Prevalence of foot ulcers in dialysis-dependent patients.

Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for foot ulceration. The aim of this prospective study was to describe the prevalence and risk factors for foot ulcers in hemodialysis-dependent patients. From 2012 until 2015, all hemodialysis patients (n = 66) above18 years of age, treated at the Alrijne Hospital (Leiderdorp, the Netherlands), were included. Demographics and medical history were collected and the quality of life was measured. Data were collected on common risk factors for foot ulceration: peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy with or without foot deformities, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, smoking, previous foot ulcer, edema, pedicure attendance, and orthopedic footwear. Sixty-six hemodialysis patients were evaluated; the prevalence of foot ulcer was 21/66 (31.8%). Risk factors were history of foot ulceration in 27/66 (40.9%), ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.9, and toe pressure < 80 mmHg in 38/66 (57.6%). The percentage of DM in the group of foot-ulcers was higher 13/21 (61.9%) vs. 20/45 (44.4%) in the non-ulcer group, this was not significant (p = 0.183). No differences were found in ABI, toe pressure, peripheral neuropathy and foot deformity, between the DM and non DM group. The mortality between ulcer vs. no ulcer was significant different: 13/21 (61.9%) vs. 11/45 (24.4%) (p = 0.003). Approximately, one-third of hemodialysis patient have a foot ulcer 21/66 (32%). Arterial insufficiency is associated with an increased risk of foot ulcers. In patients with a foot ulcer, survival is significantly lower than in patients without a foot ulcer; interventions to reduce foot ulceration should be implemented for all hemodialysis patients and include frequent inspection, and prompt treatment. Further research should focus on the prevention of foot ulcers in dialysis-dependent patients.

Hydroxychloroquine as a glucose lowering drug.

The authors report a remarkable glucose lowering side effect of the often used drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) in an otherwise healthy non-diabetic patient, who presented with severe hypoglycaemia. Although the mechanism has not been clarified yet, increased insulin sensitivity as well as decreased insulin degradation is suggested to contribute to the reduction in serum glucose levels. Clinicians prescribing this drug must be warranted and check glucose levels in the initial phase. Moreover, hydroxychloroquine might be applied as therapeutic in refractory diabetic rheumatics or rheumatic patients at risk to develop diabetes mellitus.

Overwhelming primary Epstein-Barr virus infection requiring corticosteroid treatment.

A 20-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of fever and malaise. Physical examination was unremarkable. Viral infection was suspected and Epstein-Barr virus serology confirmed acute infectious mononucleosis. During admission, she gradually developed pancytopenia and liver enzyme abnormalities. The patient clinically deteriorated with persisting fever, orthostatic hypotension and hepatosplenomegaly. Bone marrow examination showed haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids was started and patient recovered quickly. Ferritin decreased immediately, fever resolved within 3 days, viral clearance was reached within 3 weeks. Steroid therapy was gradually tapered off in three months. The Histiocyte Society recommends immunochemotherapy with steroids, etoposide and cyclosporine. Potential side effects of etoposide are severe bone marrow depression and leukaemia. Our patient survived on corticosteroids alone. Early recognition of HLH and prompt treatment are of utmost importance for survival. Treatment with steroids alone can be life-saving.

Randomized, clinical trial comparison of trisodium citrate 30% and heparin as catheter-locking solution in hemodialysis patients.

Interdialytic hemodialysis catheter-locking solutions could contribute to a reduction of catheter-related complications, especially infections. However, they can cause side effects because of leakage from the tip of the catheter. Recently, trisodium citrate (TSC) has been advocated because of its antimicrobial properties and local anticoagulation. In a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, TSC 30% was compared with unfractionated heparin 5000 U/ml for prevention of catheter-related infections, thrombosis, and bleeding complications. The study was stopped prematurely because of a difference in catheter-related bacteremia (CRB; P < 0.01). Of 363 eligible patients, 291 could be randomized. The study included 98 tunneled cuffed catheters and 193 untunneled. There were no significant differences in patient and catheter characteristics on inclusion. In the heparin group, 46% of catheters had to be removed because of any complication compared with 28% in the TSC group (P = 0.005). CRB rates were 1.1 per 1000 catheter-days for TSC versus 4.1 in the heparin group (P < 0.001). For tunneled cuffed catheters, the risk reduction for CRB was 87% (P < 0.001) and for untunneled catheters was 64% (P = 0.05). Fewer patients died from CRB in the TSC group (0 versus 5; P = 0.028). There were no differences in catheter flow problems and thrombosis (P = 0.75). No serious adverse events were encountered. Major bleeding episodes were significantly lower in the TSC group (P = 0.010). TSC 30% improves overall patency rates and reduces catheter-related infections and major bleeding episodes for both tunneled and untunneled hemodialysis catheters. Flow problems are not reduced.