Cerebrovascular events in hemodialysis patients; a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study reports findings in subjects who underwent brain imaging for any reason, and examined factors influencing cerebrovascular events (CVEs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: We reviewed the files of patients on HD between January 2015 and January 2018. A total of 432 patients who underwent HD for at least 5 months by the January 2015 and who were older than 18 years were included in the study; 264 had been examined by cerebral computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examination within the 3 years. Cerebrovascular pathology was detected in 139 of 264 patients. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients, 65 (24.62%) had ischemic lesions, 25 (9.47%) had hemorrhagic lesions, and 49 (18.56%) had cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We compared recorded data and later clinical findings between patients with and those without CVEs. The cause of end-stage renal disease was diabetes in 58.5% of patients with ischemic lesions, 52% in those with hemorrhagic lesions, and 55% in those with CSVD (P < 0.05). Patients with cerebrovascular ischemia were older (P = 0.0001) and had lower serum creatinine (sCr) (P = 0.0001) and higher serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = 0.002) levels than normal subjects. Hemorrhagic patients were older (P = 0.003) and had lower sCr (P = 0.003) and serum predialysis potassium (P = 0.003) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (P = 0.004) levels than normal subjects. Patients with CSVD were older (P < 0.0001) and had lower sCr (P < 0.0001), phosphorus (P < 0.007), and PTH (P < 0.013) and higher CRP (P < 0.002) levels than normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: HD patients with CVEs are older and typically have diabetes mellitus and lower sCr levels.

CKD is associated with recurrent ischemia but not with hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the associations of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke (RIS) and Hemorrhagic Transformation (HT) with CKD in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHOD: The subjects were 160 patients, divided into two groups: with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD), with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (without CKD). RESULTS: Subjects having DM (p = 0.018), CKD (p = 0.025) and treated with ACEI/ARB (p = 0.039) revealed association with RIS. Regression analysis disclosed only CKD (p = 0.04). Carotid artery stenosis (p = 0.030) and serum calcium levels (p = 0.013) showed significant association with HT. CONCLUSION: Our results disclosed that CKD could be a risk factor for RIS. There is no relation between CKD and HT.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection Management in Solid Organ Transplantation Recipients: A National Snapshot.

OBJECTIVE:  Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening is strongly recommended in the pre-transplant evaluation of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, although it remains inadequate in many transplant centers. We decided to investigate pre-transplant TB risk assessment, LTBI treatment, and registry rates in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  Adult SOT recipients who underwent tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon-gamma release test (IGRA) from 14 centers between 2015 and 2019 were included in the study. An induration of ≥5 mm on TST and/or probable/positive IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB) was considered positive for LTBI. Demographic features, LTBI screening and treatment, and pre-/post-transplant TB history were recorded from the electronic database of transplantation units across the country and pooled at a single center for a unified database. RESULTS:  TST and/or IGRA were performed in 766 (33.8%) of 2266 screened patients most of whom were kidney transplant recipients (n = 485, 63.4%). LTBI screening test was positive in 359 (46.9%) patients, and isoniazid was given to 203 (56.5%) patients. Of the patients treated for LTBI, 112 (55.2%) were registered in the national registry, and 82 (73.2%) completed the treatment. Tuberculosis developed in 6 (1.06%) of 563 patients who were not offered LTBI treatment. CONCLUSION:  We determined that overall, only one-third of SOT recipients in our country were evaluated in terms of TB risk, only 1 of the 2 SOT recipients with LTBI received treatment, and half were registered. Therefore, we want to emphasize the critical importance of pretransplant TB risk stratification and registration, guided by revised national guidelines.

Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of adult-onset minimal change disease in Turkey: Turkish Society of Nephrology-Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group.

PURPOSE: In our study, diagnostic and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with minimal change disease (MCD) by biopsy, clinical and laboratory findings in our country were investigated. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group database. Demographic characteristics, indications for biopsy, diagnosis of the glomerular diseases, comorbidities, laboratory and biopsy findings of all patients were recorded. The data presented are cross-sectional and includes application data for the biopsy period. RESULTS: Of 3875 patients, 233 patients with MCD (median age 35.0 years) were included in the study, which constitutes 6.0% of the total glomerulonephritis database. Renal biopsy was performed in 196 (84.1%) patients due to nephrotic syndrome. Median serum creatinine was 0.7 (0.6-1.0) mg/dl, mean eGFR was 104 ± 33 ml/min/1.73 m2 and median proteinuria 6000 mg/day. The number of patients under the age of 40 years was 139 (59.7%) (Group A), and the number of patients aged 40 years and over was 94 (40.3%) (Group B). Compared to Group A, global sclerotic glomeruli (24 vs. 43, p < 0.001) interstitial inflammation (15 vs. 34, p < 0.001), interstitial fibrosis (20 vs. 31, p = 0.001, vascular changes (10 vs. 25, p < 0.001) and tubular atrophy (18 vs. 30, p < 0.001) were found to be significantly higher in Group B. There was no difference in immunofluorescent staining properties between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our data are generally compatible with the literature. Chronic histopathological changes were more common in patients aged 40 years and older than younger patients. Studies investigating the effects of these different features on renal survival are needed.

Increased inflammatory markers are associated with obesity and not with target organ damage in newly diagnosed untreated essential hypertensive patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether inflammatory markers are associated with hypertensive end organ damage or obesity in patients with hypertension. Seventy newly diagnosed essential hypertensive patients (29 men and 41 women aged 49.6 ± 9.5 y) and 25 age-sex-matched normotensive subjects (12 men and 13 women aged 45.8 ± 7.3 y) were asked about their family history of hypertension and smoking habits, and body mass index (BMI) was recorded and blood samples were taken to measure fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine levels. In hypertensive patients, creatinine clearance, urinary albumin extraction, and left ventricular mass index were determined. Hypertensive patients had significantly higher BMIs and inflammatory markers when compared with normotensive healthy controls. The CRP was positively associated with BMI (P < .05), diastolic blood pressure (P < .05), fibrinogen (P < .01), urinary albumin extraction (P < .01), and left ventricular mass index (P < .05). The BMI and serum fibrinogen level were independently associated with CRP. The effect of inflammation on the development of hypertensive end organ damage may be associated with obesity, so that control of obesity may eliminate the inflammatory state in hypertensive patients and also hypertensive end organ damage.

Relationship Between Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Antibody Positivity and Cytokine Gene Polymorphism in Renal Transplant Patients When Organ Rejection Occurs.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney transplant remains the gold standard for the treatment of end-stage renal disease. Relationships between the presence of non-HLA antibodies, antibodies to AT1R, and cytokine gene polymorphisms with rejection have recently been shown. We sought to determine whether the presence of antibodies to AT1R and cytokine gene polymorphisms affected the development of rejection in pediatric and adult patients, whether a relationship is present between cytokine polymorphism and level of antibodies to AT1R, and whether their presence can be a biomarker pretransplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 100 pediatric and adult kidney transplant patients plus 50 healthy controls. Levels of AT1R antibodies (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and gene polymorphisms of the cytokines transforming growth factor ß, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukins 6 and 10, and interferon gamma cytokines (by sequence- specific primer-polymerase chain reaction) were studied retrospectively and evaluated with the SPSS statistical program. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant relationship between levels of antibodies to AT1R and gene polymorphisms among the studied cytokines in patients with rejection compared with the healthy controls and patients with uneventful courses posttransplant. However, higher levels of antibodies to AT1R were observed in pediatric compared with adult transplant recipients (P < .001). A statistically significant relationship was also observed between transforming growth factor ß1 C/C G/C low-release and interleukin 6 G/C high-release gene polymorphism and levels of antibodies to AT1R (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Because we observed that some gene polymorphisms among the studied cytokines may affect AT1R antibody levels, future studies are needed to understand the mechanism of the relationship. In addition, studies with larger groups are required to sufficiently confirm that higher antibody levels are present in pediatric versus adult patients.

[Chronic renal failure: unexpected late sequela of pulmonary tuberculosis after 30 years]. / Kronik Böbrek Yetmezligi: Pulmoner Tüberkülozun 30 Yil Sonra Gelen Beklenmeyen Geç Sekeli.

Tuberculosis-related chronic granulomatous tubulointerstitial nephritis (GTN) and chronic renal dysfunction as a consequence of GTN is a rarely seen clinical condition, with a few case reports in the literature. In this report, a case with end stage renal failure as an unexpected late extrapulmonary sequela of tuberculosis has been presented. A 60 years old female patient was admitted to hospital with the complaints of fever, malaise and nausea. Her history revealed that she had pulmonary tuberculosis 30 years ago and received antituberculosis therapy for nine months. The laboratory results on admission were as follows: blood urea nitrogen 90 mg/dl, serum creatinine 9 mg/dl, sodium 116 mEq/L, potassium 6.6 mEq/L, albumine 2.9 g/dl, hemoglobin, 8.4 g/dl, white blood cell count 10.800/mm3, C-reactive protein 187 mg/L and erythrocyte sedimentation rate 110 mm/hour. Urinalysis showed 8.1 g/L protein, 10-12 leukocytes, 1-2 erythrocytes, while 24-hours urinalysis yielded proteinuria with 8 ml/minutes creatinine clearance value. Urine and blood cultures of the patient revealed neither bacteria or mycobacteria. PPD skin test was negative. Acid-resistant bacilli (ARB) were not detected in sequential urine samples obtained on three consecutive days. Since sputum samples could not be obtained, diagnostic procedures for sputum were not performed. Abdomen ultrasonography yielded bilateral edema and grade II echogenity in kidneys. Computed tomography of the chest showed bilateral pulmonary nodules, chronic sequela lesions, pleural scarring and calcifications, as well as minimal interstitial infiltrate. Transthoracic lung biopsy showed chronic inflammation and fibrosis, while amyloid was negative. Renal biopsy showed GTN with central caseified necrosis and granulomas, multinuclear giant cells, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Amyloid was negative and ARB were not detected in renal biopsy sample. Definitive diagnosis was achieved by the demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis nucleic acid in kidney biopsy by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antituberculosis therapy was not initiated since there were no signs of active tuberculosis. The patient became clinically stable following dialysis and was discharged, however, she has been undergoing hemodialysis three times a week. The aim of this case presentation was to emphasize that renal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with end stage renal failure, especially in countries like Turkey where tuberculosis incidence is high.

Rapamycin therapy for renal, brain, and skin lesions in a tuberous sclerosis patient.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an inherited multisystem disorder; it may involve kidney, brain, skin, lungs, and liver. We report a 37-year-old female TSC patient presenting with skin lesions (angiofibromas, molluscum pendulum). Radiologic examination revealed additional brain and renal lesions consisting of tumors, cysts, and angiomyolipomas. Treatment with rapamycin disclosed improvement in skin lesions. The number and volume of angiofibromas and molluscum pendulum reduced progressively in 6 months. During the ninth month of treatment, magnetic resonance imaging was repeated for renal and brain lesions. Imaging results showed reduction in tumor and angiomyolipoma volumes. Oral rapamycin therapy can improve renal, brain, and skin lesions in TSC disease. Therefore, it may be an alternative therapy for TSC patients.

A very rare case of encephalopathy in a patient with end-stage renal disease: contrast agent, ioversol.

Contrast agents are associated with a number of adverse effects, including central nervous system effects. These agents are primarily filtered and excreted by the kidney. Contrast-associated encephalopathy is a rare complication. We report the case of a 55-year-old male on chronic hemodialysis who developed confusion and agitation after receiving ioversol during abdominal angiography. Although hemodialysis was performed his healing took 15 days. Patients with end-stage renal disease may be at an increased risk of adverse effects of contrast agents.

Effect of Kidney Transplant on Balance and Fall Risk.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney transplant offers an improved quality of life and prolonged survival for patients with end-stage renal disease. This study aimed to compare balance and fall risk between kidney transplant recipients and healthy adults and to determine the relationship between biochemical parameters and fall risk and balance in kidney transplant recipients. As far as we know, this is the first study in the literature that evaluated whether balance changes occur in kidney transplant recipients using the Tetrax Interactive Balance System (Sunlight Medical Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 131 kidney transplant recipients (80 male/53 female; mean age of 39 ± 12 y) and 158 healthy volunteers (86 male/69 female; mean age of 40 ± 15 y). Groups were statistically matched in age, male/female patients, and body mass index. Fall index percentages were calculated using the Tetrax posturography device. Risk of falling was compared between kidney transplant recipients and healthy participants. Kidney transplant recipients were divided into 3 groups based on risk of falling. Demographic and clinical characteristics of kidney transplant recipients were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed to analyze these parameters versus balance measurements. RESULTS: Risk of falling was not significantly different between groups according to Tetrax measurements (32.4 ± 23.4 vs 31.6 ± 21.7; P = .08). Serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in kidney transplant recipients with a higher risk of falling (1.17 ± 0.37 vs 1.63 ± 1.18 mg/dL; P = .01). The use of oral antidiabetic drugs was shown to increase the risk of falling (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with end-stage renal disease are thought to have balance impairments, kidney transplant recipients in our study had balance control similar to that shown in the healthy population. Graft function in kidney transplant recipients is important for the balance system.

Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection After Kidney Transplant: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary tract infections are the most common type of infections in kidney transplant recipients. They are also important factors for increased morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study were to evaluate the number of urinary tract infections, to identify possible donor/receiver-based risk factors, and to evaluate the impact of these infections on graft function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients who had undergone kidney transplant between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Our study included 145 patients (49 women [33.8%] and 96 men [66.2%]), with mean age of 35.2 ± 12.4 years. There were 105 episodes of urinary tract infections in 55 of 145 patients (37.9%) during the first year after transplant. Female sex (P = .001), glomerulonephritis as primary kidney disease (P = .04), pretransplant diabetes (P = .05), and presence of ureteral stent (P = .03) were significant risk factors for the development of urinary tract infections. The most frequent pathogens identified were Escherichiacoli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Mean glomerular filtration rate t 12 months was significantly lower in patients with urinary tract infection than in patients without infection (80 ± 25 vs 68 ± 28 mL/min; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: In kidney transplant recipients, urinary tract infections are common complications and have negative outcomes on graft function. These infections remain an important disease that requires frequent investigations and new ways of approach for prevention.

Balance and fall risk in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular, neurological and musculoskeletal functions are affected in patients with renal failure. These problems can in turn affect the balance system in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Previously, postural balance changes were shown in hemodialysis patients. This is the first study that evaluates whether there are similar changes in patients with PD. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare balance and fall risk between patients undergoing PD treatment and healthy subjects, and aimed to determine the correlation between biochemical parameters and fall risk and balance assessments in PD patients. METHODS: This controlled study included 58 patients receiving PD treatment (PD Group) and 75 healthy subjects (Control Group). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tetrax® Interactive Balance System were used for the comparison of balance between groups. For patients in the PD Group, duration of PD, blood pressure, Kt/Vurea (actual mass of urea removed via peritoneal dialysis), and serum biochemical parameters were recorded and correlation analysis was performed between these parameters and balance measurements. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of demographics or BBS scores (p> 0.05). The fall risk of patients in the PD Group was significantly higher than those in the Control Group (p< 0.0001) according to Tetrax measurements. Female gender, older age, higher BMI, and higher blood glucose levels were negatively correlated with balance parameters of PD patients (r> 0.3). There was no statistically significant correlation between duration of PD, blood pressure, and Kt/Vurea with balance parameters or fall risk. CONCLUSIONS: Balance was impaired in patients undergoing PD in comparison to healthy subjects. Fall risk may be evaluated using the Tetrax® instead of BBS for this population. Serum glucose level, BMI and age appear to affect balance and fall risk. Therefore, optimization of body weight and normalization of serum glucose levels are important factors for improving balance. The duration of PD, blood pressure, and Kt/Vurea do not affect balance system.

Factors Associated with Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Purpose: We evaluated the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and whether this syndrome is associated with gender, age, duration of PD, or other laboratory parameters. Methods: A total of 60 chronic PD patients (26 women, 34 men) and 60 healthy controls (30 women, 30 men) were included. We recorded each participant's age, gender, cause of kidney failure, PD duration, laboratory parameters, education level, and symptoms related to FMS, diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Results: Eleven patients (18%) in the PD group and nine (15%) in the control group met the diagnostic criteria for FMS. There were no statistically significant differences in age; gender; education level; PD duration; laboratory parameters; or sleepdisturbance, fatigue, or cognitive symptoms between the FMS and non-FMS groups among the PD patients. We next compared control and PD patients with FMS. Both groups were of a similar age and gender and had similar sleep disturbance and cognitive symptoms, but more patients had fatigue in the control group. Conclusions: The prevalence of FMS among PD patients was similar to that in the general population, and FMS was not associated with gender, age, duration of PD, or other laboratory parameters.

Objectif : les chercheurs ont évalué la prévalence du syndrome de fibromyalgie (SFM) chez les patients sous dialyse péritonéale (DP) et de son association avec le sexe, l'âge, la durée de la DP ou d'autres paramètres de laboratoire. Méthodologie : au total, 60 patients sous DP chronique (26 femmes et 34 hommes) et 60 sujets témoins en santé (30 femmes et 30 femmes) ont participé à l'étude. Les chercheurs ont consigné l'âge, le sexe, la cause de l'insuffisance rénale, la durée de la DP, les paramètres de laboratoire, le niveau de scolarité et les symptômes de chaque participant, liés au SFM diagnostiqués conformément aux critères de l'American College of Rheumatology établis en 2010. Résultats : onze patients (18 %) du groupe sous DP et neuf (15 %) du groupe témoin respectaient les critères diagnostiques de SFM. Ils ne présentaient pas de différence statistiquement significative sur le plan de l'âge, du genre, du niveau de scolarité, de la durée de la DP, des paramètres de laboratoire, des perturbations du sommeil, de la fatigue ou des symptômes cognitifs entre les groupes sous DP ayant un SFM et ceux n'en ayant pas. Les chercheurs ont ensuite comparé les sujets témoins et les patients sous DP ayant un SFM. Les deux groupes étaient d'âge et de sexe semblables et présentaient des perturbations du sommeil et des symptômes cognitifs analogues, mais plus de patients témoins ressentaient de la fatigue dans le groupe témoin. Conclusion : la prévalence de SFM chez les patients sous DP était semblable à celle de la population générale, et la SMF ne s'associait ni au sexe, ni à l'âge, ni à la durée de la DP ni à d'autres paramètres de laboratoire.

Regression of renal angiomyolipomas with oral rapamycin therapy in a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex disease.

We present a case of a 32-year-old female who had been diagnosed tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) two years ago. In view of serious hemorrhagic complication risk of the selective embolization, we commenced her on oral rapamycin therapy for regression of angiomyolipomas (AMLs). On the 1st year of rapamycin treatment, bilateral renal AMLs were regressed and bilateral selective embolization of the AML was performed after the 1st year of treatment. Rapamycin therapy may regress renal lesions in TSC disease. Therefore, it may increase surgical intervention.

Heart Valve Disease Predict Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients: A Single Center Experience.

Our aim is to investigate the clinical and laboratory findings affecting the mortality of the patients in 3 years follow-up who underwent hemodialysis at our center. In this retrospective, observational cohort study, 432 patients who underwent hemodialysis at our center for at least 5 months were included. The first recorded data and subsequent clinical findings of patients who died and survived were compared. Two hundred and ninety patients survived, 142 patients died. The mean age of the patients who died was higher (63.4 ± 12.3 years, vs. 52 ± 16.1 years, P = 0.0001), 60.5% of them had coronary artery disease (P = 0.0001), 93.7% of them had a heart valve disease. Duration of hemodialysis (survived 57 [21-260] months; died 44 [5-183] months, P = 0.000) was lower in patients who died. Serum potassium level before dialysis (5.1 ± 0.6; 4.9 ± 0.7 mEq/L, P = 0.030), parathyroid hormone (435 [4-3054]; 304 [1-3145] pg/mL, P = 0.0001), albumin (3.9 ± 0.4; 3.8 ± 0.4 mg/dL, P = 0.0001) and Kt/V (1.48 ± 0.3; 1.40 ± 0.3, P = 0.019) levels were lower, C-reactive protein (5[1-208]; 8.7[2-256] mg/L, P = 0.000) levels were higher in patients who died. Logistic regression analysis showed age (OR = 1.1), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.7) and more than one heart valve disease (OR = 2.4) are independent risk factors for mortality. Potassium level before dialysis (OR = 0.60), parathyroid hormone (OR = 0.99), and higher Kt/V (OR = 0.28) were found to be an advantage for survival. Age, coronary artery disease and especially pathology in more than one heart valve are risk factors for mortality. Heart valve problems might develop because of malnutrition and inflammation caused by the chronic renal failure.

Experience with antiviral agents for treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis patients on the kidney wait list.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in kidney transplant patients. The ability to establish a sustained viral response before renal transplant is important for these patients. Direct-acting antiviral agents can increase the sustained viral response in most patients with HCV infection. In this case series, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a combined therapy of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection without cirrhosis and on hemodialysis who were awaiting deceased-donor kidney transplant. METHODS: Our study included eight male and two female HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA)-positive hemodialysis patients (mean age 50.7 ± 15 years, mean hemodialysis duration 14 ± 5.5 years, mean HCV duration 18 ± 3.7 years). FINDINGS: Three patients with genotype 1a received oral therapy with 12.5 mg ombitasvir, 150 mg paritaprevir, 7 5 mg ritonavir, and 250 mg dasabuvir plus 200 mg ribavirin for 12 weeks. Seven patients with genotype 1b received 12.5 mg ombitasvir, 150 mg paritaprevir, 75 mg ritonavir, and 250 mg dasabuvir without ribavirin treatment for 12 weeks. The sustained virologic response rate was 100% at 12 weeks after completion of antiviral treatment in both treatment groups. No serious adverse effects were observed in either treatment group. Five patients had constitutional symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, and fatigue. During the treatment period, hemoglobin, white cell blood count, thrombocyte, and ferritin levels were similar to pretreatment levels. Treatment did not affect weekly erythropoietin and monthly intravenous iron treatment doses. DISCUSSION: Direct-acting antiviral agents are safe and effective for generating a sustained viral response in HCV genotype 1-infected hemodialysis patients on kidney wait lists.

Determination of the impact of hepatitis C virus on insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients.

AIM: It has been shown that Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity and carotis artery plaque formation are independently correlated in the general population. Insulin resistance is also a risk factor for atherosclerosis. The association between HCV and type 2 diabetes mellitus is known. Determination of the impact of HCV on insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients would help to prevent related cardiovascular complications. METHODS: Thirty-seven HCV(+) and 30 HCV(-) HD patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were non-diabetic. Insulin resistance was assessed by "HOMA-IR." Arterial stiffness was measured by "stiffness index b" and "elastic modulus." RESULTS: In the HCV(+) group, there were 20 males and 17 females, while the HCV(-) group had 19 males and 11 females. The mean age was 43.4 +/- 16.7 years and 44.5 +/- 16.8 years, respectively. The HOMA-IR was 1.50 in HCV(+) group and 1.31 in HCV(-) group (p > 0.05). Stiffness index b and elastic modulus measurements revealed no difference between groups. In the HCV(+) group, arterial stiffness parameters were correlated with age, white blood cell, thrombocyte, total and LDL cholesterol, uric acid, mean arterial pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and HOMA-IR. There was no association between arterial stiffness and the above-mentioned parameters in the HCV(-) group. CONCLUSION: We found that there was no association of arterial stiffness in HCV(+) patients with insulin resistance. Further studies with larger patient groups and more sensitive methods of detecting HCV are needed. This study is the first in literature on this issue.

p.R301X Mutation and Variable Phenotypic Appearance of Fabry Disease.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder. Due to deficiency of the enzyme a-galactosidase A, neutral glycosphingolipids (primarily globotriaosylceramide) progressively accumulate within lysosomes of cells in various organ systems, resulting in a multi-system disorder, affecting both men and women. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common because of the nature of Fabry disease. CASE REPORT: We report a case of Fabry disease with a p.R301X (c.901 C>T) mutation in a 39-year-old man who was being treated for chronic sclerosing glomerulonephritis for 2 years. Family screening tests showed that the proband's mother, sister, and daughter had the same mutation with different phenotypes. Levels of α-galactosidase A were low in the proband and his mother and sister. Cornea verticillata and heart involvement were present in multiple family members. Agalsidase alfa treatment was started in patients where indicated. CONCLUSIONS: Pedigree analysis is still a powerful, readily available tool to identify individuals at risk for genetic diseases and allows earlier detection and management of disease.

Fibromyalgia syndrome in Turkish hemodialysis patients.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to assess whether this syndrome is associated with gender, age, duration of HD, or various laboratory parameters. This study was composed of 221 chronic HD patients (99 females and 122 males), and we recorded each participant's age, gender, causes of kidney failure, HD duration, education level, and symptoms related to FMS, which was diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria. We documented the laboratory parameters for all patients. In addition, patients with FMS filled out the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Twenty-two patients met the diagnostic criteria for FMS (9%), and there were no statistically significant differences related to age, gender, or HD duration between FMS and non-FMS groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the education levels were lower in patients diagnosed with FMS (P < 0.05), and there were statistically significant differences related to sleep disturbance, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms between the two groups (P < 0.05) as well. However, their laboratory parameters were similar (P > 0.05). There was a higher prevalence of FMS in HD patients than in the general population. Sleep disturbances, fatigue, education level, and cognitive symptoms were associated with FMS, but there was no correlation between the laboratory parameters and this condition.

The effects of cinacalcet treatment on bone mineral metabolism, anemia parameters, left ventricular mass index and parathyroid gland volume in hemodialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cinacalcet therapy on anemia parameters, bone mineral metabolism, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and parathyroid gland volume in hemodialysis (HD) patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Twenty-five HD patients (M/F: 11/14, mean age: 45.2±17.9 years, mean HD duration: 96.4±32.7 months) were included in this prospective pilot study. The indication to start calcimimetic therapy was persistent serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH)>1000 pg/mL, refractory to intravenous (i.v.) vitamin D and phosphate-binding therapy. The initial and one-year results of adjusted serum calcium (Ca+2), phosphate (P), Ca×P product, PTH, hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin levels, transferrin saturation index (TSAT), median weekly erythropoietin (EPO) dose, LVMI, and parathyroid volume by parathyroid ultrasonography were determined. There were no differences between pre- and post-treatment levels of serum Ca+2 (P=0.853), P (P=0.447), Ca×P product (P=0.587), PTH (P=0.273), ferritin (P=0.153) and TSAT (P=0.104). After 1 year of calcimimetic therapy, the Hb levels were significantly higher than the initial levels (P=0.048). The weekly dose of EPO decreased with no statistical significance. The dose of cinacalcet was increased from 32.4±12.0 to 60.0±24.4 mg/day (P=0.01). There were no differences between the pre- and post-treatment results regarding weekly vitamin D dose, parenteral iron dose, LVMI and parathyroid volume. The results of our study suggest that cinacalcet therapy might have an additional benefit in the control anemia in HD patients.