Rise In Serum Creatinine Research Articles

COVID-19 and acute kidney injury presentation; stages and prognosis

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with acute kidney injury (AKI). Although the rate of AKI among these patients is not high, their outcome could be much worse than the other patients. Serum creatinine rise along with other laboratory findings may help as a clinical predictor of COVID-19 disease prognosis. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the incidence and possible predictors of AKI occurrence and its outcome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective observational study of 946 hospital-admitted patients with confirmed COVID-19 between March 20, 2020 and May 9, 2020, we described AKI incidence and its stages along with their association with demographic data, comorbidities, habitual and past-medical history, and laboratory findings using STATA version 14. Results: The mean age of participants was 55.6 (±18.7) years of which 60.4% were male. The most and least frequent underlying diseases were hypertension and chronic liver disease, 20.1% and 1.5%, respectively. Among patients with AKI, 45.9% had a higher age mean and female sex was more prevalent. In addition, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and chronic renal disease were more common in patients with AKI compared to patients without AKI. Moreover, AKI patients had lower oxygen saturation and mean levels of lymphocytes and higher mean levels of LDH and CKMB in comparison with no AKI group on admission. Overall, 80% of the patients were discharged (i.e. alive), of which 63.7% were non-severe patients and 19.4% of the patients expired during hospitalization. Conclusion: Comorbidities were more prevalent among AKI groups. Female and older patients were more prone to AKI during COVID-19 progression. The level of CK-MB was also higher in AKI group, suggesting probable cardiac injury. Lymphopenia and leukocytosis may be poor-prognostic factors for both AKI and COVID-19.

Enalapril and Acute Kidney Injury in a Hypertensive Premature Newborn – Should It Be Used or Not?

Extremely low birth weight infants (birth weight ≤1000 g) have a significantly lower nephron number. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is usually sufficient under normal conditions but is unable to meet the needs during stress, which results in acute kidney injury (AKI). We describe the case of an extremely low birth weight infant (970 g) with a gestational age of 27 weeks (immature preterm) who was mechanically ventilated because of hyaline membrane disease. AKI with anuria and a rise in serum creatinine to 3.4 mg/dL developed in the second week. Diuresis was restored after diuretics and dopamine were administered intravenously and kidney function recovered in the next two weeks. However, he slowly became hypertensive, so intravenous enalapril was introduced in the 6th week. After the third dose, he suffered another AKI. After cessation of enalapril, kidney function recovered over the next few days. Although angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) may cause kidney injury, it can be used with great caution in the treatment of hypertension or heart failure in preterm infants. There remains a real dilemma of whether enalapril should be used in extremely low birth weight immature infants.

Evaluation the preventive effect of Selenium on acute kidney injury following on-pump cardiac surgery

Introduction: patients who undergo on-pump cardiac surgery are at risk of acute kidney injury following the operation. This is mainly due to some ischemic events and also pre- and postoperative stress responses which can result in postoperative organ dysfunction. Selenium as an antioxidant may help to reduce the inflammation and subsequent related complications. In this study we tested that if administration of oral Se compliment before and following the on-pump cardiac surgery can reduce the incidence or severity of kidney injury following the operation. Methods: In a randomized double-blind trial we divided the randomly selected patients who were candidate for on-pupm cardiac surgery into two groups of those who received selenium and control group. In selenium group we administrated 500 µg of selenium orally 14 and 2 hours before surgery and every 12 hours postoperatively for 2 days (overall 3000 µg) while the control group received only the routine and standard care. Subsequently patients were closely observed for serum creatinine rise and incidence of post-operative AKI during their hospitalization period in both groups using both Rifle and AKIN criteria separately. Besides, some additional data including: ICU-stay, duration of the operation and need for Blood products during the operation were recorded. At the end, the statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 11.5 software in order to determine any significant difference in case and control group. Results: The study population included 120 patients divided in two equal groups of 60, consisting of 46 (38.3%) males and 74 (61.7%) females with the mean age of 52.8±16.7 years. Both groups were similar regarding the demographics and comorbidities. Also statistics showed no significant difference regarding Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) in both groups. Considering the RIFLR criteria, AKI occurred in 11 (17.9%) patients in selenium group and 13 (21.4%) patients in control group while based on AKIN criteria figures were 17 (28.6%) and 21 (35.7%) in selenium and the control group , respectively. The most frequent stage of AKI among patients was the first stage in both group and the highest rate of AKI occurred in 3-4 days after surgery in both groups. Conclusion: According to our research Administrating oral Selenium was not beneficial in order to prevent AKI after on-pump cardiac surgery.

A case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with class IV nephritis in a 60 year old female

Patients who develop Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) at or after the age of 50 years are considered as late-onset SLE. In this case report, we present a case of class IV Lupus Nephritis in a 60-year-old lady with newly diagnosed SLE. This lady presented with generalized edema and reduced urine output and found to have active urinary sediment, rising serum creatinine, positive ANA and dsDNA and hypocomplementemia. Renal biopsy proved diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (Lupus Nephritis – class IV). She was treated with methyl prednisolone and cyclophosphamide as the induction regime. Then treatment was continued according to Euro- Lupus Protocol. She showed clinical and biochemical improvement.

Acute Renal Failure and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Overdose With N-acetyl Cysteine After Acetaminophen Poisoning

Context: Acetylcysteine is an effective treatment for acetaminophen poisoning. The preparation and dose calculation of acetylcysteine is associated with medical errors. The prevalence of this error is 34% globally. Case report: A 15-year-old girl took an overdose of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. Acetylcysteine intravenous was ordered. Due to the medication error by the nurse, she received a 10-fold overdose of intravenous acetylcysteine in both initial loading dose and maintenance dose, at first day. On the second day, the patient showed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated liver enzymes. Her hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet quickly decreased. Subsequently, she developed oliguria, anuria, and rising serum creatinine levels. The patient was diagnosed with uremic hemolytic syndrome. She underwent hemodialysis and was treated with plasmapheresis, blood transfusions, and platelets. Discussion: The effects of acetaminophen poisoning and acetylcysteine overdose may be much more severe and have a greater impact on patient survival than each poisoning alone. Timely and accurate treatment measures can help prevent long-term side effects.

Acute kidney injury after the arterial switch operation: incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the incidence, potential risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes of acute kidney injury in children following the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. Retrospective review of children who underwent ASO between 2000 and 2020 in our tertiary children's hospital in the Netherlands. Pre-and post-ASO serum creatinine levels were collected. Severe AKI was defined as 100% serum creatinine rise or estimated creatinine clearance <35ml/min/1.73m2 according to pRIFLE criteria. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. A total of 242 children were included. Fifty-seven (24%) children developed severe AKI after ASO. Four patients with severe AKI were treated with renal replacement therapy. Children with severe AKI had a longer duration of mechanical ventilation 4.5 (1.0-29) versus 3 (1.0-12) days (p = 0.001), longer PICU stay 7 (2-76) versus 5 (1-70) days, (p = 0.001), higher rate of myocardial infarction 5% versus 0.5% (p = 0.001), sepsis 24% versus 9% (p = 0.002), post-operative pulmonary hypertension 19% versus 6% (p = 0.002), post-operative bleeding 9% versus 3% (p = 0.044), longer time to sternal closure 3 (1-19) versus 2 (1-6) days, (p = 0.009), and a higher mortality rate 9.0% versus 0.5% (p = 0.001) compared to children without severe AKI. Sepsis was a risk factor for developing severe AKI. In this single-centre cohort, 24% of our patients developed severe AKI after ASO, which is associated with increased morbidity, longer PICU stay, and higher mortality.

Temporal Trends of Acute Kidney Injury and Associated Risk Exposures in Extremely Preterm Infants.

Neonatal AKI in the preterm population is an under-recognized morbidity. Detecting AKI in preterm infants is important for their long-term kidney health. We aimed to examine the yearly trends of incidence and the related morbidities and care practices affecting the occurrence of neonatal AKI in extremely preterm (gestational age <29 weeks) and very preterm (gestational age 29-32 weeks) infants. The trends and the related risk factors and care practices of AKI were examined in the extremely preterm (n=434) and very preterm (n=257) infants who were admitted within 14 days after birth from 2005 to 2018 to the University Hospital and had at least two serum creatinine measurements during hospitalization. We defined AKI as a serum creatinine rise of 0.3 mg/dl or more within 48 hours or a 1.5-fold increase within 7 days. The extremely preterm group had a three-fold higher incidence of AKI (30% versus 10%) than the very preterm group. Among preterm infants with AKI, 92% had one episode of AKI, and 45% experienced stage 2 or 3 AKI; the mean duration of AKI was 12±9 days. Across the 14-year period, the crude incidence of AKI declined markedly from 56% to 17% in the extremely preterm group and from 23% to 6% in the very preterm group. After adjustment, a significant decline of AKI incidence was still observed in the extremely preterm group. The declining AKI in the extremely preterm infants was related to the trends of decreasing incidences of neonatal transfer, prolonged aminoglycoside exposure, prophylactic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and sepsis. We observed a declining trend in the incidence of neonatal AKI among extremely preterm infants from 2005 to 2018, which may be related to improvement of care practices.

Comparative study on hemato- and nephrotoxicity profile of weekly versus every 3-weekly cisplatin dosage during induction chemotherapy in locally advanced head neck squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundCisplatin is a frontline anticancer drug routinely used as part of concurrent chemoradiation administered at 3-weekly (100 mg/m2) dose. However, its role as fractionated weekly dose has achieved favorable outcome in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (LA-SCCHN) during induction chemotherapy (IC). We therefore sought to compare the toxicity outcomes of patients with LA-SCCHN treated with platinum-based IC at a single institution study using split-dose cisplatin chemotherapy. We compared the hematological and renal toxicity profile between the weekly cisplatin (30 mg/m2) (group A) versus 3-weekly (100 mg/m2) (group B) dosage schedule in this setting.ResultsThe median age of the patients in groups A and B were 49.1 years and 48.27 years respectively with male:female ratio of 4:1. Most of the patients were of oropharyngeal cancers. Group A patients showed greater neutropenia (40.2%) than group B (20.6%). There was statistically significant fall in Hb% level in group A (13.9%) than in group B (11.9%). Renal profile showed greater rise in serum urea and serum creatinine (52.7%) in group B than in group A (52.29%) with statistically significant difference.ConclusionsSince toxicities induced by high-dose cisplatin are irreversible and reduce quality of life in patients, the weekly regimen may be preferred owing to less renal toxicity, lesser hospitalization and more feasible in situations with high patient load and limited resources.

Vesicoureteral Reflux in Nonfunctioning Renal Allograft Incidentally Detected in a Posttransplant 99mTc-DTPA Scan: Significance of Postvoid Imaging.

In the present note, a case with rising serum creatinine shortly posttransplantation was referred for 99mTc-DTPA scan. The previous nonfunctioning renal allograft in the left hemipelvis showed no finding during dynamic phase of scan and filling phase of bladder but revealed a high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in postvoid image, which can be responsible, partly, for the patient's present and prior symptoms.

Significance of serum FGF-23 for risk assessment of contrast-associated acute kidney injury and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 levels rise as kidney function declines. Whether elevated FGF-23 levels are associated with an increased risk for contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients undergoing coronary angiography remain uncertain. In total, 492 patients receiving coronary angiography were enrolled. Their serum FGF-23 levels were measured before administration of contrast media. The occurrence of CA-AKI was defined as a rise in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL or a 25% increase from the baseline value within 48 h after the procedure. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year or until the occurrence of MACE including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemic stroke. Overall, CA-AKI occurred in 41 (8.3%) patients. During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, there were 24 deaths, 3 nonfatal MIs, and 7 ischemic strokes. Compared with those in the lowest FGF-23 tertile, individuals in the highest FGF-23 tertile had a significantly higher incidence of CA-AKI (P < 0.001) and lower incidence of MACE-free survival (P = 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, higher FGF-23 level was found to be independently associated with a graded risk for CA-AKI (OR per doubling, 1.90; 95% CI 1.48-2.44) and MACE (HR per doubling, 1.25; 95% CI 1.02-1.52). Elevated FGF-23 levels were associated with an increased risk for CA-AKI and future MACE among patients undergoing coronary angiography. FGF-23 may play a role in early diagnosis of CA-AKI and predicting clinical outcomes after coronary angiography.

Telmisartan Induced Myotoxicity: A Case-Report

The precise incidence of drug-induced myopathy is still not known, only few reports with the use of Telmisartan. There are likely around 150 agents that are associated to cause myotoxicity like statins, corticosteroids, anti-retroviral, and immunosuppressants. Therefore, as recommended by the guidelines, therapeutic drug monitoring of Telmisartan is required after the initiation of the therapy. However, the rise in serum creatinine up to 20-30% is accepted. But if serum creatinine level increases &gt;30% then withdrawal of the therapy is recommended.&#x0D; Suspicious with the previous therapy of Tab. Telmisartan as no other pathology could be detected. A causality analysis was done using the Naranjo’s algorithm and WHO-UMC Scale and the present ADR was found to be ‘Probable’ with Telmisartan. Tab. Telmisartan was withdrawn completely and was switched by another Antihypertensive -Tab. Enalapril (5mg). Gradually, the condition of the patient showed improvement in terms of both- the clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. However, re-challenge of the drug was not performed in order to avoid further toxicity. After 15 days, the patient had visited Medicine Outpatient Department (OPD) again the creatinine and uric acid levels where checked which were normal and further advised to follow up every month. To be conclude, adverse drug reaction of myotoxicity associated with telmisartan is rare but quite significant. So, close monitoring is necessary to ensure safety of drug therapy especially in long term use.

Intrarenal Doppler Ultrasound Renal Venous Stasis Index Correlates With Acute Cardiorenal Syndrome in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

BackgroundAcute cardiorenal syndrome (ACRS) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Intrarenal venous blood flow can be assessed using Doppler ultrasound and has prognostic significance in ADHF. Although intrarenal Doppler (IRD) may be sensitive to renal congestion, an association between IRD parameters and ACRS has not been demonstrated in an ADHF population. MethodsHospitalized patients with ADHF (n = 21) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS; n = 21) were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent echocardiography, including IRD, using a standard cardiac ultrasound transducer. Intrarenal venous flow was quantified with the renal venous stasis index (RVSI), defined as the duration of absent venous flow time divided by cardiac cycle duration. The primary outcome was acute kidney injury (AKI) as assessed using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. ResultsADHF patients had a similar cardiac index (2.0 ± 0.6 vs 2.1 ± 0.4 L/min per m2, P = 0.91) but higher estimated central venous pressure (13.0 ± 3.2 vs 4.6 ± 2.4 mm Hg, P < 0.001) measured using echocardiography, compared with ACS patients. IRD was abnormal in all ADHF patients and normal in all ACS patients (RVSI 0.62 ± 0.20 vs 0.0 ± 0, P < 0.001). AKI stage II/III occurred in 10 of 21 ADHF patients (48%) vs 0 of 21 ACS patients (P < 0.001), with a mean rise in serum creatinine of 97.7 ± 79.3 vs 16.8 ± 10.9 μmol/L (P < 0.001), respectively. RVSI was correlated with AKI severity in ADHF patients (r = 0.57; P = 0.004). ConclusionsRVSI is associated with AKI among ADHF patients and may be a useful diagnostic biomarker for ACRS in this setting. Further studies are needed to validate this finding and evaluate the potential efficacy of IRD-guided decongestive therapy in this setting.

DNA Damage and Expression Profile of Genes Associated with Nephrotoxicity Induced by Butralin and Ameliorating Effect of Arabic Gum in Female Rats.

Nephrotoxicity induced by exposure to environmental pollution, including herbicides, is becoming a global problem. Natural products are the prime alternative scientific research as they express better medicinal activity and minor side effects compared with a variety of synthetic drugs. This study was performed to evaluate the nephroprotective proficiency of Arabic gum against butralin-induced nephrotoxicity. Adult female rats were supplemented with Arabic gum (4.3 g/kg b.wt) and/or butralin (312 mg/L) in drinking water for 30 days. The results found that markers of serum kidney function, oxidative stress biomarkers, DNA damage, and expression of kidney specific genes (Acsm2, Ace, and Ace2) as well as histopathological examination in treated rats were conducted. Butralin-treated rats showed a rise in serum creatinine (41%), BUN (47.3%), and MDA (140.9%) as well as decrease in activity of the antioxidant markers (CAT (-21%); GPx (-70.7%); and TAC (43.2%)) in comparison with the control group. In addition, butralin treatment increased the DNA damage (221%); altered the expression levels of Acsm2, Ace, and Ace2 (-51.6%, 141.6%, and 143% respectively); and elevated histopathological lesions in the kidney tissues. Pretreatment of Arabic gum prevented butralin-prompted degenerative changes of kidney tissues. The results suggested that the protective effect provided by Arabic gum on renal tissues exposed to the herbicide butralin could be attributed to enhancement of antioxidants and increase the free radical scavenging activity in vivo.

THE EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF ASCORBIC ACID IN PREVENTION OF CONTRAST INDUCED NEPHROPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL IMPAIRMENT UNDERGOING CORONARY INTERVENTION

ABSTRACT Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy is a potentially avoidable complication caused during procedures involving the use of radiographic contrast media. All subjects, especially the high-risk ones, should be subjected to available preventive protocols prior to and after such procedures. Objective: To evaluate the role of a hydration protocol involving the use of ascorbic acid plus the conventional sodium chloride hydration protocol N acetyl cysteine. Patients and methods: The current study was conducted on 86 patients presenting to the Cardiology Department at National Heart Institute to undergo elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the period from April 2011 to November 2011. The study population was divided into two equal groups: Group 1 received ascorbic acid prior and after the procedure and group 2 received the conventional hydration measures without ascorbic acid. Both groups received normal saline and NAC (N Acetyl Cysteine). Results: There were no significant group differences regarding sex, incidence of diabetes mellitus, pre-existing renal impairment, age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and the type and amount of contrast. Addition of ascorbic acid by hydration with normal saline and N- acetyle cysteine decreased significantly the rise in serum creatinine 48 hours (P=0.023) and 7 days (P=0.001) following coronary intervention. CIN occurred in one patient in ascorbic acid group versus 4 patients in the control group (P=0.36). Ascorbic acid did not show a significant effect regarding the protection against the contrast induced nephropathy versus the conventional hydration therapy. Conclusion: Ascorbic acid did not show a significant effect regarding the protection against the contrast induced nephropathy versus the conventional hydration therapy.

A literature review and best practice advice for second and third trimester risk stratification, monitoring, and management of pre‐eclampsia

A literature review and best practice advice for second and third trimester risk stratification, monitoring, and management of pre‐eclampsia

A curious case of facial swelling

We present our case of a 16 year old boy presenting to us with shortness of breath and having features of both nephritic and nephrotic syndrome leading to intubation and ventilation due to pulmonary embolism. Nephrotic syndrome is characterised by heavy proteinuria (>3g/24hrs), hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypoalbuminemia, anasarca and microscopic hematuria whereas nephritic syndrome is characterised by the presence of proteinuria (1-2g/24hrs), hematuria, pyuria, hypertension, red blood cell casts, fluid retention, rise in serum creatinine with reduction in glomerular filtration rate. Both the diseases are separate entities however in certain cases, there can be overlapping of the components of both this syndrome.

PUK1 Comparing Serum Creatinine to Stress/Damage Biomarkers for Early Detection of Drug-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review

Approximately 18-26% of acute kidney injury (AKI) cases are associated with a drug related cause. Nephrotoxin drug administration is one of the greatest risk factors for AKI in hospitalized patients in the United States. Current diagnostic practices utilize serum creatinine and urinary output as the primary biomarkers for assessing kidney function Unfortunately, this can lead to delayed detection due to a 24-36 hour lag in serum creatinine rise after an injurious event. This study explores the clinical utility of several kidney damage biomarkers, including NGAL, KIM-1, Interleukin-18, b2-microglobulin, FABP, and [TIMP-2][IGFBP7], for the purpose of early recognition of risk/ongoing drug-induced acute kidney injury (D-AKI) in comparison to serum creatinine. A systematic review of publications in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Cinhal between January 2013 and December 2020 was conducted following PRISMA reporting guidelines utilizing Rayyan software. Eligible articles included patients with D-AKI, assessed a kidney stress/damage for the biomarkers of interest s, conducted a comparison to serum creatinine, and measured the time to biomarker rise following drug exposure . The search produced 4,523 citations. Forty-three articles were selected for preliminary screening and 20 articles were included for final review. Preliminary results show a significant rise in NGAL and KIM-1 attributable to D-AKI 12-24 hours prior to a rise in serum creatinine. Availability of data meeting the inclusion criteria for the other biomarkers are lacking. Preliminary results support the utility of these novel kidney biomarkers for the use in early detection of D-AKI. We are still in the early stages of understanding the clinical applications of stress/damage kidney biomarkers specific to D-AKI.

MO1055JUDICIOUS DIALYSIS DISCONTINUATION IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: LENDING MORE TIME TO ECONOMICALLY BURDENED PATIENTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is important public health problem owing to its high prevalence, morbidity, mortality and socio-economic burden. Patients with end stage kidney disease need to be on kidney replacement therapy which significantly impacts livelihood. Annual average cost of treatment for patients on dialysis is reported to be USD 3151 in developing country like India. It’s quiet high given per capita income of USD 1670 Method One hundred fifty one CKD Stage 5D patients from Punjab and Rajasthan states, North India were studied in this cross-sectional study. Patients initiated on dialysis within 3 months or protein energy wasting (as per criteria proposed by ISRNM) were excluded. Asymptomatic willing patients, clinically stable for at least 3 months and with pre-dialysis serum Creatinine &amp;lt;6mg/dl, serum potassium &amp;lt;5mg/dl were given a trial for dialysis discontinuation after informed written consent. Biochemical and hemodynamic parameters were measured weekly for 4 weeks and later once monthly. Patients who developed uremic features or rapid rise in serum creatinine were restarted on dialysis. Results Fourteen (9.27%) asymptomatic patients with well controlled blood pressure were discontinued from dialysis. Out of them, thirteen patients were on hemodialysis and one on peritoneal dialysis. Twelve (85.71%) out of them were presumed chronic interstitial nephritis while two (14.28%) were autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Mean age of patients was 52.5 years (SD ±18.14 years). Most patients (11/14) were on three or more anti-hypertensive. Mean dialysis vintage was 8.14 months (range 4-16 months). Most patients were non-compliant to dialysis (Mean frequency once in seven days). Two patients were on once in two week dialysis schedule. Mean 24 hour urine output (calculated over 1 week) was 1500ml. Mean baseline serum creatinine was 4.4 mg/dl (SD ±1.06 mg/dl). Mean pre-dialysis serum potassium was 4.5 mg/dl (SD ±0.42 mg/dl). Post-discontinuation serum creatinine levels has been outlined in figure 1. Mean distance of dialysis centre from residence was 83.43 Km (range 1-240 km). One patient need to be restarted on dialysis at fourth week of dialysis discontinuation. Rest patients remained symptom-free and tolerated well. Conclusion CKD Stage5D patients should be regularly screened for residual renal function. Recovery of renal function could be seen in some (&amp;lt;10%) cases. Dialysis discontinuation in these cases would decrease their financial and stress burden. However, these cases should be monitored closely and followed-up regularly

MO1003ONSET OF BRAIN TOXOPLASMA GONDII ABSCESSES IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT IN THERAPY WITH BELATACEPT

Abstract Background Belatacept is a new non-nephrotoxic anti-rejection drug that blocks the CD80 / CD86-CD28 complex, that normally activates T lymphocytes. Although the BENEFIT study proposes its use at the forefront of immunosuppressive therapy to prevent renal transplant rejection, the risk of opportunistic infections should not be underestimated, as demonstrated by the following clinical case. Case report We report the case of a 71-year-old male kidney transplant recipient that at 7-month follow-up showed a relevant rise of serum creatinine up to 3.8 mg/dl related to graft rejection. The patient started a cycle of treatment with Belatacept in accomplishment to international studies, with improvement in renal function (serum creatinine: 2.8 mg/dl). After 8 months of therapy, due to the appearance of left brachio-crural hypoasthenia, a brain CT and a brain MRI (both without contrast media because of the severe graft dysfunction) were consecutively performed. Imaging revealed multiple nodular formations in the right hemisphere, compatible with brain abscesses or neuro-lymphoma. Belatacept was promptly suspended, a rachicentesis for liquor analysis performed, and a broad spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy was started on Infectious Disease Specialist advice. After Toxoplasma Gondii positivity was found by PCR on cerebrospinal fluid, neuro-lymphoma was excluded and the patient was switched to a targeted antibiotic therapy with Trimethoprim / Sulfamethoxazole (dose adjusted to renal function) for 6 weeks and subsequently, a maintenance course with Sulfadiazine and Pyrimethamine. During treatment, brain lesions showed progressive reduction, with marked clinical improvement and stabilization of renal function (eGFR 25 ml / min). Conclusions As far as is known in the literature, this is the first case of Toxoplasma Gondii brain infection that can be correlated with the use of Belactacept. The appearance of a severe opportunistic infection, in a short period of time after the introduction of Belatacept, could indicate the direct role of Belatacept in the development of these brain abscesses and indicates the importance of carefully evaluating the use of the drug in elderly patients with reduced renal function, in which adequate prophylactic therapy would be particularly indicated.

Ameliorative role of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors against sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats

Arsenic exposure causes immense health distress by increasing risk of cardiovascular abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, neurotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. The present study explored the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors against sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to arsenic toxicity by administering sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg/day, oral) for 4 weeks. The iNOS inhibitors, S-methylisothiourea (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) were given one hour before sodium arsenite administration in rats for 4 weeks. Sodium arsenite led rise in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, electrolytes (potassium, fractional excretion of sodium), microproteinuria, and decreased creatinine clearance (p < 0.001) indicated renal dysfunction in rats. Arsenic-intoxication resulted in significant oxidative stress in rat kidneys, which was measured in terms of increase in lipid peroxides, superoxide anion generation and decrease in reduced glutathione (p < 0.001) levels. A threefold increase in renal hydroxyproline level in arsenic intoxicated rats indicated fibrosis. Hematoxylin–eosin staining indicated tubular damage, whereas picrosirius red staining highlighted collagen deposition in rat kidneys. S-methylisothiourea and aminoguanidine improved renal function and attenuated arsenic led renal oxidative stress, fibrosis, and decreased the kidney injury score. Additionally, arsenite-intoxication resulted in significant rise in hepatic parameters (serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin (p < 0.001) along with multi-fold increase in oxidative stress, fibrosis and liver injury score in rats, which was significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated by concurrent administration of iNOS inhibitors). Hence, it is concluded that iNOS inhibitors attenuate sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats.