Acute Effect of Furosemide on Glomerular Filtration Rate in Diastolic Dysfunction

We sought to evaluate the acute effect of furosemide on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in subjects with diastolic dysfunction. An equal number of subjects with documented diastolic dysfunction (DD) and healthy volunteers (controls) were enrolled and underwent a baseline GFR measurement via plasma clearance of technetium-99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Within three to seven days of the baseline, study subjects were scheduled for a second GFR study, which was performed immediately after administration of furosemide (20 mg orally and 20 mg intravenously). There were eight healthy volunteers (8 males with a mean age 42 ± 7.8 years; 6 white, 2 Asian) and eight subjects with diastolic dysfunction (7 males, 1 female, with a mean age 64.5 ± 9.3 years; 7 whites, 1 African-American). There was a significant post-furosemide decline in GFR in the healthy volunteers, baseline vs. post-furosemide 131.6 ± 19.8 vs. 117 ± 18.2 mL/min, respectively (p?=?0.03), and the patients with DD, baseline vs. post-furosemide 117.5 ± 22.3 vs. 92 ± 21.7 mL/min, respectively (p?=?0.0002). A strong trend was detected, though not statistically significant, of greater GFR decline in subjects with DD compared to the healthy volunteers, 25.5 ± 9.9 vs. 14.6 ± 15.6 mL/min, respectively (p?=?0.12). To conclude, acute administration of furosemide might potentially cause a greater decline in GFR in subjects with diastolic dysfunction.     

Immunohistochemical study of tubular epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells in glomerulonephritis

Background and aims: In order to assess the role played by tubular epithelial cells (TEC) and interstitial vascular endothelial cells (VEC) in interstitial fibrogenesis in human glomerulonephritis, we studied the expression of markers of activated fibroblasts (α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and vimentin (Vim)) and of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), at the level of these cells. Methods: We studied retrospectively 41 renal biopsies from patients with primary and secondary glomerulonephritis [24 males, 17 females, mean age 45.5?±?12.9?years]. Immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies (SMA, Vim, TGFβ) was assessed using a semiquantitative score, that was correlated with biological and histological data (quantified using a scoring system in order to assess active-inflammatory and chronic–sclerotic/fibrotic lesions). Results: The presence of SMA and Vim as markers of myofibroblasts was found in TECs and VECs. TEC Vim expression correlated with interstitial Vim expression (r?=?0.38; p?=?0.008), interstitial infiltrate (r?=?0.31; p?=?0.027), interstitial fibrosis (R?=?0.25; p?=?0.042), GFR (r?=??0.35; p?=?0.016), SMA (r?=??0.42; p?=?0.015), TGFβ (r?=?0.25; p?=?0.046), and hemoglobin (r?=??0.55; p?r?=??0.32; p?=?0.023) and interstitial fibrosis (r?=??0.34; p?=?0.017). Conclusion: Our study reflects the complexity of the involvement of VEC and mainly of TEC in fibrosis. The expression of mesenchymal markers at the tubular cell level (especially Vim) correlates with histological interstitial changes, with the decrease of renal function and more strongly with anemia.     

IgA nephropathy: association of C4d with clinical and histopathological findings and possible role of IgM

Abstract

Background: In patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) lectin and alternative pathways of the complement can be activated. Our aim was to analyze the association of glomerular and extraglomerular C4d staining—the representative of lectin pathway—with demographic, clinical and histopathological findings in primary IgAN patients. Design: Seventy-three patients were enrolled and after re-evaluation 37 of them were included in this study. Biopsies were analyzed for staining with anti-C4d primary monoclonal antibody by immunohistochemistry. Patients were classified as positive and negative groups based on their glomerular C4d deposition. Groups were compared for their baseline clinical and histopathological findings. Results: Sixteen (43.2%) of 37 patients were C4d-positive. Glomerular C4d-staining was associated with more severe proteinuria (2906?mg/day vs. 1091?mg/day; p?=?0.002), lower GFR (54.87?mL/min vs. 95?mL/min; p?=?0.023), higher blood pressure (p?=?0.022), more severe endocapillary hypercellularity (p?<?0.001) and more severe tubular atrophy (p?<?0.01). Mesangial IgM deposition was found to be associated with glomerular C4d staining and nephrotic range proteinuria. Conclusions: Glomerular C4d deposition was found to be associated with more unfavorable histopathological and clinical findings at the time of diagnosis. Association of mesangial IgM deposition with the activation of lectin pathway is a novel finding. Mesangial IgM deposition in our patients may reflect the genetic heterology of IgAN between diverse populations. However, since these data are about association, a cause-and-effect about IgM and IgAN cannot be proven solely with these findings.     

A retrospective analysis of kidney function and risk factors by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation in elderly Chinese patients

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease accounts for much of the increased mortality, especially in the elder population. The prevalence of this disease is expected to increase significantly as the society ages. Our aim was to evaluate the kidney function and risk factors of reduced renal function among elderly Chinese patients. This study retrospectively collected clinical data from a total of 1062 inpatients aged 65 years or over. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Renal function and risk factors were also analyzed. For all 1062 subjects, the mean eGFR was 71.0?±?24.8?mL/min/1.73?m², and the incidence rates of reduced renal function, proteinuria, hematuria and leukocyturia were 31.1%, 11.8%, 6.6% and 8.7%, respectively. The eGFR values were 83.4?±?28.4, 72.2?±?22.9, 67.8?±?24.3 and 58.8?±?29.1?mL/min/1.73?m² in the groups of 60–69, 70–79, 80–89 and ≥90 years age group (F?=?15.101, p?=?0.000), respectively; while the incidences of reduced renal function were 12.8%, 27.0%, 37.8% and 51.7% (χ²?=?36.143, p?=?0.000). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that hyperuricemia (OR?=?4.62, p?=?0.000), proteinuria (OR?=?3.96, p?=?0.000), urinary tumor (OR?=?2.92, p?=?0.015), anemia (OR?=?2.45, p?=?0.000), stroke (OR?=?1.96, p?=?0.000), hypertension (OR?=?1.83, p?=?0.006), renal cyst (OR?=?1.64, p?=?0.018), female (OR?=?1.54, p?=?0.015), coronary artery disease (OR?=?1.53, p?=?0.008) and age (OR?=?1.05, p?=?0.000) were the risk factors of reduced renal function. In conclusion, eGFR values decreased by age, while the incidence of reduced renal function, proteinuria, hematuria and leukocyturia increased with age. Treatment and control of comorbidities may slow the decline of renal function in elderly patients.     

Does body mass index influence the decline of glomerular filtration rate in diabetic type 2 patients with diabetic nephropathy in a developing country?

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is associated with a high risk of progression to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). While obesity has been identified as a factor in the decline of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in chronic kidney disease, its role in the progression of DN remains controversial. The objective of this work is to determine GFR decline in relation to BMI in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients presenting a DN. Methods: A prospective 5-year study conducted in the Eastern region of Morocco. Three BMI groups were distinguished: normal weight, overweight and obese and within each group progressors (eGFR?>?5?ml/min/1.73?m²/year) and non progressors (eGFR? 5?ml/min/1.73?m²/year). Results: Data on 292 patients were compiled. The progressors represented 25.8%, 23.1% and 32.3% of the normal weight, overweight and obese patient groups respectively (p?=?0.29). ESRD was observed in 9.1%, 6.9% and 8.3% (p?=?0.21) in normal weight, overweight and obese patients respectively. In multivariate analysis, low-baseline eGFR was identified as important predictor of progression of DN in each BMI group and in the entire cohort independently of BMI. Vascular co-morbidity events occurred in 9.1%, 16.9% and 19.8% (p?=?0.04) in normal weight, overweight and obese patients respectively. Conclusion: Our results show that the decline of eGFR in the DN of T2D is not directly influenced by BMI and that the major risk factors contributing to this decline remain low-baseline eGFR and increased baseline albuminuria.     

Unknown aspect of the old disease: does dyslipidemia in systemic AA amyloidosis differ from the dyslipidemia in primary glomerulonephritis?

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the nature of dyslipidemia and its diversity in patients with systemic AA amyloidosis. Methods: The reports of the kidney biopsies performed due to nephrotic proteinuria (>3.5?g/day/1.73?m²) with preserved renal function [glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >60?mL/min/1.73?m²] were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory data of the patients with systemic AA amyloidosis and primary glomerulonephritis (PG) were analyzed. Results: A total of 104 (systemic AA amyloidosis: 43, PG: 61) patients were included in the study. Proteinuria and GFR levels were similar in both the groups. Patients with systemic AA amyloidosis group had lower serum albumin (p?=?0.002), lower hemoglobin levels (p?=?0.001), higher platelet counts (p?=?0.002) and higher C-reactive protein levels (p?=?0.001) compared to patients in PG group. Although the frequency of dyslipidemia was similar in the groups (86.0 vs. 93.4%), patients with systemic amyloidosis had both lower values of LDL-C (4.56?±?2.05 vs. 5.49?±?2.23?mmol/L, p?=?0.028) and HDL-C (1.19?±?0.36 vs. 1.35?±?0.39?mmol/L, p?=?0.035). Serum lipid levels were correlated with serum total protein, albumin and proteinuria levels in PG group. However, in the systemic amyloidosis group, only one clear correlation between serum lipid and hemoglobin levels was estimated. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that LDL-C was independently associated with the etiology of nephrotic proteinuria, serum total protein, serum albumin (inversely) and hemoglobin levels. Conclusions: Although dyslipidemia is closely associated with serum total protein, albumin and proteinuria in patients with PG, there is no clear such association in patients with systemic amyloidosis. Correlation between serum lipid and hemoglobin levels in this group and other findings point out that probably complex mechanisms take place in dyslipidemia of nephrotic syndrome caused by systemic AA amyloidosis.     

Prognostic Value of NGAL Staining in Patients with IgA Nephropathy

Background: Renal tubulointerstitial injury plays an important role in disease progression of IgAN. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a stress protein released by tubular cells. NGAL is a promising biomarker of acute kidney injury. There is a growing literature suggesting that NGAL is also a marker of chronic kidney disease and severity. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of NGAL staining in patients with IgAN. Methods: This retrospective study included all consecutive patients who underwent a renal biopsy at our center between January 2005 and December 2009. Forty-five patients with IgA nephritis were enrolled, and renal biopsy specimens of 29 patients were evaluated. We evaluated baseline age, sex, hypertension, serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine protein, NGAL staining, glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and extracapillary proliferation. The primary endpoint of this study was doubling of baseline serum creatinine and/or the onset of ESRD in the course of the study. At the end of the follow-up, patients whose estimated GFR (eGFR) was ≤15 mL/min/1.73 m² and/or baseline serum creatinine doubled, were defined as the progressor group. Results: Nineteen patients (65.5%) were NGAL positive and 10 patients (34.5%) were NGAL negative. Female gender and hypertension were associated with NGAL-positive staining. Urinary protein excretion and serum creatinine levels were more elevated in the NGAL-positive group, but the difference was not significant. We found NGAL-positive staining in major proportion in the progressor group (88.9%) than the non-progressor group (55%) (p = 0.076). Conclusion: NGAL staining can be a new histological marker in IgAN progression.     

Cystatin C,vascular biomarkers and measured glomerular filtration rate in patients with unresponsive hypertensive phenotype: a pilot study

Background: Biomarkers are commonly used to estimate the presence of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with essential arterial hypertension (HT). In addition to known association between cystatin C and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), elucidating the association between cystatin C and vascular biomarkers (intima-media thickness of common carotid arteries (CCIMT), carotid plaque and renal artery resistance index (RRI)) in patients with unresponsive hypertensive phenotype could be of significant clinical interest.

Methods: Participants (n?=?200, median age 58 (52–64) years, 49% female) under treatment with antihypertensive drugs were stratified into two subgroups based on their blood pressure level as having responsive hypertension (RHT – compliant and responsive to treatment, n?=?100), or nonresponsive (URHT – compliant but nonresponsive to treatment, n?=?100). GFR was measured by isotopic (slope-intercept) method (99m Tc diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid – mGFR).

Results: The URHT group had significantly higher median cystatin C serum concentration (p?=?0.02) and CCIMT (p?=?0.00) compared to the RHT group, with no significant difference in RRI (p?=?0.51) and mGFR among subgroups [69.9?±?28.2 vs 76.74?±?23.61?ml/min/1.73m², p?=?0.27]. In the URHT group, cystatin C was found to be associated with CCIMT (p?=?0.02), hsCRP (p?=?0.01) and duration of HT (p?=?0.02), independently of mGFR and age. Independent predictors of URHT phenotype were CCIMT (p=?0.02) and hsCRP (p=?0.04).

Conclusion: In addition to GFR, cystatin C serum concentration is positively and independently associated with CCIMT in patient with URHT phenotype and subclinical CVD. Prospective larger studies should further investigate the clinical importance of this relationship.     

CKD is associated with recurrent ischemia but not with hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke patients

Background: We investigated the associations of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke (RIS) and Hemorrhagic Transformation (HT) with CKD in acute ischemic stroke patients. Method: The subjects were 160 patients, divided into two groups: with eGFR <60?mL/min/1.73?m² (CKD), with eGFR ≥60?mL/min/1.73?m² (without CKD). Results: Subjects having DM (p?=?0.018), CKD (p?=?0.025) and treated with ACEI/ARB (p?=?0.039) revealed association with RIS. Regression analysis disclosed only CKD (p?=?0.04). Carotid artery stenosis (p?=?0.030) and serum calcium levels (p?=?0.013) showed significant association with HT. Conclusion: Our results disclosed that CKD could be a risk factor for RIS. There is no relation between CKD and HT.     

Association between Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA-A, -B,and -DR) and end-stage renal disease in Kuwaiti patients awaiting transplantation

The number of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing considerably worldwide. Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs) are relevant for the expression of many immunological diseases and contribute to the development of different nephropathies. Therefore, we aimed from the present work to investigate the possible association between the frequency of HLA-A, -B, and –DR antigens and ESRD in Kuwaiti patients awaiting renal transplant. HLA-A, -B, and –DR typing was performed by complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) method for 334 patients with ESRD awaiting renal transplantation and 191 healthy controls. The frequency of HLA-B8 antigen was significantly higher in ESRD patients (OR?=?2.62, p?=?0.001, p_c?=?0.038), and the frequency of HLA-A28, HLA-DR11 antigens was significantly higher in healthy controls (OR 0.42, p?=?0.0001; p_c?=?0.0021, and OR?=?0.44, p?=?0.0007, p_c?=?0.01 respectively). While the HLA-B8 antigen may be a susceptibility risk factor for development of ESRD, the HLA-A28, and HLA-DR11 antigens may be protective against development of ESRD in Kuwaiti population.     

Sodium Bicarbonate versus Normal Saline for Protection against Contrast Nephropathy

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a form of acute kidney injury and a significant source of morbidity and mortality. We defined CIN as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) of 25%?or more within 48 hours of receiving contrast. We retrospectively compared sodium bicarbonate with normal saline for prevention of CIN. One hundred and eighty-seven patients exposed to contrast during cardiac angiography, treated prophylactically either with sodium bicarbonate (n?=?89) or with normal saline (n?=?98), were studied. Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar in terms of age, amount of contrast, presence of diabetes mellitus, and use of furosemide and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Patients in bicarbonate group had more severe renal disease with higher baseline SCr (1.58?±?0.5 mg/dL vs. 1.28?±?0.3 mg/dL, p?=?0.001) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, 51.06?±?14.0 mL/min vs. 62.3±13.5 mL/min, p?=?0.001) compared to the normal saline group. After the contrast exposure, there was significant drop in eGFR (6.4%) and increase in SCr (11.3%) in the normal saline group and no significant change in the bicarbonate group. Three patients (3.4%) in the bicarbonate group as opposed to 14 patients (14.3%) in the normal saline group developed CIN (p?=?0.011). Two patients in the normal saline group and none in the bicarbonate group needed dialysis. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine at three-month follow-up in either group. The above findings suggest that hydration with intravenous sodium bicarbonate is more effective than normal saline in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy.     

Histological Features of Acute Tubular Necrosis in Native Kidneys and Long-Term Renal Function

There are few studies on the relationship between the morphology of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in native kidneys and late functional recovery. Eighteen patients with acute renal failure (ARF) who had undergone renal biopsy were studied. All had the histological diagnosis of ATN and were followed for at least six months. Clinical characteristics of ARF were analyzed, and histological features were semi-quantitatively evaluated (tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammatory infiltrate, interstitial fibrosis, and ATN). According to the maximal GFR achieved during the follow-up, patients were divided into two groups: complete recovery (GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m²) and partial recovery (GFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m²). Only 39% of the patients achieved complete recovery. Patients with partial recovery achieved their maximal GFR (63 ± 9 mL/min/1.73 m²) 37 ± 14 months after ARF, a period of time similar to those patients with complete recovery (i.e., 54 ± 22 months). Patients with partial recovery had more severe ARF: oliguria was more frequent (90 versus 17%, p < 0.01), and they had higher peak creatinine (13.85 ± 1.12 versus 8.95 ± 1.30 mg/dL, p = 0.01), and longer hospitalization (45 ± 7 versus 20 ± 4 days, p = 0.03). No single histological parameter was associated with partial recovery, but the sum of all was when expressed as an injury index [4.00 (2.73–5.45) versus 2.00 (1.25–3.31), p < 0.05]. In conclusion, among patients with atypical ATN course, those with more severe ARF and tubule-interstitial lesions are more prone to partial recovery.     

Association of kidney and cysts dimensions with anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with ADPKD

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate an association between kidney and cyst dimensions and anthropometric, clinical and biochemical parameters of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients. Forty-nine adults, ADPKD-diagnosed patients aged 36?±?11 years, and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT with 75?g of glucose) was performed and venous blood was collected to measure biochemical parameters and various ion concentrations. Ultrasound abdominal examinations were performed with special emphasis on kidney and cysts parameters. In the ADPKD group, mean kidney length correlated positively with age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting glucose and glucose and C-peptide concentrations after 120?min of glucose intake and negatively with Mg²⁺ concentration and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Multivariate analyses adjusted for age and gender showed that higher mean kidney length and maximal cyst diameter were significant predictors of higher SBP (p?=?0.034 and 0.046, respectively) and DBP (p?=?0.024 and 0.034, respectively), higher maximal cyst diameter was a significant predictor of higher OGTT 2-h C-peptide concentration (p?=?0.033), higher mean cyst diameter was a significant predictor of lower eGFR (p?=?0.039) and higher mean kidney length was a significant predictor of lower serum magnesium concentration (p?=?0.043). In the ADPKD patients with normal GFR, mean kidney length and mean cyst diameter measured by ultrasonography are associated negatively with GFR and positively with blood pressure. Higher mean kidney length and cyst diameter might be indicators of disorders of glucose and magnesium metabolism which precede renal failure in patients with ADPKD.     

C1GALT1 polymorphisms are associated with Henoch–Sch?nlein purpura nephritis

Background

Henoch–Sch?nlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is the most serious long-term complication of Henoch–Sch?nlein purpura and aberrant galactosylation of IgA1 plays a role in its development. However, the precise role of genetic factors contributing to the abnormal IgA1 galactosylation remains unknown.

Methods

In order to examine the effects of C1GALT1 gene encoding core 1 β1,3-galactosyltransferase, an important role in the β1,3 glycosylation of IgA1, on HSPN susceptibility, we conducted a case–control association genetic study in 269 HSP and 61 HSPN in China. Five tagging SNPs, SNP1(-734?C/T), SNP4(-465A/G), SNP6(-330?G/T), SNP7(-292?C/-), and SNP8(1365?G/A) in C1GALT1 were studied using single-locus and haplotype-based multilocus analysis.

Results

Our results demonstrated that 1365?G allele frequency was significantly higher in HSPN patients than in HSP patients without nephritis (0.459 vs 0.331, p?=?0.0008, adjusted p’?=?0.004) with an odds ratio (OR)?=?1.716, 95%CI 1.151–2.560). The GG genotype of 1,365?G/A was significantly different in HSP without nephritis and HSPN (p?=?0.008, adjusted p’’?=?0.04). We did not observe statistically significant differences in haplotype frequencies between HSPN and HSP patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study suggested that the 1365?G/A polymorphism of the C1GALT1 gene may contribute to HSPN development.     

NORMALIZATION OF HEMATOCRIT IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS DOES NOT AFFECT SILENT ISCHEMIA

Background. In clinical practice, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is often estimated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) or Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formulae. No data are available, however, on the performance of these formulae in Arab individuals. Methods. Plasma creatinine samples were obtained from 90 consecutive normal Arab kidney donors for the estimation of GFR (eGFR) using the simplified MDRD and CG formulae. The GFR was measured in these donors with chromium labelled EDTA {[51Cr] EDTA). Bias was assessed by calculating the difference between the measured GFR and the calculated GFR using each of the two formulae; precision was calculated using the r value of the regression analysis. Results. The group studied consisted of 90 donors, of whom 64 were males (71%). The mean age was 30.8 years (± 9.8) and mean BMI was 25.7 (± 5.7). The measured GFR (mean 112.4 ± 17.5) correlated better with the calculated GFR by CG formula (mean 107.7 ± 29.7) and showed poor correlation with the GFR estimated by the MDRD (mean 89.2 ± 13.8); bias?=?4.8 and 23.3, respectively (p?=?0.1 and < 0.0001, respectively). The correlation with CG formula was better in males (bias?=?2, p?=?0.5) and those under 30 years of age (bias?=?1.0, p?= 0.9). Based on our data, we calculated a correction factor to the CG formula to improve the correlation with the measured GFR in Arab individuals. By multiplying the CG formula by 1.0446, the bias was reduced from 4.8 (p?= 0.1) to 0.0 (p?=?0.5) with an increase in precision from 0.2 (p?= 0.05) to 0.43 (p?=?0.0001). Using CG formula, the frequency for values within 30% of the mean of the measured value was 75%, which improved to 80% using the revised formula. Conclusions. CG formula was found to be the most appropriate for calculation of GFR in Arab individuals. It is possible to reduce the bias and improve precision in Arab individuals with normal renal function by multiplying the result obtained by CG formula by 1.0446.     

Randomized Controlled Single-Center Trial Comparing Pancreatogastrostomy Versus Pancreaticojejunostomy After Partial Pancreatoduodenectomy

Background

The aim of this single-center randomized trial was to compare the perioperative outcome of pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatogastrostomy (PG) vs pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ).

Methods

Randomization was done intraoperatively. PG was performed via anterior and posterior gastrotomy with pursestring and inverting seromuscular suture; control intervention was PJ with duct?Cmucosa anastomosis. The primary endpoint was postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).

Results

From 2006 to 2011, n?=?268 patients were screened and n?=?116 were randomized to n?=?59 PG and n?=?57 PJ. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the primary endpoint (PG vs PJ, 10?% vs 12?%, p?=?0.775). The subgroup of high-risk patients with a soft pancreas had a non-significantly lower pancreatic fistula rate with PG (PG vs PJ, 14 vs 24?%, p?=?0.352). Analysis of secondary endpoints demonstrated a shorter operation time (404 vs 443?min, p?=?0.005) and reduced hospital stay for PG (15 vs 17?days, p?=?0.155). Delayed gastric emptying (DGE; PG vs PJ, 27 vs 17?%, p?=?0.246) and intraluminal bleeding (PG vs PJ, 7 vs 2?%, p?=?0.364) were more frequent with PG. Mortality was low in both groups (<2?%).

Conclusions

Our randomized controlled trial shows no difference between PG and PJ as reconstruction techniques after partial pancreatoduodenectomy. POPF rate, DGE, and bleeding were not statistically different. Operation time was significantly shorter in the PG group.     

Role of B-type natriuretic peptide as a marker of mortality in acute kidney injury patients treated with continuous renal replacement therapy

Abstract

Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is associated with poor outcome. Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker related to fluid volume overload, and is elevated in AKI patients. The purpose of the study was to assess whether BNP levels at the time of starting CRRT could be used as a predictor of mortality in patients with AKI receiving CRRT. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study enrolling 149 patients with AKI receiving CRRT. The primary outcome was mortality during CRRT. Results: The median BNP level of 84 (56.3%) patients who expired was significantly higher than that of those who survived (1812.5 vs. 475.0?pg/mL; p?=?0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated BNP levels as a predictor of mortality during CRRT with an area under the curve of 0.77 (p?=?0.000), and the optimal threshold for BNP was 1054?pg/mL. Patients with BNP levels above 1054?pg/mL had a significantly higher mortality (76.6 vs. 34.7%; p?=?0.01). Conclusion: Elevated BNP level is associated with mortality in patients with AKI receiving CRRT.     

Renal Function and Serum Albumin at the Start of Dialysis in 514 Chinese ESRD In-Patients

Background. The dialysis population has grown rapidly in recent decades. Despite the high cost and poor outcomes of dialysis treatment for ESRD, there are scant data about the level of renal function and the relationship of renal function and serum albumin at the start of dialysis in Chinese ESRD patients. Method. We report the level of serum creatinine (Scr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and serum albumin (Salb) in 514 ESRD in-patients who began their dialysis treatment between January 2001 through December 2007 at two large dialysis centers in Changsha, Hunan, China. Data were obtained through reviewing the case records of all 514 patients. GFR was predicted by an equation developed from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study. In addition, serum albumin was analyzed in relation to levels of predicted GFR. Results. The mean (SD) and median predialysis serum creatinine was 1121.92 ± 458.24 and 1032 μmol/L. The mean (SD) and median predicted GFR was 4.98 ± 2.24 and 4.47mL/min/1.73m². The proportion of patients with predicted GFR of >10, 5 to 10, and <5 mL/min/1.73m² was 3.7, 36.2, and 60.1%, respectively. The mean predicted GFR was significantly lower among younger patients, uninsured patients, unemployed or farmer patients, patients who were employed, students, patients who selected hemodialysis, patients with ESRD caused by diseases other than diabetes, patients with BUN above the mean, and patients with hemoglobulin beneath the mean. Compared with patients who started with GFR >5mL/min, the patients who started with GFR ≤5mL/min had significantly higher plasma urea and creatinine levels but significantly lower creatinine clearance (mL/min per 1.73m²) and parameters of nutritional status, such as serum albumin, body weight, and BMI. Conclusion. A wide variation existed in renal function at the initiation of dialysis in partial Chinese ESRD patients. Most patients start dialysis at very low levels of predicted GFR. The nutritional status in patients who start dialysis early was better than those in patients who start dialysis when GFR ≤ 5mL/min. Further studies are needed to analyze the impact of level of renal function and nutritional status at the start of dialysis on the outcomes of ESRD.     

Effects of liraglutide and ischemic postconditioning on myocardial salvage after I/R injury in pigs*

Objectives. Acute STEMI is routinely treated by acute PCI. This treatment may itself damage the tissue (reperfusion injury). Conditioning with GLP-1 analogs has been shown to reduce reperfusion injury. Likewise, ischemic postconditioning provides cardioprotection following STEMI. We tested if combined conditioning with the GLP-1 analog liraglutide and ischemic postconditioning offered additive cardioprotective effect after reperfusion of 45?min coronary occlusion of left anterior descending artery (LAD). Design. Fifty-eight non-diabetic female Danish Landrace pigs (60?±?10kg) were randomly assigned to four groups. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by occluding the LAD for 45?min. Group 1 (n?=?14) was treated with i.v. liraglutide after 15?min of ischemia. Group 2 (n?=?17) received liraglutide treatment concomitant with ischemic postconditioning, after 45?min of ischemia. Group 3 (n?=?15) recieved ischemic postconditioning and group 4 (n?=?12) was kept as controls. Results. No intergroup differences in relative infarct size were detected (overall mean 57?±?3%; p?=?0.68). Overall mortality was 34% (CI 25–41%) including 26% post-intervention, with no intergroup differences (p?=?0.99). Occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) was 59% (CI 25–80%) including 39% postintervention with no intergroup differences (p?=?0.65). Conclusions. In our closed-chest pig-model, we were unable to detect any cardioprotective effect of liraglutide or ischemic postconditioning either alone or combined.