Acute Renal Failure — A Continuing Enigma

The effect of the rate of infusion of single and multiple doses of cyclosporine (CsA) on renal Junction was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. CsA was dissolved in cremophore (Crem) or Tween 80 (Tween) and infused over consecutive 10-min periods at doses of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg. CsA-Crem and CsA-Tween produced similar and progressive changes in MAP, RBF, and RVR. By the end of the infusion, the mean values (% of control) of MAP (122 ′ 16% and 131 ′ 22%), RBF (56 ′ 11% and 66 ′ 20%), and RVR (222 ′ 38% and 232 ′ 134%) were significantly different from their respective preinfusion values. Infusion of Crem alone resulted in renal vasodilation at low doses and renal vasoconstriction at high doses. Vasoconstriction was not produced by infusion of Tween alone. In addition, animals were treated with vehicle alone (Gp 1), CsA 10 mg/kg/day by injection (Gp 2), or CsA 20 mg/kg/day by i. v. infusion over 4 hr (Gp 3), and were studied at 1 week. Systemic toxicity was greater with the 4-hr infusion as judged by an increase in MAP. The mean values of MAP were 107 ′ 8 (Gp 1), 101 ′ 13 (Gp 2), and 135 ′ 5 mm Hg (Gp 3; p < 0.05). However, renal function was less severely affected with the 4-hr infusion. The mean values of C<_In were 434 ′ 99 (Gp 1), 298 + 101 (Gp 2; p < 0.05), and 425 ′ 114 μ;L/min/100 g BW (Gp 3); and the mean values for RBF were 2.72 ′ 0.74 (Gp 1), 2.08 ′ 0.17 (Gp 2; p < 0.05), and 3.35 ′ 0.61 mL/min/100 g BW (Gp 3), respectively. Microangiograms showed marked abnormalities in the intrarenal perfusion pattern in the rats injected with CsA, 10 mg/kg BW.

In rats infused over 4 hr with CsA, 20 mg/kg BW, the microangiographic pattern was normal. These studies demonstrate that the acute hemodynamic effects of CsA are directly related to the rate of infusion. Furthermore, the renal toxicity which follows repetitive injection of CsA can be minimized or avoided by administering CsA as a slow infusion. In addition to the total dose administered, the rate of infusion is an important determinant of nephrotoxicity.

Pharmacological Association, Orlando, Florida, March 26, 1987; and at the 20th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Nephrology, Washington, DC, December 15, 1987.     

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery—A Tertiary Center Experience

Background  

The patient population that is evaluated for bariatric surgery is characterized by a very high body mass index (BMI). Since obesity is the most important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep disordered breathing is highly prevalent in this population. If undiagnosed before bariatric surgery, untreated OSA can lead to perioperative and postoperative complications. Debate exists whether all patients that are considered for bariatric surgery should undergo polysomnography (PSG) evaluation and screening for OSA as opposed to only those patients with clinical history or examination concerning sleep disordered breathing. We examined the prevalence and severity of OSA in all patients that were considered for bariatric surgery. We hypothesized that, by utilizing preoperative questionnaires (regarding sleepiness and OSA respiratory symptoms) in combination with menopausal status and BMI data, we would be able to predict which subjects did not have sleep apnea without the use of polysomnography. In addition, we hypothesized that we would be able to predict which subjects had severe OSA (apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) > 30).     

Multiple Renal Cystic Lesions and Acute Renal Failure in Non-Hodgkin's Testicular Lymphoma—A Case Report

To evaluate renal function after the use of a low-osmolality radiological contrast medium (CM), we prospectively analyzed 39 patients submitted to the following examinations: arteriography (n = 32), phlebography (n = 3), computed tomography (n = 3), angioplasty (n = 1), and retrograde pyelography (n = 1). The patients were divided into three groups: group 1, control, formed by renal donors (CT, n = 11 and 11 exams); group 2, hypertensive patients (HYPT, n = 15 and 16 exams): and group 3, patients with diseases of multiple etiologies (MIX, n = 13 patients and 13 exams). Additionally, the patients were divided according to their renal function into: group 4, with a moderate deficit of renal function, creatinine clearance (CrCl) 25 to 60 mL/min (n = 15 patients and 15 exams); and group 5, with a mild deficit of renal function, CrCl ≥ 60 mL/min (n = 14 patients and 14 exams). The CM utilized was ioxaglic acid (Hexabrix) the incidence of acute renal failure (ARF) among the patients studied was 12.5% (5/40), and CrCl was the best parameter to monitor the alterations in renal function, which occurred in 35% of the patients, although the changes were mild, reversible, and did not need any therapeutic interventions. The triggering of ARF in these patients may have been due to multiple factors presented at time of CM examination. Thus, it is not possible to identify a single risk factor. However, it is probable that previous important impairment of renal function was the most expressive risk factor.     

A Comparative Analysis on Various Techniques of Incisional Hernia Repair–Experience from a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South India

This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India over a period of 7 years and included 90 patients with incisional hernia (n = 90; 76 females and 14 males), operated over 2 years (January 2004 to December 2005), and followed-up for 5 years postoperatively (2005–2009). As per the surgical unit preference, patients underwent different methods of hernia repair—onlay mesh repair (n = 45, 50 %), underlay mesh repair (n = 18, 20 %), and anatomical repair (i.e., without mesh) (n = 27, 30 %). Parameters studied included seroma formation, wound infection, postoperative pain, and hernia recurrence. Although the first two parameters were statistically not significant, postoperative pain was found to be more in patients who underwent an underlay repair. A significant difference in the hernia recurrence rate was observed between mesh repair and anatomical repair groups. Hence, we conclude that all incisional hernias should be repaired with a mesh (meshplasty).     

Acute Renal Failure in Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Units—A One Year Prospective Study

The spectrum of acute renal failure is different in intensive care unit (ICU) vs. non-ICU population. This one year prospective study carried out in medical and surgical intensive care units showed an incidence of 8.6% of acute renal failure. The incidence of acute renal failure was highest in medical ICU (17.2%) followed by burns ICU (5.3%), pulmonary ICU (5.2%), stroke ICU (4.4%), surgical ICU (3.1%) and least in coronary ICU (1.3%). The acute renal failure was attributable to medical causes in 68% followed by surgery and trauma in 21.2%, burns in 5.6% and pregnancy related in 5.1%. In majority, acute renal failure was multifactorial. Septicemia was the commonest cause in both medical (50%) and surgical (86%) ICUs. Multi organ system failure was present in 77.3% of patients with acute renal failure. Approximately 40% required dialysis. The mortality of acute renal failure was 62% and the mortality was correlated with the number of organ system failures, presence of oliguria and septicemia. The mean ICU stay was significantly shorter in the non-survivors.     

Acute Renal Failure in the “Comrades Marathon” Runners

This study investigated the clinical and biochemical features of acute renal failure in marathon runners. Over a period of 18 years (1969–1986), 19 patients were admitted to the renal unit. The histories and biochemical data of 4 patients seen in 1986 are described. The pathophysiology of acute renal failure is multifactorial and is the combined effect of rhabdomyolysis, dehydration, hypotension, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and hyperuricaemia. Efforts to correct dehydration have resulted in a decrease in the indicence of acute renal failure. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is to be deprecated and efforts should be made to publicize this harmful effect.     

The Insulin-Like Growth Factor–I Axis in Acute Renal Failure

We have examined the response of the renal insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) axis to acute ischemic injury in the rat Key findings. included a de-crease in IGF-I mRNA and peptide levels, a decrease in GH receptor gene plus protein expression and a decrease in the IGF binding proteins except for IGF binding protein 1. Administration of GH to compensate for the reduced GH receptor binding corrected the IGF-I mRNA levels suggesting a relative GH deficiency. Interestingly, IGF-I receptor mRNA levels were unchanged while plasma membrane IGF-I receptor number increased two fold. This appeared to be due to a redistribution of receptors to a membrane location. IGF-I receptor autophosphorvlation and tyrosine kinase activity were intact despite severe uremia for up to 6 days. We propose that this increase of functional IGF-I receptors following acute tubular necrosis will sensitize the kidney to the administration of exogenous IGF-I.     

Acute Renal Failure in a Patient with HELLP Syndrome—An Unusual Complication of Eclampsia

Acute renal failure occurring in a 24-year-old primigravida with eclampsia and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome is described. She also had transient disseminated intravascular coagulation. Hemodialvsis, fresh blood transfusions, and antihypertensive therapy were administered, and resulted in complete recovery. Kidney biopsy revealed acute tubular necrosis.     

Outcome of Adrenalectomy for Cushing’s Syndrome: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center

Adrenalectomy continues to play an important role in the management of Cushing’s syndrome (CS). Untreated CS causes considerable physical and mental morbidity and mortality. However, little information is available on the effect of adrenalectomy in ameliorating functional disabilities in CS patients. Our study assesses the long-term outcome of adrenalectomy in patients with CS. This is a retrospective analysis of CS patients managed during 1990–2005 at a tertiary care center. We analyzed the clinical presentation, endocrine evaluation, and surgical management preoperatively and following adrenalectomy. The subjects were 37 patients with CS (age 24.5 ± 15 years, range 1–60 years; male:female 1.0:1.2). There were various etiologies—unilateral adrenocortical adenoma (n = 11), adrenocortical carcinoma (n = 13), pituitary ACTH-secreting adenoma with failed transsphenoidal surgery (n = 4), ectopic unidentified ACTH source (n = 7), bilateral adrenal macronodular hyperplasia (n = 1), primary pigmented nodular adrenal hyperplasia (n = 1) —for which the patients underwent adrenalectomy: unilateral (n = 22), bilateral (n = 13), or adrenonephrectomy (n = 2). Two patients died during the perioperative period owing to chest infection and sepsis. At the median follow-up of 60 months (range 6–144 months), the patients exhibit significant persistence of obesity (41%), proximal muscle weakness (44%), menstrual irregularity (8%), hypertension (31%), and insulin-dependent diabetes (29%). Hirsutism and psychological abnormalities persisted to a lesser extent. All patients had biochemical cure of CS following surgery evidenced by the 8 a.m. basal cortisol ≤ 5 μg/dl. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis recovered as shown by normalization of the short synacthen-stimulated cortisol level (peak level ≥ 20 μg/dl) after a median follow-up of 9 months (range 6–18 months). Incomplete clinical recovery following adrenalectomy emphasizes the need of early recognition and prompt treatment of CS. Surgery for adrenocortical adenoma is safe and effective; however, survival of patients with CS due to adrenocortical carcinoma remains poor. Bilateral adrenalectomy provides early control of hypercortisolism in selected cases of unlocalized ectopic ACTH syndrome or failed transsphenoidal surgery. Even though functional recovery is incomplete after adrenalectomy, quality of life improves considerably.     

Anemia in Acute Renal Failure: Role for Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Proteins?

The use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) has revolutionized anemia management of early and late stages of chronic kidney disease. Darbopoietin is also now available for the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease. In addition, rHuEpo has been used for the treatment of anemia observed in critical illness. Unfortunately, the existing clinical studies of anemia in critically ill patients do not distinguish between those with and without acute renal failure (ARF). This review summarizes the existing experimental and clinical studies supporting the use of rHuEpo in ARF due to ischemic/nephrotoxic injury and conclusions are drawn on the rationale for further research into the use of this drug in ARF.     

Breast Cancer Association with Cytomegalo Virus—A Tertiary Center Case-Control Study

Purpose: Cytomegalo virus is a ubiquitous virus often associated with congenital infections. Some studied have claimed an association between infection with this virus and development of breast cancer. The aim of this prospective research was to study the difference in Cytomegalo virus sero-positivity among patients with breast cancer and benign breast diseases, and thereby to prove any association. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based Case-Control study conducted at the General Surgery wards of our hospital, a tertiary level public sector health care institution. This study was done on 130 patients with breast swellings who underwent surgical excision of their lumps over a 1-year period. Patients with histologically proven malignancies were selected as cases while proven benign cases were deemed to be the controls. IgG and IgM antibodies to Cytomegalo virus were checked in the patients from both groups. Results: All of the studied patients turned out to be positive for Immunoglobulin G against Cytomegalo virus while all the patients were found to be negative for Immunoglobulin M. There was no difference in the antibody titers among the benign and malignant cases in the study. Logistic regression calculation was also carried out including the study parameters and other known risk factors. Conclusions: We conclude that there is no association between Cytomegalo virus sero-positivity and breast cancer. Another conclusion is that the studied adult population has been exposed to Cytomegalo virus in some point of their lives. Further studies of a larger magnitude are essential to confirm our results.     

Does Treatment with Essential Amino Acids and Hypertonic Glucose Improve Survival in Acute Renal Failure?: A Meta-Analysis

We performed a meta-analysis of four randomized trials (RCTs) and one concurrent control study which addressed the following question: Does treatment with amino acid solutions and hypertonic glucose improve survival of seriously ill patients with acute renal failure who are unable to take oral or enteral feedings? Three RCTs compared outcomes with essential amino acid solutions (EAA) and hypertonic glucose against hypertonic glucose alone, and their results were pooled. Use of EAA was associated with an absolute increase in initial survival of 0.24 as compared to glucose (confidence interval: +.015 to +.446). Without weighting the data to reflect the quality of the RCTs, this effect was significant (p =. 017). Patients needing dialysis showed a significant treatment effect (p =. 015), while those not requiring dialysis did not (p =. 11). However, survival to hospital discharge was not significantly improved for the patient population as a whole (p =. 10). Using a standardized quality assessment protocol, the four RCTs received scores ranging from. 188 to. 357 out of a possible 1.00. Any statistically significant treatment effects were abolished by factoring the quality scores of the studies into the data-pooling process. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the effect of including the nonrandomized study. Although it had more patients than the other studies combined, the nonrandomized study was of low quality (score:. 032) and its inclusion did not change the outcome of data pooling once quality weighting was applied. We conclude that the efficacy of these parenteral nutritional regimens remains uncertain in this clinical setting.     

Prognostic Patterns in Acute Renal Failure: The New York Hospital, 1981–1982

Sixty four patients who developed acute renal failure at The New York Hospital between July 1981 and June 1982 were studied. The average age was found to be 59.5 years. The overall mortality rate was 62.5%. Patients with non-oliguric renal failure had a lower mortality rate (25%) than those with oliguric renal failure (79%). Those patients with non-oliguric renal failure were more likely to have a discrete cause of renal failure (drugs) and to be in a more stable cardiovascular status. Tachycardia, hypotension, respiratory failure, and documented (or presumed) sepsis all adversely affected prognosis.     

Ureteral Stenosis After Renal Transplantation—A Single-Center 10-Year Experience

Background

Kidney transplantation (KT) is the definitive treatment for ESRD. Ureteral stenosis (US) is one of the most common urologic complications and has been reported in 2.6%–15% of KTs.

Effect of N‐Acetylcysteine on Antioxidant Status in Glycerol‐Induced Acute Renal Failure in Rats

Myoglobinuric acute renal failure has three pathogenic mechanisms: tubular obstruction, renal vasoconstriction, and oxidative stress. The latter is generated through the iron released from the group hemo of the myoglobin. Iron induces the formation of high‐activity oxygen free radicals that increase oxidative stress and provoke lipid peroxidation and cellular death. This oxidative stress can be measured in several ways, both total or partially with the total antioxidant status or the intermediate enzymes. On the other hand, N‐acetylcysteine is a demonstrated substance with antioxidant properties. The aim of the present work was to assess the effect of N‐acetylcysteine on the oxidative stress in the glycerol‐induced acute renal failure in rats model. We observed that the animals treated with N‐acetylcysteine showed an improvement in the antioxidant activity given by an increase in the total antioxidant status and glutathione reductase levels in serum. This improvement was greater when treatment was administered before the induction of rhabdomyolysis. Nevertheless, the observed increase in antioxidant status was only statistically significant for glutathione reductase but not for total antioxidant status. Our results support an important role for N‐acetylcysteine in the treatment of this form of acute renal failure, although we think that oxidative stress is not the main pathogenic mechanism of the tubular necrosis induced by rhabdomyolysis, tubular obstruction and renal vasoconstriction being still more important.     

Acute Type A Aortic Dissection—Diagnostic Aspects and Surgical Experience

Acute type A aortic dissection was surgically treated in 33 patients aged 20-65 years, all critically ill on admission to hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed pericardiac tamponade in eight cases of extreme emergency, indicating surgery without need of additional imaging. Transesophageal echocardiography provided a definitive diagnosis in 16 cases, with excellent reliability and no false positive findings. Composite graft replacement with button technique was used in 24 patients and other methods of repair in nine. The perioperative mortality was 12% (4/33) and the late mortality 7% (2/29). The actuarial 5-year survival rate was 73%. No aortic root reoperation was required during follow-up for a mean of 4 years. Transesophageal echocardiography proved to be an accurate tool for speedy diagnosis of acute type A aortic dissection and open composite graft replacement with button technique highly satisfactory treatment, avoiding late aortic root problems.     

Liver Transplantation in Hepatitis C–Infected Patients: Experience From a South American Transplant Center

Background

Around 2.4% of the world's population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and it is the most common cause of liver transplantation (LT) in the world. Latin America (LA), with nearly 9% of the world population, has had a continuous increase in the number of LTs per year. Yet, due to the lack of mandatory data collection and a well-developed health-care system, access to transplantation is limited in most LA countries. We report the first LA experience of HCV-infected LT patients.

Acute Liver Failure—25 Years at a Single Center: Role of Liver Transplantation in the Survival of Adult Patients

Background

Acute liver failure (ALF) leads to high morbidity and mortality and is characterized by an accelerated deterioration of hepatic function in patients without prior liver disease. The survival rate is <15% without liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to describe the population of patients with ALF in the Unit of Liver Transplantation of the University of Campinas, Brazil, from 1991 to 2017, comparing those submitted and not submitted to LT.

Laparoscopic Management of Prosthetic Infections Following Laparoscopic Groin Hernioplasty — Experiences from a Tertiary Care Center

Hellenic Journal of Surgery - Despite increasing trends towards laparoscopic groin hernioplasty, its early prosthesis-related complications have hardly been addressed. Although conventionally...