 g given every 8 hours maintained desired serum levels throughout the dosing interval. To our knowledge, this is the second published report on the use of piperacillin/tazobactam during MARS therapy. These case reports reveal successful dosing strategies for patients requiring piperacillin/tazobactam while receiving MARS therapy, as well as quantify the influence of individual MARS elements on drug extraction.