Dramatic decrease of carnitine esters after interruption of exogenous carnitine supply in hemodialysis patients

L-carnitine supplementation is extensively used in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) to improve dialysis-related clinical symptoms. In a series of studies, we investigated the dynamics of carnitine pool in carnitine-supplemented HD patients; here we report dramatic decrease with special changes of the ester profile due to interruption of the exogenous intake after the last HD session. Serum samples were collected from 18 L-carnitine-repleted end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients before the L-carnitine supplementation, after completion of a carnitine supplementation period treatment (12 weeks, 1 g/IV/HD), right before the HD session, and 44 h after the dialysis. Levels of free carnitine (FC) and the individual esters were determined using electrospray MS/MS technique. Normally, L-carnitine supplementation causes significant elevation of all carnitine compounds to supraphysiological levels, which reaches a standard steady-state-like profile. In this study we found a dramatic decrease in the level of FC, and in short- and medium-chain acylcarnitines (ACs) 44 h after the last dialysis. At the end of this interdialytic period, FC levels increased to only 65% of the predialysis level, whereas the amounts of C2 and C3 esters recovered to only 50%. The level of C6 was 65% of the predialysis level, whereas the amount of C8 chain length ACs returned to 72% of the predialysis level. No significant change was seen in AC concentrations above C10 chain length. Omission of one single dosage of supplemental carnitine in long-term administration schemes results in dramatic decrease and reprofiling of carnitine esters even after the usual 44 h of interdialytic period.     

Clinical consequences of intermittent elevation of C-reactive protein levels in hemodialysis patients

An elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level has been associated with malnutrition, with erythropoietin resistance during hemodialysis (HD) therapy, and with a higher risk of chronic transplant rejection. Meanwhile, the clinical consequences of intermittent elevations of CRP levels observed among a large group of HD patients are unclear. We sought to compare the inflammatory and nutritional parameters as well as the erythropoietin requirements for HD patients with persistent or intermittent CRP elevations versus subjects with CRP levels in the normal range. The 6-month retrospective clinical and laboratory data of 100 HD patients (age 48.4 +/- 14.3 years, HD duration 69.3 +/- 49.0 months) were divided into three groups on the basis of at least six monthly values of CRP: for persistent (group 1) or intermittent high (at least one level of CRP >/=10 mg/L); (group 2) versus normal CRP levels (group 3). We compared the estimates of fibrinogen, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, albumin, prealbumin, normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), and rhuuEpo/kg/Htc. Significant differences, were observed in fibrinogen, albumin, prealbumin, ICAM-1, nPCR, IDWG, and rHUuEpo/kg/wk values. Like group 1, group 2 patients seemed to show inflammation and malnutrition, namely decreased albumin levels, nPCR, and rHUEpo resistance, when compared with group 3. Finally, intermittent elevations of CRP must be considered to reflect a state of chronic inflammatory response associated with malnutrition and erythropoietin resistance similar to that observed among hemodialysis patients with persistently high CRP levels.     

The effects of intravenous iron treatment on oxidant stress and erythrocyte deformability in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: It is well known that free iron causes oxidant stress to increase. However data concerning whether intravenously (I.V) administered iron in maintenance doses (10-20 mg) gives rise to increased oxidant stress and disturbed erythrocyte deformability (EDEF) in hemodialysis (HD) patients is lacking. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of I.V iron on oxidant stress and EDEF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen HD patients (10 males, 3 females, mean age: 49.9 +/- 13.4 years), given I.V iron were included in the study. All patients were undergone three consecutive HD session. The first HD session was performed without iron administration (Group 1), whereas in the following sessions the same patients were given 20 mg (Group 2) and 100 mg (Group 3) iron III hydroxide sucrose (Venofer--Abdi Ibrahim) I.V at the end of the dialysis session. In study periods, 7 blood samples were drawn from each patient: before dialysis, at the end of the dialysis (just after the session), 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after each dialysis session. However 15 minute samples were not drawn in the third group, since I.V iron was given by infusion in 30 minutes. EDEF and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were studied in all samples. RESULTS: When the results of the session without iron were considered, bivariate correlation analysis did not reveal any correlation between MDA and EDEF. When the course of each parameter were considered separately, MDA levels 90 and 120 minutes after HD session were significantly higher than that of the before and just after the HD session (p < 0.05). Whereas EDEF in 60, 90 and 120 minutes after HD session was found to be worsened when compared to before and just after HD sessions' values (p < 0.05). When results of the session with 20 mg iron were considered, EDEF and MDA values were not found to be correlated and throughout the course. Although EDEF did not present any significant change, MDA levels 60, 90 and 120 minutes after HD session were found to be significantly higher than that of the 15 and 30 minutes after HD session (p < 0,05). When results of the session with 100 mg iron were considered, MDA levels 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after HD session were found to be significantly higher than that of the before and just after the HD sessions' (p < 0,05). EDEF in 90 and 120 minutes after HD session was improved and no correlation between MDA and EDEF was observed. When groups were compared with each other, plasma MDA levels in session with 100 mg iron at the beginning, at the end and 30 minutes after HD were significantly lower than that of the without iron group (p < 0.05). Similarly MDA levels in session with 100 mg iron at the beginning, at the end, 30 minutes and 120 minutes after HD were significantly lower than that of the 20 mg iron (p < 0.05). When EDEF values in sessions with 20 mg iron and without iron were considered, only values 60 and 90 minutes after dialysis were significantly improved in 20 mg iron group. The others were statistically similar. CONCLUSION: In the present study, it was observed that I.V administered iron in 20 and 100 mg doses did not cause additional deteriorating effect on oxidant stress and EDEF was even improved by I.V iron.     

Procalcitonin serum levels in children undergoing chronic haemodialysis

Infections account for considerable morbidity and mortality in patients requiring haemodialysis (HD). Procalcitonin (PCT)—a low molecular weight protein of 13 kDa—helps one to distinguish viral from bacterial infections and to evaluate the severity of bacterial infections. We investigated (1) PCT baseline levels in eight children undergoing chronic HD with high-flux membranes and (2) changes in the serum levels of PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP) and beta-2-microglobulin (β2-MG)—a peptide with biochemical characteristics similar to those of PCT—before and after haemodialysis sessions. Blood sampling was performed three times in the mid-week session. Serum PCT of the seven uninfected children before HD sessions was increased (0.75±0.07 ng/ml), whereas CRP levels were normal. PCT after dialysis decreased significantly by 40% (P<0.0001) compared with initial values, whereas CRP levels before and after HD were not different. β2-MG decreased by 70%, probably due to different biochemical proprieties of both proteins. PCT serum levels 15 min and 60 min after the HD session remained unchanged in comparison with those at the end of the HD session, suggesting accumulation of PCT between HD sessions rather than HD-induced production to be responsible for the increased baseline PCT serum levels. We concluded that CRP serum levels were not affected by HD in our group. Moderately elevated baseline PCT serum levels that are presumably due to reduced renal clearance and uraemia and dialysability of PCT should be taken into consideration. However, increase of serum PCT in patients with severe bacterial infections is generally massive (10-fold to 1,000-fold), suggesting a low risk for false negative results in such cases.     

Carbonyl stress induced by intravenous iron during haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Anaemic haemodialysis (HD) patients are treated with erythropoietin and intravenous iron for effective erythropoiesis. Since iron is a potent inducer and aggravator of pre-existing oxidative processes in HD patients, this study was aimed to evaluate the acute in vivo effect of two recommended iron doses on protein oxidation during the HD session. METHODS: Iron gluconate was intravenously administered to HD patients in doses of 62.5 or 125 mg per session. A dialysis session without iron administration served as a control for each patient. Carbonylated fibrinogen and iron profile parameters were monitored before and after each session. Plasma carbonylated fibrinogen levels from healthy subjects and HD patients before dialysis were compared. Protein associated carbonyls were identified in plasma by derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine followed by western analysis and were quantified by densitometry. RESULTS: HD patients on maintenance iron showed elevated carbonylated fibrinogen compared with healthy subjects. During a HD session, carbonyls on fibrinogen further increased when 125 mg iron gluconate was administered, but no changes were detected with 62.5 mg iron gluconate or in the absence of iron. The changes in carbonylated fibrinogen during dialysis showed a significant linear correlation with the calculated values of transferrin saturation and free transferrin. CONCLUSIONS: The significant acute increase in carbonylated fibrinogen with 125 mg iron gluconate suggests that this iron dose should be used with caution. As fibrinogen is highly susceptible to iron-induced oxidation in vivo, it may serve as a marker reflecting acute iron oxidative damage and as a tool in refinement of the existing clinical dose guidelines for intravenous iron therapy.     

Dialysate calcium profiling during hemodialysis: use and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Low dialysate calcium (LdCa) concentration is used to prevent or treat hemodialysis (HD)-induced hypercalcemia, but its use has been complicated by intradialytic hypotension in some patients. Our goal was to explore the possibility that dialysis calcium profiling (dCaP) can ameliorate intradialytic hypotension in HD patients who need to have dialysis performed with LdCa. METHODS: In a randomized crossover design, eighteen HD patients underwent one four-hour HD session with LdCa of 1.25 mmol/L (LdCa group) and one four-hour HD session with LdCa of 1.25 mmol/L during the first two hours and high dCa of 1.75 mmol/L during the remaining two hours (dCaP group). After that, they underwent another four-hour HD session with medium dCa of 1.5 mmol/L (MdCa group). Before HD and at four 60-minute intervals during the HD sessions, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and noninvasive measurements of cardiac index (CI), using bioelectrical impedance, were obtained. Ionized serum calcium (iCa) also was measured before HD and at 120 and 240 minutes into the HD session. In a separate study, eight HD patients were treated for three weeks with 1.25 mmol/L dCa and three weeks with the dCaP technique described above, in random order. A three-week treatment with MdCa followed. BP and symptoms were recorded during each HD session. RESULTS: During the LdCa treatment the iCa values remained unchanged, whereas mean arterial pressure (MAP) and CI decreased by 16.5 +/- 8.3% and 14.2 +/- 14.6%, respectively, at the end of HD. During the first half of the dCaP treatment, iCa, MAP and CI decreased by 2.2 +/- 4.1%, 12.6 +/- 12.3%, and 9.6 +/- 13.4%, respectively, whereas during the second half of the same treatment, iCa, MAP and CI values increased by 10.2 +/- 3.3%, 7.8 +/- 7.2% and 10.8 +/- 9.1%, respectively, from the middle HD values. ANOVA showed that the time x treatment effect was significant for iCa, MAP and CI. Total peripheral resistance and HR changes were insignificant and similar among treatments. Hemodynamic effects were comparable between LdCa and MdCa treatments. Intradialytic events were reduced (P < 0.05) only with the dCaP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The drop in BP observed during the last two hours of HD in both the LdCa and MdCa groups was abolished in the dCaP group. The latter was accomplished via an increase in cardiac output, due to an iCa-induced increase in myocardial contractility. Therefore, dCaP, by individualizing the dCa concentrations used and timing the switching between them, may improve intradialytic BP instability and simultaneously minimize the risk for HD patients to develop hypercalcemia.     

Oxidative stress markers and C-reactive protein in end-stage renal failure patients on dialysis

OBJECTIVE: The inflammatory status is a well-documented factor influencing the development of oxidative stress in dialysis patients. This study intends to evaluate the inflammatory activity and the plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation products in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), by comparison with hemodialysis (HD) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Plasma concentration of TAC, lipid peroxidation products and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 24 patients on PD, 32 HD patients (pre and post treatment) and 16 normal controls (NC). RESULTS: All patients had higher levels of TAC and lipid peroxidation products than NC (p < 0.001). Patients on PD, had similar levels to patients before HD but significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those post HD. The CRP concentration was higher in HD than in PD patients (p < 0.05). The percentage of patients with CRP > 10 mg/l was 48% in HD patients and 21% in PD patients. No correlation was observed between CRP and TAC nor CRP and MDA levels. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that although PD and HD patients show an equal susceptibility in oxidative stress, CRP levels are higher in HD patients and this is indicative of a higher degree of inflammatory activity in these patients.     

Dialysate magnesium level and blood pressure

BACKGROUND: We investigated the way dialysate magnesium (dMg) concentrations could affect blood pressure (BP) during hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Eight HD patients underwent four midweek HD treatments consecutively, using, during each four-hour HD session, one of the following four dialysate formulations, in randomized order, which differed only with regard to dMg and dialysate calcium (dCa) concentrations (in mmol/L): 0.75 dMg, 1.75 dCa (group I); 0.25 dMg, 1.75 dCa (group II); 0.75 dMg, 1.25 dCa (group III); 0.25 dMg, 1.25 dCa (group IV). Before HD and at four 60-minute intervals during the HD sessions, BP and noninvasive measurements of cardiac index (CI) were obtained. Additionally, 14 HD patients were treated for four weeks with 0.5 mmol/L dMg, followed by four weeks with 0.25 mmol/L dMg, and another four weeks with 0.75 mmol/L dMg, in random order. In all treatments dCa was 1.25 mmol/L. BP and symptoms were recorded during each HD session. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased to a significantly (P < 0.05) greater extent in group IV compared to the other groups. This substantial drop in MAP by 15.2% in group IV, paralleled by a 12.1% and 17% drop in CI and stroke index, respectively, was not seen in group II, despite comparable reductions in intradialytic serum Mg (sMg) of about 35% in both groups. In groups I and III, the increase in sMg by 2% did not compromise BP via vasodilatation. In the second study, treatment with 0.75 mmol/L dMg was superior to the other two treatments regarding intradialytic morbidity (P < 0.001) and BP stability (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We (1) identified a dialysis solution containing 0.25 mmol/L Mg and 1.25 mmol/L Ca as a major cause of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) due to an impairment of myocardial contractility, and (2) showed that increasing dMg level to 0.75 mmol/L could prevent IDH frequently seen with the use of 1.25 mmol/L dCa. Thus, manipulating dMg levels independently or in concert with dCa levels might have important implications with regard to dialysis tolerance.     

Impact of volume status on blood pressure and left ventricle structure in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis

In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of volume status on blood pressure (BP) and on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study enrolled 74 patients (F/M: 36/38, mean age 53.5 ± 15.3 years, mean HD time 41.5 ± 41 months) that were on HD treatment for at least 3 months. Demographics, biochemical tests, hemogram and C-reactive protein levels, mean interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), mean percentage of ultrafiltration (UF), and intradialytic complications such as hypotension and cramps were determined. Mean values of predialysis and postdialysis BP measurements were recorded a month before echocardiographic examination. On the day after a midweek dialysis session, 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and echocardiographic examination were made concurrently. The patients were classified into two groups according to volume status: normovolemic (group 1; 14F/24M, mean age 50 ± 16.7 years, mean dialysis time 47.7 ± 47.7 months) and hypervolemic (group 2; 15F/21M, mean age 57.3 ± 12.7 years, mean dialysis time 34.9 ± 32 months). HD duration, IDWG, UF, and interdialytic complication rates were similar between the two groups (p < 0.05). Eleven patients (28.9%) of group 1 and 8 patients (22.2%) of group 2 showed dipper (p?=?0.50). Valvular damage was more common in group 2 (p?=?0.002). Whereas 33 patients (91.7%) had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in group 2, 21 patients of the group 1 (55.3%) had LVH (p < 0.001). Although LVMI showed a significant positive correlation with cardiothoracic index, predialysis and postdialysis BP, IDWG, UF, daytime and nighttime BP measurements of 24 h ABPM, a significant negative correlation was seen with Kt/V urea and serum albumin levels. In conclusion, increased IDWG and UF and elevated BP are independent predictors of LVH for HD patients. Increased volume status leads to IDWG and elevated BP and eventually causes severe LVMI increases.     

Adherence to treatment and hospitalization risk in hemodialysis patients

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether adherence to treatment is associated with hospitalization risk in hemodialysis patients. Methods: We completed a cohort analysis of risk factors during 1 census month (November) and 1 year of follow-up during 5 consecutive years (2002-2006) in all end-stage renal disease patients hemodialyzed in the Kaunas region. During the census month, we collected data on noncompliance defined as (i) skipping of a hemodialysis (HD) session, (ii) shortening of 1 or more HD sessions, (iii) presence of hyperkalemia, (iv) presence of hyperphosphatemia, or (v) interdialytic weight gain (IDWG). In addition, data on age, sex, disability status, comorbidities, anemia control, malnutrition and inflammation, calcium-phosphorus metabolism and hospitalization rate were collected. Relative risk of hospitalization was estimated using Cox regression evaluating time to first hospitalization. Results: We analyzed 559 patients for a total of 1,163 patient-years during the 5 years of the study. On multivariate analysis, adjusting for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, higher number of comorbid conditions, higher systolic blood pressure before dialysis, worse disability status, lower hemoglobin, albumin and urea before dialysis, the relative risk for hospitalization increased by 1.1 for every additional percentage point of IDWG and by 1.19 with each 1 mmol/L rise of serum phosphorus level. Skipping or shortening of hemodialysis sessions and serum potassium level were not associated with hospitalization. Conclusions: Higher IDWG and higher serum levels of phosphorus independently increased the relative risk of hospitalizations in hemodialysis patients. With skipped and shortened dialysis sessions, higher serum potassium level was not associated with hospitalization risk.     

Levels of serum ascorbate and its metabolites in hemodialysis patients

The status of ascorbic acid (AA) in dialysis patients is the subject of debate. Some reports have found AA to be deficient in dialysis patients, while others have found that AA is not deficient. In an attempt to confirm AA serum concentrations in dialysis patients, we analyzed the concentrations of AA as well as its metabolites using the specific determination of AA with chemical derivatization and the HPLC method. We studied 131 patients under maintenance hemodialysis therapy (HD), 23 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and 48 healthy controls (C). Serum concentrations of AA and the AA metabolites dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and 2, 3-diketogulonate (DKG) were measured by HPLC. Nine HD patients were taking AA supplements. Seventy-six (62.3%) of the 122 HD patients not taking AA supplements exhibited deficient levels of AA (< 20 microM), while 13 (56.5%) of the 23 CRF patients and 9 (18.8%) of the 48 C showed deficient levels of AA. Analysis of AA metabolites in the normal-range AA (20-80 microM) group revealed that the DHA/AA ratio in HD patients was significantly higher than in C (3.3 +/- 2.6% and 1.2 +/- 2.2%, respectively). The DKG/AA ratio in HD patients was higher than in CRF patients (3.6 +/- 5.2% vs. 0.9 +/- 1.9%), whereas DKG was not detected in C. When compared to serum levels before the start of dialysis, serum AA, DHA and DKG concentrations at the end of the dialysis session decreased by an average of 74.2, 84.0 and 78.8% respectively. In HD patients, serum levels of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly lower in the higher AA (> 80 microM) group than in the deficient and normal-range AA groups. In 12 AA-deficient patients, after 1 month of taking AA supplements (200 mg/day), serum AA levels rose to 79.9 microM, while serum TBARS level declined when compared with levels before supplementation. In conclusion, the frequency of AA deficiency in dialysis patients is extremely high. AA deficiency in HD patients may result in high TBARS levels, which reflect increased oxidative stress. Adequate AA supplementation should therefore be considered in such patients.     

Pentraxin 3 is elevated in haemodialysis patients and is associated with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Pentraxins are mediators of inflammation as well as markers of the acute-phase reaction. While elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with renal failure and its association with cardiovascular disease is well described, there are no data on pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in this population. METHODS: Plasma was obtained from 44 chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients, 35 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, 39 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) not on dialysis therapy and 14 age-matched normal subjects. PTX3 production in whole blood was also investigated in samples taken before and during HD. RESULTS: PTX3 plasma levels were significantly higher in HD patients (5.8 +/- 0.6 ng/ml) compared with the other three groups. There were no significant differences between PD patients (1.5 +/- 0.4 ng/ml), CRF patients (1.5 +/- 0.4 ng/ml) and normal subjects (0.76 +/- 0.2 ng/ml). In dialysis patients, PTX3 levels correlated significantly with time on renal replacement therapy (RRT) and with weekly erythropoietin dose. PTX3 levels were significantly higher in patients with coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease compared with those without. During a single HD session, PTX3 production was higher in whole blood samples taken after 3 h HD compared with samples taken before HD. CONCLUSIONS: PTX3 levels are markedly elevated in HD patients. The increase in PTX3 production in whole blood after HD indicates that the HD procedure itself contributes to elevated PTX3 levels in HD patients. The association between PTX3 and cardiovascular morbidity suggests a possible connection of PTX3 with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in HD patients.     

Blood pressure during the interdialytic period in haemodialysis patients: estimation of representative blood pressure values.

The estimation of representative blood pressure (BP) levels is difficult in haemodialysis (HD) patients as it is not known whether pre- or postdialytic blood pressure are predictive for the average interdialytic BP. Furthermore, the day-night BP rhythm can be disturbed in HD patients. Therefore, in this study, BP was measured during the interdialytic period using non-invasive ambulatory BP measurements in four hypotensive, six normotensive, and 12 hypertensive HD patients. It was assessed whether pre- or postdialytic BP was representative for the average interdialytic BP. Furthermore, the nocturnal BP reduction was compared between HD patients, seven normotensive controls and eight treated subjects with essential hypertension. Postdialytic BP was superior to predialytic BP in predicting the average BP during the interdialytic period. BP did not differ significantly between day 1 and day 2 of the interdialytic period but increased rapidly in the hours before dialysis. Weight gain (corrected for actual body-weight) did not correlate significantly with the increment in systolic BP (r = 0.21; P = 0.2) or diastolic BP (r = -0.02; P = 0.5) during the interdialytic period. The nocturnal decline in systolic BP was significantly attenuated (P less than 0.001) in hypertensive HD patients compared with normotensive controls. The nocturnal reduction in diastolic BP was significantly less in hypotensive (P less than 0.001) and normotensive (P less than 0.001) HD patients compared with normotensive controls and in hypertensive HD patients compared with normotensive (P less than 0.001) and hypertensive (P less than 0.001) controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of a sardine supplement on C-reactive protein in patients receiving hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the effect of a canned sardine supplement in C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients on hemodialysis (HD) and the compliance and adherence to this supplement. DESIGN: This was a quasi-experimental study: Participants with a serum CRP of 5 mg/dL or less volunteered to consume a sardine supplement or were maintained on the usual cheese/ham sandwich supplement. SETTING: The study took place in two outpatient dialysis units in Lisbon, Portugal. PATIENTS: The study comprised 63 patients receiving maintenance HD three times per week for at least 6 months and an initial CRP concentration of 5 mg/dL or less. Exclusion criteria included the presence of graft vascular access or history of cancer. INTERVENTION: After a 4-week washout period, the nutritional intervention included a canned sardine sandwich for the case group (n = 31) and a cheese or ham sandwich for the control group (n = 32), to be ingested during each routine HD session, 3 times per week, for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP were the outcome measure. RESULTS: Only 65 patients from the invited 186 patients met the inclusion criteria and agreed to eat the sardine sandwich supplement three times per week and were involved in the study. A significant proportion of 48% (n = 31, case group) consumed the sardine sandwich supplement three times per week for 8 weeks, fulfilling the requirements and completing the study. The present investigation showed that a sardine sandwich supplement had no effect on CRP levels among patients on HD. However, when participants were stratified according to tertiles of CRP distribution values at baseline, a reduction in CRP levels was found for those in the higher tertile, being higher for the case group (P = .047). Although diabetic patients were excluded from the analysis (eight in the sardine supplementation group and seven in the control group) a significant CRP reduction was found (P = .034). CONCLUSION: Although a supplement of low-dose n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids had no effect on the plasma high-sensitivity CRP of the supplemented group, a reduction in CRP levels was found when patients were stratified for tertiles of CRP (for the upper tertile) and diabetic status (for nondiabetic patients). These findings need to be further confirmed. This canned sardine supplement was accepted by an important proportion of patients, enhancing diet variety and contributing for a greater n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid intake.     

Apoptotic markers on lymphocytes and monocytes are unchanged during single hemodialysis sessions using either regenerated cellulose or polysulfone membranes

BACKGROUND: There is an increased rate of apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), but little is known about how different dialysis membranes may contribute to the process. We, therefore, studied the influence of two different dialysis membranes on apoptotic markers during HD. METHODS: 8 healthy controls and 8 patients on regular HD 3 times per week were enrolled in this cross-controlled study. Patients received HD using polysulfone and then regenerated cellulose dialysis membranes for one week each, sequentially. Serum was collected for C-reactive protein (CRP) detection; flow cytometry with dual antibody staining was used to measure the apoptotic markers Fas (CD95), FasL (CD 178) and TNF-R2 (CD120b) in T cells (CD3+), B cells (CD19+), and monocytes (CD14+) at 0, 15, 120 and 240 min after starting HD. We also measured total leukocyte numbers and differential white cell counts. RESULTS: Hemodialysis patients revealed lymphocytopenia, monocytopenia, higher CRP levels and higher Fas and TNF-R2 expression on lymphocytes and monocytes at baseline when compared with normal controls. Leukocyte numbers, including neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, dropped significantly after 15 min of dialysis. There were no significant differences in Fas levels during hemodialysis on T and B lymphocytes or on monocytes. T lymphocyte FasL (CD 178) levels remained unchanged throughout the process. There was a significantly lower overall level of CD120b at 15 min of HD, whereas this marker was higher on monocytes after dialysis. There were no significant differences in the levels of apoptotic markers between the two membranes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that uremia itself contributes to PBMC apoptosis. The two different dialysis membranes used in this study did not influence apoptotic markers on PBMCs significantly, but increased TNF-R2 expression on monocytes during a single dialysis session.     

Plasma oxalate in patients with chronic renal failure receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis

Plasma oxalate was measured in 20 patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 20 patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). All patients had levels well above the reference range of less than 2.0 to 5.0 mumol/L (less than 0.18 to 0.44 mg/L), the medians being 34 mumol/L (2.99 mg/L) and 42 mumol/L (3.70 mg/L) for the two groups, respectively. Plasma oxalate did not differ significantly in the two groups. Plasma oxalate was not influenced by the number of months patients had received dialysis treatment, but a significant correlation was found between oxalate and creatinine in the 40 patients studied (P less than 0.02, r = 0.38). Predialysis oxalate levels were reduced by approximately 60% following HD, but returned to 80% of the predialysis levels within 24 hours and 95% within 48 hours. Oxalate levels did not differ significantly in samples taken before, during, and after exchanges of CAPD fluid. That the patients treated with CAPD did not have higher oxalate levels than the HD group suggests that the continuous nature of the former treatment compensates for the lower oxalate clearance by the peritoneum. The reported higher risk of oxalosis associated with intermittent peritoneal dialysis has led to a similar risk being postulated for CAPD; however, the present study indicates that if such a risk exists, it cannot be explained by higher levels of oxalate or ionized calcium in these patients.     

A novel technique to demonstrate disturbed appetite profiles in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is common among dialysis patients and is associated with an adverse outcome. One cause of this is a persistent reduction in nutrient intake, suggesting an abnormality of appetite regulation. METHODS: We used a novel technique to describe the appetite profile in 46 haemodialysis (HD) patients and 40 healthy controls. The Electronic Appetite Rating System (EARS) employs a palmtop computer to collect hourly ratings of motivation to eat and mood. We collected data on hunger, desire to eat, fullness, and tiredness. HD subjects were monitored on the dialysis day and the interdialytic day. Controls were monitored for 1 or 2 days. RESULTS: Temporal profiles of motivation to eat for the controls were similar on both days. Temporal profiles of motivation to eat for the HD group were lower on the dialysis day. Mean HD scores were not significantly different from controls. Dietary records indicated that dialysis patients consumed less food than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the EARS can be used to monitor subjective appetite states continuously in a group of HD patients. A HD session reduces hunger and desire to eat. Patients feel more tired after dialysis. This does not correlate with their hunger score, but does correlate with their fullness rating. Nutrient intake is reduced, suggesting a resetting of appetite control for the HD group. The EARS may be useful for intervention studies.     

A new treatment forInterdialytic hyperkalemia - the use of fosinopril sodium.

Fosinopril sodium is the first of the phosphinic acid class of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). It is used as an antihypertensive agent, but differs from other ACEI in its dual routes of excretion (liver and kidney), and less incidence of hyperkalemia and cough. We conducted a study in known chronic hemodialysis patients who developed interdialytic hyperkalemia in spite of other treatments to control hyperkalemia. We used fosinopril in this group of patients to assess the effect of fosinopril on serum potassium (K) levels. Twenty-four patients were given fosinopril 10 mg at 18:00 h daily for 8 weeks. K levels were measured before and after each dialysis treatment. Interdialytic weight gains were recorded. The average pretrial potassium level was 6.57 mmol/l (+/- 0.47), and the posttrial level was 5.34 (+/- 0.76); p 相似文献