Serum Cr Level Research Articles

Factors Associated With Long-term Kidney Allograft Survival: A Contemporary Analysis of the UNOS Database.

Various clinicopathologic markers, such as 1-year serum creatinine (Cr), have been used to prognosticate kidney allografts after transplantation. However, a contemporary analysis of their relationship with long-term graft survival is lacking. This study aimed to analyze recent data on the association of prognostic factors with kidney allograft survival in patients who underwent transplantation in the modern era. Adult kidney-transplant recipients in the UNOS database (2008-2020) were identified. Living and deceased donor allografts were analyzed separately and stratified by 1-year serum Cr level: ≤1.0, 1.0 to 1.5, 1.5 to 2.0, and >2.0 mg/dL. Time-to-event analysis was performed with long-term death-censored graft survival as the primary outcome. In addition, factors associated with raised 1-year serum Cr and with long-term allograft failure were identified. 174,547 patients were included. Ten-year survival decreased with increasing 1-year creatinine, and these trends persisted on adjusted analysis for both living donor (Cr ≤ 1.0 mg/dL: reference; Cr 1.0-1.5 mg/dL aHR = 1.77 [1.59-1.96]; Cr 1.5-2.0 mg/dL aHR = 3.24 [2.89-3.64] and; Cr > 2.0 mg/dL aHR = 9.78, [8.64-11.07], P < .01) as well as deceased donor allografts (Cr ≤ 1.0 mg/dL: reference; Cr 1.0-1.5 mg/dL aHR = 1.74 [1.63-1.86]; Cr 1.5-2.0 mg/dL aHR = 3.06 [2.84-3.30] and; Cr > 2.0 mg/dL aHR = 8.51, [7.89-9.18], P < .01). These results characterize the association between 1-year serum creatinine levels and other clinicopathologic factors with long-term kidney allograft survival. We demonstrate the ability of prognostic factors to stratify patients by risk of graft failure in a contemporary patient cohort that is representative of current practice and outcomes.

Factors Predicting Renal Outcomes in Hypertensive Emergencies With Severe Renal Impairment: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Hypertensive emergencies, characterized by elevated blood pressure (BP) and multiple organ damage, have poor prognosis. Patients occasionally show gradual improvement in renal function with appropriate antihypertensive treatment despite renal impairment. However, reports analyzing factors predicting prognosis in patients with hypertensive emergencies and severe renal impairment are limited. This retrospective study aimed to investigate clinical features and predictors of renal outcomes in such patients. Patients admitted to our hospital diagnosed with hypertensive emergency with severe renal impairment (serum creatinine [Cr] level > 2.5 mg/dL) between 2007 and 2021, were enrolled and divided into two groups: those who received renal replacement therapy (RRT) after 3 years (RRT group) and those who did not (non-RRT group); clinical characteristics and laboratory data were compared. Fifteen patients were enrolled, with a median age and serum Cr level of 48 years and 5.97 mg/dL, respectively. No significant between-group difference was observed in serum Cr levels or kidney size. However, the non-RRT group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and significantly lower platelet counts (PLT), suggesting development of microangiopathic hemolysis due to severe endothelial damage. Furthermore, the non-RRT group exhibited lower serum potassium levels than the RRT group, accompanied by high plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels, suggesting activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In the non-RRT group, serum Cr, LDH, potassium levels, and PLT improved significantly after treatment. Serum LDH, potassium levels, and PLT are useful predictors of renal prognosis in hypertensive emergencies with extremely poor renal function. In some cases, severe renal damage can be ameliorated by appropriate antihypertensive therapy. A positive response to treatment often signifies a favorable prognosis. Furthermore, early initiation of RAS inhibitors may be beneficial for lowering BP and providing renal protection.

#370 Macroscopic hematuria-associated severe acute kidney injury from thin basement membrane disease

Abstract Background Macroscopic hematuria-associated acute kidney injury (MH-AKI) is a rare condition reported in IgA nephropathy and others, and the mechanism of renal tubular damage caused by red blood cells in the tubules appears to be similar to that of anticoagulant nephropathy. Case presentation A 66-year-old Japanese woman with no previous medical history was referred to our hospital with anuric severe kidney injury. Seven days earlier, she had transient acute lumbar back pain, which was followed by gradual worsening of malaise and loss of appetite. On admission, her serum BUN was 147.8 mg/dL, serum Cr 18.57 mg/dL, hemoglobin 11.2 g/dL, urinary red blood cells&amp;gt; 100/HPF, urinary protein 28.8 g/gCr, no hydronephrosis in either kidney, but a small stone in the right kidney. After admission, while starting hemodialysis, she was treated with methylprednisone 1000 mg for 3 days followed by prednisone 40 mg/day because of suspected rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, but both MPO-/PR3-ANCA and anti-GBM antibodies were negative. Renal biopsy from left kidney showed acute tubular injury with large amounts of red blood cells and red blood cell casts filling the distal tubules (Figure), and prednisone was discontinued. Subsequently, urine flowed out with gross hematuria, and her hematuria and renal function improved with increased urine output, and she was weaned from hemodialysis. Electron microscopy showed glomerular thin basement membrane (TBMD) (Figure). Her renal function and hematuria slowly improved and the right kidney stone disappeared. Microscopic hematuria eventually disappeared, and her serum Cr level was 1.1 mg/dL one year after onset. Conclusions This is the first report of MH-AKI in TBMD without a background of anticoagulation, severe thrombocytopaenia, or iron overload. In one report, compared to IgA nephropathy, TBMD is associated with increased urinary Ca and uric acid excretion, which is associated with gross hematuria and back pain [1]. In this case of MH-AKI from TBMD, both red blood cells and crystal formation in the tubular lumens may have transiently and synergistically caused renal tubular obstruction and heme iron-induced tubular damage.

The use of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin for diagnosis of hepato-renal syndrome in advanced cirrhotic patients

Background Chronic liver disease is a common and important clinical problem. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a life threatening complication. Serum creatinine (Cr) remains the only conventional indicator of renal function. However, the interpretation of serum Cr level can be confounded by malnutrition and reduced muscle mass often observed in patients with severe liver disease. Here, we present a cross-sectional study to explore the sensitivity and specificity of other markers as urinary KIM-1 and NGAL for cases of HRS. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted on 88 patients who were admitted to Alexandria main university hospital. Enrolled patients were divided in two groups; group 1: patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (child B and C) who have normal kidney functions while group 2: patients who developed HRS. Stata© version 14.2 software package was used for analysis. Results Group 1 included 18 males and 26 females compared to 25 males and 19 females in group 2 (p = 0.135). Only the urinary KIM-1 showed a statistically significant difference between both groups in the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender, serum bilirubin, serum albumin, INR, serum K, AST and ALT levels. Conclusion In conclusion, our study aligns with prior research, as seen in the consistent findings regarding Urinary NGAL elevation in cirrhotic patients with AKI. Urinary KIM-1, independent of Urinary NGAL, may have a role in precisely distinguishing between advanced liver cirrhosis and HRS and merits further exploration.

Effect of withdrawal of thyroid hormones versus administration of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone on renal function in thyroid cancer patients

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) and recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) administration on renal function in patients with thyroid cancer after total thyroidectomy. This study included 202 patients who discontinued thyroid hormone therapy and/or received rhTSH after total thyroidectomy. Creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed at the following three time points: before thyroidectomy, at least 3 weeks after THW, and 1 day after the second injection of rhTSH. The median serum Cr level was significantly higher following THW compared to that before thyroidectomy (0.95 versus 0.70). In contrast, the median BUN level was significantly lower after THW compared to that before thyroidectomy (9.8 versus 11.3). Over a fifth (22.2%) of patients had abnormal eGFR values after THW, which was significantly greater than that before thyroidectomy. In contrast, renal parameter values after rhTSH administration were not significantly different than those before thyroidectomy. In conclusion, THW affects renal function in patients with thyroid cancer who have undergone total thyroidectomy. However, renal function in such patients is not affected by rhTSH administration.

PS-R05-6: A CASE OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY WITH THROMBOTIC MICROANGIOPATHY CAUSED BY MALIGNANT HYPERTENSION

A 31-year-old man was transferred to our hospital because of severe hypertension, acute kidney injury (AKI) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). A month earlier, the patient sought medical attention for epigastric pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed hemorrhagic gastric ulcer, and hemostasis was performed. At that time, his was found to have severe high blood pressure (200/140 mmHg), together with low levels of hemoglobin (Hb) (10.5 g/dL) and platelet (Plt) count (107 x 109/L). One week later, gastric ulcer tended to improve, but the blood pressure was still high (192/122 mmHg), along with severe abnormalities in creatinine (Cr) (10.7 mg/dL), Hb (6.6 g/dL) and Plt levels (139 x 109/L). On the following day, the serum Cr level increased to 13.7 mg/dL, while Hb and Plt levels decreased to 6.3 g/dL and 111 x 109/L, respectively. He was referred and admitted to a local affiliated hospital. Because the patient was considered as AKI due to dehydration and anemia, fluid replacement and blood transfusion were performed. However, his renal function was worsened further and pulmonary congestion appeared, which required initiation of hemodialysis therapy. Because low platelet counts, high LDH levels and schistocytes in peripheral blood were observed, he was diagnosed with TMA and transferred to our hospital. Laboratory data on admission revealed as follows: the plasma renin activity (PRA), 7.8 ng/ml/h, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), 443 pg/mL, plasma adrenaline, 12 pg/mL, noradrenaline, 172 pg/ml, ACTH, 17.3 pg/mL, cortisol, 6.9 g/dL, and TSH, 1.71 IU/mL. Renal artery stenosis was not observed by renal artery ultrasound. Echocardiography showed hypertrophy of the left ventricle. Funduscopic examination showed retinal hemorrhages. Renal biopsy revealed a large number of collapsed glomeruli, onion skin lesions in the arterioles and interlobular arteries, luminal narrowing due to thrombosis, and fibrin accumulation on the blood vessel walls, which lead to histological diagnosis of malignant nephrosclerosis and TMA. Intensive treatment with a calcium channel blocker, an ACE inhibitor, and other antihypertensive agents resulted in improved hypertension, and normalized platelet count and LDH levels, together with reduced PRA (3.2 ng/ml/h) and PAC (208 pg/mL). However, withdrawal from hemodialysis was not achieved. We consider that in this case TMA was caused by malignant hypertension due to essential hypertension. We conclude that early detection and intervention for hypertension are mandatory to prevent the progression of malignant hypertension and related organ damages.

NEUROLOGIC IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS WITH EXTRACORPOREAL CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION SUPPORT: CLINICAL FEATURES AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES.

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore the clinical features and long-term outcomes associated with neurologic impairment in patients with cardiac arrest (CA) who received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Methods: A total of 37 adult CA patients who underwent venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and were admitted to our department between January 2015 and February 2022 were divided according to neurologic impairment. Baseline and CPR- and ECMO-related characteristics were compared between the two groups. Long-term neurologic outcomes were collected via telephone follow-ups. Results: Twenty-four (64.9%) ECPR-supported patients developed neurologic impairments. The two groups differed significantly in median age (P = 0.026), proportion of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support (P = 0.011), proportion of continuous renal replacement therapy (P = 0.025), and median serum creatinine (Cr) level (P = 0.012) pre-ECMO. The 28-day mortality (P = 0.001), hospital mortality (P = 0.003), median duration from CA to restoration of spontaneous circulation (P = 0.029), proportion of patients with nonpulsatile perfusion (NP) >12 hours (P = 0.040), and median ECMO duration (P = 0.047) were higher in the neurologic impairment group. In contrast, the group without neurologic impairment exhibited a longer median intensive care unit length of stay (P = 0.047), longer median hospital LOS (P = 0.031), and more successful ECMO weaning (P = 0.049). Moreover, NP >12 hours combined with IABP support (odds ratio [OR], 14.769; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.417~153.889; P = 0.024) and serum Cr level (OR, 1.028; 95% CI, 1.001~1.056; P = 0.043) were independent risk factors for neurologic impairment. Furthermore, neurologic impairment was associated with significantly worse 90-day survival (hazards ratio, 4.218; 95% CI, 1.745~10.2; P = 0.0014). Conclusions: The incidence of neurologic impairment was higher in patients who received ECPR and was closely related to 28-day mortality and discharge survival. NP >12 hours combined with IABP support and serum Cr levels were independent risk factors for neurologic impairments in ECPR-supported patients. Neurologic impairment significantly adversely affected the long-term outcomes of ECPR-supported patients after discharge.

Post-Operative Kidney Function Using Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest (DHCA) in Aortic Arch Operation.

BackgroundAlthough deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is a useful option to protect the central nervous system during aortic arch operations, the influence of simultaneous renal ischemia remains controversial.Patients and MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study. Sixty-three patients who underwent thoracic aortic surgery with DHCA and 24 patients who underwent cardiac surgery without DHCA were included in this study. The mean age, preoperative serum creatinine (Cr) level, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), peak serum Cr level up to 48 hrs post-operative, elevation rate of Cr compared to the preoperative serum Cr, urine volume rate up to 48 hrs post-operative and AKI staging using the KDIGO criteria were estimated for each patient. Clinical parameters for 3 months after the operation and the 3-month post-operative mortality rate were assessed. Mean values indicating kidney function or distribution of the AKI stages were compared between patients with and without DHCA. Patients with DHCA were further divided according to the duration of ischemia to compare the values for the kidney function of each group, distribution of AKI stages and mortality.ResultsThe parameters indicating AKI of the patients with DHCA were significantly more severe than those without DHCA. Patients who had undergone an ischemic state for more than 40 min revealed significantly higher peak serum Cr, elevation rate of serum Cr, less urine volume up to 48 hrs post-operative compared with those without DHCA. Distribution of the AKI stages was related to the duration of ischemia. The 3-month post-operative mortality of the patients with DHCA was significantly higher than those without DHCA.LimitationsThis study had limitations such as its retrospective design and small number patients, and the data will be required confirmation with other prospective studies.ConclusionDHCA is closely related to AKI up to 48 hrs post-operative and death during the 3 months following surgery.

Tangshen Decoction Enhances Podocytes Autophagy to Relieve Diabetic Nephropathy through Modulation of p-AMPK/p-ULK1 Signaling.

Traditional Chinese medicine has certain advantages in the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN); thus, Chinese medicine therapy is considered as a promising strategy for treating DN. Here, the diabetic nephropathy model was established and intervened with Tangshen Decoction to explore its repair effect on diabetic kidney injury and the mechanism of autophagy. Different doses (10, 20 g·kg−1) of Tangshen Decoction (so-called Tangshen Jian, TSJ) or metformin were used to intervene for 16 weeks. The body weight (BW) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) of rats in each group were regularly monitored; a urine protein test kit (CBB method) was used to detect changes in urine protein (UP) content. The serum biochemical indicators, including Cr (creatinine), BUN (blood urea nitrogen), TC (total cholesterol), and TG (triglyceride), were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. HE (hematoxylin-eosin) staining, PAS, and electron microscopy were used to observe the podocyte damage. We showed that administration of TSJ or metformin prevented the increases in FBG level, serum Cr, BUN, TC, and TG level, and urine protein excretion in diabetic nephropathy. Simultaneously, the foot process fusion and fall-off were partially reversed after TSJ treatment. TSJ or metformin markedly upregulated the level of nephrin and podocin, accompanied by evident enhancement of podocyte autophagy and activation of p-AMPK/p-ULK1 signaling in the diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, TSJ may enhance podocyte autophagy to relieve diabetic nephropathy through modulation of p-AMPK/p-ULK1 signaling, which has important application prospects in the clinical treatment of diabetic kidney damage in the future.

β2-microglobulin measurement with dried urine spots for congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract screening in 3-year-old children.

Screening using dipstick urinalysis has long been performed in 3-year-old children; however, it is ineffective in detecting congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Measurement of the urinary β2-microglobulin (β2MG)/creatinine (Cr) ratio may be more effective for this purpose. Analysis of dried urine spots (DUS) on filter paper is suitable for mass screening since operational costs are low and samples are easy to collect and transport. We examined the accuracy of measuring the urinary β2MG/Cr ratio in DUS on filter paper. We collected 2,623 urine samples from 3-year-old children. β2MG and Cr levels were measured in DUS on filter paper. We examined the correlation between the β2MG/Cr ratios measured in DUS and using the conventional method in 640 samples using the coefficient of determination test. Children with high β2MG/Cr ratios (>0.6 µg/mg Cr) in DUS samples were further examined to establish a definitive diagnosis. There was strong correlation between the two methods for determination of β2MG levels (r2 = 0.68; P < 0.001) and β2MG/Cr ratios (r2 = 0.69; P < 0.001). Of the 2,623 children, 38 (1.45%) had β2MG/Cr ratios >0.6. Thirty-five children were subsequently examined, resulting in findings of renal hypodysplasia (n = 2, 0.08%), horseshoe kidney (n = 1, 0.04%), renal tubular dysfunction with hepatoblastoma (n = 1, 0.04%), data abnormality (high urine β2MG level, n = 6, 0.23%; high serum Cr level, n = 1, 0.04%), and normal values (n = 24, 0.91%). We evaluated a practical method for measuring β2MG/Cr ratios in DUS as a screening method to detect CAKUT in 3-year-old children.

Serum Creatinine/Cystatin C Ratio Associated with Cross-Sectional Area of Erector Spinae Muscles and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PurposeMuscle atrophy is a major clinical feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is considered a predictor of mortality in COPD patients. Recently, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the erector spinae muscles measured by chest computed tomography (CT) scans (ESMCSA) has been reported as a clinical parameter reflecting disease severity and future prognosis in patients with COPD. In addition, the serum creatinine (Cr)/cystatin C (CysC) ratio has been considered a quantitative marker of residual muscle mass, because serum Cr levels are affected by muscle mass, and correction by CysC counteracts the effect of renal function on serum Cr levels. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the serum Cr level corrected by serum CysC can be used as a predictive marker of pulmonary function and disease severity in patients with COPD.Patients and MethodsA total of 99 patients without COPD and 201 patients with COPD, with a smoking history of more than 10 pack-years were enrolled in this study, and serum Cr and CysC levels were measured. On chest high-resolution CT images, %low attenuation area (LAA%) (≤960 Hounsfield units (HU)) and ESMCSA at the Th12 level were identified.ResultsThere was a significant correlation between the ESMCSA and the Cr/CysC ratio. The Cr/CysC ratio was significantly associated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) values, especially in former smokers.ConclusionThe serum Cr/CysC ratio could be a convenient substitute for the measurement of muscle atrophy and pulmonary function testing in patients with COPD.

Cystatin and Glomerular Filtration Rate in Obese Versus Non-obese Adolescents

Background: Obesity is well known as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Thus meticulous assessment of renal function is more essential in obese individuals. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is commonly estimated based on serum creatinine (Cr). However, using Cr as marker of kidney function has some limitations and Cystatin C has been reported as an alternative marker.&#x0D; Aim of work: This study was designed to assess renal function using both GFR and cystatin in obese adolescents.&#x0D; Methods: This case-control study enrolled ninety Egyptian adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years old who were divided equally into two groups according to body mass index (obese and non-obese). Each participant was subjected to full medical history taking, anthropometric measures, and Laboratory investigation including CBC, serum Cr, estimated GFR and cystatin C.&#x0D; Results: Serum Cr level was significantly higher in obese adolescents compared to non-obese mean value (0.94) and (0.79) resepectively. Also, eGFR based on Cr was significantly lower in obese group compared to controls (73.1) and ( (85.30)respectively. Cystatin C showed non-significant higher levels in obese group versus controls with mean value (2.28) and (1.85)respectively. Cystatin C at Cut-off value of 1.525 and 95% CI showed sensitivity of 47.2% and specificity of 63.9% for evaluation of kidney affection in obese children and adolescences.&#x0D; Conclusion: GFR is affected in obese adolescence with elevation of serum creatinine and unexpected non significant elevation of cystatin C in obese adolescence when compared by control group.&#x0D; Keywords: Cystatin, Creatinine, Pediatric obesity, GFR, renal function.

Safety of same-day administration of gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma.

The present study aimed to examine the safety of a gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) combination chemotherapy regimen with short hydration for the treatment of urothelial cancer administered on the same day (same day regimen). Patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer received the same-day GC regimen with short hydration every 4 weeks, and their serum creatinine (Cr) level was measured to assess renal function using linear mixed model analysis. A total of 20 patients receiving the same-day regimen exhibited no significant change in their serum Cr level; nor was there any significant change in the serum Cr level between patients who received the same day regimen and those who received the drugs on different days. The present study demonstrated that the same-day regimen was safe for patients with urothelial cancer.

Correlation of total ischemic time to creatinine serum level and resistive index value in kidney transplant

Background: The transient period when the kidney donor was extracted until being anastomosed (total ischemic time) will aggravate many putative molecular ischemic-reperfusion injury mechanisms. Several studies have reported the risk of delayed graft function development, which can be reflected by creatinine serum (Cr) level and resistive index (RI) value. This study aims to determine the correlation of total ischemic time to Cr levels reduction in one-month post-transplantation and RI value. Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study involving subjects who underwent kidney transplantation in Sanglah General Hospital. In this study, the primary parameters were total ischemic time, Cr level, and RI value. The total ischemic time is calculated using a stopwatch intraoperatively. Cr level was obtained from blood examination, and RI value was obtained from the ultrasonography test. Data analysis was analyzed statistically using SPSS 24.0, and p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: About 17 kidney transplant subjects were included in this study. The mean total ischemic time was 105 minutes and 43 seconds. There was an insignificant negative correlation between Cr level reduction and total ischemia time (r = -0.36; p = 0.89). An analysis of the correlation of total ischemic time and RI value, there was a linear correlation, but statistically insignificant (r = 0.11; p = 0.66). Conclusion: Total ischemic time has a negative correlation with post-transplant creatinine serum level and a positive correlation with the post-transplant resistive index value, but these results are not statistically significant.

P0616REAL-TIME CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT TO PREDICT AND MANAGE IN-HOSPITAL ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY UTILIZING RECURRENT NEURAL NETWORK

Abstract Background and Aims Rapidly Increasing electronic health record (EHR) data and recent development of machine learning methods offers the possibilities of improvement in quality of care in clinical practice. Machine learning can incorporate huge amount of features into the model, and enable non-linear algorithms with great performance. Previously published AKI prediction models have simple design without real-time assessment. Major risk factors in in-hospital AKI include use of various nephrotoxins, repeatedly measured laboratory findings, and vital signs, which are dynamic variables rather than static. Given that recurrent neural network (RNN) is a powerful tool to handle the sequential data, using RNN method in the prediction model is a promising approach. Therefore, in the present study, we proposed a RNN-based prediction model with external validation for in-hospital AKI and aimed to provide a framework to link the developed model with clinical decision supports. Method Study populations were all patients aged ≥ 18 years and hospitalized more than a week at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) from 2013 to 2017 (training cohort) and at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) in 2017 (validation cohort). All demographics, laboratory values, vital signs, and clinical conditions were obtained from the EHR of each hospital. A total of 102 variables included in the model. Each variable falls into two categories: static and dynamic variable; static variable was time-invariant values during hospitalization, and dynamic variables were daily-updated values. Baseline creatinine was determined by searching the minimum serum Cr level within 2 weeks before admission. We developed two different models (model 1 and model 2) using RNN algorithms. The outcome for model 1 was the occurrence of AKI within 7 days from the present. In model 2, we constructed the prediction model of the trajectory of Cr values after 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours, using available Cr values from 7 days ago to the present. Internal validation was performed by 5-fold cross validation using the training set (SNUBH), and then external validation was done using test set (SNUH). Results A total of 40,552 patients in training cohort and 4,000 patients in external validation cohort (test cohort) were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 62.2 years in training cohort and 58.7 years in test cohort. Baseline eGFR was 93.8 ± 40.4 ml/min/1.73m2 in training cohort and 88.4 ± 23.2 ml/min/1.73m2 in test cohort. In model 1 for the prediction of AKI occurrence within 7 days, the area under the curve was 0.93 (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.96) in internal validation, and 0.83 (sensitivity 0.83, specificity 0.82) in external validation. The model 2 predicted the creatinine trajectory within 3 days accurately; root mean square error was 0.1 in training cohort and 0.3 in test cohort. To support the clinical decision for AKI manage, we estimated the predicted trajectories of future creatinine levels after renal insult removal, such as nephrotoxic drugs, based on the established model 2. Conclusion We developed and validated a real-time AKI prediction model using RNN algorithms. This model showed high performance and can accurately visualize future creatinine trajectories. In addition, the model can provide the information about modifiable factors in patients with high risk of AKI.

Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery in the North of Iran

Introduction: Acute renal failure is a well-known complication in patients after cardiac surgery. Objectives: The determination of disease-causing factors with the aim of identifying patients at high-risk and implementing preventive care pre- and postoperatively to reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients after cardiac surgery. Patients and Methods: The present cross-sectional research was carried out on 512 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2015 and 2016 in our tertiary center. Demographic and laboratory data of patients were obtained using a checklist. AKI is defined as an increase of at least 0.3 mg/dL in creatinine (Cr) over 48 hours and one week after surgery according to acute kidney injury network (AKIN) and RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function, and end-stage renal failure) criteria before surgery. All data were analyzed by SPSS version 1, and P value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: In this study we found, AKI risk profiles including serum Cr level [OR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.92 -12.48, P = 0.001], fasting blood glucose [OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.09 -1.92, P = 0.03] and hemoglobin (Hb) before surgery (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.08 -0.87, P = 0.04) were significantly associated with increased risk of acute renal injury (logistic regression analysis). Conclusion: The results indicated that changes in serum Cr level, fasting blood glucose and plasma Hb before cardiac surgery might be considered as the risk factors for AKI after cardiac surgery.

Wire-loop lesion is associated with serological immune abnormality, but not renal prognosis, in lupus nephritis.

Wire-loop lesion (WL) is one of the active lesions of lupus nephritis (LN). However, few reports have focused on the clinicopathological relationships of WL to serological immune abnormality and renal prognosis. We enrolled 126 Japanese LN patients subjected to renal biopsy in 11 hospitals from 2000 to 2018. In patients with class III or IV of the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification, we retrospectively compared clinicopathological findings between those with WL (WL+ group) and without WL (WL- group) to detect factors associated with WL. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73m2 for more than three months. We also compared these findings between those with CKD (CKD+ group) and without CKD (CKD- group) at the last visit to investigate factors associated with renal prognosis. Of 126 patients, 100 (79.4%) were classified as class III or IV. WL was found in 36 (36.0%) of them. Although the renal function did not differ, the WL+ group had a higher titre of serum anti-dsDNA antibodies and lower serum complement 3 levels than the WL- group. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant association only between anti-dsDNA antibodies and WL (β = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.001-0.100, p = 0.01). Of these patients, 69 were tracked for 59.6 ± 55.1 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference in renal prognosis between these groups. Next, the CKD+ group included 15 (22.1%) patients. They were older and had higher frequencies of hypertension and hyperuricaemia, serum creatinine (Cr) level, glomerulosclerosis, interstitial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy than the CKD- group at the time of renal biopsy. The frequency of WL was not significantly different. Cox regression analysis revealed significant associations of CKD with hypertension, hyperuricaemia, serum Cr level at the time of renal biopsy clinically and with tubular atrophy histologically. WL was associated with serum anti-dsDNA antibodies but not with renal prognosis, suggesting that WL reflects immune abnormality but is not an independent factor predictive of renal prognosis in LN.

Using Post Transplant 1 Week Tc-99m DPTA Renal Scan as Another Method for Predicting Renal Graft Failure.

PurposeThe aims of this study were to determine whether post transplant renal scan performed at around 1 week can predict graft failure, and to identify the best predictive factors among easy-to-measure variables.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent Tc-99m DTPA renal scan at approximately 1 week after renal transplantation. They were separated into two categories at 3 months after the operation; graft failure and non-failure. Graft failure was confirmed by biopsy (rejection). Non-failure was confirmed either by biopsy or clinical follow-up with serum creatine (Cr). Scan parameters including glomerular filtration rate (GFR), Hilson perfusion index, peaks of the iliac and graft perfusion curves were analyzed. Clinical variables including age, sex, height, weight, systolic blood pressure, serum Cr, type of donated kidney, side of transplant, and immunosuppressant were also analyzed.ResultsAmong total 45 patients, graft failure was present in 11 cases. The serum Cr level was significantly higher in the failure group. Among scan variables, only the GFR was significantly different between groups. GFR of <44.48 mL/min was predictive of graft failure (sen 88.9%). Serum Cr level >2.13 mg/dL was also predictive (sen 72.7%).ConclusionGFR on renal scan at approximately 1 week after kidney transplant can predict graft failure.

Revision total hip arthroplasty with metal on metal bearing for ceramic bearing fractures

BackgroundDue to concern of potential metallosis caused by residual microscopic ceramic particles, metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing is deemed undesirable in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for ceramic bearing fracture. We determined whether MoM bearing is suitable to be used in revision THA for ceramic fractures and also evaluated whether this treatment increases serum iron levels compared with MoM bearing revision THA for polyethylene failure. MethodsBetween 2006 and 2012, 22 patients underwent revision surgery using MoM bearing (28 mm femoral head in 18 hips and 32 mm in 4 hips) for ceramic bearing fracture and followed average 52.1 months. We assessed radiological parameter and functional outcome using Harris hip score (HHS) and WOMAC score. Also, serum cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) blood tests were performed and compared with the result obtained from age, sex- and follow-up duration-matched patients with MoM revision THA for failed polyethylene bearing. ResultsThe mean HHS improved from 60.6 preoperatively to 90.3 at final follow-up. There were no changes in cup position, progression of osteolytic lesions, and measurable wear of MoM bearing articulation at final follow-up radiographs. There was one case of recurrent dislocation after surgery, which was treated with greater trochanter distal advancement and one case of deep infection, which underwent two-stage revision. Mean serum Co level (1.7 vs. 1.4 μg/dl; p = 0.211) and Cr level (0.70 vs. 1.01 μg/dl; p = 0.327) showed no significant difference. ConclusionsMoM articulation with liner cementation into the acetabular cup along with total synovectomy can be chosen in revision surgery for ceramic fracture with good midterm follow-up. However, the use of MoM bearing is indicated when the stem and metal shell can be retained and ceramic on ceramic or ceramic on polyethylene bearing cannot be selected. Also long-term outcome needs to be further evaluated.

Clinically Symptomatic Pericardial Effusions in Hospitalized Systemic Sclerosis Patients: Demographics and Management.

Background Pericardial effusions in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may present as acute or chronic with or without clinical symptoms. Best treatment is unknown and whether patients receive medical therapy or a surgical procedure is clinician-dependent. Objective To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with SSc and clinically symptomatic pericardial effusions treated in the inpatient setting. Methods We evaluated all SSc admissions over a 10-year period to a tertiary care hospital which has a dedicated SSc clinic. Patients who had a clinically symptomatic pericardial effusion were evaluated based on their demographics, disease pattern, and medical or surgical management. Results From January 2005 till October 2015, there were 462 SSc admissions with 32 (6.9%) of them being for a clinically symptomatic pericardial effusion in 23 unique patients. Eleven (47%) of these patients had right heart failure, seventeen (74%) had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and 4 (17%) had tamponade physiology. Five (22%) patients were treated by a surgical procedure, while eighteen (78%) patients had medical therapy. Patients who received medical therapy tended to be older, have a lower serum Cr level, and more likely have right heart failure. Conclusion Clinically symptomatic pericardial effusion is a rare cause for hospital admissions in SSc, with a high percentage of these patients having PAH. Medical therapy tends to be reserved for older patients with right heart failure, while surgical therapy was more likely in patients with higher serum Cr levels.