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Abstract Arboviruses are endemic in several countries and represent a worrying public health problem. The most important of these diseases is dengue fever, whose numbers continue to rise and have reached millions of annual cases in Brazil since the last decade. Other arboviruses of public health concern are chikungunya and Zika, both of which have caused recent epidemics, and yellow fever, which has also caused epidemic outbreaks in our country. Like most infectious diseases, arboviruses have the potential to affect the kidneys through several mechanisms. These include the direct action of the viruses, systemic inflammation, hemorrhagic phenomena and other complications, in addition to the toxicity of the drugs used in treatment. In this review article, the epidemiological aspects of the main arboviruses in Brazil and other countries where these diseases are endemic, clinical aspects and the main laboratory changes found, including changes in renal function, are addressed. It also describes how arboviruses behave in kidney transplant patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms of kidney injury associated with arboviruses are described and finally the recommended treatment for each disease and recommendations for kidney support in this context are given.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess whether the use of ELMO, a helmet for noninvasive ventilation created in Brazil, had a positive impact on the prognosis of patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by severe COVID-19. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 50 critically ill COVID-19 patients. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were collected on ICU admission, as well as before, during, and after ELMO use. Patients were divided into two groups (success and failure) according to the outcome. Results: ELMO use improved oxygenation parameters such as Pao2, Fio2, and the Pao2/Fio2 ratio, and this contributed to a gradual reduction in Fio2, without an increase in CO2, as determined by arterial blood gas analysis. Patients in the success group had significantly longer survival (p < 0.001), as determined by the Kaplan-Meier analysis, less need for intubation (p < 0.001), fewer days of hospitalization, and a lower incidence of acute kidney injury in comparison with those in the failure group. Conclusions: The significant improvement in oxygenation parameters, the longer survival, as reflected by the reduced need for intubation and by the mortality rate, and the absence of acute kidney injury suggest that the ELMO CPAP system is a promising tool for treating ARDS and similar clinical conditions.

Introduction: To evaluate the function of vascular biomarkers to predict need for hemodialysis in critically-ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: This is a prospective study with 58 critically-ill patients due to COVID-19 infection. Laboratory tests in general and vascular biomarkers, such as VCAM-1, Syndecan-1, Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoeitin-2 were quantified on intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Results: There was a 40% death rate. VCAM and Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio on ICU admission were associated with need for hemodialysis. Vascular biomarkers (VCAM-1, Syndecan-1, angiopoetin-2/ anogiopoetin-1 ratio) were predictors of death and their cut-off values were useful to stratify patients with a worse prognosis. In the multivariate cox regression analysis with adjusted models, VCAM-1 [O.R. 1.13 (C.I. 95%: 1.01 - 1.27); p= 0.034] and Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio [O.R. 4.87 (C.I.95%: 1.732 - 13.719); p= 0.003] were associated with need for dialysis. Conclusion: Vascular biomarkers, mostly VCAM-1 and Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio, showed better efficiency to predict need for hemodialysis in critically-ill COVID-19 patients.

Abstract 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.

Objective: To describe the prognostic and clinical profile of hospitalized patients with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection focusing on renal outcomes. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including all patients with confirmed chikungunya fever (CHIKF) admitted to 3 different high-complexity hospitals in Fortaleza, Brazil between January 2016 and June 2017. Data analysis was carried out to evaluate correlation between clinical profile and outcomes. Results: Fifty-five patients were included, with a median age of 77 (IQR=21) years, and 23 (41.82%) were male. Twenty-five patients (45.45%, 25/55) developed acute kidney injury (AKI), and 15 (60.00%, 15/25) were classified as KDIGO 1, 1 (4.00%) as KDIGO 2, and 9 (36.00%) as KDIGO 3. The overall mortality was 34.54% whilst AKI-related mortality was 64.00% (16/25). Both AKI and encephalitis were associated with higher mortality. Patients who died were significantly older [82 (IQR=12) years vs. 70 (IQR= 28.75) years, P

The excessive chase for beauty standards and the rise of muscle dysmorphia have ultimately led to an increase in androgenic–anabolic steroids (AAS) and intramuscular injections of vitamins A, D and E (ADE) abuse, which is associated with several adverse effects and has become a public health issue. This review of literature discusses kidney injury associated with the use of AAS and ADE, highlighting the mechanisms of acute and chronic renal lesion, such as direct renal toxicity, glomerular hyperfiltration and hypercalcemia. Future perspectives regarding evaluation and early diagnosis of kidney injury in these patients are also discussed. Resumen: La búsqueda excesiva de los estándares estéticos y el aumento de casos de dismorfia muscular han llevado a un aumento excesivo del consumo de esteroides anabólicos androgénicos (AAS, por sus siglas en inglés) e inyecciones intramusculares de vitaminas A, D y E (ADE), que se asocian con varios efectos adversos y se convierte en un problema de salud pública. Esta revisión de literatura analiza la lesión renal asociada con el uso de AAS y vitaminas ADE, destacando los mecanismos de la lesión renal aguda y crónica, como la toxicidad renal directa, la hiperfiltración glomerular y la hipercalcemia. También se discuten las perspectivas futuras con respecto a la evaluación y el diagnóstico temprano de lesión renal en estos pacientes. Keywords: Acute kidney injury, Androgenic–anabolic steroids, Chronic kidney disease, Hypercalcemia, Vitamin D, Vitamin supplements, Palabras clave: Lesión renal aguda, Esteroides androgénicos-anabólicos, Enfermedad renal crónica, Hipercalcemia, Vitamina D, Suplementos vitamínicos

The excessive chase for beauty standards and the rise of muscle dysmorphia have ultimately led to an increase in androgenic–anabolic steroids (AAS) and intramuscular injections of vitamins A, D and E (ADE) abuse, which is associated with several adverse effects and has become a public health issue. This review of literature discusses kidney injury associated with the use of AAS and ADE, highlighting the mechanisms of acute and chronic renal lesion, such as direct renal toxicity, glomerular hyperfiltration and hypercalcemia. Future perspectives regarding evaluation and early diagnosis of kidney injury in these patients are also discussed. Resumen: La búsqueda excesiva de los estándares estéticos y el aumento de casos de dismorfia muscular han llevado a un aumento excesivo del consumo de esteroides anabólicos androgénicos (AAS, por sus siglas en inglés) e inyecciones intramusculares de vitaminas A, D y E (ADE), que se asocian con varios efectos adversos y se convierte en un problema de salud pública. Esta revisión de literatura analiza la lesión renal asociada con el uso de AAS y vitaminas ADE, destacando los mecanismos de la lesión renal aguda y crónica, como la toxicidad renal directa, la hiperfiltración glomerular y la hipercalcemia. También se discuten las perspectivas futuras con respecto a la evaluación y el diagnóstico temprano de lesión renal en estos pacientes. Keywords: Acute kidney injury, Androgenic–anabolic steroids, Chronic kidney disease, Hypercalcemia, Vitamin D, Vitamin supplements, Palabras clave: Lesión renal aguda, Esteroides androgénicos-anabólicos, Enfermedad renal crónica, Hipercalcemia, Vitamina D, Suplementos vitamínicos

Abstract 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.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify the scientific evidence about the clinical complications and manifestations of congenital syphilis and aspects related to its prevention. Methods: integrative review after a search in the databases LILACS and MEDLINE, carried out in March 2018, using the descriptors “syphilis, congenital”, “complications”, and “signs and symptoms”, leading to the selection of 27 researches. Results: the publications found were published from 1966 to 2017, and most of them were from Latin America and Africa. Negative outcomes, laboratory changes, and the clinical manifestations in congenital syphilis, whether early or delayed, were, respectively: low weight at birth, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and dental alterations. The lack of treatment of the pregnant women in the prenatal was the most common occasion in which the opportunity to prevent the complications of congenital syphilis was lost. Conclusions: the scientific evidences analyzed showed serious complications of congenital syphilis that could be avoided if early opportunities of diagnosing and treating the pregnant women are not lost during the prenatal.

Objetivo: Descrever o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias de comunicação para promoção da saúde no âmbito da doença renal crônica (DRC). Métodos: Pesquisa de natureza aplicada, pois objetiva a produção de conhecimentos direcionados à solução de problemas específicos por meio de ferramentas práticas e da análise das hipóteses levantadas. As ferramentas foram desenvolvidas pela parceria entre o Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva e o Núcleo de Aplicação em Tecnologia da Informação da Universidade de Fortaleza. O estudo intitulado “Renal Health” foi dividido em três fases consecutivas: Fase 1 - Desenvolvimento do aplicativo Renal Health; Fase 2 - Construção de conteúdos e plataformas digitais vinculadas ao aplicativo; e Fase 3 – Teste de impacto clínico e adesão ao aplicativo. No presente momento, o estudo encontra-se com a fase 1 concluída e com a fase 2 em andamento. Resultados: Foi desenvolvido o aplicativo Renal Health para uso em dispositivos móveis, em plataforma Android, com interfaces para a população geral, ou seja, pessoas que não fazem tratamento para DRC, pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise e transplantados renais. A fase 2 do estudo encontra-se em desenvolvimento, ocorrendo por meio de reuniões entre as equipes de pesquisadores e dos setores saúde e tecnologia para a compilação dos conteúdos e delineamento do projeto gráfico das plataformas digitais. Conclusão: A comunicação entre os profissionais de saúde e os portadores de DRC é passível de contínuo aperfeiçoamento, dada a variedade das modalidades de tratamento e suas peculiaridades. O aplicativo Renal Health e as plataformas digitais se propõem a apoiar ambos nesse processo.

ABSTRACT HIV-infected patients are at high risk for developing critical diseases, including opportunistic infections (OI), with consequent admission in intensive care units (ICU). Renal disfunctions are risk factors for death in HIV/AIDS patients, and survival rates in patients undergoing hemodialysis are smaller than the ones observed in the general population. In this context, this study aimed to investigate death-related factors in HIV/AIDS patients in an intensive care setting. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study performed through the analysis of medical records from 271 HIV/AIDS-diagnosed patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit of an infectious disease hospital, in Fortaleza, Ceara State, Brazil. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent dialysis during hospitalization and those who did not. Clinical and demographic parameters that could be associated with death were evaluated. Results indicated a prevalence of death of 19.1% (CI 95%: 14.8-24.3). The median age of patients was 47 years, with a male predominance (71.3%). The main causes of admission were pulmonary tuberculosis (16.9%), followed by neurotoxoplasmosis (14.9%). In the bivariate analysis, for those that did not undergo dialysis, age, fever, dyspnea, oliguria, disorientation, kidney injury, use of lamivudine and efavirenz, length of hospitalization, CD4 count, WBC count, platelet count, urea, sodium and LDH levels were the associated variables. In those who needed dialysis, the use of stavudine, abacavir and ritonavir, and the length of hospitalization were associated factors. Renal toxicity by the antiretroviral agents and length of hospitalization increased the risk of death among HIV patients under dialysis.

ABSTRACT 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.

Kyrle's disease (KD) is a rare skin pathology characterized by transepidermal elimination of abnormal keratin. The aim of this article is to report a rare case of KD associated with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and HIV. A 51-year-old male patient complained of diarrhea for 8 months. He was submitted to HIV testing, which showed a positive result. He started antiretroviral therapy with zidovudine, lamivudine, and lopinavir. The diagnostic investigation was negative for opportunistic diseases. After 2 months, skin lesions started appearing, characterized by hyperchromic, pruritic macules and papules distributed in the trunk, back, and upper limbs. He also developed erythematous, scaly lesions in the facial region. A biopsy of the skin was performed, of which histopathological report consisted of perforating disorder, favoring a diagnosis of KD. Treatment with keratolytic soap (Actine) was started, with skin lesion improvement. In this reported case, it is possible that, in addition to diabetes and renal failure, HIV infection played an important role in the genesis of the lesions.

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

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.

O envolvimento renal na hanseníase é diverso, incluindo glomerulonefrites, amiloidose e nefrite túbulo-intersticial. Um homem de 58 anos foi admitido com edema de membros inferiores e dispnéia. Na admissão, havia retenção de escórias nitrogenadas, anemia, hipercalemia e acidose metabólica, com necessidade de hemodiálise. Referia história de hanseníase virchoviana. Foi realizada biopsia renal, compatível com amiloidose. O paciente evoluiu estável, sem recuperação da função renal, permanecendo em tratamento hemodialítico. A hanseníase deve ser investigada em todo paciente com perda de função renal, sobretudo naqueles que apresentam lesões cutâneas ou outras manifestações sugestivas de hanseníase.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.

Pyelonephritis is a pyogenic infection of renal parenchyma that involves the renal pelvis. It is generally of easy diagnosis. The present case report aims to describe two different manifestations of this infection: xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and emphysematous pyelonephritis, which have poor prognosis and require a more effective treatment. The two cases were women in the fiftieth and sixtieth decade of life, with diabetes mellitus and history of weight loss. The diagnosis of the renal infection was established through computed tomography and the treatment was based in surgical procedure, with favorable outcome. Keywords: xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, emphysematous pyelonephritis, urinary tract infection, nephrostomy, nephrectomy, surgery

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Loxoscelism is a clinical condition involving spiders of the genus Loxosceles. One of the most severe complications is acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to investigate AKI and other complications associated with loxoscelism. METHODS: We analyzed cases diagnosed with loxoscelism in an area where most accidents were caused by Loxosceles amazonica from January 2010 to December 2015. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were recorded: 95.6% presented characteristic necrotic skin lesions and 13.3% AKI. CONCLUSIONS: Loxoscelism could cause kidney involvement which is uncommon and could lead to the death of these patients.

CONTEXT: Rhabdomyolysis is a severe and life-threatening condition in which skeletal muscle is damaged. Acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis has been widely described and its main pathophysiological mechanisms are renal vasoconstriction, intraluminal cast formation and direct myoglobin toxicity. OBJECTIVE: To report on a case of acute renal failure (ARF) induced by rhabdomyolysis due to strenuous exercise and alcohol abuse and to describe the pathophysiology of this type of ARF. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old man arrived at the hospital emergency service with swollen legs and lower extremity compartment syndrome. He was oliguric and had serum creatinine and urea levels of 8.1 mg/dl and 195 mg/dl, respectively. The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was made through clinical and laboratory findings (creatine kinase activity of 26320 IU/l). The initial treatment consisted of fluid replacement and forced diuresis. The specific treatment for compartment syndrome, such as fasciotomy, was avoided in order to prevent infection. Partial recovery of renal function was recorded, after ten hemodialysis sessions. Complete recovery was observed after two months of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Renal lesions in leprosy have been extensively described, including amyloidosis, glomerulonephritis, nephrosclerosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis and granulomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was designed to detect renal function abnormalities in 461 leprosy patients, without any co-morbidity, seen in a university hospital in northeast Brazil. The laboratory test results concerning renal function were examined in the patients' medical records. RESULTS: The mean age was 39 ± 18 years and 217 (47%) were male. The mean duration of disease was 21 ± 38 months. Levels of creatinine above 1.4mg/dL had been detected in 40 patients (8.6%). The levels of creatinine and urea were higher in lepromatous leprosy patients. Proteinuria, hematuria and hemoglobinuria were significantly more frequent in this presentation of leprosy. Nephrotic levels of proteinuria (>3.5mg/dL) were found in three (2.1%) of 138 lepromatous leprosy patients. A positive association was found between duration of disease and high levels of creatinine in the general sample and in the lepromatous leprosy patients. There was no association between time of treatment and high levels of creatinine. CONCLUSION: Renal involvement in leprosy seems to be related to the quantity of bacilli present in the body. It is important to evaluate the renal function in all leprosy patients in order to detect any abnormality and prevent renal failure, which is still a potential cause of death in this disease.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Acute renal failure is a common medical problem, with a high mortality rate. The aim of this work was to investigate the risk factors for death among critically ill patients with acute renal failure. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort at the intensive care unit of Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio, Fortaleza. METHODS: Survivors and non-survivors were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish risk factors for death. RESULTS: Acute renal failure occurred in 128 patients (33.5%), with mean age of 49 ± 20 years (79 males; 62%). Death occurred in 80 (62.5%). The risk factors most frequently associated with death were hypotension, sepsis, nephrotoxic drug use, respiratory insufficiency, liver failure, hypovolemia, septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction, need for vasoactive drugs, need for mechanical ventilation, oliguria, hypoalbuminemia, metabolic acidosis and anemia. There were negative correlations between death and: prothrombin time, hematocrit, hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, arterial pH, arterial bicarbonate and urine volume. From multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for death were: need for mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.15; p = 0.03), hypotension (OR = 3.48; p = 0.02), liver failure (OR = 5.37; p = 0.02), low arterial bicarbonate (OR = 0.85; p = 0.005), oliguria (OR = 3.36; p = 0.009), vasopressor use (OR = 4.83; p = 0.004) and sepsis (OR = 6.14; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant risk factors for death among patients with acute renal failure in intensive care units, which need to be identified at an early stage for early treatment.

Pyelonephritis is a pyogenic infection of renal parenchyma that involves the renal pelvis. It is generally of easy diagnosis. The present case report aims to describe two different manifestations of this infection: xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and emphysematous pyelonephritis, which have poor prognosis and require a more effective treatment. The two cases were women in the fiftieth and sixtieth decade of life, with diabetes mellitus and history of weight loss. The diagnosis of the renal infection was established through computed tomography and the treatment was based in surgical procedure, with favorable outcome.

Renal TB is difficult to diagnose, because many patients present themselves with lower urinary symptoms which are typical of bacterial cystitis. We report a case of a young woman with renal TB and ESRD. She was admitted with complaints of adynamia, anorexia, fever, weight loss, dysuria and generalized edema for 10 months. At physical examination she was febrile (39ºC), and her abdomen had increased volume and was painful at palpation. Laboratorial tests showed serum urea=220mg/dL, creatinine=6.6mg/dL, hemoglobin=7.9g/dL, hematocrit=24.3%, leukocytes=33,600/mm³ and platelets=664,000/mm³. Urinalysis showed an acid urine (pH=5.0), leukocyturia (2+/4+) and mild proteinuria (1+/4+). She was also oliguric (urinary volume

Abstract Bothrops are one of the most common medically important snakes found in Latin America. Its venom is predominantly hemotoxic and proteolytic, which means that local lesion (edema and redness) and hemorrhagic symptoms are recurrent in envenoming by this snake. Although hemorrhage is usually the major cause of death, snakebite-related acute kidney injury is another potentially fatal clinical complication that may lead to chronic kidney disease. The present review highlights the main studies on Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury, including observational, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort human studies available up to December 2019. The following descriptors were used according to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): on Medline/Pubmed and Google Scholar “acute kidney injury” or “kidney disease” and “Bothrops”; on Lilacs and SciELO “kidney disease” or “acute kidney injury” and “Bothrops”. Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to appraise the quality of the cross-sectional and cohort studies included. The selection of more severe patients who looked for health care units and tertiary centers is a risk of bias. Due to the methodological heterogeneity of the studies, a critical analysis of the results was performed based on the hypothesis that the design of the included studies influences the incidence of acute kidney injury. Fifteen human studies (total participants 4624) were included according to stablished criteria. The coagulation abnormalities (hemorrhagic symptoms, abnormal fibrinogen and activated partial thromboplastin time) were associated with acute kidney injury in the most recent studies reported. The findings observed in this review provide up-to-date evidence about the acute kidney injury pathogenesis following Bothrops syndrome. Studies pointed out that coagulation abnormalities comprise the major pathway for acute kidney injury development. This review may improve patient management by primary healthcare providers, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment of Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury.

ABSTRACT Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents one of today’s main public health problems. Serum creatinine measurement and estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are the main tools for evaluating renal function. There are several equations to estimate GFR, and CKD-EPI equation (Chronic Kidney Disease – Epidemiology) is the most recommended one. There are still some controversies regarding serum creatinine measurement and GFR estimation, since several factors can interfere in this process. An important recent change was the removal of the correction for race from the equations for estimating GFR, which overestimated kidney function, and consequently delayed the implementation of treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. In this consensus document from the Brazilian Societies of Nephrology and Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the main concepts related to the assessment of renal function are reviewed, as well as possible existing controversies and recommendations for estimating GFR in clinical practice.

Introduction: Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is characterized by the destruction of muscle fibers and the release of intracellular constituents, with the potential to cause local and systemic complications, such as acute kidney injury (AKI). Methodology: Literature review in which articles were analyzed between 2011 and 2021, from the PubMed database. Results: RML can occur directly, indirectly, or secondary to trauma, metabolic disorders, medications and exogenous intoxication. Clinically, it may present asymptomatically, but a classic triad consisting of myalgia, generalized weakness and dark urine is common. AKI, despite being a late complication, is common. Laboratory markers used to diagnose RML are serum Creatine Kinase (CK) and serum and urinary Myoglobin, with CK being more sensitive. The approach can occur through classic strategies, such as hydration, diuretics, alkalinization and renal replacement therapy (RRT), but also through new strategies, such as iron chelators and antioxidants; anti-inflammatories and new extracorporeal blood filter. Discussion: Trauma was the most common etiology of AKI due to RML, with a minority of patients requiring RRT. Furthermore, it was found that COVID-19 infection did not result in major kidney complications. Strenuous exercise has been shown to be a rare etiology of AKI due to RML. Other less common causes were drug use/intoxication and metabolic diseases, the majority of which patients did not require RRT or had a favorable outcome. Conclusion: RML is a potentially serious condition, making it important to know its causes and management in order to reduce the chances of serious complications and to avoid patient death.

Abstract Predicting risk factors for death in leptospirosis is challenging, and identifying high-risk patients is crucial as it might expedite the start of life-saving supportive care. Admission data of 295 leptospirosis patients were enrolled, and a machine-learning approach was used to fit models in a derivation cohort. The comparison of accuracy metrics was performed with two previous models—SPIRO score and quick SOFA score. A Lasso regression analysis was the selected model, demonstrating the best accuracy to predict mortality in leptospirosis [area under the curve (AUC-ROC) = 0.776]. A score-based prediction was carried out with the coefficients of this model and named LeptoScore. Then, to simplify the predictive tool, a new score was built by attributing points to the predictors with importance values higher than 1. The simplified score, named QuickLepto, has five variables (age > 40 years; lethargy; pulmonary symptom; mean arterial pressure

Introdução: A vida das pessoas com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) é alterada em diversos aspectos. Dentre eles, o trabalho destaca-se como um dos que sofrem profundas consequências e comprometimento na sua continuidade. Embora existam estudos sobre as limitações impostas pelo tratamento da DRC nas atividades profissionais, a percepção dos pacientes em relação a essas limitações ainda é pouco explorada na literatura. Objetivo: Conhecer as percepções dos pacientes renais crônicos, em hemodiálise e transplantados renais, sobre as limitações impostas pelo tratamento nas suas atividades profissionais. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, realizado com 21 pacientes com DRC (13 em tratamento de hemodiálise e 8 transplantados renais). A coleta de dados se deu por meio de entrevistas, a partir de um roteiro semiestruturado, e submetidas à análise de conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Resultados: Foram identificados três temas de análise: 1. Diagnóstico e acesso ao tratamento; 2. Limitações nas atividades diárias e no trabalho e 3. Mudanças relacionadas ao trabalho e apoio familiar. Entre os pacientes com hemodiálise, a necessidade de realizar sessões frequentes foi citado como um dificultador para a retomada das atividades laborais. Mesmo entre os pacientes transplantados, as limitações físicas e os cuidados pós-cirúrgicos afetaram a produtividade e a capacidade de retorno ao trabalho da maneira habitual. Conclusões: As mudanças experimentadas pelos entrevistados após o início do tratamento da DRC afetaram sua capacidade de retornar ao trabalho, e o apoio familiar foi considerado essencial para facilitar esse processo. A pesquisa qualitativa se mostrou uma ferramenta importante no entendimento de como as mudanças na vida do paciente renal crônico após o início do tratamento afetam sua capacidade de retornar ao trabalho.

Objetivo: Investigar as características sociodemográficas, ocupacionais e de morbidade dos servidores que tiveram licenças por transtorno mental e comportamental (TMC), bem como as associações dessas características com o afastamento precoce. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal (coorte retrospectiva), realizado no Instituto Federal de Educação do Ceará (IFCE), com vistas ao delineamento do perfil epidemiológico dos servidores afastados por TMC (n=250), no período de 2010 a 2018, e as associações das características epidemiológicas (sexo, grupo do cargo, local de trabalho, tempo na instituição, estado civil, faixa etária e remuneração) com o afastamento precoce, através das curvas de sobrevivência de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: Ocorreram 684 afastamentos por TMC em 250 servidores (incidência de 4,9%), resultando em 22.409 dias perdidos de trabalho (DAW) e efeitos financeiros de aproximadamente R$ 6.845.220. Houve um aumento na quantidade de afastamentos, de DAW e da taxa de incidência de servidores afastados ao longo do período do estudo. O grupo dos transtornos do humor (F30-F39) da CID-10 apresentou-se como a principal causa de afastamento por TMC (n=367; 53,6%) e DAW (13.057). A análise de sobrevida mostrou afastamento precoce nos servidores do interior, solteiros, com faixa etária de 18 a 39 anos, tempo de serviço na instituição de até 9 anos e classe econômica C. Conclusão: Houve crescimento no IFCE, entre 2010 e 2018, dos afastamentos, dos DAW e da incidência de servidores afastados por TMC, com predominância dos transtornos do humor, os quais geraram efeitos financeiros elevados para a instituição. Evidenciou-se associação positiva entre algumas características sociodemográficas e o afastamento precoce por TMC.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Smartphone and application use can improve communication and monitoring of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, through self-management and increased adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess smartphone use in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and their willingness to use mobile applications as a disease self-management strategy. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in the São Francisco Valley in the Northeast Region, Brazil. METHODS: The questionnaire developed by the authors was administered between April and June 2021. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the construct was 0.69. Associations between the dependent and independent variables were determined using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 381 patients were included, of whom 64% had a smartphone, although only 3.1% knew of a kidney disease-related application. However, 59.3% believed that using an application could help them manage their disease. Having a smartphone was associated with treatment adherence, higher educational attainment, and higher per capita income. Educational attainment remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: More than 64% of patients had a smartphone, although few knew of applications developed for kidney disease. More than half of the population believed that technology use could benefit chronic kidney disease treatment. Smartphone ownership was more common among the younger population, with higher educational attainment and income, and was associated with greater adherence to hemodialysis sessions.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Supplementation with probiotics for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with decreased systemic inflammation. Objective: To assess the impact of oral supplementation with probiotics for patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Method: This double-blind randomized clinical trial included 70 patients on hemodialysis; 32 were given oral supplementation with probiotics and 38 were in the placebo group. Blood samples were collected at the start of the study and patients were given oral supplementation with probiotics or placebo for three months. The probiotic supplement comprised four strains of encapsulated Gram-positive bacteria: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 and Bifidobacterium longum A101. Patients were given one capsule per day for 3 months. Blood samples were taken throughout the study to check for inflammatory biomarkers. Non-traditional biomarkers Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL, and cystatin C were measured using an ELISA kit, along with biochemical parameters CRP, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, PTH, GPT, hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, and urea. Results: Patients given supplementation with probiotics had significant decreases in serum levels of syndecan-1 (239 ± 113 to 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0.005); blood glucose levels also decreased significantly (162 ± 112 to 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Administration of probiotics to patients with advanced CKD was associated with decreases in syndecan-1 and blood glucose levels, indicating potential improvements in metabolism and decreased systemic inflammation.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing significantly. There is evidence that a large part of the population does not have enough knowledge on the subject. Objective: To investigate the level of knowledge about CKD in the general population, its risk factors and means of prevention. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study in the population of Fortaleza, Ceará – Brazil, between 2017 and 2020, with the application of a questionnaire on CKD, risk factors and prevention. Results: we interviewed 735 volunteers, with a mean age of 38 years, of which 55% were female. Only 17.2% correctly responded to the concept of CKD, and 5.8% knew the concept of creatinine. Low water intake was the most cited risk factor by respondents (79.3%). The main risk factors and direct causes of CKD (diabetes and hypertension) were mentioned less frequently (13.2% and 15.1%, respectively). Men were more correct regarding risk factors and ways to prevent CKD. Older respondents answered more correctly the questions about the definition of CKD (n = 22; 28.6%) and creatinine (n = 7; 9.0%). With regards to education there was a statistically significant correlation in all the questions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is little knowledge about CKD in the general population. Higher level of education is associated with better knowledge. More health education actions are needed so that the population becomes better acquainted with CKD and, consequently, can adopt more adequate prevention and control measures.

Coronaviruses are known to be responsible for infections in humans since the 1960s and have accounted for epidemics in recent human history. More recently, in 2019, a disease caused by a new coronavirus appeared in China, in the province of Wuhan, with a characteristic of greater infectivity, called COVID-19, which has caused a new world pandemic. Considering the need to contain the advance in the number of cases, based on the high rate of transmissibility, several countries have adopted extreme social distancing measures, including the so-called ‘lockdown’. Despite the socioeconomic side effects, the aforementioned measure reduced the progression of the pandemic in countries that adopted it. In Brazil, the state of Ceará was one of the first epicenters of the disease in the country and the state capital city of Fortaleza, on May 8, implemented the lockdown measure to contain the increase in the number of cases. It was then observed, in a tertiary hospital, which is a referral for COVID-19 cases, a decrease in the daily occupancy rate of beds reserved for the pandemic after the lockdown onset, evidencing that this measure leads to a sustainable reduction in bed occupation rates, thus preventing the collapse and overload in health services.

Abstract Background Although there are public policies for eradicating congenital syphilis, they do not seem to be a routine in most health services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the management of sexual partners of pregnant women with syphilis in primary health care in northeastern Brazil. Methods This is a qualitative assessment carried out from February to October 2014 in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, northeastern region of Brazil, through the observation of six primary health care centers and interviews with 21 professionals, six coordinators, nine women diagnosed with syphilis during antenatal care and four sexual partners. The data were submitted to thematic content analysis. Results Important flaws were identified at the primary health centers studied regarding the management of syphilis during pregnancy. Accessing testing and treatment is difficult, and there are no standardized strategies to notify the partner. The responsibility for notifying them is transferred to the women, and counseling does not offer proper guidance nor sufficient emotional support to help them. Conclusion The management of pregnant women and their sexual partners in our region does not comply with global recommendations. Professional qualification, sensitization, and standardization of health professionals’ conduct are necessary. Offering support to health professionals on their clinical practices by means of a supervision process may contribute to the adoption of the recommended guidelines and to the promotion of care based on privacy, respect, confidentiality of information, and awareness of the problems faced by women as a result of syphilis diagnosis.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with prematurity in reported cases of congenital syphilis in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in ten public maternity hospitals in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. A total of 478 reported cases of congenital syphilis were included in 2015, and data were collected from notification forms, from mothers’ and babies’ medical records and from prenatal cards. For the bivariate analysis, Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used, considering p < 0.05. Multiple logistic regression was conducted, presenting odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: We found 15.3% prematurity in pregnant women with syphilis. The titration of the VDRL test > 1:8 at delivery (OR 2.46; 95%CI: 1.33–4.53; p = 0.004) and the non-treatment of the pregnant women or treatment with drugs other than penicillin during prenatal care (OR 3.52; 95%CI: 1.74–7.13; p< 0.001) were associated with higher chances of prematurity. CONCLUSION: The prematurity due to congenital syphilis is a preventable condition, provided that pregnant women with syphilis are treated appropriately. Weaknesses in prenatal care are associated with this outcome, which highlights the importance of public policies oriented to improve the quality of prenatal care.

ABSTRACT Tropical diseases are mainly found in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. They are a major Public Health problem in these regions, most of them are considered neglected diseases and remain as important contributors to the development of AKI (Acute Kidney Injury), which is associated with increased patients’ morbidity and mortality. In most countries, kidney disease associated to tropical diseases is attended at health services with poor infrastructure and inadequate preventive measures. The long-term impacts of these infections on kidney tissue may be a main cause of future kidney disease in these patients. Therefore, the investigation of novel kidney injury biomarkers in these tropical diseases is of utmost importance to explain the mechanisms of kidney injury, to improve their diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the assessment to health systems by these patients. Since 2011, our group has been studying renal biomarkers in visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, leptospirosis and leprosy. This study has increased the knowledge on the pathophysiology of kidney disease in the presence of these infections and has contributed to the early diagnosis of kidney injury, pointing to glomerular, endothelial and inflammatory involvement as the main causes of the mechanisms leading to nephropathy and clinical complications. Future perspectives comprise establishing long-term cohort groups to assess the development of kidney disease and the patients’ survival, as well as the use of new biomarkers such as urinary exosomes to detect risk groups and to understand the progression of kidney injuries.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease disseminated through the centuries in the whole world which causes symptoms that go from self-limited diseases to hemorrhagic manifestations and organ failure, including acute kidney injury (AKI), composing the severe disease known as the Weil's syndrome. Mortality rates varies according to the clinical presentation and usually increases when kidney injury is present, and is even higher in the setting of pulmonary hemorrhage. There are recent advances in the search for novel biomarkers of renal involvement and early detection of AKI in leptospirosis, as well as in its pathophysiology. We review in this article the clinical aspects of leptospirosis-associated AKI and the perspectives for future research.

Background: This study was conducted to investigate changes in the clinical pattern of leptospirosis over time, analyzing its clinical and laboratory presentations in a metropolitan city of Brazil. Method: This was a retrospective study including all patients with leptospirosis admitted to tertiary care hospitals in Fortaleza in the northeast of Brazil, between 1985 and 2015. Patients were divided into three groups according to the year of hospital admission: group I for the years 1985–1995, group II for 1996–2005, and group III for 2006–2015. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 507 patients were included. Their mean age was 37.3 ± 15.9 years and 82.4% were male. The mean time between symptom onset and admission was 7 ± 4 days. There was a linear decrease in the levels of serum urea (190.1 ± 92.7, 135 ± 79.5, and 95.6 ± 73.3 mg/dl, respectively, p

Background: Despite well-documented risks, injectable supplements containing high doses of vitamins are commonly used. Objectives: To describe acute kidney injury (AKI) as a complication of vitamin intoxication. Methods: Our series consisted of 16 patients with kidney complications resulting from the use of veterinary intramuscular injection supplements of vitamin A, D and E. The patients were admitted to two referral hospitals in Fortaleza (Brazil) between January 2010 and January 2015. Results: Patients’ mean age was 28.3 ± 8.9 years (19–53 years), and 11 (68.7%) were male. Main signs and symptoms upon admission were nausea (68.7%), vomiting (62.5%), weight loss (43.7%), epigastric pain (31.2%) and headache (31.2%). At hospital admission the mean laboratory values were: hemoglobin 10 ± 2.0 g/dL (6.1–14.2), leukocytes 10,542 ± 4871/mm3 (4100–15,100), creatinine 3.9 ± 5.2 mg/dL (0.7–22) and urea 91 ± 88 mg/dL (22–306), respectively. Serum calcium was 12 ± 2.2 mg/dL (8.8–15.5), 24-h urine calcium was 575 ± 329 mg (10.7–1058), serum PTH was 55 ± 141 pg/mL (2–406), and serum vitamin D concentration was 135 ± 75 ng/mL (22–265). Using KDIGO criteria, AKI was diagnosed in 13 patients (81.2%), classified as stage 1 (n = 3), stage 2 (n = 3) or stage 3 (n = 7). No deaths occurred in the study period. Conclusions: Excessive use of veterinary vitamin supplements containing high doses of vitamin A, D and E was associated with AKI. Hypercalcaemia, which was a common finding, appears to be a contributing factor to the development of this type of AKI.

Background: Despite well-documented risks, injectable supplements containing high doses of vitamins are commonly used. Objectives: To describe acute kidney injury (AKI) as a complication of vitamin intoxication. Methods: Our series consisted of 16 patients with kidney complications resulting from the use of veterinary intramuscular injection supplements of vitamin A, D and E. The patients were admitted to two referral hospitals in Fortaleza (Brazil) between January 2010 and January 2015. Results: Patients’ mean age was 28.3 ± 8.9 years (19–53 years), and 11 (68.7%) were male. Main signs and symptoms upon admission were nausea (68.7%), vomiting (62.5%), weight loss (43.7%), epigastric pain (31.2%) and headache (31.2%). At hospital admission the mean laboratory values were: hemoglobin 10 ± 2.0 g/dL (6.1–14.2), leukocytes 10,542 ± 4871/mm3 (4100–15,100), creatinine 3.9 ± 5.2 mg/dL (0.7–22) and urea 91 ± 88 mg/dL (22–306), respectively. Serum calcium was 12 ± 2.2 mg/dL (8.8–15.5), 24-h urine calcium was 575 ± 329 mg (10.7–1058), serum PTH was 55 ± 141 pg/mL (2–406), and serum vitamin D concentration was 135 ± 75 ng/mL (22–265). Using KDIGO criteria, AKI was diagnosed in 13 patients (81.2%), classified as stage 1 (n = 3), stage 2 (n = 3) or stage 3 (n = 7). No deaths occurred in the study period. Conclusions: Excessive use of veterinary vitamin supplements containing high doses of vitamin A, D and E was associated with AKI. Hypercalcaemia, which was a common finding, appears to be a contributing factor to the development of this type of AKI.

Objective: To assess clinical and laboratory data, and acute kidney injury (AKI) in HIV‐infected children using and not using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) prior to admission. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with HIV‐infected pediatric patients (

Objective: To assess clinical and laboratory data, and acute kidney injury (AKI) in HIV-infected children using and not using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) prior to admission. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with HIV-infected pediatric patients (

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of women admitted to a tertiary hospital in Northeastern Brazil with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the Hospital Geral César Cals (César Cals General Hospital), a tertiary care center of the Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS (Brazil’s National Health System) in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The study included 1,865 pregnant women admitted with HDP from January 2006 to December 2013 regardless of age, education, marital status, place of birth, place of residence and outcome (discharge, death and ongoing pregnancy). Results: Pregnant women were predominantly aged 17-35 years (n=1484, 79.6%), mixed-race (n=1464, 78.5%), single (n= 775, 41.6%), housewives (n=1269, 68.0%), lived in Fortaleza (n=1198, 64.3%) and had complete elementary education (n=766, 41%). Overweight (n= 1408, 75.4%), first pregnancy (n=827, 44.3%) and multiparity (n=686, 36.7%) were the main risk factors for HDP. Regarding fetal status, 30.9% (n=576) were preterm. The main HDP complications were: HELLP syndrome (n=60, 3.2%), bleeding disorders (n=15, 0.8%) and acute respiratory failure (n=13, 0.6%). Conclusion: The pregnant women assessed presented risk factors for HDP, reinforcing the idea that the health status and the disease and health process are directly influenced by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the population.

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic parasitic disease frequently found in Northeast Brazil and may cause acute kidney injury (AKI) and glomerulonephritis. After appropriate treatment, renal function recovery may occur. We describe the rare case of a patient with VL, who developed severe AKI requiring dialysis and was subsequently diagnosed with Chagas disease coinfection. After specific treatment for VL, there was partial recovery of the renal function, followed by the onset of Chagas disease cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used medications associated with nephrotoxicity, especially when used chronically. Factors such as advanced age and comorbidities, which in themselves already lead to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, increase the risk of NSAID-related nephrotoxicity. The main mechanism of NSAID action is cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme inhibition, interfering on arachidonic acid conversion into E2 prostaglandins E2, prostacyclins and thromboxanes. Within the kidneys, prostaglandins act as vasodilators, increasing renal perfusion. This vasodilatation is a counter regulation of mechanisms, such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system works and that of the sympathetic nervous system, culminating with compensation to ensure adequate flow to the organ. NSAIDs inhibit this mechanism and can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). High doses of NSAIDs have been implicated as causes of AKI, especially in the elderly. The main form of AKI by NSAIDs is hemodynamically mediated. The second form of NSAID-induced AKI is acute interstitial nephritis, which may manifest as nephrotic proteinuria. Long-term NSAID use can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In patients without renal diseases, young and without comorbidities, NSAIDs are not greatly harmful. However, because of its dose-dependent effect, caution should be exercised in chronic use, since it increases the risk of developing nephrotoxicity.