Lower Serum Hemoglobin Levels Research Articles

Low hemoglobin levels are associated with Bowman’s capsule rupture and peritubular capillaritis in ANCA-associated renal vasculitis: a link of vascular injury to anemia?

BackgroundAnemia in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated renal vasculitis is a severe complication that predicts renal survival. We here conducted correlative analyses to evaluate correlations of low hemoglobin levels and histopathological characteristics in ANCA-associated renal vasculitis.MethodsFifty-two patients with biopsy-proven ANCA-associated renal vasculitis observed between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Spearman’s correlation was performed to assess correlations, and statistical evaluation was performed by simple and stepwise multivariable regression.ResultsRegarding laboratory anemia parameters, no significant association with serum hemoglobin levels was observed. Serum hemoglobin levels were associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate in the total cohort (β = 0.539, p < 0.001), and in the MPO-ANCA subgroup (β = 0.679, p = 0.008). Among tubulointerstitial lesions, decreased serum hemoglobin levels correlated with peritubular capillaritis in the whole cohort (β = − 0.358, p = 0.013), and was suggested in the MPO-ANCA subgroup (p = 0.029, r = − 0.446). Regarding glomerular lesions, the prevalence of necrotic glomeruli significantly associated with low serum hemoglobin levels in PR3-ANCA (β = − 0.424, p = 0.028). In the total cohort, a significant correlation between decreased serum hemoglobin levels and the occurrence of diffuse Bowman’s capsule rupture was identified (β = − 0.374, p = 0.014), which was implied in the MPO-ANCA subgroup (p = 0.013, r = − 0.546; p = 0.0288, slope = − 16.65).ConclusionPeritubular capillaritis and Bowman’s capsule rupture correlate with low hemoglobin levels; this may indicate that histopathological lesions are linked with inflammatory vascular injury and relative erythropoietin deficiency in ANCA-associated renal vasculitis.Graphical abstract

Effect of hematuria on the kidney disease progression in IgA nephropathy patients with mild proteinuria and well-preserved renal function

ObjectiveTo investigate whether hematuria is a risk factor in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients with mild proteinuria and well-preserved renal function. MethodsThis retrospective study included a total of 63 IgAN patients, with complete clinical data available for 50 patients. Hematuria assessment was conducted using two methods: 1) an automated method using a urine particle analyzer, and 2) a manual method performed by a skilled examiner to examine microscopic urine sediment. ResultsThe results of hematuria measurement using both automated and manual methods showed a strong linear correlation (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). In IgAN patients, those with high urinary red blood cell count (U-RBCs) exhibited higher serum IgA levels compared to patients with low U-RBCs. Additionally, patients with crescent formation had higher levels of proteinuria compared to those without crescents. Patients who received immunosuppressive treatment displayed higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP), as well as lower levels of serum hemoglobin and albumin. They also had a higher prevalence of T1 lesions compared to patients who did not undergo immunosuppression. Furthermore, among patients with crescent formation, those who received immunosuppressive agents exhibited higher levels of SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), MAP, and U-RBCs, as well as lower levels of albumin and proteinuria at the time of renal biopsy. No composite kidney endpoint events were observed in these groups of patients. The U-RBCs level was not identified as a risk factor influencing the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in IgAN. ConclusionsThe presence of hematuria at the time of biopsy was not found to be associated with kidney disease progression in IgAN patients who had mild proteinuria and well-preserved renal function. This suggests that it is possible that these patients may not derive significant benefits from immunosuppressive therapy.

#2700 RENAL OSTEODYSTROPHY AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES: RESULTS FROM THE BRAZILIAN REGISTRY OF BONE BIOPSY

Abstract Background and Aims Mineral and bone disorders caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) encompass biochemical/hormonal abnormalities, soft tissue calcifications and bone morphological changes known as renal osteodystrophy (ROD). Data from prior studies have consistently shown that patients with CKD-MBD are susceptible to an increased risk of mortality, bone fractures and major cardiovascular outcomes. This study is a sub analysis of the Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO), a prospective, national multicenter cohort of patients with CKD who underwent bone biopsy, aimed at addressing the relationship between ROD type and the occurrence of bone fractures, hospitalizations, cardiovascular events, and a composite of all-cause mortality. Method During the period from August 2015 to December 2021, 511 patients with CKD who underwent bone biopsy and with diagnosis of ROD were included in REBRABO. Bone biopsy was indicated by medical reasons or research protocol. Were excluded from this analysis patients who lost their follow-up (N = 111), had no bone biopsy report (N = 40), had an estimated glomerular filtration rate &amp;gt; 90 mL/min (N = 28), not signed their consent (N = 24), had bone fragments inadequate for diagnosis (N = 23), had a bone biopsy indicated by a specialty other than nephrology (N = 6), or were &amp;lt; 18 years old (N = 4). Baseline was defined as the time when the patient underwent bone biopsy. The prospective analysis included data from patients who completed at least 12 months of follow-up. The mean follow- up was 1242 (693-1508) days. The following events were adjudicated: bone fractures, hospitalization, major cardiovascular events - MACEs (unstable angina, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, elective or emergency coronary revascularization, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death), and death. Bone fragments were obtained via transiliac bone biopsies using an electrical trephine after prelabeling with tetracycline (3 days) administered over two separate periods. The samples were classified as osteitis fibrosa (OF), mixed uremic osteodystrophy (MUO), adynamic bone disease (ABD), osteomalacia (OM) and normal/minor alterations, according to TMV system. Cox regression analysis was performed to detect independent determinants of clinical outcomes. Results A total of 275 patients were included. This was a population with a mean age of 52 (42– 60) years, 143 (52%) were men, 39 (14%) had diabetes, and 248 (90%) were on dialysis. During follow-up, a total of 28 bone fractures, 97 hospitalization events, 44 MACEs, and 70 deaths were reported, with incidence of 15.1% (4.4%/year), 49.5% (14.6%/year), 23.3% (6.85%/year) and 25.5% (7.5%/year), respectively. Patients who presented MACEs had lower serum hemoglobin levels [11.1 (9.6-12.6) vs. 12 (10.8-13.5; p = 0.026], higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus [11 (25%) vs. 15 (10%); p = 0.013] and previous cardiovascular disease [8 (18%) vs. 8 (5%); p = 0.008]. Age, previous cardiovascular disease, and proportion of serum phosphate levels out of the normal range were independent predictors for death [OR 1.046 (CI: 1.024-1.069), p = 0.0001; OR 1.856 (CI: 1.009-3.413), p = 0.04; OR: 1.942 (CI: 1.116-3.379), p = 0.019; respectively].Participants were grouped according to the ROD subtype as: OF (n = 113; 41%), ABD (n = 79; 29%), MUO (n = 59; 21%), OM (n = 12; 4%), and normal/minor alterations (n = 12; 4%). ROD subtypes were not related to incident outcomes. Conclusion The incidence of bone fractures, hospitalizations, cardiovascular events, and of a composite of all-cause mortality did not differ between the types of ROD.

Endoscopic hemostasis makes the difference: Angiographic treatment in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUNDThe large majority of gastrointestinal bleedings subside on their own or after endoscopic treatment. However, a small number of these may pose a challenge in terms of therapy because the patients develop hemodynamic instability, and endoscopy does not achieve adequate hemostasis. Interventional radiology supplemented with catheter angiography (CA) and transarterial embolization have gained importance in recent times.AIMTo evaluate clinical predictors for angiography in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).METHODSWe compared two groups of patients in a retrospective analysis. One group had been treated for more than 10 years with CA for LGIB (n = 41). The control group had undergone non-endoscopic or endoscopic treatment for two years and been registered in a bleeding registry (n = 92). The differences between the two groups were analyzed using decision trees with the goal of defining clear rules for optimal treatment.RESULTSPatients in the CA group had a higher shock index, a higher Glasgow-Blatchford bleeding score (GBS), lower serum hemoglobin levels, and more rarely achieved hemostasis in primary endoscopy. These patients needed more transfusions, had longer hospital stays, and had to undergo subsequent surgery more frequently (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONEndoscopic hemostasis proved to be the crucial difference between the two patient groups. Primary endoscopic hemostasis, along with GBS and the number of transfusions, would permit a stratification of risks. After prospective confirmation of the present findings, the use of decision trees would permit the identification of patients at risk for subsequent diagnosis and treatment based on interventional radiology.

Assessment of the Characteristics and Associated Factors of Infectious Complications in Bullous Pemphigoid.

Objectives: The clinical outcome of bullous pemphigoid appears worse in patients with infectious complications, and assessment of the prevalence and risk factors of infectious complications could be necessary to plan preventative strategies and to instruct the treatment plans. We sought to determine the risk factors of infection and compare associated factors in inpatients and outpatients with different system infections.Design: This is a single-centered retrospective study on the medical records of 252 patients from 2010 to 2018 at the dermatology department, Peking Union Medical College. Medical profiles of medical history, diagnosis, infectious complications, and treatment plans were analyzed. The associated factors were compared between the subgroups, including inpatients and outpatients, different body sites of infection.Results: Of the total 252 patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP), 81 patients (81/252, 32.1%) had infectious complications. Forty-eight patients died from pulmonary infections (11/48, 22.9%), cardiovascular diseases (6/48, 12.5%), and other diseases. Infections were most frequently found in skin/mucosa (44/252, 17.5%), respiratory system (32/252, 12.7%), and blood (10/252, 4.0%). On multivariate analysis, risk factors of infections in BP were maximal control dose of corticosteroids (OR 2.539, 95% CI 1.456–4.430, p = 0.001), low serum albumin level (OR 2.557, 95% CI 1.283, 5.092, p = 0.007), hospitalization (OR 4.025, 95% CI 2.289, 7.079, p < 0.001), comorbidities including respiratory disease (OR 4.060, 95% CI, 1.861, 8.858, p < 0.001), eye disease (OR 4.431, 95% CI 1.864, 10.532, p < 0.001), and diabetes (OR 2.667, 95% CI 1.437, 4.949, p = 0.002). The rate of infection was significantly higher in inpatients compared to that in outpatients (54.0 vs. 20.6%, p < 0.001), with diverse risk factors. Mucocutaneous infections were associated with a maximal control dose of corticosteroid and other dermatoses. Respiratory infections were related to respiratory disease and old age, and hematologic infection was associated with low serum hemoglobin levels and mucosal involvement of BP. Both of them were associated with mucosal involvement of BP and high titer anti-BP180 antibody.Conclusions: Infectious complications of bullous pemphigoid are common and are associated with mucosal involvement of BP, more comorbidities, the higher dose of corticosteroids, and the lower level of serum albumin.

Low Hemoglobin Is Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density and High Risk of Bone Fracture in Male Adults: A Retrospective Medical Record Review Study.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between serum hemoglobin level, bone mineral density, and fracture risks based on the estimated score of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) in Asian male adults. The medical records of 662 male patients who underwent health examinations at a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan were reviewed. The medical history, demographic characteristics, clinical laboratory results, and bone mineral density of the patients were ascertained from their medical records. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association of hemoglobin levels with bone mineral density, the 10-year risk of hip fracture, and the 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture (clinical spine, forearm, hip, or shoulder fracture) as assessed by FRAX. The mean age of the patients was 53.1 years. Results from simple linear regression analysis indicated that hemoglobin was positively associated with bone mineral density but inversely associated with both hip fracture risk and major osteoporotic fracture risk. Similar results were obtained when potential confounding variables were adjusted using multiple linear regression analysis. Low serum hemoglobin levels might be an important indicator for predicting bone mineral loss and the risk of both major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture in male patients. Bone mineral density should be closely monitored in patients receiving treatment for anemia.

Predictive factors for effectiveness and safety of enoxaparin for total knee arthroplasty in aged Japanese patients: a retrospective review

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to investigate predictive factors involved in effectiveness and safety of enoxaparin for prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism in aged Japanese total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients.MethodsJapanese patients over 65 years old who were administered enoxaparin for TKA were enrolled in this study. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Data were corrected at the Izumi Regional Medical Center, from September 2009 to March 2014. Patients were stratified into groups according to whether enoxaparin was effective (no deep vein thrombosis event up to postoperative day 7) or not, and whether they had an adverse drug event (ADE) or not.ResultsA total of 128 patients were included in this study. One hundred five (82.0%) patients were in the effective group and 20 (15.6%) in the adverse drug event (ADE) group. Anemia (13 patients), abnormalities in liver function tests (4 patients), clinically relevant non-major bleeding (4 patients) and urticaria (1 patient) were observed as ADEs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the serum total protein level at postoperative day 1 (POD1, before enoxaparin administration), was associated with effectiveness of enoxaparin, while the serum total protein and hemoglobin level at POD1 were involved in ADE caused by enoxaparin.ConclusionsAlthough further large scale studies will be warranted, our results suggest that serum total protein level just before enoxaparin treatment for TKA relates to the effectiveness and safety of enoxaparin in a Japanese aged population. In addition, the results indicate that the development of anemia should be carefully monitored during enoxaparin treatment for TKA, particularly in patients with lower levels of serum hemoglobin before treatment.

Clinical significance of serum circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma

The principal aim of our study was to investigate the usefulness of serum protein and circulating mRNA of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifty-four HCC patients and age- and sex-matched 20 healthy controls were enrolled into this study. Pretreatment serum IGF-1 and IGF-1 mRNA were determined by the solid-phase sandwich ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR method, respectively. The median age at diagnosis was 60 years, range 36-77 years; where majority of group were male (n = 48, 88.8%). All patients had cirrhotic history. Forty-six percent (n = 25) of patients had Child-Pugh score A, 30% (n = 16) had score B or C. All of the patients were treated with local therapies and none of them received sorafenib. The baseline serum IGF-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in HCC patients than in the control group (p = 0.04), whereas no significant difference was observed for IGF-1 protein levels between the two group (p = 0.18). Patients with history of HBV infection, who were not treated, and who received multiple palliative treatment for HCC had higher serum IGF-1 mRNA levels (p = 0.03, 0.03, and 0.05, respectively). Poor performance status (p < 0.001), viral etiology of cirrhosis (p = 0.03), larger tumor size (p = 0.01), lower serum hemoglobin levels (p = 0.03), and not be treated for HCC (p = 0.001) related to worse survival. However, neither serum IGF-1 nor serum IGF-1 mRNA had significantly adverse effect on survival (p = 0.53 and 0.42, respectively).

Early Perioperative Results and Surgical Recurrence after Strictureplasty and Miniresection for Complicated Crohn’s Disease

Background/Aims: Strictureplasty (SP) or miniresective ‘bowel-sparing’ techniques (MR) can prevent the risk of intestinal stomia and short bowel syndrome in patients affected by Crohn’s disease (CD). The aim of this study was to analyze the perioperative morbidity and mortality in 104 of 138 consecutive patients treated for CD complications using bowel-sparing techniques. We also considered the factors that may be related to the risk of perioperative complications and the long-term outcome. Methods: One hundred and four patients were treated with SP and/or MR and then included in a prospectively maintained database. The factors claimed to influence perioperative complications were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test for categorical observations and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. A multivariate analysis, using logistic regression, and a long-term time-to-event analysis using the Kaplan-Meier function, were also performed. Results: Perioperative mortality was nil. In relation to the 6 postoperative complications (5.8%), 4 patients underwent minimal bowel resection (MR), 1 a MR with SP, and 1 SP alone. Three of these patients (2.9%) needed reoperation for septic complications, and 3 (2.9%) were treated as outpatients for enterocutaneous fistulas. A correlation (p < 0.05) was found between low serum hemoglobin levels and postoperative complications at univariate and multivariate analyses. The 5-year surgical recurrence-free rate was 75% overall, 73% for patients treated with SP, 78% with MR, and 77% with MR + SP. Conclusions: Postoperative complications are not related to conservative or miniresective surgery even when active disease is present at the resection margins or the site of SP. The higher risk reported for patients with low serum hemoglobin and hematocrit levels suggests that surgeons should consider using preoperative iron and vitamin support, parenteral nutrition and erythropoietin therapy, when necessary, in those cases. Our postoperative morbidity, mortality and long-term surgical recurrence rate results support the efficacy and safety of SP and MR surgery in the treatment of complicated CD.