Lymphoid form of intestinal tuberculosis with miliary dissemination: case report

Tuberculosis with the incidence 28-29/100000 residents still presents a major public health problem in Croatia. Miliary tuberculosis is uncommon cause of fever of unknown origin. Intestinal tuberculosis pose as diagnostic problem that can be identified by colonoscopy and/or explorative laparatomy involving histopathology and microbiology. A case is reported of a 40-year-old HIV negative patient admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases after two weeks of fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Biochemistry testing showed mild elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and increased serum aminotransferases. On admission, chest x-ray was normal and tuberculin skin test was negative. Crohn's disease was suspected. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed solid infiltrative mass located retroperitoneally, along with enlarged lymph nodes. Explorative laparoscopy was necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Intraoperative specimens were referred for histopathologic and microbiologic examination, which proved the existence of granulomatous inflammation of the areas with caseous necrosis. Direct microscopy of the periappendicular abscess and Ziehl-Neelsen staining of a lymph node specimen confirmed the presence of an acidoresistant bacillus. The specimen culture on solid egg based agar (L?wenstein Jensen) and liquid broth (MGIT) showed the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Then the causative agent was cultured from all specimens: sputum, stool and urine. Repeat cheast x-ray, performed on day 30 of hospitalization, showed miliary dissemination to the lungs. The patient was treated with four antituberculotics (streptomycin, isoniazide, rifampin, ethambutol) and methylprednisolone for one month, then with isoniazide, rifampin and for 11 months ethambutol. Therapy led to a decrease of abdominal lymph nodes and absence of miliary lesions on chest radiography after two months of treatment. Intestinal tuberculosis has been almost forgotten in Croatia. The latest published cases referred to HIV infected patients. In less than 50% of patients with intestinal tuberculosis the lungs are also affected, which poses a diagnostic problem. Crohn's disease is the most common diagnostic problem. Histopathology of a specimen obtained on colonoscopy and/or explorative laparoscopy can often solve the dilemma, as also confirmed in our patient. Of diagnostic studies, computed tomography has the advantage of evaluating intestinal wall involvement, which is important for the early diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis. Enteroclysis and irrigography provide diagnostic information in the advanced stage of intestinal tuberculosis. In a patient with fever, abdominal disorders and parameters which implicate granulomatosis hepatitis or Crohn's disease, the existence of abdominal tuberculosis is also possible. Computed tomography and biopsy obtained on colonoscopy for microbiology can help in making the diagnosis and initiating appropriate treatment.     

IgA nephropathy. Correlation of clinical and histologic features

The clinical and histologic features of 81 patients with IgA nephropathy were analyzed. Azotemia was present in 32 per cent of the patients, proteinuria was present in 88 per cent, and gross or microscopic hematuria was present in all of the patients tested. The median age of histologic diagnosis was 27 years. The median age at onset of clinical signs was 20 years. There was no increased incidence in any HLA-A or -B antigen within the patient population over our control population. All patients had glomerular mesangial IgA deposition (by definition) greater than or equal to IgG or IgM. Histologic changes were quantitated and ranged from normal to necrotizing and/or crescentic glomerulonephritis. Many patients (48 per cent) had mild or moderate generalized glomerlular hypercellularity. Nonparametric statistical analysis showed strong correlations among patient age at histologic diagnosis, creatinine, proteinuria, global glomerular sclerosis, and interstital fibrosis. Our analysis suggests that IgA nephropathy is an indolent disease generally beginning in childhood. It is a cause of renal insufficiency in a significant number of patients. Interpretation of this series and other reported studies suggests that most cases of IgA nephropathy in the United States are best considered idiopathic but that hereditary and secondary forms may exist.     

白花丹素调控ROS抑制NLRP3炎症小体减轻IgA肾损伤机制的实验研究

目的 研究白花丹素对IgA肾病的作用和机制。 方法 按Ying等改良的BSA+LPS+CCl4方法复制实验IgA肾病模型；然后，给药组大鼠每组分别腹腔注射10 mg/kg、20 mg/kg和50 mg/kg白花丹素，1次/d，对照组和模型组腹腔注射等量的生理盐水1次/d；8周后，全自动化学分析仪检测24 h尿蛋白、血肌酐、血尿素，流式检测ROS含量，试剂盒检测SOD活性和MDA含量，HE染色观察病理损伤，Elisa检测TNF-α、IL-18、IL-1β，蛋白印迹法检测NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1 p20、P13K、AKT和NF-kB蛋白表达。 结果 与模型组相比，给药组大鼠的尿蛋白、血清肌酸酐和尿素氮含量显著减少，ROS水平显著降低，SOD含量显著增多，MDA含量显著减少，MDA、IL-1β、IL-18和TNF-α的含量显著减少，NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1 p20、P13K、AKT和NF-kB的蛋白表达显著下调，并且随着给药量的增加效果越显著。 结论 白花丹素通过降低尿蛋白、血肌酐和血尿素含量，减轻病理损伤，抑制氧化应激、炎症反应和NLRP3/P13K/AKT/NF-kB通路激活来减轻IgA肾病。     

The effect of sodium cromoglycate on the induction of experimental IgA nephropathy

Mesangial IgA nephropathy was experimentally induced in ddY mice by oral and parenteral administration of the poliomyelitis vaccine (POLIO), and we then tried to investigate if IgA deposition could be prevented by the concurrent use of sodium cromoglycate (SCG), which is known to inhibit the local mucosal immune reaction. Mucosal and systemic immunity could be induced by the administration of POLIO; proteinuria, increased serum IgA levels, mesangial cell proliferation, mesangial matrix widening, mesangial deposits of IgA, and large electron dense deposits in the mesangium were observed. Concurrent administration of SCG and POLIO resulted in a significant decrease in the serum IgA level and mesangial IgA deposits. The later addition or abstinence of SCG after the 70th day did not influence the glomerular mesangial IgA deposition. But the serum IgA level was still decreased by the continuous treatment of SCG even after the 70th day. Thus, mesangial IgA nephropathy simulating IgA nephropathy in humans could be induced in ddY mice using POLIO and its induction could largely be prevented by the concurrent use of SCG. However mesangial IgA deposits already present could not be cleared by the late administration of SCG.     

Abnormalities of the IgA immune system in members of unrelated pedigrees from patients with IgA nephropathy.

In the last few years many investigators have reported the recurrence of primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) or the presence of persistent microhaematuria and/or proteinuria in family members of patients with IgAN. Our study was undertaken to investigate the relevance of abnormalities in the regulation of the IgA and IgM immune system in microhaematuric and asymptomatic family members of IgAN patients. Fifty-four out of 120 members of nine unrelated pedigrees were examined by urinalysis; polymeric IgA (pIgA), IgA rheumatoid factor (IgARF), IgA1-IgG immune complexes (IgA 1-IgG IC) and IgA 1-IgM IC, and other immunoglobulins were measured in serum samples. Moreover, we studied the production of immunoglobulins, pIgA and IgARF by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in basal conditions and after pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulation. Our data demonstrate that persistent microhaematuria was present in 24% of relatives. High serum levels of IgA, mainly pIgA and IgARF, IgA 1-IgG IC and IgA 1-IgM IC occurred in 66% of relatives. Abnormal spontaneous production of IgA by PBMC and after PWM stimulation was present in 64% of family members. Interestingly, high serum levels of IgM and abnormal production of this immunoglobulin by PBMC were observed in relatives. However, the immunological abnormalities did not correlate in any way with the presence of urinary abnormalities such as microhaematuria, which was most likely determined by an underlying glomerular alteration.     

Treatment of tuberculosis in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection

BACKGROUND AND METHODS. Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of tuberculosis and may interfere with the effectiveness of antituberculosis chemotherapy. To examine the outcomes in patients with both diagnoses, we conducted a retrospective study of all 132 patients listed in both the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and tuberculosis case registries in San Francisco from 1981 through 1988. RESULTS. At the time of the diagnosis of tuberculosis, 78 patients (59 percent) did not yet have a diagnosis of AIDS, 18 patients (14 percent) were given a concomitant diagnosis of AIDS (as determined by the presence of an AIDS-defining disease other than tuberculosis), and the remaining 36 patients (27 percent) already had AIDS. The manifestations of tuberculosis were entirely pulmonary in 50 patients (38 percent), entirely extrapulmonary in 40 patients (30 percent), and both pulmonary and extrapulmonary in 42 patients (32 percent). The treatment regimens were as follows: isoniazid and rifampin supplemented by ethambutol for the first two months, 52 patients; isoniazid and rifampin supplemented by pyrazinamide and ethambutol for the first two months, 39 patients; isoniazid and rifampin, 13 patients; isoniazid and rifampin supplemented by pyrazinamide for the first two months, 4 patients; and other drug regimens, 17 patients. The intended duration of treatment for patients whose regimen included pyrazinamide was six months, and for patients who did not receive pyrazinamide, nine months. Seven patients received no treatment because tuberculosis was first diagnosed after death. Sputum samples became clear of acid-fast organisms after a median of 10 weeks of therapy. Abnormalities on all chest radiographs taken after three months of treatment were stable or improved except for those of patients who had new nontuberculous infections. The only treatment failure occurred in a man infected with multiple drug-resistant organisms who did not comply with therapy. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 23 patients (18 percent). For all 125 treated patients, median survival was 16 months from the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was a major contributor to death in 5 of the 7 untreated patients and 8 of the 125 treated patients. Three of 58 patients who completed therapy had a relapse (5 percent); compliance was poor in all 3. CONCLUSIONS. Tuberculosis causes substantial mortality in patients with advanced HIV infection. In patients who comply with the regimen, conventional therapy results in rapid sterilization of sputum, radiographic improvement, and low rates of relapse.     

A case of extra-hepatic portal hypertension caused by periportal tuberculous lymphadenitis.

This report describes a case of portal hypertension caused by periportal tuberculous lymphadenitis. There were a few reports of portal hypertension associated with tuberculosis. A 27-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of recurrent hematemesis for 7 days. There was a history of mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis 3 years earlier that was treated with isoniazide, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide for 2 years. Clinical evaluation revealed esophageal variceal bleeding and main portal vein obstruction by enlarged periportal lymph nodes. The patient underwent distal splenorenal shunt. Pathologic examination of the excised periportal lymph node revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with central caseous necrosis. Thereafter the patient took antituberculous medication for 12 months. The patient has not re-bled 3 years since the shunt operation.     

Grading of acute and chronic renal lesions in Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura.

The renal outcome of 34 patients with Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura nephritis was assessed clinically and by grading acute and chronic renal lesions using a system we applied to primary IgA nephropathy. On a median follow-up period of 65 months, hypertension and the serum levels of creatinine and proteinuria at the time of renal biopsy were correlated with renal survival. Acute glomerular lesions including mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary proliferation, necrosis, cellular crescents, and leukocytes infiltration were observed, respectively, in 41%, 12%, 50%, 29%, and 32% of the cases. Of these, only glomerular necrotizing lesion and cellular crescent were correlated with the renal survival. Chronic renal lesions based on a grading system applied to primary IgA nephropathy and assessing the extent of glomerular sclerosis (glomerular grading), of tubular loss and interstitial fibrosis (tubulointerstitial grading), and of hyaline arteriolosclerosis demonstrated correlation between these lesions, as well as with renal survival. On follow-up, these chronic renal lesions were predictors of subsequent clinical events associated with disease progression, such as impaired renal function, significant proteinuria, and development of hypertension. Despite some limitations related to the relatively small size, this series indicates that distinction of acute and chronic lesions of Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis is important for both the prognosis and management of patients.     

不同性别IgA肾病患者相关临床指标及病理特点对比

目的 通过对不同性别IgA肾病患者临床指标及病理特点的对比,了解性别间相关指标的差异,为临床积极有效的治疗该病提供依据。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月1日~2018年8月30日我院经肾穿刺活检确诊的361例IgA肾病患者的临床资料,比较不同性别IgA肾病患者的临床资料、危险度分级、病理分级及免疫荧光分型。结果 不同性别IgA肾病患者年龄、病程、舒张压、水肿、血尿、蛋白尿、血尿+蛋白尿、白蛋白、IgA、IgG、IgM、IgE、C3、C4、IgA/C3、肾小球滤过率、血钾、血钙、血磷、APTT、PT、FIB、左肾及右肾大小比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;男性收缩压、血压高、肾功异常占比、胱抑素、肌酐、尿素、尿酸、甘油三脂、胆固醇、血钠、尿蛋白定量高于女性,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。不同性别IgA肾病患者在1~3级占比比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;男性IgA肾病患者在4级占比多于女性,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。不同性别IgA肾病患者病理分级比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。不同性别IgA肾病患者在IgA+IgM+C3、IgA+IgM+IgG、IgA+IgM+IlgG+C3占比比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;男性IgA肾病患者在IgA+IgG+C3、IgA+C3分型中占比多于女性,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 男性IgA肾病的发病人数多于女性,且在IgA肾病中,男性的肾功能较女性差,推测其预后可能较差,因此当男性确诊为IgA肾病后,应更加关注其临床指标及病理相关指标,及早干预、及早治疗,制定合理地个性化治疗方案,延缓其进展。     

肾移植后并发肺结核感染的诊断与治疗

背景：肾移植后患者肺结核感染率较高,临床表现缺乏典型性,给诊断和治疗带来不便。 目的：总结同种异体肾移植后肺结核感染的诊断和治疗方法。 方法：回顾性分析2010年1月至2013年10月期间在南方医科大学珠江医院器官移植科诊断为肾移植后肺结核感染的13例患者相关临床诊断和治疗方法。 结果与结论：肾移植后并发肺结核感染的患者发病时间为肾移植后4-120个月,62%(8/13)患者于移植后18个月内发病。患者多以长时间发热为主要的临床表现,常以低热为首发表现。4例根据病史、影像学资料结合病原学阳性确诊,5例根据病史、影像学资料结合肺穿刺活检组织病理学阳性确诊,其余4例根据病史、影像学资料结合实验性抗结核治疗有效而做出临床诊断。患者肺部体征早期不明显,胸部CT有助于早期诊断和鉴别诊断。所有患者遵循早期、规律、全程、适量、联合原则进行抗结核治疗,疗程一般6-10个月,经给予联合抗结核感染药物、调整免疫抑制剂及五酯胶囊保肝等综合治疗,13例患者均存活,未出现死亡病例。2例由于感染早期未及时正规治疗,发生急性排斥反应,导致移植肾功能丧失而恢复血液透析,其余患者均痊愈出院,随访6个月肾功能正常(查血肌酐变化)。 说明肾移植后并发肺结核病的患者应早发现、早诊断、早治疗。CT引导下穿刺活检可作为肾移植后菌阴肺结核诊断和鉴别的有效且可行的手段。在调整免疫方案和抗结核治疗同时给予五酯胶囊可显著减少钙调神经蛋白抑制剂类药物剂量,减轻钙调神经蛋白抑制剂类药不良反应。 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：肾移植;肝移植;移植;心脏移植;组织移植;皮肤移植;皮瓣移植;血管移植;器官移植;组织工程全文链接：     

Recurrent polyomavirus infections in kidney transplants (BK virus nephropathy)

BK-virus nephropathy was recently recognised as a new complication that affects renal allografts and causes dysfunction. We report a case of a recipient of simultaneous kidney-pancreas allografts. Fourteen months after the transplant, the renal allograft became dysfunctional with elevation of serum creatinine level. The diagnosis of BK-virus nephropathy was established by needle renal biopsy with immunohistochemical detection of human polyoma virus. Immunosuppressive therapy was reduced but progressive dysfunction developed and the patient had to undergo a renal retransplantation 11 months after the diagnosis of the infection. Due to repeated renal dysfunction, needle biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis of repeated BK-virus nephropathy was established six months after the retransplantation. The pancreas allograft has functioned well for the entire period.     

An overlapping syndrome of IgA nephropathy and lipoid nephrosis

The authors studied eight cases of IgA nephropathy presenting with nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed only mild mesangial proliferation or minor glomerular changes on light microscopic examination but typical features of IgA nephropathy on immunofluorescent and electron microscopic examination. A satisfactory response characterized by correction of hypoalbuminemia, clearance of proteinuria, and an increase of endogenous creatinine clearance occurred with corticosteroid therapy. These cases represent a variant of IgA nephropathy associated with a nephrotic syndrome that resembles lipoid nephrosis in its responsiveness to steroid.     

Detection of IgA-class circulating immune complexes (CIC) in sera from patients with IgA nephropathy using a solid-phase anti-C3 Facb enzyme immunoassay (EIA)

The detection of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in sera from patients with IgA nephropathy is described. A solid-phase anti-C3 Facb enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was employed for detection of IgA-, IgG- and IgM-CIC in sera. The C1q-binding enzyme assay was also used for the detection of CIC in sera from these patients and healthy adults. Twenty-two patients with IgA nephropathy, 14 patients with other glomerular diseases and 19 healthy adults were examined by anti-C3 Facb EIA. The levels of IgA-CIC in sera from patients with IgA nephropathy were significantly higher than those in sera from patients with other glomerular diseases and healthy adults. CIC measured by the C1q-binding enzyme assay was detected in some patients with IgA nephropathy. The levels of serum IgA in patients with IgA nephropathy were significantly higher than those in patients with other glomerular diseases and healthy adults. However, there was no significant correlation between the levels of IgA-CIC in sera and those of serum IgA in patients with IgA nephropathy. There was also no significant correlation between the levels of IgA-CIC in sera and the degree of histopathological injuries in the patients. It is concluded that the solid-phase anti-C3 Facb EIA is useful for the detection of IgA-CIC in sera from patients with IgA nephropathy.     

Therapy of IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is the commonest form of glomerulonephritis worldwide, and is one of the major causes of terminal renal failure in most industrialised countries. It is defined by the dominance of IgA mesangial deposits in immunofluorescence studies. Corticosteroid-sensitive nephrosis lipoides (minimal change disease) with IgA deposits and superimposed crescentic glomerulonephritis are to be differentiated from primary IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease). In the latter, clinical manifestations are dominated by synpharyngitic macroscopic haematuria and permanent proteinuria. Terminal renal failure occurs in about 25% of patients after 10 years or more. Heavy proteinuria, hypertension, altered renal function and severe histological lesions at diagnosis are markers of poor prognosis. Primary IgA nephropathy is thought to be related to mesangial deposition of polymeric IgA1-containing immune complexes, owing to altered B cell responses to exogenous and endogenous antigens, together with hyperactivity of T helper type 1 and type 2 cells, both favoured by a genetic background. The 2 compartments of the IgA system (medullary and mucosal) may participate in the pathogenesis of the disease. Modulation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue and immune tonsillectomy are current lines of research. Although impressive results were obtained with an oligoantigenic diet, it is somewhat impractical. Pharmacological modulation of the mucosal immune response seems more promising. There is no proof that phenytoin, a drug which reduces bone marrow IgA synthesis, is beneficial. Emerging data suggest the potential of immune intervention in severely proteinuric patients before sclerotic lesions have occurred, using azathioprine and intravenous immunoglobulins. The benefit of early corticosteroid therapy is still unknown in both adults and children, and the efficiency of alkylating agents is unproven. The search for bacterial foci in primary IgA nephropathy is mandatory, as appropriate treatment may have a protective effect on renal function and help to improve or stabilise some patients. Slowing the progression of renal failure by a combination of ACE inhibitors, fish oil and, possibly, antiplatelet drugs is a promising therapeutic approach.     

吗替麦考酚酯联合糖皮质激素治疗特发性膜性肾病的疗效观察

目的 比较吗替麦考酚酯和环磷酰胺治疗特发性膜性肾病的有效性及安全性。方法 选择2011年8月~2013年8月在遂宁市中心医院确诊为特发性膜性肾病的患者40例,随机分为吗替麦考酚酯治疗组和环磷酰胺治疗组,各20例,分别给予吗替麦考酚酯和环磷酰胺联合糖皮质激素治疗。在治疗后6、12、24和36个月,检测两组患者尿蛋白定量、血清白蛋白、血肌酐、内生肌酐清除率、胆固醇及甘油三酯,同时观察并记录两组患者不良反应情况。结果 治疗12个月后,两组患者尿蛋白定量、血清白蛋白、血肌酐及胆固醇水平较治疗前均改善,但两组间比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。治疗24月后,MMF组患者尿蛋白定量、血清白蛋白、胆固醇及甘油三酯分别为（1.19±5.15）g/24h、（40.14±3.96）g/L、（4.73±0.64）mmol/L和（1.88±0.28）mmol/L,而CTX组患者相应指标为（1.82±0.94）g/24h、（36.05±3.52）g/L、（5.33±0.76）mmol/L和（2.13±0.29）mmol/L,两组患者数据比较,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。两组患者蛋白尿总缓解率在36个月后分别为90.00%和80.00%,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。两组患者在药物不良反应比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论 吗替麦考酚酯联合糖皮质激素治疗特发性膜性肾病疗效肯定,和环磷酰胺相比,其降尿蛋白效果更佳,同时药物不良反应更少。     

Diagnosis and classification of IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis worldwide. The diagnostic hallmark of IgAN is the predominance of IgA deposits in the glomerular mesangium. The natural history of IgAN is variable. Clinical features including heavy proteinuria, elevated serum creatinine level, hypertension at presentation, and advanced histologic findings can strongly predict the risk of progressive chronic kidney disease. This article reviews the evolving history of diagnostic criteria of IgAN and the controversial aspects of the Oxford Classification. To date, there is no disease-targeted treatment for IgAN. Advances in understanding of the pathogenesis may help with earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of the treatment response and clinical course, and in the development of targeted therapy in the future.     

2型糖尿病肾病患者血清胱抑素C的检测及意义

目的:检测糖尿病患者血清胱抑素C浓度变化,分析其在糖尿病患者早期肾损伤中的作用。方法:根据24h尿白蛋白排泄率(UAER)的测定结果,将104例糖尿病患者分为3组:单纯糖尿病组(SDM组)、早期糖尿病肾病组(EDN组)和临床糖尿病肾病组(CDN组);46名健康者作对照组;采用颗粒增强散射免疫比浊法测定血清胱抑素C水平,常规测定内生肌酐清除率、血肌酐和UAER,并对全部患者胱抑素C血清浓度与尿UAER进行直线相关分析。结果:SDM组,EDN组及CDN组间血清胱抑素C水平均有非常显著性统计学意义(P<0.01),血清胱抑素C与UAER、内生肌酐清除率及血肌酐值有良好相关性(r值分别为0.772,-0.754,0.785,P均<0.01)。结论:血清胱抑素C水平测定有助于2型糖尿病肾病的早期诊断,优于血肌酐和内生肌酐清除率,具有临床应用价值。     

Protective local and systemic antibody responses of swine exposed to an aerosol of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1.

The isotype-specific antibody responses in serum and in nasal and pulmonary lavage fluids of swine following aerosol immunization with an attenuated strain of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1, strain CM5A, was investigated. The presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM with specificities for capsular polysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide, and hemolysin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by using purified antigens. Strain CM5A induced serum antibodies of each isotype to the three antigens. The serum antibody response was sustained and typical of persistent antigenic stimulation. The specific IgM response decreased and the specific IgG response increased after challenge with strain CM5. IgA specific for the three antigens was detected in nasal secretions from all immune pigs, whereas specific IgG could only be detected in samples contaminated with blood. Both IgA and IgG specific for each of the antigens were detected in pulmonary lavage samples. There was no significant increase in specific IgA in nasal secretions; however, levels of lipopolysaccharide-specific and hemolysin-specific IgG and IgA in pulmonary secretions rose after aerosol challenge with strain CM5. Passive transfer of immune swine serum resulted in protection against pleuropneumonia and in levels of specific serum IgG which were similar to those in actively immunized pigs. It is concluded that specific serum IgG antibodies are important in protection from porcine pleuropneumonia.     

Rifampicin-Induced Minimal Change Disease Is Improved after Cessation of Rifampicin without Steroid Therapy

There are several reports to demonstrate that rifampicin, a major anti-tuberculosis agent, is associated with some adverse renal effects, with a few cases of rifampicin-induced minimal change disease (MCD). In the present case, a 68-year-old female presented with nausea, vomiting, foamy urine, general weakness and edema. She had been taking rifampicin for 4 weeks due to pleural tuberculosis. The patient had no proteinuria before the anti-tuberculosis agents were started, but urine tests upon admission showed heavy proteinuria with a 24-h urinary protein of 9.2 g/day, and serum creatinine, albumin, and total cholesterol levels were 1.36 mg/dL, 2.40 g/dL, and 283 mg/dL, respectively. MCD was diagnosed, and the patient achieved complete remission after cessation of rifampicin without undergoing steroid therapy.     

The Natural Course of Biopsy-Proven Isolated Microscopic Hematuria: a Single Center Experience of 350 Patients

The increasing interest in healthcare and health screening events is revealing additional cases of asymptomatic isolated microscopic hematuria (IMH). However, a consensus of the evaluation and explanation of the IMH prognosis is controversial among physicians. Here, we present the natural course of IMH together with the pathological diagnosis and features to provide supportive data when approaching patients with IMH. We retrospectively evaluated 350 patients with IMH who underwent a renal biopsy between 2002 and 2011, and the pathological diagnosis and chronic histopathological features (glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy) were reviewed. Deterioration of renal function was examined during follow up. The patients with IMH were evaluated for a mean of 86 months. IgA nephropathy was the most common diagnosis in 164 patients (46.9%). Chronic histopathological changes were observed in 166 (47.4%) but was not correlated with proteinuria or a decline in renal function. Ten patients developed proteinuria, and all of them had IgA nephropathy. Three patients progressed to chronic kidney disease with an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² but none progressed to end stage renal disease. In conclusion, IMH had a generally benign course during 7-years of observation, although IgA nephropathy should be monitored if it progresses to proteinuria. Future prospective randomized studies may help conclude the long-term prognosis and lead to a consensus for managing IMH.