Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody with the ability to bind itself to CD20, leads to a rapid depletion of B-cells (in around 24-72 hours), limiting antibody formation. The marker CD20 does not exist in any other cell type, which makes the action of rituximab specific. This antibody has been used in autoimmune entities such as rheumatoid arthritis and in hematological malignancies, but recently it has gained popularity as an important immunosuppressor in selected kidney diseases. In nephrology, this anti-CD20 antibody had its first indication in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, but can now be used in primary membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, lupus nephritis and others. There is also some data that indicates rituximab might have a promising role in other glomerular diseases in the future, but to date evidence is still lacking to recommend its widespread use. The aim of this document is to compile the most recent scientific evidence as to when rituximab should be used in the treatment of various glomerular diseases, and which other may come to benefit from it in the future.
Introduction: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown positive renal outcomes in diabetic patients. There is also emerging evidence in non-diabetic patients. This review was conducted to analyse the renal outcomes of SGLT2i in patients without diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A systematic review was performed in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) compliant manner. We included only randomized trials that examined the effect of SGLT2i on renal outcomes in non-diabetic patients. Results: A total of ten randomized trials were included with a combined cohort of 26 298 patients. There was a tendency for lesser risk of adverse renal outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.50-0.71). Lesser effect on adverse renal outcomes was seen in HF patients with preserved EF (HR 0.95). For both preserved and reduced EF HF, there was a statistically significant reduction in the rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p<0.001). On a short follow-up, there was a significant reversible reduction in GFR. In the long term, chronic kidney disease (CKD) proteinuric patients had a statistically significant lesser risk of adverse renal outcomes (p<0.001) and a significant reduction in albuminuria (p=0.0016). CKD patients, including non-proteinuric, had a significant reduction in the rate of kidney disease progression (HR = 0.71). Conclusion: Treatment with SGLT2i significantly reduces the rate of kidney disease progression in CKD non-diabetic patients with eGFR ≥ 20 mL/min/1.73 m2. Benefit seems greater in proteinuric patients. Benefit for eGFR < 20 mL/min/1.73 m2, dialysis and kidney transplant patients is yet to be defined.
Introduction: Hemodialysis catheter dysfunction compromises dialysis adequacy and may limit catheter survival. Strategies to prevent hemodialysis catheter dysfunction include catheter locks, generally either with heparin or citrate. Methods: Our hemodialysis unit converted to locking all central venous hemodialysis catheters with sodium citrate 4% instead of heparin 5000 U/mL. A retrospective analysis compared the outcomes of the 6 months prior and after the conversion. The compared outcomes were incidence of catheter thrombosis, catheter-related infection, flow-related catheter exchange rate, dialysis efficiency measured by Kt/V and catheter dysfunction. Results: Twenty-three patients were included. Between the two audit periods, the rate of catheter thrombosis was 0 (0 per 1000 catheter days) and 7 (2.78 per 1000 catheter days) during the heparin and citrate period respectively (p=0.109). The number of catheter exchanges due to catheter dysfunction was 0 (0 per 1000 catheter days) during the heparin period and just 1 (0.39 per 1000 catheter days) during the citrate period (p=0.317). Dialysis adequacy measured by KT/V was 1.54 (0.39) in the heparin group and 1.54 (0.35) in the citrate group (p=0.465). Catheter dysfunction was recorded in 146 sessions (12.3%) in the heparin period and in 159 sessions (14,7%) in the citrate period (p=0.234). There were no catheter related infections in either group. Conclusion: There was a 58% cost reduction associated with catheter-locking therapy between the heparin period and the citrate period. This cost reduction included the costs associated with alteplase use. Besides the financial advantages in switching to citrate locking, there are other potential advantages, namely the minimization of heparin related side effects or limitations.
Dysfunction of the arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis is a challenge for the nephrologist and the vascular surgeon. Although experience is limited, the use of the forearm basilic vein as outflow of the radiocephalic fistula has been considered. We report the case of a 60-year-old male, with cardiovascular comorbidities and a history of ischemic complications induced by the hemodialysis access. Drainage problems were present in the radiocephalic fistula and the forearm basilic vein was used in the vascular access repair. The procedure was successful, and the patient maintains a functional fistula, with secondary patency of 32 months, with no cardiac complications or hand access-induced distal ischaemia syndrome.
