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Background: In our study, diagnostic and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with minimal change disease (MCD) by biopsy, clinical and laboratory findings in our country were investigated.Methods: Data were obtained from the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group database. Demographic characteristics, indications for biopsy, diagnosis of the glomerular diseases, comorbidities, laboratory and biopsy findings of all patients were recorded. The data presented is cross-sectional and includes application data for the biopsy period.Results: Of 3875 patients, 233 patients with MCD (median age 35.0 years) were included in the study, which constitutes 6.0% of the total glomerulonephritis database. Renal biopsy was performed in 196 (84.1%) patients due to nephrotic syndrome. Median serum creatinine was 0.7(0.6-1.0)mg/dl, mean eGFR was 104±33ml/min/1.73m2 and median proteinuria 6000 mg/day. The number of patients under the age of 40 years was 139 (59.7%) (Group A), and the number of patients aged 40 years and over was 94 (40.3%) (Group B). Compared to Group A, global sclerotic glomeruli (24 vs. 43,pConclusion: Our data are generally compatible with the literature. Chronic histopathological changes were more common in patients aged 40 years and older than younger patients. Studies investigating the effects of these different features on renal survival are needed.

Background: Polyomavirus BK virus infection is a significant complication of renal transplantation and is an important cause of allograft loss. Today, despite the innovations in the pharmaceutical industry, a curative treatment against the BK virus has not been developed. The management is not standardized and is generally based on reported experience from transplantation centers. However, the literature on the subject with large samples is limited. Therefore, we designed a study to present our countrywide experience with BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) in renal transplant recipients. Methods: Our study was conducted with thirty kidney transplant centers from all provinces of Turkey. Only cases with BKVN proven by allograft biopsy were included in our study. Demographic characteristics and laboratory values of the patients were obtained from the archives and electronic databases of the centers. Results: A total of 13.857 patients from 30 transplantation centers were screened. 207 BKVN cases proven by allograft biopsy were identified and included in the study. The mean age was 46.4±13.1, and 146 (70.5%) patients were male. Twenty-six patients did not receive any induction therapy, 144 patients received anti-T lymphocyte globulin (ATLG), and 37 patients received basiliximab after transplantation. 23.6% of the patients had acute rejection history in the first six months of renal transplantation. all were treated with pulse steroids, and 46 were also treated with ATLG. The mean time to diagnosis of BKVN was 15.8±22.2 months after transplantation. At the time of diagnosis, the patients’ mean creatinine level was 1.8±0.7 mg/dl, and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 45.8±19.6 ml/min. While BKVN was solely reported in 181 cases, there were cellular rejection findings in 21 biopsy specimens and humoral rejection in 4 biopsy specimens. In addition of dose reduction or discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs, eighteen patients were treated with cidofovir, 11 patients with leflunomide, 17 patients with quinolones, 15 patients with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), five patients with cidofovir+IVIG, and 12 patients with leflunomide+IVIG. None of the patients who received leflunomide and leflunomide+IVIG had allograft loss. Allograft loss was observed in 12 (15%) of 78 patients treated with antivirals or immunomodulators. Allograft loss occurred in 32 patients (15%) during follow-up out of 207 patients with BKVN. Five patients were retransplanted, and none developed BKVN during the follow-up. Conclusions: BKVN is still a significant cause of allograft loss in kidney transplantation, which has not been fully elucidated. Leflunomide appears to be an effective treatment in these patients.

Introduction: There are many differences between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatments, including their impact on the psychological status of the patients. In this study, our aim was to compare the psychological statuses of HD and PD patients during the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study on adult HD and PD patients when the curfew measures were in effect. We used an electronic form composed of 3 sections to collect data. In the first section, we collected data on the demographics and clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients. The second and third sections consisted of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaires, respectively. Results: The HD (n = 116) and PD (n = 130) groups were similar regarding age and sex, and they had similar HADS anxiety scores. HADS depression scores were higher in PD patients (p = 0.052). IES-R scores were significantly higher in PD patients in comparison to HD patients (p = 0.001). Frequencies of abnormal HADS-anxiety (p = 0.035) and severe psychological impact (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in PD patients. Discussion/Conclusion: During the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HD patients had better mood profiles than PD patients. A more stable daily routine, an uninterrupted face-to-face contact with health-care workers, and social support among patients in the in-center dialysis environment might be the cause of the favorable mood status. PD patients might need additional psychological support during those periods.

Aim:To evaluate the effects of residual renal function (RRF) on anemia treatment, phosphorus control and nutritional parameters in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.Methods:PD patients were retrospectively analyzed. Besides anthropometric measurements, biochemical measurements, such as residual glomerular filtration rate (rGFR), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), hemoglobin (Hb), serum albumin, calcium, phosphorus, ferritin, parathormone and C-reactive protein levels were recorded.Results:One hundred and fifteen patients (52 females, 63 males; mean age: 56.0±13.2 years 20-83 years) receiving PD treatment were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of RRF (n=75 and n=40, respectively). Patients with RRF had higher body weight (80±14 kg vs 68±13 kg; p

Background: among the chronic diseases, chronic kidney failure is one of diseases that have the most difficulty in coping with oxidative stress due to the deterioration of the antioxidant system balance in the body. Beyond being a vitamin, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is a molecule that positively or negatively affects many enzymes which are in protein structures. Thioredoxin (TRX), which has an important role in the antioxidant system, is one of these proteins. By conducting this study, we wanted to emphasize the role of vitamin D3 in reducing the oxidative stress load on patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) via serum TRX level measurement. Methods: in this study, we evaluated the medical treatments of 69 PD patients who were followed up routinely. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they used vitamin D3 or not. 49 of our patients were using vitamin D3. While requesting routine laboratory tests, we reserved a separate serum sample to measure serum TRX levels by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for all patients. Results: only one parameter has a significant statistical relationship with serum TRX level and the treatment protocol. The serum TRX level was significantly higher (211,62 U/l +/- 314,46) in the group receiving vitamin D3 compared to the group which is not using Vitamin D3 (101,63 U/l +/- 215,03) (p < 0,006). Conclusion: this study highlights the importance of appropriate dose of vitamin D3 replacement especially in PD patients who are under intense oxidative stress compared to healthy individuals, NA

Aim: This study aimed to explore the role of peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF) in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) patients for fluid and metabolic control. Background: Peritoneal UF is safely and efficiently used for the management of CRS. It has been shown to provide efficient UF in hypervolemic patients. Methods: Thirty (20 males and 10 females) CRS patients were treated by peritoneal dialysis (PD) and UF. The baseline data of the patients (demographics, causes of heart failure, the presence of pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, the need for extracorporeal UF or paracentesis or thoracentesis, comorbidity, drugs, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] and pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PAPs], pericardial effusion, physical examination, body weight, NYHA class, dialysis regime, urine output, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] level, hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], and other routine biochemical determinations) were recorded at the onset, every 6 months, and then annually. Echocardiograms were performed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The time points of complications associated with PD, the need for hemodialysis, the day of death, and causes of death were documented. Results: Mean age was 69 ± 8 years (range 49–84 years). The average PD duration was 18.25 ± 14.87 months. According to the CKD-EPI, initial mean GFR was 34.34 ± 11.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range 16.57–59.0), and this increased to 45.48 ± 26.04, 45.10 ± 28.58, and 41.10 ± 25.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the third, sixth, and twelfth months, respectively. There was a significant increase in the first 3 months and a significant decrease between the third and twelfth months (respectively, p = 0.018 and p = 0.043). There was no difference in eGFR levels between baseline and the end of the first year (p = 0.217). In the first 3 months, there was a significant decline in urea levels to 79.38 ± 36.65 from 109.92 ± 42.44 mg/dL and this was maintained until the end of the first year of PD therapy (after 3 months, p = 0.002; after 1 year, p = 0.024). However, there was no significant change in creatinine levels within the first year (p = 0.312). There was a significant increase in hemoglobin level up to the end of the first year of PD (after 3 months, p = 0.000; after 12 months, p = 0.013). There was a marked decrease in NT-proBNP levels in the first 6 months (p = 0.011). Functional capacity (according to NYHA classification) improved in all patients by the third month of PD treatment (p < 0.001). This early improvement was maintained in many patients during the following 12 months (p < 0.001). There was a marked decrease in NT-proBNP levels in the first 6 months (p = 0.011). At the end of the first year, there was an approximate 15% reduction in NT-proBNP levels (p = 0.647). Hospitalizations decreased to 6 ± 15 days/patient-year (range 18–122 days) from 62 ± 24 days/patient-year (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Peritoneal UF is a treatment method that maintains renal function and electrolyte balance, improves cardiac function, and reduces hospitalizations in CRS patients. We observed that this treatment significantly increased functional capacity and quality of life and significantly reduced hospital admissions.

Background and Aims Minimal change disease (MCD) is the most common cause of the nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children. Although there are many data regarding the course, response to treatment, and outcomes in pediatric patients, only a few series have examined these issues in adults. The aim of the study was to delineate the demographic and clinical properties of MCD of adult population in our country. Method All over the country, a total of 47 centers entered data between May 2009 and May 2019 to the database created by of Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group. Demographic and clinical characteristics and biopsy findings recorded to the database were analyzed. Results In total, 258 patients were compatible with the pathological diagnosis of MCD. Mean age was 36.16±15.44 years and 53.88% were male. At diagnosis, 66.7% patients presented with pretibial edema,15.9% with hypertension. Microscopic hematuria occured in 18.2% patients. Only 24 patients (9.3%) presented with a decrease in renal function (serum creatinine greater than 1.3 mg/dl). The mean daily proteinuria was 6.3 g, and serum albumin was 2.6 mg/dl. The most frequent indication for biopsy was NS (86.4%). On kidney biopsy, the mean number of glomeruli was 18.08±11.11. Mezangial proliferation and mezangial IgM were present in 27.5% and 22.5%, respectively. Only in 3.5% of the included patients, electron microscopic studies were performed. Conclusion This study describes the characteristics of a cohort of adult patients with MCD. MCD in adults may sometimes present concurrently with hematuria, hypertension, and acute kidney injury.

Depression is one of the most commonly encountered psychiatric problems in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Our aim was to investigate the associations between oxidative and nitrosative stress (ONS) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in PD patients with elevated depressive symptoms (EDS).Eighty-three patients with PD and 84 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. In PD patients, two subgroups were formed: 28 with and 55 without EDS. EDS were defined as a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score ≥17 in patients. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) erythrocyte, glutathione (GSH) levels measured spectrophotometrically. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, nitric oxide (NO) and BDNF levels were determined by ELISA.While MDA and NO levels were higher, levels of SOD, GSH and BDNF were lower in PD patients compared to controls (p 0.001). The patients with EDS had higher levels of MDA and lower levels of BDNF as compared to those without EDS (p 0.005). In linear regression analysis, the BDNF levels were dependently associated with SOD levels in PD patients (B: 0.274, p: 0.043). In addition, while a negative correlation existed between BDI scores with BDNF levels (r = -0.312, p = 0.004), a positive correlation was present between BDI scores and MDA levels (r = 0.320, p = 0.005) in PD patients.Our results suggest the presence of high ONS and low antioxidant capacity accompanied with decreased levels of BDNF in PD patients, especially those with EDS were deeper. These may represent the risk factors for cellular injury and might reveal part of the mechanism causing the depressive state in PD patients.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between quality of sleep (QoS) and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors in kidney transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: We examined sixty-four kidney transplant recipients (26 female, 38 male). Clinical, demographic, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. The QoS was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with SF-36 Health Survey and depressive symptoms with Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: A comparison of good and poor QoS (PSQI ≤ 5, PSQI > 5, respectively) groups showed a significant difference only in BDI scores (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference regarding urea, creatinine, ferritin, albumin, and other laboratory parameters. Thirty-six of the 46 patients (80%) in the good QoS group were married, while 10 of 19 patients (52%) in the poor QoS group were single. Married individuals had significantly better QoS (p=0.026). A comparison of the domains of the HRQoL survey showed significantly better “physical function” in those with good QoS than those with poor QoS (51 ± 6 and 47 ± 8, respectively; p < 0.017). Conclusion: Patients with poor QoS had worse HRQoL. Routine screening of depressive symptoms, which may be manageable is required for improving QoS and HRQoL in these patients.

To evaluate the influence of 1.1% amino acid dialysis solutions on nutritional parameters in incident continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.The effect of daily use of 1.1% amino acid solution was studied retrospectively in 32 incident CAPD patients (14 women and 18 men, mean age 54 +/- 13 years) who began CAPD at our tertiary university hospital between July 2005 and February 2009 (amino acid solution (AAS) group). Serum total protein, albumin, and creatinine were assessed for all patients prior to dialysis and at the end of the study period. Thirty-two control patients (12 women and 20 men, mean age 52 +/- 14 years) who started peritoneal dialysis with a standard CAPD program were also investigated and grouped as the dextrose solution (DS) group.Baseline serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the AAS group compared to the DS group (3.4 +/- 0.4 g/dL vs. 3.7 +/- 0.5 g/dL, p = 0.011). At the end of the 12-month follow-up period, mean serum albumin levels had decreased from 3.4 to 3.3 g/dL in the AAS group (p = 0.218) and increased from 3.7 to 3.8 g/dL in the DS group (p = 0.360). Overall, no significant changes were observed in serum total protein, creatinine, or albumin in either group.Amino acid solutions conferred no demonstrable benefit on biochemical parameters in incident CAPD patients. The effects of AAS may be different when added to the CAPD regimen of patients undergoing prior CAPD treatment.

Beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)-M) amyloidosis is an important cause of morbidity in patients on dialysis. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated supraspinatus tendon thickness (as a measure of shoulder involvement from beta(2)-M amyloidosis) in patients who are on hemodialysis (HD) compared with those on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). In 27 patients on HD who were treated with high-flux dialyzers, 31 patients on CAPD, and 31 healthy volunteers, we performed bilateral shoulder magnetic resonance imaging and measured the supraspinatus tendon thickness using electronic calipers. There were no statistically significant differences in age or dialysis duration between the HD and CAPD patients. Each patient was asked about the presence or absence of shoulder pain. The supraspinatus tendon thickness in HD patients (mean thickness 6.6 +/- 1.3 mm, range 3.20-8.80 mm, N = 53) and CAPD patients (6.8 +/- 0.9 mm, range 4.9-8.8 mm, N = 61) was not significantly different (P = 0.289); however, the mean thickness in either group was higher than in the healthy controls (5.5 +/- 0.6 mm, range 4.3-6.8 mm, N = 61) (HD patients vs. controls: P = 0.000; CAPD patients vs. controls: P = 0.000). Patients with shoulder pain had higher mean supraspinatus tendon thickness measurements than patients without shoulder pain (P = 0.042). The thickness of supraspinatus tendons is not significantly different between patients on CAPD and HD. An association exists between shoulder pain and mean supraspinatus tendon thickness. This hidden complication of ESRD should be further studied in larger populations of dialysis patients.

Background Serum levels of adipocytokines such as leptin and adiponectin are significantly elevated in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). The effect of such adipocytokines on malnutrition in the CRF population has been of substantial interest. We sought to determine the relationship between plasma leptin and adiponectin levels and malnutrition-inflammation status in end-stage renal disease patients. Methods Thirty patients (15 women and 15 men; mean [±SD] age, 50 ± 14 years) on hemodialysis, and 30 patients (12 women and 18 men; mean [±SD] age, 47 ± 16) on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, were enrolled in this study. Adipocytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory markers, such as high-sensitivity serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ferritin, and a nutritional inflammatory scoring system known as the malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS), were also measured in all patients. Results Serum leptin had negative correlations with ferritin (r = –0.33, P = .016) and MIS (r = -0.39, P = .003). Adiponectin had a weak positive correlation with MIS (r = 0.26, P = .050), indicating that an increased level of serum adiponectin was associated with a worse nutritional status. Levels of hs-CRP, serum albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides did not correlate with nutritional status. Conclusions Serum leptin concentration seems to be a marker of good nutritional status, rather than an appetite-suppressing uremic toxin, in patients with CRF. However, the positive correlation between serum adiponectin and worse nutritional-inflammatory status suggests that elevated adiponectin levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of malnutrition in such patients.

Background/Aims: Cytokine secretion is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of depression, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines are increased in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between levels of proinflammatory cytokines in CRF patients and degree of depression. Methods: 31 patients on hemodialysis, 31 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and 31 conservatively managed chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were enrolled in this study. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and ‘elevated symptoms of depression’ were defined as a BDI score ≧17. IL-6 and TNFα cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. Results: ‘Elevated symptoms of depression’ occurred in 37 of 93 patients (40%). IL-6 and TNFα levels were not significantly different among CRF patients with and without elevated depressive symptoms (p = 0.937 and p = 0.414, respectively). When analyzed by treatment subgroup, proinflammatory cytokine levels were not significantly different in patients with and without elevated symptoms of depression. Conclusion: In patients with CRF, elevated symptoms of depression were not associated with increased cytokine levels.

In the present study, our aim is to investigate the effects of the treatment modality, depression, malnutrition and inflammation on quality of life (QoL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Twenty-six patients with CKD on conservative management, 68 patients on haemodialysis (HD), 47 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 66 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. QoL was measured by means of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and subscale scores were calculated. All patients were evaluated for the presence of depression using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Axis I Disorders - Clinician Version. The severity of depression was evaluated by means of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, albumin, haemoglobin and haematocrit (Hct) levels were measured. All the SF-36 subscale scores were lower in the patient groups compared with control group. The SF-36 scores were higher and BDI scores were lower in the CAPD group than CKD and HD groups. In patients with depression, all SF-36 subscale scores were lower than that of the patients without depression. There was a significant negative correlation between all the SF-36 subscale scores and the BDI scores. There was a significant positive correlation between the SF-36 physical and total summary scores and the Hct value and serum albumin levels, but an inverse correlation between the SF-36 physical, mental and total summary scores and the serum CRP level in the HD patients. The authors suggest that the treatment modality, depression, malnutrition and inflammation have an important role on QoL in CKD.

Patients receiving dialysis therapy are known to be at increased risk of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, clinical characteristics and course of TB disease in dialysis patients treated at our institution. Medical records of 330 regular haemodialysis (n=219) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (n=111) patients (172 male, 158 female; mean age 55+/-16 y) who were cared for at our tertiary university hospital between December 2002 and January 2006 were retrospectively evaluated. Nine cases of TB (2.7%) occurred, in the following locations: vertebra (n=3), miliary (n=3), lymph nodes (n=1), peritoneum (n=2; one as peritionitis, 1 as an abscess). Four of these 9 patients died during the follow-up (mean time from diagnosis to death, 7 months); none of the deaths appeared to be caused by the disease itself. The incidence of TB disease in patients receiving renal replacement therapy is high, and occurs primarily in extrapulmonary sites.

Mediastinum is one of the place in which ectopic parathyroid adenomas can be located.Here, an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma, which was excised via parasternal videomediastinoscopy was presented. The patient with chronic renal insufficiency had increased calcium levels persistence after the surgery for cervical parathyroid adenoma.Radiologic and scintigraphic examinations revealed a focal intense nodule in anterior mediastinum. Parasternal videomediastinoscopy was performed via parasternal incision through the second intercostal space. Ex-vivo specimen radioactivity measurements and frozen examination confirmed parathyroid adenoma. Calcium levels were decreased dramatically after the operation. Parasternal videomediastinoscopy could be an alternative surgical way in anterior mediastinal small masses such as ectopic parathyroid adenoma. It is the first case in which parasternal videomediastinoscopy was used for excision of mediastinal parathyroid adenoma.

Introduction. Liver involvement due to hyperthyroidism and also ANCA positive vasculitis related renal failure cases were reported separately several times before. However, to our knowledge, these two complications together in the same case had never been observed before.Case Presentation. The case of an ANCA positive 71-year-old Caucasian male with renal failure and lung involvement, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice was presented in this paper. After exclusion of all of the other possibilities, cholestatic hepatitis was explained by subclinical hyperthyroidism; renal failure and lung involvement were interpreted as ANCA related vasculitis which might be a side effect of propylthiouracil use.Conclusion. The coexistence of these rare conditions in the same patient deserves emphasis and it is worth reporting. This case demonstrates that following the clinical course of the patient is essential after prescribing any medications to see whether any complication occurs or not. If the complications of this case were noticed earlier, it would be possible to treat and to prevent the permanent damages.

The clinical course of a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis who developed peritonitis and tunnel infection due to an unusual pathogen, Citrobacter freundii, is described. The patient did not respond well to antibiogram-based therapy (intravenous meropenem and intraperitoneal gentamicin) and removal of the catheter was required.

A 70-year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus presented to our hospital with acute obstructive non-oliguric renal failure. Abdominal CT revealed obstructive hydronephrosis and irregular thickening of the bladder wall. Upon cystoscopy, samples of tissue were taken and found to be positive for Aspergillus spp. on histology, indicating infection of the bladder wall. The patient was treated successfully by means of a percutaneous nephrostomy and a 30-day course of caspofungin.

Background There is no evidence regarding the several short-term prophylaxis protocols for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) that may be most feasibly convenient in emergency settings. Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacies of short-term CIN prophylaxis protocols of normal saline, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) plus saline, and sodium bicarbonate plus saline in emergency department (ED) patients at moderate or high risk of CIN after receiving intravenous (IV) contrast agent. Methods This single-center, randomized, nonblinded clinical trial was conducted in the ED with adult patients requiring contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Patients with moderate to high risk of CIN according to the Mehran risk score, who consented to participate, were eligible. Patients with continuous renal replacement therapy or who reported contrast allergy were excluded. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg/kg NAC in 1000 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), 150 mEq of sodium bicarbonate in 1000 mL of 0.9% NaCl, or 1000 mL of IV saline infusion, all given at 350 mL/hr for 3 hours. All of the patients were administered less than 100 mL of nonionic, low-osmolality contrast agent. The primary outcome of CIN was defined as a 25% increase or a greater than 0.5 mg/dL increase in the serum creatinine level 48 to 72 hours later compared with the baseline measurement. Results A total of 107 patients were randomized to NAC (n = 36), sodium bicarbonate (n = 36), and saline prophylaxis (n = 35). The mean age of the patients was 71 years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 65 to 77 years), and 58 (54.2%) were male. The groups were similar regarding baseline characteristics and nephropathy risks. Of the 16 (14.9%) patients who eventually developed CIN, seven (19.4%) were in the NAC plus saline group, four (11.1%) were in the sodium bicarbonate plus saline group, and five (14.2%) were in the saline group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the prevention of CIN (p = 0.60). Conclusions None of the short-term protocols with normal saline, NAC, or sodium bicarbonate was superior in ED patients requiring contrast-enhanced CT who had a moderate or high risk of CIN. Resumen Introduccion No existe evidencia sobre los diversos protocolos de profilaxis a corto plazo para la nefropatia inducida por contraste (NIC) que pueden ser los mas factibles y convenientes en los escenarios de urgencias. Objetivos El proposito de este estudio fue comparar la eficacia a corto plazo de los protocolos de profilaxis de NIC de suero salino normal, suero salino mas N-acetilcisteina, y bicarbonato sodico mas suero salino en los pacientes del servicio de urgencias (SU) con riesgo moderado o alto de NIC tras recibir un agente contraste intravenoso. Metodologia Ensayo clinico aleatorizado no enmascarado unicentrico que se llevo a cabo en un SU con pacientes adultos que requirieron una tomografia computarizada con contraste. Se eligieron pacientes con riesgo moderado o alto de NIC acorde a la Escala de Riesgo de Mehran que consintieron participar. Se excluyeron los pacientes con tratamiento sustitutivo renal continuo o que documentaron alergia al contraste. Los pacientes incluidos se aleatorizaron a recibir 150 mg/kg de N-acetilcisteina en 1000 mL de suero salino 0,9%, 150 mEq de bicarbonato sodico en 1000 mL de suero salino al 0,9%, o 1000 mL de suero salino intravenoso, todos administrados a 350 mL/hora durante 3 horas. A todos los pacientes se les administro menos de 100 mL de un agente contraste de baja osmolalidad no ionico. El resultado principal de NIC se definio como un incremento del 25% o mayor de 0,5mg/dL en la cifra de creatinina serica a las 48–72 horas comparado con la medida basal. Resultados Se aleatorizaron 107 pacientes a profilaxis de N-acetilcisteina (n = 36), bicarbonato sodico (n = 36), y suero salino (n= 35). La media de edad de los pacientes fue de 71 anos (IC95% = 65 a 77 anos), y 58 (54,2%) fueron hombres. Los grupos fueron similares en relacion con las caracteristicas basales y los riesgos de nefropatia. De los 16 (14,9%) pacientes que desarrollaron NIC, siete (19,4%) fueron en el grupo de N-acetilcisteina mas salino, cuatro (11,1%) del grupo bicarbonato sodico mas suero salino, y cinco (14,2%) en el grupo de suero salino. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en terminos de prevencion de NIC (p = 0,60). Conclusiones Ninguno de los protocolos con suero salino normal, N-acetilcisteina o bicarbonato sodico fue superior a corto plazo en los pacientes del SU que requieren una tomografia computarizada con contraste que tenian riesgo moderado o alto de NIC.

To search for the opportunistic and other pathogenic intestinal parasites in dialysis patients, and to compare the methods used for diagnosis.This is a randomized study, which recruited participants from the dialysis patients. The study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Research Hospital, School of Medicine in Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey between June 2012 and March 2013. One hundred and forty-two patients were diagnosed with an end-stage renal failure, which underwent dialysis, and 150 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Native-lugol, formol ethyl acetate sedimentation method, trichrome, modified trichrome, acid fast, and Calcofluor staining methods were applied to the stool samples. For the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis), and Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), commercially available ELISA kits were used, which detect antigen in the stool.Parasites were found in 62 of the dialysis patients (43.7%) and 19 of the control group (12.7%). The most encountered parasitic agents in the dialysis patients were Blastocystis spp. (23.9%), G. intestinalis (8.5%), E. histolytica (2.1%), Microsporidia spp. (2.1%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (2.1%). The parasite detection rate of the formol ethyl acetate sedimentation method was found to be higher than native-lugol (p0.05).To protect the dialysis patients with diarrhea from parasitic infections, it is important to carry out interval stool examinations with trichrome, modified trichrome, acid fast, and Calcofluor staining methods, and the ELISA method, which detects antigen in the stool.

In uremic patients, depending on their type, the T-cells produce a range of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and two different therapy methods of dialysis [hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)] on adiponectin, TNF-alpha, and hs-CRP levels in human serum.We measured the serum levels of hs-CRP, adiponectin, and TNF-alpha in 37 patients with CKD on conservative treatment, 34 patients maintained on CAPD, 35 HD patients, and 25 healthy volunteers. The statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed by commercial statistics PC software.The mean TNF-alpha levels were found to be significantly higher in patients in the predialysis, CAPD, and the HD groups, than in the control group (17.24 +/- 9.22, 31.57 +/- 10.56, 24.34 +/- 5.32, 7.64 +/- 4.12 pg/mL, respectively, p0.001). The mean TNF-alpha levels in the predialysis group were significantly lower than in both the CAPD and the HD group (p0.001). The mean TNF-alpha levels in the CAPD group were significantly higher than in the HD group (p = 0.001). The mean adiponectin levels in the control group were significantly lower than in the predialysis, CAPD, and HD groups (2.54 +/- 2.30, 4.10 +/- 3.12, 7.69 +/- 8.35, 5.97 +/- 6.20 ng/mL, respectively, p0.05). Furthermore, the mean adiponectin levels in the predialysis groups were significantly lower than in the CAPD group (p0.05). The mean hs-CRP levels were found to be significantly higher in patients in the predialysis, CAPD, and HD groups than in the control group (0.65 +/- 0.57, 0.82 +/- 0.71, 1.14 +/- 1.45, 0.30 +/- 0.19 mg/dL, respectively, p0.05).According to the results of this study, the levels of adiponectin, hs-CRP, and TNF-alpha were increased for all patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Along with this, the highest level of increase in TNF-alpha levels were observed in patients with CAPD.

OBJECTIVES: Data on the factors that contribute to the antibody response to hepatitis B virus vaccination in peritoneal dialysis patients are scarce. The current study was conducted on a group of peritoneal dialysis patients to learn how the response to hepatitis B virus vaccination varies according to the patient's clearance of urea normalized to total body water (Kt/V). METHODS: A convenience sample of 33 peritoneal dialysis patients (13 women and 20 men, with a mean age of 49¡12 years) was administered double doses (20 μg IM in each deltoid muscle) of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months. Response to immunization was measured at one to three months after the final dose of vaccine. The subjects were divided into groups according to the level of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), including non-responders ( < 10 IU/L), weak responders (10-100 IU/L), and good responders ( > 100 IU/L). RESULTS: Among non-responders, weak responders, and good responders, significant differences were found in age (54 ± 12 vs. 56 ± 9 vs. 45¡12 years, respectively; p = 0.049) and recombinant human erythropoietin use (20 vs. 29 vs. 76%, respectively; p = 0.016). No significant differences in weekly total Kt/V (p = 0.704), weekly peritoneal Kt/V (p = 0.064) and residual glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.355) were found across the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Delivered clearance measured by weekly peritoneal Kt/V and total clearance measured by weekly total Kt/V did not predict the response to hepatitis B virus vaccination in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Kidney involvement secondary to psoriasis is a controversial issue. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of urinary abnormalities in patients with psoriasis. Forty-five psoriasis patients (28 women, 17 men, mean age 44 ± 14 years) and 45 age- and gender-matched control subjects without hypertension or diabetes were enrolled in the study. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was used to assess the severity of psoriasis. Urinalysis by dipstick and microscopic evaluation and 24-h proteinuria and albuminuria were measured in all patients and controls. Pathologic albuminuria was defined as albumin excretion of more than 30 mg/24 h. Renal biopsy was performed in psoriasis patients with urinary abnormalities. Patients with psoriasis and controls were not significantly different with respect to the prevalence of abnormal urinalysis (17.7% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.56), mean 24-h proteinuria (145 ± 66 mg/24 h vs. 141 ± 71 mg/24 h, P = 0.54), and albuminuria (21 ± 34 mg/24 h vs. 8 ± 9 mg/24 h, P = 0.31). However, patients with psoriasis had an increased prevalence of pathologic albuminuria compared with controls (24% vs. 2%, P = 0.005). PASI scores in psoriasis patients correlated significantly with 24-h albuminuria (r = 0.458, P = 0.007). Of the eight patients with psoriasis who had urinary abnormalities, four underwent renal biopsy. Two of them had biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis: mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in one and IgA nephropathy in the other. The presence of abnormal urinalysis was not more common in patients with psoriasis than in controls. However, the increased prevalence of pathologic albuminuria and its positive correlation with psoriasis severity may suggest subclinical glomerular dysfunction in these patients.

Summary Background Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by abdominal obesity, mental retardation, dysmorphic extremities, retinal dystrophy, hypogonadism, and kidney structural abnormalities or functional impairment. It is now considered a significant cause of chronic and end-stage renal disease in children. To the best of our knowledge there have been no previous studies on the role of diet in the management of renal functions in patients with BBS. Case Reports Two siblings, aged 32 and 27 years, with BBS are presented. On admission both patients were obese, with body mass indexes (BMI) of 40 and 39 kg/m2. Their creatinine clearances (CrCl) were 41 and 24 mL/min. After 2 years of follow-up with a diet consisting of 0.6 g/kg/day protein and 1400 kcal/day energy, their BMI’s were decreased to 29 and 27 kg/m2, whereas their CrCl’s were increased to 44 and 32 mL/min, respectively. 99mTc-MAG3 scintigraphy also revealed improved renal function. Conclusions Since this syndrome most likely results in end-stage renal disease, follow-up of renal dysfunction is essential. Low protein diet and/or obesity control may slow the progression of renal failure in patients with BBS.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTRA/S) on arterial blood pressure and renal function. METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing PTRA/S at our institution between December 2003 and September 2006 was done. Follow-up data were derived from hospital records. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) was used as the marker of renal function. To evaluate the pre- and post-procedure values in individual patients the paired t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used. RESULTS Thirty-six patients (16 women, 30 men; mean age 59+/-15 years, range: 25-83 years) underwent 43 PTRA/S interventions at our institution. The mean duration of follow-up was 9.3+/-8.6 (range 2-28) months. We observed no significant change in EGFR from pre-procedure to that obtained at follow-up (71.4+/-40.2 mL/min vs.73.3+/-39.0 mL/min; p=0.483). Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), however, was reduced significantly: pre-procedure MABP-123+/-22 mmHg; post-procedure follow-up value of 101+/-14 mmHg (p

Acute renal failure is a well-recognized complication of acute leukaemias. Howevcr, serious renal failure caused by leukaemic infiltration as a primary manifestation is unusual. Here we report two patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting with acute renal failure due to leukaemic infiltration. The first patient died before the administration of specific therapy for leukaemia, whereas the second case recovered after chemotherapy. She was discharged without necessitating dialysis therapy.

To evaluate the effect of citalopram treatment on quality of life (QoL) and depression in 141 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), QoL was measured by means of the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Patients diagnosed with depression were treated with citalopram for eight weeks and evaluated for the effect of treatment on depressive symptoms and QoL. Thirty-four of 141 patients (24.1%) had depression and treatment with citalopram decreased Beck Depression Inventory Scores and increased the emotional role limitation and the mental health subscale scores of SF-36. This study suggests that citalopram can treat depression and improve QoL in patients with CRF.

Objective: We report a case of giant diaphragmatic hydatid cyst which ruptured spontaneously into the intrapleural space in a patient with coexistent giant hepatic hydatid cyst. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 62-year-old female was admitted for dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and right thoracic pain. Clinical findings, laboratory and radiological examinations including multislice computed tomography scan were consistent with the diagnosis of a giant diaphragmatic hydatid cyst which ruptured into the intrapleural space. Surgical intervention was performed through thoracotomy and phrenotomy in a one-stage operation for both cysts. Conclusion: This case shows that hydatid cysts of the diaphragm can rupture into the intrapleural space spontaneously. One-stage operation through thoracotomy may be successful for the surgical intervention for diaphragmatic hydatid cysts with coexistent hepatic cyst.

A patient, who had recently undergone a laparoscopic ovarian cyst operation, receiving nightly automated peritoneal dialysis treatment, was discovered to have peritonitis due to Pseudomonas putida. She was successfully treated with a 21-day course of intraperitoneal ceftazidime and gentamicin, without needing to remove the dialysis catheter. No recurrence was observed over 3 months of follow-up.

A 49-year-old female patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis presented with fever, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. While peritoneal fluid bacterial cultures remained negative, she had no relief after 3 weeks of broad-spectrum antibiotics for possible bacterial peritonitis. In a peritoneal fluid sample, Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was detected by nucleic acid amplification using real-time PCR testing. The initiation of antituberculous therapy (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide) was followed by resolution of fever and abdominal pain within one week. Nucleic acid amplification tests can play an important role in the species-specific diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.

Hyponatremia and its rapid correction may cause osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) with damage to the pontine and extrapontine areas of the brain. The damage may become persistent or may regress and disappear during follow-up. We describe the case of a 35-year-old woman with chronic renal failure who was admitted to the emergency department with profound hyponatremia which was corrected rapidly after hemodialysis treatment. During follow-up, she developed quadriparesis and dysartria. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated abnormalities characteristic of ODS in the pons as well as the basal ganglia with increased signal intensity on T2 and diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI and low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. After the sixth day, her clinical status improved progressively. Control MRI revealed rapid normalization of the ADC values during the first week and month parallel to the clinical improvement. However, the hyperintensities on T2-weighted images persisted. Four months later the MRI findings were completely normal. The close relationship between the ADC abnormality and the clinical status suggests that DW-MRI may be useful in predicting the prognosis of ODS.