Initial Serum Albumin Research Articles

Serum Levels of Albumin and Prealbumin Do Not Correlate With Nutrient Delivery in Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Serum albumin and prealbumin levels, may be more strongly associated with inflammation than with nutrient delivery. Their predictive value has not been extensively described in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We analyzed a registry of adult surgical ICU patients receiving enteral nutrition. Subjects with at least 1 serum albumin, prealbumin, or C-reactive protein (CRP) level were included. Demographic, nutrition, and clinical outcome data were collected. A total 252 subjects were included. A subset had serial measurements: albumin (n = 194), prealbumin (n=13), CRP (n=9), white blood cell (WBC) (n = 131), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (n=86). Serum albumin level was inversely correlated with all 3 inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, ρ=-0.24, P<0.02; WBC, ρ=-0.15, P <0.001; and NLR, ρ=-0.26, P<0.001). Change in serum albumin level was inversely correlated with change in NLR (ρ = -0.22, P = 0.044) but not with CRP or WBC. Admission serum albumin level was significantly higher in nourished vs. moderately and/or severely malnourished patients (3.2 [2.7-3.7] vs. 2.7 [2.3-3.0], P=0.004). Admission serum prealbumin level was significantly higher in nourished vs. moderately and/or severely malnourished patients (9 [7-12] vs. 4 [3-5], P=0.001). Serum albumin level was inversely correlated with Charlson Comorbidity Index (ρ= 0.20, P=0.001). Calorie and/or protein delivery in the ICU was not correlated with changes in serum albumin or prealbumin levels. In the ICU, initial serum albumin levels and serial trends are inversely correlated with inflammation. Although initial serum albumin levels are reflective of baseline nutrition status, neither serum albumin level nor serum prealbumin level trends correlate with calorie or protein deficits and should not be used to assess adequacy of nutrition delivery.

Adsorption of bovine serum albumin onto activated carbon prepared from Elaeagnus stone

In this study, the adsorption of bovine serum albumin was studied using the activated carbon prepared from Elaeagnus stone with chemical activation. Elaeagnus stone activated carbon was characterized using the point of zero charge, Fourier transform infrared spectra, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller method, scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis. The BET surface area of Elaeagnus stone activated carbon obtained by using 30% ZnCl2 (w/w) was determined to be 1588 m2/g. The effects of adsorbent dosages, contact time, initial bovine serum albumin concentrations, temperature and pH on the adsorption were investigated. The optimum values of adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time were determined to be 1 mg/mL, 5, and 160 min for 500 mg/L BSA concentration, respectively. Additionally, the studies of adsorption equilibrium and kinetics were performed. The best fitting model from the experimental data was determined to be Langmuir model and the adsorption follows a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. KEY WORDS: Elaeagnus stone, Bovine serum albumin, Adsorption, Activated carbon Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2018, 32(1), 53-63DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v32i1.5

A Case Report of Nephrotic Syndrome While Undergoing Quinine Therapy

We summarize the case of an 81-year-old Caucasian female who presented to her family physician with signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome following a brief exposure to quinine. Prior to that visit, she was clinically well with no chronic medical ailments and met with her family physician for annual physical assessments. She had taken 11 tablets of quinine for nocturnal leg cramps over the course of 28 days before starting to notice mild peripheral edema, which subsequently progressed, leading to a family physician review. Her initial serum albumin level was 12 g/L, and a 24-hour urine protein output was quantified at 8.14 g/day; she was diagnosed as having nephrotic syndrome. A kidney biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of minimal change disease (MCD). Quinine therapy was stopped, and she was initiated on a tapering regime of prednisone with concurrent cyclosporine therapy. Within a fortnight of starting therapy, she went into remission and her immunosuppressive medications were rapidly tapered and discontinued. This paper reports an association between the use of quinine and subsequent MCD. This case report proposes that the use of quinine has an association with, and may be causal for, the development of minimal change disease. As this is yet an unreported adverse effect, this paper seeks to increase the knowledge of the varied and numerous effects of quinine.

Predicting mortality in extremely low birth weight infants: Comparison between gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, CRIB II score, initial and lowest serum albumin levels.

We explored GA, BW, Apgar score, CRIB II score, and serum albumin levels as univariate predictors of mortality in extremely low birth weight infants. Medical records of 564 extremely low birth weight infants were reviewed retrospectively. The infants were grouped as survivors (group I), expired ≤ 7th postnatal day (group II), and expired > 7th postnatal day (group III). The predictive value for mortality of gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, clinical risk index for babies II score, and first and lowest serum albumin levels was assessed by calculating the associated area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The overall survival and mortality rates of groups I, II, and III were 81.0% (457/564), 7.6% (43/564), and 11.4% (64/564), respectively. Birth weight, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, and first serum albumin levels were significantly higher, while the clinical risk index for babies II score was significantly lower in group I when compared to groups II and III. Gestational age and lowest serum albumin level in group I were significantly higher than group III, but not group II. However, gestational age, birth weight, and clinical risk index for babies II score showed gestational age dependent variations regardless of survival or mortality. Apgar score at 5 min (0.756) and lowest serum albumin level (0.771) demonstrated the highest AUC of the ROC curve in predicting mortality in group II and III, respectively. In conclusion, Apgar score at 5 min and lowest serum albumin level were the most effective predictors for mortality in extremely low birth weight infants during ≤ 7th and > 7th postnatal days, respectively.

488 - Tacrolimus Levels and Correlation to Age and Weight Calculation

Background: Tacrolimus (FK) has become one of the key calcineurin inhibitors routinely used to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host-disease in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT). As non-ablative regimens have increased the number of transplants in the geriatric population, the data from initial studies may not accurately reflect our current transplant patients. Although the mechanism of action in elderly patients is similar, the metabolism and tolerability may be different. The narrow therapeutic index, drug interactions, and metabolism via the CYP450 pathway present unique challenges to achieving therapeutic drug levels. Current dosing at our institution relies exclusively on actual body weight (ABW) without taking into account age, gender, serum albumin, and ideal body weight (IBW). With this retrospective study, we explore the impact these factors may have on tacrolimus serum concentrations and associated toxicities. Methods: We performed a chart review of patients over the age of 18 who received tacrolimus as part of their allogeneic SCT at our center between 2014 and 2017. The following variables were obtained from the medical records: age, gender, ABW, height, IBW, initial FK dose, serum albumin, and FK trough levels within the first 2 weeks. Patients who did not have FK levels drawn within 5 days of starting treatment, those who received concomitant CYP inhibitors without dose adjustment, and those who died within 30 days from SCT were excluded. Results: Ninety-five patients met the criteria of which 59 were males and 36 females. Forty-six patients were supratherapeutic at first trough and 76 were supratherapeutic at either the first, second, or third level. Of the patients with supratherapeutic levels, 34.2% had clinical toxicity (n = 26). Male patients (P = .0006) and patients over age 65 (P = .0399) were more likely to be supratherapeutic at first tacrolimus trough. After adjusting for age and gender, the odds of having a supratherapeutic FK trough were 3.1 times higher for every .5 mg increase with ABW dosing (when using IBW as baseline). Conclusions: The current patient population undergoing allogeneic SCT requires a revised strategy for optimal care. The data presented here suggests male gender and age over 65 are predictive of having a supratherapeutic first FK trough which may favor the use of a lower starting dose. Similarly, the higher supratherapeutic events in patients with a greater difference between ideal and actual weights hints at improved dosing when the IBW is used in overweight patients. Our study suggests that age, gender, and IBW should be factored into tacrolimus dosing to prevent overtreatment and toxicities. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations.

C-Reactive Protein to Serum Albumin Ratio Is an Independent Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

PurposeWe investigated whether C-reactive protein (CRP) to serum albumin ratio (CAR) could be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 170 patients with AAV. We collected clinical and laboratory data. We also examined AAV-related and traditional risk factors of all-cause mortality. To assess the hazard ratios of variables, we performed univariable and multivariable Cox hazard model analyses.ResultsThe mean age was 55.0 years and 53 patients (31.2%) were male among 170 patients with AAV (88 microscopic polyangiitis, 43 granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and 39 eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis). ANCA was detected in 129 patients (75.9%). The initial mean CRP and serum albumin were 41.1 (mg/L) and 3.6 (g/dL), and the mean CAR at diagnosis was 14.8. The most common risk factor of mortality was hypertension (42.4%), followed by chronic kidney disease ≥stage 3 (25.9%). Fourteen patients (8.2%) died during the mean follow-up of 56.7 months. In both multivariable Cox hazard model analyses, CAR at diagnosis was identified as an independent predictor of all-cause of mortality comparable to diabetes mellitus (DM). Moreover, patients with CAR ≥10.35 and having DM exhibited a higher frequency of all-cause mortality than those without.ConclusionCAR at diagnosis can be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, comparable to DM, the conventional risk factor of mortality.

The relationship between low thiol levels and major adverse cardiovascular events after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with STEMI.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether low thiol levels are associated with peri-procedural factors during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) upon admission with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the prognostic value at 6-month follow-up. A total of 241 consecutive acute STEMI patients who underwent pPCI and a control group of 67 individuals with a normal coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. While age, contrast-induced nephropathy, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), stent length, and creatinine were related to native thiol, NT-proBNP, contrast-induced nephropathy, and creatinine were related to total thiol. NT-proBNP was also related to the disulphide level. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the levels of native thiol, total thiol, low-density lipoprotein, and serum albumin were found to be independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) during 6 months of follow-up. Initial lower native thiol, total thiol, LVEF, LDL, and serum albumin may be used to identify patients with an increased long-term risk of unfavorable cardiac events in case of STEMI.

The Unexpected Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Lipid Metabolism in Hemodialysis Patients

Background/Aims: There is a growing body of evidence that the long-term hemodialysis (HD) treatment leads to disturbances of carnitine homeostasis but the results of L-carnitine supplementation in HD patients have been conflicting. In the present prospective study, we investigated the effectiveness of intravenous L-carnitine in mitigating dialysis-related protein-energy wasting (PEW) based on pre-treatment albumin levels. Methods: Fifty patients (46% male, mean age 63±18.28 years, HD vintage 37.5 (7-288) months) received 1 g L-carnitine intravenously at the end of every HD session for 12 months. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records and charts. Intradialytic hypotension periods (defined as a decrease of systolic blood pressure by ≥ 20 mmHg) were recorded. Dietary habits were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire prior to L-carnitine supplementation. Laboratory parameters were measured prior to the supplementation and controlled in 6-months intervals. Anthropometric measurements were performed prior to HD session, including „dry“ body weight and height, body mass index (BMI), and body composition analysis using bioimpedance spectroscopy. Malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) was used as a scoring system representing the severity of PEW and an indicator of general functional capacity. Results: A significant increase in total cholesterol, predominantly on the account of LDL was found (p=0.005). Simultaneously, HDL decreased (p=0.001) while triglyceride levels remained unchanged. Although the rise in serum prealbumin could be observed, lean tissue index (LTI) decreased and fat tissue index (FTI) increased which resulted in reduction of the LTI/FTI ratio (p=0.002). When divided into two groups according to the pre-treatment albumin values (< 35 g/L or ≥35 g/L), patients from the higher albumin group showed significant increase in prealbumin (p=0.005), and improved MIS (p=0.03). Multivariate regression analysis showed that higher FTI after introduction of L-carnitine led to greater hemodynamic stability (OR 1.709, 95% CI 1.006-2.905, p=0.048). As there was no differences in HD treatment characteristics, primery kidney disease or residual diuresis we could conclude that positive energy balance (with an increase in prealbumin and FTI) eventually led to better hemodynamic stability. Conclusion: Our results show significant effects of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid metabolism. Further clinical trials, as well as experimental research are needed to define the role of lipid metabolism in CKD population. Significant benefits of L-carnitine supplementation in patients with better initial serum albumin levels suggest that this therapy should not be restricted to patients with the worst nutritional and overall status.

Diagnostic performance of initial serum albumin level for predicting in-hospital mortality among aspiration pneumonia patients

PurposeThe predictive value of serum albumin in adult aspiration pneumonia patients remains unknown. MethodsUsing data collected during a 3-year retrospective cohort of hospitalized adult patients with aspiration pneumonia, we evaluated the predictive value of serum albumin level at ED presentation for in-hospital mortality. Results248 Patients were enrolled; of these, 51 cases died (20.6%). The mean serum albumin level was 3.4±0.7g/dL and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (3.0±0.6g/dL vs. 3.5±0.6g/dL). In the multivariable logistic regression model, albumin was associated with in-hospital mortality significantly (adjusted odds ratio 0.30, 95% confidential interval (CI) 0.16–0.57). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) for in-hospital survival was 0.72 (95% CI 0.64–0.80). The Youden index was 3.2g/dL and corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratio were 68.6%, 66.5%, 34.7%, 89.1%, 2.05 and 0.47, respectively. High sensitivity (98.0%) was shown at albumin level of 4.0g/dL and high specificity (94.9%) was shown at level of 2.5g/dL. ConclusionInitial serum albumin levels were independently associated with in-hospital mortality among adult patients hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia and demonstrated fair discriminative performance in the prediction of in-hospital mortality.

Evaluation of clinical prognostic factors for interstitial pneumonia in anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis patients

Objectives: We retrospectively investigated clinical prognostic factors for interstitial pneumonia (IP) in anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody (Ab)-positive dermatomyositis (DM) patients.Methods: Subjects comprised 18 patients with anti-MDA5 Ab-positive DM-IP (9 survivors; 9 deaths).Results: Initial serum albumin levels, ferritin levels, and ground-glass opacity (GGO) scores in the right middle lobes were significantly higher in the death group than in the survivor group (p = .033, .013, and .005, respectively). Initial alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P[A-a]O2) was also higher in the death group than in the survivor group (p = .064). Initial serum ferritin, P[A-a]O2, and right middle lobe GGO score were found to significantly relate to death. Survival rates after 24 weeks were significantly lower among patients with an initial ferritin level of ≥450 ng/mL (25%), P[A-a]O2 of ≥30 mmHg (31%), and a right middle lobe GGO score of ≥2 (11%) than each of the others (p = .006, .020, and .002, respectively).Conclusions: An initial serum ferritin level of ≥450 ng/mL, P[A-a]O2 of ≥30 mmHg, and right middle lobe GGO score of ≥2 (GGO ≥5% of the lobe) were identified as poor prognostic factors for anti-MDA5 Ab-positive DM-IP patients.

Correlation between serum albumin and initial GCS in patient with head injury in a tertiary hospital

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury(TBI) is a major cause of disability, death and economic burden to the society. Albumin is a major protein of human. Values fall as a component of metabolic response to injury or infection. Albumin being a negative phase reactant is consumed under states of stress such as TBI.Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive observational study conducted at the Department of Surgery, TUTH over a period of 1 year between 2014 and 2015. Albumin level at admission was correlated with severity of head injury, Glasgow Coma Scale at admission and duration of hospital stay.Results: Among 59 patients with isolated TBI patients from TUTH, 40(68%) were male and 19(32%) were female. 55% of head injuries occurred between the ages of 18-40 years. Out of total patients, fall was the major cause of head injury with 24 (41%) under this category. Nine (15%) had severe head injury; 22 (37%) had moderate and 28 (47.45%) patients had severe head injury at admission. Contusion 19 (28%) and subdural hematoma 17(26%) were the predominant computed tomography findings. Twenty four (40%) patients were managed conservatively, thirty five (60%) patients were operated. The average albumin level at admission for patients with mild, moderate and severe head injury were 41,46gm/dl, 33.76gm/dl, 31.1gm/dl respectively. There is a positive correlation between initial serum albumin and GCS at admission (p=0.01, R= 0.747).Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between initial serum albumin and GCS at admission. Further research on this topic at multiple centres is warranted.

Effects of interim hemodialysis on survival and clinical outcomes in patients with maintenance peritoneal dialysis

To investigate the effects of interim hemodialysis (HD) on survival and clinical outcomes in patients with maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD). The clinical data of 908 patients undergoing maintenance PD from January 2010 to December 2014 registered in Zhejiang Dialysis Regisration System were retrospectively analyzed. Among all PD patients, 176 cases received interim HD for less than 3 months, and then transferred to PD (transfer group) and 732 cases had initial PD (non-transfer group). The demographic parameters, biochemical data, comorbidity, details of peritonitis and transplantation were documented. Survival curves were made by the Kaplan-Meier method; univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazard regression model to identify risk factors of mortality. Compared with patients in transfer group, patients in non-transfer group had significantly higher serum albumin and total Kt/V levels. The survival rate was significantly higher in non-transfer group, but there was no significant difference in technique survival between two groups. After multivariable adjustment, initial dialysis modality (HR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.01~2.56), age (HR=1.07, 95% CI:1.05~1.09) and serum albumin (HR=0.96, 95% CI: 0.93~0.99) and Charslon comorbidity index (HR=2.54, 95% CI:1.63~3.94) were independent factors for long-term survival. Patients who transfer to PD after interim HD have lower survival rate than patients who start with and are maintained on PD. HD is an independent risk factor for PD patients, therefore, patients with PD should be well informed and educated with dialysis protocols.

Trajectories of Serum Albumin Predict Survival of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A 15-year Follow-Up Study.

Although initial serum albumin level is highly associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, we consider that the dynamic change and trend of albumin after initiation of PD are also essential.We enrolled patients who received PD for more than 3 months from January 1999 to March 2014. We categorized these patients into 2 groups by the difference in serum albumin level (Δalbumin = difference between peak with initial albumin level = peak albumin level − initial albumin level) after PD. The patients with Δalbumin < 0.2 g/dL (median level) were considered as group A (n, number = 238) and those with Δalbumin ≥ 0.2 g/dL were considered as group B (n = 278). Further, we stratified these patients into quartiles: Q1 Δalbumin < −0.2 g/dL; Q2, −0.2 ≦∼ <0.2 g/dL; Q3, 0.2 ≦∼ <0.6 g/dL; and Q4, ≥0.6 g/dL. Regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation of initial albumin and Δalbumin.Group A patients presented with higher levels of serum albumin (3.71 ± 0.54 vs 3.04 ± 0.55 g/dL; P < 0.001) and hematocrit as well as better initial residual renal function. However, those in group A had lower serum albumin increment and downward-sloped trends after dialysis. In contrast, the albumin trend was upward sloped and the increment of albumin was remarkable in group B, despite the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Overtime, group A patients had poorer survival and experienced more frequent and longer hospitalizations. Group Q1 patients with least albumin increment had worst survival. Group Q4 patients with lowest initial albumin also had poor survival. Age, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, BMI, initial albumin, and Δalbumin could affect patient outcomes independently. Regression analysis showed a better outcome can be obtained if the initial albumin level is at least above 3.15 g/dL. (Initial albumin level = −0.61 × Δalbumin + 3.50.)The increment and trend of albumin especially during early period of PD may be a more crucial determinant for survival.

Predictors of early progression to severe sepsis or shock among emergency department patients with nonsevere sepsis

BackgroundProgression from nonsevere sepsis—i.e., sepsis without organ failure or shock—to severe sepsis or shock among emergency department (ED) patients has been associated with significant mortality. Early recognition in the ED of those who progress to severe sepsis or shock during their hospital course may improve patient outcomes. We sought to identify clinical, demographic, and laboratory parameters that predict progression to severe sepsis, septic shock, or death within 96 h of ED triage among patients with initial presentation of nonsevere sepsis.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort of patients presenting to a single urban academic ED from November 2008 to October 2010. Patients aged 18 years or older who met criteria for sepsis and had a lactate level measured in the ED were included. Patients were excluded if they had any combination of the following: a systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg upon triage, an initial whole blood lactate level ≥4 mmol/L, or one or more of a set of predefined signs of organ dysfunction upon initial assessment. Disease progression was defined as the development of any combination of the aforementioned conditions, initiation of vasopressors, or death within 96 h of ED presentation. Data on predefined potential predictors of disease progression and outcome measures of disease progression were collected by a query of the electronic medical record and via chart review. Logistic regression was used to assess associations of potential predictor variables with a composite outcome measure of sepsis progression to organ failure, hypotension, or death.ResultsIn this cohort of 582 ED patients with nonsevere sepsis, 108 (18.6 %) experienced disease progression. Initial serum albumin <3.5 mg/dL (OR 4.82; 95 % CI 2.40–9.69; p < 0.01) and a diastolic blood pressure <52 mmHg at ED triage (OR 4.59; 95 % CI 1.57–13.39; p < 0.01) were independently associated with disease progression to severe sepsis or shock within 96 h of ED presentation. There were no deaths within 96 h of ED presentation.ConclusionsIn our patient cohort, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL and an ED triage diastolic blood pressure <52 mmHg independently predict early progression to severe sepsis or shock among ED patients with presumed sepsis.

Impact of direct acting antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C and decompensated cirrhosis

All oral direct acting antivirals (DAAs) effectively treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but the benefits in advanced liver disease are unclear. We compared outcomes in treated and untreated patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Patients with HCV and decompensated cirrhosis or at risk of irreversible disease were treated in an expanded access programme (EAP) in 2014. Treatment, by clinician choice, was with sofosbuvir, ledipasvir or daclatasvir, with or without ribavirin. For functional outcome comparison, untreated patients with HCV and decompensated cirrhosis who were registered on a database 6months before treatment was available were retrospectively studied. Primary endpoint was sustained virological response 12weeks post antiviral treatment (treated cohort) and the secondary endpoint (both cohorts) was adverse outcomes (worsening in MELD score or serious adverse event) within 6months. 467 patients received treatment (409 decompensated cirrhosis). Viral clearance was achieved in 381 patients (81.6%) - 209 from 231 (90.5%) with genotype 1 and 132 from 192 (68.8%) with genotype 3. MELD scores improved in treated patients (mean change -0.85) but worsened in untreated patients (mean+0.75) (p<0.0001). Patients with initial serum albumin <35g/L, aged >65 or with low (<135mmol/L) baseline serum sodium concentrations were least likely to benefit from therapy. All oral DAAs effectively cured HCV in patients with advanced liver disease. Viral clearance was associated with improvement in liver function within 6months compared to untreated patients. The longer term impact of HCV treatment in patients with decompensated cirrhosis remains to be determined.

Prognostic Significance of Initial Serum Albumin and 24 Hour Daily Protein Excretion before Treatment in Multiple Myeloma.

Renal failure is a common morbidity in multiple myeloma (MM). Although proteinuria has been increasingly reported in malignancies, it is not routinely used to refine risk estimates of survival outcomes in patients with MM. Here we aimed to investigate initial serum albumin and 24-hour daily protein excretion (24-h DPE) before treatment as prognostic factors in patients with MM. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 102 patients with myeloma who were ineligible for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation between October 2000 and December 2012. Initial proteinuria was assessed before treatment by quantitative analysis of 24-hour urine samples. The demographic and laboratory characteristics, survival outcome, and significance of pre-treatment 24-h DPE and albumin in the new staging system of MM were analyzed. Pre-treatment proteinuria (>300 mg/day) was present in 66 patients (64.7%). The optimal cut-off value of 24-h DPE before treatment was 500 mg/day. Analysis of the time-dependent area under the curve showed that the serum albumin and 24-h DPE before treatment were better than 24-h creatinine clearance rate and β2-microglobulin. A subgroup analysis showed that an initial excess proteinuria (24-h DPE ≥ 500 mg) was associated with poor survival status (17.51 vs. 34.24 months, p = 0.002). Furthermore, initial serum albumin was an independent risk factor on multivariate analysis (<2.8 vs. ≥2.8, hazard ratio = 0.486, p = 0.029). Using the A-DPE staging system, there was a significant survival difference among patients with stage I, II, and III MM (p < 0.001). Initial serum albumin and 24-h DPE before treatment showed significant prognostic factors in patients with MM, and the new A-DPE staging system may be utilized instead of the International Staging System. Its efficacy should be evaluated by further large prospective studies.

Predictors of long-term survival with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) in the gemcitabine era: The Fox Chase Cancer Center experience.

253 Background: Although median survival (OS) for patients (pts) with mPC was ~6 months (m) in the gem era, a subset of pts lived significantly longer as long term survivors (LTS). We compared the patterns of care and outcomes of pts living &lt; 12 m (Gp 1) and ≥ 12 m (Gp 2) to identify predictors for LTS. Methods: With IRB approval, we retrospectively analyzed medical charts of mPC pts treated at our center between 2000 and 2010. Gp 1 and Gp 2 were compared with respect to pt, tumor and treatment characteristics. Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney tests were used, respectively, to compare categorical and continuous variables, and the log-rank test to compare OS. All tests were two-sided and a Type I Error of 5% was used to determine statistical significance. Results: 579 mPC pts (median age 64 y, 56% males) were identified, 476 pts in Gp1 and 103 in Gp 2 (OS 4m vs 18 m, respectively). There was no significant difference in the age, site of pancreatic primary, comorbidities, tobacco use or stage at diagnosis between the two. 341 (72%) pts in Gp1 and 86 (83%) in Gp 2 had an initial PS &lt;2 (p 0.06). Alcohol use was more prevalent in LTS [170 (36%) in Gp1 vs 50 (49%) in Gp2 (OR 1.8, p 0.008)]. 170 (36%) pts in Gp 1 and 55 (52%) in Gp 2 had serum albumin (alb) &gt; 3.5 gm/dl (p&lt; 0.001) and this predicted survival (OS 4m if Alb &lt; 3.5 and 7m if Alb &gt; 3.5, p &lt;0.001). Use of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting (66% in Gp1 vs 93% in Gp 2) and number of agents used also predicted survival with 202 (42%) pts in Gp 1 and 79 (87%) in Gp 2 having received &gt; one agent in the metastatic setting (p &lt; 0.001). Liver metastases were more common as an initial site in Gp1 vs Gp2 [329 (70%) vs 48 (47%) respectively, p &lt; 0.001]. In contrast, lung metastases were more common in Gp 2 [42 (9%) Gp 1 vs 20 (19%) in Gp 2, p&lt; 0.001]. The median survival for pts with liver as initial metastatic site was worse than those with lung metastases (5m vs 7m, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Use of chemotherapy and increasing number of agents are associated with better survival in mPC, in line with the current practice of using combination chemotherapy. The site of initial metastasis and serum albumin also predict for survival. Clinical trial designs should consider the latter as stratification factors.

Anthropometric and biochemical profile of children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease in a predialysis pediatric interdisciplinary program.

This is longitudinal retrospective observational cohort study that evaluated anthropometric and biochemical variables of children and adolescents admitted to a Predialysis Interdisciplinary Management Program (PDIMP) responsible for the follow-up of children and adolescents at stages 2 to 4 of chronic kidney disease (CKD) at a tertiary center. One hundred thirty-eight patients with CKD on predialysis treatment with median age at admission of 9 years and the median follow-up time of 5 years were evaluated. Seventy-four (53%) had CKD stage 3 at admission and 70 (51%) reached CKD stage 5 at the end of the follow-up. There was no significant difference between the mean initial and final hemoglobin and serum albumin. However, the final serum bicarbonate presented a significant improvement. Analyses stratified according to clinical variables of interest showed a significant improvement in body mass index (BMI) Z score, especially in the subgroup of children admitted under two years of age. In relation to stature-for-age Z score, data show a significant improvement in stature SD at the end of the study. In conclusion, the present study showed improvement of nutritional status of CKD patients and that the deterioration of renal function was not correlated with BMI-for-age Z score.

Retrospective Analysis of a Novel Regimen for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Nephrotic Syndrome

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in 7%-40% of nephrotic patients. The risk of VTE depends on the severity and underlying cause of nephrotic syndrome. This study investigated the use of low-dose prophylactic anticoagulation to prevent VTE in patients with nephrotic syndrome caused by primary glomerulonephritis. Since 2006, all patients presenting with nephrotic syndrome to Imperial College Kidney and Transplant Centre have been considered for treatment with a novel anticoagulation prophylaxis regimen. All cases of nephrotic syndrome secondary to primary membranous nephropathy, minimal-change disease, and FSGS over a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with serum albumin<2.0 g/dl received prophylactic-dose low-molecular-weight heparin or low-dose warfarin; patients with albumin levels of 2.0-3.0 g/dl received aspirin, 75 mg once daily. All thrombotic events and bleeding complications were recorded. A total of 143 patients received the prophylactic anticoagulation regimen. Median follow-up was 154 weeks (range, 30-298 weeks). The cohort had features associated with a high risk of developing VTE; 40% of the cohort had an underlying diagnosis of membranous nephropathy, and the initial median serum albumin was 1.5 g/dl (range, 0.5-2.9 g/dl). No VTE occurred in patients established on prophylaxis for at least 1 week. VTE was diagnosed in 2 of 143 patients (1.39%) within the first week after presentation and starting prophylaxis. In both cases, it is unclear whether the thrombus had developed before or after the start of prophylaxis. One of 143 (0.69%) patients receiving prophylaxis was admitted urgently with gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Two of 143 patients (1.40%) had elective blood transfusions and procedures to manage occult gastrointestinal bleeding. No other bleeding events occurred in patients receiving prophylaxis. This regimen of prophylactic antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy appears effective in preventing VTE in nephrotic syndrome, with relatively few hemorrhagic complications.

Increasing high-sensitive C-reactive protein level predicts peritonitis risk in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether a high baseline level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) or changes in the level predicts the risk of peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).MethodsA prospective, cross-sectional, case–control study was conducted in a single hospital-based PD unit. A total of 327 patients were included in the study. Serum hs-CRP was measured annually for 2 years. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the changes in annual hs-CRP levels (at baseline and at 1 year intervals): group 1 (from <5 mg/L to <5 mg/L, n = 171), group 2 (from <5 mg/L to ≥5 mg/L, n = 45), group 3 (from ≥5 mg/L to <5 mg/L, n = 45), and group 4 (from ≥5 mg/L to ≥5 mg/L, n = 80). Demographics, biochemistry results, PD adequacy indices, and peritonitis risk were compared between the groups.ResultsThe initial serum albumin level was similar in the 4 groups (p = 0.12). There was a negative linear correlation between the serial albumin change (∆alb) and serial hs-CRP change (∆hs-CRP; r = −0.154, p = 0.005). The hazard ratio (HR) for peritonitis was significantly higher in group 2 (HR = 1, reference) than in group 4 (HR = 0.401, 95% CI 0.209 − 0.769). Group 2 had a greater serum albumin decline rate (∆alb: –3% ± 9%) and hs-CRP elevation rate (∆hs-CRP: 835% ± 1232%) compared to those for the other groups.ConclusionsA progressive increase in the hs-CRP level was associated with a corresponding decline in the serum albumin level. Progressive rather than persistently high levels of serum hs-CRP predicted peritonitis risk in CAPD patients.