Significant Difference In Serum Creatinine Research Articles

#2699 Rare glomerular microangiopathy: clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis

Abstract Background and Aims Different from the typical histologic changes of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), we identified a group of patients whose pathology with glomerular involvement without blood vessel lesions, which was rare and known as glomerular microangiopathy (GMA). Method In Peking Union Medical College Hospital, a total of 33 patients were diagnosed as GMA with proliferation and swelling of glomerular endothelial cells, fragmented red blood cells, fibrin or platelet thrombi in the capillary lumen, thickening of the basement membrane, stenosis or occlusion of capillary lumen, but no abnormalities in the endothelium of renal small vessels. The pathology and clinical data were from the medical records and analyzed. Results The patients were 66.7% male with a mean of 45 years (14 to 74 years). The primary diseases were Castleman's disease (CD, 30.3%), POEMS syndrome (21.2%), cancer patients receiving agents targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (21.2%), and others. All the patients showed various degrees of proteinuria, with an average 24-hour urinary protein of 2.66 g/d, hematuria (63.6%), and acute kidney injury (AKI, 39.4%). The median serum creatinine (SCr) was 142 (107.5, 169) μmol/L. The AKI patients had lower Alb (P < 0.0001), PLT (P = 0.0192), higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P = 0.0199), and reduction of IgA (P = 0.0021). There is no significant difference in SCr and proteinuria among patients with different etiologies. The CD patients exhibited higher hs-CRP and D-Dimer. Treatment included targeting therapy of underlying hematological disorders, glucocorticoid combination with or without immunosuppressant, and supportive treatment. After treatment, we observed proteinuria remission (66.7%), partial improvement (27.3%), or complete recovery (45.5%) of renal function. Conclusion In Castleman's disease, POEMS syndrome, and patients receiving agents targeting VEGF, initial attention to GMA might improve the prognosis and shed light on the study of the mechanisms.

#1870 Uninephrectomized diabetic rats delay onset of hyperglycemia via down-regulation of SGLT2 mRNA

Abstract Background and Aims The kidney is essential for glucose metabolism. Reabsorption of almost all the glucose filtered by the glomerulus is performed by the sodium-glucose cotransporters (the SGLTs) in the proximal tubules, with SGLT2 responsible for about 90%. In addition, the kidney, along with the liver, plays an important role in gluconeogenesis, especially in the long fasting state. SGLT2 inhibitors originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are clinically very effective drugs halting chronic kidney disease progression. The underlying mechanisms are, however, not fully understood. Furthermore, SGLT2 expression in diabetic patients has been reported to increase and decrease but remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate how uninephrectomy (UNx) and SGLT2 inhibitor treatment affects the dynamics of blood glucose and SGLTs in SDT fatty rats with obese type 2 DM (leptin receptor mutation), which is hyperglycemic from an early stage. Method 24 male SDT fatty rats were divided into four groups: sham + placebo group (n=6); sham + dapagliflozin (dapa, 1.5 mg/kg/day) group (n=6); UNx + placebo group (n=6); UNx + dapa group (n=6). UNx or sham operations were undergone at week 6. Measurements included body weight, food intake, water consumption, urine output, blood pressure, serum creatinine, and blood glucose in the experiment. At week 12, the rats were sacrificed, and the kidneys were sampled to measure SGLT1 and SGLT2 mRNA in the renal cortex by real-time PCR quantification. Results Blood glucose levels continued to rise from week 7 in the sham + placebo group, but the rate of increase was still slower in the UNx + placebo group, and the increase in blood glucose levels was mostly suppressed with dapa administration (Fig. 1). Only the Sham + placebo group showed increased urinary volume and weight loss after week 10 due to hyperglycemia. There were no significant differences in serum creatinine or blood pressure during the study. Real-time PCR results showed that SGLT2 mRNA in the renal cortex was significantly decreased by 26% in the UNx group (P=0.0386), but SGLT1 mRNA was not significantly different. Conclusion Uninephrectomized diabetic rats delayed onset of hyperglycemia and reduced SGLT2 mRNA; SGLT2 inhibitor treatment further delayed the onset of hyperglycemia but did not alter SGLT2 mRNA expression. In animal models of diabetes, renal glucose reabsorption appeared to be a major contributor to the development of hyperglycemia.

Long-Term Bone Mineral Density Changes in Kidney Transplant Recipients Treated with Denosumab: A Retrospective Study with Nonequivalent Control Group.

Data on the effectiveness of denosumab on osteoporosis after kidney transplantation are limited. We investigated the long-term bone mineral density (BMD) changes in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) treated with denosumab compared to untreated KTRs. We enrolled KTRs treated with denosumab 60mg/6 months for 4years. An untreated group of sex and age-matched KTRs with a 1:1 ratio was included. The primary outcome was BMD changes assessed by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry over 4 years. Data on serum creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were collected. All patients received oral cholecalciferol and calcium supplementation. 23 denosumab-treated KTRs were enrolled, and 23 untreated KTRs. The median time from transplant to the start of denosumab was 4years (range 0:24). The denosumab group showed a significant increase from baseline in BMD at the lumbar spine (LS) (9.0 ± 10.7%, p < 0.001), and total hip (TH) (3.8 ± 7.9%, p = 0.041). The untreated group showed a significant decrease at all sites (- 3.0 ± 7%, p = 0.041 at the LS; - 6.3 ± 9.2%, p = 0.003 at the TH; - 6.7 ± 9.3%, p = 0.003 at the FN). The between-group differences in percent BMD changes were statistically significant at all sites. Similar results were found for the respective Z-scores. The ALP serum levels significantly decreased from baseline only in the denosumab group, with a significant between-group difference (p = 0.032). No significant differences in serum creatinine, hypocalcaemic events or acute graft rejection rates were observed. Four years of denosumab therapy were associated with increased BMD in KTRs, while untreated KTRs showed significant BMD losses at all sites.

Functional MRI assessment of microstructural and perfusion changes in the kidneys of rats with intrauterine growth restriction

To explore the value of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, including intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), T1 mapping, and T2 mapping, in assessing the microstructural and perfusion changes in the kidneys of rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). An IUGR rat model was established through a low-protein diet during pregnancy. Offspring from pregnant rats on a low-protein diet were randomly divided into an IUGR 8-week group and an IUGR 12-week group, while offspring from pregnant rats on a normal diet were divided into a normal 8-week group and a normal 12-week group (n=8 for each group). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (Dt), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), T1 value, and T2 value of the renal cortex and medulla were compared, along with serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels among the groups. The Dt value in the renal medulla was higher in the IUGR 12-week group than in the IUGR 8-week group, and the D* value in the renal medulla was lower in the IUGR 12-week group than in both the normal 12-week group and the IUGR 8-week group (P<0.05). The T1 value in the renal medulla was higher than in the cortex in the IUGR 8-week group, and the T1 value in the renal medulla was higher in the IUGR 12-week group than in both the IUGR 8-week group and the normal 12-week group, with the cortical T1 value in the IUGR 12-week group also being higher than that in the normal 12-week group (P<0.05). The T2 values in the renal medulla were higher than those in the cortex across all groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the T2 values of either the cortex or medulla among the groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels among the groups (P>0.05). Glomerular hyperplasia and hypertrophy without significant fibrotic changes were observed in the IUGR 8-week group, whereas glomerular atrophy, cystic stenosis, and interstitial inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis were seen in the IUGR 12-week group. IVIM MRI can be used to assess and dynamically observe the microstructural and perfusion damage in the kidneys of IUGR rats. MRI T1 mapping can be used to evaluate kidney damage in IUGR rats, and the combination of MRI T1 mapping and T2 mapping can further differentiate renal fibrosis in IUGR rats.

Metformin Continuation Versus Holding Pre and Post Coronary Angiography with Normal Renal Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background It is common practice to withhold metformin prior to cardiac catheterization due to fear of developing lactic acidosis in the setting of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (AKI). The evidence behind this recommendation is currently weak. Methods We collected 851 articles from PubMed and Embase, of which 3 met our inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were age &gt; 18 years, baseline use of long-term metformin with continued or interrupted metformin use in patients during diagnostic or interventional cardiac catheterization. The outcomes studied were differences between post-catheterization and pre-catheterization serum creatinine (SCr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We excluded studies dealing with patients not on long-standing metformin and those in which contrast exposure was through contrast enhanced computerized tomography. We used Hedges’s g with inverse variance method to pool standard mean difference with a random effects model using meta-cont module in CRAN-R software with 95% confidence interval (CI) for statistical significance. Higgins I-squared (I²) statistic was used to evaluate heterogeneity. Results . Post-catheterization serum creatinine (Hedges’s g = -0.12 mg/dL; CI = -0.83 to +0.6, p = 0.75, I2 = 95%), post-catheterization GFR (Hedges’s g = +0.18 mL/min; CI = -0.76 to +1.11, p = 0.71, I2 = 97%) and post-catheterization lactate levels (Hedges’s g = +0.03 mg/dL; CI = -0.66 to +0.72, p = 0.75, I2 = 95%) failed to reach statistical significance. Conclusions There is no statistically significant difference in SCr or GFR between patients who held metformin prior to cardiac catheterization and those who continued taking the medication.

A model of hemodialysis after acute kidney injury in rats

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent among critically ill patients. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is often required to deal with severe complications of AKI. This technique is however associated with side effects such as hemodynamic instability and delayed renal recovery. In this study, we aimed to describe a novel model of hemodialysis in rats with AKI and depict a dialysis membrane performance.MethodsEighteen Sprague–Dawley rats received 0.75% adenine-rich diet to induce AKI. After 2 weeks, nine underwent an arterio-venous extracorporeal circulation (ECC) (ECC group) for 2 h without a dialysis membrane on the circuit and nine received a hemodialysis session (HD group) for 2 h with an ECC circuit. All rats were hemodynamically monitored, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by transcutaneous fluorescence after the injection of FITC-Sinistrin. Blood samples were collected at different time points to assess serum creatinine and serum urea concentrations and to determine the Kt/V. Sinistrin concentration was also quantified in both plasma and dialysis effluent.ResultsAfter 2 weeks of adenine-rich diet, rats exhibited a decrease in GFR. Both serum urea and serum creatinine concentrations increased in the ECC group but remained stable in the HD group. We found no significant difference in serum creatinine and serum urea concentrations between groups. At the end of experiments, mean serum urea was 36.7 mmol/l (95%CI 19.7–46.9 mmol/l) and 23.6 mmol/l (95%CI 15.2–33.5 mmol/l) in the ECC and HD groups, respectively (p = 0.15), and mean serum creatinine concentration was 158.0 µmol/l (95%CI 108.1–191.9 µmol/l) and 114.0 µmol/l (95%CI 90.2–140.9 µmol/l) in the ECC and HD groups, respectively (p = 0.11). The Kt/V of the model was estimated at 0.23. Sinistrin quantity in the ultrafiltrate raised steadily during the dialysis session. After 2 h, the median quantity was 149.2 µg (95% CI 99.7–250.3 µg).ConclusionsThis hemodialysis model is an acceptable compromise between the requirement of hemodynamic tolerance which implies reducing extracorporeal blood volume (using a small dialyzer) and the demonstration that diffusion of molecules through the membrane is achieved.

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for tertiary hyperparathyroidism in patients with renal transplantation

Objective To explore the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) in patients with renal transplantation (RT). Methods In total, fifteen patients with THPT after renal transplantation who underwent MWA were enrolled in the study. The pre- and post-MWA intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, urea nitrogen and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values were compared. Results A total of 38 parathyroid hyperplastic nodules in 15 RT patients were treated with ultrasound-guided MWA. The mean (median, range) size of the hyperplastic parathyroid nodules was 11.5 mm (11 mm, 5–25 mm), and the average (median, range) ablation time was 163.5s (121 s, 44–406 s). The average levels of serum iPTH and calcium at 1 d, 7 d, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year post-MWA and at the end of follow-up were significantly lower than those pre-MWA (all p < 0.05). Compared with the pre-MWA value (0.76 mmol/L), the serum phosphorus levels at 1 d post-MWA (0.63 mmol/L) were significantly decreased, and those at 7 d, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year post-MWA and at the end of follow-up were significantly increased, but all were within the normal range. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine and eGFR pre-MWA and post-MWA. No major MWA-related complications occurred. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided MWA shows potential as a viable treatment for THPT in RT patients. However, further studies are required to confirm its safety and effectiveness in larger cohorts of longer duration.

Analysis of the Effect of Hormone Therapy Combined with Hydroxychloroquine in the Treatment of IgA Nephropathy

Objective: To explore and analyze the effect of hormone therapy combined with hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of IgA nephropathy. Methods: 30 patients with IgA nephropathy who were admitted to the Urology Department of Jiuquan hospital from August 2021 to May 2023 were selected as the research subjects, and they divided into an observation group and control group by drawing lots, with 15 cases in each group. The observation group underwent hydroxychloroquine treatment in addition of hormone therapy, and the control group underwent conventional treatment and hormone therapy. The rate of effectiveness of treatment, serum index, and renal function of both groups were compared. Results: The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum creatinine and serum albumin (P &gt; 0.05) between the groups before treatment; after treatment, the serum creatinine and serum albumin in the steroid group were significantly better than those in the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Besides, there was no significant difference in urine protein quantification and glomerular filtration rate between the groups before treatment (P &gt; 0.05); after treatment, the hormone group’s urine protein quantification and glomerular filtration rate were significantly better than those in the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). The rate of effectiveness of the hormone group was significantly higher than that of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Hormone therapy combined with hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of IgA nephropathy is more effective than hormone therapy alone, thus this treatment plan is worthy of promotion and application.

MP68-14 INTRAVENOUS ACETATE IS RENOPROTECTIVE FOLLOWING KIDNEY ISCHEMIA IN A PIG MODEL

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP68-14 INTRAVENOUS ACETATE IS RENOPROTECTIVE FOLLOWING KIDNEY ISCHEMIA IN A PIG MODEL Hal Kominsky, Jessica Dai, Tara Morgan, Alaina Garbens, Ryan Steinberg, Brett Johnson, and Jeffrey Cadeddu Hal KominskyHal Kominsky More articles by this author , Jessica DaiJessica Dai More articles by this author , Tara MorganTara Morgan More articles by this author , Alaina GarbensAlaina Garbens More articles by this author , Ryan SteinbergRyan Steinberg More articles by this author , Brett JohnsonBrett Johnson More articles by this author , and Jeffrey CadedduJeffrey Cadeddu More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003331.14AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The use of medication to avoid ischemia related kidney injury following hilar occlusion has been previously investigated. Renoprotection appears to be conferred by HIF-2A activation which can be stimulated by exogenous acetate administration. The goal of this project was to assess whether administration of acetate in a pig model can negate kidney injury related to ischemia-reperfusion following renal vessel occlusion. METHODS: For this study we selected a porcine single-kidney model. First, a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed, and the pigs were recovered. After seven days, the pigs underwent laparoscopic hilar dissection with 90 minutes of cross clamping on the contralateral kidney to simulate renal vessel occlusion during a partial nephrectomy. We employed block randomization of four experimental groups. Pigs in Group 1 received 150 mEq of sodium acetate intravenously during cross clamping. Group 2 received 0.75 g/kg of oral sodium acetate for three days leading up to the day of cross clamping. Group 3 received no acetate and underwent hilar dissection without any cross clamping. Group 4 also received no acetate and underwent hilar dissection with 90-minute cross clamping. Basic metabolic and complete blood panels were drawn after nephrectomy, immediately before and after cross clamping, at 24 and 72 hours and then 7 days after cross clamping. Serum creatinine was used to evaluate renal function. RESULTS: We performed a total of 16 procedures allocating 4 pigs for each experimental group. All pigs were 6-month-old females with median mass of 34.6 kg. One pig from Group 1 had to be excluded due to renal failure. Figure 1 demonstrates the mean serum creatinine for the experimental groups at each time point following hilar cross clamping. A significant difference in serum creatinine was observed at 90 minutes (p=0.038), 24 hours (p<0.001) and 72 hours (p=0.002) after crossing clamping for the pigs receiving intravenous acetate. The same effect was not observed for the pigs receiving oral acetate. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that the administration of intravenous acetate did confer a significant renoprotective benefit in our ischemia-reperfusion porcine single kidney model. This work is hypothesis generating and could lead to performing a similar study in human subjects undergoing renal hilar occlusion during partial nephrectomy. Source of Funding: Institutional © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e958 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Hal Kominsky More articles by this author Jessica Dai More articles by this author Tara Morgan More articles by this author Alaina Garbens More articles by this author Ryan Steinberg More articles by this author Brett Johnson More articles by this author Jeffrey Cadeddu More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The Comparative Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin-A Injection Therapy Versus Augmentation Uretero-Enterocystoplasty for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction.

We investigated the effectiveness of intravesical botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injection therapy in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and upper urinary tract (UUT) deterioration and evaluated whether BTX-A injection therapy could substitute for augmentation uretero-enterocystoplasty (AUEC). Data from a prospective, single-center cohort from 2017-2021 were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 treatment groups: AUEC and BTX-A (i.e., patients who declined AUEC). Bladder and UUT functions were assessed by comparing clinical information, urodynamic data, laboratory results, and imaging records. In total, 121 patients were enrolled (BTX-A group: 41 patients; AUEC group: 80 patients). The BTX-A group showed a reduced maximum detrusor pressure and increases in the maximum bladder volume and bladder compliance (P<0.05). However, in follow-up evaluations, significantly smaller improvements (all P<0.05) in urodynamic parameters were found in the BTX-A group than in the AUEC group. Notably, there was no significant improvement in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR; P=0.66) or upper urinary tract dilatation (UUTD; P=0.75) in the BTX-A group, and no statistically significant difference in serum creatinine (Scr) levels or the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was observed in the follow-up evaluations (all P>0.05). Both VUR and UUTD improved significantly in the AUEC group, and the Scr and eGFR levels significantly improved after AUEC relative to baseline levels (P<0.05). The reduction in the Scr level was significantly lower in the BTX-A group than in the AUEC group during 0-15 months of follow-up (Scr reduction differences, -1.36; P<0.01). Although BTX-A injection therapy was effective for improving bladder function, BTX-A injections did not alleviate UUT deterioration in this study, particularly in patients with advanced-stage LUTD. Conversely, AUEC for LUTD has a well-established role in improving UUT function. Hence, BTX-A injection therapy should not replace AUEC to ameliorate UUT impairment and protect UUT function.

C3dg and MAC complement depositions in the renal histopathology of patients with lupus nephropathy.

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) refers to SLE with an onset before 18 years old. The key to the pathogenesis of SLE tissue inflammation and injury is complement activation. The presence of complement split C3dg and membrane attack complex (MAC) may indicate a worse prognosis for lupus nephritis (LN). This study investigated whether complement split C3dg and MAC depositions in the pathogenesis of LN are potential biomarkers of disease severity and tissue injury. The data on patients with LN were retrospectively analyzed in our center between April 2018 and December 2020. The depositions of C3dg and MAC were detected by immunofluorescence staining. C3dg and MAC were both detected in specimens from 61.5% of patients. Patients with MAC depositions had a greater proportion of neurological disorders than those without MAC depositions (22.9% vs. 3.3%; P=0.044). We found significant differences in serum creatinine, urinary protein, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in all four groups of patients with differing degrees of C3dg and MAC depositions. This study suggests that C3dg and MAC depositions may be potential biomarkers for disease severity and tissue injury in LN. MAC and C3dg staining may be useful in routine studies of lupus biopsies to identify patients who need more aggressive treatment.

EARLY INITIATION OF RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS WITH BOTH ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME AND SEPSIS WITH OR WITHOUT RENAL FAILURE: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY BASED ON PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHING.

Background: It is unknown whether early renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation strategy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with both acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis with or without renal failure is clinically beneficial. Patients and methods: A total of 818 patients with both ARDS and sepsis admitted to the ICU of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were included in the analysis. Early RRT was defined as initiating the RRT strategy within 24 h of admission. The relationship between early RRT and clinical outcomes, including primary (30-day mortality) and secondary (90-day mortality, serum creatinine, Pa o2 /Fi o2 , duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, cumulative fluid output, and cumulative fluid balance) outcomes, was compared using propensity score matching (PSM). Results: A total of 277 patients (33.9% of the total population) underwent an early RRT initiation strategy before PSM. After PSM, a cohort of 147 patients with early RRT and 147 patients without early RRT with matched baseline characteristics (including serum creatinine at admission) were constructed. Early RRT was not significantly associated with 30- (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-1.85; P = 0.258) or 90-day mortality (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.91-1.87, P = 0.150). At each time point within 72 h after admission, there was no significant difference in serum creatinine, Pa o2 /Fi o2 and duration of mechanical ventilation between the early and the no early RRT groups. Early RRT significantly increased total output at all time points within 72 h of admission and reached a statistically significant negative fluid balance at 48 h. Conclusions: Early RRT initiation strategies had no statistically significant survival benefit in ICU patients with both ARDS and sepsis, with or without renal failure, nor did they significantly improve serum creatinine and oxygenation or shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation. The use and timing of RRT in such patients should be thoroughly investigated.

Efficacy evaluation of direct antiviral drugs against hepatitis B virus in improving the degree of liver fibrosis.

The aim of the study was to find an ideal index reflecting inflammation and fibrosis for patients after antiviral treatment, and compare it with imaging examination (liver stiffness measurement - LSM) and traditional liver fibrosis models (APRI and FIB-4). A total of 77 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) after entecavir (ETV) treatment were included, and the changes of various clinical indicators before and after treatment were compared. After 78 weeks of ETV treatment, WBC and PLT of 77 patients were significantly increased, while ALT, AST and total bilirubin were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum creatinine (Cr) or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) compared to the values before treatment (p > 0.05). The three non-invasive liver fibrosis indexes, namely, LSM, APRI and FIB-4, were significantly decreased in 77 patients compared to the values before treatment (p < 0.001). Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) have a high consistency with the grading of liver fibrosis, and can be used to evaluate the severity of liver fibrosis. Among them, ARFI has good diagnostic value for the classification of different degrees of liver fibrosis and the best diagnostic accuracy.

Renal transplant outcomes in allografts with multiple versus single renal arteries

Context: Anatomical variations of the grafts are one of the challenging problems in renal transplantation. Among these anatomical variations, multiple renal arteries (MRAs) are considered the most common. Aims: The aim of the study was to find out the outcome of recipient’s receiving multiple artery renal allografts. Settings and Method: This was a single-institutional, prospective, observational study of 212 patients who underwent open live renal allografting after exclusion criteria. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months, and serum creatinine was done at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and at 12 months of follow-up. Statistical Analysis Used: Quantitative data have been presented in terms of means and standard deviation. Categorical data have been presented in terms of proportions and percentages. Student’s t-test has been used for the comparison of individual quantitative parameters. Value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Serum creatinine on the postoperative day-1 was found to be higher in the MRAs group compared to single renal artery (SRA) group (2.25 mg/dl vs. 2.02 mg/dl, P = 0.178). During follow-up of the recipients, there was no statistically significant difference in serum creatinine between the two groups when measured at 1, 3, and 6 months and at 1 year. Conclusions: Outcomes in recipients receiving multiple artery renal allografts were similar compared to the cohort of allografts with SRA. Hence, transplantation of renal allograft with MRAs is safe, and the recipient in need should not be denied of a graft with multiple vessels.

A study to observe the effects of infusion of 6% Hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) on renal function in cardiac surgical patients

Background: The possibility of nephrotoxic effect caused by hydroxy ethyl starch (HES) used as volume therapy in this particular setting is of major clinical concern. We conducted this retrospective study to look for the possible nephrotoxic effects and other systemic adverse effects if any, of 6% HES 130 kD, 0.4 DS used as intraoperative volume expander in the cardiac surgery setting. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to determine whether the infusion of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) harms renal function in cardiac surgical patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study. Sixty-six patients who received crystalloids with hydroxyethyl starch and a matched control of 66 patients based on age and sex and other baseline parameters who received crystalloids only were part of the study. The data extracted from the electronic medical record include patient demographics, details for additive EURO score, and pre-operative data that include details of comorbid illnesses, namely, hypertension and diabetes, plasma hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and eGFR. Results: There is no statistically significant difference in serum creatinine and incidence of post-operative renal dysfunction between the study groups. There was a higher rate of re-exploration and duration of intensive care unit, and hospital stay. Conclusion: In our study, HES 130/0.4 in the dose used as a plasma expander did not adversely affect renal function in cardiac surgical patients undergoing CABG. The study recommends further detailed studies in this area involving multiple centers.

Ultrasound dynamic monitoring of IVCD to guide application of CRRT in patients with renal failure combined with acute heart failure

We explored the application value of bedside ultrasound dynamic monitoring of the inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) and collapse with sniff (inferior vena cava collapsibility index [IVCCI]) to guide dehydration adjustment in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in patients with combined renal failure and acute heart failure. We selected 90 patients with combined renal and acute heart failure who required CRRT in the intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2019 to June 2021. According to different blood volume assessment methods, patients were randomly divided into ultrasound, experience, and control groups. We compared serum creatinine, potassium, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels; time to improved heart failure symptoms; CRRT time; ventilator use; ICU length of stay; vasopressor use; and incidence of adverse events among groups. There were no significant differences in serum creatinine, potassium, and NT-proBNP levels in pairwise comparisons among groups before and after CRRT (P > 0.05). The time to improved heart failure symptoms, CRRT time, and ICU length of stay in the ultrasound and experience groups were lower than those in the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Ventilator use duration was lower in the ultrasound and experience groups compared with the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the ultrasound and control groups (P < 0.05). The duration of vasopressor use in the ultrasound and control groups was lower than that in the experience group; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse events was lower in the ultrasound group compared with the experience and control groups; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Ultrasound dynamic monitoring of IVCD and collapse with sniff can accurately assess blood volume status, and provide guidance for dehydration adjustments in CRRT and rapid relief of heart failure symptoms in patients with combined renal and acute heart failure.

Observational Study of Early Outcomes in Single-Vessel and Multiple-Vessel Renal Allograft.

IntroductionEnd-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a global problem with a similar worldwide need for renal replacement therapy. However, the availability of transplant organs remains a challenge. Therefore, we conducted this study to measure early outcomes (up to one month) of renal allograft functions after renal transplant by assessing graft vascularity. We also measured the changes in serum creatinine and hemoglobin levels in single- and multiple-vessel renal allograft recipients.MethodsWe conducted an observational study of 108 renal allograft patients for two years. The study included all renal allograft recipients during the study period. The study excluded patients with a history of renal transplant, patients on antithrombotic therapy, a donor with previous surgery of graft kidney, and patients with anatomic abnormalities. Eighty-five patients were in the single-vessel group, and 23 were in the multiple-vessel group. Donors and recipients received standard pretransplant workup, including donor CT angiography and human leukocyte antigen crossmatching. We performed laparoscopic donor nephrectomies for all participants and perfused all renal arteries separately with Renograph solution (Claris Lifesciences, North Brunswick, NJ). A renal transplant was done in the right or left iliac fossa, noting warm and cold ischemia times. In single-vessel recipients, we anastomosed the renal artery to the external iliac artery (EIA), the renal vein to the external iliac vein (EIV), and the ureter to the bladder via a modified Lich-Gregoir technique. In multiple-vessel recipients, we performed bench anastomosis to make a single vessel, or we anastomosed vessels separately to the EIA, EIV, or the inferior epigastric artery for patients with a second small renal artery. We measured postoperative serum creatinine and hemoglobin levels for one month. In addition, we assessed graft vascularity with ultrasound-guided (USG) Doppler in the first postoperative week. We used IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21.0. (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) for all data analyses.ResultsWarm ischemia time (WIT) was longer in multiple-vessel patients than in single-vessel patients, but the difference was insignificant (p=0.054). Cold ischemia time (CIT) was significantly longer in the multiple-vessel group than in the single-vessel group (p=0.048). We found no significant difference in serum creatinine or hemoglobin levels between groups during the study period. Perigraft collection occurred in three single-vessel patients and decreased vascularity in two multiple-vessel patients, according to USG Doppler.ConclusionsWe conducted this study to measure early outcomes of renal allograft functions after renal transplant by assessing graft vascularity, serum creatinine, and hemoglobin levels in single- and multiple-vessel renal allograft patients. According to our results, renal transplantation is not inferior in multiple-vessel allograft patients. We found no significant difference in serum creatinine levels one month postoperatively. Using multiple-vessel donors helps increase the limited donor pool, which is ultimately better for managing ESRD patients.

The role of body mass index on IgA nephropathy prognosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent studies show that obese patients have worse outcomes in IgA nephropathy as compared to normal weight patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective, retrospective, randomized and nonrandomized studies, which studied the impact of obesity or high body mass index (BMI) on different parameters of IgA nephropathy prognosis and outcome. We searched through PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley). We included 16 studies in our final analysis with a total of 4258 patients. Overall, there was a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in IgA nephropathy patients with BMI in the overweight/obese range than in those with normal BMI (mean difference 6.01, 95% CI 2.78-9.24ml/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.001), but no significant difference in serum creatinine or proteinuria levels. No studies measured GFR. There were contradictory results regarding the relationship between BMI and blood pressure, histological parameters or outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy. Higher BMI in IgA nephropathy patients might be associated with lower kidney function, but this should be confirmed by measuring GFR. Evidence regarding other kidney damage parameters and outcomes is inconclusive.

Association Between Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Kidney Function in Patients With Chronic Gastritis: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori (HP) is a common bacterium that globally infects humans. The significance of HP infection and eradication of kidney impairment remain ambiguous. Moreover, little is known about whether elimination of the bacteria has any consequence on kidney function. This study aimed to explore the relationship between HP eradication and kidney function in patients with chronic gastritis (CG).MethodologyWe retrospectively reviewed the records of all CG patients with eradicated HP at King Abdulaziz University Hospital between June 2002 and June 2021. All patients older than 18 years, diagnosed with CG in whom HP had been eradicated, were included. Out of 1,936 patients’ records, only 46 met the criteria.ResultsThe mean age of the study sample was 48 years; in addition, 58.7% of the patients were obese. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and glomerular filtration rate after HP eradication (P-values of 0.414, 0.112, and 0.300, respectively).ConclusionsWe found no relationship between the eradication of HP and improvement in renal function. However, prospective population-based studies must be conducted to assess an association between HP eradication and renal function, as well the future risk of nephropathy with the persistence of HP. As such, we recommend a multicenter study that includes a representative sample size.

Renal function in patients with thalassemia major receiving Exjade® dispersible tablets and a new film-coated tablet formulation of deferasirox (Nanojade®)

In patients with β-thalassemia major (TM), one of the long-term complications of regular blood transfusion is renal dysfunction. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the renal function in TM patients receiving Exjade® dispersible tablets and a new film-coated tablet formulation of deferasirox (Nanojade®). In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 80 TM patients aged 11-48-year-old entered the study. Patients received 20-30 mg/kg/d (single dose) Exjade® (Exjade group, n = 40) and Nanojade® (Nanojade group, n = 40) orally. To evaluated renal function, serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-h urine protein (UPro), UCa/UCr, spot UPro/UCr ratio, and serum ferritin were calculated at baseline and every 3 months to 9 months. There was no significant difference in SCr, BUN, eGFR, 24-h UPro, UPro/UCr ratio, UCa/UCr ratio, and serum ferritin between groups at baseline and end of study (P baseline> 0.05, P end of study> 0.05). There was no significant difference in proteinuria between groups at baseline and end of study (P baseline> 0.05, P end of study> 0.05). The proportion of SCr, BUN, eGFR, 24-h UPro, UPro/UCr ratio, and UCa/UCr ratio was not significantly different in TM patients treated with Nanojade® compared to patients' received Exjade®. Nanojade® had similar effects to Exjade®, and therefore, the use of Nanojade® is safe in TM patients and does not seem to be associated with increased renal failure, proteinuria, and hypercalciuria.