Serum cytokine changes induced by direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber in patients with acute respiratory failure.

BACKGROUND: Polymyxin B-immobilized Fiber therapy (PMX-DHP) may improve the prognosis of patients with rapidly progressive interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). However, the mechanisms by which PMX-DHP ameliorates oxygenation are unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the changes in serum cytokine concentrations during PMX-DHP with steroid pulse therapy. METHODS: Patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and rapidly progressive ILDs, acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and treated with PMX-DHP were assessed, including patients with IPF. The serum concentrations of 38 cytokines were compared between the ARF and IPF groups before treatment. In the ARF group, cytokine levels were compared before, immediately after PMX-DHP, and the day after termination of steroid pulse therapy. RESULTS: Fourteen ARF and eight IPF patients were enrolled. A comparison of the cytokine levels before treatment initiation revealed that EGF, GRO, IL-10, MDC, IL-12p70, IL-15, sCD40L, IL-7, IP-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1ß were significantly different between the two groups. In the ARF group treated with PMX-DHP, the concentrations of MDC, IP-10, and TNF-α continuously decreased during treatment (P < 0.01). Further, the cytokine levels of GRO, IL-10, IL-1Ra, IL-5, IL-6, and MCP-1 decreased after the entire treatment period, with no change observed during the steroid-only period (P < 0.01, except GRO and MCP-1). Although PMX-DHP significantly reduced eotaxin and GM-CSF serum levels (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), these levels did not change after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PMX-DHP combined with steroid pulse therapy might reduce GRO, IL-10, IL-1Ra, IL-5, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels in ARF, contributing to better oxygenation in the disorder.

Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Deficiency Associated with Severe Hyperkalemia During Pembrolizumab Therapy in a Patient with Ureteral Cancer and an Ileal Conduit: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are anticancer medications that enhance the antitumor immune response. The clinical benefit afforded by ICIs, however, can be accompanied by immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). One of the common endocrine IRAEs is hypophysitis, which often causes hypopituitarism with secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI). Secondary AI, including isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency (IAD), is often associated with hyponatremia. Here, we report an unusual case of ICI-related IAD associated with severe hyperkalemia. CASE REPORT A 78-year-old woman who had an ileal conduit, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension and was taking an angiotensin II receptor blocker began treatment for advanced ureteral cancer with the anti-programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor pembrolizumab. The therapy effectively controlled the cancer, but 4 1/2 months after starting it, the patient developed anorexia, general weakness, and muscle pain and was diagnosed with IAD associated with severe hyperkalemia and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. She recovered after prompt administration of corticosteroids and treatment with sodium bicarbonate, glucose/insulin, and cation exchange resins. CONCLUSIONS Hyperkalemia is a common symptom of primary AI but is less common in patients with central AI because a lack of ACTH does not cause aldosterone deficiency and mineralocorticoid action is preserved. The present case demonstrates the need for physicians to be aware of severe hyperkalemia as a life-threatening complication of secondary AI induced by ICIs, particularly in patients with predisposing factors, such as kidney dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, an ileal conduit, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor use.

Vitamin D Deficiency-induced Osteomalacia in a Patient with Anorexia Nervosa.

A 48-year-old woman with a 9-year-history of anorexia nervosa (AN) was admitted complaining of generalized bone pain. Blood tests showed hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatasemia, and a radiological survey revealed multiple rib fractures, suggesting complication with osteomalacia. Two years earlier, she had undergone subtotal colectomy for colon cancer. Her serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration was below the detectable level. In addition to a poor nutritional intake and insufficient sun exposure, malabsorption of fat-soluble substances in the intestine and phosphate loss from the kidneys might have contributed to the development of her osteomalacia.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with sarcopenia and frailty in Japanese hemodialysis patients.

AIM: We evaluated several sarcopenia-related hormones, cytokines and uremic toxins to identify the humoral factors associated with sarcopenia and frailty in Japanese hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Twenty Japanese patients aged ≥65 years who underwent maintenance hemodialysis therapy at Uonuma Kikan Hospital for more than 6 months were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Clinical data, including physical function and mental state, were obtained from the clinical records collected during the regular evaluation at the beginning of each hemodialysis therapy session, 3 days after the previous hemodialysis therapy. The diagnosis of sarcopenia and frailty was based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 and the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study, respectively. The mental state of patients was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (J-PHQ-9). RESULTS: In univariate analyses, plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were significantly lower in patients with severe sarcopenia and frailty. The plasma BDNF concentration was correlated with muscle strength and physical performances, such as the 6-m walk test, Short Physical Performance Battery and 5-time chair stand test. BDNF was also correlated with body weight, hemodialysis vintage, and serum levels of total protein and indoxyl sulfate but not with body mass index, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, serum interleukin 6 levels, or J-PHQ-9 scores. The odds ratio per 100 pg/mL of BDNF for the prevalence of frailty was 0.353. CONCLUSIONS: BDNF is associated with decreased physical performance and the prevalence of severe sarcopenia and frailty in Japanese maintenance hemodialysis patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 27-33.

Pathological findings suggesting vascular endothelial damage in multiple organs in chronic myelogenous leukemia patients on long-term tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

A 66-year-old man with hypertension was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 1996. Treatment was started with hydroxycarbamide and imatinib 400 mg in 1996 + 6, which was increased to 600 mg. Although he achieved a complete cytogenic response in 1996 + 9, he could not continue imatinib because of edema; the regimen was changed to nilotinib 800 mg in 1996 + 13. After he achieved a molecular response better than 4.5 in 1996 + 19, he was referred to our hospital. His urinalysis had shown urine protein since 1996 + 13, and his creatinine level increased in 1996 + 16. Renal biopsy, performed in 1996 + 20, revealed abdominal distention and massive ascites. After the nilotinib dosage was reduced to 400 mg, liver biopsy, also performed in 1996 + 20, revealed hypertrophy of renal small blood vessels and endothelial cells of the hepatic artery and loss of endothelial cells of the renal glomeruli, portal vein, and hepatic sinusoids. Both renal and liver biopsies revealed marked pathological vascular damage. The patient took oral imatinib for approximately 3.5 years and nilotinib for 11 years. Pathological findings indicated a tendency for thrombosis, which could induce vascular occlusive disease. Accumulation of cases, such as the present case, is needed to further analyze the pathophysiological processes.

Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Deficiency and Primary Hypothyroidism in a Patient Undergoing Long-Term Hemodialysis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing long-term maintenance hemodialysis are more likely than the general population to exhibit primary hypothyroidism. Only a few cases of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) among hemodialysis patients have been reported. We herein report an unusual case of a patient undergoing long-term hemodialysis who exhibited both IAD and primary hypothyroidism. CASE REPORT A 82-year-old male with end-stage renal disease secondary to immunoglobulin A nephropathy, undergoing hemodialysis for 20 years, was found to have primary hypothyroidism without obvious symptoms and consequently began thyroid hormone replacement therapy with oral levothyroxine. At 84 years of age, he developed anorexia, fatigue, and lethargy. A systemic workup using computed tomography and gastrointestinal endoscopy detected no abnormalities. He did not exhibit electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia or hyperkalemia, and had normal morning blood levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone. However, he exhibited hypoglycemic coma 4 months later. Detailed endocrinological examinations using dynamic function tests indicated IAD. After commencement of corticosteroid replacement therapy, his symptoms resolved without complications. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report of a hemodialysis patient with both IAD and primary hypothyroidism. This case highlights the importance of regular assessments of thyroid function for primary hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients, even when they are asymptomatic. Furthermore, timely dynamic endocrine testing of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function is needed to diagnose possible IAD in hemodialysis patients with symptoms suggestive of adrenal insufficiency, even in the absence of abnormal laboratory findings such as electrolyte imbalances or low morning blood levels of cortisol or adrenocorticotropic hormone.

IgG4-related Periarteritis Successfully Diagnosed by an Alternative Prostate Biopsy.

A 56-year-old man was referred to our facility after developing edema in his right leg. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a periarterial soft tissue mass surrounding the right iliac artery compressing the iliac vein. His elevated serum IgG4 level indicated IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Both a percutaneous and surgical biopsy of this periarterial lesion proved challenging and were not pursued. A prostate biopsy, however, finally provided a histological diagnosis of IgG4-RD. Oral steroid therapy successfully resolved his leg edema and periarterial lesion. This case illustrates the usefulness of an alternative prostate biopsy for the histological diagnosis of IgG4-RD when approaching the primary affected lesion is difficult.

Hypophosphatemic Osteomalacia Associated with Adefovir-induced Fanconi Syndrome Initially Diagnosed as Diabetic Kidney Disease and Vitamin D Deficiency.

A 68-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic hepatitis B infection was referred to the nephrology department before planned surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma. He had been receiving low-dose adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) for 11 years. Laboratory findings revealed impaired re-absorption in the proximal renal tubules. He had been diagnosed with diabetic kidney disease and osteomalacia due to vitamin D deficiency; thus, ADV was not discontinued until he was referred to us. In this case, concomitant diabetes mellitus and vitamin D deficiency might have prevented the early diagnosis of ADV-induced Fanconi syndrome.

An IgA1-lambda-type monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease associated with membranous features in a patient with IgG4-related kidney disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognized fibroinflammatory condition. The kidney is one of the organs commonly affected by IgG4-RD. Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is the main feature, and membranous nephropathy (MN) has also been described frequently. In MN, polyclonal immunoglobulins and complements are deposited in granular form along the glomerular basement membranes (GBMs). Unusual cases of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) associated with membranous features have been reported. MIDD is morphologically similar to MN but contains immunoglobulins considered to be derived from single B-cell clone. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 65-year-old man who was referred to our hospital because of hyperproteinaemia, eosinophilia, anaemia, and proteinuria. A renal biopsy demonstrated infiltration of plasma cells and eosinophils in the interstitium, and the ratio of IgG4-positive plasma cells to IgG-positive plasma cells was 55%. The patient was diagnosed as having IgG4-related TIN. Periodic acid methenamine silver staining under light microscopy revealed a bubbling appearance and spike formation in the GBM. On immunofluorescence, the expression of IgG and complements was negative; however, IgA was positively expressed in a granular pattern along the GBM. An IgA subclass analysis revealed a significant deposition of IgA1-lambda (IgA1-λ). Electron microscopy revealed irregular and small non-organized and non-Randall-type granular electron-dense deposits in the GBM that were shaped like snow leopard spots. CONCLUSIONS: After corticosteroid therapy was initiated, the patient's eosinophilia remarkably improved and his serum creatinine, IgG, and IgG4 levels decreased to within the normal ranges. However, massive proteinuria persisted. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of IgG4-related TIN associated with IgA1-λ-type MIDD with membranous features.

Legionella Pneumonia Complicated with Acquired Fanconi Syndrome.

Legionella pneumonia is occasionally accompanied by renal complications; however, the cause of this remains unknown. We herein report a 70-year-old Japanese man with Legionella pneumonia who presented with hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and hypouricemia. The levels of urinary ß2-microglobulin and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase were remarkably high, indicating severe renal tubular damage. The presence of glycosuria and aminoaciduria as well as increased fractional excretion of uric acid and decreased tubular reabsorption of phosphate indicated that the patient's condition was complicated with Fanconi syndrome. After antimicrobial therapy, the electrolyte abnormalities and renal tubular damage were completely resolved.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (nivolumab)-associated kidney injury and the importance of recognizing concomitant medications known to cause acute tubulointerstitial nephritis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) has been increasingly recognized as an important manifestation of kidney injury associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4). While the exact pathophysiology remains unknown, corticosteroids are the mainstay of management. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 67-year-old man with stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer who developed kidney injury during treatment with the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab. A kidney biopsy showed ATIN without granuloma formation. Considering their mechanism of action, immune checkpoint inhibitors can alter immunological tolerance to concomitant drugs that have been safely used for a long time. For more than 4 years before the initiation of nivolumab therapy, the patient had been receiving the proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole, known to cause drug-induced ATIN, without significant adverse events including kidney injury. He showed rapid improvement in kidney function in 3 days (creatinine decreased from 2.74 to 1.82 mg/dl) on discontinuation of lansoprazole. He then received 500 mg intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days followed by 1 mg/kg/day oral prednisolone and his creatinine levels eventually stabilized around 1.7 mg/dl. Drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test (DLST) for lansoprazole was positive. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid improvement of kidney function after discontinuation and DLST positivity indicate that lansoprazole contributed to the development of ATIN during nivolumab therapy. Considering the time course, it is plausible that nivolumab altered the long-lasting immunological tolerance against lansoprazole in this patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of DLST positivity for a drug that had been used safely before the initiation of an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Although corticosteroid therapy is recommended, the recognition and discontinuation of concomitant drugs, especially those known to induce ATIN, is necessary for the management of kidney injury associated with anti-PD-1 therapy.

Generalized Status Epilepticus in a Patient with Acute-onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Severe Kidney Dysfunction: A Case Report and Literature Review.

A 65-year-old Japanese man with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed acute-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) that was associated with severe acute kidney injury and was manifested by generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus. His seizures resolved without recurrence after correcting the diabetic ketoacidosis. Although hyperglycemia is an important cause of acute symptomatic seizure (ASS), patients with ketotic hyperglycemia develop ASS less frequently. In this T1D case with CKD, severe hyperglycemia in conjunction with other metabolic insults, such as uremia, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia, probably provoked his seizure despite the severe ketonemia.

Acquired Factor V Inhibitors in a Patient with End-stage Renal Disease.

We report a case of acquired factor V inhibitors (AFVIs) in a patient with end-stage renal disease receiving warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. A 72-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital complaining of tarry stools and abdominal pain. The laboratory findings revealed eosinophilia (52.1%), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (98 s), PT (84 s), a factor V (FV) activity of <3%, and an FV inhibitor level of 6 Bethesda units/mL. After administration of prednisolone was started, his coagulation findings improved. However, his renal failure progressed, and he ultimately required chronic hemodialysis. This is the first case of AFVIs in a patient starting hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease.

Rapidly Progressive Renal Dysfunction in Two Elderly Patients with Renal Enlargement and Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease-like Acute Tubulointerstitial Injury.

Medullary cystic kidney disease (MCKD) is a hereditary disease associated with bilateral medullary polycysts and interstitial fibrosis. MCKD is typically associated with slowly progressive renal dysfunction. We herein report two rare elderly cases with enlarged kidneys and rapidly progressive renal dysfunction without myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA), PR3-ANCA, or anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies. Renal biopsies revealed extensive tubular dilatation and atrophy with interstitial fibrosis consistent with MCKD. Both patients began hemodialysis therapy a few months later. Our cases suggest a MCKD subgroup among elderly patients with an undefined genetic background, rapidly progressive renal dysfunction, and enlarged kidneys.

Myeloperoxidase Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (MPO-ANCA) Associated Crescentic and Necrotizing Glomerulonephritis (GN) with Membranoproliferative GN Features.

A 77-year-old man presented with a fever, non-productive cough, and edema formation. A laboratory analysis showed an elevated creatinine level (2.5 mg/dL), a high titer of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) (99 U/mL), positive reaction for antinuclear antibody (×320), hematuria, and massive proteinuria (3.33 g/day). A renal biopsy revealed crescentic and necrotizing glomerulonephritis (GN) with membranoproliferative GN features [double contour appearance of the glomerular basement membrane, granular deposition of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, and C3 along the capillary wall, subendothelial and subepithelial deposits with mesangial interposition]. A potential relationship between MPO-ANCA associated GN and membranoproliferative GN is discussed.