Progressive Insufficiency Research Articles

Selection of Patients with Resistant Arterial Hypertension for the Catheter-Based Renal Sympathetic Denervation

elaboration of algorithm for selection of patients with resistant arterial hypertension (AH) for Catheter-Based RenalSympathetic Denervation (CBRSD). We examined 284 patients with resistant AH. On stage 1 we excluded mostfrequent causes of secondary AH. In 247 patients (86.9 %) we established secondary character of AH, in 37 patients (13.1 %) AH wasfound to be essential. On stage 2 patients with essential AH were given 3-5 component hypotensive therapy. At the background of thistherapy we conducted 24‑hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). CBRSD procedure was considered indicated if accordingto ABPM average 24‑hour blood pressure (BP) was above 150 and 100 mm Hg, and 24‑hour elevated BP load exceeded 60 %.In 13 of 37 patients (35 %) BP level satisfied these conditions. For CBRSD we used high frequency generator. Ablation was performedusing the Symplicity Catheter. Results were assessed in 1, 2, 9, 12, and 28 months. Target BP level at the background of minimaldoses of hypotensive drugs was achieved in 11 patients (85 %), what was confirmed by ABPM data. Levels of mean 24-4 hour systolicand diastolic BP significantly decreased from 173.9±14.9 to 143±21.3, р<0.05, and from 108.2±8.7 to 91.4±13.8 mm Hg., р<0.05,respectively. Index of elevated systolic BP time decreased from 78.2±14.6 to 49.8±29.6 %, р<0.05. Best effect was achieved in patients with AH duration before the procedure less than 7 years. None of the patients had episodes of cerebral vascular insufficiency or heart failure progression. While determining indications to bilateral CBRSD one should be governed by such criteria as exclusion of symptomatic AH and objective proofs of AH resistance (according to ABPM at the background of hypotensive therapy).

Long-term follow-up and outcomes of discrete subaortic stenosis resection in children.

Background:Studies of long-term outcomes of discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) are rare. Therefore, we reviewed the long-term outcomes of subaortic membrane resection in children with isolated DSS over 16 years from a single institution.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients (n = 27) who underwent resection of DSS between 2000 and 2017. Patients with major concomitant intracardiac anomalies were excluded. Indications for surgery were mean left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), Doppler gradient >30 mmHg, and/or progressive aortic insufficiency.Results:The mean age at diagnosis was 3.77 ± 3.49 years (range, 0.25–13 years) and the mean age at surgery was 6.36 ± 3.69 years (range, 1–13 years). All patients underwent resection of subaortic membrane. The mean LVOT Doppler gradient decreased from 40.52 ± 11.41 mmHg preoperatively to 8.48 ± 5.06 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). The peak instantaneous LVOT Doppler gradient decreased from 75.41 ± 15.22 mmHg preoperatively to 18.11 ± 11.44 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). At the latest follow-up, the peak gradient was 17.63 ± 8.93 mmHg. The mean follow-up was 7.47 ± 3.53 years (median 6.33 years; range 2.67–16 years). There was no operative mortality or late mortality. Recurrence of subaortic membrane occurred in 7 (25.92%, 7/27) patients who underwent primary DSS operation. Four (14.81%, 4/27) patients required reoperation for DSS recurrence at a median time of 4.8 years (3.1–9.1 years) after the initial repair. Risk factors for reoperation were age <6 years at initial repair. Eighteen (66.66%, 18/27) patients had AI preoperatively and progression of AI occurred in 70.37% (19/27). This included 4 (22.22%, 4/18) patients who had worsening of their preoperative AI. Short valve-to-membrane distance was found to be prognostically unfavorable. One (3.7%, 1/27) patient had an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect, and 2 (7.4%, 2/27) patients had complete AV block following membrane resection.Conclusions:Resection of subaortic membrane in children is associated with low mortality. Higher LVOT gradient, younger age at initial repair, and shorter valve-to-membrane distance were found to be associated with adverse outcome. Recurrence and reoperation rates are high, and progression of aortic insufficiency following subaortic membrane resection is common. Therefore, these patients warrant close follow-up into adult life.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF BILE DUCT DECOMPRESSION METHODS IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE OF NON-TUMOR GENESIS

Introduction: Obstructive jaundice is one of the most common diseases of the digestive system observed in 10-15% of the world's population. The question of making a choice among methods of bile duct decompression is still under discussion, since both single-stage and two-stage methods of biliary decompression lead to progression of hepatic insufficiency after restoration of bile passage. The aim: To determine a tempo of biliary decompression after external and internal drainage of bile ducts, endoscopic transpapillary interventions in patients with obstructive jaundice of non-tumor genesis. Materials and methods: We analyzed the outcomes of surgical treatment of 180 patients with obstructive jaundice of the non-tumor genesis. The patients were divided into three groups: group I (n = 86), where endoscopic methods of biliary decompression were used; group II (n = 48), where biliodigestive anastomoses were formed; and group III (n = 46), where the external drainage of bile ducts was conducted. The average age was 62 ± 6.0 years. The average duration of obstructive jaundice was 20 ± 3.7 days. Results: The patients of the group I demonstrated a gradual decrease of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, which reached the normal readings on Day 7. The patients of the group II demonstrated normal levels of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase on Day 14. The patients of the group III demonstrated rapid decrease of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, which reached the normal readings on Day 28. The transaminase level in each group of patients had reached the norm earlier. Conclusions: No significant disturbances of the functional state of the liver after endoscopic transpapillary interventions were observed. Formation of areflux biliodigestive anastomoses was accompanied by a moderate rate of biliary duct decompression. The external drainage of biliary ducts was characterized by a rapid rate of biliary decompression, leading to a post-compression syndrome.

Role of surgery in chronic calcific pancreatitis: the present scenario

Introduction: Troublesome, recurrent pain is a standard indication for surgery in chronic calcific pancreatitis. We investigated the role of surgery in altering the natural history of the disease. We hope this will help us in framing specific indications and expectations from the procedure. Method: A cohort of patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis operated between January 2013 and June 2017 was prospectively followed. All patients with at least 1 year follow up were included in the final analysis. They were assessed for pain relief, status of endocrine insufficiency, weight gain, need for additional interventions and any short term or long term complications. Result: Results: A total of 116 patients were included. Frey’s procedure was performed in 111 patients and pancreaticoduodenectomy in 5 patients. Median follow up was 96 weeks. Six patients had bleeding complications which required re-exploration. Over sixty percent of patients were completely pain free, about thirty percent required occasional pain killers, while five patients needed an additional procedure for pain relief. While the status of diabetes or steatorrhea was unchanged in 22 patients, almost half the patients developed either new onset diabetes or steatorrhea in the post-operative period. About fifty five percent patients had a median weight gain of 3 kg while the rest lost about 4 kg. Four patients developed obstructive jaundice in the late post-operative period (due to biliary stricture) which was managed with hepaticojejunostomy in three and Whipple procedure in one patient. Two patients had internal herniation (more than four years later). Conclusion: Surgery for chronic calcific pancreatitis is effective in reducing pain. However, the clinicians and patients should be aware that there is no change in the progression of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency (50 %) despite the operation.

Activation of GLP-1 receptor signalling alleviates cellular stresses and improves beta cell function in a mouse model of Wolfram syndrome.

Loss of functional beta cells results in a gradual progression of insulin insufficiency in Wolfram syndrome caused by recessive WFS1 mutations. However, beta cell dysfunction in Wolfram syndrome has yet to be fully characterised, and there are also no specific treatment recommendations. In this study, we aimed to characterise beta cell secretory defects and to examine the potential effects of a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist on diabetes in Wolfram syndrome. Insulin secretory function was assessed by the pancreatic perfusion method in mice used as a model of Wolfram syndrome. In addition, granule dynamics in living beta cells were examined using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Acute and chronic effects of exendin-4 (Ex-4) on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were examined in young Wfs1-/- mice without hyperglycaemia. Molecular events associated with Ex-4 treatment were investigated using pancreatic sections and isolated islets. In addition, we retrospectively observed a woman with Wolfram syndrome who had been treated with liraglutide for 24weeks. Treatment with liraglutide ameliorated our patient's glycaemic control and resulted in a 20% reduction of daily insulin dose along with an off-drug elevation of fasting C-peptide immunoreactivity. Glucose-stimulated first-phase insulin secretion and potassium-stimulated insulin secretion decreased by 53% and 59%, respectively, in perfused pancreases of 10-week-old Wfs1-/- mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The number of insulin granule fusion events in the first phase decreased by 41% in Wfs1-/- beta cells compared with WT beta cells. Perfusion with Ex-4 increased insulin release in the first and second phases by 3.9-fold and 5.6-fold, respectively, in Wfs1-/- mice compared with perfusion with saline as a control. The physiological relevance of the effects of Ex-4 was shown by the fact that a single administration potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and improved glucose tolerance in Wfs1-/- mice. Four weeks of administration of Ex-4 resulted in an off-drug amelioration of glucose excursions after glucose loading in Wfs1-/- mice, with insulin secretory dynamics that were indistinguishable from those in WT mice, despite the fact that there was no alteration in beta cell mass. In association with the functional improvements, Ex-4 treatment reversed the increases in phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor (EIF2α) and thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), and the decrease in phosphorylated AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), in the beta cells of the Wfs1-/- mice. Furthermore, Ex-4 treatment modulated the transcription of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related markers in isolated islets, implying that it was able to mitigate the cellular stresses resulting from Wfs1 deficiency. Our study provides deeper insights into the pathophysiology of beta cell dysfunction caused by WFS1 deficiency and implies that activation of the GLP-1 receptor signal may alleviate insulin insufficiency and aid glycaemic control in Wolfram syndrome.

Portal hypertension complicated by bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices: the present state of the problem of treatment and prevention

Background. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive treatment and prevention of bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices in portal hypertension, including with the use of minimally invasive methods. Material and me­thods. The results of treatment were analyzed in 972 patients with portal hypertension who were treated in the HI “City Clinical Hospital 4 of Grodno” in the period from 2012 to 2016. Results. Endoscopic sclerotherapy of bleeding esophageal and gastric varices was successfully used in 67 patients with portal hypertension. Endoscopic ligation was performed in 12 patients. Sengstaken-Blakemore tube was used in 198 patients, while 22.7 % of them observed a relapse of bleeding after 12 hours. Endoscopic sclerotherapy for bleeding prevention was applied in 90 patients. Ten operations of azygoportal disconnection in the modification of Paciora were performed due to the ineffectiveness of other methods of hemostasis, 7 patients died. Seventeen operations of azygoportal disconnection in the modification of Sugiura-Futagawa and Hassab were carried out in 2012–2017, 1 patient died on the 11th day due to the progression of hepatic insufficiency. Sixteen operations of laparoscopic azygoportal disconnection, 15 transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts were also performed. Thirty-day in-hospital mortality was not observed in these groups. Over 5 years, out of 277 patients with bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices, 121 died, lethality was 43.7 %. Among 695 patients with portal hypertension hospitalized in the department of gastroenterology, 11 died, lethality was 1.6 %, total lethality — 13.6 %. Conclusions. Methods of endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation in the treatment and prevention of acute bleeding from esophageal varices are preferred. Traditional laparoscopic and X-ray endovascular surgical technologies are effective reserve methods for the treatment and prevention of bleedings from esophageal and gastric varices.

Factors impacting long-term pulmonary autograft durability after the Ross procedure

ObjectiveAlthough the Ross procedure provides excellent long-term survival and a high quality of life, its use has been limited to relatively few centers. In this study, we evaluated long-term Ross procedure results in adults to assess the predictors of pulmonary autograft durability. MethodsBetween 1998 and 2015, 793 consecutive adult patients underwent the Ross procedure. The total root replacement technique was used in all patients. ResultsThe early mortality rate was 2.9%. The mean follow-up duration was 6.5 ± 3.2 years, and the 10-year survival rate was 90.4%. Longitudinal mixed-effects ordinal regression identified a combination of bicuspid aortic valve and aortic insufficiency (odds ratio, 2.19; P < .001) as predictors for progression of autograft valve insufficiency at follow-up. The cumulative incidence of autograft reoperations at 10 years was 8.6%. Competing risk regression identified bicuspid aortic valve insufficiency as the independent predictor of autograft reoperation (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.16; P = .030). Moreover, patients with bicuspid aortic valve and aortic insufficiency had greater increases in annulus (P < .001), sinus (P < .001), and ascending aorta (P < .001) diameters over time. ConclusionsFor patients undergoing the Ross procedure, a combination of bicuspid aortic valves and aortic insufficiency is the main risk factor for late autograft dilatation and dysfunction.

ACE Inhibitors and ARB in Chronic Kidney Disease: What Has to Be Considered

Proteinuric kidney disease, especially in the early and middle stages of renal insufficiency, may be favorably affected by ACE-I/ARB. The progression of renal insufficiency is thereby slowed down and dialysis obligation occurs later or can even be avoided. This effect is independent of the underlying glomerular kidney disease. In the advanced stage of renal insufficiency, the benefit of ACE-I/ARB cannot yet be conclusively assessed. The interruption of ACE-I/ARB therapy may possibly contribute to a certain recovery of renal function and delay the onset of dialysis a little. However, studies are still pending and the benefits of ACE-I/ARB for the heart and blood vessels, especially at this stage of renal insufficiency, should not be overlooked.Patients with proteinuria benefit from ACE-I/ARB not only in terms of renal stabilization. A cardio-protective effect by reduction of proteinuria and a delay of progression is proven. On the other hand, the protective effect of ACE-I/ARB that can be detected directly on the heart and blood vessels should not be disregarded. Thus, even if chronic renal insufficiency no longer benefits directly from ACE-I/ARB therapy, cardiac protection may still be of great importance to the chronic kidney patient.

Venous insufficiency: Differences in the content of trace elements. A preliminary report.

Venous insufficiency is still a serious clinical problem. The exact cause and molecular mechanisms of this disease are still unknown. In this study, we try to identify whether there is a difference in the level of trace elements between healthy and pathological veins. Our results show that insufficient veins have different levels of some trace elements: magnesium, calcium, manganese, and silicon compared to control samples. This study could lead to a better understanding of the molecular causes of venous insufficiency and may help to develop better methods of treatment. Nowadays, venous diseases are a very common clinical phenomenon. Venous insufficiency is thought to be one of the most common vein diseases. The exact mechanisms of its etiology are still unknown, although from a clinical point of view some risk factors include gender, age, changing hormone levels, heredity, and standing or sitting for long periods. An imbalance in trace elements could also play a crucial role in the development and/or progression of venous insufficiency. The trace element content in varicose vein walls and in normal vein walls was measured using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) after sample mineralization. Statistical analysis (the Mann-Whitney U test and the Friedman ANOVA) was performed to compare insufficient veins to controls (healthy veins). This study found statistically significant higher magnesium (Mg) ion levels in varicose veins compared to controls (p = 0.0067) and differences close to statistical significance in calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and silicon (Si) ion levels. The results obtained could indicate oxidative stress occurring in chronic venous insufficiency as well as free radical neutralization pathways due to superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity with Mg, Mn and copper (Cu) ion involvement. Our results are consistent with literature data and are preliminary in nature.

Kidney dysfunction in the low-birth weight murine adult: implications of oxidative stress

Maternal undernutrition (MUN) during pregnancy leads to low-birth weight (LBW) neonates that have a reduced kidney nephron endowment and higher morbidity as adults. Using a severe combined caloric and protein-restricted mouse model of MUN to generate LBW mice, we examined the progression of renal insufficiency in LBW adults. Through 6 mo of age, LBW males experienced greater albuminuria (ELISA analysis), a more rapid onset of glomerular hypertrophy, and a worse survival rate than LBW females. In contrast, both sexes experienced a comparable progressive decline in renal vascular density (immunofluorescence analysis), renal blood flow (Laser-Doppler flowmetry analysis), glomerular filtration rate (FITC-sinistrin clearance analysis), and a progressive increase in systemic blood pressure (measured via tail-cuff method). Isolated aortas from both LBW sexes demonstrated reduced vasodilation in response to ACh, indicative of reduced nitric oxide bioavailability and endothelial dysfunction. ELISA and immunofluorescence analysis revealed a significant increase of circulating reactive oxygen species and NADPH oxidase type 4 (NOX4) expression in both LBW sexes, although these increases were more pronounced in males. Although more effective in males, chronic tempol treatment did improve all observed pathologies in both sexes of LBW mice. Chronic NOX4 inhibition with GKT137831 was more effective than tempol in preventing pathologies in LBW males. In conclusion, despite some minor differences, LBW female and male adults have a reduced nephron endowment comparable with progressive renal and vascular dysfunction, which is associated with increased oxidative stress and subsequent endothelial dysfunction. Tempol treatment and/or NOX4 inhibition attenuates renal and vascular dysfunction in LBW adults.

Presentation, progression, and predictors of ovarian insufficiency in classic galactosemia.

Classic galactosemia (CG) is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects about 1 in 50,000 live births in the United States and many other countries. With the benefit of early detection by newborn screening and rapid dietary restriction of galactose, generally achieved by removing dairy from the diet, most affected infants are spared the acute and potentially lethal symptoms of disease. Despite early detection and life-long dietary intervention, however, most patients grow to experience a constellation of long-term complications that include premature ovarian insufficiency in the vast majority of girls and young women. Our goal in the study reported here was to define the presentation, progression, and predictors of ovarian insufficiency in a cohort of 102 post-pubertal girls and women with CG. To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort studied to date. We found that 68% of the girls and women in our study achieved spontaneous menarche, while 32% achieved menarche only after starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Of those who achieved spontaneous menarche, fewer than 50% were still cycling regularly after 3years, and fewer than 15% were still cycling regularly after 10years. Of factors tested for possible association with spontaneous menarche, only detectable (≥0.04ng/mL) plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was significant. These results extend substantially from prior studies and confirm that detectable plasma AMH is a useful predictor of ovarian function in girls and women with CG.

Клинические рекомендации Российской гастроэнтерологической ассоциации по диагностике и лечению экзокринной недостаточности поджелудочной железы

The aim of publication. To present the modern concept of etiology and pathogenesis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency to general practitioners as well as with the established approach to diagnostics and treatment of this syndrome. Summary. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) develops if activity of the enzymes in duodenal lumen in response to meal stimulation is insufficient to maintain normal nutrient digestion. This state can develop primarily, due to various pancreatic diseases (chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis), and secondarily, due to impaired stimulation of pancreatic secretion or non-physiological conditions for activity of digestive enzymes. Basic manifestations of EPN the syndromes of maldigestion and malabsorption leading to development of nutritional failure. At the present time there is no standardized diagnostic method for estimation of pancreatic exocrine function, therefore there are no standard diagnostic criteria for EPN. In clinical practice EPN is diagnosed according to decreased fecal elastase activity in patients with verified pancreatic disease, which can cause decrease of pancreatic exocrine function. The basic EPN treatment method is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). For last 50 years there was an significant progress in development of PERT, numerous pancreatin-containing preparations were developed. Treatment of PERT require prescription of capsules, containing pancreatin microparticles protected by enteric coating. The highest evidential base at EPN is accumulated for pancreatin mini-microspheres. The starting dose of pancreatic enzymes for adults is 25 000 units of lipase per meal, which should be subsequently increased up to achievement of complete response confirmed by both clinical and laboratory scores. Digestive enzymes should be taken at the beginning of food intake, to increase treatment efficacy PERT should be accompanied by prescription of proton pump inhibitors. Patient’s diet quantity and content should be adjusted with participation of nutritionist. Patient should intake at least normal daily amount of fat and divide daily ration to at least six meals. Patients should be motivated to restrain from alcohol consumption and smoking as they can lead to further progression of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and symptoms of pancreatitis.

Axial Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device is Associated with Progression of Aortic Valve Insufficiency

Aortic Valve Insufficiency (AI) in patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) can increase re-circulation causing inefficient forward blood flow, exacerbate RV failure and subsequently demand strict LV afterload control which may adversely affect on other end-organ function. Moreover, careful attention is required for moderate or more AI potentially necessitating valvular intervention or earlier heart transplant. However, risk factors for progression of AI in patients supported with LVAD are not well understood.

Role of Kidney Biopsies for Biomarker Discovery in Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Although estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria are well-established biomarkers of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), additional biomarkers are needed, especially for the early stages of the disease when both albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate may still be in the normal range and are less helpful for identifying those at risk of progression. Traditional biomarker studies for early DKD are challenging because of a lack of good early clinical end points, and most rely on changes in existing imprecise biomarkers to assess the value of new biomarkers. There are well-characterized changes in kidney structure, however, that are highly correlated with kidney function, always precede the clinical findings of DKD and, at preclinical stages, predict DKD progression. These structural parameters may thus serve as clinically useful end points for identifying new biomarkers of early DKD. In addition, investigators are analyzing tissue transcriptomic data to identify pathways involved in early DKD which may have associated candidate biomarkers measurable in blood or urine, and differentially expressed microRNAs and epigenetic modifications in kidney tissue are beginning to yield important observations which may be useful in identifying new clinically useful biomarkers. This review examines the emerging literature on the use of kidney tissue in biomarker discovery in DKD.

Left heart pressures can be the key to know the limitation of left ventricular assist device support against progression of aortic insufficiency.

Aortic insufficiency (AI) is a worrisome complication under left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. AI progression causes LVAD-left ventricular (LV) recirculation and can require surgical intervention to the aortic valve. However, the limitations of LVAD support are not well known. Using an animal model of LVAD with AI, the effect of AI progression on hemodynamics and myocardial oxygen metabolism were investigated. Five goats (Saanen 48 ± 2kg) underwent centrifugal type LVAD, EVAHEART, implantation. The AI model was established by placing a vena cava filter in the aortic valve. Cardiac dysfunction was induced by continuous beta-blockade (esmolol) infusion. Hemodynamic values and myocardial oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) were evaluated while changing the degree of AI which was expressed as the flow rate of LVAD-LV recirculation (recirculation rate). Diastolic aortic pressure was decreased with AI progression and correlated negatively with the recirculation rate (p = 0.00055). Systolic left ventricular pressure (LVP) and mean left atrial pressure (LAP) were increased with AI progression and correlated positively with the recirculation rate (p = 0.010, 0.023, respectively). LVP and LAP showed marked exponential increases when the recirculation rate surpassed 40%. O2ER was also increased with AI progression and had a significant positive correlation with the recirculation rate (p = 0.000043). O2ER was increased linearly, with no exponential increase. AI progression made it difficult to reduce the cardiac pressure load, worsening myocardial oxygen metabolism. The exponential increase of left heart pressures could be the key to know the limitation of LVAD support against AI progression.

Contrast-induced nephropathy: Pathophysiology, risk factors, and prevention.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury is a common iatrogenic complication associated with increased health resource utilization and adverse outcomes, including short- and long-term mortality and accelerated progression of preexisting renal insufficiency. The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been reported to range from 0% to 24%. This wide range reported by the studies is due to differences in definition, background risk factors, type and dose of contrast medium used, and the frequency of other coexisting potential causes of acute renal failure. CIN is usually transient, with serum creatinine levels peaking at 2-3 days after administration of contrast medium and returning to baseline within 7-10 days after administration. Multiple studies have been conducted using variety of therapeutic interventions in an attempt to prevent CIN. Of these, careful selection of patients, using newer radiocontrast agents, maintenance of hydration status, and avoiding nephrotoxic agents pre- and post-procedure are the most effective interventions to protect against CIN. This review focuses on the basic concepts of CIN and summarizes our recent understanding of its pathophysiology. In addition, this article provides practical recommendations with respect to CIN prevention and management.

Functionality of skin microhemocirculation in patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of lower extremity arteries as per laser Doppler flowmetry

Introduction. High prevalence and a poor prognosis of obliterating atherosclerosis of lower extremity arteries make the comprehensive study of the disease as a pressing issue. Aim of the study. To reveal features of functional state of lower extremities skin microcirculation (MC) in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). Material and methods. Microcirculation in 75 patients with IC and 15 healthy subjects was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Results. In IC patients compared to healthy people significant decrease in nutritive blood flow by 25.9 % was detected as well as activation of arterio-venous blood shunting (+45.6 %) with venous congestion that causes worsening in blood rheology abnormalities. Conclusion. The detected shifts in MC lead to the progression of functional insufficiency in peripheral blood flow.

La charge acide d’origine alimentaire : une nouvelle cible pour le néphrologue ?

The acid production of endogenous origin depends mainly on the metabolism of the food and varies with the nature of these. Of the order of 1mEq/kg/day for contemporary food in industrialized countries, it is reduced by more than one third among vegetarians and close to neutrality among vegans. The dietary acid load is eliminated by the normal kidneys, thus maintaining the acid-base equilibrium. In the setting of CKD, it will overflow the capacities of the nephrons, generating a retention of H+ ions, promoting subclinical acidosis. This tissue retention of H+ ions was confirmed by direct techniques in animal models and indirect techniques in humans. The systemic retention of H+ ions and the accompanying compensatory mechanisms have negative consequences on bone tissue, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular risk and renal function. In the animal, the substitution of casein (acid) by soy (alkaline) prevents metabolic acidosis and slows the progression of renal insufficiency. In man, various prospective studies have confirmed that the risk of renal insufficiency was positively correlated with the dietary acid load. Conversely, bicarbonate supplementation and/or a diet enriched with fruits and vegetables, have a favorable effect on renal insufficiency, including in subjects with normal bicarbonate. These results lead to reconsider the K/DOQI recommendations to correct acidosis when the bicarbonate level falls below 22mEq/L, since tissue retention of H+ ions and its negative consequences appear at higher or even normal levels of bicarbonates.

Progression of Renal Insufficiency in Patients with Essential Hypertension Treated with Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System Blockers: An Electrocardiographic Correlation.

Background: There is a frequent association between renal insufficiency and cardiovascular disease in patients with essential hypertension (HTN). The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between ECG parameters and the progress of renal damage in patients with treated HTN. Methods: 109 patients with HTN had their microalbuminuria monitored over a 3-year time frame. During the last 3 months of follow-up, an ECG was recorded. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the deterioration of their renal function: normoalbuminuria during the study period (normo–normo; n = 51); normoalbuminuria developing microalbuminuria (normo–micro; n = 29); and microalbuminuria at baseline (micro–micro; n = 29). Results: There were no differences in presence of left ventricular hypertrophy between the 3 groups. RV6/RV5 >1 was observed more frequently as renal function declined (p = 0.025). The 12-lead QRS-complex voltage-duration product was significantly increased in patients without microalbuminuria at baseline who went on to develop microalbuminuria (p = 0.006). Patients who developed microalbuminuria during follow-up, with positive Cornell voltage criteria, showed a lesser degree of progression of microalbuminuria when compared with the rest of the subgroups (p = 0.044). Furthermore, patients with microalbuminuria at baseline treated with angiotensin receptor blockers and diuretics, and positive Cornell voltage criteria, showed a higher degree of microalbuminuria compared to those with negative Cornell voltage criteria (p = 0.016). Conclusions: In patients with HTN, we identified some ECG parameters, which predict renal disease progression in patients with HTN, which may permit the identification of patients who are at risk of renal disease progression, despite optimal antihypertensive pharmacotherapy.

Risk factors for community-acquired acute kidney injury in patients with and without chronic kidney injury and impact of its initial management on prognosis: a prospective observational study

BackgroundWe aimed to describe clinical characteristics of patients with community-acquired acute kidney injury (CA-AKI), the effectiveness of initial management of CA-AKI, its prognosis and the impact of medication on its occurrence in patients with previous chronic kidney injury (CKI).MethodsWe undertook a prospective observational study within the Emergency Department (ED) of a University Hospital, screening for any patient >16 years admitted with an eGFR <60 ml/mn/1.73 m2 and a rise in serum creatinine as compared to previous values. Patients’ medical files were reviewed by a panel of nephrologists in the subsequent days and at one and three-years follow-up.ResultsFrom May 1st to June 21st 2013, there were 8464 admissions in the ED, of which 653 had an eGFR <60 ml/mn/1.73 m2. Of these, 352 had previous CKI, 341 had CA-AKI, and 104 had CA-ACKI (community-acquired acute on chronic kidney injury). Occurrence of superimposed CA-AKI in CKI patients was associated with male gender and with use of diuretics, but not with use of ARBs or ACEIs.Adequate management of CA-AKI defined as identification, diagnostic procedures and therapeutic intervention within 24 h, was recorded in 45% of the cases and was not associated with improved outcomes.Three-year mortality was 21 and 48% in CKI and CA-ACKI patients respectively, and 40% in patients with only CA-AKI (p < 0.001). Mortality was significantly associated with age, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and CA-AKI.Progression of renal insufficiency was associated with male gender and age.ConclusionsCA-AKI is more frequently encountered in male patients and those treated with diuretics and is an independent risk factor for long-term mortality. Its initial adequate management failed to improve outcomes.