Posterior urethral polyp causing haematuria in children.

Posterior urethral hemangioma (PUH) is a rare congenital lesion, included in group of polypoid or papillary lesion of the prostatic urethra. This lesion is responsible for a variety of symptoms in children that may be associated or isolated, sometimes its finding is occasional. The diagnosis is usually made by ultrasonography and cystourethrogram, but the gold standard is represented by the urethrocystoscopy with double possibility: diagnostic and therapeutic. The Authors report a case of 1-year-old boy with persisting haematuria, in whom a previews cystoscopy didn't find any cause of haematuria. An accurate urethrocystoscopy let to make diagnosis of prostatic urethral polyp, a transurethral resection was performed and pathological assessment confirmed the diagnosis of PUH.

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease: an age-related approach in children below or above one year.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a differential diagnostic approach to Hirshchsprung's Disease (HD) on the basis of age. METHOD: Data on 185 consecutive children with suspected HD were subjected to an age-related diagnostic approach. The patients were divided into two groups according to age (A < 1 year; B > 1 year). Children in Group A had rectal suction biopsy (RSB) and contrast enema (CE), and in Group B anorectal manometry (ARM) was performed. Patients with a normal recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) underwent bowel disimpaction and medical treatment. Only selected cases in Group B underwent RSB and CE. RESULTS: In Group A (18 patients) CE showed a colonic transitional zone in three patients, whereas RSB led to the diagnosis of HD in nine. In Group B (167 patients) ARM was not possible in seven patients and it was normal in 140 (normal anal sphincter pressure: 83; hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter: 57). The RAIR was negative in 20 patients. RSB performed in 31 children in Group B confirmed HD in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with a neonatal onset of constipation RSB is the best diagnostic technique. Chronic constipation is rarely due to HD and ARM is a useful non-invasive screening tool.

Role of anorectal manometry in children with severe constipation.

OBJECTIVE: Constipation is one of the most frequent disorders of the digestive tract in children and it can be an important problem in paediatric and surgical practice. Most of the time, the cause is psychological or because of a slowing of colonic transit, but it can be a sign of organic gastrointestinal outlet obstruction. Some patients with chronic constipation are resistant to a medical approach and they present with a severe form of constipation that needs recurrent hospital admission. Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a noninvasive procedure and it helps to explain the mechanisms of defecation disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of ARM in children with severe constipation. METHOD: From October 2003 to October 2006, in the Paediatric Surgery Unit, 85 children - aged more than 1 year - with severe constipation were seen. The mean age was 5 years (range, 1-13). At presentation, every child had abdominal and rectal examination in order to identify abdominal distension or faecal masses. Bowel preparation with enemas was performed before ARM in patient with a rectal faecaloma. Myoelectric activity of the internal anal sphincter and resting anal tone was recorded; recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was tested to exclude Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Anal tone was considered normal until 50 cm H(2)O. When the RAIR was absent, the patient underwent rectal suction biopsies (RSB) for histology and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry. In cases of normal or high anal tone with the RAIR present, the child had bowel cleaning, medical treatment, 2- and 6-month follow-up. Children with ineffective treatment at follow-up underwent RSB. In case of HD, a laparoscopic-assisted endorectal pull-through (ERPT) according to Georgeson's technique was performed. RESULTS: Seventy per cent of the patients had bowel preparation before ARM. In four patients the ARM was impossible to assess because of crying. In 28 patients, the anal tone result was higher than 50 cm H(2)O and local treatment with anaesthetic agents was used for 8 weeks. Seventeen patients underwent RSB: 11 patients with RAIR absent/unclear, 4 noncooperative children and 2 patients with ineffective medical treatment at follow-up. HD was diagnosed in 2 patients and laparoscopic-assisted ERPT was performed. The remaining patients had good results at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: ARM is a noninvasive diagnostic tool to study the mechanism of defecation in children with constipation in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment. This procedure can be used in every child - aged more than 1 year - with severe constipation and assessment of the RAIR can select the cases for RSB.

Associations of the plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels with disability and mortality in the elderly in the Treviso Longeva (Trelong) study.

IL-6 expression is regulated by the interplay of several transcriptional and hormonal factors, including sex steroids and glucocorticoids. In late life IL-6 expression increases as a result from loss of the normally inhibiting sex steroids. IL-6 is one of several proinflammatory cytokines. It has been proposed that many chronic inflammatory diseases are the result of a dysregulation of IL-6 expression. In this work we demonstrate that increased IL-6 levels in elderly are associated with higher disability and mortality, also independently of age and comorbidity.

The Treviso Longeva (Trelong) study: a biomedical, demographic, economic and social investigation on people 70 years and over in a typical town of North-East of Italy.

Longevity is a complex process resulting from genetic and environmental factors, as well as their interaction. These factors are poorly understood, and the comparison among health status, socio-economics, demographic and other characteristics of the elderly people can help in understanding these complex interactions. Such an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to allow an appropriate evaluation of longevity. Here we report the methodology and the first results of a representative study performed in 2003-2004 on people of 70 years and over, living in a typical town of North-East of Italy. In the research we collected biomedical, demographic, socio-economic and quality of life (QoL) data.

One-trocar transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted management of Meckel's diverticulum in children.

PURPOSE: Transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted intestinal surgery using only "one trocar" is a very minimal invasive procedure. The authors present their experience for the management of Meckel's diverticulum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2004, 9 transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted procedures were performed for Meckel's diverticulum. The median age of the patients was 6.1 years (range, 6 months-13.6 years). Six patients were admitted for intestinal bleeding and technetium-99m pertechnetate scan was positive in 3. Three patients had recurrent abdominal pain and abdominal ultrasound scan showed a cystlike structure. An intraumbilical Hasson 10-mm trocar was inserted in an open fashion. Using a 10-mm operative laparoscope, the terminal ileum was grasped with an atraumatic instrument and exteriorized through the umbilicus. Ileal exploration and treatment were performed extracorporeally. RESULTS: Meckel's diverticulum was identified in 8 patients and ileal duplication in 1 patient: intestinal resection/anastomosis (n = 7) or excision of diverticulum (n = 2) was performed. There were no operative complications. Median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3-7 days). At a median followup of 24 months (range, 3-51 months), all patients are asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the one trocar transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted procedure is safe and effective for the diagnosis and treatment of Meckel's diverticulum, with excellent cosmetic results.

Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens procedure is contraindicated for intraabdominal testicular major duct anomalies.

The laparoscopic one- and two-stage Fowler-Stephens procedure has gained large popularity in the treatment of the child with a high intraabdominal testis. It is largely debated which technique (e.g., testicular autotransplant or Fowler-Stephens procedure) offers the best results for high intraabdominal testes. We describe a case of a 3-year-old boy for whom previous bilateral inguinal exploration results were negative for testes or testicular remnants. The diagnostic laparoscopy showed two iliac intraabdominal testes with short spermatic vessels, closed inguinal rings, and complete dissociation of didime-epididime. A left open orchidopexy was perfomed, and testicular autotransplant was proposed for the right testes located 4 cm from the internal inguinal ring. Long-term follow-up evaluation (1.8 years) of the left testis showed it in the scrotum with good testicular size (1.5 cm). We believe that there are two main reasons to contraindicate the Fowler-Stephens technique: associated malformation that does not permit the development of the collateral blood flow via the vasal artery necessary for a viable testis, and previous surgery that represents a risk factor for testicular atrophy. The laparoscopic anatomic classification for the intraabdominal testis is reliable and can disclose the most suitable surgical technique. Laparoscopy is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of the nonpalpable testicle.

Italian multicenter survey on laparoscopic treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease in children.

BACKGROUND: Skepticism is still present today about the laparoscopic treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) in children. We present the prospective experience and short-term results of eight Italian pediatric surgical units. METHODS: We included all the children with complicated GER, operated after January 1998 by single surgeons from eight different centers. Diagnostic aspects, type of fundoplication, and complications were considered. All the patients were followed for a minimum period of 6 months in order to detect complications or recurrences. RESULTS: 288 children were prospectively included. Mean age was 4.8 years (3 m-14 y). Nissen fundoplication was done in 25%, floppy Nissen in 63%, Toupet in 1.7%, and anterior procedures (Lortat Jacob, Thal) in 10%. Gastrostomy was associated, if neurological impairment or feeding disorders were present. Mean follow-up was 15 months and reoperation was necessary in 3.8% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: This experience underlines that minimal invasive access surgery in children is safe and that the laparoscopic approach is considered in eight centers the golden standard for surgical repair of gastro-esophageal reflux disease maintaining the same indications and techniques of the open approach.

Clinical validation of PD Adequest software: modeling error assessment.

OBJECTIVE: PD ADEQUEST software (Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.) is used in peritoneal dialysis for calculating the indices of dialysis efficiency and for the mathematical simulation of the results of various dialysis regimens. The aim of our study was to quantify the modeling errors and find the methods which give best results. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, repeated measurement, clinical validation study. PATIENTS: The study included 78 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD), daytime ambulatory PD, and automated PD. MEASUREMENTS: We used 207 collections of dialysate and urine associated with peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) performed with different glucose concentrations (1.36%, 2.27%, 3.86%). The measured urea Kt/V, creatinine clearance (CRCL) and ultrafiltration (UF) were compared with the same data simulated mathematically using the PD ADEQUEST software version 1.4. RESULTS: The Kt/V, CRCL, and UF measured values were significantly correlated and in agreement with modeled data [concordance correlation (rc) was 0.849, 0.839, 0.625 respectively]. The errors (modeled - measured) were: Kt/V = -0.04 +/- 0.27 (p = ns), CRCL = 2.1 +/- 7.7 L (p < 0.001), UF = -121 +/- 711 mL (p = 0.016). Applying ANOVA to both the peritoneal transport data calculated by PD ADEQUEST (mass transfer area coefficient of the solutes, fluid reabsorption, and hydraulic permeability) and the modeling errors, significant differences were found in relation to the PET glucose concentrations. CONCLUSION: PD ADEQUEST proves to be a useful instrument in peritoneal dialysis, although there is undoubtedly still room for improvement in its prediction efficacy, which is influenced by the glucose concentration used in the PET.

Compliance study in peritoneal dialysis using PD Adequest software.

Poor compliance in peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a significant cause of dropout and morbidity. PD Adequest software, which, through a mathematical model, predicts the effect of the dialysis prescription on the basis of the peritoneal transport, may be used to identify the noncompliant patient. Fifty patients from two dialysis centers, aged 65.9 +/- 1.5 years and on PD for 28.6 +/- 4.7 months, were studied. A peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was carried out and 24-hour urine and dialysate were collected. Total weekly creatinine clearance (CrCl, L/week/1.73 m2) was calculated, as well as the glomerular filtration rate [(GFR), mL/min, mean CrCl and urea nitrogen clearance (UNCI)]. The dialytic schedules used were then introduced into the program and the parameters were recalculated using the software model. Nine patients considered noncompliant from their case histories were used to assess the differences of reference between expected and measured values. The control group was significantly different from the noncompliant group in the percentage of the CrCl and the serum creatinine (sCR) differences. The noncompliance threshold value was calculated from the mean of the lower 95% confidence interval of the compliant group and the higher one of the noncompliant group (-5.3%) for CrCl and vice versa for sCR (+10%), which behaved to the contrary. Reassessing the patients, 11 (22%) were identified as probably noncompliant.

The use of the PD Adequest mathematical model in pediatric patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To test the accuracy of the PD ADEQUEST kinetic model in calculating peritoneal transport parameters and to quantify the differences between the results of software simulations and direct measurements in order to assess the reliability of this tool in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) pediatric patients. PATIENTS: Twenty-nine patients (mean age: 10 +/- 4 years; range: 4-17), 5 on continuous ambulatory PD, 4 on continuous cycling PD, 19 on nocturnal intermittent PD and 1 in nocturnal tidal PD, all free from peritonitis in the previous 2 months. Fourteen patients were anuric and 15 had a mean glomerular filtration rate of 1.79 +/- 1.23 mL/min, range 0.25-4.82. METHODS: In all patients, 24-hour dialysate and urine collections associated to standard peritoneal equilibration test (PET) were performed using their usual dialytic regimen and fill volume (1023 +/- 159 mL/m2 BSA, range 614-1361). PD ADEQUEST kinetic parameters were compared with pediatric and adult data from literature. The measured weekly normalized total creatinine clearance (CRCL), weekly total Kt/V, and daily net ultrafiltration (UF) were compared with corresponding mathematically modeled values. RESULTS: Kinetic parameters calculated by the PD ADEQUEST program were comparable to adult and pediatric values from previous studies after normalization for BSA. Measured and modeled CRCL and Kt/V showed a good agreement [concordance correlation (rc) 0.937 and 0.768, respectively] with limited median percentage absolute errors (11.6% and 10.2%, respectively). Ultrafiltration showed less favorable results (rc = 0.600 and median percentage absolute error 45%) probably owing to the wide variability of this parameter. When the analysis was restricted to the peritoneal component, the rc coefficients results were 0.745 for CRCL and 0.512 for Kt/V (median absolute error: 11.6% and 15.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The overall findings of our study show that the PD ADEQUEST kinetic model can be used in pediatric patients for the calculation of kinetic indexes and for mathematical simulation of the various regimens. We also feel that the results yielded by the PD ADEQUEST program are reliable enough for this computerized mathematical model to be used in the prescription management of pediatric patients. Only UF prediction needs to be used with a certain caution on account of the marked variability of this parameter.

One-trocar surgery: a less invasive videosurgical approach in childhood.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Laparoscopic techniques and instruments are evolving to lessen the invasiveness of this surgical approach. The authors present their experience with the videosurgical approach using only 1 trocar. METHODS: Between October 1997 and January 2000 the authors performed 59 videosurgical procedures using a 1-trocar approach (mean age, 11.5 years; range, 4 to 18 years). A 10-mm Hasson trocar was inserted in an "open" fashion either through the umbilicus (laparoscopy) or below the apex of the 12th rib (retroperitoneoscopy). An operative laparoscope was used in all cases. The operations were 18 retroperitoneoscopic Palomo varicocelectomies, 1 retroperitoneoscopic renal biopsy, 38 appendectomies, and 2 ileal resections (Meckel's diverticulum, duplication cyst). For appendectomies and ileal resections, the corresponding intestinal loop was grasped and exteriorized through the umbilicus to perform conventional surgery. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 50.9 minutes (range, 30 to 120) for laparoscopies and 44 minutes (range, 15 to 80) for retroperitoneoscopy. There were 11 conversions (8 appendectomies, 3 varicocelectomies) and no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: "One-trocar surgery" is safe, effective, and fast with a low complication rate and excellent cosmetic results. The authors believe it is the least invasive as well as the most effective approach in the treatment of varicocele, appendicitis, and selected intestinal diseases.

Complications of laparoscopic treatment of esophageal achalasia in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and management of the complications that occurred in some children who underwent laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in the authors' institutions. METHODS: Between March 1993 and October 1998, the files of all the children with achalasia who underwent laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in a community hospital in Naples, Italy, and a private hospital in Paris, France, were reviewed. A 5-port technique was used associating Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy to an antireflux surgical mechanism (Dor's or Toupet's) in all cases. Intra- and postoperative complications, as well as the postoperative outcome, were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomies were performed in 5 girls and 5 boys with achalasia. Age ranged between 2 and 13 years. Mean operating time was 120 minutes. Hospital stay ranged between 3 and 41 days. Complications were recorded in 3 patients: in 2 an esophageal mucosal perforation and in 1 a prolonged dysphagia. Two of these complications occurred in the last patients operated on. Follow-up varied from 6 months to 6 years. All children were free of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in children is a feasible procedure. Assessment of mucosal integrity immediately after the myotomy must be performed. Complications can happen even if the operation is performed by expert laparoscopic surgeons.

Unusual clinical presentation of a rare case of phyllodes tumor of the breast in an adolescent girl.

Phyllodes tumor of the breast is a very rare neoplasm, particularly in adolescent girls and young women. It usually presents as unilateral palpable mass. The authors report the case of an adolescent girl who presented at the Emergency Department with bloody nipple discharge. Although the clinical signs suggested an intraductal tumor, the histologic examination showed a phyllodes tumor. The management and the biologic behavior of this uncommon tumor are discussed with particular regard to the very unusual clinical presentation in this patient. J Pediatr Surg 36:941-943.

Results and complications of laparoscopic surgery for pediatric varicocele.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of laparoscopic varicocelectomy in children. METHODS: Over a 36-month period, 211 children underwent laparoscopic treatment of varicocele. Their ages ranged between 6 and 17 years; the varicocele was located on the left side in 209 cases (99.1%) and was bilateral in 2 (0.9%). In 195 patients the laparoscopic transperitoneal approach was used and in 16 retroperitoneoscopy was used. Thirty children (14.2%) underwent ligation of the veins alone, and 181 (85.8%) underwent ligation of testicular veins and artery. In 15 (7.1%) cases an additional procedure was applied during the same operation. RESULTS: Average operating time was 30 minutes and hospitalization about 24 hours. At an average follow-up of 26 months, there were 19 (9%) postoperative complications: 14 children had a left hydrocele, 3 children a scrotal emphysema, and 2 an umbilical granuloma. There were 5 recurrences of varicocele in our series: 2 (2 of 30, 6.6%) after the Ivanissevitch procedure, and 3 (3 of 181, 1.6%) after Palomo's. Testicular atrophy did not occur in any patient of this series. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience shows that the results of the laparoscopic approach are comparable to those of the open approach. The ligation of testicular veins and artery is preferable to the ligation of the testicular veins alone. Hydrocele seems to be the most frequent postoperative complication and a potential problem, especially in children operated on with the Palomo procedure.

Influence of optic and haptic materials on the adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis to intraocular lenses: a pilot study.

To evaluate in vitro the adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis to intraocular lenses (IOL) of different optic and haptic materials and design, we used a quantitative cultural method. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), PMMA-prolene, polyHEMA, silicone and surface-modified PMMA (wet and dry) implants were tested. Adherence differed significantly in the various groups, with the best performance by all-PMMA IOL.

Evaluation of non-linear and linear mathematical models for creatinine and glucose fitting in peritoneal dialysis.

Four non-linear and five linear models for predicting the creatinine dialysate/ plasma ratio (CRD/P) and the glucose dialysate/initial concentration ratio (GLD/D0) were evaluated in a group of 31 patients on peritoneal dialysis and subjected to the peritoneal equilibration test (PET 3.86%, 240'). PET results and classification were compared to obtain a definition of patient peritoneal transport characteristics. The monomolecular and rectangular hyperbola non-linear models, the Lineweaver-Burk, Hanes-Woolf and Dadone linear transformations were considered for the CRD/P fitting. A monoexponential and two-exponential decay plus the semilogarithmic transformations were considered for the GLD/ D0. These models are simple, accurate and functionally homogeneous. Further studies are advisable however on the individual peritoneal transport classification, since approximately 30% of the patients were in different categories for CRD/P and GLD/D0 and the fittings do not give better classification results.

Peritoneal dialysis prescription: the "Clearance Peak" model.

Creatinine clearance (CRCL) was studied in 20 patients on CAPD in relation to the dwell times (DT), in order to establish a personalised dialysis schedule with the best clearance (CL) results, while respecting the patient's life-style. By calculating the CRCL from the two exchanges with dwell-times of 4 and 8 hours (2 I, 2.27%), curves (2nd degree polynomial regression) were plotted with three points (0h, 4h, 8h) for CRCL and the ultrafiltration rate (UF) as a function of the DT. The DT corresponding to the CRCL peak (CLPeak-time) was calculated for each subject with the first derivative of the function. On the basis of the CRCL obtained with the three most common DT (4h, 6h, 8h), we divided the patients into three categories (CLPeak-time < 5h: "fast", 5-7h: "normal"; > 7h: "slow") for the best CRCL correspondence of the 4h, 6h or 8h exchanges respectively. Also the 8h/4h ratio was used to determine CLPeak-time. For each of the three categories there is a corresponding dialysis schedule for the best CRCL and UF results of the exchanges with DT of 4, 6 and 8 hours, plus the theoretical calculation of the daily CRCL obtainable ("fast": APD; "normal": CAPD 4 exchanges/DAPD 4 exchanges; "slow": CAPD 4 exchanges). The "CLPeak" dialysis prescription model therefore identifies the most advantageous DT for each patient by using the CRCL values of two 2.27% exchanges of 4 and 8h respectively. Functional classification into three categories may give a rational orientation to dialysis prescription in order to reach the maximum CRCL possible with the individual peritoneal transport rates.

Symptoms in hemodialysis patients and their relationship with biochemical and demographic parameters.

Symptoms can markedly influence the hemodialysis patients well-being and quality of life. The aim of this paper is to study the frequency of symptoms at home and how these relate to biochemical and treatment variables. Seventy-three hemodialysis patients were questioned on the absence, occasional presence or daily recurrence (score = 0, 1, 2) of 14 symptoms and a record was made of their biochemical parameters, age, time on treatment and KtIV as a function of each symptom. The following relationships were detected: thirst with high Osm and BUN; asthenia with old age and hypoalbuminemia; insomnia with hypercalcemia; hypersomnia with hypoxemia and hypernatremia; anorexia with hypokalemia; dyspnea with old age, hypernatremia and hypokalemia; dysgeusia with hypoxemia; nausea with alkalemia, hypoxemia and low BUN; vomiting with alkalemia. Pruritus, arthralgia, restless legs syndrome, cramp and tremor showed no relationships. Monitoring acid-base balance and plasma electrolytes could help to alleviate symptoms and ameliorate quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

Continuous tidal peritoneal dialysis (CTPD) prescription and adequacy targets.

NKF-DOQI guidelines suggest a Kt/V value of 2.1 and a creatinine clearance (CRCL) value of 63 L/1.73 m2 of body surface area per week as minimum targets in continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). Those targets are obtained by adapting the CAPD guidelines. The aim of our study was to verify the possibility of reaching the suggested targets with continuous tidal peritoneal dialysis (CTPD) and to check target modification in this automated treatment. Eight anuric patients underwent four consecutive CTPD sessions with increasing total prescribed volumes (17 L, 22 L, 27 L, and 32 L; night 9 h; fill 2.2 L; tidal 75%, day 2 dwells). The Kt/V increase was significant (P = 0.012), unlike that of CRCL, with larger volumes. Two patients did not reach target Kt/V, and four did not reach target CRCL. The volume normalized for 1.73 m2 corresponding to DOQI targets was 19.6 +/- 2.6 L for Kt/V and 20.2 +/- 2.4 for CRCL. The overall Kt/V was 2.29 +/- 0.66 and CRCL was 57.3 +/- 16.5 L/1.73 m2. CRCL/Kt/V overall ratio was 25.6 +/- 4.7 and significantly different from the target ratio (63/2.1 = 30, P < 0.001). The CRCL/Kt/V ratio showed a significant decrease with larger volumes (P = 0.001, linear trend P < 0.001). Adequacy targets can be reached only in some patients on CTPD even with high dialysis volumes. The changes in the CRCL/Kt/V ratio in relation to dialysis volume can be considered for adaptation and evaluation of adequacy targets in automated treatments.