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Objective: to evaluate the use of a renal health application by kidney transplant recipients. Method: a retrospective, observational study with a sample composed of individuals registered in the kidney transplant section of the application from July of 2018 to April of 2021. Demographic data, data entry, time of use, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, creatinine, medication schedules, appointments, and tests were the variables collected. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results: eight hundred and twenty-three downloads of the application were identified, and 12.3% of those were registered as kidney transplant recipients, the majority from southeastern Brazil (44.9%), 36±11 years old, and female (59.1%). Of the sample, 35.1% entered information such as creatinine (62%), weight (58.2%), and blood pressure (51.8%). Most used the application for one day (63.3%) and 13.9% for more than one hundred days. Those who used it for more than one day (36.7%) recorded weight (69%), medication intake (65.5%) and creatinine (62%), and scheduled appointments (69%). Conclusion: the kidney transplant recipient section of the Renal Health application generated interest in the young population, but showed low adherence throughout the assessed months. These results offer a relevant perspective on the implementation of mHealth technologies in kidney transplantation. Resumo Objetivo: avaliar o uso do aplicativo Renal Health por transplantados renais. Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo com amostra composta por usuários que realizaram cadastro na seção para transplantados renais do aplicativo de julho de 2018 a abril de 2021. Foram coletadas as seguintes variáveis: dados demográficos, inserção de dados, tempo de uso, registros de peso, pressão arterial, glicemia, creatinina, horários das medicações, consultas e exames. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados. Resultados: houve 1.823 downloads do aplicativo e 12,3% cadastraram-se na seção para transplantados renais, a maioria do Sudeste do Brasil (44,9%), com 36±11 anos e do sexo feminino (59,1%). Da amostra, 35,1% inseriram informações como creatinina (62%), peso (58,2%) e pressão arterial (51,8%). A maioria utilizou o aplicativo por um dia (63,3%) e 13,9% por mais de cem dias. Os que utilizaram por mais de um dia (36,7%), inseriram peso (69%), agendaram consultas (69%), medicações (65,5%) e creatinina (62%). Conclusão: a seção para transplantados renais do aplicativo Renal Health despertou interesse na população jovem, mas apresentou baixa adesão ao longo dos meses avaliados. Esses resultados oferecem perspectiva relevante na implementação de tecnologias mHealth no transplante renal. Resumen Objetivo: evaluar el uso de la aplicación Renal Health por parte de los receptores de trasplante renal. Método: estudio observacional retrospectivo con una muestra compuesta por usuarios que se registraron en la sección de trasplantados renales dentro de la aplicación desde julio de 2018 hasta abril de 2021. Se recolectaron las siguientes variables: datos demográficos, ingreso de datos, tiempo de uso, registros de peso, presión arterial, glucosa en sangre, creatinina, esquemas de medicación, consultas y exámenes. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: Ocurrieron 1.823 descargas de la aplicación y 12,3% se registró en la sección de trasplantados, la mayoría del sudeste de Brasil (44,9%), con edad de 36±11 años y del sexo femenino (59,1%). De la muestra, 35,1% ingresó información como: creatinina (62%), peso (58,2%) y presión arterial (51,8%). La mayoría utilizó la aplicación durante un día (63,3%) y el 13,9% más de cien días. Quienes lo usaron por más de un día (36,7%), agregaron peso (69%), programación de consultas (69%), medicación (65,5%) y creatinina (62%). Conclusión: la sección para trasplantados renales de la aplicación Renal Health despertó interés en la población joven, pero mostró baja adherencia en los meses evaluados. Estos resultados ofrecen una perspectiva relevante en la implementación de tecnologías mHealth en el trasplante renal.

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar el uso de la aplicación Renal Health por parte de los receptores de trasplante renal. Método: estudio observacional retrospectivo con una muestra compuesta por usuarios que se registraron en la sección de trasplantados renales dentro de la aplicación desde julio de 2018 hasta abril de 2021. Se recolectaron las siguientes variables: datos demográficos, ingreso de datos, tiempo de uso, registros de peso, presión arterial, glucosa en sangre, creatinina, esquemas de medicación, consultas y exámenes. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: Ocurrieron 1.823 descargas de la aplicación y 12,3% se registró en la sección de trasplantados, la mayoría del sudeste de Brasil (44,9%), con edad de 36±11 años y del sexo femenino (59,1%). De la muestra, 35,1% ingresó información como: creatinina (62%), peso (58,2%) y presión arterial (51,8%). La mayoría utilizó la aplicación durante un día (63,3%) y el 13,9% más de cien días. Quienes lo usaron por más de un día (36,7%), agregaron peso (69%), programación de consultas (69%), medicación (65,5%) y creatinina (62%). Conclusión: la sección para trasplantados renales de la aplicación Renal Health despertó interés en la población joven, pero mostró baja adherencia en los meses evaluados. Estos resultados ofrecen una perspectiva relevante en la implementación de tecnologías mHealth en el trasplante renal.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar o uso do aplicativo Renal Health por transplantados renais. Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo com amostra composta por usuários que realizaram cadastro na seção para transplantados renais do aplicativo de julho de 2018 a abril de 2021. Foram coletadas as seguintes variáveis: dados demográficos, inserção de dados, tempo de uso, registros de peso, pressão arterial, glicemia, creatinina, horários das medicações, consultas e exames. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados. Resultados: houve 1.823 downloads do aplicativo e 12,3% cadastraram-se na seção para transplantados renais, a maioria do Sudeste do Brasil (44,9%), com 36±11 anos e do sexo feminino (59,1%). Da amostra, 35,1% inseriram informações como creatinina (62%), peso (58,2%) e pressão arterial (51,8%). A maioria utilizou o aplicativo por um dia (63,3%) e 13,9% por mais de cem dias. Os que utilizaram por mais de um dia (36,7%), inseriram peso (69%), agendaram consultas (69%), medicações (65,5%) e creatinina (62%). Conclusão: a seção para transplantados renais do aplicativo Renal Health despertou interesse na população jovem, mas apresentou baixa adesão ao longo dos meses avaliados. Esses resultados oferecem perspectiva relevante na implementação de tecnologias mHealth no transplante renal.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common finding in Neotatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Sepsis is one the main causes of AKI in preterm newborns. AKI has been associated with significant death rates. Early detection of the condition is the first step to improving prevention, treatment, and outcomes, while decreasing length of hospitalization, care costs, and morbimortality. AKI may progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition linked with dialysis and greater risk of cardiovascular disease. This review article aims to discuss cases of AKI in preterm newborns with sepsis, the use of biomarkers in lab workup, and the use of non-conventional biomarkers for the early identification of AKI.

Na epidemia de arbovírus, ocorrida em 2016 no Brasil, verificou-se que a ocorrência da infecção pelo Zika vírus na gravidez tinha relação com o nascimento de crianças com microcefalia. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar como foram realizadas as avaliações clínicas multiprofissionais em crianças com microcefalia associadas à infecção por Zika vírus na atenção básica. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, documental, de dois casos de crianças nascidas com essa anomalia, filhos de mães que tiveram sorologia positiva para viremia durante a gestação, no estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil. A coleta de informações foi efetuada em 2017 por meio de anotações de prontuários realizadas por uma equipe do Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família. Os resultados foram apresentados em quadros sinópticos, divididos em informações sobre os cuidados de pré-natal da progenitora e dos neonatos pela equipe multiprofissional. Os resultados demonstraram que as mães tiveram Zika vírus por confirmação laboratorial. As crianças apresentaram deformidades anatômicas cerebrais compatíveis com o diagnóstico de microcefalia. A anomalia ocasionou sequelas neuropsicomotoras, que interferiram no aleitamento materno, percepção visual e auditiva, comprometendo o crescimento normal dos recém-nascidos. Concluiu-se que as falhas no acompanhamento pré-natal das progenitoras podem ter interferido no desfecho do parto, acarretando consequências para o período neonatal dos bebês avaliados.

Background: Histoplasmosis is the most common endemic mycosis among people living with advanced HIV infection. Purpose: Describe general aspects and challenges of this disease and its association with HIV. Research Design: Review of literature. Study Sample: Articles found using different combinations of terms including “disseminated histoplasmosis” and AIDS/HIV or immunosuppression in PubMed, Scopus, WHO Global health library, and Scielo database. Analysis: We look for information on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of histoplasmosis in AIDS patients. Results: Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a dimorphic fungus encountered throughout the world, mainly in soil enriched with bat and bird excreta. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is the main presentation of this mycosis in people living with advanced HIV and is fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include a systemic disease characterized by fever, weight loss, night sweats, skin manifestations, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and septic shock. Diagnostic tests include culture, visualization of H. capsulatum by direct and histopathological examination, serology, antigen, molecular, and skin testing. Patients with disseminated disease require aggressive and prolonged treatment to eradicate the pathogen and include amphotericin B and itraconazole. In many low income countries of endemic regions, histoplasmosis in HIV-positive patients is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as another opportunistic infection, due to the similarity in clinical manifestations and to the paucity of better diagnostic tests. Conclusion: Histoplasmosis remains a neglected disease. Few studies about the disease and expensive treatments make it difficult to reduce the morbidity and mortality of this condition. Public health services and physicians must be aware of histoplasmosis' burden among the HIV-positive population.

Over the last years much research has been carried out, especially after the influenza pandemic in 2009. It is known that many strains of influenza virus are widely spread in the global population causing seasonal outbreaks every year. Influenza leads to flu-like symptoms, which present favorable prognosis, since most patients completely recover from it within two to five days. Many new antiviral drugs have been developed in the last few years, but since the infection generally presents a mild course, symptom-based care is often enough. Influenza virus can undergo mutations through some mechanisms, like antigenic drift and antigenic shift. Alongside with its high infectivity such mechanisms probably have worked together to keep influenza infection viable through the years, despite all new drugs and preventive measures. This review aimed to bring the most relevant data about influenza obtained in the past years, including some historical aspects, pathophysiology, clinical findings, and diagnostic and therapeutic approach. En los últimos años se han llevado a cabo muchas investigaciones, especialmente después de la pandemia de Influenza en 2009. Se sabe que muchas cepas del virus de la Influenza están ampliamente diseminadas en la población mundial provocando brotes estacionales cada año. La Influenza provoca síntomas similares a los de la gripe, que presentan un pronóstico favorable, ya que la mayoría de los pacientes se recuperan completamente de la misma en un plazo de dos a cinco días. En los últimos años se han desarrollado muchos medicamentos antivirales nuevos, pero dado que la infección generalmente presenta un curso leve, la atención basada en los síntomas suele ser suficiente. El virus de la Influenza puede sufrir mutaciones a través de algunos mecanismos, como la deriva antigénica y el cambio antigénico. Junto con su alta infectividad, estos mecanismos probablemente han trabajado juntos para mantener viable la infección por influenza a lo largo de los años, a pesar de todos los nuevos medicamentos y medidas preventivas. Esta revisión buscó reunir los datos más relevantes sobre la influenza obtenidos en los últimos años, incluidos algunos aspectos históricos, fisiopatología, hallazgos clínicos y abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico. Nos últimos anos, muitas pesquisas foram realizadas, especialmente após a pandemia de Influenza em 2009. Sabe-se que muitas cepas do vírus da Influenza estão amplamente disseminadas na população mundial, causando surtos sazonais a cada ano. A Influenza causa sintomas semelhantes aos da gripe, que têm um prognóstico favorável, já que a maioria dos pacientes se recupera totalmente da gripe em dois a cinco dias. Muitos novos medicamentos antivirais foram desenvolvidos nos últimos anos, mas como a infecção geralmente segue um curso leve, o tratamento baseado em sintomas geralmente é suficiente. O vírus Influenza pode sofrer mutações por meio de alguns mecanismos, como deriva antigênica e deslocamento antigênico. Junto com sua alta infectividade, esses mecanismos provavelmente atuam juntos para manter a infecção por influenza viável ao longo dos anos, apesar de todos os novos medicamentos e medidas preventivas. Esta revisão objetivou reunir os dados mais relevantes sobre influenza obtidos nos últimos anos, incluindo alguns aspectos históricos, fisiopatologia, achados clínicos e abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica.

Bothrops erythromelas are serpents that belong to the Viperidae family, which are the main species responsible for human snakebites in Ceara State, Northeast Brazil. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an uncommon group of disorders characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury (AKI), and occurrence after snakebites have been rarely reported. In this report, we described the case of a 57 year-old-man without comorbidities who was bitten by a Bothrops erythromelas on his right ankle. He presented with pain, edema and local bleeding. Symptomatology and laboratory tests were compatible with the diagnosis of TMA. He received specific antivenom and fluids replacement without any anaphylactic reaction. The conservative treatment was effective and there was no need for red blood cells transfusion or plasmapheresis. The aim of this report was to describe the first case of thrombotic microangiopathy following Bothrops erythromelas envenoming in the Northeast Brazil, providing insights about important mechanistic pathways of Bothrops snakebite-associated TMA and how to change the prognosis of the disease.

This study assesses the socio-political values of colleges students (n = 605) Portugal/Brazil, employing a questionnaire on socio-political dimension Values. The results revealed significate differences about fundamental values. We find indifference/scepticism in Portuguese and Brazilian students practice, essentially with regard to the causes of social inequalities. In Brazil are connect from bad luck, laziness and inactivity and in Portugal a short instruction distinguish. This research empowers the implementation of programmes of education for citizenship in academic context. Este estudo analisa os valores sociopolíticos dos universitários (n=605) Portugal/Brasil, mediante um Questionário sobre Valores na dimensão sociopolítica. Os resultados revelaram diferenças quanto a valores fundamentais. Constatamos indiferença/descrença política nos estudantes portugueses e brasileiros, essencialmente no respeitante às causas das desigualdades sociais. No Brasil são decorrentes da pouca sorte, preguiça e inatividade laboral e em Portugal particularizam a pouca instrução. Esta pesquisa viabiliza a implementação de programas de educação para a cidadania em contexto académico.

Late referral of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to the Nephrologist is associated with higher mortality. We have evaluated the impact of early referral to Nephrologist in a specialized health care service in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. A total of 98 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 60.9±5 years, and the majority of them were female (56.1%). The majority of patients was in stage III of CKD (43.8%), followed by stage II (24.4%). In the re-evaluation, after 6 months of follow-up, 37.9% of patients had renal function improvement and were classified in a new CKD stage. Early Nephrologist referral seems to be adequate and can be associated with lower incidence of complications, need of dialysis and mortality.

OBJETIVO: A população idosa está aumentando em todo o mundo, assim como a necessidade de cuidados intensivos para os idosos. Existem poucos estudos que investiguem os fatores de risco para óbito em pacientes idosos gravemente enfermos. Este estudo teve o objetivo de investigar os fatores associados ao óbito em uma população de pacientes idosos gravemente enfermos admitidos a uma unidade de terapia intensiva no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de coorte que incluiu todos os pacientes idosos (idade ≥ 60 anos) admitidos a uma unidade de terapia intensiva em Fortaleza, Brasil, de janeiro a dezembro de 2007. Foi realizada uma comparação entre os sobreviventes e os não sobreviventes, e os fatores de risco para óbito foram investigados por meio de análise univariada e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Foi incluído um total de 84 pacientes, com uma média de idade de 73 ± 7,6 anos, sendo 59% do gênero feminino. A mortalidade foi de 62,8%. A principal causa de morte foi disfunção de múltiplos órgãos (42,3%), seguido por choque séptico (36,5%) e choque cardiogênico (9,7%). As complicações durante a permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva associadas com óbito foram insuficiência respiratória (OR = 61; pBACKGROUND: The elderly population is increasing all over the world. The need of intensive care by the elderly is also increasing. There is a lack of studies investigating the risk factors for death among critically ill elderly patients. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with death in a population of critically ill elderly patients admitted to an intensive care unit in Brazil. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including all elderly patients (>60 years) admitted to an intensive care unit in Fortaleza, Brazil, from January to December 2007. A comparison between survivors and nonsurvivors was done and the risk factors for death were investigated through univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were included, with an average age of 73 ± 7.6 years; 59% were female. Mortality was 62.8%. The main cause of death was multiple organ dysfunction (42.3%), followed by septic shock (36.5%) and cardiogenic shock (9.7%). Complications during intensive care unit ICU stay associated with death were respiratory failure (OR=61, p

O lítio é amplamente empregado na terapia do transtorno bipolar. Sua toxicidade renal inclui distúrbio na capacidade de concentração urinária e natriurese, acidose tubular renal, nefrite túbulo-intersticial evoluindo para doença renal crônica e hipercalcemia. O efeito adverso mais comum é o diabetes insipidus nefrogênico, que acomete de 20%-40% dos pacientes semanas após o início do tratamento. A nefropatia crônica correlaciona-se com a duração do uso de lítio. A detecção precoce de disfunção renal deve ser feita através de monitoração rigorosa dos pacientes e colaboração entre o psiquiatra e o nefrologista. Recentes trabalhos experimentais e clínicos começam a esclarecer os mecanismos pelos quais o lítio induz alteração da função renal. No presente trabalho, objetivamos revisar a patogênese, a apresentação clínica, os aspectos histopatológicos e o tratamento da nefrotoxicidade induzida pelo lítio.Lithium is widely used in the therapy of bipolar disorder. Its toxicity includes urinary concentration deficit and natriuresis, renal tubular acidosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis which complicates with chronic kidney disease and hypercalcemia. The most common adverse effect is diabetes insipidus, which occurs in 20-40% of patients some weeks after initiation of treatment. Such chronic nephropathy correlates with duration of lithium use. Early detection of renal dysfunction should be achieved by rigorous monitoring of patients and collaboration between the psychiatrist and nephrologist. Recent experimental and clinical studies are now clarifying the mechanisms by which lithium induces renal abnormalities. The aim of this work is to review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, histopathologic aspects and treatment of lithium nephrotoxicity.

OBJECTIVES: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in Brazil and appears to occur in epidemic form in the state of Ceará. Few epidemiologic studies have been done on VL in this state. The aim of this study is to establish the epidemiologic pattern of VL in Fortaleza City and to show how urbanization has occurred in recent years. METHODS: Data were obtained from the State Health Department of Fortaleza, Ceará, and included all cases of VL registered in Fortaleza from January 2001 to December 2006. RESULTS: There were a marked increase and an elevated incidence of cases of VL in urban areas. Children and young people were the most affected group. CONCLUSION: The epidemic occurrence of VL in the region must convince authorities to adopt more adequate policies of disease control.OBJETIVOS: La leishmaniasis visceral (LV) es endémica en Brasil y suele ocurrir en forma epidémica en el estado de Ceará. Se han realizado pocos estudios epidemiológicos sobre LV en ese estado. El objetivo de este estudio es establecer el patrón epidemiológico de LV en la ciudad de Fortaleza y mostrar cómo ha ocurrido la urbanización de esta enfermedad en los últimos años. MÉTODOS: Los datos se obtuvieron del Departamento Estatal de Salud de Fortaleza, Ceará, y abarcaron todos los casos de LV registrados en esa ciudad entre enero de 2001 y diciembre de 2006. RESULTADOS: Se observó un marcado incremento y una elevada incidencia de LV en las áreas urbanas. Los niños y jóvenes fueron los grupos más afectados. CONCLUSIÓN: La ocurrencia de epidemias de LV en la región debe convencer a las autoridades para que adopten políticas más apropiadas para el control de esta enfermedad.

A doença renal crônica (DRC) é um dos principais problemas de saúde pública mundial. A anemia é um frequente achado na DRC, afetando aproximadamente 90% dos pacientes. A relação entre anemia e doença cardiovascular já é bastante estabelecida e resulta de alterações na estrutura do ventrículo esquerdo e sua função. A anemia per se pode induzir significante morbidade cardíaca na ausência de doença renal e é um fator de risco independente para complicações cardíacas em paciente com insuficiência renal. O presente artigo de revisão avalia as inter-relações entre anemia, insuficiência cardíaca e doença renal, incluídas recentemente na chamada síndrome da anemia cardiorrenal.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most important problems of public health, worldwide. Anemia is frequent in CKD, affecting approximately 90% of patients. The relationship between anemia and cardiovascular disease is well established and is due to alterations in left ventricular structure and function. Anemia per se can lead to significant cardiac morbidity in the absence of renal disease and is an independent risk factor for cardiac complication in the patient with renal insufficiency. The present review evaluates the inter-relations between anemia, heart failure and renal disease, which were recently included in the so-called cardio-renal anemia syndrome.

A retrospective study was conducted in nine patients with rabies admitted to a hospital of Fortaleza, Brazil. Autopsy was performed in all cases. The ages ranged from three to 81 years and six were males. They all were bitten by dogs. The time between the accident and the hospital admission ranged from 20 to 120 days (mean 45 ± 34 days). The time until death ranged from one to nine days (mean 3.3 ± 5.5 days). The signs and symptoms presented were fever, hydrophobia, aerophobia, agitation, disorientation, dyspnea, sialorrhea, vomiting, oliguria, sore throat, pain and hypoesthesia in the site of the bite, headache, syncope, cough, hematemesis, mydriasis, hematuria, constipation, cervical pain and priapism. In three out of six patients, there was evidence of acute renal failure, defined as serum creatinine > 1.4 mg/dL. The post-mortem findings in the kidneys were mild to moderate glomerular congestion and mild to intense peritubular capillary congestion. Acute tubular necrosis was seen in only two cases. This study shows some evidence of renal involvement in rabies. Histopathologic findings are nonspecific, so hemodynamic instability, caused by autonomic dysfunction, hydrophobia and dehydration must be responsible for acute renal failure in rabies.Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo de nove casos de raiva internados em um hospital de Fortaleza, Brasil. Autópsia foi realizada em todos os casos. As idades variaram de 3 a 81 anos. Todos foram agredidos por cães. O tempo entre o acidente e a admissão hospitalar variou de 20 a 120 dias (média de 45 ± 34 dias). O tempo de internamento variou de 1 a 9 dias (média de 5.5 ± 3.1 dias). Os sinais e sintomas observados foram febre, hidrofobia, aerofobia, agitação, desorientação, dispnéia, sialorréia, vômitos, oligúria, faringite, dor e hipoestesia no local da mordida, cefaléia, síncope, tosse, hematêmese, midríase, hematúria, constipação, dor cervical e priapismo. Em três de seis pacientes (50%) foi encontrada evidência de insuficiência renal aguda, definida como creatinina > 1.4 mg/dL. Os achados de autópsia do tecido renal foram congestão glomerular leve a moderada e congestão capilar peritubular leve a intensa. Necrose tubular aguda foi encontrada em dois casos. Estes achados são inespecíficos, de modo que a instabilidade hemodinâmica, causada por disfunção autonômica, hidrofobia e desidratação podem ser considerados como responsáveis pela insuficiência renal aguda na raiva.

Erythema induratum of Bazin is a disease that usually affects women, in whom erythematous subcutaneous nodules and plaques appear on the posterior part of the lower extremities, some of which ulcerate. In many countries, tuberculosis is still the main etiologic factor. We report a case of a 40-year-old woman who presented a course of protracted and recurrent episodes over five years of cutaneous lesions on her legs. These tend to involute, but new crops appear at irregular intervals. It was painful, erythematous-violaceous nodules, some of which drained a reddish secretion. The histopathologic features of the lesions demonstrated inflammatory infiltration, with predominance of neutrophils in dermis and hypodermis, necrotizing vasculitis in the arterioles and septal fibrosis. There was no granuloma. The Ziehl-Neelsen stain did not revealed acid-fast bacilli, and the culture of biopsy specimen was negative. The tuberculin skin test was strongly positive (17 mm). The chest X-ray was normal. Few months later she presented adynamia and urinary complaints, such as polacyuria and dysuria. It has been done an urynalysis, which demonstrated acid pH urine, sterile pyuria and microscopic hematuria. It was then raised the diagnostic hypothesis of renal tuberculosis. The urine culture for M. tuberculosis was positive in two out of ten samples. The treatment was instituted with rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide, with complete regression. This case illustrates a clear association between erythema induratum and renal tuberculosis, demonstrated by the remission of the cutaneous lesions after the treatment of the renal tuberculosis.O eritema indurado de Bazin é doença caracterizada por erupções cutâneas que usualmente ocorrem nos membros inferiores de mulheres adolescentes e de meia idade. Relatamos o caso de paciente de 40 anos que apresentava há 5 anos lesões cutâneas em região inferior de ambas as pernas. Tratavam-se de nódulos eritemato-violáceos, dolorosos, alguns dos quais drenavam secreção serossangüínea. O exame histopatológico da biópsia de pele demonstrou infiltrado inflamatório, com predomínio de neutrófilos na derme e hipoderme, vasculite necrosante em arteríolas e fibrose septal. Não foram identificados granulomas. A coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen não revelou bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes, e a cultura do material biopsiado foi negativa. O PPD foi fortemente reator (17 mm). O raio-X de tórax era normal. Alguns meses depois, a paciente evoluiu com adinamia e sintomas urinários, como polaciúria e disúria. O exame de urina mostrou urina ácida, piúria estéril e hematúria. Foi levantada a hipótese de tuberculose renal. A urinocultura foi positiva para M. tuberculosis em duas amostras de dez solicitadas. O tratamento foi instituído com rifampicina, isoniazida e pirazinamida, com melhora considerável do quadro. Este caso ilustra uma associação clara entre o eritema indurado e a tuberculose renal, demonstrada através da remissão das lesões cutâneas após o tratamento da tuberculose renal.

Lithium has been widely used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Its renal toxicity includes impaired urinary concentrating ability and natriuresis, renal tubular acidosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis progressing to chronic kidney disease and hypercalcemia. The most common adverse effect is nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which affects 20-40% of patients within weeks of lithium initiation. Chronic nephropathy correlates with duration of lithium therapy. Early detection of renal dysfunction should be achieved by rigorous monitoring of patients and close collaboration between psychiatrists and nephrologists. Recent experimental and clinical studies begin to clarify the mechanisms by which lithium induces changes in renal function. The aim of this study was to review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, histopathological aspects and treatment of lithium-induced nephrotoxicity.

The elderly population is increasing all over the world. The need of intensive care by the elderly is also increasing. There is a lack of studies investigating the risk factors for death among critically ill elderly patients. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with death in a population of critically ill elderly patients admitted to an intensive care unit in Brazil.This is a retrospective cohort study including all elderly patients (60 years) admitted to an intensive care unit in Fortaleza, Brazil, from January to December 2007. A comparison between survivors and nonsurvivors was done and the risk factors for death were investigated through univariate and multivariate analysis.A total of 84 patients were included, with an average age of 73 ± 7.6 years; 59% were female. Mortality was 62.8%. The main cause of death was multiple organ dysfunction (42.3%), followed by septic shock (36.5%) and cardiogenic shock (9.7%). Complications during intensive care unit ICU stay associated with death were respiratory failure (OR=61, p0.001), acute kidney injury (OR=23, p0.001), sepsis (OR=12, p0.001), metabolic acidosis (OR=17, p0.001), anemia (OR=8.6, p0.005), coagulation disturbance (OR=5.9, p0.001) and atrial fibrillation (OR=4.8, p0.041). Independent risk factors for death were age (OR=1.15, p0.005), coma (OR=7.51, p0.003), hypotension (OR=21.75, p=0.003), respiratory failure (OR=9.93, p0.0001) and acute kidney injury (OR=16.28, p0.014).Mortality is high among critically ill elderly patients. Factors associated with death were age, coma, hypotension, respiratory failure and acute kidney injury.

Renal involvement in leprosy includes glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis. A 58-year-old man was admitted with complaints of lower limb edema and dyspnea. At admission, nitrogen retention, anemia, hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis were observed, requiring hemodialysis. The patient had a history of lepromatous leprosy. A renal biopsy was performed that was compatible with amyloidosis. The patient had a stable outcome, but without renal function recovery and remained on regular hemodialysis. Leprosy should be investigated in every patient with renal function loss, particularly in those with cutaneous lesions or other manifestations suggestive of leprosy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most important problems of public health, worldwide. Anemia is frequent in CKD, affecting approximately 90% of patients. The relationship between anemia and cardiovascular disease is well established and is due to alterations in left ventricular structure and function. Anemia per se can lead to significant cardiac morbidity in the absence of renal disease and is an independent risk factor for cardiac complication in the patient with renal insufficiency. The present review evaluates the inter-relations between anemia, heart failure and renal disease, which were recently included in the so-called cardio-renal anemia syndrome.

We performed a retrospective study of 164 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with disseminated histoplasmosis to identify the risk factors for death. Death occurred in 32% of the cases. Univariate analysis identified the following risk factors: diarrhea (odds ratio [OR] = 3.9, P = 0.001), neurologic manifestations (OR = 5.8, ; P = 0.001), hemoglobin level8.0g/dL (OR = 2.7, P = 0.004), urea level 2 times the normal upper limit (OR = 5.0, P0.001), creatinine level1.5 mg/dL (OR = 2.9, P = 0.005), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level2.5 times the normal upper limit (OR = 3.1, P = 0.01), respiratory insufficiency (OR = 9.7, P0.001), sepsis (OR = 20.2, P0.001), and acute renal failure (OR = 2.5, P = 0.011). A hemoglobin level8.0 g/dL (OR = 3.8, P = 0.008), an AST levelor= 2.5 times the normal limit (OR = 1.0, P = 0.007), acute renal failure (OR = 2.96, P = 0.015), and respiratory insufficiency (OR = 12.2, P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for death.