Search Results (129)

Dogs with acute congestive heart failure (CHF) can develop acute kidney injury (AKI); the prevalence of this condition has not been defined. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of AKI (increase in serum creatinine (sCr) ≥ 0.3 mg/dL) within 48 h from admission in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) with acute CHF, and the role of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) as a predictive marker of AKI. This was a multicentric, prospective observational study. Thirty dogs were included. The types and dosages of the diuretics administered, as well as the serum and urinary chemistry, including uNGAL and uNGAL, to the urinary creatinine ratio (uNGALC), were determined at admission (T0) and after 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) hours of hospitalization. Nineteen dogs developed AKI. We found no statistically significant differences in sCr, uNGAL, uNGALC, diuretic dosage, or hours of hospitalization between dogs that developed AKI and those that did not. The urinary NGAL and uNGALC values were not statistically significantly different at any time point, while the sCr was higher at T24 and T48 than T0. Our findings suggest that AKI in MMVD dogs with CHF is primarily functional, driven by effective decongestion rather than severe tubular damage, with the benefits of decongestion outweighing transient increases in sCr. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a challenging condition characterised by interdependent dysfunction of the heart and kidneys. Despite advancements in understanding its pathophysiology, clinical management remains complex due to overlapping mechanisms and high rates of diuretic resistance. Relevant literature was identified through a comprehensive narrative review of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, focusing on pivotal trials relating to CRS from 2005 to 2024. This review aims to provide a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to acute CRS management by addressing common misconceptions, outlining diagnostic strategies, and proposing a structured algorithm to manage diuretic resistance. We discuss the role of thoracic and venous excess ultrasound (VeXUS) in providing reliable measures of systemic congestion, natriuresis-guided sequential nephron blockade, and more targeted therapies, including ultrafiltration in refractory cases. In addition, we explore emerging trials that target renal hypoperfusion and venous congestion in CRS. Designed for a broad audience, including general physicians, cardiologists, and nephrologists, this review integrates clinical evidence with practical guidance to support effective and timely decision-making in the care of patients with CRS. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with advanced heart failure (HF) often suffer from impaired kidney function. Based on the pathophysiology of types I and II of cardiorenal syndrome, heart transplantation (Htx) may restore renal function. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of improvement in kidney function after HTx. Methods: Htx patients from a tertiary hospital were retrospectively divided into three groups—improvement (n = 24), deterioration (n = 31) and no significant change in eGFR (n = 45)—based on changes in their mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) within the first three postoperative months, compared to the last three preoperative months. The threshold for eGFR improvement was defined as a ≥20% increase, while deterioration was defined as a ≥20% decrease. The no significant change group was defined as any change falling between these two values. Results: The median age of analyzed cohort was 54 (45–63) years, and 82% were male. Preoperatively, the improvement group was more frequently treated with inotropes or vasopressors and had significantly higher blood urea and total bilirubin levels before Htx. In the multivariate analysis, total bilirubin before Htx (OR 1.66; 95% CI; 1.24–2.69; p = 0.002) and no need for RRT early after Htx (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24–0.88; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of improved kidney function in the first three months after HTx. Conclusions: The improvement in renal function after HTx is uncommon. It could be expected in patients suffering from more severe forms of HF, with impaired kidney and liver function but who did not need RRT after the surgery. Full article

Cancer risk increases by 25 to 250% not only in dysmetabolic obese or overweight people with overt type 2 diabetes but also in individuals with intermediate hyperglycemia (pre-diabetes), with especially pronounced risk of pancreatic or hepatocellular cancer and obesity-related cancers, e.g., colorectal and kidney cancers, bladder cancer in men, and endometrial and breast cancers in women. Cancer may often be present before or upon the diagnosis of diabetes, as there is a common pathogenetic dysmetabolic–inflammatory background with insulin resistance for developing diabetes, cardiorenal disease, and cancer in parallel. The mechanisms involved relate to hyperinsulinemia as a potential carcinogenic priming event with ectopic visceral, hepatic, pancreatic, or renal fat accumulation that subsequently fuel inflammation and lipo-oncogenic signals, causing mitochondrial oxidative stress and deregulation. Moreover, hyperinsulinemia may foster mitogenic MAP kinase-related signaling, which can also occur via IGF1 receptors due to increased free IGF1 levels in obesity. Weight reduction of 10% or more in obese people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, e.g., through intensive lifestyle intervention or bariatric (=metabolic) surgery or through treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists or metformin, is associated with significantly lower incidence of “diabesity”-associated cancers. In conclusion, there seems to be huge utility in adopting the new “Cardio-Renal-Metabolic-Cancer Syndrome” approach, also looking for cancer at the time of diabetes diagnosis in addition to proactively screening for undiagnosed dysglycemia. Full article

Aging is a very complex process, and it has been linked with Sirtuins. Sirtuin enzymes are a family of deacetylases that are related to caloric restriction and aging by modulating energy metabolism, genomic stability, and stress resistance. Up to now, seven sirtuins have been recognized. This narrative review aimed to analyze the literature produced between January 2005 and March 2025 to evaluate the role of sirtuins in chronic kidney disease and, as heart and kidney diseases are strictly interrelated, to explore their role in heart diseases and cardio-renal cross-talk. A reciprocal relationship between CKD and aging seems to exist since CKD may contribute to premature biological aging of different organ systems. SIRTs are involved in the pathophysiology of renal diseases; their activation can delay the progression of several renal diseases. Notably, an increasing number of studies linked SIRTs with different CVDs. SIRTs affect the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) by modulating mitochondrial function. The imbalance of SIRT levels may increase the vulnerability to CVDs. SIRTs are involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) through different signaling pathways. Fibrosis is the linkage mechanism between the heart and kidney in the development of cardio-renal diseases. Current studies on sirtuins, resveratrol, and cardiorenal disease highlight their potential therapeutic benefits in regulating blood pressure, kidney function, lipid profiles, and inflammation, making them a promising area of investigation for improving cardiovascular and renal health outcomes. However, significant gaps remain. The limited availability of highly selective and potent sirtuin modulators hampers their clinical translation, as most existing compounds exhibit poor bioavailability and suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties. Full article

Introduction: Acute cardiorenal syndrome (ACRS) is a common complication of acute heart failure (AHF), leading to worse outcomes and therapeutic challenges. This study aimed to identify clinical parameters associated with ACRS and evaluate its impact on prognosis in hospitalized AHF patients. Methods: This prospective observational study included patients hospitalized for AHF at the Venizelio Cardiology Department from February to November 2023. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medications, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters, hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality were recorded. Patients with incomplete data or end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) were excluded. Survivors were followed for six months to assess renal function changes, readmissions, initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT), and mortality. ACRS was defined as a serum creatinine increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥1.5 times baseline. Results: Among 218 hospitalized AHF patients, 112 (51.3%) developed ACRS. These patients were older, had higher CKD prevalence, worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, lower hemoglobin, and higher N-terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Multivariate analysis identified CKD stage (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.64–3.23, p < 0.001) and creatinine change on admission (OR 3.53, 95% CI 2.02–6.18, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of ACRS. ACRS was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, longer hospital stays, increased vasoactive medication use, worsening renal function, and higher six-month all-cause readmission and mortality rates. Conclusions: ACRS is a frequent and severe complication in AHF. CKD stage and creatinine on admission are key predictors. Early recognition for risk stratification and individualized management are crucial to improving outcomes in this high-risk population. Full article

Type 4 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS-4) is a pathology in which chronic kidney disease (CKD) triggers the development of cardiovascular disease. CKD pathophysiology produces alterations that can affect the bioenergetics of heart mitochondria, causing oxidative stress and reducing antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels. GSH depletion alters protein function by affecting post-translational modifications such as S-glutathionylation (RS-SG), exacerbating oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. On the other hand, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant GSH precursor that modulates oxidative stress and RS-SG. Moreover, recent studies have found that NAC can activate the Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) deacetylase in diseases. However, the role of NAC and its effects on mitochondrial function, redox signaling, and SIRT3 modifications in the heart during CRS-4 have not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the role of NAC in mitochondrial function, redox signaling, and SIRT3 in the hearts of animals with CRS-4 at two months of follow-up. Our results showed that the oral administration of NAC (600 mg/kg/day) improved blood pressure and reduced cardiac fibrosis. NACs’ protective effect was associated with preserving cardiac mitochondrial bioenergetics and decreasing these organelles’ hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production. Additionally, NAC increased GSH levels in heart mitochondria and regulated the redox state, which coincided with an increase in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidized (NAD⁺) levels and a decrease in mitochondrial acetylated lysines. Finally, NAC increased SIRT3 levels and the activity of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD-2) in the heart. Thus, treatment with NAC decreases mitochondrial alterations, restores redox signaling, and decreases SIRT3 disturbances during CRS-4 through an antioxidant defense mechanism. Full article

Background: Cardiorenal Syndrome (CRS) represents a growing global health challenge due to the increasing prevalence of coexisting kidney and heart disease. The complex pathophysiology of CRS demands an integrated, multidisciplinary approach involving both nephrology and cardiology. However, specialized care models remain limited, leading to fragmented management and suboptimal outcomes. Methods: A Kidney–Heart Outpatient Service was established at "Paolo Giaccone" University Hospital in Palermo in May 2023 to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care for non-hospitalized patients with CRS. The service involves structured patient assessments, including medical history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, imaging, and a collaborative therapeutic plan formulated by nephrologists and cardiologists. Preliminary patient data were collected and analysed to assess demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Results: Among the first 115 patients evaluated, most were male and over 70 years old. Hypertension (91%) and diabetes were the leading comorbidities, with CKD stage G3b being the most prevalent. Cardiovascular conditions such as atrial fibrillation (18%), prior myocardial infarction (17%), and heart failure (15%) were frequently observed. Three patient deaths occurred, and one progressed to hemodialysis. Conclusions: The Kidney–Heart Outpatient Service represents a novel, patient-centered model for CRS management, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and reduce hospital admissions through multidisciplinary collaboration. Longitudinal follow-up and expanded data collection are essential to validate the long-term efficacy of this approach and refine management strategies for CRS patients. Ongoing research efforts will focus on tracking patient outcomes over extended periods, optimizing therapeutic strategies, and further integrating nephrology and cardiology training. The goal is to establish a sustainable and scalable framework for CRS management that enhances patient care and reduces the healthcare burden. Full article

Objectives: Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex disorder characterized by concurrent dysfunction of the heart and kidneys, with their detrimental effects perpetuating a bidirectional cycle. This study aimed to examine the clinical and hemodynamic factors associated with changes in renal function in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to chronic heart failure (HF). Methods: A total of 108 patients with HF were evaluated using right-heart catheterization. Results: 75 patients (69.4%) were diagnosed with PH. The mean baseline estimated GFR (beGFR) was similar in noPH (64 ± 21 mL/min/1.73 m²) and PH group (63 ± 23 mL/min/1.73 m²) (p = 0.71). After a median follow-up of 7 months, the last eGFR (leGFR) in the noPH and PH groups was comparable (49 ± 24 vs. 52 ± 25 mL/min/1.73 m² respectively; p = 0.62). However, in the PH group, for patients with baseline Cr (bCr) < 1.5 mg/dL, the reduction in eGFR showed a graded inverse relationship to serum creatinine, as compared with bCr ≥ 1.5 mg/dL, for whom beGFR and leGFR demonstrated large overlap. In a multivariable regression analysis, the primary independent predictors of leGFR were baseline creatinine, age, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular ejection fraction below 45%, and use of mineralocorticoids antagonists. The model explained 66% of the variance in leGFR. Conclusions: In a cohort of left HF and PH, an inverse non-linear and graded association between the baseline serum creatinine levels and the variation in estimated GFR was demonstrated, contrary to those without PH, for whom this relationship was linear and constant. The distinct patterns of GFR decline influenced by age, low ejection fraction, diabetes, and mineralocorticoid underscore the need for individualized treatment strategies. Full article

Heart failure (HF) is a major health problem because of its high prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and cost of care. An important contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced HF is kidney dysfunction. Almost half of HF patients develop cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). The management of advanced HF complicated by CRS is challenging. Two main strategies have been widely accepted for the management of CRS, namely improving cardiac output and relieving congestion. Diuretics remain the cornerstone and first-line therapy for decongestion; however, a substantial number of CRS patients develop diuretic resistance. In the face of persistent congestion and the progressive deterioration of kidney function, the implementation of kidney replacement therapy may become the only solution. In the review the current evidence on extracorporeal and peritoneal-based kidney replacement techniques for the therapy of CRS patients are presented. Full article

The renal resistive index (RRI), a Doppler ultrasound-derived parameter measuring renal vascular resistance, has emerged as a promising non-invasive tool to evaluate renal hemodynamics in critically ill patients, particularly those with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and heart failure (HF). This narrative review examines the current evidence for RRI measurement in these conditions, exploring its physiological bases, methodology, clinical applications, and limitations. In ARDS, RRI reflects the complex interactions between positive pressure ventilation, hypoxemia, and systemic inflammation, showing a role in predicting acute kidney injury and monitoring response to interventions. In HF, RRI is able to assess venous congestion and cardiorenal interactions and can also serve as a prognostic indicator. Many studies have shown RRI’s superiority or complementarity to traditional biomarkers in predicting renal dysfunction, although its interpretation requires consideration of multiple patient-related factors. Key challenges include operator dependency, lack of standardization, and complex interpretation in multi-organ dysfunction. Future research should focus on measurement standardization, development of automated techniques, investigation of novel applications like intraparenchymal renal resistive index variation, and validation of RRI-guided management strategies. Despite its limitations, RRI represents a valuable tool that offers bedside and real-time insights into renal hemodynamics and potential guidance for therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed to fully clarify its clinical potential and address current limitations, particularly in critical care settings involving multiple organ dysfunction. Full article

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of hospitalization, often leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) due to venous congestion. The Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score, introduced by Beaubin-Souligny, is a bedside tool for assessing congestion severity and guiding decongestive therapy. VExUS has demonstrated prognostic value in predicting AKI, HF readmission, and mortality. Indeed, guiding decongestive therapy through the VExUS score has been shown to significantly improve the likelihood of achieving faster decongestion. Objectives: This review aims to discuss the potential role of VExUS and analyze the recent findings about its relevance in guiding decongestive therapy in patients with acute decompensated HF. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, which identified journal articles focused on VExUS and manual reviews of relevant peer-reviewed journals. Conclusions: VExUS is a promising tool for evaluating venous congestion in cardiorenal patients, thereby improving fluid and diuretic management. It provides real-time, non-invasive monitoring that enhances clinical decision-making. However, its accuracy depends on operator expertise, and further research is needed to validate its application across different patient populations. Full article

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has increasingly become an integral part of clinical practice, particularly in nephrology, where its use extends beyond renal assessment to include multi-organ evaluations. Despite challenges such as limited ultrasound training and equipment access, especially in low- and middle-income countries, the adoption of POCUS is steadily rising. This narrative review explores the growing role of multi-organ POCUS in nephrology, with applications ranging from the assessment of congestion phenotypes, cardiorenal syndrome, and hemodynamic acute kidney injury (AKI) to the evaluation of arteriovenous fistulas and electrolyte disorders. In nephrology, POCUS enhances clinical decision making by enabling rapid, bedside evaluations of fluid status, cardiac function, and arteriovenous access. Studies have demonstrated its utility in diagnosing and managing complications such as heart failure, cirrhosis, and volume overload in end-stage renal disease. Additionally, POCUS has proven valuable in assessing hemodynamic alterations that contribute to AKI, particularly in patients with heart failure, cirrhosis, and systemic congestion. This review highlights how integrating ultrasound techniques, including lung ultrasound, venous Doppler, and focused cardiac ultrasound, can guide fluid management and improve patient outcomes. With advancements in ultrasound technology, particularly affordable handheld devices, and the expansion of targeted training programs, the potential for POCUS to become a global standard tool in nephrology continues to grow, enabling improved care in diverse clinical settings. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex clinical disorder characterized by the interplay between heart and kidney dysfunction. This condition is exacerbated by comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, which contribute to glucose-mediated oxidative stress, further complicating the management of CRS. The management of CRS has evolved with the discovery of sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which have been established as effective agents in reducing hyperglycemia and demonstrated cardiorenal protective effects. Concurrently, intermittent fasting has gained attention as an intervention without pharmacological treatment for its metabolic benefits, including improved glucose metabolism and insulin regulation and sensitivity, both with a potential reduction in oxidative stress. This review provides a summary of current findings on the roles of SGLT2 inhibitors and intermittent fasting in managing CRS, with a particular focus on glucose-mediated oxidative stress. We evaluate the mechanisms by which these interventions exert their effects, identify gaps in current research, and offer recommendations for future studies. While both SGLT2 inhibitors and intermittent fasting demonstrate potential in managing CRS, more research is needed to elucidate their long-term efficacy, safety, and potential synergistic effects. Full article

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), necessitating effective risk assessment methods. This study evaluates the calcium–phosphorus product (Ca × P) to estimated glomerular filtration rate (Ca × P/eGFR) ratio as a potential biomarker for predicting CV risk in pre-dialysis CKD patients. Methods: Eighty-four CKD patients in stages G1–G4, according to the KDIGO criteria, were classified into CVD (n = 43) and non-CVD (n = 41) groups. Biochemical parameters, including serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphate (Pi), parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Ca × P, eGFR, and the Ca × P/eGFR ratio, were measured and calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of CV risk and evaluate the diagnostic reliability of the Ca × P/eGFR ratio for predicting the risk. Results: Significant differences were observed in SCr, BUN, eGFR (p < 0.001), and the Ca × P/eGFR ratio (p = 0.007) between the groups. Regression analysis indicated the Ca × P/eGFR ratio as a significant CVD risk predictor (p = 0.012, OR = 1.206, 95% CI: 1.042–1.395). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an AUC of 0.751 (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.645–0.857), with a sensitivity and specificity of the method of 74.4% and 70.7%, respectively. Significant correlations were found between the Ca × P/eGFR ratio and SCr, BUN, UA, Ca, Pi, PTH, and ALP. Conclusions: The Ca × P/eGFR ratio may serve as a significant predictor of CVD risk in pre-dialysis CKD patients, suggesting that its integration into routine evaluations could enhance CV risk stratification and management. Full article