Adrenal function in patients with chronic renal failure

Previous studies have reported divergent findings on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). The low-dose adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) test offers the possibility of unmasking adrenal dysfunction, which might remain undiscovered using the ACTH test with the standard 250-microg dose. Furthermore, the choice of renal replacement therapy (either hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD]) might have an impact on adrenal function. To investigate these possibilities, ACTH tests were performed with three different doses (ie, 1, 5, and 250 microg) in 14 CRF patients and in seven healthy controls. Seven of the CRF patients were receiving chronic hemodialysis and seven were receiving CAPD. Basal plasma concentrations of cortisol were comparable in the three groups tested (5.3+/-0.4 microg/dL in the controls, 6.6+/-0.7 microg/dL in the hemodialysis patients, and 7.9+/-1.0 microg/dL in the CAPD patients), whereas basal ACTH concentrations were significantly elevated in the CRF patients (28.5+/-3.8 pg/mL in the hemodialysis patients and 33.0+/-6.0 pg/mL in the CAPD patients) when compared with normal controls (17.0+/-1.4 pg/mL; P < 0.05). All three doses of ACTH resulted in a rapid increase of plasma cortisol concentrations that was comparable in all three groups. In the hemodialysis patients, a trend toward a diminished response to the lowest dose of 1 microg was noticed. We conclude, therefore, that adrenal response to ACTH in various doses is unaffected in CRF independent of whether hemodialysis or CAPD is chosen for renal replacement therapy.     

Influence of CAPD and residual diuresis on the serum levels of alpha-1-microglobulin in end-stage renal disease

The chronic retention of proteins of low molecular weight (LMWP) seems to be connected with some unsolved problems of end-stage renal disease (e.g. reduced immune function, AB amyloidosis, hormonal imbalances), irrespective of the type of renal replacement therapy. Therefore, several recently discovered LMWPs such as alpha 1-microglobulin have to be evaluated concerning their contribution to the uremic syndrome. Although we observed a considerable daily loss of total protein into the CAPD dialysate, no differences were found in the removal of small proteins (MW less than 68 kilodaltons) when compared to conventional hemodialysis. Maintenance of renal function (residual diuresis greater than 100 ml/day) seems to be more potent keeping the serum concentrations of LMWP low than CAPD or hemodialysis.     

Serum hyaluronic acid and procollagen III amino terminal propeptide in chronic renal failure

Elevated serum concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) and procollagen III amino terminal propeptide (PIIINP) have been found in various diseases characterized by altered metabolism of collagen. In the present study, their serum levels were measured in 105 renal patients and 22 normal controls. Median HA concentrations were 23 micrograms/l in controls, 47 micrograms/l in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF, not on dialysis; p less than 0.001), 75 micrograms/l on CAPD (p less than 0.001) vs. controls, p = 0.045 vs. CRF), and 167 micrograms/l on hemodialysis (p less than 0.001 vs. controls, CRF, and CAPD), respectively. The values correlated positively with age but not with renal function or the type of renal disease. In hemodialysis patients, HA correlated with the duration of renal replacement therapy and serum beta 2-microglobulin but not with serum alkaline phosphatase or C-terminal parathormone. Serum HA did not change significantly during hemodialysis treatment and was independent of the type of dialyzer membrane material. Median PIIINP values were 2.7 micrograms/l in controls, 4.4 micrograms/l in patients with CRF (p less than 0.001), 6.9 micrograms/l on CAPD (p less than 0.001 vs. controls, p = 0.022 vs. CRF), and 8.6 micrograms/l on hemodialysis (p = 0.001 vs. controls, NS vs. CRF or CAPD). Values correlated with HA only in patients on CAPD but they did not correlate with age, renal function or duration of renal replacement therapy. It is concluded that renal failure, especially long-term dialysis treatment, is associated with elevated serum concentrations of HA and--to a minor degree--PIINP. Thus, they may be a sign of altered connective tissue metabolism in patients on long-term dialysis.     

Plasma Secretin,Pancreozymin, and Somatostatin-like Hormone in Chronic Renal Failure Patients

Twenty patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and ten patients on hemodialysis were included in the study of plasma secretin and pancreozymin measurement. Plasma somatostatin-like hormone (SLH) was measured in seven patients with CRF, eight patients in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and ten patients on hemodialysis. Normal subjects were used as sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Plasma secretin, pancreozymin, and SLH were determined by radioimmunoassay. Basal plasma concentration of secretin and pancreozymin was found significantly increased in hemodialysis patients in comparison to controls. Also test meal induced a significant increase of both hormones in hemodialysis patients. Basal plasma SLH was found significantly increased in both predialysis and dialysis (hemodialysis, CAPD) patients in comparison to controls. Correlation between clinical gastrointestinal disturbances and elevated hormone levels was not found. We believe that more reliable plasma measurement of these hormones will help the clinical investigation of gastrointestinal pathophysiology in uremia for the future.     

Platelet aggregation in chronic renal failure--whole blood aggregation and effect of guanidino compounds

Studies were performed on the platelet aggregation (PA) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and normal subjects (NS). The PA was investigated in the whole blood by the electrical impedance method. The concentrations of plasma (P-) and erythrocyte (E-) guanidinosuccinic acid (GSA) and methylguanidine (MG) in uremic patients with CRF were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. GSA and MG are guanidino compounds (GC) and have been widely shown to act as uremic toxins. The effects of GSA and/or MG on the PA of NS were also investigated. The results showed that the PA of conservative therapy patients with CRF was significantly lower than that of NS, while the PA of hemodialysis (HD) patients was improved. The PA of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients was rather high and the possibility of sugar and lipid metabolic disorders was suggested as the cause. The concentrations of P- and E-GSA and MG in uremic patients with CRF were increased. But there were no significant correlations between the PA and the concentrations of GSA and MG. In vitro, GSA and/or MG at a high concentration exerted a significant inhibitory effect, while at a low concentration they showed a lesser inhibitory effect on the PA. In conclusion, based on their inhibition of the PA in patients with CRF, the dialyzable materials, GSA and MG, are considered to represent active uremic toxins.     

Sensorineural hearing loss in patients reaching chronic renal failure in childhood

The incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was investigated in 68 patients who reached chronic renal failure (CRF) in childhood with the aim of identifying possible risk factors. Tests were carried out by means of pure-tone and impedance audiometry. SNHL was found in 29% of patients on conservative treatment, 28% of patients on hemodialysis, and 47% after renal transplantation. Differences among groups were not significant. A significant correlation was found with the administration of ototoxic drugs (aminoglycosides and furosemide). We hypothesize that SNHL may be reduced in patients with CRF or on renal replacement therapy by strictly monitoring ototoxic therapy.     

Plasma and Lp(a)-associated PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in uremic patients undergoing different dialysis procedures

Plasma and Lp(a)-associated PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in uremic patients undergoing different dialysis procedures. BACKGROUND: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent inflammatory mediator associated with several physiopathological conditions, including renal diseases. PAF is degraded to the inactive metabolite lyso-PAF by PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), which is considered as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic enzyme associated with lipoproteins. In this study, we evaluated the plasma- and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]-associated PAF-AH activity in relationship to plasma lipid parameters and Lp(a) isoform size in patients with mild/moderate chronic renal failure (CRF), as well as in hemodialysis (HD) and chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. METHODS: We studied 74 patients undergoing maintenance HD, 44 patients undergoing CAPD, 56 patients with mild/moderate CRF, and 98 healthy subjects whose lipid profile, as well as plasma and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated PAF-AH activity, was determined. Moreover, the effect of Lp(a) plasma levels on the distribution of PAF-AH among plasma lipoproteins, as well as the specific activity and kinetic properties of PAF-AH on two different Lp(a) isoforms, was measured in each studied group. RESULTS: The plasma PAF-AH activity in all studied groups was significantly higher than in controls, and the increase was more profound in CAPD patients. The HDL-associated PAF-AH activity, expressed per milliliter of plasma, was similar among all studied groups; however, when it was expressed as either per milligrams of HDL cholesterol or per milligrams of plasma apolipoprotein (apo) AI, the PAF-AH activity was significantly higher in all patient groups compared with controls. All patient groups had significantly elevated plasma Lp(a) levels, which altered the distribution of PAF-AH among the plasma lipoproteins compared with that observed in subjects with very low plasma Lp(a) levels (<8 mg/dl). Additionally, in each studied group, the specific activity as well as the apparent Km and Vmax values of the 19K4 apo(a) isoform were significantly higher (P < 0.01) compared with the values of the 23K4 isoform. However, the specific activity, as well as the Km and Vmax values on either the 19K4 apo(a) isoform or the 23K4 isoform, was significantly higher in CAPD patients compared with the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma PAF-AH activity is increased in uremic patients. This elevation is more profound in CAPD patients, who also exhibit a more atherogenic lipid profile and more pronounced alterations in the specific activity and the kinetic constants of Lp(a)-associated PAF-AH.     

Plasma tumor necrosis factor soluble receptors in chronic renal failure.

Two soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFRs) were detected in the plasma of patients with different degrees of chronic renal failure (CRF) and of long-term hemodialysis (HD) patients. In uremic undialyzed patients, plasma levels of both sTNFRs increased progressively with declining renal function. A linear correlation was found between sTNFR plasma levels and plasma creatinine concentration. sTNFR levels in end-stage uremic patients shortly before commencement of first HD treatment were approximately tenfold higher than in normal subjects. Long-term HD patients showed a further increase in plasma sTNFRs. The origin of sTNFRs, as well as their physiological role remains to be elucidated.     

Long-term use of hemodiafiltration in two patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Two patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for chronic renal failure developed restless leg syndrome associated with increased serum β₂ microglobulin and methylguanidine levels, suspected to be due to inadequate dialysis. Results of peritoneal function tests were normal in both patients, suggesting inadequate dialysis and increased production of uremic toxins by unknown mechanisms. Biochemical results and clinical symptoms were improved by concurrent hemodiafiltration. The patients used CAPD combined with biweekly hemodiafiltration with good clinical results over the 6-year period from 1989 to 1995. Periodic hemodiafiltration may enable patients who must otherwise discontinue CAPD treatment due to insufficient dialysis to continue long-term CAPD without affecting rehabilitation.     

Chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease are associated with a high rate of mortality after heart transplantation

The aim of the study was to analyze the etiology, the factors for progression of chronic renal failure to end-stage-renal disease (ESRD), and the influence of ESRD on the survival rate among a cohort of 59 heart transplant patients (HTP) referred for the management of chronic renal failure (CRF). At the time of the first nephrology consultation (6 +/- 4.25 years after cardiac transplantation) the mean creatininemia was 261.5 +/- 99 micromol/L and mean creatinine clearance (Cockcroft formula) was 32 +/- 15 mL/min. The cause of CRF were calcineurin inhibitor toxicity in 38.9% of patients, vascular events in 15.2%, hemolytic uremic syndrome in 5%, membranous glomerulopathy in 3.3%, diabetes in two patients, focal/segmental glomerulosclerosis in 3.3%, renal hypoplasia in 1.7%, and unknown in 27%. Evolution to ESRD occurred in 38.9% of patients: 17 patients started hemodialysis, three peritoneal dialysis, and two received a preemptive kidney transplantation. Creatininemia (micromol/L) at the time of nephrology referral was 229.2 +/- 72.6 versus 315.8 +/- 113.4 (P < .001) and creatinine clearance (mL/min) was 34.9 +/- 15.1 versus 27.3 +/- 13.7 (P = .049) for patients with CRF versus ESRD, respectively. Both proteinuria (g/24 hours) of 1 +/- 2.2 versus 2.3 +/- 1.8 (P = .02) and tobacco use in 35.1% versus 54.4% (P = .045) were significantly associated with progression of CRF, while age at the time of heart transplantation, cause of cardiac failure and renal failure, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, alcoholism, cirrhosis, and cerebral vascular accident were not. Death occurred in 18 HTP: 50% of patients with ESRD and 18.5% of patients with CRF-a 2.6 relative risk of of death in HTP patients with ESRD compared with HTP with CRF only (P < .01).     

Plasma levels of pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor in relation to amylase and lipase in patients with acute and chronic renal failure

Plasma levels of pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI), lipase and amylase were measured in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), patients undergoing regular hemodialysis treatment (RDT) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), patients with acute renal failure (ARF) and patients following successful cadaveric kidney transplantation. Plasma PSTI values were 9.2 +/- 0.8 ng/ml in controls (CO), 156.9 +/- 16.2 ng/ml in CRF patients, 257.6 +/- 22.3 ng/ml in RDT patients, 376.8 +/- 57.5 ng/ml in CAPD patients and 2,300 +/- 276.9 ng/ml in patients with posttraumatic ARF. RDT patients with malignant diseases displayed significantly higher PSTI values (1,014 +/- 148.7 ng/ml; p less than 0.01) than RDT patients without malignancy. Transplant patients with normal kidney function (creatinine 1.25 +/- 0.1 mg/dl) showed significantly lower PSTI values (16.7 +/- 2.1 ng/ml) than transplant patients with impaired renal function (creatinine 4.7 +/- 0.5 mg/dl; PSTI 72.8 +/- 11.8 ng/ml; p less than 0.01). Daily urinary excretion of PSTI increased from 26.7 +/- 3.1 micrograms (CO) to 551.8 +/- 54.8 micrograms in CRF patients. In CAPD patients, daily peritoneal loss of PSTI was 164.3 +/- 58.4 micrograms. Plasma PSTI values increased during hemodialysis with dialyzers made of cuprophan (317.0 +/- 32.6 vs. 422.0 +/- 46.2 ng/ml; p less than 0.05) and decreased with polysulfone dialyzers (226.6 +/- 19.9 vs. 86.6 +/- 18.1 ng/ml). There was no correlation between PSTI and urea, creatinine, lipase or amylase in each tested group. Our results document markedly elevated plasma PSTI values in all forms of renal insufficiency, suggesting extrapancreatic PSTI production and/or reduced renal elimination.     

Plasma amino acid profile and L-arginine uptake in red blood cells from malnourished uremic patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage chronic renal failure (CRF) (uremia) have a high prevalence of inflammation, malnutrition, and oxidative stress. All of these features seem to be associated with the increased cardiovascular mortality observed in these patients. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the pathogenesis of CRF. The present study investigates the effects of nutritional status on L-arginine transport (NO precursor), plasma amino acid profile, and concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in uremic patients on hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: A total of 32 uremic patients on regular HD and 16 healthy controls were included in this study. Kinetic studies of L-arginine transport, mediated by cationic transport systems y(+) and y(+)L into red blood cells, plasma concentrations of amino acids (measured by high-performance liquid chromatography), and plasma TNF-alpha level (evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), were analyzed in malnourished and well-nourished patients (isolated by body mass index). RESULTS: L-arginine influx by system y(+) in red blood cells (micromol/L cells(-1)h(-1)) was increased in both malnourished (377 +/- 41) and well-nourished (461 +/- 63) patients with CRF compared with controls (287 +/- 28). Plasma levels of all cationic amino acids (L-arginine, L-ornithine, and L-lysine) were low in uremic patients compared with controls. Among the uremic population, the reduction in plasma cationic amino acids levels was greater in malnourished patients. L-cysteine and L-glutamate, precursors of glutathione, were dramatically increased in plasma from uremic patients, independently of nutritional status. In addition, TNF-alpha concentration in plasma was enhanced in malnourished uremic patients (3.4 +/- 0.7 pg/mL) compared with controls (1.2 +/- 0.1 pg/mL) and well-nourished patients (1.9 +/- 0.1 pg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an increased catabolism of cationic amino acids, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress in CRF, especially in malnourished patients. The reduced plasma concentration of plasma L-arginine is counterbalanced by enhanced rates of transport, resulting in an activation of NO synthesis in uremia.     

Effects of furosemide therapy on free-water excretion in uremic patients

To assess the intrinsic effects of treatment with furosemide on free-water excretion in patients with chronic renal failure, two groups of patients with and without replacement of diuretic-induced salt losses have been studied. Furosemide therapy was administered for 1 week during constant sodium intake (100 mEq/day). In neither of the groups did furosemide cause hyponatremia, while it did decrease the urine to plasma osmolality ratio, an effect lasting even when the diuretic effect was exhausted. During water diuresis, furosemide decreased the fractional sodium reabsorption in diluting segments but not the absolute rate of the free-water generation (CH2O). Presumably the expected decrease of CH2O was masked by the increased distal delivery of tubular fluid mainly due to an additional effect of the diuretic on the proximal tubule. The hypotonicity of urine after furosemide treatment may be secondary to the dissipation of medullary hypertonicity, caused by furosemide, in the condition of decreased water permeability of the collecting duct due to uremic disease.     

Gastro-duodenal lesions and Helicobacter pylori infection in uremic patients and renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are common in uremic patients, and higher serum levels of urea have been suggested to be related to Helicobacter pylori (HP) colonization and UGI mucosal inflammation. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare HP infection and UGI endoscopic findings between uremic patients, renal transplant (RT) recipients, and controls. METHODS: A total of 474 subjects (71 chronic renal failure [CRF], 73 hemodialysis [HD], 25 Tx, and 305 controls) from Baqyiatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran were recruited between April 2002 and March 2004 for evaluation of dyspepsia, excluding those receiving any HP-eradication therapy. All subjects were examined for esophagus, stomach and duodenum mucosa, and infection with HP on 2 distinct tissue samples of the anthral region. RESULTS: Four groups of subjects (mean +/- 2 se; age, 45 +/- 1.6 years; 62.9% male) were studied. Duodenal ulcer in the uremic patients (CRF, 16.1%; HD, 13.7%) was more common than that in the RT-recipients (8%) and controls (6.5%); P=.038. Erosive gastritis and duodenal bulb deformity were also more common in the uremic subjects (CRF, 23.9%, 36.9%; HD, 30.1%, 20.5%, respectively) than those in the other subjects (RT recipients, 16%, 8%; controls, 8.2%; 0%, respectively); P<.001. HP infection was found to be higher in the uremic patients (CRF, 66.2%; HD, 63%) than in the RT recipients (40%) and controls (34.8%); P<.001. CONCLUSION: Higher rates of gastric and duodenal mucosal lesions and HP infection in the uremic patients in comparison with the subjects with normal renal function may have resulted from higher serum levels of urea, anemia, and fluctuations in the gastric blood supply in the CRF and HD patients. However, more tenable evidence from controlled trials is required for the eradication of HP in all uremic patients and transplantation candidates.     

Plasma level of lipoprotein Lp(a) is high in predialysis or hemodialysis, but not in CAPD.

Plasma Lp(a) lipoprotein level was determined in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients, 24 before initiation of dialysis, 18 undergoing hemodialysis, and 24 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Eighteen healthy subjects were studied as controls. Median of Lp(a) level in both predialysis and dialysis patients was significantly increased: 23.5 mg/dl (range: 0 to 109) and 24.0 mg/dl (range: 1.4 to 90), respectively, as compared to healthy controls: 4.7 mg/dl (range: 1.8 to 27; P less than 0.001). By contrast, the median Lp(a) level in CAPD patients, 2.4 mg/dl (range: 0 to 39.5), was similar to the control group. Whether the CAPD procedure reduces the Lp(a) level in CRF patients has to be established in a prospective study.     

持续性非卧床腹膜透析与肾移植（附46例报告）

单独应用持续性非卧床腹膜透析（ＣＡＰＤ）后行肾移植４６例，死亡１０例，死因为术后粘连性肠梗阻２例，急性排斥反应４例，败血症、自发性肾破裂、肝脓疡各１例，慢性排斥２年后再次移植死亡１例．本组术后无腹膜炎发生．     

The effect of renal replacement therapies on serum gastrointestinal system hormones

BACKGROUND: The kidney is a major site for the inactivation, degradation, and clearance of a variety of peptide hormones. It has been shown that the uremia increases or decreases gastrointestinal system (GIS) hormones. Moreover, studies investigating the serum GIS hormones levels in chronic renal failure (CRF) were conducted mainly in a particular period of the renal replacement therapy, and the changes caused by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD) could not be fully demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the effect of CAPD and HD on serum GIS hormones (amylase, lipase, trypsinogen, and gastrin) levels in CRF patients who were diagnosed for the first time. METHODS: Serum amylase, lipase, trypsinogen, and gastrin levels were measured in 36 patients who were just diagnosed with CRF, 22 patients with CAPD and 14 patients with HD. GIS hormones of these patients were measured before treatment and three months from the beginning of CAPD and HD treatment. As the control group, 20 normal healthy cases with well-matched age and gender were used. RESULTS: The mean serum amylase, lipase, secretin, and gastrin levels were found meaningfully decreased according to the beginning values at third months of the CAPD and HD treatment. However, they were higher than control group. CONCLUSION: In patients receiving CAPD or HD as renal replacement therapy, GIS hormone levels were found to be lower, albeit higher than the healthy control group.     

维持性血液透析患者皮肤瘙痒情况的调查

目的 分析维持性血液透析患者皮肤瘙痒的部位、程度及治疗情况.方法 对我院血液净化中心63例维持性血液透析患者的皮肤瘙痒发生部位、以视觉模拟评分法评估瘙痒程度并调查其治疗情况.结果 63例维持性血液透析患者常见的瘙痒部位依次为背部、下肢、胸部、上肢、头颈部;轻度、中度、重度瘙痒分别为22例(34.9%)、25例(39.6%)、16例(25.4%);合并皮肤感染5例.63例患者中有40例患者接受血液灌流和(或)血液透析滤过治疗,经规律血液灌流和(或)血液透析滤过治疗后症状缓解.单纯行血液透析治疗的23例瘙痒患者中有14例去皮肤科就诊,经局部对症治疗效果不明显.结论 维持性血液透析患者皮肤瘙痒多为中、重度并可能发生皮肤感染.规律血液灌流和(或)血液透析滤过治疗能有效地缓解维持性血液透析患者皮肤瘙痒,而单纯局部对症治疗无效.     

Comparative analysis of immunophenotypic abnormalities in cellular immunity of uremic patients undergoing either hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

AIM: To investigate the abnormalities of cellular immune responses in patients on hemodialysis (HD) and in those on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five (45) healthy volunteers, 34 patients on HD therapy, and 37 patients on CAPD were recruited for the present study. Lymphocyte subpopulations (CD2+, CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, CD3-/16+56+, CD19, and CD4/CD8) were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Lymphopenia, decreased absolute counts, and altered percentage values of CD3+, CD3+/ 4+, and CD19+ subpopulations were found in both patient groups. The HD and CAPD patients showed increased percentages of natural killer cells (CD3-/16+56+) compared to controls but CD4+/CD8+ ratio showed no significant changes among uremic patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Replacement therapy may contribute to the quantitative alterations of immune subsets found in HD and CAPD patients compared to normal subjects. We speculate that these changes account, at least in part, for the immune dysregulation observed in patients with chronic renal failure. Analysis of lymphocyte subsets will help the research and the evaluation of the possible causes of immunodeficiency in uremic patients undergoing replacement therapy and will probably contribute to more efficient and preventive strategies.     

Characterization of TH1/TH2 profile in uremic patients

End-stage renal failure (ESRD) induces a clinical state of immunodeficiency with a higher incidence of infections and a higher mortality due to infectious complications compared with the normal population. Using a newly developed immunofluorescent staining of intracellular cytokines for flow cytometric analysis, we studied Th subsets in 22 healthy control subjects, 28 patients with compensated chronic renal failure (CRF), 25 patients on hemodialysis (HD), and 24 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Our results demonstrate that the percentage of both interferon-gamma-positive cells and interleukin-4-positive cells increased in compensated CRF patients compared with those in healthy subjects. Moreover, a significantly higher percentage of CD4-positive cells is characterized by a Th1-type cytokine production pattern in HD patients and by a Th2-type cytokine secretion pattern in CAPD patients. These results suggest that the altered Th1/Th2 balance may be associated with the pathogenesis of ESRD.