Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and 3 (TIMP-3) as New Markers of Acute Kidney Injury After Massive Burns.

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication after massive burn injury. One of the postulated etiologies is destruction of the extracellular matrix of nephrons, caused by a local imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and specific inhibitors. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) during the first 5 days after massive thermal injury and the relationship with the risk of AKI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-three adults (22 men, 11 women) with severe burns were enrolled in the study. The values of TIMPs 1 to 4 were measured in blood serum and urine using the multiplex Luminex system. The associations between TIMPs and the risk of AKI were analyzed by using the generalized linear mixed models for repeated measurements. RESULTS Significant changes in serum and urine activities of TIMPs were confirmed, especially during the first 2 days after burn injury. Almost half of patients presented renal problems during the study. Significant differences between values of TIMPs in AKI and non-AKI status were also observed. However, a significant relationship between concentration of TIMPs and risk of AKI was confirmed only for urine TIMP-1 and serum TIMP-3. CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of TIMPs in the early stage after burn injury has potential benefits. The important roles of urine TIMP-1 and serum TIMP-3, as novel markers of the risk of AKI development, were confirmed. Other parameters require further analysis.

Introduction to Amniotic Membranes in Maxillofacial Surgery-A Scoping Review.

Background: Amniotic membrane (AM) holds significant promise in various medical fields due to its unique properties and minimal ethical concerns. This study aims to explore the diverse applications of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) in maxillofacial surgery. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted on databases, namely Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, from January 1985 to March 2024. Articles in English, Polish, and Spanish were included, focusing on keywords related to amniotic membrane and oral surgery. Results: Various preservation methods for HAM were identified, namely fresh, decellularized, cryopreserved, lyophilized, and air-dried formats. Clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of HAM in repairing oral mucosal defects, vestibuloplasty, oronasal fistula closure, cleft palate treatment, bone defect repair, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Surgeon evaluations highlighted the ease of handling but noted challenges in suturing and stability during application. Conclusions: Amniotic membranes offer a versatile and effective option in maxillofacial surgery, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and providing a scaffold for tissue regeneration. Further research, including randomized trials and comparative studies, is warranted to validate the efficacy and optimize the utilization of HAM in clinical practice.

Platelet-Rich Plasma - a remedy present in every human being. History, functioning, and the benefits of therapy using it.

Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous product used in restorative medicine. It contains a high concentration of platelets, which are rich in growth factors and other biologically active substances known for their ability to stimulate regenerative processes in the body. Currently, research is being conducted into the use of platelet-rich plasma in many areas of medicine. This publication provides information on the nature, mechanism of action, therapeutic properties and application of autologous platelet-rich plasma in medicine. Furthermore, ongoing investigations explore its potential in wound healing, orthopedics, dermatology, and even in dentistry, showcasing its versatility and promising outcomes across various medical disciplines. Additionally, the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapies are subjects of continual scrutiny, aiming to refine protocols and expand its clinical utility with robust scientific evidence. The growing interest in this regenerative approach underscores its potential as a valuable tool in modern medical practice. Platelet-rich plasma therapy represents a promising avenue for personalized medicine, offering tailored treatment approaches that capitalize on the body's own healing mechanisms to promote tissue repair and regeneration.

Etiology of gingival recession - a literature review.

Gum recession is a common problem that in most cases does not cause any bothersome symptoms to the patient. They can affect people of any age and are most often diagnosed on the vestibular surfaces of the teeth. They are manifested by the exposure of part of the root through the apical migration of the gingival margin. Its etiology is not fully understood, but it is known that it consists of many factors. The authors discussed such factors as inflammation, gum biotype, patient's age, mechanical and chemical damage, smoking, presence of tartar, cervical defects and their reconstruction, orthodontic treatment, occlusal overload and iatrogenic factors. Additionally, important risk factors also include genetic predispositions and abnormalities in the immune system. In addition, certain hygiene habits, such as improper brushing techniques or lack of regular check-ups at the dentist, may also contribute to the development of gum recession. Understanding the comprehensive nature of these factors is crucial to the effective treatment and prevention of this common condition. It is also worth taking into account the importance of educating patients on proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to prevent gum recession.

The Review of Current Knowledge on Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL).

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a 25-kDa protein that is secreted mostly by immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Its production is stimulated in response to inflammation. The concentrations of NGAL can be measured in plasma, urine, and biological fluids such as peritoneal effluent. NGAL is known mainly as a biomarker of acute kidney injury and is released after tubular damage and during renal regeneration processes. NGAL is also elevated in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients. It may play a role as a predictor of the progression of renal function decreases with complications and mortality due to kidney failure. NGAL is also useful in the diagnostic processes of cardiovascular diseases. It is highly expressed in injured heart tissue and atherosclerostic plaque; its serum concentrations correlate with the severity of heart failure and coronary artery disease. NGAL increases inflammatory states and its levels rise in arterial hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic complications such as insulin resistance, and is also involved in carcinogenesis. In this review, we present the current knowledge on NGAL and its involvement in different pathologies, especially its role in renal and cardiovascular diseases.

IMPACT OF E-CIGARETTES ON THE ORAL HEALTH - LITERATURE REVIEW.

E-cigarettes are electronic devices used to inhale aerosols generated from the vaporization of flavored liquids. Nowadays, the use of e-cigarettes has become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional smoking. The wide variety of devices and liquids makes it challenging to assess the health effects of using e-cigarettes. During the vaporization of e-liquids, toxins, carcinogens, and various other chemicals can be released and inhaled by the user. Limited data exist regarding the potential health impact of exposure to e-vapors, primarily derived from animal studies and in vitro research. The oral tissues are the first site of direct interaction with the components of the inhaled vapor. While e-cigarettes are commonly portrayed as safer alternatives to tobacco cigarettes, little is known about the short- or long-term health effects of their use. The aim of this review is to briefly present the available data regarding the impact of chemical ingredients and toxins present in e-cigarette vapors on oral cavity cells.

Worsening functional status in nephrogeriatrics needs to be accounted for when clinically assessing CKD advancement in addition to GFR; supporting evidence based on the practical application of theoretical modelling.

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been found to increase with age. This has resulted in an increase in the number of elderly patients undergoing renal replacement therapy. There is a significant risk of error in making treatment decisions in patients with advanced CKD based solely on biochemical parameters of renal function, if the changes in the functional status of patients' health are not taken into account.AimTo determine the interrelated dependencies between chronic kidney disease with the functional status of patients aged over 65 years and to elucidate differences in functional status between CKD patients and controls.MethodsPatient subjects were qualified according to their assessed outcomes from the study protocol, which were achieved by: geriatric interview, assessing functional status by the IADL, Barthel and Tinetti tests together with assessing kidney function by performing laboratory tests of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine and urea. Subjects were divided into two groups: method 1-according to GFR and method 2-according to GFR and functional test results. The data were statistically analysed by structural equation modelling and k-means.ResultsPositive relationships were found between the CKD stage and comorbidity (ß = 0.55, p < 0.01), along with the number of medications taken and age (respectively ß = 0.19, p = 0.001 and ß = 0.30, p < 0.001). A highly negative relationship was observed between the CKD stage and the Tinetti test results (ß = -0.71, p < 0.001), whilst more moderate ones were found with the IADL and Barthel scores (respectively ß = -0.49, p < 0.001 and ß = -0.40, p < 0.001). The patient groups demonstrated differences in health status when selected by method-2 for: age, comorbidity, number of medications taken, fitness test outcomes (Tinetti, Barthel and IADL tests at p < 0.005). Those groups divided according to GFR, however only showed differences in age, comorbidity and the number of medication taken (p < 0.005).ConclusionsThe functional status worsens in geriatric patients suffering from CKD. It may thus be important to also account for disruptions to functional status when assessing CKD advancement in the elderly in addition to the GFR. The biggest problems for the over 80 s suffering from CKD are gait and balance disorders, leading to a high risk of falls. Another common problem is polypharmacy, found in both the geriatric population and particularly in those suffering from CKD.

Manifestations of renal involvement in sarcoidosis - case series.

Renal involvement is observed in 30% of sarcoidosis cases, but the exact occurrence is unknown, and the current numbers are estimated to be underestimated. The most common manifestation of renal sarcoidosis is interstitial nephritis, but other presentations are also possible, with specific histopathological and laboratory findings. Glomerulopathies, nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis are among the most commonly seen types of renal involvement. CASE REPORTS: We would like to show a case series describing four patients with varying renal manifestations of sarcoidosis: membranous nephropathy, granulomatous interstitial nephritis, IgA nephropathy and chronic kidney disease. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis can precede, present simultaneously with or follow the onset of renal manifestations. Our patients also showcase varying clinical pictures of renal sarcoidosis with different changes in renal parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The involvement of kidneys in sarcoidosis is multifaceted and may pose a diagnostic difficulty, and a diagnostic kidney biopsy is often needed. Chronic sarcoidosis patients should undergo regular screening for renal involvement to introduce proper management quickly and effectively.

Selected aspects of genetic disorders in chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be caused by many conditions. The most common reasons are diabetic nephropathy, hypertension - associated nephropathy, cardiovascular disease. Although there are different reasons of deterioration of kidney function, many of them have combined molecular mechanisms by modulating metabolic homeostasis, autophagy, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation. The aim of this paper is to present known molecular bases of CKD development in the course of other selected diseases to research why different patients are more prone to the CKD than others with the same condition. Selected aspects of genetic conditions were conducted, such as gene polymorphism of sirtuins, APOL1 gene polymorphism, the role of reactive oxygen species. More research is needed to understand the genetics of CKD and its' affecting the process of diagnostics and treatment.

[Diagnostic difficulties of IgG4-related disease - a case report]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne choroby zwiazanej z IgG4 ­ opis przypadku.

IgG4-related disease belongs to the group of immune-mediated diseases. It is a relatively new condition, classified in 2003. It is characterized by involvement of multiple organs, over time causing organ failure. The observed radiological changes are slow growing. As a rule, the course of the disease is subclinical, which means that the diagnosis is often made incidentally, retrospectively and many years after the onset of symptoms. In the initial stage of diagnosis, it is often confused with Sjögren's syndrome, systemic vasculitis, or neoplastic disorders. A CASE REPORT: We report the case of a female patient who was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis at the age of 34. The patient was qualified for renal replacement therapy with chronic hemodialyses in 2020 due to end-stage renal disease. In the same year, the patient was hospitalized for pneumonia of unknown etiology. After discharge from the hospital, the patient developed fever up to 39oC, chills, and pleural fluid. A suspicion of systemic disease was raised. Computed tomography of the chest showed enlargement of the anterior and middle mediastinum with increased densitization of adipose tissue and enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes. Antibiotic therapy was introduced, followed by systemic corticosteroids, resulting in clinical improvement and remission of infiltrative lesions in radiological studies. The differential diagnosis excluded neoplastic lesions of the left lung, systemic connective tissue diseases, e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic vasculitis. Taking into account the whole clinical picture the suspicion of IgG4-related disease was raised. After the treatment, serum IgG4 level was found to be normal at 36.6 mg/ dl, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were negative, rheumatoid factor was not elevated, complement component 4 (C4) was normal, complement component 3 (C3) decreased to 71 mg/dl (n: 90-180 mg/dl). Treatment with prednisone 10 mg/day was maintained. Histopathologic reanalysis of the renal biopsy (from a biopsy performed in 2012) was performed, which showed lymphocytic infiltration in the renal interstitium with segmental vascular loop sclerosis in the glomeruli and the presence of abundant granular IgG4 deposits in the glomerular mesangium by immunofluorescence. CONCLUSIONS: IgG4-related disease poses great diagnostic difficulty due to its non-specific and long-term course. Patients usually seek help with various specialists many years before the full picture of the disease is presented. It is poorly understood as it is a recently described condition (two decades ago). The classification criteria of IgG4 disease developed in 2019, the growing number of publications and recommendations being developed give hope for better understanding and more efficient diagnosis of the disease.

Complications associated with patent urachus in starting of peritoneal dialysis.

Urachus is a tubular connection between the umbilical cord and the bladder of developing foetus and tends to degenerate during perinatal period to form an impatent median umbilical ligament. Failure to degenerate results in patent canal between the bladder and the umbilicus called "patent urachus" which may lead to serious of symptoms such as umbilical discharge, dermatitis, umbilical infection, abdominal pain or recurrent urinary tract infections. The Tenckhoff catheter is a tube used to perform peritoneal dialysis that is inserted through abdominal wall into peritoneum either by open surgery, minilaparotomy, laparoscopy or needle-guidewire technique. A CASE REPORT: A 57-years old man was admitted to the hospital after implantation of Tenckhoff catheter by percutaneous technique in order to start peritoneal dialysis treatment. His medical history was: endstage chronic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy), type 2 diabetes and hypertension. After the infusion of dialysate the patient experienced sudden urine pressure and passed significant amount of urine. The CT scan showed the tip of catheter being placed inside the urinary bladder. The catheter was introduced through the abdominal wall into the canal of previously undiagnosed patent urachus. The decision about re-surgery was made to stitch urachal remnants and place new the Tenckhoff catheter. Awaiting the surgery patient temporary started hemodialysis. In ongoing observation patient did not present any complications associated with peritoneal dialysis treatment.

Risk Factors Associated with All-Cause Death Among Dialysis Patients with Diabetes.

BACKGROUND Patients receiving dialysis who also have diabetes mellitus have high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with all-cause death among Polish patients with diabetes receiving dialysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective observational study included 100 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were treated with peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Blood laboratory tests, the occurrence of diabetes complications, and comorbidity, using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, were estimated. Survival analysis was performed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, and Kaplan-Meyer survival analyses with log-rank tests were performed to show differences between groups. RESULTS During 16.0±5.0 months, 23 patients died. The deceased group had significantly higher levels of HbA1c (P=0.046) and fructosamine (P=0.011) than the surviving group. The deceased patients also had higher comorbidity scores (P=0.013). In the stepwise multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack was an independent risk factor of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 3.15, 95% CI 1.34-7.39; P=0.009), while regular physical activity significantly reduced the risk of all-cause death (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08-0.87; P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS Deceased patients had higher HbA1c and fructosamine levels and higher comorbidity. However, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack was an independent risk factor of all-cause death, while regular physical activity was associated with the reduction of the risk of all-cause death in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes treated with peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Regular physical activity should be recommended to improve survival in this population.

Influence of the Expression of Personality Traits on Growing Intensity of Interdialytic Disorders and Change of Pro-Health Behaviors in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the influence of socio-demographic and clinical factors on personality trait expression and their relationship with more intense interdialytic disorders and changes in health behaviors of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 200 participants were recruited for the research (84 women and 116 men; aged 61±12 years): 160 patients had CKD stage G4-G5 and 40 healthy participants constituted a control group. A diagnostic poll method was used in the research employing the following questionnaires to collect socio-demographic and clinical data: Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ), Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Researcher's Questionnaire Test. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in the intensity of personal traits at different stages of treatment. The influence of factors resulting from CKD on the expression of personality traits increased with subsequent stages of treatment. Depression intensity was not connected with the expression of personality traits. A higher frequency of reported interdialytic disorders was significantly related to a higher degree of openness and conscientiousness and a lower degree of agreeableness. Increased extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness were significantly correlated with more intense health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Personalities of patients with CKD changed with subsequent stages of treatment and were influenced by socio-demographic and clinical factors. Personalities affected the frequency of reported interdialytic disorders and health behaviors.

Renal Cortical Perfusion Estimated in Color Doppler Dynamic Tissue Perfusion Measurement in Patients Treated with Levothyroxine Following Total Thyroidectomy for Resectable Thyroid Cancer Is Independently Associated with Free Thyroxine: A Single-Center Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND The thyroid state significantly influences renal function. However, a direct link between thyroid and kidney dysfunction has not been identified. Thyroid hormones affect cardiac output and vascular resistance, and thus can modify kidney perfusion. This prospective study aimed to test the association between renal cortical perfusion (RCP) estimated in color Doppler sonographic dynamic tissue perfusion measurement (DTPM) with thyroid hormones in 36 patients treated with levothyroxine following total thyroidectomy for resectable thyroid cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, and DTPM of the renal cortex were performed. To exclude possible reading errors, the intrarater reliability of the ultrasound perfusion measurement method was estimated. RESULTS The absolute difference between the 2 ultrasound RCP measurements was 5.2±4.4%. RCP correlated significantly with free thyroxine (FT4) (r=0.46; p=0.006) but not with triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. In the adjusted to age backward stepwise multivariable regression analysis model, including estimated glomerular filtration rate, mean arterial pressure, and FT4, only FT4 was independently associated with RCP (R²=0.21; p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS Renal cortical perfusion is independently associated with free thyroxine, which can contribute to renal function abnormalities in the condition of impaired thyroid function. This small prospective study from a single center showed that the renal cortex's color Doppler sonographic dynamic tissue perfusion measurement had very good intraobserver reproducibility.

Assessment of the correlation of commonly used laboratory tests with clinical activity, renal involvement and treatment of systemic small-vessel vasculitis with the presence of ANCA antibodies.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the correlation of commonly used laboratory tests with clinical activity, degree of kidney involvement and treatment of systemic small-vessel vasculitis with the presence of ANCA antibodies. METHODS: The study included 28 patients with active AAV (BVAS ≥ 3). The following tests were performed: MPO-ANCA, PR3-ANCA, peripheral blood count, ESR, CRP, procalcitonin, creatinine, GFR, urea, albumin, fibrinogen, d-dimer, components of the C3 and C4 complement systems, urinalysis with sediment evaluation and diurnal proteinuria. The assessments were conducted twice: at study entry (A0) and after 6 months (A6) (BVAS = 0). RESULTS: At the time of inclusion in the study, the mean creatinine concentration was 3.39 mg/dl (GFR 33.17 ml/min/1.73 m²), after achieving remission in 11 patients (39.3 %) GFR remained below 30 ml/min/1.73 m², 4 patients (14.3 %) continued renal replacement therapy, and 3 patients (10.7 %) with advanced renal failure died. Microscopic hematuria occurred in 80.9 % of the studied population, withdrew in most patients, strongly correlated with renal involvement p < 0.001 and was not related to disease severity p = 0.147. CRP, ESR, fibrinogen, d-dimer, albumin and hemoglobin in the peripheral blood showed a strong correlation with the clinical activity of AAV and well identified severe patients. High procalcitonin concentrations correlated with a severe form of the disease, pulmonary involvement with respiratory failure and alveolar hemorrhage (mean 3.41 ng/ml, median 0.91 ng/ml, SD 7.62, p = 0.000), and were associated with the occurrence of infectious complications and the need to administer antibiotic therapy. ANCA antibodies were useful in the evaluation of patients with AAV, the amount of antibodies did not correlate with the severity of vasculitis (p = 0.685) and the results in many patients did not match the expected assumptions. CONCLUSIONS: CRP, ESR, fibrinogen, d-dimers, albumin and hemoglobin in the peripheral blood correlate well with the activity of vasculitis and identify severe patients. The resolution of microscopic hematuria suggests remission of the disease in the renal area. Procalcitonin may be slightly increased in patients with active AAV without infection, high concentrations are strongly associated with infectious complications. ANCA antibodies should always be interpreted in the context of the observed clinical symptoms.

Hypercalcemia in the nephrology department patients - incidence, etiology and impact on renal function.

Hypercalcemia (HCM) is predominantly caused by primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) or malignancy. It's incidence varies from 0.17% to 4.74%. Its numerous manifestations include renal symptoms. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and etiology of hypercalcemia in patients hospitalized at the Department of Nephrology of the Warsaw Military Institute, as well as to evaluate its impact on renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study patients admitted to the Nephrology Department of the Warsaw Military Institute between January 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively screened for presence of HCM, defined as total calcium level or corrected calcium level in case of hypoalbuminemia >10.2 mg/dl, measured at least twice. Each patient's medical history as well as other laboratory findings were subsequently analyzed in order to establish the etiology of hypercalcemia. RESULTS: Among 3062 hospitalisations (1993 patients) at The Department, 96 patients had elevated calcium level of which 36 were identified as hypercalcemic (1,81%). Median calcium level was 11.9 mg/dl (IQR: 11.25-13.46) with 22.24 mg/dl being the maximum observed value. Malignancy and drugs having hypercalcemizing effect were the most common etiologies identified, both being found in 9 cases (25%). Other causes of HCM included sarcoidosis, multiple myeloma (analyzed separately from other malignancies), PHPT and hypercalcemic hypocalciuria. In 7 cases HCM etiology could not be established, it therefore remained idiopathic. Acute kidney injury (AKI) developed in 20 patients (56%), in this group serum calcium levels were significantly higher than in non-AKI patients (median: 12.85 mg/dl (IQR:11.82-14.65) vs 11.25 mg/dl (IQR:10.75-11.93); p=0.0039). Additionally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients presented significantly lower calcium values than non-CKD patients (median: 11.47 mg/dl (IQR: 10.8-12.6) vs 13.01 mg/dl (IQR:11.9-16.08; p=0.0131). CONCLUSIONS: Hypercalcemia is a rare disorder among Nephrology Department patients, which primary etiology is malignancy and medications having hypercalcemizing effect. Kidney injury is dependent on the severity of hypercalcemia.

Cystinuria poorly responding to treatment - the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Cystinuria is the genetic condition for the increased excretion of cystine in the urine. Patients mainly suffer from afflictions related to the presence and passage of kidney stones. The currently available treatment methods include conservative treatment based on increased fluid intake, appropriate diet, medications and urological procedures. The causal treatment has not yet been invented. A CASE REPORT: A patient case was described whose first symptomatic kidney stones appeared after the second year of life. Urinary cystine excretion was significantly increased - 25,431 µmol/1g creatinine (norm: 167-333 µmol/1g creatinine), which was also shown, but lower, in both parents of the patient. Despite the early initiation of therapy including low sodium diet, abundant hydration, alkalization, captopril and compliance with stringent restrictions, the level of urinary cystine excretion was still not within the normal range. There have been many modifications to the therapy and dose increases of drugs, but without visible results. The patient underwent several urological procedures, including: ESWL (Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy), URSL (Ureteroscopic lithotripsy), PCNL (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy) and open surgery to remove cystine deposits that were still produced in the kidneys. In addition, for many years the disease was complicated by recurrent urinary tract infections, underweight and lesions like epithelial metaplasia in the bladder. Renal parameters were repeatedly examined. Elevated results such as: serum creatinine 0.9 mg/dl, cystatin C concentration 1.10 mg/l, albumin-creatinine index 0.197, creatinine clearance 50.7 ml/min /1.73 m2 and eGFR 73 ml/min/1.73 m2 allowed for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease before the age of 18. After many years of conservative treatment, only the introduction of thiopronine, still little known in Poland, reduced the level of cystine excreted in the urine. The inclusion of the drug reduced the tendency to produce kidney stones, which allowed to inhibit the progression of renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: Despite many years of research and modern drugs, cystinuria is still a disease with which patients are associated for the rest of their lives. The ongoing research, along with attempts to understand the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the emergence of mutations in the main genes causing the disease and the course of the disease, gives hope for finding a method of causal treatment for cystinuria.

Free testosterone levels and their association with body composition in women with chronic kidney disease.

Data concerning the influence of sex hormones on body composition in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited. AIM: The aim of our study was to define free testosterone levels and their association with body composition, biochemical markers of nutrition in females with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 47 women were included into the study. 13 females treated with hemodialysis formed the hemodialysis group (HD), 24 females with CKD stage IV/V (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1,73 m2) formed the predialysis group (PreD), and 10 females without kidney disease formed the control group (C). Lean tissue mass (LTM) and fat mass (Fat) were measured using bioimpedance spectroscopy. Free testosterone levels were assessed using ELISA (IBL International). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica v 13.1. RESULTS: The median free testosterone (fT) levels were 0.7, 0.6, 0.85 pg/ml respectively for HD, PreD and C group. The median fT did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.24). The mean LTM was 28.5 ±5.6, 27.3 ±4.9, 30.6 ±4.3 kg, mean Fat mass was 22.7 ±8.5, 31.3 ±9.8, 31.6 ±8.5 kg for the HD, PreD and C groups respectively. Positive correlations were observed between fT and LTM (r=0.306, p=0.035) in the whole study group. A negative correlation was observed between fT and age (r=-0.284) but was on the border of statistical significance (p=0.052). CONCLUSIONS: In women with advanced CKD, median testosterone levels did not differ significantly from those observed in women without kidney failure. Free testosterone levels were associated with the amount of muscle mass in the whole study population.

Chronic catheter-related bacteremia of Pseudomonas stutzeri etiology as the cause of membranous-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) - a case report.

Secondary membranous - proliferative glomerulonephritis most often develops in the course of viral infections (HCV, HBV), autoimmune diseases, paraproteinemia, and also in the course of chronic bacterial infections. Infections with Pseudomonas stutzeri (P. stutzeri) are extremely rare and usually mildly symptomatic. The natural habitat of this bacterium is soil and water. Nevertheless, in the case of P. stutzeri infection, especially in patients frequently hospitalized or receiving immunosuppressive medications, environmental contamination in healthcare facilities should be taken into account when looking for the source of the infection. A CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man with a previous history of nicotinism and arterial hypertension with a vascular port in the vena cava superior (VCS) after treatment for bladder cancer (stage G2/G3) several years ago was described. The patient underwent the TURBT procedure, and then received intravesical infusions with BCG for 3 years, followed by complications in the form of severe dysuria and lower abdominal pain. Due to severe nausea and the inability to take analgesics orally, the patient was ordered to insert a vascular port into the VCS in order to continue the analgesic and anti - inflammatory therapy. Several years later, after the onset of massive edema of lower limbs, the patient was subjected to a 24-hour urine collection, in which proteinuria amounted to approx. 13 g/day, followed by a diagnostic kidney biopsy. Histopathological examination described membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). Other renal parameters were also abnormal, i.e. serum creatinine concentration was 1.9 mg/ dl and serum urea concentration was 116 mg/dl. Immunosuppressive treatment was initiated. Patient received methylprednisolone intravenously followed by prednisone orally and cyclosporine orally. During the initial period of immunosuppressive therapy, the serum levels of cyclosporine were insufficient (starting from 26.34 ng/ml), which resulted in increasing its dose, ultimately reaching 175 mg/day. After several months of therapy, the patient was hospitalized again, due to infection of the respiratory tract that had lasted for several weeks and was not amenable to antibiotic therapy. Deterioration of renal parameters and increased inflammatory markers suggested diagnosis of catheter - related sepsis. P. stutzeri was grown from the material collected from the catheter and the patient's blood. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was initiated and after the patient's condition improved, cyclosporine therapy was restarted, which was discontinued after the diagnosis of bacteremia. Rapid remission was achieved, allowing the discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic, asymptomatic infection with a rare pathogen, like Pseudomonas stutzeri, was probably the cause of the glomerulonephritis. After removal of the port and antibiotic therapy, disease remission was achieved.

[Schönlein-Henoch purpura - single-center, retrospective analysis of the diagnostic process, treatment and course in adults]. / Plamica Schönleina-Henocha ­ jednoosrodkowa, retrospektywna analiza procesu diagnostycznego, leczenia oraz przebiegu u doroslych.

Henoch-Schönlein-purpura (HSP) is a type of systemic vasculitis characterized by increased serum levels of IgA and the deposition of immune complexes mainly composed of IgA1. The cause of this disease has not yet been known. HSP mainly affects the pediatric population. In adults it is associated with a more aggressive course. A characteristic symptom of most patients is a petechial rash, often coexisting with joint pain and abdominal pain. AIM: The aim of the study was to present the clinical picture and therapeutic possibilities of adult patients diagnosed with HSP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in 8 adult patients with HSP, including 3 women and 5 men. The course of the disease, the degree of kidney damage and the effectiveness of the treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean value of nitrogen retention indexes in the studied group of patients was increased (creatinine: 1.47 ± 0.3 mg/dl, urea: 54.45 ± 9.02 mg/dl), no significant deviations were found in blood counts. In the general urine examination, hematuria was noted in 7 of 8 patients, proteinuria in 6 patients. Daily proteinuria was significantly increased (2498 ± 1031.69 mg/24h). 7 out of 8 patients had a diagnostic kidney biopsy. In 6 patients, the immunomorphological picture indicated glomerulonephritis in the course of IgA nephropathy. Six (75%) patients received immunosuppressive treatment, two (25%) conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The one-center retrospective one-year analysis of patients diagnosed with HSP shows that IgA-related vasculitis is a disease with a varied course, often causing diagnostic as well as therapeutic difficulties.