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Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic in late 2019. Its clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic infection to severe respiratory failure. Infection control strategies to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving in-center hemodialysis (HD) have been implemented. Development of humoral response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in adult patients with ESRD receiving HD has not been sufficiently reported. Methods: A total of 179 asymptomatic HD patients undergoing regular HD were screened for COVID-19 infection. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed through a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay of nasopharyngeal swab specimens. They were classified into positive and negative groups according to the results of PCR. Results: Of the 179 asymptomatic patients, we found that 23 patients (12.8%) were positive for COVID-19. Their mean age was 45.61 ± 13.38 years. There was a significant difference between both groups regarding C-reactive protein, lymphocytes, and platelet counts (P < 0.001). Also, TAT (thrombin--antithrombin complex) and D-dimer levels were significantly increased among the positive group (11.47 ± 1.51 vs. 7.53 ± 1.64 mcq/L, P < 0.001; 1171.52 ± 267.6 vs. 542.76 ± 107.06 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is detected in HD patients. They carry the risk of hypercoagulability complications. We need more strict infection control measures and proactive diagnosis to limit the spread of the infection and lethal thromboembolic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Contrast induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is known to be a complication of using intravascular contrast injection. Unfortunately, It is associated with adverse outcomes as prolonged length of hospitalization and increased burden of health care costs. So, we aimed to determine the efficacy of febuxostat in prevention of contrast induced acute kidney injury among patients with chronic kidney disease Stage 3 performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: In a randomized controlled trial we enrolled 120 CKD stage 3 Patients with acute coronary syndrome referred to the cardiology department Ain-Shams University hospital for performing PCI and stenting. Patients were randomly assigned to two arms: Group I (study group): Included 60 patients who received Febuxostat added to the traditional treatment (IV hydration and N-acetylcysteine). The patients received Feburic 80 mg within 6- 18 hours before and within 6-18 hours after the coronary intervention (a time gap of 24 hours between two doses).Group II (control group): included 60 patients who received only traditional treatment. Results: The incidence of AKI was higher in the control group with a statistically significant difference. We found that Independent Significant risk factors that led to AKI were febuxostate avoidance, DM, high urea level, high creatinine level, CKD stage 3B, high Mehran score and high AKI risk. Conclusion: We demonstrated that febuxostat has a renoprotective effect and it can help to reduce the incidence CI-AKI in CKD patients stage 3 performing PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a sympathetic neurotransmitter with wide-ranging effects in various organ systems, from the central nervous system (CNS) to the cardiovascular (CV) system, the bone and the renal system. There is a strong association between serum concentration of NpY and deterioration of eGFR and proteinuria as suggested by recent studies [1,2], however, its real effect on chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is uncertain. Purpose of the study: Assess the relationship between NpY and progression of CKD. Settings and Design: An observational, prospective case-control study of thirty CKD adult patients and thirty healthy control adult subjects. Methods and Material: All participants were conducted to renal function tests (serum creatinin, blood urea, serum Na, K, P and Ca and calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate), complete blood count, urinary protein/creatinin ratio, serum NpY and pelvi-abdominal ultrasonography at baseline and repeated for the patients only after six months as follow up. Statistical analysis used: Statistical presentation and analysis of the present study was conducted, using the mean, standard deviation, student t-test, Paired t-test, Chi-square, Linear Correlation Coefficient and Analysis of variance [ANOVA] tests by SPSS V17. Results: The mean of serum NpY was 438.333 ± 206.850 at baseline then became 630.667 ± 264.926 after follow up. Urinary PCR ranged from 0.2- 3.1 at baseline to 0.2- 2 after six months. The patients’ group mean eGFR was 36.900±17.851 and became 31.373±17.852ml/min/1.73m² . Conclusion: Serum NpY could be a useful marker that can be used as diagnostic and progression predictor for CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]