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Diabetes is a pervasive metabolic disorder that notably impacts various body systems, including oral health. One of the critical manifestations of diabetes in oral health is its exacerbating effect on periodontal diseases. Recent advancements in the prevention, screening, and treatment of periodontal diseases have become increasingly significant due to the bidirectional link between periodontal health and diabetes management. This review explores contemporary strategies and technological innovations in the comprehensive management of periodontal diseases among diabetic patients. It highlights the integration of digital dentistry tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and teledentistry in enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes. Preventive measures, including new pharmacological formulations and lifestyle interventions tailored for diabetic individuals, are discussed. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of routine screening protocols that incorporate glycemic control status to refine treatment plans for periodontal therapies. Furthermore, advancements in regenerative therapies, including the application of growth factors and stem cell therapy, are examined for their potential to restore periodontal tissue integrity, offering promising directions for future research and clinical practice. Through a synthesis of recent literature, this review aims to provide insights into effective periodontal disease management strategies that are critical for improving the overall health and quality of life of individuals with diabetes.

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease, offering improved outcomes compared to dialysis. However, factors such as immunological rejection, drug toxicity, and infections limit its success. Incorporating protocol biopsies (PBs) into standard care for kidney transplant recipients varies widely. This study aims to review the literature on the practice, histopathological findings, and benefits of performing PB on allograft function. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and other databases from 2000 to 2023. Studies describing findings of PBs within 2 years posttransplant were included. Data extraction covered study design, immunosuppression, biopsy timing, incidence of subclinical rejection (SCR), clinical rejection, and allograft function measures. Statistical analysis was performed using R and RevMan software. Results: Among 25 studies (3384 patients) included, 8 were randomized controlled studies. Protocol biopsy timing varied, with the highest number performed at 1 year (44.84%). The pooled incidence of SCR was 13%, with heterogeneity across estimates. Subgroup analysis did not reveal significant differences in SCR rates between high- and low-immunologic risk patients. Patients who underwent PBs had lower clinical rejection rates (12.64% vs. 20.17%) and better allograft function. Incidence of calcineurin inhibitor toxicity ranged from 1.2% to 63.4%, and BK virus nephropathy ranged from 0% to 5.9% in included studies. Conclusion: Performing PB at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years posttransplant can reveal SCR and potentially improve long-term graft outcomes. Treatment of SCR may reduce clinical rejection episodes. However, further research, particularly comparing PB with noninvasive methods, is needed to better understand their efficacy and complications in the modern transplant landscape.

Summary: Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI), is a major health concern globally. The International Society of Nephrology's “0 by 25” initiative to reduce preventable deaths from AKI to zero by 2025 is not achievable in low and middle income countries, such as India, possibly due to a lack of data and measures to tackle this urgent public health issue. In India, CA-AKI predisposes younger patients to hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. This is the first multicenter, prospective, cohort study investigating CA-AKI and its consequences in India. Methods: This study included data from patients with CA-AKI (>12 years of age) housed in the Indian Society of Nephrology-AKI registry, involving 9 participating tertiary care centers in India, for the period between November 2016 and October 2019. The etiological spectrum and renal and patient outcomes of CA-AKI at the index visit and at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups were analyzed. The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on outcomes was also analyzed. Findings: Data from 3711 patients (mean [±SD] age 44.7 ± 16.5 years; 66.6% male) were analyzed. The most common comorbidities included hypertension (21.1%) and diabetes (19.1%). AKI occurred in medical, surgical, and obstetrical settings in 86.7%, 7.3%, and 6%, respectively. The most common causes of AKI were associated with sepsis (34.7%) and tropical fever (9.8%). Mortality at the index admission was 10.8%. Complete recovery (CR), partial recovery (PR), and dialysis dependency among survivors at the time of discharge were 22.1%, 57.7%, and 9.4%, respectively. Overall, at 3 months of follow-up, mortality rate, CR, PR, and dialysis dependency rates were 11.4%, 72.2%, 7.2%, and 1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that age >65 years, alcoholism, anuria, hypotension at presentation, thrombocytopenia, vasopressor use, transaminitis, and low SES were associated with mortality at the index admission. Interpretation: Sepsis and tropical fever were the most common causes of CA-AKI. Presentation of CA-AKI to tertiary care units was associated with high mortality, and a significant number of patients progressed to CKD. Individuals with a low SES had increased risk of mortality and require immediate attention and intervention. Funding: This study was funded by the Indian Society of Nephrology.

Abstract We investigated the effect of two dosing regimens of oral iron on iron status and hematological parameters in patients with CKD. In this single center, open label, randomized, active controlled clinical trial, stable adult patients with CKD stage G3–4 with percentage transferrin saturation (%TSAT) ≤ 30% and serum ferritin ≤ 500 ng/ml were eligible. Participants were randomized to receive either 100 mg of ferrous ascorbate once daily (OD group) or 100 mg of ferrous ascorbate twice daily (BD group, total daily dose 200 mg). The primary outcome was change in %TSAT between groups over 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes were changes in other iron status and hematological parameters, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hepcidin. 80 participants were enrolled out of which 76 completed the study. Change in %TSAT was not significantly different between groups (β = − 1.43, 95% CI − 3.99 to 1.12, BD group as reference). The rise in serum ferritin was less in the OD group as compared to BD group (β = − 0.36, 95% CI − 0.61 to − 0.10) whereas MCHC increased in the OD group as compared to decrease in the BD group (β = 0.37, 95% CI 0.067–0.67). These observations need exploration to ascertain the impact of different oral iron dosing strategies in CKD.

The preferential use of convective modes of hemodialysis (HD) for targeting hyper-cytokinemia state in sepsis-related acute kidney injury (AKI) has been questioned for its efficacy. Several studies have used predilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) in critically ill AKI patients with mixed results. In this study, we compared intermittent online postdilution HDF with the standard high-flux (HF) intermittent HD in non-critically ill patients with community-acquired (CA) AKI. In this pilot study, stable patients with CA AKI and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were included and given either postdilution online-HDF (OL-HDF) or standard HF HD outside intensive care units. The primary objectives were to assess the feasibility of conducting the study at a larger scale and to detect the differential impact of convective clearance on the rates of independence from dialysis at discharge or after 30 days. Plasma cytokine clearance was assessed as a secondary objective. Eighty consecutive AKI patients were randomized to receive dialysis in one of the treatment arms after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The baseline parameters of clinical severity, etiology, and indications of dialysis, plus the baseline plasma cytokine profiles, were comparable. Moreover, 83% in the control arm and 71.1% in the intervention arm became independent from dialysis at discharge or at 30 days (P = 0.189). No survival advantage of postdilution OL-HDF was observed (P >0.05). Similar plasma cytokine clearance levels were noted in both arms. The current study confirms the feasibility; however, it does not support the preferential use of postdilution OL-HDF over HF-HD in non-critical patients.

Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is a common cause of adult-onset nephrotic syndrome. Anti-M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies are pathogenic and correlate with clinical outcomes. The role of anti-PLA2R in recurrent PMN is unclear. In the present manuscript, we report five cases of PMN who underwent kidney transplantation (KT) with varying titers of anti-PLA2R pre-kidney transplantation (KT). Two patients with anti-PLA2R in the second and third tertiles had a recurrence of PMN, whereas patients with a negative or anti-PLA2R in the first tertile had no recurrence. The report signals a heightened risk of PMN recurrence in patients with elevated anti-PLA2R antibody titer at KT.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common solid malignancy among renal transplant recipients. While it commonly involves the native kidneys, renal allograft RCC is increasingly being reported in renal transplant recipients. Most often, renal allograft RCCs are locally confined and nephron-sparing interventions are successful treatments. Immunosuppression is typically reduced in transplant recipients who develop malignancies; however, there is no consensus on the same for transplant recipients with a diagnosis of RCC. We report two cases of renal allograft RCC who were successfully managed with ablative therapy and reduction of immunosuppression. However, both the patients developed irreversible graft dysfunction and are wait-listed in the deceased donor program for the second transplant. We highlight the deficiency of evidence and the need for further studies on the aspect of immunosuppression modification after the diagnosis of RCC in transplant recipients.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the care of patients with noncommunicable diseases, including those suffering from kidney-related ailments. Many parts of the world, including India, adopted lockdown to curb community transmission of disease. The lockdown affected transportation, access to health care facilities, and availability of medicines and consumables as well as outpatient and inpatient services. We aimed to analyze the effect of lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the care of patients with kidney diseases in India. Methods: We surveyed 19 major hospitals (8 in the public and 11 in the private sector) to determine the effect of lockdown on the care of patients with kidney disease, including those on dialysis after the first 3 weeks of lockdown. Results: The total number of dialysis patients in these centers came down from 2517 to 2404. Approximately 710 (28.2%) patients missed 1 or more dialysis sessions, 69 (2.74%) required emergency dialysis sessions, 104 (4.13%) stopped reporting for dialysis, and 9 (0.36%) were confirmed to have died. Outpatient attendance in the surveyed hospital came down by 92.3%, and inpatient service reduced by 61%. Tele-consultation was started but was accessed by only a small number of patients. Conclusion: Lack of preparedness before lockdown resulted in an interruption in health care services and posed an immediate adverse effect on the outcome of dialysis patients and patients with kidney disease in India. The long-term impact on the health of patients with less severe forms of kidney disease remains unknown.

Abstract Background Ovarian toxicity is a dreaded complication of cyclophosphamide (CYC). With the use of lower cumulative doses of intravenous CYC (modified NIH regimens) and availability of better markers of ovarian toxicity, the incidence of ovarian dysfunction needs reassessment. Lupus disease activity, by itself, is also believed to affect ovarian function negatively. Methods This single-centre prospective cohort study recruited 50 female patients of severe lupus aged 18–40 years. Twenty-five patients each received induction with either monthly intravenous CYC (0.5–0.75 g/m2) for 6–9 months or daily oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Details of menstrual irregularities; serum levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, and inhibin B; and sonographic assessment of ovarian volume and antral follicular count were done at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Amenorrhoeic patients were re-evaluated at 1 year. Results Mean (SD) age of subjects in the CYC and MMF groups was 31.4 (6.3) and 28.4 (4.4) years, respectively. Mean (SD) SLEDAI at the initiation of therapy was 7.2 (2.5) in the CYC group and 5.8 (3.4) in the MMF group. The mean cumulative dose of CYC used was 4.6 (1.8) g. Three patients in the CYC group (versus none in MMF) had amenorrhoea at 6 months—two of these regained menses within 6 months, while only one (4%) developed sustained amenorrhoea (lasting more than 12 months) at 41 years of age, likely menopause. Serum FSH levels increased (p = 0.03), while AMH (p = 0.002) and inhibin B (p

Introduction: Fungi are ubiquitous organisms and significantly alter the post-transplant course. They are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and more so in developing countries. Aims: To study the clinical profile, etiology, risk factors, treatment, and outcome of fungal infections in post-renal transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational retrospective study from January 2014 to June 2017 wherein renal transplant recipients with invasive fungal infection were included and were followed. Results: Amongst 550 renal transplant recipients, 56 (10.2%) patients developed invasive fungal infection. Mean age of patients was 40.61 ± 10.06 (13-66) years and mean duration of acquiring infection post-transplant was 25.33 ± 23.65 (1-96) months. Male to female ratio was 3:1. Fever was the commonest presentation observed in 89.3% patients. Cough (76.8%), breathlessness (64.3%), sputum (55.3%), hypoxia (50%), and hemoptysis (10.7%) were other common clinical symptoms at presentation. Mean serum creatinine at presentation was 1.70 mg/dl. Most common invasive fungal infection isolated was Mucormycosis 15 (26.7%), foolwed by Aspergillosis 13 (23.2%), Pneumocystis jiroveci 12 (21.4%), Cryptococcus 6 (10.7%), Candida 4 (7.1%), Histoplasmosis 3 (5.3%), Phaeohypomycosis 2 (3.5%), and 5 (8.9%) patients had undetermined fungal etiology. Twenty (35.7%) patients had evidence of dual infection. Use of antithymocyte globulin 27 (48.2%), post-transplant diabetes mellitus 18 (32.1%), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection 16 (28.5%), anti-rejection therapy 9 (16%), and Hepatitis C infection 7 (12.5%) were some identified risk factors. Ten (17.8%) patients had graft loss and 12 (21.4%) patients died in the study period. Conclusions: Invasive fungal infection is a serious threat to renal transplant recipients. Patient and graft survival is significantly affected by fungal infection in developing world.

Sensitized patients, who constitute a considerable proportion of kidney-transplant recipients, often have poor allograft outcomes. Only cell-based complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assays are typically used to quantify donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) in patients in developing nations, owing to financial restraints. We report the clinical outcomes of ten sensitized patients who were stratified and managed based on Luminex single-antigen beads (SAB) method for the DSA detection in a cost-limited set-up. Sensitization events included a history of blood transfusion, multiple pregnancies, and previous allograft loss. Anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies, measured by SAB and reported as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), were considered positive if the value was > 1000 MFI for single antigen. Three best approaches, (1) cadaveric transplants using virtual cross-match for kidney allocation in five patients, (2) desensitization before living donor transplants for four donor–recipient pairs with immunological incompatibility (high DSAs but cross-match compatible), and (3) combined kidney paired exchange with desensitization for one donor–recipient pair with cross-match incompatibility (positive CDC cross-match), resulted in successful allograft outcomes in all the 10 patients during follow-up (range: 3–55 months). DSA by SAB to assess pretransplant immunological risk (in a sensitized recipient) is useful even in cost-limited settings, largely due to reduction of posttransplant rejection rates and avoidance of mortality while on the waitlist.

Invasive mycosis is a serious complication of solid organ transplantation. Fungal infections even if appropriately diagnosed and treated with current antifungal agents, have a high mortality rate. A high index of suspicion is required and an attempt should be made to confirm the microbiological diagnosis from each site involved to rule out multiple infections. We report here a 41-year-old allograft recipient, who presented with fever associated with chills and one episode of generalized tonic clonic seizure 1-year post transplantation. Neuroimaging revealed a brain abscess, stereotactic biopsy from which yielded Scedosporium apiospermum on fungal culture. Whole blood quantitative cytomegalovirus (CMV) polymerase chain reaction done was positive. He also developed pulmonary aspergillosis and secondary hemophagocytosis later in the course of his hospital stay. His tacrolimus and mycophenolate were stopped and he was managed with i.v ganciclovir, amphoterecin b, voriconazole, high dose i.v immunoglobulins and surgical draingae of abscess. With all measures, he showed improvement in his general and neurological condition and maintained good graft function. Scedosporium is a rare cause of brain abscess. CMV co-infection leads to increased chances of other opportunistic infections. Good microbiological workup from each site involved in immunosuppressed subjects is the need of the hour as early diagnosis can lead to lesser mortality and morbidity.

Introduction: Renal transplant recipients now have better graft survival rates, but continue to develop opportunistic infections. The present study was aimed at finding the incidence of opportunistic infections in the tropical environment in live-related transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out retrospectively with the help of medical records at a tertiary care hospital in North India from 2006 to 2010. The demographic and transplant details were noted, and data were analyzed for any possible risk factor. Results: A total of 1270 patients were studied, of which 231 infectious episodes were detected in 196 (15.4%) patients. Within 1 month, 11.7% of patients had infection, whereas 68.4% of patients had at least one infectious episode within the first 6 months of transplant. Bacterial infection (5.9%) followed by tuberculosis (4.9%), viral (3.8%), and fungal (2.1%) were the infections encountered. Aspergillosis (32.1%) was the most common fungal infection, followed by candidiasis and mucormycosis. The most common site of involvement was lung (26.4%), followed by urinary tract (13.0%). The overall patient survival was nearly 90%. Only 20% of patients had functional graft on follow-up in whom the graft was directly involved by a particular infection. Conclusions: Posttransplant infections continue to affect graft and patient survival. Higher rates are seen in the first 6 months posttransplant.

Aim: Recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in the post-transplant setting is variable with high rates of graft loss. Risk factors of recurrence include young age and Caucasian race. Data on outcome of recurrent FSGS from South Asia is scanty. We describe our experience of managing adults with recurrent FSGS with different therapies. Settings and Design: The study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology and Renal transplant surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical education and Research Institute, Chandigarh, India, and this was an observational study. Methods: We analyzed outcomes of patients with biopsy-proven recurrent FSGS over the last 5 years (2012–2017). Recurrence was defined as significant proteinuria (albuminuria ≥ 3+) and a demonstrable FSGS lesion on light microscopy and/or electron microscopy suggestive of diffuse foot process effacement. Results: Thirteen patients with 14 recurrences of FSGS post-renal transplant were identified. Mean age of the patients was 33.15 (±8.32) years. Median time to recurrence of FSGS was 45 days. Plasma exchange (PLEX) alone was used in two patients with 50% in remission. Combined PLEX and rituximab were used in six recurrences with remission in 83.3% of them. Five recurrences were treated with only angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockade (ACEi/ARB) due to financial constraints. Of them, 4 (80%) achieved remission in proteinuria. One patient did not receive any therapy and expired in the 1st month of follow-up. Conclusion: The present series is one of the largest reports of recurrent FSGS from South Asia. Furthermore, the current report strengthens the use of ACEi/ARB in patients with recurrent FSGS.

Both cCTX/GCs and CNIs are recommended as first-line agents in the management of PMN. The present study is an extended report of patients randomized to receive TAC/GCs or cCTX/GCs at 2 years post randomization. Methods: Seventy patients enrolled in the clinical trial Tacrolimus Combined With Corticosteroids Versus Modified Ponticelli Regimen in Treatment of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy: Randomized Control Trial were followed quarterly between 12 and 24 months. At the end of 24 months, 3 patients were lost to follow-up. Results: At 18 months, 66% and 89% (P = 0.04) were in remission in TAC/GCs and cCTX/GCs groups, respectively. At 18 and 24 months, 60% and 86% (P = 0.03) of cases were in remission in the TAC/GCs and cCTX/GCs groups, respectively. At 18 months, 57% and 83% (P = 0.03) of the patients in TAC/GCs and cCTX/GCs groups were in remission without need of any additional immunosuppression (persistent remission) and, at 24 months, 43% and 80% (P = 0.002) were in persistent remission in TAC/GCs and cCTX/GCs groups, respectively. Relapse rate after any remission was 40% and 6.7% in TAC/GCs and cCTX/GCs groups, respectively (P = 0.007). There was an association of aPLA2R titers with remission or resistance (P = 0.006) in relapsing PMN. The significant decrease in eGFR after 12 months of TAC/GCs therapy normalized at 18 and 24 months. Discussion: At 2 years after randomization, relapse rates are higher for TAC/GCs compared with cCTX/GCs in PMN patients. Thus, cCTX/GCs are better than TAC/GCs in the longer term in PMN patients.

Background: Living donor renal transplantation is the dominant type of renal transplantation in developing countries such as India. We looked at factors affecting allograft and patient survival in such circumstances as these could be different owing to unique socioeconomic, demographic, and patient characteristics. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of living donor renal transplantation done at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, over 5 years (2002–2007) to ascertain the factors that affect allograft and patient survival. The relationship of pretransplant characteristics of patient and donor, comorbid conditions, posttransplant immunosuppressive drug regimens, and infectious and noninfectious complications to allograft survival and patient survival were assessed. Results: A total of 554 living donor renal transplantation surgeries were performed during this period. Rates of death-censored renal allograft survival at 1, 3, and 5 years after transplant were 94%, 90%, and 79%, respectively. Independent predictors of death-censored graft loss were BK virus nephropathy, episodes of rejection, and use of immunosuppressive drug protocols other than triple drug regimen of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. The patient survival at 1, 3, and 5 years after transplant in our study was 92%, 87%, and 83%, respectively. Presence of cytomegalovirus disease, recipient age ≥50 years, unrelated transplant (spousal donor or donor beyond first-degree relative), and presence of any opportunistic infection were found to be significant independent predictors of patient survival. Conclusions: Although retrospective, our data have shown comparable rates for allograft and patient survival for living donor renal transplantation in India.

Background: Absolute necessity in acute kidney injury (AKI) and ignorance in chronic kidney disease (CKD) make the use of un-cuffed, non-tunneled catheters an indispensable vascular access for hemodialysis. Although these catheters should be inserted under radiological guidance, it may not be feasible in certain circumstances. The aim of the present study was to evaluate safety and outcome of non-imaging assisted insertion of these catheters in internal jugular vein (IJV) for hemodialysis. Methods: We analyzed 233 attempts of non-imaging assisted un-cuffed, non-tunneled IJV catheterization at our center. The immediate insertion complications, duration of use, rate and type of infection and other complications were assessed. Results: Out of the 233 attempts, 223 (213-right, 10-left) were successful. The most common indication was AKI (n = 127, 54.5%), followed by CKD (n = 99, 42.5%). Successful catheterization at first attempt was achieved in 78.9%. Insertion complications were noted in 12.8% and included arterial puncture (5.2%), hematoma (3.0%) and malposition (2.1%). Amongst 219 catheters followed for 4825 days, the mean duration of use was 22 days. Catheter related infections occurred in 42 patients with an incidence of 8.7 per 1000 catheter days. Bacteraemia was present in 10/36 cases (27.7%), positive catheter tip cultures in 71.4% cases and staphylococcal species were the most common organism. Cumulative hazard analysis by Cox regression revealed a linear increase in the risk for infection with each week. Conclusion: Non-imaging assisted insertion of uncuffed, non-tunneled catheters is associated with slightly higher rate of insertion complication but comparable outcome in terms of infection rate or days of use. Keywords: Hemodialysis, Internal jugular vein catheterization, Catheter related infection

Immunosuppression is an obligate necessity in kidney transplant. However, the standard immunosuppression causes chronic deterioration of allograft function over long term use. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors provide an alternative in such scenario. The mTOR inhibitors engage FKBP12 to create complexes that engage and inhibit the target of rapamycin. Inhibition of the TOR blocks signal 3 by preventing cytokine receptors from activating the cell cycle. mTOR inhibitors are associated with less viral infection and disease in kidney transplants and also beneficial in post-transplant malignancy. There are various strategies of using mTOR inhibitors either as upfront de novo therapy or later on as switch over therapy. They can also be used in cases of complications arising from standard immunosuppression. mTOR inhibitors also have adverse effects which can be managed by dose reduction but may require stoppage in case of serious complications. Surgical issues need to be kept in mind in view of delayed wound healing. mTOR inhibitors add on to the armamentarium of the available immunosuppression and can give excellent results with judicious use. The present review aims to provide updated information regarding the use of these drugs in post-renal transplantation setting.

Recent studies have identified sprue-like illness associated with the use of the antihypertensive agent olmesartan medoxomil. However, whether this condition is specific to the use of olmesartan or is associated with the use of drugs belonging to the class of “sartans” remains to be clarified. A 45-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease along with hypothyroidism and hypertension presented with chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss. Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract showed scalloping and grooving of the duodenum, and histopathological examination showed subtotal villous atrophy. She was on telmisartan for hypertension, which was discontinued. Subsequently, diarrhea ameliorated dramatically, and she regained weight. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report telmisartan-associated sprue-like enteropathy. Further, we have reviewed the cases of patients with sprue-like enteropathy caused by valsartan, irbesartan, and eprosartan.

Angiomyxoma is a scarce neoplasm arising from the soft tissues of perineum and pelvis, more commonly seen in the females. For such a tumor to arise in a renal allograft is rare and has previously been reported only in few case. We report a case of aggressive angiomyxoma arising de novo in the renal allograft nine-year posttransplantation. We describe its imaging features on ultrasound and computed tomography which closely mimic the more usual tumor of the transplanted kidney, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder and suggest that angiomyxoma may be considered as a differential diagnosis in a case of soft tissue mass arising within the renal allograft.

Eosinophilic peritonitis (EP) is an uncommon complication of peritoneal dialysis, which happens usually secondary to either an underlying bacterial, fungal or tubercular infection or as a reaction to intraperitoneal drugs or constituents of the dialysis system like tubings or solution. We report a case of a middle aged male who was initiated on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Because of inadequate inflow and outflow of dialysis fluid, he was given two doses of intraperitoneal streptokinase after ruling out other causes. After the use of intraperitoneal streptokinase, there was turbid effluent with culture showing Staphylococcus aureus. Even after the successful treatment of bacterial peritonitis with intravenous antibiotics, he continued to have turbid effluent, with a predominance of eosinophils in the effluent cell count. A diagnosis of EP was made and he was managed with the antihistaminic drug loratidine, with complete resolution.

To evaluate sequential changes in biochemical bone parameters, parathyroid hormone (iPTH), vitamin D levels and bone mineral density (BMD) over a period of 24 weeks after renal transplantation, we studied 75 patients (58 males, with a mean age of 35.4 years) who underwent their first renal transplantation without a past history of parathyroid surgery or fractures. Serum calcium, phosphorus and albumin were measured before transplant, then weekly for four weeks and monthly for the following 20 weeks. Serum iPTH and vitamin D levels and BMD were measured at baseline and 24 weeks after transplantation. After transplantation, there was a significant fall in serum calcium in the first week, followed by a gradual rise. At 12 and 24 weeks, respectively, 17.5% and 8% patients had hypercalcemia. Serum phosphorus decreased after transplant and at 24 weeks; 25% patients had hypophosphatemia. The iPTH levels declined significantly from 251 ± 218.2 pg/mL before transplant to 97 ± 142.8 pg/mL at the end of the study period. At 12 and 24 weeks, 42.7% and 51.3% patients, respectively, had persistent hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Elevated baseline iPTH levels and graft dysfunction were the risk factors for HPT at 12 weeks, while low vitamin D levels were the risk factor at 24 weeks. The BMD showed a significant decline of 2.7% after transplant, and it negatively correlated with the pre-transplant iPTH levels; the patients who received tacrolimus immunosuppression had a lower decline in BMD than the rest of the patients. No fractures were reported during the study period. We conclude that, after renal transplantation, hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia are common, while a significant proportion of patients have persistent HPT and decline in bone mineral density.

Two male patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) developed a spontaneous hemorrhage of one of their native kidneys and were referred to our institution. Symptoms included sudden onset abdominal pain, hematuria and shock. Symptoms were associated with a hemoglobin decrease. Computerized tomography (CT) was done and nephrectomy undertaken in both the cases. Histologic findings confirmed bleeding and there was no abnormality other than those related to renal insufficiency (cysts and atrophy). In chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients with hematuria, if other common causes are not identified spontaneous subcapsular or renal cyst rupture should be kept in mind. Surgery is our preferred treatment because of the diagnostic dilemma of tumors and the potential mortality of massive hematomas in morbid patients.

Sexual and gonadal dysfunction/infertility are quite common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Forty percent of male and 55% of female dialysis patients do not achieve orgasm. The pathophysiology of gonadal dysfunction is multifactorial. It is usually a combination of psychological, physiological, and other comorbid factors. Erectile dysfunction in males is mainly due to arterial factors, venous leakage, psychological factors, neurogenic factors, endocrine factors, and drugs. Sexual dysfunction in females is mainly due to hormonal factors and manifests mainly as menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, lack of vaginal lubrication, and failure to conceive. Treatment of gonadal dysfunction in chronic kidney disease is multipronged and an exact understanding of underlying pathology is essential in proper management of these patients.

CAPD catheter malfunction is a common problem. Obstruction due to wrapping by appendices epiploicae of sigmoid colon has been rarely reported in literature. We report a case of CAPD catheter malfunction caused by catheter tip migration and obstruction by appendices epiploicae that was successfully managed by laparoscopic hanging loop technique. This case report highlights the ease with which epiplopexy can be performed and catheter tip migration can be prevented by this innovative laparoscopic procedure.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease leading to requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT) over a period of time. Limited availability and high cost of RRT in many countries necessitates the researchers to focus on either prevention or slowing the progression of CKD. High dose probiotics have been hypothesized to metabolize the nitrogenous waste products, thus delaying the requirement of dialysis. The purpose of this short term intervention study was to study the effect of probiotic-prebiotic therapy and diet counseling on nutrition, renal progression, and overall health of CKD patients. Thirty predialysis CKD patients (21 males, 9 females) were included in the study. The diet charts were designed according to the underlying nutritional status and blood parameters. Calorie intake was 30-40 kcal/kg; proteins 0.6-0.8 g/kg (with at least 50% high biological value); potassium 1.5-2 gm./day; and phosphorus