
Comparing Effects of Patient-specific Versus Non-patient-specific Computerized Reminder System
Radiographic Contrast Agent NephropathyThe investigators hypothesize that a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) designed with "Patient-Specific" reminders yields superior performance than that with "Non-patient-specific" reminders in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy.

The Eurocyst Initiative: Building a Network of ADPKD Reference Centers Across Europe
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney DiseaseEuroCYST initiative aims to build a large, well-characterized cohort of Autosomal Dominant polyCYSTic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) subjects who are followed in a longitudinal observational cohort study has the potential to identify progression factors and biomarkers, and to assess disease stage specific mortality, morbidity and health care costs.

Circulating lncRNA and CV Morbidities in CKD and ESRD
Chronic Kidney DiseaseEnd-stage Renal DiseaseCardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The mechanisms linking impaired renal function and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, however, remain elusive. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is a heterogeneous group of non-coding transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides. While the roles of lncRNAs in human diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders are beginning to emerge, it remains unclear how lncRNA regulation contributes to cardiovascular complications in patients with renal dysfunction. In this proposal, the investigators seek to apply next-generation sequencing technology to investigate circulating lncRNA expression in control subjects and in patients with CKD and ESRD. The investigators will test the hypothesis that circulating lncRNA expression signature can reflect the underlying kidney disease states in patients with CKD and ESRD. A gene co-expression network analysis will be conducted to identify lncRNAs that are functionally involved in the pathogenesis of CKD and ESRD. Next, the investigators will identify circulating lncRNAs that are indicative of cardiovascular dysfunction in ESRD patients. Finally, the investigators propose to test the hypothesis that circulating lncRNAs can be novel prognostic biomarkers to predict cardiovascular outcomes and renal function progression in CKD patients. The results from these experiments will lead to better understanding of how circulating lncRNAs contribute to uremic cardiovascular complications and renal function progression.

Nocturnal Blood Pressure - Central and Peripheral 24-h Blood Pressure in Chronic Kidney Disease....
Chronic Kidney DiseaseObstructive Sleep ApneaA new study have shown that high nighttime blood pressure (BP) and/or non-dipping (lack of fall in blood pressure during nighttime) is a strong predictor for the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with hypertension. Three factors seem to affect the night time blood pressure: chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or the way ambulatory blood pressure is monitored. The aim of this study is to analyse the importance of these three factors on nighttime bloodpressure. Hypothesis: Central 24 hour blood pressure monitoring provides another measure of daily fluctuations in blood pressure than peripheral 24 hour blood pressure monitoring, because measurement is painless and does not interfere with activities during the daytime or night-time sleep In chronic kidney disease and OSA the decrease in nocturnal BP is lower than in healthy subjects. In chronic kidney disease the decrease in the nocturnal BP is inversely correlated to the severity of OSA, the severity of kidney disease, and blood pressure during daytime.

Meta-Analyses of the Effect of Vegetable Protein for Animal Protein on Cardiometabolic Risk
DiabetesPrediabetes11 moreVegetarian diets have been associated with a reduced risk of preventable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These effects may be mediated through direct or indirect pathways. Although the high intakes of nuts, legumes, dietary fibre, whole grains, and unsaturated plant oils have each individually been associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, so too has the displacement of red meats, processed meats, and saturated animal fats. One of the most important considerations in moving from animal-based diets to more plant-based diets is the replacement of animal proteins (e.g. meat, fish, dairy, eggs) with vegetable proteins (e.g. legumes, nuts, and seeds). It is unclear whether this particular replacement alone results in advantages for metabolic and cardiovascular health. To improve evidence-based guidance for dietary guidelines and health claims development, we propose to conduct a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the effect of plant-based protein in exchange for animal protein on blood lipids, glycemic control, blood pressure, body weight, uric acid, markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and kidney function and injury. The systematic review process allows the combining of the results from many small studies in order to arrive at a pooled estimate, similar to a weighted average, of the true effect. The investigators will be able to explore whether the effects of replacing animal-based protein for plant-based protein hold true across different sexes, age groups, and background disease states and whether the effect depends on the protein source, dose, or background diet. The findings of this proposed knowledge synthesis will help improve the health of Canadians through informing recommendations for the general public, as well as those at risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease Study
Chronic Kidney DiseasePediatric1 moreChildren and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Recent studies suggest that pediatric patients with even moderately impaired kidney function may be afflicted with significant early cardiac and vascular abnormalities. The pathogenesis and the natural course of CV comorbidity in pediatric CKD patients is still elusive. In this multicenter, prospective, observational study the prevalence, degree and progression of CV comorbidity in children will be characterized and related to CKD progression. The morphology and function of the heart and vessels will be monitored by sensitive, non-invasive methods and will be compared with aged matched healthy controls. Multiple potential clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and pharmacological risk factors will be monitored prospectively and will be related to CV status. Genotyping might identify predisposing genetic factors for progression of CV comorbidity and underlying nephropathies.

A Study Comparing Outcomes of Kidney Transplants in Patients on Steroids Versus Those Who Discontinue...
Kidney DiseasesThe purpose of this study is to compare the risks and benefits of steroid elimination versus steroid therapy in renal transplant patients particularly looking at the effects on bone mass, lipids, hypertension, and new onset diabetes.

Prevalence of Chronic KIdney Disease in Hypertensive Patients
HypertensionChronic Kidney DiseasePrevention of progressive renal disease needs a clear understanding of prevalence of early stage of chronic kidney disease in a community. Even in developed countries most subjects in early stages of chronic kidney disease go largely undiagnosed and untreated. Targeted screening could identify a greater numbers of individuals at risk then a general public screening (11). It is economically more feasible to perform in a country like Pakistan. Hypertension and diabetes are highly prevalent in South-Asia.It is anticipated that if target screening of hypertensive population is performed especially of an age group in which intervention might be expected to have maximal benefit it will not only help to identify from a large number of patients with essential hypertension destined to develop or in the course of advancing towards end stage renal disease but will also unearth mislabeled "essential hypertension" that have underlying primary renal disease. This later group may belong to socio-economic disadvantaged population who have limited access to health care and have never been investigated properly. The aim of the Study is to detect sub-clinical chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients at community level and to identify associated risk factors.

RE-ELECT. Dabigatran vs Warfarin in AF Patients With T2DM and CKD
Atrial FibrillationT2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)1 moreKidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is tending to decline over a time which is clearly demonstrated in clinical studies. Renal impairment is a risk factor for stroke, its progression is associated with unfavorable prognosis. So preserving kidney function should be considered as a one of priorities when choosing treatment strategies which is especially important in patients with existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) or in patients who have risk of its development. This is especially relevant for the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and with CKD who can be considered as a group of risk for rapid kidney function decline.

Identification of P-cresyl Sulfate Producer Phenotype by Oral Tyrosine Challenge Test: Interactions...
Chronic Kidney DiseasesHealthyPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) display a substantial increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, the prognosis of CVD in CKD is extremely poor. Understanding the pathophysiology of CVD in CKD might help to develop treatment strategies to reduce its morbidity and mortality. Compelling evidence suggests that the uremic milieu itself plays a critical role in the development and progression of CVD in CKD. The gut microbiota is markedly altered in CKD. Fermentation of protein and amino acids by certain gut microbiota results in the generation of different uremic toxins. p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) is among the most representative gut-derived uremic toxins implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD in CKD. However, there remained no clear cut-off value of fasting plasma PCS for unfavorable clinical outcomes. Thus, we plan to establish an oral tyrosine challenge test (OTCT) integrated with dietary patterns, gut microbiome, and serum biochemistry to assess PCS synthesis capacity from host-diet-microbiota interactions.