The N-PATH (Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare) program concluded with the 60th European Renal Association 2023 Congress in Milan, Italy. This collaborative initiative aimed to provide advanced training in interventional nephrology to young European nephrologists. Funded by Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliance, N-PATH addressed the global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the shortage of nephrologists. CKD affects >850 million people worldwide, yet nephrology struggles to attract medical talent, leading to unfilled positions in residency programs. To address this, N-PATH focused on enhancing nephrology education through four specialized modules: renal expert in renal pathology (ReMAP), renal expert in vascular access (ReVAC), renal expert in medical ultrasound (ReMUS) and renal expert in peritoneal dialysis (RePED). ReMAP emphasized the importance of kidney biopsy in nephrology diagnosis and treatment, providing theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. ReVAC centred on vascular access in haemodialysis, teaching trainees about different access types, placement techniques and managing complications. ReMUS recognized the significance of ultrasound in nephrology, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing nephrologists for comprehensive patient care. RePED addressed chronic peritoneal dialysis, offering comprehensive training in patient selection, prescription, monitoring, complications and surgical techniques for catheter insertion. Overall, N-PATH's strategy involved collaborative networks, hands-on training, mentorship, an interdisciplinary approach and the integration of emerging technologies. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, N-PATH aimed to revitalize interest in nephrology and prepare proficient nephrologists to tackle the challenges of kidney diseases. In conclusion, the N-PATH program aimed to address the shortage of nephrologists and improve the quality of nephrology care in Europe. By providing specialized training, fostering collaboration and promoting patient-centred care, N-PATH aimed to inspire future nephrology professionals to meet the growing healthcare demands related to kidney diseases and elevate the specialty's status within the medical community.

• Publikační typ
• úvodníky MeSH

ANCA-asociované vaskulitidy jsou nekrotizující vaskulitidy malých cév s minimem imunodepozit. Obvykle jsou doprovázené pozitivitou ANCA protilátek (AntiNeutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody, protilátky proti cytoplazmě neutrofilů), jejichž cílovými antigeny může být proteináza 3 (PR3-ANCA) nebo myeloperoxidáza (MPO-ANCA). Mezi ANCA-asociované vaskulitidy patří granulomatóza s polyangiitidou (dříve Wegenerova), mikroskopická polyangiitida a eozinofilní granulomatóza s polyangiitidou (dříve syndrom Churga a Straussové). Nejčastěji postiženými orgány bývají plíce a dýchací cesty, ORL oblast a ledviny. Při postižení ledvin je typickým projevem pauciimunní nekrotizující srpkovitá rychle progredující glomerulonefritida. Akutním život ohrožujícím stavem je pulmo-renální syndrom s krvácením do plic a selháváním ledvin. V diagnostice se využívá stanovení ANCA protilátek, zobrazovací metody a biopsie. Pro dobrou prognózu je nezbytné časné stanovení správné diagnózy i časné podání adekvátní terapie, kterou dnes nejčastěji bývá kombinace kortikosteroidů a buď cyklofosfamidu nebo rituximabu (monoklonální protilátky proti antigenu CD20). Stále je možné zvážit v léčbě těžkých případů přidání plazmaferézy. Rituximab je lékem volby v terapii relabující vaskulitidy. Adresa pro korespondenci: MUDr. Zdenka Hrušková, PhD. Klinika nefrologie VFN a 1. LF UK U Nemocnice 499/2 128 08 Praha 2 email: hruskova.zdenka@vfn.cz

ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are small-vessel necrotizing vasculitides, with no or few immune deposits. They are usually associated with the presence of ANCA antibodies (AntiNeutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody), targeted either against proteinase 3 (PR3-ANCA) or myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA). ANCA-associated vasculitides include granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener‘s), microscopic polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome). The most commonly afflicted organs involve the lungs and the respiratory tract, ENT area, and the kidneys. Renal involvement typically manifests as pauci-immune necrotizing crescentic rapidly progressive glomerulonpehritis. Pulmo-renal syndrome with lung haemorrhage and deteriorating kidney function may be acutely life-threatening. Diagnostic methods include ANCA measurement, imaging methods and biopsy. Early recognition of the diagnosis and an early start of adequate treatment are necessary for a good outcome. The current treatment typically consists of corticosteroids and either cyclophoshapmide or rituximab (a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 antigen). The addition of plasma exchange may be considered in severe cases. Rituximab is preferred for the treatment of all relapsing forms of this vasculitis.

• MeSH
• ANCA-asociované vaskulitidy * diagnóza   klasifikace   patologie   terapie   MeSH
• biopsie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH

Revidovaná doporučení Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) pro léčbu glomerulárních onemocnění jsou nyní pro možnost rychlejší reakce na aktuální poznatky publikována po jednotlivých kapitolách. V tomto článku jsou v přehledu shrnuta a komentována doporučení KDIGO z roku 2024 pro ANCA asociované vaskulitidy a lupusovou nefritidu. U ANCA asociované vaskulitidy je v indukční terapii doporučen cyklofosfamid nebo rituximab (popř. jejich kombinace) spolu s kortikosteroidy (v redukované dávce) nebo avacopanem. U závažnějšího postižení ledvin nebo u krvácení do plic s hypoxemií je možno zvážit při-dání plazmaferézy. V udržovací terapii je využíván rituximab nebo azathioprin s kortikosteroidy. U proliferativní lupusové nefritidy třídy III a IV je doporučena terapie kortikosteroidy v kombinaci s jednou z následujících možností: s analogy kyseliny mykofenolové (mykofenolát mofetilem nebo mykofenolátem sodným, dále jen MPAA), s nízkodávkovaným cyklofosfamidem, s belimumabem spolu s MPAA nebo cyklofosfamidem, s inhibitory kalcineurinu spolu s MPAA. V udržovací terapii jsou na prvním místě MPAA, al-ternativy zahrnují azathioprin či pokračování v podávání belimumabu nebo inhibitorů kalcineurinu v kombinaci se standardní tera-pií. Všichni pacienti s lupusovou nefritidou by měli být léčeni hydroxychlorochinem a pozornost je třeba věnovat také běžným opat-řením pro snížení rizika rozvoje komplikací samotného onemocnění i podané terapie.

BACKGROUND: Kidney involvement is common in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) and the prognosis is determined by the severity of kidney damage. This study focused on long-term kidney outcomes, defining possible risk factors and comparing the performance of three different histological classifications to predict outcomes for patients with AAV. METHODS: The dataset included 848 patients with newly diagnosed AAV who participated in seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (1995-2012). Follow-up information was obtained from questionnaires sent to the principal investigators of the original RCTs. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at 5 and 10 years was 17% and 22%, respectively. Patients who developed ESKD had reduced patient survival compared with those with preserved kidney function (hazard ratio 2.8, P < .001). Comparing patients with AAV and kidney involvement with a matched general population, patients with AAV had poor survival outcomes, even in early stages of chronic kidney disease. The main cause of death was infection followed by cardiovascular disease in patients developing ESKD and malignancy in those who did not. Some 34% of patients with initial need for dialysis recovered kidney function after treatment. Thirty-five out of 175 in need of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) during follow-up received a kidney transplant with good outcome; there was 86% patient survival at 10 years.In the subcohort of 214 patients with available kidney biopsies, three scoring systems were tested: the Berden classification, the Renal Risk Score and the Mayo Clinic Score. The scores highlighted the importance of normal glomeruli and severe glomerulosclerosis on kidney survival (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). The Renal Risk Score demonstrated a moderate prediction of kidney survival (area under the curve 0.79; standard error 0.03, 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of AAV is extremely important. Even milder forms of kidney involvement have an impact on the prognosis. Patients in need of KRT had the lowest survival rates, but kidney transplantation has shown favorable outcomes for eligible AAV patients. The three histologic scoring systems were all identified as independent prognostic factors for kidney outcome.

• MeSH
• ANCA-asociované vaskulitidy * komplikace   mortalita   terapie   MeSH
• chronické selhání ledvin * mortalita   terapie   etiologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hodnoty glomerulární filtrace MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• míra přežití MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• prognóza MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• vyšetření funkce ledvin MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a heterogenous autoimmune disease. While traditionally stratified into two conditions, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), the subclassification of ANCA-associated vasculitis is subject to continued debate. Here we aim to identify phenotypically distinct subgroups and develop a data-driven subclassification of ANCA-associated vasculitis, using a large real-world dataset. METHODS: In the collaborative data reuse project FAIRVASC (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable, Vasculitis), registry records of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis were retrieved from six European vasculitis registries: the Czech Registry of ANCA-associated vasculitis (Czech Republic), the French Vasculitis Study Group Registry (FVSG; France), the Joint Vasculitis Registry in German-speaking Countries (GeVas; Germany), the Polish Vasculitis Registry (POLVAS; Poland), the Irish Rare Kidney Disease Registry (RKD; Ireland), and the Skåne Vasculitis Cohort (Sweden). We performed model-based clustering of 17 mixed-type clinical variables using a parsimonious mixture of two latent Gaussian variable models. Clinical validation of the optimal cluster solution was made through summary statistics of the clusters' demography, phenotypic and serological characteristics, and outcome. The predictive value of models featuring the cluster affiliations were compared with classifications based on clinical diagnosis and ANCA specificity. People with lived experience were involved throughout the FAIRVASVC project. FINDINGS: A total of 3868 patients diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis between Nov 1, 1966, and March 1, 2023, were included in the study across the six registries (Czech Registry n=371, FVSG n=1780, GeVas n=135, POLVAS n=792, RKD n=439, and Skåne Vasculitis Cohort n=351). There were 2434 (62·9%) patients with GPA and 1434 (37·1%) with MPA. Mean age at diagnosis was 57·2 years (SD 16·4); 2006 (51·9%) of 3867 patients were men and 1861 (48·1%) were women. We identified five clusters, with distinct phenotype, biochemical presentation, and disease outcome. Three clusters were characterised by kidney involvement: one severe kidney cluster (555 [14·3%] of 3868 patients) with high C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum creatinine concentrations, and variable ANCA specificity (SK cluster); one myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive kidney involvement cluster (782 [20·2%]) with limited extrarenal disease (MPO-K cluster); and one proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA-positive kidney involvement cluster (683 [17·7%]) with widespread extrarenal disease (PR3-K cluster). Two clusters were characterised by relative absence of kidney involvement: one was a predominantly PR3-ANCA-positive cluster (1202 [31·1%]) with inflammatory multisystem disease (IMS cluster), and one was a cluster (646 [16·7%]) with predominantly ear-nose-throat involvement and low CRP, with mainly younger patients (YR cluster). Compared with models fitted with clinical diagnosis or ANCA status, cluster-assigned models demonstrated improved predictive power with respect to both patient and kidney survival. INTERPRETATION: Our study reinforces the view that ANCA-associated vasculitis is not merely a binary construct. Data-driven subclassification of ANCA-associated vasculitis exhibits higher predictive value than current approaches for key outcomes. FUNDING: European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases.

• MeSH
• ANCA-asociované vaskulitidy * klasifikace   diagnóza   epidemiologie   krev   imunologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikroskopická polyangiitida klasifikace   epidemiologie   krev   diagnóza   imunologie   MeSH
• registrace * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• shluková analýza MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on hemodialysis. It is not easy to distinguish HF from water overload. The traditional HF definition has low sensitivity and specificity in this population. Moreover, many patients on hemodialysis have exercise limitations unrelated to HF. Therefore, we postulated two new HF definitions ((1) Modified definition of the Acute Dialysis Quality Improvement working group; (2) Hemodynamic definition based on the calculation of the effective cardiac output). We hypothesize that the newer definitions will better identify patients with higher number of endpoints and with more advanced structural heart disease. METHODS: Cohort, observational, longitudinal study with recording predefined endpoints. Patients (n = 300) treated by hemodialysis in six collaborating centers will be examined centrally in a tertiary cardiovascular center every 6-12 months lifelong or till kidney transplantation by detailed expert echocardiography with the calculation of cardiac output, arteriovenous dialysis fistula flow volume calculation, bio-impedance, and basic laboratory analysis including NTproBNP. Effective cardiac output will be measured as the difference between measured total cardiac output and arteriovenous fistula flow volume and systemic vascular resistance will be also assessed non-invasively. In case of water overload during examination, dry weight adjustment will be recommended, and the patient invited for another examination within 6 weeks. A composite major endpoint will consist of (1) Cardiovascular death; (2) HF worsening/new diagnosis of; (3) Non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke. The two newer HF definitions will be compared with the traditional one in terms of time to major endpoint analysis. DISCUSSION: This trial will differ from others by: (1) detailed repeated hemodynamic assessment including arteriovenous access flow and (2) by careful assessment of adequate hydration to avoid confusion between HF and water overload.

• MeSH
• chronická renální insuficience * komplikace   MeSH
• chronické selhání ledvin * diagnóza   terapie   komplikace   MeSH
• dialýza ledvin škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• longitudinální studie MeSH
• pozorovací studie jako téma MeSH
• srdeční selhání * diagnóza   etiologie   terapie   MeSH
• voda MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• protokol klinické studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

OBJECTIVE: ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a relapsing-remitting disease, resulting in incremental tissue injury. The gold-standard relapse definition (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, BVAS>0) is often missing or inaccurate in registry settings, leading to errors in ascertainment of this key outcome. We sought to create a computable phenotype (CP) to automate retrospective identification of relapse using real-world data in the research setting. METHODS: We studied 536 patients with AAV and >6 months follow-up recruited to the Rare Kidney Disease registry (a national longitudinal, multicentre cohort study). We followed five steps: (1) independent encounter adjudication using primary medical records to assign the ground truth, (2) selection of data elements (DEs), (3) CP development using multilevel regression modelling, (4) internal validation and (5) development of additional models to handle missingness. Cut-points were determined by maximising the F1-score. We developed a web application for CP implementation, which outputs an individualised probability of relapse. RESULTS: Development and validation datasets comprised 1209 and 377 encounters, respectively. After classifying encounters with diagnostic histopathology as relapse, we identified five key DEs; DE1: change in ANCA level, DE2: suggestive blood/urine tests, DE3: suggestive imaging, DE4: immunosuppression status, DE5: immunosuppression change. F1-score, sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.92), 0.89 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.99) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.99), respectively. Where DE5 was missing, DE2 plus either DE1/DE3 were required to match the accuracy of BVAS. CONCLUSIONS: This CP accurately quantifies the individualised probability of relapse in AAV retrospectively, using objective, readily accessible registry data. This framework could be leveraged for other outcomes and relapsing diseases.

• MeSH
• ANCA-asociované vaskulitidy * diagnóza   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• fenotyp * MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• longitudinální studie MeSH
• recidiva * MeSH
• registrace MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Rituximab is being increasingly prescribed for the treatment of autoimmune glomerular diseases. While it is highly effective for some diseases, the response is less predictable for others, which may be due to differing requirements in terms of the dosing according to the disease type and variations concerning exposure to the drug. METHODS: We compiled novel rituximab dosing schedules according to pharmacokinetic analysis of data gathered from rituximab treated patients in a tertiary referral nephrology centre between May 2020 and June 2023. The population-pharmacokinetic analysis was based on the rituximab dosing, the patients' characteristics, rituximab levels and anti-rituximab antibodies. RESULTS: The analysis, which was based on data from 185 patients, clearly highlighted differing rituximab dosing requirements for patients with ANCA associated vasculitis and minimal change disease compared to those with membranous nephropathy, focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis and lupus nephritis. This corresponded to the good treatment response of the first two diseases and the unreliable efficacy for the others. The model predicts the rituximab pharmacokinetics with high degree of accuracy when body weight, proteinuria, type of glomerulonephritis, treatment length and anti-rituximab antibodies formation are used as covariates. We proposed a dosing schedule with shortened dosing intervals for difficult-to-treat diagnoses with high proteinuria. CONCLUSION: In order to ensure reliable and comparable exposure of rituximab with respect to the full range of glomerular diseases, the dosing schedule should be adjusted for membranous nephropathy, focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis and lupus nephritis. This is largely, but not solely, due to the enhanced level of unselective proteinuria in these diseases.

• MeSH
• biologické modely MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• glomerulonefritida farmakoterapie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membranózní glomerulonefritida farmakoterapie   MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• rituximab * farmakokinetika   aplikace a dávkování   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• rozvrh dávkování léků MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH