Abstract Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, which is frequently asymptomatic. This risk increases significantly in those with nephropathy. In selected patients, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is the renal and pancreatic replacement therapy of choice, as it increases longevity and stabilizes diabetic complications. Despite essential, universal screening protocols are still controversial for coronary artery disease in this population. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 99 simultaneous pancreas-kidney recipients from our centre from 2011 to 2018 and selected 77 patients who underwent coronary angiography during the pre-transplant evaluation. Our aim was to identify potential risk factors associated with significant lesions on coronary angiography. Results: Almost half of our cohort of 77 candidates submitted to coronary angiography had coronary artery disease. Of these, nearly 30% underwent revascularization, although only one of them reported symptoms of myocardial ischemia. In a univariate analysis, the presence of smoking habits was the only risk factor for coronary artery disease. We also found that 20 or more years of type 1 diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with the presence of coronaropathy. Discussion: Selection of diabetic candidates with acceptable cardiac risk before simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is imperative. Given the impact of a correct diagnosis and a low procedural risk, we defend the routine use of coronary angiography as the initial screening method for coronary artery disease in this population. Particularly care must be taken in evaluating asymptomatic patients with long-term type 1 diabetes mellitus and smokers.

Resumo Introdução: O diabetes mellitus tipo 1 está associado ao risco aumentado de doença arterial coronariana, que é frequentemente assintomática. Este risco aumenta significativamente em pessoas com nefropatia. Em pacientes selecionados, o transplante de pâncreas- rim simultâneo é a terapia substitutiva, renal e pancreática, de escolha, pois aumenta a longevidade e estabiliza complicações diabéticas. Apesar de essenciais, protocolos de triagem universais ainda são controversos para doença arterial coronariana nesta população. Métodos: Analisamos retrospectivamente 99 receptores de pâncreas-rim simultâneo de nosso centro, de 2011 a 2018, e selecionamos 77 pacientes que realizaram angiografia coronária durante avaliação pré-transplante. Nosso objetivo foi identificar fatores de risco potenciais associados a lesões significativas na angiografia coronária. Resultados: Quase metade de nossa coorte de 77 candidatos submetidos à angiografia coronária apresentou doença arterial coronariana. Destes, quase 30% foram submetidos à revascularização, embora apenas um tenha relatado sintomas de isquemia miocárdica. Em uma análise univariada, a presença do hábito de fumar foi o único fator de risco para doença arterial coronariana. Também descobrimos que 20 ou mais anos de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 estavam significativamente associados à presença de coronariopatia. Discussão: A seleção de candidatos diabéticos com risco cardíaco aceitável antes do transplante de pâncreas-rim simultâneo é imperativa. Dado o impacto de um diagnóstico correto e baixo risco de procedimento, defendemos o uso rotineiro da angiografia coronária como método de triagem inicial para doença arterial coronariana nesta população. Deve-se ter um cuidado especial na avaliação de pacientes assintomáticos com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 de longa duração e fumantes.

ABSTRACT Chronic kidney disease - mineral and bone disorders (CKD‑MBD) tends to improve or to change phenotypically in the post‑transplant period. Mineral and bone disorders post‑transplantation (MBD‑PT) seem to be associated with high fracture risk and cardiovascular morbidity, and so it is necessary to be aware of its presence to minimize the MBD‑PT impact. In this article we summarize the features of MBD‑PT.

Simultaneous kidney pancreas transplantation, if feasible, is the treatment of choice for the management of end-stage renal disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. This intervention can offer glycemic control and might also stabilize or even reverse some of the metabolic complications of diabetes. Chronic kidney disease has become a critical problem in orthotopic liver transplantation due to multiple risk factors, including post-transplant diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression. This has a major impact on graft and patient survival. In this paper we present the case of a 42-year-old man submitted to a simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant after a successful liver transplantation 18 years earlier. The surgical procedure was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 18 days after admission. The case findings support that simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation is an effective method for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes and a previous liver transplant.

Background: Anemia is a common complication of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), in which iron deficiency's (ID) role is frequently underrated. In CKD, anemia has been associated with higher morbidity and lower quality of life. Nonetheless, reported treatment rates of anemia in CKD are low and guidelines' variability and/or absence for its management and treatment may be preventing patients from receiving optimal treatment. Within this context, we aimed to assess the agreement level on anemia and iron deficiency diagnosis, management, and treatment in CKD patients, by Portuguese physicians in Nephrology, through a Delphi Panel. Methods: A group of seven medical experts in Nephrology and Transfusion Medicine was assembled, and a focus group was conducted, in which 28 statements were agreed upon. Then, a two-round Delphi Panel using a Likert scale was conducted online, inviting Portuguese Society of Nephrology associates to participate. Results: Answers were collected from 76 participants in Round 1 and consensus level was obtained for 1 statement, 57 (75%) respondents fully disagreeing on transfusing all patients with hemoglobin below 9 g/dl, regardless of the clinical situation. The remaining 27 statements were used in Round 2, none obtaining consensus level and 14 statements being categorized as qualified majority: 4 on diagnosis, 3 on disease management, and 7 on treatment. Discussion: Our study showed a lack of consensus on diagnosis, management, and treatment of anemia in CKD patients among the nephrology community in Portugal. Overall, our results illustrated the heterogeneity of national clinical practices in: laboratory parameters' choice; cutoff values defining anemia and/or ID; parameter-based therapeutic decisions. Nonetheless, it was shown clear that patient's individual characteristics, clinical settings, and the physician's "clinical sense" seem to be considered to a further extent than the available guidelines. Future studies should be considered to develop recommendations that can be widely accepted.

Typhlitis is a clinical entity rare in adults, reported in immunosuppressed patients. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs in neutropenic patients due to compromised integrity of the bowel wall and its exact pathogenesis is not completely understood. We report a 35-year-old man with a post deceased donor renal and pancreas transplantation status who presented fever and febrile neutropenia. Three days after admission he presented hematochezia with a hemoglobin drop. Colonoscopy revealed "ileum mucosa with multiforme ulcers" and since no other etiology was found, typhlitis was considered. He gradually improved with support treatment and was able to be managed non-operatively. To our knowledge, there are only six other reports of typhlitis in kidney transplant recipients.

Resumo Introdução: A hiperfosfatemia é uma grave consequência da doença renal crônica associada a risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular. O controle dos níveis séricos de fósforo dos pacientes em diálise é um desafio que requer, na maioria dos casos, o uso de quelantes de fosfato (QF). Parte da dificuldade se deve à baixa adesão ao tratamento oriunda do grande número de medicamentos receitados para esse grupo de pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar a real eficácia do oxihidróxido sucroférrico (OHS) no controle dos níveis séricos de fósforo e determinar a carga de comprimidos associada. Métodos: Estudo multicêntrico, quantitativo, retrospectivo, antes e depois conduzido com pacientes em hemodiafiltração on-line. Pacientes remanejados para OHS como parte dos cuidados de rotina foram incluídos no estudo. Tratamento com QF, número de comprimidos, níveis séricos de fósforo, reposição férrica endovenosa e dosagens foram registrados mensalmente durante seis meses de tratamento com QF ou OHS. Resultados: Foram incluídos 42 pacientes no estudo. Após a mudança de QF para OHS, o número de comprimidos prescritos por dia caiu em 67%, de seis para duas unidades diárias (p < 0,001). A frequência de ingestão de comprimidos caiu de três para duas vezes ao dia (p < 0,001). Durante o tratamento com OHS, o percentual de pacientes com fósforo sérico ≤ 5,5 mg/dL aumentou de 33,3% no início para 45% após seis meses de tratamento. Conclusão: Durante os seis meses de seguimento com OHS, os níveis séricos de fósforo foram controlados com um terço dos comprimidos por dia em relação aos tratamentos com outros QF.

Abstract Introduction: Hyperphosphatemia is a serious consequence of chronic kidney disease and has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Controlling serum phosphorus levels in patients on dialysis is a challenge for the clinicians and implies, in most cases, the use of phosphate binders (PB). Part of the reason for this challenge is poor adherence to treatment because of the high pill burden in this patient group. Objective: To assess the real-world effectiveness of sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SO) in controlling serum phosphorus levels and determine the associated pill burden. Methods: A multicenter, quantitative, retrospective, before-after study was conducted with patients receiving online hemodiafiltration. Patients who switched to SO as a part of routine care were included in the study. PB treatment, number of pills, serum phosphorus levels, and intravenous iron medication and dosage were collected monthly during the six months of treatment with either PB or SO. Results: A total of 42 patients were included in the study. After switching from a PB to SO, the prescribed pills/day was reduced 67% from 6 pills/day to 2 pills/day (p < 0.001) and the frequency of pill intake was lowered from 3 times/day to 2 times/day (p < 0.001). During the treatment with SO, the proportion of patients with serum phosphorus ≤ 5.5 mg/dL increased from 33.3% at baseline to 45% after six months of treatment. Conclusion: During the six-month follow-up with SO, serum phosphorus levels were controlled with one third of the pills/day compared to other PB.

Introdução: O aparecimento da dissecção endoscópica da submucosa (ESD) tornou possível a resseção em bloco de lesões neoplásicas superficiais do estômago, independentemente da sua dimensão, com reduzidas taxas de complicações e recorrência. Esta técnica tem evoluído como método preferencial face à mucosectomia convencional e cirurgia, quando a metastização à distância tem risco negligenciável. No mundo ocidental a experiência nesta técnica tem evoluído de forma rápida surgindo um número crescente de séries na literatura. Este estudo tem como objetivo reportar os resultados a curto e longo prazo da ESD de lesões epiteliais gástricas realizadas por um único operador num centro Português. Metodologia: Análise retrospetiva unicêntrica dos casos de ESD de lesões epiteliais gástricas, realizadas durante um período de 5 anos, entre maio de 2012 e setembro de 2017. Resultados: Foram realizadas 114 ESDs de neoplasias epiteliais gástricas durante o período em estudo, com uma taxa de resseção em bloco de 96.5% e R0 de 87.6%. A resseção curativa confirmou-se em 83.2% dos casos. Ocorreram complicações em 13.2% dos procedimentos, incluindo hemorragia em 12 doentes (10.5%) e 1 perfuração (0.9%). Com uma mediana de follow-up de 12 meses (variação interquartil [IQR] 18), verificaram-se 6 casos de recorrência local: 4 lesões residuais e 2 recorrências em resseções R0 prévias. Observaram-se mais frequentemente lesões residuais de ESD de lesões de maiores dimensões (mediana = 40.0 mm, IQR = 26 vs. mediana = 20.0 mm, IQR = 15, p = 0.008) e com margens horizontais (HM) positivas após a resseção (50.0% vs. 0.0%, Teste exato de Fisher, p < 0.001). A incidência cumulativa de lesões gástricas metácronas aos 34 meses foi de 16.1%. Todas as novas lesões foram eficazmente tratadas por endoscopia. A sobrevivência específica aos 12 meses de follow-up foi de 100%. Conclusão: Este estudo mostra que a ESD gástrica é uma técnica eficaz e segura para o tratamento de lesões neoplásicasprecoces confirmando a maioria das séries europeias. Embora a ESD permita geralmente uma resseção em bloco as HM positivas continuam a ser um problema em alguns doentes. A vigilância endoscópica pode detetar recorrência local e novas lesões, em estádios precoces, potencialmente tratáveis por endoscopia.

Background: The emergence of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) made possible en bloc resection of neoplastic gastric lesions, regardless of lesion size, with reduced rates of complications and recurrence. This technique has become the preferred method for curative resection, instead of conventional endoscopic mucosal resection and surgery, when distant metastases have negligible risk. In Western countries experience with this technique has evolved quickly, with an increasing number of case series reported in the literature. This study aims to report the short- and long-term outcomes of ESD in gastric epithelial neoplastic lesions by a single operator in a Portuguese centre. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all gastric ESDs in a tertiary specialised unit during a 5-year period, between May 2012 and September 2017, was performed. Results: A total of 114 ESDs of gastric epithelial lesions were performed during this period; 96.5% of them were removed en bloc and 87.6% with R0 resection. A curative treatment was achieved in 83.2% of the cases. Complications occurred in 13.2% of the procedures, including early and delayed bleeding in 12 patients (10.5%) and one perforation (0.9%). With a median follow-up period of 12 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 18), 6 cases of recurrence at the previous ESD site were diagnosed: 4 residual lesions and 2 local recurrences in previous R0 resections. Residual lesions occurred more often in patients with larger lesions (median = 40.0 mm, IQR = 26 vs. median = 20.0 mm, IQR = 15, p = 0.008) and with positive horizontal margins (HMs) after resection (50.0 vs. 0.0%, Fisher exact test, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of metachronous gastric lesions at 34 months was 16.1%. All new lesions were effectively treated using an endoscopic technique. The disease-specific survival at 12 months was 100%. Conclusion: This study showed that ESD is an effective resection technique for gastric lesions with a good safety profile, confirming other European series. Regardless, high en bloc resection positive HM is still a problem in some specimens resected by ESD. Endoscopic surveillance can detect local recurrence and new lesions during early stages, potentially treatable by endoscopy.

Kidney and urinary tract development disorder are two of the most prevalent congenital malformations and the main cause of chronic kidney disease in pediatric age patients. As such, it is very important that the nephrologist understands these pathologies to improve transition and ensure a good continuity between pediatric and adult nephrological care. The purpose of this article is to present a brief review of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Kidney malformations are classified according to macroscopic and microscopic anatomic features, and are the result of the following abnormal renal developmental processes: malformations of the renal parenchyma, abnormalities of the embryonic migration of the kidneys and abnormalities of the developing urinary collecting system.

Myeloma-associated renal disorders are rare events among renal transplants and can occur as recurrent or de novo disease. We describe an unusual case of renal allograft dysfunction due to myeloma cast nephropathy occurring 19 years after having received a renal transplant in a patient with no prior history of multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy preceding transplantation. Our patient was treated with five cycles of chemotheraphy (bortezomib, melphalan and steroids), which resulted in short-term improvement in allograft dysfunction and complete haematological remission. The longer patient and graft survival after renal transplantation make post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease more frequent. Multiple myeloma after kidney transplant is rare and an elevated index of suspicion is necessary to make a timely diagnosis of this serious disease. Further work is needed to identify the best treatment options for these patients

Introdução: O cancro colorrectal manifesta-se como oclusão intestinal aguda em 10-40% dos doentes. Existem duas abordagens terapêuticas principais: cirurgia de urgência e prótese endoluminal. Objectivo e Métodos: Este estudo teve como objetivo clarificar o risco/benefício das abordagens mencionadas. Foi realizado um estudo multicêntrico, retrospetivo longitudinal, que incluiu 189 doentes com oclusão colorrectal maligna aguda, diagnosticados entre janeiro de 2005 e março de 2013. Resultados: Globalmente (85 pacientes - 35 como ponte para cirurgia e 50 como paliação) a colocação de prótese teve sucesso técnico de 94%. As próteses paliativas apresentaram sucesso clínico limitado (60%) e associaram-se a 40% de complicações. A oclusão tumoral da prótese (19%) foi a complicação mais frequente, seguindo-se a migração (9%) e a perfuração intestinal (7%). A cirurgia eletiva após colocação de prótese associou-se a maior frequência de anastomoses primárias (94% vs 76%; p = 0.038) e a menores taxas de colostomia (26% vs 55%; p = 0.004) e mortalidade (31% vs 57%; p = 0.02). Contudo, não houve diferenças significativas nas complicações pós-cirúrgicas. No tratamento paliativo, a prótese e a colostomia/ileostomia descompressiva não apresentaram diferenças significativas nas complicações ou mortalidade. Neste subgrupo de próteses, observou-se elevada taxa de reintervenção (40% vs 5%; p = 0.004) e de tempo de internamento (14,9 vs 7,3 dias; p = 0.004). Conclusão: A colocação de prótese como ponte para a cirurgia deve ser considerada no tratamento agudo da oclusão maligna colorrectal, pois apresenta vantagens nas taxas de anastomoses primárias, colostomias e mortalidade. Em contraste, neste estudo as próteses paliativas não apresentaram vantagem clínica significativa em comparação à colostomia descompressiva.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer presents itself as acute bowel occlusion in 10-40% of patients. There are two main therapeutic approaches: urgent surgery and endoluminal placement self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS). Aims and Methods: This study intended to better clarify the risk/benefit ratio of the above-mentioned approaches. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal multicenter study, including 189 patients with acute malignant colorectal occlusion, diagnosed between January 2005 and March 2013. Results: Globally (85 patients - 35 bridge-to-surgery and 50 palliative), SEMS's technical success was of 94%. Palliative SEMS had limited clinical success (60%) and were associated with 40% of complications. SEMS occlusion (19%) was the most frequent complication, followed by migration (9%) and bowel perforation (7%). Elective surgery after stenting was associated with a higher frequency of primary anastomosis (94% vs. 76%; p = 0.038), and a lower rate of colostomy (26% vs. 55%; p = 0.004) and overall mortality (31% vs. 57%; p = 0.02). However, no significant differences were identified concerning postoperative complications. Regarding palliative treatment, no difference was found in the complications rate and overall mortality between SEMS and decompressive colostomy/ileostomy. In this SEMS subgroup, we found a higher rate of reinterventions (40% vs. 5%; p = 0.004) and a longer hospital stay (14, nine vs. seven, three days; p = 0.004). Conclusion: SEMS placement as a bridge-to-surgery should be considered in the acute treatment of colorectal malignant occlusion, since it displays advantages regarding primary anastomosis, colostomy rate and overall mortality. In contrast, in this study, palliative SEMS did not appear to present significant advantages when compared to decompressive colostomy.

A doença renal crónica pode conduzir a distúrbios metabólicos como hiperfosfatemia, aumento da secre- ção do “fibroblast growth factor- 23”, e deficiência de vitamina D, que por sua vez, podem conduzir a um aumento dos níveis plasmáticos da paratormona, e a uma diminuição dos níveis plasmáticos de cálcio. Consequentemente, a doença renal crónica pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento de hiperparatiroidismo secundário, e de anomalias no metabolismo mineral ósseo. A transplantação renal é a opção que proporciona a maior longevidade e qualidade de vida, a doentes com doença renal crónica terminal. A deficiência de vitamina D tem sido associada a doença cardiovascular, que é a causa principal de mortalidade nos transplantados renais. Logo, o diagnóstico desta deficiência poderá ser crucial para tentar minimizar esta mortalidade, uma vez que esta deficiência de vitamina D pode ser corrigida terapeuticamente. O calcitriol tem como indicação terapêutica o tratamento da deficiência de vitamina D, tanto em doentes com doença renal crónica, como em doentes transplantados renais. No entanto, este fármaco pode aumentar os níveis plasmáticos de cálcio e de fósforo, conduzindo a potenciais calcificações vasculares, que têm sido associadas a mortalidade cardiovascular. Os ativadores seletivos dos recetores da vitamina D têm como indicação terapêutica o tratamento da deficiência de vitamina D na doença renal crónica. A vantagem destes fármacos é que têm sido associados a aumentos inferiores dos níveis plasmáticos de cálcio e fósforo. Estes fármacos têm ainda efeitos adicionais que podem minimizar a morbilidade e a mortalidade, principalmente devido ao seu potencial para reduzir eventos cardiovasculares. Neste artigo apresentamos uma revisão de literatura sobre a fisiologia da vitamina D, sobre as consequências da sua deficiência na doença renal crónica e em doentes transplantados renais, e sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento desta deficiência. Finalmente, discutimos os resultados de estudos recentes, sobre a segurança e eficácia dos ativadores seletivos dos recetores da vitamina D em doentes transplantados renais

Severe chronic kidney disease may lead to disturbances, such as hyperphosphatemia, increased secretion of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and vitamin D deficiency. These may increase plasmatic levels of parathyroid hormone, and decrease plasmatic levels of calcium. Altogether, these may contribute to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and to abnormalities in mineral metabolism. Kidney transplantation is the best option to improve longevity and quality of life in end-stage chronic kidney disease patients. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease. Therefore, diagnosing this deficiency may be pivotal for minimizing mortality in chronic kidney disease, because pharmacological treatments for this deficiency may be prescribed. Calcitriol is indicated for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, both in chronic kidney disease and in kidney transplanted patients. However, calcitriol may increase the plasmatic levels of calcium and phosphorous, which can lead to vascular calcifications, that have been associated with cardiovascular mortality. Selective vitamin D receptor activators are indicated for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency in chronic kidney disease. These have the advantage of being associated with lower increases of plasmatic levels of calcium and phosphorous. These drugs also seem to have additional effects that may minimise patient morbidity and mortality, especially due to potentially reducing cardiovascular events. Unfortunately, there are few studies about the use of these drugs in kidney transplanted patients. Here we present a review about the physiology of vitamin D, the consequences of its deficiency in chronic kidney disease and in kidney transplanted patients, and about the diagnosis and treatment of this deficiency. Finally, we discuss the new line of research about the efficacy and safety of selective vitamin D receptor activators in kidney transplanted patients

Os esquemas de diálise longa, com taxas de ultrafiltração/hora mais baixas, têm sido associados a menor mortalidade, na maioria dos estudos. Neste contexto, a diálise longa noturna surgiu como uma modalidade de diálise alternativa e atrativa. A diálise longa noturna tem sido associada a maior eficácia dialítica, melhor controlo tensional, com diminuição das necessidades medicamentosas e melhor qualidade de vida. O nosso centro iniciou recentemente um programa de diálise longa noturna cujos resultados nos propusemos analisar num estudo prospetivo e observacional. Com este objectivo, avaliámos a evolução de variáveis clínicas e analíticas em 2 semestres consecutivos, antes e após a transição de hemodiafiltração para diálise longa noturna. Seis meses após a transição, verificámos uma melhoria da eficiência dialítica (redução de ureia pré-diálise (129.74 ± 28.7 vs. 114.53±23.94 mg/dl, p=0.01) e subida de Kt/V (1.75 vs. 2.09 ± 0.39, p= 0.005)), do controlo da hiperfosfatemia (5.05 ± 0.9 vs. 4.23 ± 0.93 mg/dl; p = 0.01) e da anemia, com significativa redução do consumo de darbepoetina alfa (38.5 ± 24.18 vs. 30.83 ± 22.54 μg/semana; p = 0.04) e de ferro endovenoso (189.33 ± 117 vs. 116 ± 67 mg/mês; p = 0.04), bem como uma excelente correção do estado de híper-hidratação (avaliado pelo monitor de “BCM-Body composition monitor”: 10.2% ± 8.63 vs. 4.6% ± 7.2; p = 0.01), reflexo do melhor estado nutricional dos doentes. A estes benefícios acresceuse a perceção de melhoria da qualidade de vida dos doentes. O nosso estudo vem juntar-se à lista de trabalhos cujos resultados favorecem a diálise longa noturna em relação à hemodiálise convencional, mas são necessários estudos randomizados para validar estes resultados.

The institution of intensified dialysis regimens (as long treatment time, with reduced ultrafiltration per hour) has been associated with decreased morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease. The performance of the haemodialysis session during the night interval emerged as logical, since it is an “idle” period, and has been associated with better small molecule dialysis, better blood pressure control, reduced medication requirements and improved quality of life. Recently, our centre initiated a long nocturnal dialysis programme and a prospective observational analysis was designed to evaluate the results of this approach. Mean values of clinical and laboratory variables were compared in 2 consecutive semesters: prior and after transition from haemodiafiltration to long nocturnal dialysis. After 6 months of switching, there was an increase in dialysis efficiency (reduction in pre-dialysis urea (129.74 ± 28.7 vs. 114.53 ± 23.94 mg/dl, p = 0.01) and an increase in Kt/V (1.75 ± 0.37 vs. 2.09 ± 0.39, p = 0.005)), improved hyperphosphatemia control (5.05 ± 0.9 vs. 4.23 ± 0.93 mg/dl; p = 0.01) and anaemia control, with a significant reduction in the use of darbepoetin alfa (38.5 ± 24.18 vs. 30.83 ± 22.54 μg/week; p = 0.04) and of intravenous iron (189.33 ± 117 vs. 116 ± 67 mg/month; p = 0.04) and a much better correction of overhydration (evaluated by the “BCM-Body composition monitor”: 10.2% ± 8.63 vs. 4.6% ± 7.2; p = 0.01), reflecting the patients’ overall better nutritional status. These excellent results were amplified by the patients’ perception of improvement in their quality of life. Our findings are consistent with the studies that favour long nocturnal dialysis over conventional regimens, but randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.