Regular Monitoring Of Renal Function Research Articles

P434 Incidence of chronic end-stage renal disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a population-based cohort study from the French National Health Insurance Database

Abstract Background Renal disorders are among the extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and treatments may also lead to renal failure. However, the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), defined as the need for renal replacement therapy (dialysis and/or renal transplantation(RT)), is poorly known. The primary objective of our study was to assess the incidence of ESRD in IBD patients, and to compare it with the non-IBD population. Methods We conducted a prognostic cohort study based on data from the French National Health Insurance Database(SNDS). Prevalent cases of IBD affiliated to the general health insurance scheme during the period 2011-2020 were identified on the basis of declarations long-term diseases ALD 24 or the presence of 2 hospital stays for IBD with ICD-10 codes or a single stay with reimbursement of specific treatments. Incident cases of ESRD were identified on the basis of a stay with a RT or a period with dialysis sessions for at least 45 days. Crude incidence rates of ESRD were calculated over the period for the IBD and the non-IBD population, with their 95% confidence intervals. Results A total of 280,283 IBD patients were included in the study over the period 2011-2020, 134,567 with ulcerative colitis(UC) and 145,716 with Crohn’s disease(CD). The mean age at study inclusion was 39.8 (± 17.1) years. The M/F sex ratio was 0.9. The mean age at incidence of ESRD in the non-IBD population was 65.0 (±17.0) years, the M/F sex ratio cases was 1.7. Among IBD patients, 534 patients began replacement therapy by dialysis or RT, they were younger than non-IBD patients (60.3(±16.7)years, P<0.001).The mean incidence rate of ESRD over the period was 26.4 per 100,000 person-years (IC95% 23.1-29.6), 480 (89.9%) patients entered ESRD by dialysis, and 54 (10.1%) by preemptive RT. In the non-IBD population the mean rate of ESRD was 15.9 per 100,000 person-years (IC95% 14.8- 17.1; P<0.0001 compared with IBD): 79,606 (94.5%) patients entered ESRD by dialysis, and 4,634 (5.5%) by RT (as compared with IBD,P<0.001). In subgroup analysis, the mean incidence rate of ESRD was 22.8 per 100,000 person-years (IC95% 18.9-26.7) in UC patients and 29.5 (IC95% 25.3-33.6) in CD patients. The rates of preemptive RT were 12.4% in UC patients (87.6% dialysis) and 8.6% in CD patients (91.4% dialysis). Over a median follow-up of 6.8 years, the survival rate after ESRD was 40.8% in ESRD-IBD patients VS 34.2% in ESRD non-IBD patients (P<0.001). Conclusion This study shows that the incidence of ESRD is significantly higher in IBD than in the non-IBD population, confirming the need for regular monitoring of renal function in our patients. The high incidence of RT confirms that access to transplantation is not restricted in this population.

Second and Third Kidney Transplants.

Renal transplant is the best procedure for patients with end-stage renal disease. Although an ideal kidney transplant should survive for the lifetime of each recipient, there may be a need for a second, third, or even a fourth retransplant. The outcomes of these kidney allografts, surgical approaches, immunology issues, and drug therapies warrant greater focus. Pediatric kidney retransplant is even more important because these patients are more immunologically responsive to donor antigens and because they need longer allograft survival. Although kidney retransplant provides a survival advantage for patients who would otherwise remain on the wait list and/or hemodialysis, careful patient selection is crucial for second, third, and fourth renal transplants. Despite the shortage of donor organs, outcomes, manageable complications, and economic considerations support earlier kidney retransplants rather than delayed retransplants. Preoperative vascular imaging, appropriate induction therapy, regular monitoring of renal function, and regular surveillance for malignancy and infection are more important in the retransplanted kidneys than in cases of first kidney transplants. The lack of robust data on optimal clinical management of these retransplant recipients has contributed to substantial variations in clinical practice among different centers. In this review, we discuss medical and surgical approaches in the cases of second and third kidney transplants.

Silent Lupus Nephritis: Unmasking the Subtle Burden of Renal Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – A Case Report

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the involvement of multiple organs, including the kidneys. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and severe manifestation of SLE, often leading to renal dysfunction and disease progression. However, some cases of LN can present with minimal or no clinical symptoms, making early detection and intervention challenging. We present a case report of a 26-year-old lady from Bangladesh with "silent" LN, emphasizing the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely diagnosis. The patient initially presented Swelling of lower limbs but did not exhibit overt urinary symptoms or signs of renal dysfunction. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, and reduced complement levels. Despite the absence of classical clinical features, a renal biopsy was performed due to persistent laboratory abnormalities, which confirmed the presence of LN. The patient's treatment regimen included high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, resulting in clinical improvement and normalization of laboratory parameters. Regular monitoring of renal function and disease activity was crucial in maintaining disease control and preventing further renal damage. CBMJ 2023 July: Vol. 12 No. 02 P: 188-191

Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome: About A Case

Summary: Congenital nephrotic syndrome is a nephrotic syndrome present from birth or in the first three months of life, while infantile nephrotic syndrome is defined by a later onset but in the first year of life. Finnish-type congenital nephrotic syndrome and diffuse mesangial sclerosis represent the two main etiologies. Accurate diagnosis is based on clinical, histological and molecular biology criteria, and antenatal diagnosis is possible in some cases. We report the case of a female newborn, premature 35 WA + 9J, without particular pathological ATCDS admitted on D1 of life for a positive infectious assessment objectifying a bicytopenia made of thrombocytopenia and a neutropenia requested following an infectious anamnesis. positive in the mother, put on ATB, the evolution was marked by the appearance of edema of the two lower limbs on D6 of hospitalization taking the bucket in front generalized with puffiness of the face on D13 of hospitalization, a biological assessment was made and confirmed the nephrotic syndrome: hypoproteinemia at 20.3 g/l + hypoalbuminemia at 10.3 g/l + proteinuria for 24 hours at 3.3 g/24 hours proteinuria/creatinuria ratio 55. Associated symptomatic treatment nephroprotective treatment based on converting enzyme inhibitors was started with regular monitoring of renal function. In conclusion the congenital and infantile nephrotic syndromes are rare and generally have a poor prognosis whose evolution towards terminal renal insufficiency requires a program of dialysis and renal transplantationto the in the intensive Care Department A1 of the Hassan II University Hospital of Fez for the management of CT.

Renal function of bladder cancer patients after urinary diversion by ileal conduit in Rajavithi Hospital

Objectives: Our objectives were to evaluate the long-term renal function after radical cystectomy (RC) and ileal conduit diversion (ICD) and to analyze year-by-year the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and morphologic upper urinary tract changes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 214 patients who had undergone RC and ICD from 2012 to 2018, with regular postoperative follow-up visits. The eGFR was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation at baseline and during follow-up. A renal function decrease was defined as a greater than 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results: The median follow-up period after RC was 24 months (range, 6-60 months). The median eGFR decreased from 64 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range, 9-125 mL/min/1.73 m2) to 61.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range, 8-125 mL/min/1.73 m2). A decline in renal function occurred during the first postoperative years (2.74 mL/ min/1.73 m2 and 3.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the first and second year, respectively), with a slight decrease in the subsequent years. The strongest predictor of an eGFR decline was CKD stage 1 or 2 (> 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Urinary obstruction was diagnosed in 6 patients (2.8%). Among the patients who underwent prompt interventional treatment, we did not find any association with the eGFR decline. Conclusion: Patients with urinary ICD have a lifelong risk of chronic kidney disease. Regular monitoring of renal function and the morphologic upper urinary tract will permit early diagnosis and treatment of modifiable factors, avoiding irreversible kidney damage.

MO961KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION AS A TREATMENT OF CHOICE FOR AA AMYLOIDOSIS DUE TO PERIODIC FEVER SYNDROME

Abstract Background and Aims Renal AA amyloidosis is the most serious complication of periodic fever syndrome, which, inadequate suppression, due to persistent inflammation, leads to nephrotic syndrome and renal failure over several years. In most cases, periodic fever syndromes begin to manifest clinically in early childhood. Occurrence in adulthood is considered rare and is associated with a poorer clinical course. Kidney transplantation is an effective and safe treatment for end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on AA amyloidosis. Method We present cases of two patients after deceased donor kidney transplantation, who have been diagnosed with adult periodic fever syndrome. Conclusion Periodic fever syndromes are diseases beginning to manifest clinically in early childhood in 60–90% of cases, most often in the case of familial Mediterranean fever around 4 years of age, in the case of CAPS usually only a few months after birth. Occurrence in adulthood is considered rare and is associated with a poorer clinical course. Kidney transplantation is an effective and safe treatment of end-stage CKD based on AA amyloidosis associated with periodic fever syndrome. Adequate targeted treatment against IL-1 or TNF is important and appears to be safe during the post-transplant period, with regular monitoring of renal function, acute phase inflammatory reactants, and histological findings by protocol graft biopsies. It will be important and necessary to assess the development of diseases in the post-transplant period in the long term.

Effects of fasting on patients with chronic kidney disease during Ramadan and practical guidance for healthcare professionals.

There are an estimated 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, with the majority of them choosing to fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting, which requires abstinence from food and drink from dawn to sunset can be up to 20 h per day during the summer months in temperate regions. Fasting can be especially challenging in patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Moreover, there is concern that those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can experience electrolyte imbalance and worsening of renal function. In this article, current literature is reviewed and a decision-making management tool has been developed to assist clinicians in discussing the risks of fasting in patients with CKD, with consideration also given to circumstances such as the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Our review highlights that patients with CKD wishing to fast should undergo a thorough risk assessment ideally within a month before Ramadan, as they may require medication changes and a plan for regular monitoring of renal function and electrolytes in order to fast safely. Recommendations have been based on risk tiers (very high risk, high risk and low–moderate risk) established by the International Diabetes Federation and the Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance. Patients in the very high risk and high risk categories should be encouraged to explore alternative options to fasting, while those in the low–moderate category may be able to fast safely with guidance from their clinician. Prior to the commencement of Ramadan, all patients must receive up-to-date education on sick-day rules and instructions on when to terminate their fast or abstain from fasting.

Renal function in a cohort of HIV-infected patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in an outpatient setting in Ethiopia.

To evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of abnormal renal function among Ethiopian HIV-infected patients at baseline prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and during follow-up. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of HIV infected patients who initiated ART at the outpatient ART clinic of Mehal Meda Hospital of North Shewa, Ethiopia from January 2012 to August 2018. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical records of patients. Renal function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to determine the factors associated with abnormal renal function at baseline and during follow-up. Among 353 patients, 70 (19.8%) had baseline eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 and 102 (28.9%) had eGFR = 60-89.9 ml/min/1.73m2. Factors associated with baseline renal impairment (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2) included female sex (AOR = 3.52, CI 1.75-7.09), CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 (AOR = 2.75, CI 1.40-5.42), BMI < 25 Kg/m2 (AOR = 3.04, CI 1.15-8.92), low hemoglobin (AOR = 2.19, CI 1.16-4.09) and high total cholesterol (AOR = 3.15, CI 1.68-5.92). After a median of 3.0 years of ART, the mean eGFR declined from 112.9 ± 81.2 ml/min/1.73m2 at baseline to 93.9 ± 60.6 ml/min/1.73m2 (P < 0.001). The prevalence of renal impairment increased from 19.8% at baseline to 22.1% during follow-up. Of 181 patients with baseline normal renal function, 49.7% experienced some degree of renal impairment. Older age (AOR = 3.85, 95% CI 2.03-7.31), female sex (AOR = 4.18, 95% CI 2.08-8.40), low baseline CD4 (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.24-4.69), low current CD4 count (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.15-4.68), high BMI (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.49-5.71), and low hemoglobin (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI 2.00-7.46) were the factors associated with renal impairment during follow-up. Impaired renal function was common in HIV-infected patients initiating ART in an outpatient setting in Ethiopia, and there appears to be a high prevalence of renal impairment after a median ART follow-up of 3 years. There is a need for assessment of renal function at baseline before ART initiation and regular monitoring of renal function for patients with HIV during follow-up.

Incidentally detected pancake kidney: a case report

BackgroundCongenital anomalies of the urinary system are very common and have extremely varied presentation. Among them, the most rarely found structural anomaly is the pancake kidney. When both kidneys are fused along their medial surfaces to form a round-shaped single renal mass, it is termed as pancake kidney. In this case report, a pancake kidney was incidentally detected in a girl. The majority of individuals who have pancake kidney are usually asymptomatic but surgeons should be aware of coexisting malformation of other organs and its potential risk of developing malignancy.Case presentationA 12-year-old Bengali girl presented to our out-patient department with mild, dull aching, lower abdominal pain and dysuria. She had no history of fever, hematuria, menstrual abnormality, pelvic inflammatory disease, or trauma. Urine examination showed traces of albumin and 10–12 pus cells/high-power field. She had normal kidney function test but a digital X-ray of her kidney, ureter, and bladder region failed to demonstrate bilateral renal tissue shadows. Ultrasonography of her whole abdomen showed normal intra-abdominal organs except for empty bilateral renal fossa. A multi-detector computed tomography scan of her whole abdomen revealed one round-shaped mass measuring approximately 9 cm (vertical) × 10 cm (horizontal) in the pelvic cavity. That mass was finally identified as a pancake kidney. She was prescribed antibiotics based on urine culture and sensitivity test that cured her symptoms. She was advised to follow-up regularly in our out-patient department to evaluate her kidney function and to rule out any neoplastic change.ConclusionsThis condition can be managed conservatively, if the individual remains asymptomatic, by regular monitoring of renal function. Surgeons should remain alert for the development of infections, any obstructive manifestations leading to calculus formation, and any malignant changes. The individual should be careful in avoiding trauma to low-lying pelvic kidney. Extensive surgeries should be avoided and only selective procedures should be done so that the patient may lead a normal lifestyle.

Risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with kidney stones\u2014a nationwide cohort study

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney stones are common in Taiwan; in particular, CKD has a high prevalence but low self-awareness rate. CKD-related risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drugs are well-known and uncontested; however, kidney stones are relatively less studied and easily overlooked as a risk factor. The objective of this study was to investigate whether kidney stones are a risk factor for CKD.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide population-based matched cohort study to assess the risk of incident CKD in people with kidney stones. Data on incident stones formers in the year 2001—excluding those with a history of CKD—were obtained from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance database. Stone formers were matched (1:4) to control subjects according to sex, age, and index date. The total observation period of the study was 10 years, and the primary end-point was the occurrence of CKD. Student’s t-test and Chi-squared test were used to compare continuous and categorical data, respectively. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio of kidney stone patients with incident CKD relative to the control group. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to obtain the hazard ratio for development of incident CKD among patients with kidney stones.ResultsThe incidence of CKD in the kidney stone cohort was 11.2%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < .001). Survival analysis showed that the stones cohort was 1.82 times more likely to experience CKD than the controls. Age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia increased the risk of CKD incidence (1.04, 1.27, 1.55, 3.31, and 1.25 times, respectively).ConclusionKidney stones are a definite risk factor for CKD; therefore, patients with stones are suggested to undergo regular renal function monitoring and receive appropriate treatment to avoid CKD.

Long-term follow-up of HCV infected kidney transplant recipients receiving direct-acting antiviral agents: a single-center experience in China

BackgroundLong-term outcome of DAAs therapy in kidney transplant recipients was unknown. Thus, we aimed to evaluate it in a Chinese cohort of HCV-infected kidney transplant recipients.MethodsSingle-center and retrospective study of HCV-infected kidney transplant recipients initiating an DAAs regimen between January 2015 and December 2017 was conducted. Totally 26 KTX recipients were divided into three groups, including KTX-HD Group, DAA-KTX Group and KTX-DAA Group. On-treatment response was defined as target not detected within 12 weeks. SVR 48, 96 were defined as HCV-RNA negativity 48, 96 weeks after treatment cessation, respectively.ResultsHCV genotype was predominantly 1b (80.8%), followed by 2a. All (100%) patients achieved on-treatment response. Time to first TnD was 1.9 ± 0.6 weeks, with no significant difference among the three groups. All patients achieved SVR, with an SVR rate of 100.0% (26/26) among the patients who were followed up over 48 weeks after treatment cessation, and the same SVR rate (24/24) among the patients who were followed up over 96 weeks. Trough levels of Tac remained stable under DAAs therapy, without any dose adjustment. Two patients with abnormal GFR before treatment experienced serum creatinine elevation. Other adverse events included nausea, diarrhea, acid regurgitation, bilirubin elevation and edema of lower limbs. All patients recovered after treatment cessation without reductions in dose, or withdrawal of DAAs or immunosuppressive agents.ConclusionsHCV genotype 1b and 2a are the only genotypes and 1b is predominant in our center. Antiviral treatment with DAAs in HCV-infected kidney transplant recipients is persistently effective and well tolerated during long-term follow-up. A regular monitoring of renal function in patients who receive DAAs regimens with preexisting impaired renal function is strongly recommended. Furthermore, the trough CNIs levels were recommended to be frequently monitored.

NEPHROPATHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 AND ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSIVE DISEASE

In diabetes mellitus type 2 combined with essential hypertensive disease, the risk of kidney failure increases by 15-20 times. Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of kidney failure - about 34% of all cases. So important is early diagnosis and regular monitoring of renal function in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and essential hypertensive disease.&#x0D;

Accidental chronic lithium toxicity

Lithium is an effective first-line mood stabiliser for bipolar disorder, treatment-refractory depression and suicide prevention. Studies have demonstrated its ability to produce neuroprotective benefits. Despite this, Lithium can cause neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and endocrine derangement resulting in severe (and potentially permanent) side effects. Lithium toxicity can be precipitated by illness, salt restriction diets, dehydration, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, impaired creatinine clearance, concomitant drugs. This is particularly true in older patients with altered pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. We present a 52-year-old female who presented with prolonged signs of lithium toxicity post-diarrhoea. Lack of monitoring due to her nomadic life-style resulted in the combination of long-lasting neurotoxicity and thyroid dysfunction. Our patient displayed neurotoxicity that was not present on imaging. This highlights the importance of regular monitoring of renal function, lithium serum levels and neuro-endocrine function to reduce complications associated with lithium toxicity.

Incidence and predictors of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-induced renal impairment in HIV infected Nigerian patients

The use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in the treatment of HIV infection has been associated with renal dysfunction. In Nigeria, data on the incidence and risk factors of TDF nephrotoxicity is sparse. We determined the cumulative incidence of and risk factors for TDF-induced renal impairment in HIV-infected individuals accessing care at the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. This retrospective cohort analysis included patients aged ≥16 years that initiated ART between January 2008 and December 2011. Renal impairment, defined as glomerular filtration rate GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 sqm using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation was assessed at baseline and at 48 weeks on ART. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with incident renal impairment. The mean age was 39±9 years, and 67.1% were female. The cumulative incidence of renal impairment among the TDF-exposed and TDF-unexposed groups was 4.6% and 2.3% respectively (p<0.001). TDF exposure was significantly associated with renal impairment [OR=2.0, 95%CI=(1.48-2.89), p<0.001] in bivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, older age (aOR=1.06, 95%CI=(1.05-1.08), p<0.001), TDF exposure [aOR=1.85, 95%CI=(1.31-2.60), p<0.001] and co-morbidities [aOR=2.71, 95%CI=(1.72-4.25), p<0.001] were significantly associated with renal impairment. TDF exposure, aging and comorbidities were predictors of renal toxicity among HIV positive patients. Regular monitoring of renal function in such high-risk individuals is recommended.

Effect of Fenofibrate Medication on Renal Function.

BackgroundFibrates are widely used to treat hypertriglyceridemia, a risk factor for arteriosclerosis, but these compounds have been associated with renal dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fibrates on renal function in relatively healthy adult subjects with no cardiovascular diseases.MethodsThis retrospective study included 558 outpatients who were prescribed 160 mg fenofibrate (fenofibrate group) or 10 mg atorvastatin (control group) between August 2007 and October 2015. The groups were randomly matched using propensity scores at a 1:1 ratio. Serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.ResultsPatients in the fenofibrate group showed greater changes in serum creatinine levels than those in the control group (9.73%±9.83% versus −0.89%±7.37%, P<0.001). Furthermore, 55.1% of patients in the fenofibrate group, but only 6.1% of those in the control group, exhibited a serum creatinine level increase ≥0.1 mg/dL (P<0.001). The fenofibrate group showed significantly greater declines in the estimated glomerular filtration rate than the control group (−10.1%±9.48% versus 1.42%±9.42%, P<0.001). Moreover, 34.7% of the fenofibrate group, but only 4.1% of the control group, exhibited an estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease ≥10 mL/min·1.73 m2 (P<0.001).ConclusionFenofibrate treatment resulted in increased serum creatinine levels and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rates in a primary care setting. Therefore, regular renal function monitoring should be considered essential during fibrate administration.

New oral anticoagulants: appropriateness of prescribing in real-world setting.

The new oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have been extensively studied in the clinical trial setting; however, concerns remain about the safety of prescribing in the elderly and patients with renal impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of NOAC prescribing in a real-world setting in terms of patient selection and to compare patient demographics to those included in pivotal clinical trials. One hundred and seventy-six patients from three tertiary university teaching hospitals were identified over 3 months in 2014. Median age of the cohort was 74 years (interquartile range: 61-81 years), with a range of 23-96 years. Overall, 34% of the study population were prescribed a NOAC inappropriately. Of these, treatment was contraindicated in 40%, predominantly due to severe renal impairment, 22% were prescribed an excessively high dose, while 38% were under dosed. Although community-initiated patients had poorer renal function (glomerular filtration rate 91.7 ± 55.7 vs 69.3 ± 38.9, P = 0.024), appropriateness of prescription was no different compared to hospital-initiated patients (78% during admission cf. 61% prior, P = 0.061). Appropriate prescribing was better in patients with venous thromboembolism compared to AF (85% appropriate cf. 60%, P = 0.021). Our findings imply that there remains considerable uncertainty about appropriate prescribing and dosing of NOAC, particularly in patients with impaired renal function. We recommend judicious prescribing and regular monitoring of renal function in patients at high risk of complications from NOAC therapy.

Proton pump inhibitor associated hypomagnasaemia - a cause for concern?

In recent years, there have been a number of case reports of severe hypomagnesaemia associated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, such that both the FDA and MHRA have issued drug safety warnings. They have recommended periodic serum magnesium testing in patients prescribed PPIs but provide no guidance on timing of these measurements. To our knowledge, we are the first to perform a prospective study to explore specifically proton pump inhibitor associated hypomagnesaemia (PPIAH). We followed 56 patients new to PPIs prospectively as well as a further 100 patients on long term PPIs cross-sectionally to identify what factors may be influencing the development of significant hypomagnesaemia. For the prospective arm of the study, we measured serum magnesium levels prior to starting a PPI and again at regular intervals for the next 8months. For the cross-sectional arm of the study we measured serum magnesium levels on patients on PPI therapy ranging from less than 1year to over 5years. We found that, although there was a significant downward trend in serum magnesium levels in patients new to PPI therapy with time, clinically relevant hypomagnesaemia was not readily identifiable on regular blood testing. We did however identify patients on concurrent diuretic therapy as being at higher risk and so would recommend regular serum magnesium testing alongside their regular renal function monitoring on a more frequent basis such as annually.

Monitoring of kidney function in HIV-positive patients.

HIV-positive patients are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Although guidelines recommend regular monitoring of renal function in individuals living with HIV, the optimal frequency remains to be defined. In this review, we discuss the renal syndromes that may be identified at an earlier stage via routine assessment of kidney function, and provide guidance in terms of the frequency of monitoring, the most useful tests to perform, and their clinical significance. Specifically, we address whether annual monitoring of kidney function is appropriate for the majority of HIV-positive patients.

Review of tenofovir use in HIV-infected children.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in children ages 2 years and older and is recommended by the World Health Organization for use as a preferred first-line nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor in adults and adolescents ages 10 years and older. The simplicity of once daily dosing, few metabolic side effects and efficacy against hepatitis B virus make TDF suitable for use in a large scale program. Unlike thymidine analoge nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs); tenofovir does not induce multi-NRTI resistance mutations, so more NRTI options are available for future second-line-regimens. Fixed-dose combinations of TDF with other ARVs as a single tablet regimen are now widely available for adults and adolescents, but none are available for young children. Current information on TDF including the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability in children and adolescents was reviewed. A dosing regimen according to body-weight-band has been established for pediatric use. Safety concerns of TDF mainly relate to its effects on renal function and bone mineral density. Regular monitoring of renal function in high-risk patients, including those on other nephrotoxic drugs, may be warranted to detect adverse renal effects. Long-term-data on renal and bone outcomes among HIV-infected children is needed. Lessons learned from clinical studies will help clinicians balance the risks and benefits of TDF and design appropriate antiretroviral regimens for children in different circumstances.

Is There Evidence of Any Safety Differences Among DPP-4 Inhibitors in the Treatment of People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Reduced GFR Due to Chronic Kidney Disease?

Is There Evidence of Any Safety Differences Among DPP-4 Inhibitors in the Treatment of People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Reduced GFR Due to Chronic Kidney Disease?