Refractory Edema Research Articles

Subcutaneous drainage of chronic refractory edema in cancer patients: case presentation

Subcutaneous drainage of chronic refractory edema in cancer patients: case presentation

Albumin: a comprehensive review and practical guideline for clinical use.

Nowadays, it is largely accepted that albumin should not be used in hypoalbuminemia or for nutritional purpose. The most discussed indication of albumin at present is the resuscitation in shock states, especially distributive shocks such as septic shock. The main evidence-based indication is also liver disease. In this review, we provided updated evidence-based instruction for definite and potential indications of albumin administration in clinical practice, with appropriate dosing and duration. Data collection was carried out until November 2023 by search of electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. GRADE system has been used to determine the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations for each albumin indication. A total of 165 relevant studies were included in this review. Fluid replacement in plasmapheresis and liver diseases, including hepatorenal syndrome, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and large-volume paracentesis, have a moderate to high quality of evidence and a strong recommendation for administering albumin. Moreover, albumin is used as a second-line and adjunctive to crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in hypovolemic shock, sepsis and septic shock, severe burns, toxic epidermal necrolysis, intradialytic hypotension, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, major surgery, non-traumatic brain injury, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and severe and refractory edema with hypoalbuminemia has a low to moderate quality of evidence and weak recommendation to use. Also, in modest volume paracentesis, severe hyponatremia in cirrhosis has a low to moderate quality of evidence and a weak recommendation. Albumin administration is most indicated in management of cirrhosis complications. Fluid resuscitation or treatment of severe and refractory edema, especially in patients with hypoalbuminemia and not responding to other treatments, is another rational use for albumin. Implementation of evidence-based guidelines in hospitals can be an effective measure to reduce inappropriate uses of albumin.

Tolvaptan: a possible preemptive treatment option in children with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease?

Tolvaptan is a highly selective vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist that regulates cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels to inhibit both epithelial cell proliferation and chloride ion excretion, two mechanisms known to induce cyst expansion in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Tolvaptan is currently the preferred treatment of rapidly progressive disease ADPKD in adult patients; however, since cyst formation in ADPKD begins early in life, (frequently in utero), and significant disease progression with cyst expansion occurs in the first decade, tolvaptan may be advantageous as a preemptive treatment in children with ADPKD. Tolvaptan has already been used to successfully treat refractory edema or hyponatremia in children; this literature review provides insight into the biochemical basis of its action to contextualize its use in the pediatric population.

The Role of Laser Photocoagulation in Treating Diabetic Macular Edema in the Era of Intravitreal Drug Administration: A Descriptive Review.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the role of laser photocoagulation therapy in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, the first-line treatment, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search to identify studies that evaluated the efficacy of laser photocoagulation therapy in the management of DME was performed. The relevant findings of the efficacy of focal/grid laser therapy from data in randomized, controlled trials were synthesized, and the potential of new laser technologies, such as navigated laser systems, pattern scan lasers, and subthreshold lasers, was explored. The usefulness of multimodal imaging-guided laser therapy was also evaluated, with a focus on the potential contribution to anti-VEGF therapy. Results: Focal laser photocoagulation targeting microaneurysms remains an effective therapeutic approach to chronic refractory edema, despite the widespread use of anti-VEGF therapy. To achieve the best possible treatment outcomes, precise identification of microaneurysms is essential. This requires the use of multimodal imaging-guided, highly accurate, minimally invasive coagulation techniques. Subthreshold laser therapy can also reduce the frequency of anti-VEGF injections and minimize treatment burden. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to determine the optimal timing and settings for laser photocoagulation therapy and the potential of new laser technologies in the management of DME. Nevertheless, laser photocoagulation therapy plays an important role in the management of DME, in conjunction with anti-VEGF therapy.

Early initiation of slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF) in a case of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) refractory to standard medical therapy: A case report

Acute pulmonary edema may occur in approximately 3% of women with pre-eclampsia, with 70% of cases occurring after birth. Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients with refractory edema unresponsive to diuretic therapy may be considered for ultrafiltration. Judicious use of BiPAP with helmet as interface coupled with meticulous hemodynamic monitoring may be a key to successful outcome.

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema: a case report

BackgroundEdema occurs in various disorders. One of those is remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema, a rare syndrome whose pathophysiology is not clearly understood. We report herein a case of refractory edema diagnosed as remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema.Case presentationA 82-year-old Asian male was admitted to the Department of General Internal Medicine with a 2-month history of symmetrical swelling of both hands. Despite treatment with loop diuretic furosemide 40 mg daily, his condition did not respond to the medication and his quality of life deteriorated. An examination of the joints showed tenderness suggestive of synovitis with restricted movements in bilateral proximal interphalangeal joint. Laboratory findings revealed hyperglycemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate 118 mm/hour, and elevated C-reactive protein 6.58 mg/dL. Plain radiographs of both hands showed soft tissue swelling, changes consistent with osteoarthritis, and no erosions. The diagnosis of bilateral remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema was made. Treatment with prednisolone 15 mg daily was instituted.ConclusionsAlthough remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema is rare, it should be remembered as a disease that causes edema in the elderly.

Efficacy and Safety of Combination Therapy with Tolvaptan and Furosemide in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome and Refractory Edema: A Prospective Interventional Study.

Severe edema in children with nephrotic syndrome is often refractory to conventional diuretics. Tolvaptan has been used satisfactorily for managing edema in patients with heart failure and cirrhosis. The safety and efficacy of combination therapy with oral tolvaptan and intravenous (IV) furosemide was assessed in patients with furosemide refractory edema. Patients, aged 5-18 y with nephrotic syndrome and severe edema, were screened for eligibility. After excluding hypovolemia, patients received IV furosemide (3-4mg/kg/d) for 48h. Those refractory to IV furosemide (weight loss < 3%) received tolvaptan (0.5-1mg/kg once daily) and IV furosemide for the next 48h. Parameters were compared between 48h of furosemide alone and combination therapy. A total of 24 patients (18 boys) with mean age of 8.0 ± 3.0 y were enrolled. Urine volume significantly increased with combination therapy as compared to furosemide therapy (mean difference: 1.2mL/kg/h; 95% CI: 0.8-1.65mL/kg/h) (p < 0.001). Compared to therapy with furosemide alone, combination therapy resulted in significant reduction in body weight from 26.9 ± 10.3kg to 24.8 ± 9.7kg (p < 0.001). Estimated glomerular filtration rate did not change (p = 0.81) but serum sodium increased from 135.7 ± 3.3mEq/L to 140.4 ± 4.8mEq/L (p < 0.001) with combination therapy; 2 patients showed asymptomatic hypernatremia. The combination of oral tolvaptan and IV furosemide is effective in augmenting diuresis and reducing weight in patients with furosemide refractory edema but requires monitoring of electrolytes and volume status.

Combined Fluorescence-Guided Resection and Intracavitary Thermotherapy with Superparamagnetic Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles for Recurrent High-Grade Glioma: Case Series with Emphasis on Complication Management.

Simple SummaryRecurrent high-grade gliomas are difficult to treat. Here, we report on our single-center experience in combining fluorescence-guided tumor resection with 5-ALA and local thermotherapy with superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles. In total, 18 patients were operated on and received thermotherapy with or without additional radiotherapy. The median progression-free survival was 5.5 months and median overall survival was 9.5 months. Although no major side effects were observed during active treatment, 72% of the patients developed cerebral edema requiring steroid treatment or even surgical removal of the nanoparticles. In conclusion, the combination of fluorescence-guided resection and intracavitary thermotherapy provides a novel and promising treatment option for improving local tumor control in recurrent high-grade gliomas, but further refinements of the treatment protocol are needed to decrease major side effects.Background: Concepts improving local tumor control in high-grade glioma (HGG) are desperately needed. The aim of this study is to report an extended series of cases treated with a combination of 5-ALA-fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) and intracavitary thermotherapy with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION). Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of all recurrent HGG treated with FGR and intracavitary thermotherapy (n = 18). Patients underwent six hyperthermia sessions in an alternating magnetic field and received additional adjuvant therapies on a case-by-case basis. Results: Nine patients were treated for first tumor recurrence; all other patients had suffered at least two recurrences. Nine patients received combined radiotherapy and thermotherapy. The median progression-free survival was 5.5 (95% CI: 4.67–6.13) months and median overall survival was 9.5 (95% CI: 7.12–11.79) months. No major side effects were observed during active treatment. Thirteen patients (72%) developed cerebral edema and more clinical symptoms during follow-up and were initially treated with dexamethasone. Six (33%) of these patients underwent surgical removal of nanoparticles due to refractory edema. Conclusions: The combination of FGR and intracavitary thermotherapy with SPION provides a new treatment option for improving local tumor control in recurrent HGG. The development of cerebral edema is a major issue requiring further refinements of the treatment protocol.

Optical Coherence Tomographic Features and Prognostic Values of Macular Edema in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease.

Purpose: To determine optical coherence tomographic (OCT) features of macular edema (ME) and identify potential prognostic values for ME and visual outcomes in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH).Methods: In the retrospective case series, a total of 1,377 VKH patients who were seen in a tertiary uveitis center between September 2011 and January 2018 were reviewed on their demographics, visual acuity, ocular and extraocular manifestations, modes of treatment, and OCT examinations. Of these patients, 79 (5.7%) having ME were included for analysis of OCT features. Four patients were missed without ME resolution, and the remaining 75 patients who either had ME resolved or were followed up for 2 years were included for analysis of disease outcomes.Results: Of the 115 affected eyes in these 79 patients, 100 (87.0%) had cystoid ME (CME), accounting for the most common OCT feature of VKH-related ME. Disruption of the inner-segment/outer-segment junction (IS/OS) band seen in 33 (28.7%) affected eyes of 24 (30.4%) patients was found as a risk factor for the development of persistent ME [10 of 62 (16.1%) vs. 13 of 13 (100%); P < 0.001] and a poor visual outcome (1.16 ± 0.42 vs. 1.17 ± 0.46 in logMAR unit; P = 0.89). CME patients with a concurrent choroidal neovascular membrane often had a disrupted IS/OS band, thus becoming refractory cases. A 6-month well-controlled intraocular inflammation following standard treatment regimens was found to associate with complete resolution of the refractory edema [4 of 5 (80%) vs. 2 of 13 (15%); P = 0.02].Conclusions: Intraretinal cystoid changes are most commonly seen in the edematous macula of VKH patients. Disruption of the IS/OS band is a useful risk sign for poor ME and visual outcomes in VKH-related ME, and a long-term well-controlled intraocular inflammation may be critical for the resolution of refractory cases.

Pathogenesis and Treatment of Refractory Oedema in Nephrotic Syndrome

Oedema is a hallmark feature of nephrotic syndrome (NS) and can cause significant patient morbidity. The pathogenesis of oedema formation is complex and results from abnormalities in sodium retention, inter-play of neurohormonal factors, and changes in capillary filtration barrier. Salt retention is often primary (‘overfill’ theory) because of increased sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity in the collecting duct cells, increased direct epithelial sodium channel activation (ENaC) by urinary proteases (independent of aldosterone), and an overall increased effective arterial blood volume. However, a subset of patients with NS, especially children, demonstrate decreased effective arterial blood volume (‘underfill’ theory) and secondary sodium retention as the primary mechanism of oedema formation. Increased capillary permeability and vascular inflammation contributes as well. Loop diuretics with or without salt-poor albumin are the mainstay of therapy in adults, although no large clinical trials exist to guide diuretic choice or dosage. Combination diuretic therapy is recommended to achieve multi-site nephron blockade and overcome diuretic resistance, which is a frequent challenge. Use of direct ENaC inhibitors (amiloride) in combination with loop diuretics may be especially beneficial given the primary role of ENaC in sodium retention. Aquaretics such as vasopressin receptor antagonists may have a role in treatment as well. Well-designed clinical trials are essential to guide therapy of refractory oedema in NS. In this review, the authors discuss the pathogenesis of oedema formation in patients with NS and propose a treatment algorithm for management of resistant oedema based on the limited available evidence.

Use of loop diuretics in chronic heart failure: do we adhere to the Hippocratian principle 'do no harm'?

Use of loop diuretics in chronic heart failure: do we adhere to the Hippocratian principle 'do no harm'?

Intravenous Albumin and Diuretic in Nephrotic Syndrome with Severe Edema: Our Experience and Literature Review :

Background and Aim: Steroids are the mainstay of initial treatment in children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome (INS). The role of diuretics in children with NS is less clear in comparison to adults. In cases with severe or refractory edema, furosemide is often combined with albumin infusion (0.5 to 1 g/kg) to provide symptomatic relief. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of 17 patients with a diagnosis of Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome (SDNS) admitted for relapse of NS with severe edema who were resistant to diuretic therapy alone. The patients were treated as per unit protocol with an infusion of 100 ml intravenous albumin 20% over 4 hours and 2 doses (one in the morning at 10 AM and the other in the evening at 6 PM) of furosemide 1mg/kg for 3 days. Response to therapy and adverse events were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the study population was 10.58±1.5 years. All of the patients had severe edema and none of them had responded to intravenous diuretics alone. After co-administration of intravenous albumin infusion and furosemide, the mean weight loss per day per patient was 0.87±0.16 kg. Conclusion: A significant improvement was noted in all of the patients following co-administration of albumin and furosemide without any adverse events.

Spectrum of Infections in Children with Primary Nephrotic Syndrome: Cross Sectional Study:

Background and Aim: Steroids are the mainstay of initial treatment in children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome (INS). The role of diuretics in children with NS is less clear in comparison to adults. In cases with severe or refractory edema, furosemide is often combined with albumin infusion (0.5 to 1 g/kg) to provide symptomatic relief. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of 17 patients with a diagnosis of Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome (SDNS) admitted for relapse of NS with severe edema who were resistant to diuretic therapy alone. The patients were treated as per unit protocol with an infusion of 100 ml intravenous albumin 20% over 4 hours and 2 doses (one in the morning at 10 AM and the other in the evening at 6 PM) of furosemide 1mg/kg for 3 days. Response to therapy and adverse events were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the study population was 10.58±1.5 years. All of the patients had severe edema and none of them had responded to intravenous diuretics alone. After co-administration of intravenous albumin infusion and furosemide, the mean weight loss per day per patient was 0.87±0.16 kg. Conclusion: A significant improvement was noted in all of the patients following co-administration of albumin and furosemide without any adverse events.

S2906 Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Presenting as Refractory Edema in a Young Woman

S2906 Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Presenting as Refractory Edema in a Young Woman

New renal haemodynamic indices can predict worsening of renal function in acute decompensated heart failure.

AimsWorsening of renal function (WRF) is a common complication in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We aimed to evaluate the role of intrarenal Doppler ultrasound (IRD) in the early prediction of WRF in this patient group.Methods and resultsAmong 90 patients (age: 57.5 ± 11.1 years; 62% male) hospitalized with ADHF, resistivity index (RI), acceleration time (AT), and pulsatility index (PI) were measured on admission and at 24 and 72 h. WRF was defined as increased serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL from baseline. Adverse clinical outcomes were defined as the composite of death, use of vasopressors, and need for ultrafiltration for refractory oedema. WRF developed in 40% of patients. Mean values of renal AT, RI, and PI on admission were 59.7 ± 15, 0.717 ± 0.08, and 1.5 ± 0.48 ms, respectively. At 24 h, there was significant decrease in AT (to 56.7 ± 10 ms, P = 0.02) and renal RI (to 0.732 ± 0.07; P < 0.001); these changes were maintained up to 72 h. Renal PI showed no significant changes. Independent predictors of WRF were renal AT at 24 h and admission values of renal RI, left ventricular ejection fraction, and plasma cystatin C. Renal AT at 24 h ≥ 57.8 ms had 89% sensitivity and 70% specificity for the prediction of WRF. Independent predictors for adverse clinical outcomes were left ventricular end systolic dimension and WRF.ConclusionsAmong ADHF patients receiving diuretic therapy, measurement of renal AT and RI by IRD can help identify patients at increased risk for WRF.

A Review: Does Complement or the Contact System Have a Role in Protection or Pathogenesis of COVID-19?

IntroductionCOVID-19 presentation may include a profound increase in cytokines and associated pneumonia, rapidly progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This so-called cytokine storm often leads to refractory edema, respiratory arrest, and death. At present, anti-IL-6, antiviral therapy, convalescent plasma, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin among others are being investigated as potential treatments for COVID-19. As the disease etiology and precise therapeutic interventions are still not definitively defined, we wanted to review the roles that complement and the contact system may have in either the treatment or pathogenesis of the disease.MethodsWe searched the recent literature (PubMed) on complement and coronavirus; contact system and coronavirus; bradykinin and coronavirus; and angiotensin receptor and coronavirus. The manuscript complies with ethics guidelines and was deemed exempt from institutional review board approval according to Human Subjects Protection Office guidelines.ResultsMouse models are available for the study of coronavirus and complement. Although complement is effective in protecting against many viruses, it does not seem to be protective against coronavirus. C3 knockout mice infected with SARS-CoV had less lung disease than wild-type mice, suggesting that complement may play a role in coronavirus pathogenesis. Some evidence suggests that the observed pulmonary edema may be bradykinin-induced and could be the reason that corticosteroids, antihistamines, and other traditional interventions for edema are not effective. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and studies thus far have not concluded a benefit or risk associated with the use of either ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists.SummaryActivation of complement and the contact system, through generation of bradykinin, may play a role in the SARS-CoV-2-induced pulmonary edema, and our search suggests that further work is necessary to confirm our suspicions.

Therapy with the Combination of Tolvaptan and Furosemide for Refractory Edema in Nephrotic Syndrome.

Therapy with the Combination of Tolvaptan and Furosemide for Refractory Edema in Nephrotic Syndrome.

Manejo de la insuficiencia cardíaca refractaria a diuréticos con suero salino hipertónico

La insuficiencia cardiaca es una de las patologías más prevalentes en nuestra sociedad, siendo una causa frecuente de morbimortalidad en ancianos. El tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca aguda se basa principalmente en la administración de diuréticos de asa de forma intravenosa, sin embargo, en algunos casos su uso no se asocia a una mejora en la sintomatología ni el pronóstico, requiriendo reingresos hospitalarios de forma habitual. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente ingresado a cargo de la Unidad de Hospitalización a Domicilio que presentaba insuficiencia cardiaca crónica y edemas refractarios en ambos miembros inferiores a pesar de un tratamiento diurético adecuado. Se inicia infusión de suero salino hipertónico junto con altas dosis de furosemida, registrando una mejora de la sintomatología y reducción de los edemas manteniendo su función renal.

Efficacy of sequential dialysis combined with hydroxyethyl starch in the treatment of refractory edema of nephrotic syndrome

Objective To observe the efficacy of sequential dialysis combined with hydroxyethyl starch in the treatment of patients with refractory edema of nephrotic syndrome. Methods Eighty-eight patients with refractory edema of nephrotic syndrome were randomly divided into control group (n=44) and combination group (n=44) according to the digital table.The control group was treated with hydroxyethyl starch, and the combination group was treated with sequential dialysis combined with hydroxyethyl starch.The levels of urinary NAG, urinary KIM-1 and serum ICAM-1, TNF-, IL-6 were compared.And the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated. Results The improvement time of clinical symptoms in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group, and the average weight loss of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(t=7.099, 9.279, all P 0.05). Compared with before treatment, 24h urine of the two groups after treatment was increased (tcombination group=36.266, P 0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of ICAM-1, TNF- and IL-1β in the combination group were significantly lower than those before treatment and those in the control group(tcombination group=15.655, 16.882, 16.091, all P 0.05). Conclusion Sequential dialysis combined with hydroxyethyl starch in the treatment of refractory edema of nephrotic syndrome can improve the clinical curative effect and improve the renal function of patients.It is worthy to be further promoted. Key words: Sequential dialysis; Hydroxyethyl starch; Nephrotic syndrome, refractory edema

Perspective Review: Type 2 Diabetes and Readmission for Heart Failure.

Heart failure is a leading cause for hospitalisation and for readmission, especially in patients over the age of 65. Diabetes is an increasingly common companion to heart failure. The presence of diabetes and its associated comorbidity increases the risk of adverse outcomes and premature mortality in patients with heart failure. In particular, patients with diabetes are more likely to be readmitted to hospital soon after discharge. This may partly reflect the greater severity of heart disease in these patients. In addition, agents that reduce the chances of readmission such as β-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are underutilised because of the perceived increased risks of adverse drug reactions and other limitations. In some cases, readmission to hospital is precipitated by acute decompensation of heart failure (re-exacerbation) leading to pulmonary congestion and/or refractory oedema. However, it appears that for most of the patients admitted and then discharged with a primary diagnosis of heart failure, most readmissions are not due to heart failure, but rather due to comorbidity including arrhythmia, infection, adverse drug reactions, and renal impairment/reduced hydration. All of these are more common in patients who also have diabetes, and all may be partly preventable. The many different reasons for readmission underline the critical value of multidisciplinary comprehensive care in patients admitted with heart failure, especially those with diabetes. A number of new strategies are also being developed to address this area of need, including the use of SGLT2 inhibitors, novel nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid antagonists, and neprilysin inhibitors.