Normal Serum Creatinine Levels Research Articles

Co-existing obstructed and refluxing lower moiety megaureter in a female without incontinence: a perplexing myriad in a duplex system with ectopic lower moiety ureter

Ectopic ureter is a rare congenital anomaly that predominantly affects females and typically manifests as urinary incontinence due to atypical ureteral openings in structures such as the vagina or cervix. This condition is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 4000-10,000 female births. An exceptional variant, the intrasphincteric ectopic ureter, poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its atypical presentation, as it may cause dynamic obstruction and reflux phenomena without resulting in incontinence. A 28-year-old female presented with severe left flank pain, fever, and chills persisting for 10 days. Her medical history included intermittent dull, aching left flank pain over 7 years, exacerbated during voiding, but no urinary incontinence. Physical examination revealed marked tenderness in the left flank, and laboratory investigations showed elevated leukocyte count and normal serum creatinine levels. Computed tomography urography revealed a left duplex moiety with upper moiety infected hydronephrosis, necessitating percutaneous nephrostomy placement. Subsequent nephrostogram and micturating cystourethrogram identified a grossly dilated and tortuous upper moiety ureter with intrasphincteric ectopic ureteral opening, confirming the diagnosis of obstructed and refluxing megaureter. Following infection resolution, the patient underwent laparoscopic extravesical non-refluxing reimplantation of the upper moiety ectopic ureter with DJ stenting. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient reported no flank pain or fever upon stent removal. Periodic evaluations showed no increase in hydronephrosis, indicating a successful intervention. This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of intrasphincteric ectopic ureter, a rare anomaly presenting with obstructed and refluxing megaureter without incontinence. Heightened clinical vigilance and comprehensive radiological evaluation are imperative for timely diagnosis and intervention. Preservation of continence further complicates the clinical picture, necessitating early intervention to prevent renal function deterioration and improve long-term outcomes.

A-125 Difference Between the Results of Vitros® Dry Biochemistry and Wet Biochemistry with Kinetic Method in Diagnosing the Comorbidity of Lung Adenocarcinoma and Aacroamylasemia: Case Report

Abstract Background Amylase (AMY) is a biomarker that comes mainly from the pancreas and salivary glands. Macroamylasemia is a condition often accompanied by malignant tumors and clinical features that include: (i) recurrent abdominal pain, no abnormality in the salivary glands, serum amylase (AMY) level ≥2 to 3 times higher than the normal value and poor patient response to treatments for pancreatitis; (ii) normal serum creatinine and urea levels, increased serum AMY level, and urine AMY level within the normal range or slightly lower. Because macroamylasemia may cause abnormally increased serum AMY levels for a long period of time, misdiagnosis of pancreatitis and delayed diagnosis/treatment of the disease may occur. We report a case of lung adenocarcinoma with macroamylasemia that was co-diagnosed using wet chemistry with kinetic method and dry chemistry to measure AMY. Methods A 47-year-old male patient was previously diagnosed with “acute pancreatitis and lung infection” after initial admission to a local hospital with paroxysmal cough and abdominal pain without obvious cause. To further diagnose the patient, we determined the blood AMY level by using the wet chemistry with kinetic method and the Vitros® dry chemistry test, in addition to conducting a physical exam, abdominal and chest computed tomography (CT), and other lab tests. Two methods, calculation of amylase/creatinine clearance ratio (Cam/Ccr ratio) and protein precipitation by polyethylene glycol (PEG), were also performed to validate assumed interference by serum macroamylase (MAMS) in the wet chemistry method compared to the dry chemistry method, which has technology to capture large molecules and minimize the impact of interferents. MAMS is a high-molecular-weight AMY complex that is synthesized by normal serum AMY bound with macromolecular substances (eg, immunoglobulins and carbohydrates). Results The final diagnosis was a stage IIB cT3N0M0 adenocarcinoma of the upper lobe of the right lung and macroamylasemia. Symptoms and radiologic findings were atypical in terms of pancreatitis. Serum AMY was 2,178U/L when measured with the wet chemistry with kinetic method. When the specimen was re-tested with Vitros dry chemistry, the AMY level was 369 U/L. After precipitation with 25% PEG 6000 solution, the blood AMY level from wet chemistry decreased from 2395.1 U/L to 246.7 U/L, yielding a precipitation rate of 89.7%. Cam/Ccr ratio was calculated as 0.23% (<1%). The calculated PEG precipitation rate and Cam/Ccr ratio from this study were consistent with the ranges considered for macroamylasemia, which are ≥73% and Cam/Ccr ratio <1%, respectively. Conclusions High serum AMY levels do not necessarily indicate pancreatitis or parotitis; wet chemistry results can be impacted by the presence of serum macroamylase. Instead of relying solely on blood AMY in diagnosing acute pancreatitis, clinicians should also consider the correlations of blood AMY with urine AMY and blood lipase. In patients with prolonged blood AMY elevation but normal lipase and urine AMY, re-testing of AMY with a more interference-resistant methodology (e.g. Vitros dry chemistry) may be requested. Accordingly, Cam/Ccr ratio calculation and PEG precipitation can be performed to validate the diagnosis of macroamylasemia.

Elevating Precision in Kidney Injury Management: Unraveling the Impact of Serum Cystatin C Levels – A Cohort Study in Lahore Hospitals

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) pose significant challenges in clinical diagnostics due to late presentation and the influence of non-renal factors on traditional biomarkers. Serum creatinine, while commonly used, lacks sensitivity in early-stage kidney dysfunction due to its delayed elevation post-reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Serum cystatin C, on the other hand, is not influenced by muscle mass, age, gender, or ethnicity, and thus presents as a potential early biomarker for kidney injury. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of serum cystatin C compared to serum creatinine in early detection of renal dysfunction in AKI patients, assessing its correlation with renal decline and potential as a predictor for patient outcomes. Methods: In a cohort study over two years at a tertiary care hospital, 200 healthy individuals and 130 AKI patients were assessed. Serum cystatin C and creatinine levels were measured using ELISA and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) respectively. Demographics, clinical statistics, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, followed by multiple logistic regression analyses for GFR. Statistical significance was established at P<0.001. Results: Results indicated that in the early phase of AKI, 56.2% of patients had normal serum creatinine levels, whereas serum cystatin C levels were elevated in all patients. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient between serum creatinine and cystatin C was significant (<0.01). Multiple logistic regression revealed cystatin C-based GFR was a more reflective indicator of declining GFR than creatinine-based GFR (P<0.001). Conclusion: Serum cystatin C is a superior biomarker to serum creatinine for early detection of kidney dysfunction in AKI patients, facilitating earlier and potentially more effective therapeutic interventions. This finding could lead to significant improvements in patient prognosis and the management of kidney disease.

Hematological and blood biochemistry parameters as prognostic indicators of survival in canine multicentric lymphoma treated with COP and L-COP protocols.

Hematological and blood chemistry parameters are crucial for evaluating and monitoring canine multicentric lymphoma during chemotherapy. Pre-treatment hematological and blood chemistry parameters can be used as prognostic survival outcomes for this disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of hematological and blood chemistry parameters pre-treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment on the survival outcomes of dogs treated with either a combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (COP) or a combination of COP with L-asparaginase (L-COP) protocols. We conducted a retrospective study. Medical records and hematological and blood chemistry parameters of 41 dogs with multicentric lymphoma treated with L-COP (n = 26) and the COP protocols (n = 15) were obtained from the hospital information system. Most cases were classified as high-grade lymphoma based on the Kiel cytological classification. The effects of hematological and blood chemistry parameters on survival outcomes were investigated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. The median survival time (MST) for each hematological and blood chemistry parameter affecting survival outcome was established and compared using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method with the log-rank test. Dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma that were treated with the COP protocol and had monocytosis at pre-treatment had a significantly shorter MST than dogs with normal monocyte counts (p = 0.033). In addition, dogs with azotemia, both pre-treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment, had a significantly shorter MST than dogs with normal serum creatinine levels (p = 0.012). Dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma treated with the L-COP protocol who had hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin concentration <2.5 mg/dL) at both pre-treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment had a significantly shorter MST than dogs with normal serum albumin levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, dogs with leukocytosis at 4 weeks post-treatment had a significantly shorter MST than those with a normal total white blood cell count (p = 0.024). Serum albumin level can serve as a simple negative prognostic indicator of survival outcomes in dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma treated with the L-COP protocol. Dogs with hypoalbuminemia pre-treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment tended to have a shorter MST than those with normal serum albumin concentrations.

Optimal treatment targets for lupus nephritis using per-protocol repeat kidney biopsy findings at 2 years and clinical data up to 5 years: a single-center observational study.

The criteria for remission in both clinical and pathological contexts for lupus nephritis (LN) remain controversial. To identify optimal short-term goals (remission criteria) for LN predicting long-term success at 5 years, using repeat kidney biopsy (Biopsy 2) and clinical data. Single-center observational study. Twenty-three consecutive LN patients undergoing Biopsy 2 2 years post-induction therapy were evaluated. Two ideal long-term goals at 5 years were defined as: "A," Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) = 0 and prednisolone (PSL) ⩽5 mg/day, and "B," proteinuria ⩽0.2 g/day with a normal serum creatinine level and PSL ⩽5 mg/day. Histologically, the electron-dense deposit (EDD) score grades immune deposits based on their intensity, amount, and location. A score of ⩽1 was defined as "electron microscopy remission (ER)." Conventional renal indices failed to predict long-term goals. The short-term goals with an accuracy (area under the curve: 95% confidence interval) of ⩾0.8 predicted long-term goals: "A at 5 years" (A-5y), A-2y (0.91: 0.79-1.00), DORIS-R-2y (0.87: 0.72-1.00), EDD score (0.85: 0.70-1.00), B-2y (0.83: 0.66-0.99), and SLEDAI-R-2y (0.82: 0.66-0.98) as well as "B at 5 years" (B-5y), A-2y (0.87: 0.73-1.00), B-2y (0.87: 0.73-1.00), EDD score (0.85: 0.69-1.00), and DORIS-R-2y (0.83: 0.67-0.99). EDD scores predicted A-5y, B-5y, and PSL dose at 5 years in proportion to the score. The clinical and histological goals aligned. The best predictive short-term goal was A-2y. Concordance between clinical remission (A-2y, B-2y, and DORIS-R-2y) and histological remission (ER) at 2 years suggests optimal short-term goals for LN.

The Association between CHA2DS2-VASC Score with Increased Serum Creatinine Level in ACS Patients Undergoing PCI at RSUD Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang

Background: The current literature on the relationship between the congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or TIA or thromboembolism, vascular disease, age, sex category (CHA2DS2-VASc) score and increased Serum Creatinine (SCr) among Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients is noticeably limited in scope. Objective: Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the correlation between CHA2DS2-VASc score with increased of Serum Creatinine in patients with ACS undergoing Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Material and Methods: In this study, a total of 527 participants were recruited, comprising two groups: Increased SCr level (n=159) and normal SCr level (n=368). Data pertaining to clinical information and demographic characteristics, such as gender, age, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), congestive heart failure (CHF), history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and vascular disease, were gathered from various sources, including registry data and medical records, diagnostic physical examination, electrocardiography and laboratory records. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and the incidence of increased SCr level. Result: In our study, we observed that the CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significantly higher in the group of patients who increase SCr level compared to those who did not increase SCr level. Furthermore, our Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that a CHA2DS2-VASc score cutoff of was determined to be the optimal threshold for estimating the increased SCr level (AUC= 0.805, 95% CI 0.762-0.848; p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: The CHA2DS2-VASc score serves as a valuable tool for estimating the likelihood of SCr in patients undergoing PCI, offering a foundational assessment. Additionally, in PCI patients, an increase in the CHA2DS2-VASc score exceeding 3 is indicative of a heightened incidence of increased SCr level. Keyword: Acute Coronary Syndrome, CHA2DS2-VASc score, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Serum Creatinine Level.

Individualized antibiotic dosage regimens for patients with augmented renal clearance.

Objectives: Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a state of enhanced renal function commonly observed in 30%-65% of critically ill patients despite normal serum creatinine levels. Using unadjusted standard dosing regimens of renally eliminated drugs in ARC patients often leads to subtherapeutic concentrations, poor clinical outcomes, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. We summarized pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic research on the definition, underlying mechanisms, and risk factors of ARC to guide individualized dosing of antibiotics and various strategies for optimizing outcomes. Methods: We searched for articles between 2010 and 2022 in the MEDLINE database about ARC patients and antibiotics and further provided individualized antibiotic dosage regimens for patients with ARC. Results: 25 antibiotic dosage regimens for patients with ARC and various strategies for optimization of outcomes, such as extended infusion time, continuous infusion, increased dosage, and combination regimens, were summarized according to previous research. Conclusion: ARC patients, especially critically ill patients, need to make individualized adjustments to antibiotics, including dose, frequency, and method of administration. Further comprehensive research is required to determine ARC staging, expand the range of recommended antibiotics, and establish individualized dosing guidelines for ARC patients.

Global Perspectives in Acute Kidney Injury: Spain.

Global Perspectives in Acute Kidney Injury: Spain.

ANALYSIS OF RENAL FUNCTION IN A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE PREVALENCE OF SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Background and Objectives - Diabetes and hypothyroidism are common endocrine diseases that impact health and mortality. Glycaemic status affects thyroid hormone levels immensely. There is a paucity of studies from India that have investigated the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we determined the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in type two diabetes mellitus patients. Renal function is affected both by thyroid hormones and glycemic status, hence we have analysed renal function in the study subjects. Our study was conducted in the Department of Medicine of North D Methods - elhi Medical College &amp; Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi. A total of 150 patients with type 2 diabetes were screened for thyroid dysfunction, a group of 126 patients with normal thyroid function, 13 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 11 patients with overt hypothyroidism were subjected to the renal function tests. 126 (84%) Results – patients out of 150 were classied as euthyroid. 11(7.3%) and 13 (8.7%) patients had overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism respectively. Serum creatinine value was within the normal range in 90.4% of the euthyroid diabetics. However, only 69.2% of patients with SCHT had normal serum creatinine levels. There was a signicant difference between the eGFR in euthyroid and the SCHT group, with mean eGFR in the euthyroid group being 78.26± 17.9mL/min/1.73m2 and 57.92± 27.4mL/min/1.73m2 in the SCHT group. The i Conclusion - ncidence of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was signicantly increased with increasing age and in female patients. Type 2 diabetic patients with subclinical hypothyroidism have increased incedence of renal dysfunction

641 A CONTROVERSIAL CASE OF FABRY DISEASE: ADDING ANOTHER PIECE TO THE INTERPRETATION PUZZLE OF C.376A&amp;gt;G MISSENSE MUTATION, A PATHOGENIC VARIANT

Abstract Background The association between chronic neuropathic pain in childhood, left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH), early ischemic stroke and unexplained renal failure is suggestive of FD. However, because of the heterogeneity of the genetic substrate, different and more subtle phenotypic manifestations are possible as well as single organ involvement. Diagnostic criteria require an initial measurement of both alpha-galactosidase A (α-Gal-A) activity levels in leukocytes and globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3, a glycosphingolipid derivative) concentration. Genetic testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis if α-Gal-A is decreased or absent and Lyso-Gb3 is increased. Case report A 35-year-old man was referred to our outpatient cardiology clinic at the beginning of summer 2022. He had a family history of sudden death, he had no cardiovascular risk factors and a history of severe acral pain during childhood. On medical background, he had undergone renal transplantation after two years of hemodialysis therapy due to nephroangiosclerosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis, identified in renal biopsy. On physical examination were visible neither angiokeratomas nor ocular manifestations. ECG showed LV hypertrophy and a transthoracic ECO confirmed LV concentric hypertrophy, a preserved LV ejection fraction and the presence of unexplained subtle LV systolic dysfunction due to an abnormal LV global longitudinal strain. Laboratory tests revealed normal serum creatinine and elevated NT-ProBNP levels. Unfortunately, a CMR examination was not performed because of the patient's claustrophobia. Genetic and enzymatic analyses were performed on the high suspicion of a cardiac storage disorder. The enzymatic activity of α-Gal-A and lyso-Gb3 concentration was within normal values, whereas genetic analysis detected a missense mutation (c.376A&amp;gt;G) in exon 3 causing an amino acid substitution (p.S126G). The suspicion of FD was confirmed. Discussion This is an interesting case with a diagnosis of FD that is controversial for several reasons. The c.376A&amp;gt;G is a rare mutation, found mainly in female patients with normal α-Gal-A and LysoGb3 levels ​​and associated with isolated renal failure. In addition, this variant is typically responsible for the late onset of the disease, occurring after 40 years of age2,8–11. Our patient is young and presents early cardiac and severe nephrological involvement, both typical clinical features of FD. A normal activity of α-Gal-A is consistent with the missense gene mutation: enzyme activity appears to be normal up to at least 90-95% reduction of function. To date, there is little evidence in the scientific literature of similar cases and the clinical presentations associated with this mutation are contradictory. Since 2002, c.376A&amp;gt;G has been known to be a pathogenetic variant of FD12, in 2010 it was associated to late-onset disease13. However, in the International Fabry Disease Genotype-Phenotype Database, it is considered a likely benign variant of FD2. Conclusion In this case report, we emphasize that high clinical suspicion should lead to more diagnostic evaluations, including genetic testing in the daily routine. Additional studies are needed to better understand the role of the c.376 A&amp;gt;G mutation in the FD.

Good maternal and fetal outcomes of three consecutive pregnancies in a Mediterranean woman with Alport syndrome: a case report

BackgroundAlport syndrome is a rare inherited disorder affecting the glomerular basement membrane, manifested by hematuria and proteinuria that is commonly associated with ocular and hearing defects. There is limited information about the maternal and fetal outcomes of Alport syndrome in pregnancy.Case presentationWe describe a smooth course of pregnancy, a good maternal outcome, and a good fetal outcome in three consecutive pregnancies for a 35-year-old Mediterranean woman with Alport syndrome over a 10-year duration. Although there was a nephrotic range of progressive proteinuria in all her pregnancies, there was a prompt drop in proteinuria within 2 weeks of her deliveries. She has constantly shown a normal serum creatinine level and a normal serum protein level in all her pregnancies. Apart from a single episode of asymptomatic hypertension in her second pregnancy at 34 weeks of gestation that returned to a normal range immediately after delivery, she was normotensive antenatally and postnatally. She gave birth by cesarean section to three healthy newborns.ConclusionsA normal prepregnancy creatinine level and a mild range of proteinuria in a patient with normotension, who is not on any medication, are associated with good maternal and fetal outcomes. Furthermore, successful pregnancy that is followed by a normal renal function test might suggest a favorable outcome for any future pregnancy.

Endocapillary hypercellularity levels are associated with early complete remission in children with class IV lupus nephritis as the initial presentation of SLE

BackgroundEndocapillary hypercellularity (ECHC) is commonly seen in class IV lupus nephritis (LN), the most common and severe LN in children. Factors influencing early complete remission (CR) in pediatric class IV LN have been poorly described. We investigated the relationship between ECHC levels and early CR in pediatric class IV LN.MethodsPatients with newly, simultaneously diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and class IV LN by renal biopsy from 2012 to 2021 were studied. In this retrospective study, two pathologists who were blind to clinical information reviewed all pathological data retrospectively and classified glomerular lesions according to the revised criteria of the International Society of Nephrology and the Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS). The demographics, baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, renal histopathological findings, treatment regimen and CR at 6 months after immunosuppressive therapy were analyzed. ECHC was categorized as: > 50% (group A), 25–50% (group B) and < 25% (group C). CR was defined as absence of clinical symptoms, 24-hour urinary protein < 0.15 g, and normal levels of serum creatinine and albumin.ResultsSixty-four patients were identified: 23, 15 and 26 in groups A, B and C, respectively. Group A had significantly higher levels of D-dimer, urine protein, and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) than groups B and C. Group C had a markedly higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than groups A and B. A substantially greater proportion of patients in group A had glomerular microthrombi and basement membrane thickening than in groups B and C. At 6 months post treatment, CR was achieved in 19 (82.6%), 5 (33.3%) and 11 (42.3%) in groups A, B and C, respectively (p < 0.05, group A vs groups B and C). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that ECHC and urine protein levels were significantly associated with CR.ConclusionECHC and urine protein levels may be valuable biomarkers for predicting early CR in pediatric class IV LN.

Progress in the clinical treatment of alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is a severe and life-threatening systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. The severity ranges from asymptomatic liver biochemical disturbances to fulminant liver failure or death; however, there are few effective therapeutic interventions. Maddrey discriminant function not only predicts short-term mortality, but it also guides clinicians to choose appropriate alcoholic hepatitis-specific treatments. Alcohol abstinence, nutritional support, psychological counseling, and infection prevention remain the cornerstones for alcoholic hepatitis treatment. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment when patients have a good appetite and normal serum creatinine levels, but early liver transplantation is the only life-saving option for steroid-unresponsive patients. New studies have found that gut microbiota is an important therapeutic targets in patients with alcohol hepatitis, and N-acetylcysteine, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and metadoxine as adjunctive therapy have a positive effect on patient survival.

Novel Technology Has Made It Possible To Diagnose A New Clinical Phenotype Of Rejection called Early Antibody Mediated Rejection, With Significant Therapeutic Implications For Renal Allograft Survival

Novel technology in transplant, specifically, the Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System, has made it possible to diagnose a new clinical phenotype of rejection called "early antibody-mediated rejection." Here, we present 2 kidney transplant recipients who had normal serum creatinine levels but elevated donor-derived cell-free DNA. Allograft biopsies did not show antibody-mediated rejection, but the Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System reported early antibody -mediated rejection. Once considered as an isolated incident occurring after kidney transplant, antibody-mediated rejection is now recognized to be a progressive condition that waxes and wanes over time and may ultimately lead to chronic allograft damage and allograft loss. Hence, if it can be diagnosed early before causing allograft injury, the early diagnosis can represent a paradigm shift in the management of antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipients, with better treatment outcomes and prolonged allograft survival.

Abnormal Kidney Function in Anorexia Nervosa

Source: Gurevich E, Steiling S, Landau D. Incidence of impaired kidney function among adolescent patients hospitalized with anorexia nervosa. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(11):e2134908. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.34908Investigators from Schneider’s Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel, conducted a retrospective study to assess kidney function in children and adolescents hospitalized with anorexia nervosa (AN) and identify predictors of impaired kidney function (IKF) in these patients. For the study, discharge diagnoses were used to identify youths, 9-18 years old, hospitalized at Schneider’s Children’s Medical Center of Israel for AN between 2010 and 2019. Only youths with a first-time hospitalization for AN were included in the study. Patients with AN were age- and sex-matched to a random sample of control children with normal serum creatinine (SCr) levels, hospitalized for other reasons during the same period. The medical records of study participants were reviewed and data on demographics, BMI, and SCr abstracted. In patients with AN, data on free triiodothyronine (FT3) level and minimal heart rate (HR) also were collected. Kidney function was assessed in study participants using maximal SCr levels, minimal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and SCr/BMI ratio during the hospitalizations. These parameters were compared in AN patients and controls using chi-square or Fisher exact tests. AN patients were classified as having IKF if their minimal eGFR during the hospitalization was <90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Stepwise regression was used to identify predictors of IKF in AN patients.A total of 395 youths with AN and 495 controls were included in the analyses. The mean age of AN patients was 14.6 ± 2.2 years, and 298 (81.6%) were female. The median BMI percentile in those with AN was 12.3, compared to 49 in controls (P <0.001). Parameters of kidney function were significantly different between AN patients and controls including maximal SCr (mean values, 0.68 ± 0.15 mg/dL and 0.54 ± 0.14 mg/dL, respectively; P <0.001), SCr/BMI (mean values, 4% ± 1.2% and 2.8% ± 1.1%, respectively; P <0.001), and minimal eGFR (mean values, 99.8 ± 22.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 124 ± 26.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; P <0.001). Among those with AN, 146 (37%) met criteria for IKF compared to 0 control patients. In the group of AN patients, those with IKF had a significantly lower minimal HR than those without IKF (mean, 44 vs 56 beats per minute; P = 0.001) and lower FT3 levels (mean, 3.5 vs 4.1 pmol/L; P = 0.001); there was no significant difference between groups for mean BMI. Independent predictors of IKF in AN patients included SCr/BMI ratio, minimal HR, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.The authors conclude that IKF is common in youths hospitalized with AN.Dr Sanchez-Kazi has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device.AN has a prevalence rate between 0.1% and 2.2%.1 As previously reported, IKF is a known complication of AN with multifactorial etiologies including chronic dehydration, electrolyte derangements, and abuse of certain medications.2 Chronic hypokalemia has been associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease.2 Other electrolyte abnormalities reported with AN and during refeeding include hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyponatremia. (See AAP Grand Rounds. 2021;45(2):16.)2,3 Kidney biopsy has shown interstitial fibrosis, evidence of ischemic injury, and hypokalemic nephropathy.2The biggest limitation of the current study, and all studies of AN, is the inability to accurately determine eGFR. Using creatinine and correction of eGFR per body surface is likely inaccurate due to low muscle mass. The prevalence of IKF in AN may increase or decline depending on the accuracy of eGFR. Using nuclear GFR may be more precise, although cumbersome, or perhaps measurement of serum cystatin C.4,5 Cystatin C, a low molecular weight protein secreted by all nucleated cells, is independent of muscle mass.4,5 BMI was used to correct for low muscle mass in the current study, although this method has not been verified. It is interesting to note that admission BMI did not correlate with eGFR, but minimal heart rate did. Does this suggest that cardiac abnormalities may contribute to reduction in kidney perfusion in AN?Although the current study was performed in Israel, AN is universal. AKI has been associated with longer hospitalization and increased morbidity not only in AN but also in other non-AN conditions.6In adolescent patients hospitalized with recently diagnosed AN, kidney function often is impaired and needs to be followed closely.The global pandemic of COVID-19 has been associated with a marked increase incidence of eating disorders.7 Social distancing, changes in food access and habits, and social pressure exerted through the internet appear to be contributory. Recent AAP guidelines outline the pediatrician’s role in detection and management of children and adolescents with disordered eating.8

Nontypical presentation of a common disease: a case report

BackgroundKawasaki disease is an idiopathic medium-sized vasculitis that occurs primarily in infants and children younger than 5 years of age. Atypical Kawasaki disease applies to patients who do not fulfill the complete criteria of fever of 5 days or more with at least four of five features: bilateral conjunctival injection, changes in the lips and oral cavity, cervical lymphadenopathy, extremity changes, and polymorphous rash. Acute kidney injury is defined as a sudden decline in kidney function within hours, including structural injuries and loss of function. Acute kidney injury is extremely common in hospitalized pediatric patients. However, it is rarely documented in Kawasaki disease. Acute kidney injury is underestimated in Kawasaki disease due to the lack of a clear definition of age-specific normal serum creatinine levels and routine renal functions. This report describes a case who presented with clinical features suggestive of atypical Kawasaki disease and developed acute kidney injury.Case presentationA 2-year-old Saudi girl had a history of high-grade fever for 5 days, moderate dehydration, dry cracked lips, poor appetite, and generalized erythematous rash; therefore, she was diagnosed to have incomplete Kawasaki disease. Laboratory investigations revealed normochromic normocytic anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, high inflammatory markers, and acute kidney injury stage III. An echocardiogram showed a 4-mm dilatation on the left main coronary artery and a 3-mm dilatation on the right. A renal biopsy was not performed to identify the cause of the injury as it showed improvements after the start of the specific therapy for Kawasaki disease; intravenous immune globulin at a dose of 2 g/kg, aspirin at a high dosage of 80 mg/kg/day, and prednisolone at 2 mg/kg. In addition to the acute kidney injury management, normal saline boluses were followed by furosemide at a 2 mg/kg dose. Her urine output increased, and her renal functions normalized. She was discharged in good condition after 10 days.ConclusionsIt is valuable to check renal function tests in a confirmed case of Kawasaki disease to reduce the negative consequences of late acute kidney injury discovery. Early detection and intervention make a substantial difference in acute kidney injury management.

Renal Doppler ultrasound and serum Cystatin C level as predictors of hepatorenal syndrome in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and normal serum creatinine level

Renal Doppler ultrasound and serum Cystatin C level as predictors of hepatorenal syndrome in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and normal serum creatinine level

Hypoalbuminaemia and Blood Urea Nitrogen/ Creatinine Ratio as Early Markers of Acute Kidney Injury in Postoperative Cardiac Patients- A Prospective Study

Introduction: Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) occurs as the consequence of intraoperative risk factors associated with cardiac surgery. Biochemical monitoring of patients undergoing cardiac surgery enables early detection of AKI. Serum albumin and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): creatinine ratio serves as a simple tool for identifying increased risk of AKI. Aim:To determine serum albumin and the BUN: creatinine ratio as a predictive tool for AKI risk in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted at Cardio Thoracic super specialty unit of SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, between July 2020 to March 2021. A total of 30 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the age group between 40 to 70 years with normal serum creatinine levels were included. Preoperative and postoperative parameters such as urea, creatinine, total protein, serum albumin, BUN: creatinine ratio and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) were calculated. Data were analysed statistically by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test. Results: In present study, 24 (80%) were males and 6 (20%) were females. The mean age of the male and female patients was 57±0.72 years and 55.3±0.81 years respectively. Mean BUN: creatinine ratio was decreased on day 1 (16±0.78) and day 3 (8.19±0.87) postoperative phase as compared to preoperative day (14±0.63). Compared with preoperative albumin (3.65±0.1 g/ dL), hypoalbuminaemia was found on first and third postoperative day, (3.07±0.05 and 3.04±0.05 g/dL) respectively. With Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Area Under the Curve (AUC) for albumin and BUN: creatinine ratio was 0.72 and 0.67 which revealed the diagnostic sensitivity of 86% and 78% respectively. On day 3 postoperative eGFR fell by 12.5%, indicating a danger of kidney injury. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminaemia and BUN: Creatinine ratio are simple biochemical tools to predict AKI in postoperative phase after cardiac surgery.

Serum Cystatin C in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case-Control Study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern in recent years mainly due to its adverse clinical outcomes. It is most commonly attributed to diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Among the several novel biomarkers discovered to detect impaired renal function, serum cystatin C (SCysC) has gained importance. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare SCysC and serum creatinine (SCr) in CKD subjects and apparently healthy controls. Methods: This case-control study comprising of 120 diagnosed cases of CKD and 40 controls was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. SCr and SCysC levels were estimated using modified Jaffe’s method and particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric method, respectively. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using CKD EPI formula. Comparison of SCr and SCysC between cases and controls was done using Mann Whitney U test. Pearson’s correlation test was used to study the correlation between variables. Statistical significance was considered at P&lt;0.05. Results: Both SCr and SCysC levels were higher in cases compared to controls (P&lt;0.001). In the group comprising of Stage 1 and Stage 2 CKD subjects, all the subjects showed normal SCr levels, while 96.8% of the subjects showed elevated SCysC levels. SCysC (r=-0.800) showed better correlation than SCr (r=-0.724) with eGFR (P&lt;0.001). A strong correlation was found between SCysC and SCr levels (r=-0.887, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: SCysC is a good indicator of renal dysfunction and may be used to screen patients with long duration of DM or HTN for CKD.

Baseline serum cystatin C as a marker of acute kidney injury in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.

A creatinine-based estimation of the renal function lags behind the onset of disease process. Cystatin C is a new marker for acute kidney injury (AKI). However, data are limited in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). We evaluated serum cystatin C as an early predictor of AKI in patients with ACLF. In a prospective observational study, patients with ACLF and normal serum creatinine level were included in the study. Serum cystatin C was analyzed with the development of AKI and the disease outcome. Forty-seven patients (mean age: 43.26±16.34 years; male:female: 2.35:1) were included in the study. AKI developed in 34% of patients during the hospital stay. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the best cutoff for baseline cystatin C was 1.47 mg/L with a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.68. The cystatin C ((area under the curve [AUC]=0.853) performance was better than that of the creatinine (AUC=0.699), Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) (AUC=0.661), and model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) (AUC=0.641). In the univariate analysis, age, platelet count, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), cystatin C, and estimated glomerular filtration rate-serum cystatin C (eGFRcysC) were significantly associated with AKI in ACLF patients. Cystatin C was an independent positive predictor of AKI. Cystatin C was positively correlated with the MELD-Na scores (r=0.374 and p=0.009). Our study supports previous studies reporting that serum cystatin C is a better predictor for AKI development compared to serum creatinine. Cystatin C may be used as an early marker for new-onset AKI in hospitalized patients with ACLF.