The risk of death is increased for hemodialysis (HD) patients compared with age-matched healthy subjects, the main reason for this being cardiovascular conditions. This prospective study investigated whether the burden of interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) was of importance for cardiovascular end points and survival. A total of 97 HD patients were studied. The end points included death (reasons given), acute myocardial infarction, or coronary vascular intervention. The extent of ultrafiltration was measured at predefined follow-up points. The IDWG was calculated as ultrafiltration/body weight given in weight%. The burden of IDWG was analyzed. End points occurred in 77 (79%) of the patients during the 5-year study period. The extent of IDWG was higher in those with end points due to cardiovascular reasons (3.77 weight% vs. 3.19 P<0.001), cardiac reasons (P<0.001), congestive heart failure (P<0.01), aortic aneurysm, and intracerebral bleeding (P<0.024). To reduce the risk for cardiovascular events, it is important to avoid too extensive IDWG in HD patients.

Although atorvastatin reduced total and LDL cholesterol effectively it was not beneficial regarding the long-term outcomes of cardiovascular endpoints or survival. In contrast to other patient groups, patients with severe chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, seem to derive limited benefit from this lower dose of atorvastatin.

After a prolonged period of 24 months the extent of ultrafiltration need seems to be important for the outcome of the patients. Thereby those with higher need of ultrafiltration had worse prognosis. It seems important to motivate patients to reduce the extent of fluid intake between dialysis to prolong survival.

Although the medication caused no severe adverse events, we recommend caution when using atorvastatin for severe CKD patients until further evidence of its safety and efficacy is verified.

We report the case of inadvertent malpositioning of a pacemaker lead in the left ventricle. The lead went through an open foramen ovale from the right to the left atrium and through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. After a review of the literature, we decided to anticoagulate the patient and leave the electrode in place. During a follow-up period of 16 months, there were no clinical complications.