Episodes Of Acute Renal Failure Research Articles

Childhood Acute Renal Failure: 22-Year Experience in a University Hospital in Southern Thailand

The objectives of this study were to review the prevalence, cause, and morbidity and mortality rates of acute renal failure in a large tertiary care institution in southern Thailand, to examine any differences in acute renal failure cases diagnosed during a 22-year period, and to determine the risk factors indicating death. The case records for children 1 month to 17 years of age who were diagnosed as having acute renal failure between February 1982 and December 2004, in the Department of Pediatrics, Songklanagarind Hospital, in southern Thailand, were reviewed. A total of 311 children with 318 episodes of acute renal failure were included, that is, 177 boys (55.7%) and 141 girls (44.3%), 1 month to 16.7 years of age (mean age: 7.6 +/- 5.1 years; median age: 7.8 years). The causes of acute renal failure in each age group were significantly different. Overall, sepsis was the major cause of acute renal failure, accounting for 68 episodes (21.4%), followed by hypovolemia, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and infectious diseases. Renal replacement therapy was performed in 55 cases (17.3%). The overall mortality rate was 41.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed that disease groups and creatinine levels were significant independent predictors of outcomes. The incidence of acute renal failure in Songklanagarind Hospital was 0.5 to 9.9 cases per 1000 pediatric patients, with a mortality rate of 41.5%. Sepsis was a major cause of acute renal failure and death. Causes of acute renal failure and serum creatinine levels were significant independent predictors of death.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Acute Interstitial Nephritis

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a widely prescribed class of drugs, and their usage worldwide is increasing. Although well-tolerated, there have been case reports and a recent case series implicating these drugs in acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) and progression to acute renal failure (ARF). The aim of this study was to investigate how widespread this complication is in Australia, to identify which PPIs are implicated, and to establish whether PPI-induced AIN is a class effect. We undertook a retrospective case review of potential cases at 2 teaching hospitals and a review of registry data from the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA). Parameters sought included the drug implicated, concurrent medications, symptoms, signs, serum creatinine, and time of onset after prescription. We identified 18 cases of biopsy-proven PPI-induced AIN causing ARF in the retrospective case review, which is the largest hospital-based case series to date. The TGA registry data identified an additional 31 cases of "biopsy proven interstitial nephritis." An additional 10 cases of "suspected interstitial nephritis," 20 cases of "unclassified acute renal failure," and 26 cases of "renal impairment" were also identified. All 5 commercially available PPIs were implicated in these cases. With the ever more widespread use of this class of medications, PPI-induced AIN is likely to become more frequent. There is now evidence to incriminate all the commercially available PPIs, suggesting there is a class effect. Failure to recognize this entity might have catastrophic long-term consequences including chronic kidney disease. Increased awareness might facilitate more rapid diagnosis and management of this potentially reversible condition.

Ischemic Acute Renal Failure following Nephrectomy Impairs Long-Term Renal Function

Uninephrectomy is associated with increased glomerular filtration rate in both the donated and the remaining contralateral kidney. The long-term effects of ischemic acute renal failure (ARF) following uninephrectomy are unknown. This study examined renal function, histology and proteinuria 52 weeks after an episode of reversible ischemic ARF. Ischemic ARF was induced in uninephrectomised mice by renal pedicle clamping. At 52 weeks inulin clearance (muL/min/g) was 7.2+/-0.2 in sham, 5.0+/-0.1 in uninephrectomy (P<0.01 vs. sham) and 3.9+/-0.1 in uninephrectomy + ischemia (P<0.01 vs. sham, P<0.05 vs. uninephrectomy). Thus, mice subjected to uninephrectomy alone demonstrated compensatory hyperfiltration following reduction in renal mass. This response was prevented by ischemic ARF. At 52 weeks there was no difference in urine protein/creatinine, mean arterial pressure or scores of glomerulosclerosis or interstitial fibrosis. In conclusion, ischemic ARF following uninephrectomy in mice impairs long-term renal function.

Novel compound heterozygote mutations (H234Q/R1206X) of the ADAMTS13 gene in an adult patient with Upshaw–Schulman syndrome showing predominant episodes of repeated acute renal failure

Unlike acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which are often intractable, thrombotic microangiopathy in patients with Upshaw-Schulman syndrome (USS)--a congenital deficiency of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) activity--responds very well to plasma infusion and does not even require plasma exchange. However, the symptoms significantly vary in each individual and thus clinicians often overlook this diagnosis. A 31-year-old adult male patient with thrombotic microangiopathy, which was complicated with repeated episodes of acute renal failure, is reported. We suspected that the patient had USS and performed assays of ADAMT13 activity and its inhibitor, followed by ADAMTS13 gene analysis of the patient and his parents. The patient had extremely low ADAMTS13 activity and has no inhibitors of ADAMTS13. Through an ADAMTS13 gene analysis of this family, we found two novel mutations responsible for the disease: a missense mutation in exon 7 [702 C --> A (H234Q)] from the father and a nonsense mutation in exon 26 [3616 C --> T (R1206X)] from the mother. Our experience appears to indicate the importance of assays of ADAMTS13 activity and its inhibitor in patients who have episodes of renal insufficiency in association with thrombotic microangiopathy, for diagnosis and choice of treatment.

A case of CPT deficiency, homoplasmic mtDNA mutation and ragged red fibers at muscle biopsy

A 45-year-old male patient had an episode of acute renal failure with myoglobinuria, myalgias, weakness, and markedly increased serum CK levels. Similar episodes had occurred in the past. Carnitine palmitoyl-transferase II (CPT II) deficiency was documented both biochemically and genetically. Interestingly, muscle biopsy also showed some ragged red fibers (RRF) and complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence disclosed a homoplasmic T3394C point mutation. This mutation is described in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) or in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Utilizing physiological knowledge to care for acute renal failure

Nursing can play a pivotal role in promoting positive outcomes in patients who are both at risk of, and experiencing, an episode of acute renal failure (ARF). ARF is potentially recoverable to the extent that 94% of survivors have the potential to be dialysis independent. This article highlights the positive impact ward-based nurses can have on this group of patients through the use of a commonly encountered clinical scenario. Key aspects of renal physiology are utilized to ensure that the aetiology of ARF is clearly understood. Treatment and specific nursing care is discussed in order to enhance the quality of care delivered to this group of patients.

Renal effects of high dose celecoxib (C) during 2 phase II trials for hormone resistant prostate cancer (HRPC)

4751 Background It is unknown if high doses of Cox -2 inhibitors in cancer regimens have adverse renal effects. Concerns include acute renal failure (ARF), hyperkalemia (hyper K), proteinuria and hypertension. Methods 33 patients (pts) with HRPC and median (med) age of 74 years (56–95) were treated in 2 phase II trials (Kasimis and Zhong: Proc ASCO 2005 subm). All received high dose C 400 mg bid po for a med period of 4 months (M) (2–6); 25 received Docetaxel, and 8 received Epirubicin and Extramustine Phosphate. Chemistries, UA, and blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline and every M. All ARF and hyper K episodes were evaluated by a nephrologist. Results Table shows that estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR), creatinine (creat), K and BP did not change during C treatments at 1 and at the final M compared to baseline. Minor, clinically unimportant decreases in serum calcium and bicarbonate, and increases in chloride were noted. 7 mild and reversible episodes of ARF (>50% rise in creat) occurred in 6 pts during 142 Ms of treatment (1 episode/20 Ms) due to volume depletion in 3, obstruction in 2, sepsis in 1, and contrast in 1. C was not a major precipitating factor and 6 of 7 pts continued C after ARF without recurrences (1 pt withdrew after renal function improved). 3 pts had solitary episodes of mild hyper K (5.5–6.0 mmol/L); 1 pt with DM nephropathy receiving ACE had 3 episodes of hyper K, reaching 6.6 mmol/L. After ACE was stopped in 2 pts, hyper K never recurred. No pts developed increasing proteinuria. Conclusion High dose C was well tolerated. The incidence of ARF and hyper K was low, and causes were attributed to other factors. No differences in renal function (creat, e-GFR), K, and BP were noted during 142 Ms of C treatment compared to baseline, and no pts developed persistent proteinuria. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pediatric ARF epidemiology at a tertiary care center from 1999 to 2001

Previous epidemiological data for pediatric patients with acute renal failure (ARF) predate current intensive care unit (ICU) technology and practice, and do not reflect newer disease therapies for bone marrow, hepatic, and cardiac transplantation and congenital heart disease surgery. We conducted a retrospective review of 254 ARF episodes in 248 children discharged from a tertiary referral center, Texas Children's Hospital (Houston, TX), between January 1998 and June 2001 to update current pediatric ARF epidemiological characteristics. The most common causes of ARF were renal ischemia (21%), nephrotoxic medications (16%), and sepsis (11%). Primary renal diseases accounted for only 17 cases (7%), and hemolytic uremic syndrome accounted for only 3 cases. Overall ARF survival for the entire cohort was 176 of 254 patients (70%), whereas 110 of 185 patients (60%) requiring ICU admission and 43 of 77 patients (56%) receiving renal replacement therapy survived. These current pediatric ARF data show that pediatric ARF epidemiological characteristics have changed from primary renal disease to renal involvement secondary to other systemic illness. Longitudinal data from this cohort are underway to determine the long-term sequelae of pediatric ARF.

Akutes Nierenversagen – «ein Geschenk einer Freundin»

Acute allergic interstitial nephritis (AIN) due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is a well known but rare adverse drug event. Here, we describe the case of a 70 year old woman with recurrent episodes of acute renal failure. A first episode of (AIN) occurred after the intake of mefenaminic acid tablets. A second episode of AIN occurred two years later, this time after transdermal application of diclofenac. Our case illustrates cross-reactivity between NSAIDs and shows that transdermally applied medication can cause systemic adverse events as well. Patients do not mention ointments because they often do not realize that ointments contain active substances, and physicians forget to ask.

Intravenous cyclophosphamide for lupus nephritis in Thai children

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a 36‐month course of intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy for severe lupus nephritis in Thai children between October 1993 and December 2000.Methods: Intravenous cyclophosphamide combined with oral prednisolone was given for 36 months to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who had severe renal involvement. Serum creatinine (Cr), creatinine clearance (CCr), urinary protein, C3, and complete blood count (CBC) were measured each visit for intravenous cyclophosphamide. Repeated measures ANOVA and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis were used.Results: Of 21 patients enrolled in the study, three died and two were lost to follow‐up, leaving 16 patients who completed therapy (13 females and three males) with age at diagnosis 12.1±2.3 years (range 7.2–20.6 years). The follow‐up period was 6.3±2.3 years (range 3.3–13.8 years). Fourteen patients had lupus nephritis WHO classification class IV and two had lupus nephritis WHO classification class II. Hypertension was detected in ten patients. Lowess smoothing curves and repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant change in Cr and CCr [probability (p)>0.05)], but significantly increased C3 and haemoglobin and significantly decreased urinary protein and white blood cell count (p<0.001). Five patients had six episodes of acute renal failure; one died, renal function returned to normal in two patients, two continued to chronic renal failure, and one died of chronic renal failure. The 5‐year survival and renal survival were 86.5% and 87.5% (95% CI 55.8–96.5% and 58.6–96.7%), respectively.Conclusion: Intravenous cyclophosphamide in severe lupus nephritis in Thai children showed a satisfactory outcome with minimal complications. Further follow‐up is needed.

Exercise-induced acute renal failure associated with renal hypouricaemia: results of a questionnaire-based survey in Japan.

A retrospective investigation was conducted to define the clinical features of exercise-induced acute renal failure (ARF) associated with renal hypouricaemia with the aim of clarifying further the clinical features of the disease entity. A questionnaire was mailed to 43 institutions in Japan that had experienced case(s) of exercise-induced ARF associated with renal hypouricaemia. Fifty-four patients (48 males and six females) were identified from 38 institutions. Median age at the first episode of ARF was 17 years (range 11-46). The maximal serum uric acid and creatinine levels were 4.40+/-2.49 (range 0.4-13.3) and 5.45+/-3.33 mg/dl (range 1.10-17.7), respectively. The serum uric acid level after recovery was 0.70+/-0.25 mg/dl (range 0.1-1.4). The short-term prognosis seemed to be good and histological findings in 28 patients showed minimal change or acute tubular necrosis except for one patient with chronic lesions. ARF episodes occurred predominantly in September, October and May, mostly after strenuous exercise such as a short-distance race. The first symptoms were nausea/vomiting in 51 episodes, loin pain in 35, abdominal pain in 22, general fatigue in 16 and low-grade fever in seven. Thirteen patients (24.1%) experienced recurrent ARF at various intervals. Univariate and multivariate analyses failed to demonstrate any risk factor of ARF recurrence, although no female patients experienced ARF recurrence. The reason for the heterogeneity in ARF associated with renal hypouricaemia remains unknown. Further studies, especially on molecular mechanisms, are required to establish the best guidance against ARF recurrence.

Insuficiencia renal aguda en niños críticamente enfermos. Estudio preliminar

To analyze the characteristics of acute renal failure (ARF) in critically-ill children and develop a protocol for a multicenter study.A prospective, descriptive study was performed in four pediatric intensive care units (PICU) over 5 months. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data from children aged between 7 days and 16 years with ARF were analyzed. Premature neonates were excluded.There were 16 episodes of ARF in 14 patients and 62.5 % were male (mean 6 SD age: 50 +/- 49 months). The incidence of ARF was 2.5 % of PICU patients. The most frequent primary diseases were nephro-urological (50 %) and heart disease (31 %). The main risk factors for ARF were hypovolemia (44 %) and hypotension (37 %). Six patients (37.5 %) developed ARF following surgery (cardiac surgery in four, kidney transplantation in one and urological surgery in one). Furosemide was used in 13 patients (as continuous perfusion in nine), inotropes in nine and renal replacement therapy in 12. Medical complications were found in 94 % and some organic dysfunction was found in 81 %. The length of stay in the PICU was 21 +/- 21 days. The probability of death according to the Pediatric Risk of Mortality was 14 +/- 8 %. Five patients died (36 % of the patients and 31.2 % of ARF episodes).The incidence of ARF in critically-ill children is low but remains a cause of high mortality and prolonged stay in the PICU. Mortality was caused not by renal failure but by multiple organ failure.

Fluid overload and acute renal failure in pediatric stem cell transplant patients.

Acute renal failure (ARF) with fluid overload (FO) occurs often in stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients. We have previously demonstrated that an increased percentage of FO prior to the initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is associated with mortality in children with ARF. Based on these data, we devised a protocol for the prevention of FO in SCT patients with ARF. SCT patients with ARF and 5% FO were started on furosemide and low-dose dopamine. To allow for nutrition, medication, and blood product administration, RRT was initiated for patients with > or =10% FO. There were 272 patients who received allogeneic SCT from 1999 to 2002. Of these, medical records of 26 SCT patients with a first episode of oliguric ARF were reviewed. The mean patient age was 13+/-5 years (range 2-23.5 years). Mean days to ARF after SCT were 28+/-29 days (range 2-90 days). Of the 26 patients, 11 (42%) survived an initial ARF episode. All 11 survivors either maintained <10% FO during their course or re-attained <10% FO with RRT treatment. Of the 15 non-survivors, 6 had <10% FO at the time of death. Of 14 patients who received RRT, 4 (29%) survived. Mechanical ventilation and pediatric risk of mortality score > or =10 at the time of admission to the intensive care unit were associated with lower survival ( P<0.05). The use of one or more pressors, the presence of graft-versus-host disease, and septic shock were not correlated with survival. Our data demonstrate that maintenance of euvolemia ( <10% FO) is critical but not sufficient for survival in SCT patients with ARF, as all non-euvolemic patients died. We suggest that aggressive use of diuretics and early initiation of RRT to prevent worsening of FO may improve the survival of SCT patients.

Reasons for non-enrollment in a cohort study of ARF: the Program to Improve Care in Acute Renal Disease (PICARD) experience and implications for a clinical trials network

Background: Acute renal failure (ARF) is associated strongly with in-hospital mortality and morbidity. Previous clinical trials of ARF have been hampered by the heterogeneous population affected, difficulty defining ARF, delays in identification of ARF, and significant comorbid conditions, among other factors. Methods: The Program to Improve Care in Acute Renal Disease (PICARD) phase I was a multicenter cohort study aimed to identify clinical characteristics and practice patterns associated with adverse and favorable outcomes in patients with ARF in intensive care units. Although PICARD used no interventions, signed informed consent was required of all study subjects or their proxies. Results: Signed informed consent was obtained in 645 of 1,243 ARF episodes (52%). The fraction of patients not enrolled and reasons for non-enrollment varied widely across the 5 PICARD centers. Refusal by potential study subjects was infrequent, although the absence of family or proxy (15%) and refusal by family or proxy (18%) accounted for large fractions of non-enrolled subjects. Death (23%) and discharge (11%) before study personnel could evaluate patients were additional important reasons for non-enrollment. Conclusion: Understanding reasons for non-enrollment may help rationalize mortality and other outcome differences seen in clinical trials and cohort studies that require informed consent compared with historic reports of “all comers” with ARF.

The expanding spectrum of renal diseases associated with antiphospholipid syndrome

Background:The association of thrombotic events and/or pregnancy complications with circulating antiphospholipid antibodies defines antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In previous reports, renal involvement in APS consisted mainly of thrombotic vascular complications involving large vessels or intrarenal small-sized vessels (APS nephropathy). We report 9 cases of glomerulonephritis associated with APS. These cases are characterized by predominant pathological features distinct from vascular APS nephropathy. Methods:We reviewed consecutive renal biopsies examined in 2 French university hospitals between 1980 and 2002 and identified renal biopsies performed in patients with primary APS. Results:We identified 29 biopsies performed in patients with APS. Twenty biopsies showed characteristic features of APS nephropathy. In 9 cases, predominant pathological features distinct from vascular APS nephropathy were noted: membranous nephropathy (3 cases), minimal change disease/focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (3 cases), mesangial C3 nephropathy (2 cases), and pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (1 case). In 7 cases, the presentation of renal symptoms was subacute or chronic. Two patients experienced episodes of acute renal failure. At referral, median creatinine clearance was 50 mL/min (0.83 mL/s) (range, 18 to 117 mL/min [0.30 to 1.95 mL/s]). Proteinuria was noted in all cases (range, 1.5 to 15 g/d), with nephrotic syndrome in 4 cases. Lupus anticoagulant was present in all cases, and anticardiolipin antibodies, in 8 cases. Anti-DNA antibodies repeatedly were negative in all cases. Treatment consisted of antihypertensive therapy (6 cases), anticoagulant drugs (5 cases), steroids (4 cases), and antiplatelet drugs (3 cases). At last follow-up, renal function remained stable in 7 patients. Of 2 patients presenting with acute renal failure, 1 patient recovered normal renal function, whereas the other patient progressed to end-stage renal failure. Conclusion:The cases reported here represent a new aspect of the expanding spectrum of renal diseases encountered in association with APS.

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Recipients with Acute Renal Failure (ARF): Assessment of an Algorithm to Prevent Fluid Overload including Early Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT)

Objective: ARF with fluid overload (FO) occurs often in BMT recipients. We have demonstrated increasing %FO prior to CRRT initiation is associated with mortality in children with ARF. Based on these data, we devised a protocol for FO prevention in BMT pts with ARF. BMT pts with ARF and 5% FO were started on furosemide and low-dose dopamine. To allow for nutrition, medication and blood product administration, RRT was initiated for pts with ≥ 10% FO. We reviewed the course and outcome for pediatric BMT pts with ARF and fluid overload managed with this protocol. Subjects: Medical records of 29 BMT pts with 33 ARF episodes from Jan 99 to Jan 02 were reviewed. Mean pt age was 12.8 ± 5 yrs (2–23.5 yrs). Outcome: 14/29 (48%) pts survived an initial ARF episode. 0/4 pts survived a second ARF episode. 14/14 survivors (S) either maintained ≤10% FO during course or re-attained ≤10%FO with RRT treatment. Max %FO for S was 17%. 7/19 non-survivors (NS) were 1 pressors were associated with lower survival (p < 0.05). Neither GVHD nor septic shock correlated with survival. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that maintenance of euvolemia (%FO ≤10% is critical for S in BMT patients with ARF as all non-euvolemic pts died. We suggest that aggressive management with diuretics and earlier RRT initiation in pts not responsive to diuretics may improve BMT pt survival.

The Effects of Acute Renal Failure on Long-Term Renal Function

The relationship between acute renal failure (ARF) and long-term renal function remains unknown. We therefore undertook a study of patients at the Baltimore VA Hospital to examine the effects of a bout of acute renal injury on long-term renal function. We retrospectively reviewed the relationship between serum creatinine and time of observation for 6058 individuals who had values greater than 1.4 mg/dL in any two consecutive years. Individuals were stratified according to total years of observation with a minimum of two years. Severity of acute renal injury was divided into mild, moderate, and severe with elevations in baseline creatinine of <50%, 50–300% and >300% respectively. Sporadic elevations in creatinine were evident in 8–15% of the population. There were a total of 1328 episodes of acute renal failure in 916 patients that were suitable for analysis. Mild ARF on a substrate of normal or mildly abnormal renal function resolved without long-term sequelae. Moderate and severe ARF occurred more frequently on a background of reduced renal function but baseline function was retained in at least 60% of patients. We conclude that ARF is more frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease but it is not invariably associated with an accelerated course to end-stage renal disease or death. Overall, the majority of ARF events resolved without adverse long-term effects suggesting appropriate management in the majority of instances.

Significance of the fractional excretion of urea in the differential diagnosis of acute renal failure

Fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) has been used in the diagnosis of acute renal failure (ARF) to distinguish between the two main causes of ARF, prerenal state and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). However, many patients with prerenal disorders receive diuretics, which decrease sodium reabsorption and thus increase FENa. In contrast, the fractional excretion of urea nitrogen (FEUN) is primarily dependent on passive forces and is therefore less influenced by diuretic therapy. To test the hypothesis that FEUN might be more useful in evaluating ARF, we prospectively compared FEUN with FENa during 102 episodes of ARF due to either prerenal azotemia or ATN. Patients were divided into three groups: those with prerenal azotemia (N = 50), those with prerenal azotemia treated with diuretics (N = 27), and those with ATN (N = 25). FENa was low only in the patients with untreated plain prerenal azotemia while it was high in both the prerenal with diuretics and the ATN groups. FEUN was essentially identical in the two pre-renal groups (27.9 +/- 2.4% vs. 24.5 +/- 2.3%), and very different from the FEUN found in ATN (58.6 +/- 3.6%, P < 0.0001). While 92% of the patients with prerenal azotemia had a FENa <1%, only 48% of those patients with prerenal and diuretic therapy had such a low FENa. By contrast 89% of this latter group had a FEUN <35%. Low FEUN (</=35%) was found to be a more sensitive and specific index than FENa in differentiating between ARF due to prerenal azotemia and that due to ATN, especially if diuretics have been administered.

Active infective endocarditis: low mortality associated with early surgical treatment

Background: Early surgical treatment is important for successful outcome in selected cases of active, either native (NVE) or prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the early results of the surgical treatment of active NVE and PVE. Methods: During a 3-yr period (January 1 1996–December 31 1998), 57 out of 60 patients (pts) with active, either NVE (46 pts) or PVE (11 pts) underwent surgical treatment. There were 11 women (23.9%), average age of the group being 43.3±9.1 yr (18–73). They were operated on 12–35 days, mean 17.7±7.5 days (for NVE) and 5–33 days, mean 13.2±10.1 days (for PVE) after the diagnosis of endocarditis was first suspected. All pts had at least one absolute indication for early surgical treatment, the most frequent being (in NVE) worsening heart failure (19 cases) and inability to control the infection (10 cases), while in PVE it was valve dehiscence (8 cases). In 8 cases of NVE and 2 cases of PVE fresh, antibiotic sterilized aortic homograft was used to replace the aortic valve. Results: Operative mortality was 1.8% (1/57) and hospital mortality 5.2% (3/57). Three pts with PVE died before they were operated on, giving an overall mortality of 10% (6/60). Postoperative morbidity included valve dehiscence in two pts (probable late onset recurrent endocarditis — 3.5%), three episodes of acute renal failure (5.3%), four cases of respiratory insufficiency (7.0%) and one chronic pleural effusion (1.8%). All pts that were discharged from the hospital (54/60), are still alive and well 1–35 months postoperatively (mean 20.3±9.6 months), including pts with recurrent endocarditis and valve dehiscence, after they were successfully reoperated. Conclusions: Along with early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, aggressive surgical attitude is of importance for the successful outcome in this group of seriously ill patients. Our data indicate that early surgical treatment in cases of active endocarditis may be associated with low mortality and morbidity.

Initial versus delayed acute renal failure in the intensive care unit. A multicenter prospective epidemiological study. Rhône-Alpes Area Study Group on Acute Renal Failure.

We performed a prospective study in the 28 multidisciplinary intensive care units (ICUs) in the Rhône-Alpes area in France to investigate the role of initial versus delayed occurrence of acute renal failure (ARF) in patient outcome. ARF was defined as a serum creatinine concentration > 300 micromol/L, urine output < 500 ml/24 h (or < 180 ml/8 h), or hemodialysis requirement. Over the 1-yr study period, 1,086 patients presented with ARF on ICU admission or during the first 2 d of ICU stay (Group A; 736 patients), from Day 3 to Day 6 (Group B; 202 patients), or from Day 7 (Group C; 148 patients). The overall hospital mortality rate was 66% (61% in Group A, 71% in Group B, and 81% in Group C; p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis of a random sample of 510 patients showed that SAPS II score on ICU admission, number of ARF episodes, previous health status, absence of oliguria, absence of hemodialysis, and absence of ischemic acute tubular necrosis were predictive of patient survival. This model was tested and validated on the basis of the remaining patients. Thus, in this population, late ARF was not a predictive factor for patient outcome.