Hyperuricemia,Hypertension, and Chronic Kidney Disease: an Emerging Association

Uric acid is a product of purine metabolism and has been linked to gout and kidney calculi. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension (HTN) are two major public health problems, and both are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Emerging evidence suggests a pathogenic role of hyperuricemia in the development of HTN and CKD, in addition to progression of CKD, by inducing renal inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. In addition, several epidemiological studies have linked hyperuricemia with an increased risk of HTN and CKD. A few clinical trials have assessed the use of uric acid-lowering therapies such as allopurinol and febuxostat in the management of HTN and delaying progression of CKD. To date, most of these trials are short-term with a small sample size; however, their results are encouraging and provide a rationale for larger randomized controlled trials to establish the role of uric acid-lowering therapies in the management of HTN, in addition to prevention of CKD progression and cardiovascular events.     

Development of an immune function assay by measuring intracellular adenosine triphosphate (iATP) levels in mitogen-stimulated CD4+ T lymphocytes

We developed an immune function assay for monitoring CD4+ T cells activity based on changes in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (iATP) levels after phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. Blood samples were obtained from 40 healthy subjects and 30 RTRs and incubated with 5 µg/mL of PHA for 15–18 hr at 37°C and 5% CO₂. Afterward, the CD4+ T cells were separated by antibody-coated magnetic beads and lysed. Then, iATP content in unstimulated and stimulated conditions was measured by luciferin-luciferase reaction using a log-log standard curve. The iATP levels showed significant increase in CD4+ T cells in both healthy persons (mean: 550 ± 142 ng/mL vs. 109 ± 54 ng/mL) and RTRs (mean: 394 ± 160 ng/mL vs. 52 ± 37 ng/mL) after PHA stimulation (P < 0.001). However, the iATP production in RTRs was significantly lower than that in healthy individuals; both prior to and after stimulation with PHA (P < 0.001). No gender-specific difference in iATP production was observed between women and men subjects. This rapid and low-cost assay reflects the degree of immune cell function through assessment of CD4+ T cells activation. Thus, it can be used for evaluation of immune system status in immunodeficient individuals as well as in immunosuppressed transplant recipients who needs drug adjustment.     

Transcatheter perforation of atretic pulmonary valve by the stiff end of a coronary wire in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: A solution in developing countries

Objectives

To evaluate the safety of using the stiff end of a coronary wire to perforate an atretic pulmonary valve (PV) in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS).

The association between obesity and migraine in a population of Iranian adults: a case-control study

Aim

To assess the association between obesity and risk of migraine with aura and features of migraine attacks among a population of Iranian adults.

Efficacy of clofibrate on severe neonatal jaundice associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (a randomized clinical trial)

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency may cause severe hyperbilirubinemia with bilirubin encephalopathy unless intervention is initiated. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of clofibrate in full term G6PD deficient neonates with jaundice. A randomized clinical trial study was performed in two groups of full-term G6PD deficient jaundiced neonates (clofibrate treated group, n = 21; control group, n = 19). Infants in the clofibrate group received a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg clofibrate, whereas control group received nothing. Both groups were treated with phototherapy. Serum total and direct bilirubin levels were measured at the onset of treatments, 16, 24 and 48 hours later. On enrollment, the mean total serum bilirubin (TSB) level in the clofibrate treated group was 18.40 +/- 2.41 and in the control group was 17.49 +/- 1.03 (p = 0.401). At 16, 24 and 48 hours of treatment, the mean TSB in the clofibrate group were 15.2 +/- 1.9, 12.6 +/- 2.4, and 10.1 +/- 2.4 and in the control group were 16.5 +/- 1.2, 13.3 +/- 2.2 and 11.4 +/- 2.4, respectively (p = 0.047). At 48 hours, 7 (33%) cases in the clofibrate group and one (5%) case in the control group were discharged with a TSB < 10 mg/dl (p = 0.031). No side effects were observed on serial examinations during hospitalization, or on the 1st and 7th days after discharge. The results show that clofibrate induces a faster decline in serum total bilirubin level, a shorter duration of phototherapy, and hospitalization with no side effects in full-term G6PD deficient neonates with jaundice.     

Comparison between Negative T waves characteristics in acute coronary syndrome and pulmonary embolism

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the first available modality used in patients with chest pain and dyspnea in emergency rooms.We aimed to study differences between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute pulmonary embolism (APE) in patients presented primarily with abnormal negative T waves on their admission Electrocardiogram.

Kawasaki disease with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency,case report

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited vasculitis of unknown etiology that occurs predominantly in infants and children younger than 5 years of age. Coronary artery abnormalities are the most serious complication.Based on the literatures infusion of Intravenous Immunoglobulin of 2 g/kg and a high dose of oral aspirin up to 100 mg/kg/day are the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease in the acute stage, and should be followed by antiplatelet dose of aspirin for thrombocytosis. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited X-linked hereditary disorder, and aspirin can induce hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency. We report a case of a 5 year and 8 month old male with KD and G6PD deficiency.     

Successful lung transplantation following lung volume reduction surgery

BACKGROUND: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an accepted treatment modality for patients with advanced emphysema. Recently, successful lung transplantation (LTX) has been reported following LVRS. We assess the pulmonary functions in lung transplant recipients after LVRS. METHODS: 8 patients - 5 males and 3 women--aged 53-66 years with advanced emphysema underwent LVRS. Following clinical deterioration and decline of pulmonary function, patients underwent single LTX. Post transplantation follow-up included pulmonary function, 6 minute walk distance (6 MWD) and recording perioperative complications. RESULTS: Median forced expiratory in one second (FEV 1) before and after LVRS were 24 % with 31 % predicted, respectively. All but one showed improvement in lung function and 6 MWD following LVRS. Median maximal 6 MWD before and after LVRS was 222 and 316 meters, respectively. Median time from LVRS to LTX was 46 months (range 10-83). All patients survived and were discharged after LTX. Median FEV1 before and after LTX was 23 % with 57 % predicted, respectively. Median 6MWD before and after LTX was 240 and 462 meters, respectively. NYHA classes improved from 3-4 to 1-2 in 7 surviving patients. At transplantation, bleeding due to pleural adhesions was observed in 4 patients; two required blood transfusions. One patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and one had unilateral vocal cord paralysis. At nine-month follow-up, 7 patients are doing remarkably well, while one patient died 6 months after LTX due to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). CONCLUSIONS: LVRS is a therapeutic option in patients with end-stage emphysema. When emphysema deteriorates, LTX can be successfully performed with significant improvement of quality of life without significant additional risk.