Search

Traditional dietary recommendations for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) focus on the quantity of nutrients consumed. Without appropriate dietary counselling, these restrictions can result in a low intake of fruits and vegetables and a lack of diversity in the diet. Plant nutrients and plant-based diets could have beneficial effects in patients with CKD: increased fibre intake shifts the gut microbiota towards reduced production of uraemic toxins; plant fats, particularly olive oil, have anti-atherogenic effects; plant anions might mitigate metabolic acidosis and slow CKD progression; and as plant phosphorus has a lower bioavailability than animal phosphorus, plant-based diets might enable better control of hyperphosphataemia. Current evidence suggests that promoting the adoption of plant-based diets has few risks but potential benefits for the primary prevention of CKD, as well as for delaying progression in patients with CKD G3-5. These diets might also help to manage and prevent some of the symptoms and metabolic complications of CKD. We suggest that restriction of plant foods as a strategy to prevent hyperkalaemia or undernutrition should be individualized to avoid depriving patients with CKD of these potential beneficial effects of plant-based diets. However, research is needed to address knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the relevance and extent of diet-induced hyperkalaemia in patients undergoing dialysis. Emerging evidence suggests that plant-based diets could help to prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD), manage its symptoms and metabolic complications and delay disease progression. Here, the authors discuss the potential risks and benefits of these diets in patients with CKD, as well as implementation strategies and knowledge gaps.

MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder caused by mutations in the gene for nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA (NMMHC-IIA). MYH9-RD is characterized by a considerable variability in clinical evolution: patients present at birth with only thrombocytopenia, but some of them subsequently develop sensorineural deafness, cataract, and/or nephropathy often leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We searched for genotype–phenotype correlations in the largest series of consecutive MYH9-RD patients collected so far (255 cases from 121 families). Association of genotypes with noncongenital features was assessed by a generalized linear regression model. The analysis defined disease evolution associated to seven different MYH9 genotypes that are responsible for 85% of MYH9-RD cases. Mutations hitting residue R702 demonstrated a complete penetrance for early-onset ESRD and deafness. The p.D1424H substitution associated with high risk of developing all the noncongenital manifestations of disease. Mutations hitting a distinct hydrophobic seam in the NMMHC-IIA head domain or substitutions at R1165 associated with high risk of deafness but low risk of nephropathy or cataract. Patients with p.E1841K, p.D1424N, and C-terminal deletions had low risk of noncongenital defects. These findings are essential to patients' clinical management and genetic counseling and are discussed in view of molecular pathogenesis of MYH9-RD. Fil: Pecci, Alessandro. University of Pavia; Italia Fil: Klersy, Catherine. IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation; Italia Fil: Gresele, Paolo. Università di Perugia; Italia Fil: Lee, Kieran J. D.. University of Leeds; Reino Unido Fil: De Rocco, Daniela. Università degli Studi di Trieste; Italia Fil: Bozzi, Valeria. University of Pavia; Italia Fil: Russo, Giovanna. University of Catania; Italia Fil: Heller, Paula Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas; Argentina Fil: Loffredo, Giuseppe. Pausilipon Hospital. Department of Oncology; Italia Fil: Ballmaier, Matthias. Hannover Medical School; Alemania Fil: Fabris, Fabrizio. Università di Padova; Italia Fil: Beggiato, Eloise. Hospital “Città della Salute e Della Scienza”; Italia Fil: Kahr, Walter H. A.. University of Toronto; Canadá. Hospital for Sick Children. Division of Hematology/Oncology; Canadá Fil: Pujol Moix, Nuria. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; España Fil: Platokouki, Helen. “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital; Grecia Fil: Van Geet, Christel. University of Leuven. Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology; Bélgica Fil: Noris, Patrizia. University of Pavia; Italia Fil: Yerram, Preethi. University of Missouri; Estados Unidos Fil: Hermans, Cedric. St-Luc University Hospital; Bélgica Fil: Gerber, Bernhard. University Hospital Zurich, Division of Hematology; Suiza Fil: Economou, Marina. Aristotle University; Grecia Fil: De Groot, Marco. University of Groningen; Países Bajos Fil: Zieger, Barbara. University Medical Center Freiburg; Alemania Fil: De Candia, Erica. Catholic University of Rome; Italia Fil: Fraticelli, Vincenzo. Giovanni Paolo II Foundation; Italia Fil: Kersseboom, Rogier. Erasmus Medical Centre; Países Bajos Fil: Piccoli, Giorgina B.. Università di Torino; Italia Fil: Zimmermann, Stefanie. Goethe Universitat Frankfurt; Alemania Fil: Fierro, Tiziana. Università di Perugia; Italia Fil: Glembotsky, Ana Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas; Argentina Fil: Vianello, Fabrizio. Università di Padova; Italia Fil: Zaninetti, Carlo. University of Pavia; Italia Fil: Nicchia, Elena. Università degli Studi di Trieste; Italia Fil: Güthner, Christiane. Stadtspital Triemli. Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology; Italia Fil: Baronci, Carlo. Pediatric Hospital "Bambino Gesù"; Italia Fil: Seri, Marco. Università di Bologna; Italia Fil: Knight, Peter J.. University of Leeds; Reino Unido Fil: Balduini, Carlo L.. University of Pavia; Italia Fil: Savoia, Anna. Università degli Studi di Trieste; Italia

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice to restore fertility to women on renal replacement therapy. Over time, immunosuppressive, support therapies and approaches towards high-risk pregnancies have changed. The aim of this study was to analyse maternal-foetal outcomes in two cohorts of transplanted women who delivered a live-born baby in Italy in 1978-2013, dichotomized into delivery before and after January 2000. METHODS A survey involving all the Italian transplant centres was carried out, gathering data on all pregnancies recorded since the start of activity at each centre; the estimated nationwide coverage was 75%. Data on cause of ESRD, dialysis, living/cadaveric transplantation, drug therapy, comorbidity, and the main maternal-foetal outcomes were recorded and reviewed. Data were compared with a low-risk cohort of pregnancies from two large Italian centres (2000-14; Torino and Cagliari Observational Study cohort). RESULTS The database consists of 222 pregnancies with live-born babies after transplantation (83 before 2000 and 139 in 2000-13; 68 and 121 with baseline and birth data, respectively), and 1418 low-risk controls. The age of the patients significantly increased over time (1978-99: age 30.7 ± 3.7 versus 34.1 ± 3.7 in 2000-13; P < 0.001). Azathioprine, steroids and cyclosporine A were the main drugs employed in the first time period, while tacrolimus emerged in the second. The prevalence of early preterm babies increased from 13.4% in the first to 27.1% in the second period (P = 0.049), while late-preterm babies non-significantly decreased (38.8 versus 33.1%), thus leaving the prevalence of all preterm babies almost unchanged (52.2 and 60.2%; P = 0.372). Babies below the 5th percentile decreased over time (22.2 versus 9.6%; P = 0.036). In spite of high prematurity rates, no neonatal deaths occurred after 2000. The results in kidney transplant patients are significantly different from controls both considering all cases [preterm delivery: 57.3 versus 6.3%; early preterm: 22.2 versus 0.9%; small for gestational age (SGA): 14 versus 4.5%; P < 0.001] and considering only transplant patients with normal kidney function [preterm delivery: 35 versus 6.3%; early preterm: 10 versus 0.9%; SGA: 23.7 versus 4.5% (P < 0.001); risks increase across CKD stages]. Kidney function remained stable in most of the patients up to 6 months after delivery. Multiple regression analysis performed on the transplant cohort highlights a higher risk of preterm delivery in later CKD stages, an increase in preterm delivery and a decrease in SGA across periods. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy after transplantation has a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with the general population. Over time, the incidence of SGA babies decreased while the incidence of 'early preterm' babies increased. Although acknowledging the differences in therapy (cyclosporine versus tacrolimus) and in maternal age (significantly increased), the decrease in SGA and the increase in prematurity may be explained by an obstetric policy favouring earlier delivery against the risk of foetal growth restriction.

Organ shortage for transplantation has focused attention on educational interventions. Italy is a nonhomogenous country whose cultural and economic differences are reflected in the health-care system: dialysis is mainly public in the north versus private in the south; and transplantation rates display a wide range from 3.4 to 37.8 per million people in 2002. The aim of the present study was to analyze the opinions of population of high school students (last two years) in two large cities: northern (Torino) and southern (Napoli) Italy, as a knowledge base for a randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of educational interventions on renal replacement therapy and organ donation, targeted to high school students. Methods This preliminary study included eight public high schools that completed a first and anonymous semistructured questionnaire. Five hundred and eighty nine questionnaires were retrieved in Torino and 539 in Napoli. In both cities most students answered that they would give a kidney to a brother, sister, or partner needing dialysis (Torino: yes 80.6%; no 2.2%, uncertain—blank 17.2%; Napoli: yes 86.1%, no 1.1%; uncertain—blank 12.8%). Only 36.3% of the students in Torino and 37.7% in Napoli answered that they would consent to organ donation, if they had to choose for a strict relative with brain death. Opposition was 28% in Torino and 23.7% in Napoli; 35.7% in Torino and 38.6% in Napoli were blank—uncertain. These data underline the need for detailed information on the opinions of the overall population as basis for tailored educational campaigns.

BackgroundConsent to therapy is increasingly requested in the form of “informed consent”.ObjectiveTo validate an evidence-based informed consent form for erythropoietin (EPO) therapy and to evaluate patient opinions about the informed consent approach.MethodsAn evidence-based informed consent form was developed as part of the Evidence-Based-Medicine course at the Medical School of Turin, Italy. It was validated by anonymous questionnaires (0–10 analogical scales and open answers) administered to patients at different stages of CKD (19 pre-ESRD, 26 hemodialysis, 12 transplant patients) attending an outpatient unit of the University of Turin, to 8 nurses, and to 26 medical students.ResultsAll individuals filled in the questionnaire. Interest in a detailed explanation of the therapy was high (median 9), as was comprehension (median 9), with no differences between patients with regard to disease stage (pre-ESRD vs. RRT) or educational level. Prior knowledge of the therapy was affected by the educational level (p=0.013 for the advantages and p=0.004 for the side effects) and the professional role (patients vs caregivers: p=0.009 for the advantages and pConclusionsPatient interest in and comprehension of an informed consent form with a detailed explanation of the therapy was high; the caregiver's opinion was still the most valued teaching tool.

One of the most feared problems in DHD is the risk of vascular access failure, so that it often limits the diffusion of this technique. Available data are limited; moreover, in most cases data regard home hemodialysis (HHD) patients, with the problem of the risk of a selection bias. The aim of the study was to evaluate the number of fistula complications (occlusion, infections, necessity of surgical treatment, angioplasty or urokinasi) in two groups of patients either on a DHD or on other dialysis schedules, in patients at home or in Limited Care Center. In the period considered (total period about 1500 patient-months; HHD: non DHD 463, DHD 278 months; Limited Care Center: non DHD 613, DHD 140 months) we registered 37 events (12 with vascular access occlusion, 11 with necessity of surgical treatment, 14 with necessity of other intervention, angioplasty or urokinasi). In particular, we registered 23 events in HHD (18 non DHD, 6 with vascular access occlusion and 5 DHD, 3 with vascular access occlusion, respectively 4/100 and 2/100 patient-months), 14 events in Limited Care Center (8 non DHD, none with vascular access failure and 6 DHD, 3 with vascular access failure, respectively 1/100 and 4/100 patient-months). Survival curves according to Kaplan-Meier didn’t show significant differences for DHD group; a worse survival was shown for HHD patients. In a Cox-proportional hazard model history of previous vascular episodes and HHD were independent risk factors (RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.06–3.83 and RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.15–3.39 respectively; overall score 0.04), while a protective role for male sex was present (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30–0.96). In conclusion: The increased number of punctures in DHD didn’t cause, in our study, an increase in the risk of vascular access occlusion. The surprise was the disadvantage of HHD compared to dialysis in Limited Care Center, contrary to all expectations. Results from this observational study will be study in depth (relationship with previous vascular problems, hypotension, body weight loss, biochemical risk factors, dialysis efficiency) and for a more prolonged period.

The Evidence Based Medicine is a new approach looking for implementation in the academic teaching of Internal Medicine. Objective: to include this subject in our post-graduate medical school, in the curriculum and as a research project. Methods: since 2000, each year one of the post-graduate nephrology fellows starts a Cochrane revision with the tutorial help of Nephrologists and Methodologists. Results: two titles were accepted for inclusion within the Cochrane Library (“Haemodialysis frequency for end stage renal disease” and “Home versus in-centre haemodialysis for end stage renal disease”) and one protocol will be published in the 4th issue 2002. The main methodological and clinical point of the accepted protocol are: – explanation, in the background section, of the state of the art and of the reasons why to perform a systematic review in this field; – explicitation of criteria for including studies (study design, type of participants, type of interventions, outcome measures) and for assessing methodological quality of the studies; – elaboration of a sensible and reproducible search strategy aimed to identified any relevant article (even not published) seeking electronic bibliographic databanks (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CIHNAL), patients’ websites and ESRD registries (www.renalnet.com, www.kidney.org); – identification of any sources of heterogeneity between studies; – elaboration of statistical analysis using a specific and validated program (Rev.Man) tailored for testing for heterogeneity and for combining data related to the identified studies in a metanalysis when appropriate. Conclusion: the direct involvement of the post-graduate Nephrology school in the systematic reviews is a precious didactic tool.

BackgroundDialysis is often neglected in academic teaching. At the University of Torino, Italy, teaching Nephrology (4thyear of Medical School) consists of 21 hours of formal lessons, 10 hours/student of interactive lessons (4/10 dedicated to dialysis) and 10 optional lessons (3 regarding dialysis). Interactive and optional lessons widely employ computer assisted teaching. Aim of the study was to evaluate student satisfaction on this approach.MethodsStudent satisfaction was assessed on 4 sample lessons (166 students), by two short dedicated questionnaires (0–10 scale, open questions).ResultsHigh scores were given to the dialysis lessons (median 8/10). Computer assisted interface (median 8/10, range 6–10) was of help in check of knowledge in real time (86%), enhancing participation (61%); 62% suggest extending this experience to selected courses, 38% to all.ConclusionsMedical students consider dialysis an important part of the academic teaching of Nephrology; new interfaces may help to enhance student satisfaction.

Relationships between viruses and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are still elusive. Recent reports demonstrated the association of some viral infections with peculiar clinical events in the general population, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) with arterial damage and Parvovirus B19 (PV-B19) with hematologic abnormalities. We planned to look for this kind of viral imprinting in SLE, hypothesizing that traces of specific features of some viral infections might be found in some subsets of seropositive SLE patients. In 60 SLE patients recruited at our nephrologic center, serology for CMV, PV-B19, Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA), Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) and Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) was performed. χ2 and ANOVA were employed to compare the frequency and titers of antiviral antibodies in SLE patients with groups of transplant, hemodialysis and blood donor subjects. χ2, Fisher’s test, Bonferroni and Scheffe’s test were employed to compare the different biochemical/clinical features between seropositive and seronegative SLE patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression models) were employed to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) of different risk factors for vascular events (including Raynaud’s phenomenon, deep venous thrombosis) and hematologic abnormalities (including severe anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia). Anti-CMV (82%), anti-PV-B19 (60%), anti-EBV-VCA (92%) and EBV-EA (45%) IgG antibodies were frequent in SLE, with higher prevalence in comparison with the blood donor group and higher titers in comparison with transplant and hemodialysis groups. CMV seropositivity was a highly significant risk factor for Raynaud’s phenomenon (OR +α in univariate and multivariate analysis = 13.51 using a correction of 0.5 in case of a zero event), but not for venous vascular events (OR = 1.31). An increased though not significant risk factor was found for antiphospholipid antibodies (OR = 2.71, p = 0.19), while the presence of nephrotic syndrome during the follow-up was a significant protective factor (OR = 0.15, p = 0.035). There was no significantly increased OR for PV-B19 seropositivity in cases with severe anemia (OR = 2.09, p = 0.29). No significant associations were found with the status of EBV reactivation. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that viral infection may imprint the course of SLE leading to specific clinical subsets (i.e. CMV and ‘vascular’ SLE, with more frequent Raynaud’s phenomenon and a less frequent typical histological renal picture responsible for nephrotic syndrome). Further prospective studies are justified to validate these correlations, mainly dealing with associations between acute viral infections and vascular events, thus eventually leading to a better understanding of mutual relationships between viruses and SLE.

Background “Social risk behaviors” are usually considered as contraindications for organ donation. The organ shortage, however, necessitates expansion of the donor pool. Reconsideration of the policy toward substance abusers may be important. Opinions of the overall population may be of use to define this cultural-sensitive issue. Methods A semistructured questionnaire on organ donation, including opinions on drug use (cannabis and cocaine), was administered to various groups of the general public and caregivers: high school students (liceo classico: 59 students, median age 18 years; istituto tecnico: 108, age 17); first- and fourth-year medical school (77, age 19; 46, age 22); continuing medical education (44, age 32); third-year nursing school (31, age 23); “senior citizen university” (51, age 63). Results Cannabis use was mainly accepted for kidney donation (48.6% yes, 26.6% no, 29.8% uncertain/blank), but cocaine use was not (22.1% yes, 44.2% no, 33.7% uncertain/blank). In the univariate analysis, opinions differed according to age, sex, and belonging to the health care teams upon multivariate analysis being a member of the health care team was the strongest predictor of responses ( P Conclusion It is difficult to define social risk behaviors. Since opinions are important for organ donation, further studies and discussion are needed to periodically analyze our policies.

Restarting dialysis after kidney transplantation is a critical step with psychological and clinical implications. Maintenance of residual renal function a known factor affecting survival in chronic kidney disease, has so far not been investigated after a kidney transplantation.A 54-year-old woman who started dialysis in 1974 (first graft, 1975-1999) received a second "marginal" kidney graft in February 2001 (donor age, 65 years). Her chronic therapy was tacrolimus and steroids. She had a clinical history as follows: nadir creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dL, moderate-severe hypertension, progressive graft dysfunction, nonresponsiveness to addition of mycophenolate, tapering FK levels, and a rescue switch from tacrolimus to rapamycin. From October to December 2003, the creatinine level increased from 2-2.8 to 7 mg/dL. Biopsy specimen showed malignant and "benign" nephrosclerosis, posttransplantation glomerulopathy, and tacrolimus toxicity. Chronic dialysis was started (GFR3 mL/min). Rapamycin was discontinued. Dialysis was tailored to reach an equivalent renal clearance of15 mL/min (2 sessions/wk). Blood pressure control improved, nephrotoxic drugs were avoided, and fluid loss was minimized (maximum 500 mL/hr). By this policy, renal function progressively increased to GFR10 mL/min in May 2004, allowing a once or twice weekly dialysis schedule, with good clinical balance, and obvious advantages for the quality of life.This long-term patient, who restarted dialysis with severely reduced renal function, regained sufficient renal function to allow once weekly dialysis. Thus, careful tailoring of dialysis sessions at the restart of dialysis may allow preservation of residual kidney function, at least in individuals for whom a subsequent graft is unlikely.

Among the so-called social risk behaviors, male homosexuality is probably one of the most interesting and difficult taboos. Because of changing attitudes of the general population toward irregular sexual behaviors, often considered as markers of unhealthy life styles, there is a need to reconsider at least the most important one-homosexuality.A semistructured questionnaire included opinions on homosexuality with respect to kidney donation: Would you consider a male homosexual as a kidney donor? If you were on dialysis, would you accept a kidney from a homosexual donor? This instrument was administered to various groups of the general public and caregivers: high school students (Liceo Classico: 59 students, median age 18 years; Istituto Tecnico: n=108, median age 17); first and fourth year of medical school (n=77, age 19; 46, age 22); continuing medical education (n=44, age 32); third year of nursing school (n=31, age 23); "senior citizen university" (n=51, age 63).Male homosexuality was well accepted for kidney donation (71.6% yes, 9.6% no, 18.8% uncertain/blank). However, the opinions were different among the groups with male students of a technical institute showing discrimination against male homosexuals. In the univariate analysis, opinions differed according to age, gender, and belonging to the health care team. In the multivariate analysis, the latter was the strongest predictor (P.01). The specific threats for the health are not well known, even among the caregiver population.It is difficult to define the role of homosexuality among the so-called social risk behaviors. Negative attitudes existed in some subsets of the population.

The definition of acute pyelonephritis is controversial. There are two contrasting approaches: (1) acute pyelonephritis is a severe infectious disease involving the kidney parenchyma, and specific imaging techniques are required for diagnosis; (2) acute pyelonephritis is a urinary tract infection, and diagnosis and therapy follow simplified clinical and laboratory pathways. In this study, recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically reviewed and the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to acute 'uncomplicated' pyelonephritis were analysed. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR) and Chinal were searched employing Mesh, Emtree and free terms on 'pyelonephritis'. Limits included human, period (1995-2004), and trials-reviews (where available). In total, 904 references and 175 full-text were retrieved; 29 were pertinent RCTs. Seven RCTs were added from reference lists (indexed on urinary tract infections). Imaging examinations were performed in 11 of 14 studies on children (diagnostic requisite in two) and in two studies on adults; scarring was not analysed in adults. Clinical definitions varied widely (fever >37.8 to >39 degrees C, culture titres 10(4) >10(5)). Studies on adults were limited to short-term end-points (microbiological sterilization, clinical improvement). Duration of therapy was 4-20 days. The trend was towards shorter periods of therapy, mainly on an outpatient basis; intravenous therapy, if performed, was usually limited to the first 1-3 days. For acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis, the tendency is towards 2 weeks of mainly oral antibiotic therapy. However, the recent literature on adults does not discriminate among different upper urinary tract infections nor does it provide data on renal scarring. While cost constraints point towards short-term therapies, further studies are needed to assess the prevalence and long-term effect of kidney scars.

Background: Acute pyelonephritis is a potential cause of kidney scars. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between clinical, laboratory and imaging data and the development of kidney scars in acute pyelonephritis. Methods: All consecutive patients hospitalized for acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis in our nephrology unit from June 1996 to June 2004 were considered: 58 females, median age 25.6 years (16–52). Diagnosis of pyelonephritis required parenchymal lesions shown by CT or NMR scan. Results: The lesions were bilateral in 17.2% (10/58) patients, unilateral, but multifocal in 81.0% (47/58); at CT or NMR, 65.5% of the lesions were classified as simple, 19% with tendency to colliquation and 15.5% abscessual. The median interval between first symptoms and diagnosis was 5 days (1–25); at referral, only 20.7% had a positive urine culture and 94.8% (55/58) had undergone previous antibiotic treatment. The therapeutic protocol required intravenous therapy for ≥2 weeks, followed by 2–4 weeks of oral therapy. At 6–8 months, the prevalence of kidney scars was 29.3%. Their development was highly correlated with the type of lesions at diagnosis (highest risk with abscessual lesions; uni- and multivariate analysis). No other clinical or laboratory marker (age, fever, positive cultures, levels of acute phase reactants, interval between onset and diagnosis) was correlated with the outcome (scars). Conclusions: The type of lesion at diagnosis of acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis is highly correlated with the development of kidney scars. Further studies are needed to test the therapeutic schedules tailored according to the imaging data.

Vascular lesions are an increasing challenge after renal transplantation due to the wider indications for recipients and acceptance criteria for donors. Diagnostic approach and prognostic interpretation are still matter of controversy. The case reported herein may summarize some of the issues in this regard. A 54-year-old woman, on renal replacement therapy since 1974, and a kidney graft recipient from 1975 to 1999, received a second graft in 2001. The donor age was 65 years (cold ischemia 22 hours; two mismatches). The early posttransplant follow-up was characterized by delayed graft function, hypertension, and diabetes. During the initial hypertension workup, renal graft ultrasound (US) Doppler demonstrated increased vascular resistances, stable over time (resistance index 0.74 to 0.77); renal scintiscan displayed homogeneously parenchymoa and angio-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an homogeneous parenchymal vascularization. Initial immunosuppression with tacrolimus and steroids was modulated by adding mycophenolate mofetil to taper tacrolimus (to reduce nephrotoxicity and hypertension). Despite this, kidney function slowly deteriorated; serum creatinine reached 3 to 3.5 mg/dL by the second year. After a severe hypertensive crisis with unchanged scintiscan and US doppler examinations, angio-MRI revealed the almost complete disappearance of parenchymal enhancement beyond the lobar arteries. A renal biopsy confirmed the severe vascular damage. The patient was switched to rapamycine and a low-dose of an angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. She did relatively well (serum creatinine 2.2 to 3 mg/dL) for 6 months, when rapid functional impairment forced her to restart hemodialysis. This case, almost paradigmatic of the problems occurring when the rigid vasculature of long-term dialysis patients is matched with “marginal kidneys,” suggests that MRI may be a sensible good to define vascular damage in the grafted kidney.

Background The negative impact of the mass media, the lack of information, and the request for in-depth knowledge are the basis for the present need for educational programs on transplantation, brain death, and chronic kidney diseases end-stage renal disease; (ESRD). The aim of the present article was to critically review the activities performed by Il Gallo di Esculapio, a nonprofit association, in the education on the different phases of ESRD. The associates are physicians and patients, and the activities are integrated institutionally. Methods This report is a narrative review of the material produced and performed by Il Gallo di Esculapio ONLUS in 1996–2004. Results The two main activities developed were book writing and an educational program. Eight books for patient education were written on different aspects of dialysis, transplantation, and ESRD. Most were designed as theses of the Medical School. Cooperation with patients was important in all cases and fundamental for the collection of interviews. Education A 4-hour educational program on transplantation started in 2000–2001 (1 high school was involved). The checklist originally included only transplantation and organ donation, but progressively gave space also to dialysis, ESRD, and social health care problems. In 2003–2004 the program involved 67 high schools. The association coordinated progressive patient involvement. Conclusion Small, nonprofit patient-physician associations linked with the University allow enrolling resources for educational activities to often-neglected parts of the medical profession.

Living kidney donation is an important clinical option, encountering different fortunes in the world.To analyse the opinions of a large subset of older teenagers attending high school (7999 students, median age 18) on different aspects of living kidney transplantation.Analysis of semistructured questionnaires submitted within an educational campaign on dialysis and transplantation in the high schools of Torino and its county (about 2,000,000 inhabitants).Over 90% of the students had already heard of transplantation, mainly via television (88.4% county, 84.5% city). 80% would donate a kidney to a family member (3.5% wouldn't, 16.5% uncertain); answers were correlated with sex (females more than males p0.0001), school type (istituti tecnici versus licei p=0.007), interest (yes versus other p0.0001). A lower percent of individuals would receive a kidney (58.4% county, 59.4% city), only 10% would ask for donation. Over 40% of students consider legally buying a kidney a patient's right, only 26.6% would discourage this choice. The answers were correlated with the reverse pattern as for non-mercenary donation with type of school (licei more than istituti tecnici: p0.0001), sex (males versus females p0.0001), interest (not versus yes: p=0.002).Teenagers are favourable towards all forms of living kidney donation. The lower prevalence of positive answers on acceptance versus donation suggests that fears of endangering the donor's health may be one of the causes for a low living donation rate in our setting. The mixed answers on mercenary donation suggest discussing this complex issue in future educational programs.

Background Informed consent is crucial in therapeutic choices; however, the forms presented to patients are often locally developed and information may not be homogeneous. Objective To prepare an evidence-based model for informed consent, applied in the case of erythropoietin therapy (EPO) as a teaching tool for medical students. Methods Methodological tools of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) were developed within the EBM Course in the Medical School of Torino, Italy, as problem solving and patient information tools (5th year students work in small groups under the supervision of statisticians, epidemiologists and experts of internal medicine - nephrology in this case). Results Methodological and ethical problems were identified: in the pre-dialysis field, evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCT) is scant; how to use evidence gathered in dialysis? How to deal with implementation? How with the mass media? Do we need to discuss the drug choice with the patients? How to deal with rare and severe side effects?). The “evidence” was searched for on Medline/Embase, by using key-words and free terms. About 680 papers were retrieved and screened. Forms available on the Internet were retrieved and a general scheme was drawn: it included 5 areas: title, aim and targets (patients and family physicians); search strategies and updating; pros and cons of therapy; alternative options; open questions. Conclusions EBM may offer valuable tools for systematically approaching patient information; the inclusion of this kind of exercise in the Medical School EBM courses may help enhance the awareness of future physicians of the correct communication with patients.

Maintenance of residual renal clearance is a clinical advantage, protecting against the long-term effects of uremia: although demonstrated in peritoneal dialysis, the strategies in hemodialysis are less clear. This case suggests that dialysis schedules individualized on the basis of renal clearances may help preserve residual function. SB is a 58 year-old male who started dialysis in emergency (creatinine 30.7 mg/dL) in 1993. He had a history of gout, small shrunken kidneys and moderate hypertension. The clinical diagnosis was vasculointerstitial nephropathy. Eighteen months after starting hemodialysis on a conventional thrice weekly schedule, the patient was switched to 2 sessions/week (creatinine clearance increased to 6 ml/min). Thereafter, clearances were checked in alternate months and treatment was tailored to an equivalent renal clearance 12 ml/min (1–2 sessions, 2-3.30 hours/week). Ten years after beginning dialysis, he is on a twice weekly schedule (3.30 hours), is normotensive, works full-time and does not want to go on a transplant waiting list.

Aim. To evaluate the results of treatement of erectile dysfunction (ED) in kidney transplant recipients before and after the advent of sildenafil. Materials and Methods. From 1981 through 2002, 971 male patients of mean age 53.4 years received a renal graft. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was investigated in all patients at the first urologic visit posttransplantation. Psycho-sexual support was offered to all patients. Before sildenafil use (1998), our diagnostic approach was complex. From 1998 we tested: serum levels of testosterone, prolactin, and glucose with penile duplex ultrasonography and NPT reserved for selected cases. Results. From 1981 through 1998, 365 male kidney transplant recipients (45%) reported ED. Only 169 patients chose to be treated: 27 responded to psycho-sexual therapy; 3 received testosterone with benefit; 133 had a good results from intracavernosal injection of vasoactive drugs; and 6 received a penile prosthesis. Since 1998, 126 patients reported ED (78.3%). Only 78 chose treatment: 24 patients had a satisfactory response to sildenafil (65% with 50 mg and 35% with 100 mg). PGE1 alone or in combination with papaverine and phentolamine produced a good response in 37 patients; 17 patients did not respond to pharmacotherapy; and 5 received a tricomponent penile prosthesis without complications. The side effects of sildenafil and PGE1 therapy were similar to those reported in the literature. Conclusions. ED is an important problem in male renal transplant recipients. Cultural resistance to treatment is common. However, treatment with sildenafil citrate and intracavernosal self-injection of PGE1 are well accepted, and prosthetic devices may help in resistant cases.

Background Continuing Education in Medicine (CEM) underlines the importance of updates and information for the health care team. Our aim was to describe the organization and results of a CEM course “educate to organ donation” that involved the nursing team in an educational experience with high school students. The course consists of theory (4 hours; the physician–patient relationship, the educational role of the nurse, the teaching policy, checklist, and results of a school education program) and practice (10 hours; the attendants join the teaching team in the classrooms and in the plenary session). Analysis of anonymous questionnaires performed after the course contained semistructured questions and analog scales. Results The first acknowledgment came from the Cabinet of Public Health, which gave the maximum number of credits (14 for 14 education hours). Participation: presently 40 nurses, about 40% of those working in the renal unit (over 30 CEM courses are available in the hospital). Satisfaction: Overall score was median 8.5 (6 to 10) including teaching materials = 8 (4 to 10). Among the theoretical part, the lesson on patient–physician relationship obtained the highest score. The main drawback was the shortness of the practical part. The classroom meeting achieved a median score of 9.5 (7 to 10), the general session = 9 (5 to 10). All but one nurse registered for an “advanced” course, giving more time to the practical part (20 hours). Conclusion CEM may represent an important way to deliver education on transplant-related issues to patients and to the general population.

Renal transplantation in patients who have undergone coronary revascularization remains a matter of concern, few experiences have been reported in literature. From January 1997 to March 2003, 23 previously revascularized patients underwent renal transplants from cadaveric donors. We analyzed patient survival and cardiac events in this group of patients (group A) versus a similar population of 38 revascularized patients who were still on dialysis (group B) on the active waiting list (awl). After a similar follow-up (29.30 +/- 21.34 months versus 32.98 +/- 31.33 months; P = .56), survival was 100% for renal transplant patients and 94.74% for dialysis patients, two of whom (5.26%) died from acute myocardial infarction and four (10.52%) were excluded from the waiting list because of cardiac problems. The event-person ratio was 0.51 for group A patients (75% of events clustered within the first 6 months) and 0.71 for group B. The need for therapy with nitrates decreased from 11/23 (47.8%) to 6/23 (26%) after transplant. The ejection fraction remained stable (53.82% +/- 10.4% vs pre-Tx value of 54.8% +/- 9.4%). Renal survival was 100% (sCr = 1.4 +/- 0.4 mg/dL). Although no statistical significance has emerged, there was a general trend in favor of transplanted patients. On the basis of this experience we believe that coronary revascularization per se should no longer be a matter of concern for renal transplantation, which could be superior to dialysis for this type of patient.

Background The attitude toward living donation varies widely in the world, for economic and cultural reasons. In Italy, as in other Mediterranean settings, the role of living kidney donation is minor. Aim To analyze the reasons for this attitude, we gathered data in a general population sample of high school students in a large northern Italian industrial city (Torino, about 900,000 inhabitants). Methods Semistructured questionnaires (n = 1676), gathered in 2001 to 2002 in 14 high schools, in the context of an educational program on dialysis, renal transplantation, and organ donation, were analyzed presumably reflecting opinions gathered before the educational intervention. Results Most students, in the case of a close relative or partner needing dialysis, answer that they would donate a kidney (yes: 78.2%, no: 2.9%, uncertain—blank: 18.9%); receiving a living donor kidney is felt as disturbing: only 57.5% of the students would accept it (no: 5.9%, uncertain—blank: 36.6%), mainly because of fear of long-term problems for the donor. Donation from an older to a younger person is seen more positively than vice versa. Conclusion In our settings, the attitude of the teenagers on living donation is positive; however, while “giving” is positively seen, the presence of unresolved fears is witnessed by the lower acceptance of the idea of “taking.” These data suggest to focus on the risks of kidney donation in educational campaigns and in patient-physician information. The positive attitude shared by the teenagers supports the working hypothesis that lack of information is one of the determinants of the low living donor transplantation rate in our area.

Background In this era of globalization, in which different cultural and economic barriers are progressively abated, in the context of the development of rapid information networks such as the Internet, physicians are increasingly challenged by clinical and ethical questions. Kidney vending, banned in some countries, legal or tolerated in others, may be the prototype of the ethical aspects of health-care globalization. Methods To test the interest and the opinions of medical school students, a simulated case was proposed to students attending a seminar within the nephrology course fourth year of the Medical School of Torino, san Luigi): an Italian patient comes to the nephrologist's office asking for advice on the possibility to legally buy a kidney in a foreign country. The 43 students attending the lesson answered a semistructured questionnaire (15 boys, 28 girls, of median age 23 years). Attendance was within the usual standards (50 students inscribed per year). From the clinical point of view, 11.6% were favorable to kidney vending, 51.2% were contrary, 37.2% were uncertain. From the ethical point of view, no student was pro, 81.4% were contrary, and 18.6% were uncertain. The open comments underline the importance of patient self-determination and of informed consent. Similar opinions were recorded in a nonstructured question: “What should physician's attitude be, in the face of a choice he/she doesn't share?” Conclusion Students' uncertainties and doubts underline the need to discuss ethical scenarios in the clinical teachings of the medical school.

Background Therapeutic compliance is fundamental on dialysis; however following a therapy requires a prior understanding of it. Aim of the study was to assess the need and interest for information on dialysis efficiency and to prepare a dedicated teaching tool. Methods 72 patients, on hemodialysis in two limited-care satellite units, were given a questionnaire testing knowledge and interest on dialysis efficiency. In a subsequent second phase, following patients' suggestions, a cartoon book was prepared and opinions recorded. Results 63 patients' returned the questionnaire. 79.4% had basic knowledge on routine blood tests, 30.1% were aware of their specific meaning. All patients asked for further information, preferring books to other media. The book “Kt/V as cartoon” was distributed; 71.2% read it, 93% scored it as good-very good. In the Unit employing flexible dialysis schedules, 22/42 patients increased dialysis time. Conclusions Despite insufficient knowledge on dialysis efficiency, patient interest is high. An educational program is feasible and may also give practical results, such as self-increase in dialysis time.

Background Nephrotic syndrome due to diabetic nephropathy is presently considered an indication for pancreas-kidney transplantation even in the absence of severe renal failure. Reversal of the nephrotic syndrome has been reported, but the mechanisms of this effect are unclear. Aim To describe the renal morphofunctional pattern and the pattern of proteinuria before and after preemptive pancreas-kidney transplantation. Methods Methods included quantitative and qualitative assessment of proteinuria as well as renal ultrasound and scintiscan. Case report A 42-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes since age 24 had widespread end-organ damage. Renal biopsy (2001) showed a mainly nodular pattern of diabetic nephropathy. Following referral (1999), her serum creatinine ranged from 1.6 to 2.2 mg/dL, with nephrotic range proteinuria (glomerular nonselective, tubular complete). Renal scintiscan revealed bilateral, symmetric, well-perfused kidneys. The functional data before pancreas-kidney graft (February 2003) were: serum creatinine 1.6 mg/dL, creatinine clearance 58 mL/min, serum albumin 2.6 g/dL, proteinuria 9.1 g/d. At hospital discharge (March 2003), the creatinine was 1.2 mg/dL, the creatinine clearance 97 mL/min, the proteinuria 0.676 g/d. Two months later, the creatinine was 1.2 mg/dL and proteinuria 0.421 g/d. A renal scintiscan demonstrated the functional prevalence of the grafted kidney (77% of total function), with vital, almost completely excluded native kidneys (functional contribution, 11.5% each). Proteinuria, ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 g/d, showed a physiological pattern. Conclusions Functional exclusion of the native kidneys by renal scintiscan gives morphological support to reversal of the nephrotic syndrome.

Background. Interest in the humanities in the medical school is growing; while several medical schools, mainly of Anglo-Saxon background, have developed dedicated courses, the experience in Italy is limited. Methods. Since the academic year 2000 to 2001, a discussion of ethical problems was implemented in the nephrology course (fourth year of the Medical School of Torino, Italy; overall 6 years). In 2002 to 2003, a case entitled Retransplantation of Multiple Organs (Prog Transplant 2002) was discussed in 2 hours of small-group tutorial teaching: a boy received a renal graft at age 5, failed at age 7 due to recurrent glomerulonephritis, required a heart-kidney graft at age 11, and a second heart-kidney graft at 17. Student opinions were gathered by anonymous semistructured questionnaires at the beginning of the lessons as a basis for discussion. Results. Following the lessons all students returned the questionnaires (n = 104). In the absence of competition for allocation, retransplantation was approved by 76.2%, unacceptable for 1% (22.9% uncertain-blank). With a waiting list of 10 patients, the opinions changed: 32.4% approved transplantation, 6.7% didn't approve it, 60.9% were uncertain. A theoretical categorization into deontological or utilitaristic approaches favored the first (41.9% vs 26.7%), with a high prevalence of blank-uncertain (31.5%); 21.9% of the students would change their opinion was that study head of the Transplant Department. Conclusion. Ethical aspects of the medical profession have been discussed with interest by medical school students; the high prevalence of uncertain answers and requests to develop specific tools underline the importance of this educational approach.

While the costs of renal transplantation are lower than those of dialysis, little is known about the costs of managing the waiting list. We performed a cost analysis of admission and clinical management of a waiting list for renal and pancreas-kidney transplantation. Admission to the waiting list included (1) renal graft from cadaver: minimum cost Euros () 1784.56 for men55 years, maximum 2127.85 for women/= 55 years; (2) pancreas-kidney transplantation: minimum 2475.50 for men, maximum 2540.10 for women/= 35 years. Check of suitability state on waiting list after 2 and 5 years: minimum 1400.15 for men/= 55 years (check every 2 years), maximum 1467.07 for women/=40,55 years (every 5 years). The differences are related to the imaging techniques: from 43.90 (Doppler ultrasonography) to 283.28 (coronary angiography). Maintenance of the waiting list: minimum cost 1885.21 in the first year and 3187.02 in the (fifth year) for men55 years; maximum 2228.50 (first year) and 5116.70 (fifth year) for women/= 55 years. These results show different costs for recipients on the basis of sex and age ranges, due to the different requirements for imaging tests such as cardiac scintiscan at age/= 55 years) and economic charges that increase with age. Reduced waiting times allow lowered total costs. This evaluation allowed us to calculate for our region (Piemonte, Northern Italy), the management costs of the patients presently on our waiting list (369 patients at December 31, 2002) from preparation to transplantation as 959,179.18.

Aim Organ shortage is a rate-limiting factor for transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an educational program targeted to high school students on opinions concerning organ donation. Methods Sixteen public high schools in Torino, Italy, were randomized (2001 to 2002) as interventions ( n = 8) or controls ( n = 8). Intervention was composed of first questionnaire, first lesson (one to two classes; 2 hours, by a trained nephrology fellow); second lesson (all classes together; coordinated by a nephrologist, with patients and trainees); second questionnaire. Control included questionnaires. Statistical analysis compared the opinions in the questionnaires after stratification for age, sex, and type of school. Results Fourteen schools completed the program (seven interventions: 937 first and 808 second questionnaires; controls: 739 and 659). Television (82.5%) and newspapers (43.2%) were the main sources of information; knowledge on renal transplantation (grafts feasible per patient, average duration) was low; only 12.2% of the students gave correct answers. The opinions on living donation were highly positive (76.8%) with no difference in control, intervention schools, first and second questionnaires, according to sex, age, or type of school. The opinions on cadaveric transplantation were affected by the educational intervention with a drop in negative answers (from 33.7% to 16%), with an increase in positive (from 31.5% to 42.9%) and in uncertain ones (from 34.8% to 41.1%) among the intervention schools; 98% of the students appreciated the program. Conclusion The positive effect on student opinions suggests the need to develop educational approaches as a part of our routine clinical work.

Survival has been defined as an index of adequacy of dialysis. These hard data are the basis for comparing results obtained by different schedules or policies. The aim of the study was to assess mortality rate recorded within a system of tailored dialysis (1–6 dialysis per week in out-of-hospital settings: home hemodialysis, self- and limited care dialysis). Data recorded in a single center (1998–2003) were compared with data gathered in the Registry of Dialysis and Transplantation in the whole Region (1998–2000). Methods: Out-of-hospital dialysis unit is active since 1971, in which a new program integrating self- and limited care and home dialysis started since 1998. Patients: Incident dialysis patients starting renal replacement therapy within the program and all further patients starting dialysis in the Region in the same period were compared in an historical prospective cohort study. Results: 55 patients in the Unit and further 1443 patients in the whole Region started RRT since 1998. Main features of 55 patients were 32 males 23 females; median age 51 years, range 20–76; 72.7% displaying at least 1 comorbid factor. Throughout the period gross mortality rate was 4/125 patient-years in the Center. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a 1-year survival of 100% vs. 91%, respectively, in the Center and in the whole Region, and a 2-year survival of 95.5% vs. 76.6%, respectively, in the Center and in the whole Region (p = 0.001). The main demographic features were remarkably different in both settings (for the whole Region median age 66 years, range 2.2–101, at least 1 comorbidity in 56.9% of patients). In an attempt to correct for the different baseline characteristics, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed. The whole model resulted in statistically significant value (p = 0.000) and an increasing mortality risk resulted for age at starting dialysis, diabetes, and collagenopathy. In conclusion, tailored, high-efficiency dialysis policy may allow superior survival results. A longer follow up is needed to confirm our approach; in larger cohorts, the finding of a low mortality rate in a relatively young population with high comorbidity may underline the need to review our current concepts on dialysis adequacy.

Renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy accounts for approximately 28% of all new hemodialysis patients in the United States (1), where an acceptance rate of about 130 per million population (p.m.p.) has been reported.

The distribution of different diseases, considered as mortality and morbidity causes, is a crucial clue to the knowledge of the epidemiological charachteristics of a population. Aim of the present study was to assess the distribution of different causes of death in two cohorts of dialysis patients, affected by diabetic nephropathy or by all other forms of renal diseases and to compare the incidence of the different causes of death in dialysis patients and overall population.

La mortalite cardiovasculaire reste tres importante chez l’insuffisant renal dialyse. Diamant alpin est une etude de cohorte, prospective et multicentrique (CHU, CHG et centres prives, n = 8) menee en France, Italie et Suisse incluant 279 patients au moment de la prise en charge en dialyse. Les objectifs de l’etude'sont la recherche de FDR cliniques ou biologiques (phenotype et genotype), en particulier l’hyperho-mocystinemie. Critere de jugement La mortalite et la morbidite cardiovasculaires (coronaire, AOMI, AVC) survenant lors du suivi systematique dans les deux ans. Population Cent soixante dix-sept hommes et 102 femmes âges en mediane de 66 ans (de 22 a 92 ans). Quatre-vingt-dix pour cent de ces patients etaient hypertendus, 29 % presentaient une dyslipidemie traitee, 29 % un diabete et 18 % fumaient au moment de la prise en charge en dialyse. En consequence, 26 % des patients avaient une localisation de maladie atheromateuse a expression clinique (essentiellement coronaire) et 16 % avaient 2 localisations de maladie atheromateuse. Une nephropathie vasculaire etait en cause pour 30 % des patients. Methode statistique Kaplan meyer, test du Log rank et modele de Cox ; p Resultats La probabilite de survenue d’un evenement cardiovasculaire est de 24 % a un an et de 35 % a deux ans. En analyse multivariee, les facteurs de risque cliniques de survenue d’un evenement cardiovasculaire sont les antecedents connus d’atteinte atheromateuse (OR = 5 si deux localisations connues et OR = 2 si une seule localisation connue) et l’âge superieur a 75 ans (OR = 1,7). Sur le plan biologique, une CRP > 10 mg/1 et un taux de Lp(a) > 300 mg/1 sont associes a un OR de 1,7. Un taux d’homocystinemie > a 30 μmoles/1 est associe a un OR de 2,5. Les patients homozygotes pour la MTHFR ont un OR de 1,7. Cette caracteristique genetique est particulierement informative si le taux d’homocystinemie est a 30 μg/1 (OR = 0,9 NS). Les autres genotypes etudies (enzyme de conversion de l’angiotensine, PAI, ApoE) ne sont pas significatifs. Conclusion Cette etude confirme le haut niveau de risque cardiovasculaire des patients pris en charge en dialyse. Parmi les FDR identifies, un taux d’homocystinemie superieur a 30 mg/1 est un FDR independant. Compte tenu du contexte d’insuffisance renale, le seuil usuel de 14 μ/1 doit donc etre modifie pour l’homocystine.