Serum uric acid may predict development of progressive acute kidney injury after open heart surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cardiac surgery developing in 25-35% cases. Recently, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was shown to predict AKI development earlier than serum creatinine. Some studies demonstrated the predictive role of post-operative serum uric acid (SUA) as an early marker of AKI. We aimed to study the role of serum and urine NGAL as well as SUA to predict progression of AKI. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Blood and urine samples for measurement of uric acid, serum and urine NGAL levels were collected prior to cardiac surgery (0 h), and in the time course at 2nd and 24th hours after surgery. Patients who developed AKI were divided into two subgroups as progressing and non-progressing AKI. RESULTS: Sixty patients (42 males, 18 females) were included. After cardiac surgery, 40 patients developed AKI, 20 of whom non-progressing AKI, and 20 progressing AKI. All of the markers significantly increased in AKI patients. A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed higher predictive ability of SUA for progressing AKI compared with serum and urine NGAL. When compared markers obtained at the second hour after surgery, UA had significantly large AUC than NGAL to predict AKI developed at 24 and 48 h, particularly in patients, who require renal replacement therapy (RRT). CONCLUSION: Uric acid seems to predict the progression of AKI and RRT requirement in patients underwent cardiac surgery better than NGAL.

The relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis in renal transplant and end-stage renal disease patients.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular risk is increased in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is also found to be ongoing in renal transplant (Rtx) patients. As a sign of atherosclerosis, increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been widely accepted as a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were introduced as oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in ESRD. The role of Rtx in terms of atherogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between IMA, PTX-3, NLR, and CIMT in Rtx patients without overt CVD and to compare these results with those obtained from healthy subjects and ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis in which CIMT measurements, NLR, and serum PTX-3 and IMA levels were assessed in 18 Rtx patients (10 females; mean age: 40.0 ± 13.3 years), 16 PD patients (7 females; 40.2 ± 12.9 years), 14 HD patients (8 females; 46.6 ± 10.7 years), and 19 healthy subjects (9 females; 36.9 ± 8.9 years). RESULTS: IMA, PTX-3, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, NLR, and CIMT of Rtx patients were found to be significantly higher compared with healthy subjects ( p = 0.04, p < 0.0001, p < 0.005, p = 0.005, and p = 0.005, respectively). IMA level was positively correlated with hs-CRP and PTX-3 levels, NLR, and CIMT when all participants were included (r = 0.338, p = 0.005; r = 0.485, p < 0.0001; r = 0.304, p = 0.013; and r = 0.499, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: There has been ongoing inflammation, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis in Rtx patients.

Management of a Resistant Hypotension Developing After Reperfusion of a Living-Donor Kidney Transplant.

We present a case of hypotension developing after reperfusion of a living-donor kidney transplant and performing a graft nephrectomy and successful retransplant with the same kidney 12 hours later. Preemptive kidney transplant was performed on a 51-year-old woman who had a chronic kidney disease because of hypertension. Her 55-year-old husband was the living kidney donor. The patient was stable before reperfusion. After declamping, pink color of the transplanted kidney, thrill from the renal artery, and urinary output were seen. But shortly after reperfusion, the invasive arterial blood pressure of the patient abruptly decreased from 130/70 mm Hg to 70/40 mm Hg, her pulse was approximately 80 to 110 beats/minute. The thrill disappeared from the renal artery, but blood flow continued. A graft nephrectomy was performed 45 minutes after reperfusion. Invasive arterial blood pressure of the patient was stabilized at approximately 110/70 mm Hg in the intensive care unit, and the patient was retransplanted with the same kidney. The patient was well, with a serum creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL, 12 months after the operation. Resistant hypotension that occurs after kidney transplant may cause a loss of the graft and the patient. To prevent graft loss, and to stabilize the patient, a graft nephrectomy and retransplant of the graft under suitable circumstances may be considered.

Pulmonary Involvement in Brucellosis, a Rare Complication of Renal Transplant: Case Report and Brief Review.

Brucellosis, a disease endemic in many countries including Turkey, is a systemic infectious disease. Brucellosis is rare in renal transplant recipients. Only 4 cases have been reported in the literature. In this report, we describe the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of a brucellosis case with pulmonary involvement in a renal transplant recipient. A 20-year-old man who had a living-donor kidney transplant 4 months earlier presented to our transplant clinic with fever, cough, and right flank pain. Clarithromycin and ceftriaxone were started for the diagnosis of pneumonia. However, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem plus teicoplanin, and antituberculosis treatment were continued because the patient was unresponsive to the initial therapy. Serum Brucella agglutination titer was found to be 1/320. Treatment was started with a 6-week course of oral doxycycline and rifampin, resulting in cure. Brucellosis and especially its pulmonary involvement are rare after kidney transplant. However, in endemic areas,it should be considered as it mimics several other infectious diseases.

Rupture of a Subcapsular Hematoma After Kidney Transplant: Case Report.

Subcapsular hematoma after kidney transplant may result in kidney ischemia and graft loss. In this report, we present a patient who had a subcapsular hematoma that had no intraoperative enlargement but ruptured after surgery. A man who had chronic kidney disease secondary to hypertension had a preemptive living-donor kidney transplant from his wife. After declamping, appropriate renal perfusion and urinary output were observed. At perfusion, a subcapsular hematoma (diameter, 3 cm) was observed at the upper pole of the kidney. The hematoma did not enlarge during the surgery. Capsulotomy was not performed due to possible risks, and transplant surgery was completed with the plan for close postoperative ultrasonography and hemodynamic follow-up. Decreased urinary output was observed early after surgery. Renal Doppler ultrasonography showed decreased diastolic flow and a hematoma (width, 9 mm) that completely surrounded the transplanted kidney. The patient had emergency reoperation due to active hemorrhage from his surgical drain at 40 hours after surgery. Rupture of the capsule and hemorrhage from the surface of the kidney were observed. Extended capsulotomy and hemostasis of the kidney were performed. After surgery, urinary flow increased and renal Doppler ultrasonography findings improved. In summary, intervention for a subcapsular hematoma after kidney transplant is controversial. Capsulotomy should be considered for treatment of increased pressure to the graft, risk of permanent damage, and risk of graft loss.

Assessment of abdominal aortic calcification at different stages of chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: Vascular calcifications that may cause cardiovascular disease are highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we aimed to determine abdominal aorta calcifications (AAC) in predialysis and hemodialysis patients by lateral lumbar radiography and to investigate factors that were associated with the calcifications. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-nine adult chronic hemodialysis patients, 300 predialysis CKD patients and 60 healthy subjects with normal kidney function as a control group were enrolled in the study. Lateral lumbar radiography was used to measure AAC. Calcified deposits of the abdominal aorta wall at the level of the first through fourth lumbar vertebrae were graded by a 24-point scoring system. RESULTS: AAC prevalence (AAC score ≥1) was significantly different in hemodialysis, predialysis and control groups (71.8, 45.7 and 33.3 %, respectively; p < 0.001). AAC prevalence in CKD stages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 predialysis patients was 26.6, 43.3, 40, 58.3 and 55 %, respectively. AAC scores of the hemodialysis group were higher than of the predialysis group (p < 0.001) and the control group (p < 0.001). AAC scores of the predialysis group were not higher than of the control group (p = 0.314). AAC scores of the hemodialysis group were significantly higher than of the control group (p < 0.001) and stage 1 (p < 0.001), stage 2 (p = 0.001) and stage 3 predialysis groups (p = 0.002). Age (p < 0.001), presence of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001) and serum phosphorus levels (p = 0.011) were found to be independent predictors of calcification in the hemodialysis group. Age (p < 0.001), serum phosphorus levels (p = 0.007) and history of cardiovascular disease (p = 0.014) were found to be independent predictors of calcification in the predialysis group. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal aortic calcification is highly prevalent in the hemodialysis population. Strict phosphorus control should be implemented to the predialysis and hemodialysis patients.

Evaluation of Quality of Life Early and Late After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND The most important purpose of transplantation is to improve quality of life (QOL) together with increasing life expectancy. The aim of this study was to compare the QOL of both donors and kidney transplant recipients and a control group at the 3rd and 9th postoperative months by using the SF36 health survey, to investigate the changes in this 6-month period and to evaluate descriptive data and satisfaction of patients and donors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-seven donors and 47 kidney transplant recipients who were operated on in Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital between August 2012 and March 2015 and had been followed up for at least 9 months and 47 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. RESULTS Physical functioning (PF) was higher at the 9th postoperative month compared to the 3rd month in the recipient group (p=0.028). Donors had higher PF (p=0.007) and functioning physical role (PR; p=0.01) compared to recipients. Recipients had lower PF (p=0.016), PR (p=0.004), and functional-emotional role (ER; p=0.03) at the 3rd month and had lower PR (p=0.002) at the 9th month postoperatively comparing to the control group. Donors had lower PF (p=0.007) and PR (p=0.01) at the 3rd month and had lower PR (p=0.035) at the 9th month postoperatively comparing to the control group. Donors and recipients had similar QOL at the 9th month. CONCLUSIONS During follow-up, we observed an increase in QOL (in some subgroups) at 9 months postoperatively. Donors and recipients had similar QOL (except for PR) with the control group at the 9th month. QOL was better in younger and male patients and educated persons. Donors did not show any regret regarding their donation.

Comparison of anti-reflux mechanism between Double-J-Stent and standart Double-J-Stent use for risk of BK nephropathy and urinary tract Infection in kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: There are studies that show that double J stenting (DJS) increase BK nephropathy (BKN) 4 fold. DJS may cause vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with normal bladder contraction. The aim of this study is to comparison risk of BKN, urinary tract infections (UTI) and postoperative urologic complications with the use DJS with anti-reflux device (ARD-DJS) and standart double J stent (St-DJS). Matherial and methods: Ninety patients (male/female: 50/40) that had undergone kidney transplantations in Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital and Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine Hospital between January 2012 and April 2015 were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, immunosuppression protocols, presence of rejection, graft loss, postoperative urologic complications, UTI, plasma BK levels of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Median and IQR follow up time for ARD-DJS and St-DJS patients were 14 (12-18) months and 25 (16-30) months respectively. Five cases (5.5%) had BK viremia (P=0.025). All 5 cases with BK viremia were St-DJS users. CONCLUSION: As a result for postoperative UTI and postoperative urinary complication risk there were no statistically significant difference between ARD-DJS use and St-DJS use during ureteral anastomosis. BKN univariate analysis were significantly less than those st-DJS used. Risc factors were evaluated. But results were not statistically significant in the logistic regression analysis. We think that to demonstrate this benefit, we need randomized controlled studies with more patients and longer follow up.

Glomerulonephritis associated with tuberculosis: a case report and literature review.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis caused mycobacterium tuberculosis is rare; however, three case have been reported to date. Crescentic glomerulonephritis is a life-threatening disease and together with the presence of tuberculous infection is associated with a poor outcome if treatment is inadequate and delayed. We describe the case of a 31-year-old female patient with nephrotic syndrome and progressive renal failure secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. Renal biopsy showed crescent formation in 14 out of 27 glomeruli, and there was diffuse linear staining of immunoglobulin G deposits. Treatment included corticosteroids in combination with antituberculosis drugs for 2 months, and resulted in a significant improvement in renal function, the disappearance of proteinuria and pulmonary symptoms. We also present a review of the pertinent literature and discuss the pathophysiology of tuberculosis-related acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis.

The Relationship between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Coronary Artery Calcification in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and left ventricular hypertrophy are the most commonly encountered risk factors in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease patients. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is the true visceral fat depot of the heart. The relationship between coronary artery disease and EAT has been shown in healthy subjects and patients with a high risk of coronary artery disease. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between EAT and CAC in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Patients and Methods: Forty-five PD patients (18 females, 27 males, with a mean age of 50.6 ± 15 years) and 25 healthy subjects (12 females, 13 males, with a mean age of 52.4 ± 10.7 years) were enrolled in the study. EAT and CAC score (CACS) measurements were performed by a multidetector computed tomography scanner. RESULTS: EAT of the PD patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy subjects (p = 0.02). When patients were divided into two subgroups (group 1: CACS ≤10, n = 20; group 2: CACS >10, n = 25), EAT was also significantly higher in group 2 patients than in group 1 patients and healthy subjects. Age and EAT were also found to be correlated with CACS ≥10. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between the anatomic assessment of coronary artery lesions by multidetector computed tomography and EAT in PD patients. This relationship might be attributed to increased inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines in uremic patients.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and malnutrition, inflammation, atherosclerosis/calcification syndrome in ESRD patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition, inflammation, atherosclerosis/calcification (MIAC) and endothelial dysfunction are the most commonly encountered risk factors in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in ESRD patients. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is the true visceral fat depot of the heart. The relationship between CAD and EAT was shown in patients with high risk of coronary artery disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between EAT and MIAC syndrome in ESRD patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Eighty ESRD patients and 27 healthy subjects enrolled in this cross-sectional study. EAT and coronary artery calcification score were measured by a multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner. Patients with serum albumin <3.5 mg/dl were defined as patients with malnutrition; those with serum C-reactive protein level >10 ng/dl (normal range, 0-5 ng/dl) had inflammation; and those with CACS >10 had atheroscleosis/calcification. RESULTS: Total CACS and EAT measurements were significantly higher in ESRD patients when compared with healthy subjects. There was a statistically significant relationship between EAT and CACS in ESRD patients (r = 0.48). EAT measurements were higher in PD patients than HD patients. Twenty-four of the patients had no component, 31 had one component, 17 had two components, and nine had all of the MIAC components. EAT was found to be significantly increased when the presence of MIAC components increased. EAT was positively correlated with age, body mass index, and presence of MIAC. These parameters were also found as independent predictors of increased EAT. CONCLUSIONS: We found a relationship between EAT and components of MIAC syndrome in ESRD patients.

A hepatitis C-positive patient with new onset of nephrotic syndrome and systemic amyloidosis secondary to common variable immunodeficiency.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogenous group of predominantly antibody-deficiency disorders that make up the greatest proportion of patients with symptomatic primary hypogammaglobulinemia. The rare coincidence of amyloidosis and hypogammaglobulinemia has been reported previously. Contrary to the usual insidious, slowly progressive disease following hepatitis C infection, a rapidly progressive cirrhotic form can develop in hypogammaglobulinemic patients. We report a HCV-positive patient with a new onset of nephrotic syndrome and systemic amyloidosis secondary to CVID. Blood analyses showed serum creatinine of 1.8 mg/dL and serum albumin of 3.1 gm/dL; 24-h urinary protein was 11 800 mg/day. Serum immunoglobulin levels were IgG 340 mg/dL, IgM 18 mg/dL, IgA 11 mg/dL. Duodenal biopsy revealed AA-type amyloidosis with potassium permanganate and Congo red staining. After a month of antiproteinuric therapy, the proteinuria was reduced to 3350 mg/day.