Peritoneal dialysis without a physical peritoneal dialysis unit.

UNLABELLED: Under certain circumstances when patients need peritoneal dialysis (PD) but no physical unit or official staff are available, one has to improvise ways to serve such patients. In this study we describe our experience with such patients without a physical peritoneal dialysis unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 1997 we trained 33 patients, mean age 61.7 +/- 12.8 years old. Catheter implantation was done in another hospital on them as out-patients. We used trained nurses made available by the company that supplies the PD solution. After 2004 the whole training was done at patients' home, after having been accepted by the patients. RESULTS: Catheter implantation was successful in all 33 patients. Catheter was removed from 2 patients (one and 4 years after implantation) because of relapsing peritonitis in the first and fungal infection in the second. The overall peritonitis rate was 0.18 episodes/patient year or one episode every 63.5 patient months. Actuarial patient survival was 90%, at one year, 83% at second year and 55% at third year. First and second year technique survival were 96%, and 90% respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results, should encourage those who want to provide peritoneal dialysis to their patients even when a physical peritoneal dialysis unit is not available.

Echinocytic transformation and aggregation of red cells in uremic patients.

Isolated rabbit lungs were perfused with washed and resuspended human red blood cells (RBCs) in the presence of drugs known to change the shape and deformability of RBCs. With sodium salicylate (0.5-2 g/l), which causes echinocytosis and increases RBC deformability, lung diffusing capacity for O2 (DLO2) increased by 21%. When chlorpromazine, which induces stomatocytosis and stiffens RBCs, was given (50 mg/l), DLO2 decreased by 18% under chlorpromazine. Comparative experiments with hemoglobin solutions did not reveal any effect of those two drugs either on DLO2 or on pulmonary arterial pressure, which indicates that the effects of sodium salicylate and chlorpromazine were due to changes in RBC shape and deformability. It is concluded that RBC shape and deformability affect pulmonary artery pressure and oxygen diffusing capacity, which may have an influence on oxygen transfer to tissue and hence be of clinical relevance.

Ammonia concentration in the renal veins in unilateral renal artery stenosis with hypertension.

We measured blood ammonia in pre-angioplasty samples from the renal veins, aorta and inferior vena cava of 15 patients with hypertension due to unilateral renal artery stenosis confirmed by arteriography. Patients with renal insufficiency or small kidneys were excluded. Mean ammonia values were microgram/dl: vein of affected kidney, 106.00 +/- 12.75; vein of unaffected kidney, 75.65 +/- 23.10; aorta 61.04 +/- 15.00; vena cava, 62.44 +/- 19.65. The value for the affected kidney was significantly higher than the other three values (p < 0.001). Mean +/- SD DTPA uptake (%) was 42.8 +/- 2.21 in the affected kidney and 56.53 +/- 3.64 in the unaffected kidney. This difference did not correlate significantly with that of the ammonia concentrations tau = -0.292).

Management of claudication and hypertension by stent implantation in a renal transplant recipient.

Graft artery stenosis is one of the main causes of hypertension in renal transplant recipients. We present a rare case of severe common iliac artery stenosis, proximal to the graft artery, that was the cause of accelerated hypertension and claudication in a male renal transplant recipient. After percutaneous balloon angioplasty combined with a Palmaz stent implantation, a dramatic improvement of hypertension and claudication was observed during a 10-month follow-up period.

Transplant renal artery stenosis: hypertension and graft function before and after angioplasty.

We present a case, who after 15 years of renal transplantation developed severe deterioration of her hypertension without alteration in renal function. Colour Doppler sonography revealed a 90% stenosis near the anastomosis of the graft artery to iliac artery, which was successfully and uneventfully corrected by percutaneous balloon angioplasty. Following the procedure the blood pressure control dramatically improved and her antihypertensive regimen returned and remained at baseline for the subsequent year of observation. Renal function remained normal and stable before and after angioplasty.

Influence of radiation treatment on serum transferrin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

This study deals with the effect of radiation treatment (RT) on serum transferrin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in patients with malignant tumors. In 21 patients who received 36-60 Gy in 20 to 30 sessions of RT, serum transferrin and TNF-alpha were determined pre-RT, after 10 to 15 sessions (middle of RT) and after 20 to 30 sessions (end of RT). The values of serum transferrin pre-RT were significantly higher than those in the middle and at the end of RT (p < 0.001). The values of TNF-alpha were increased by RT and were significantly higher at the end of RT as compared to the pre-RT values (p < 0.05). The values of serum transferrin and TNF-alpha show a tendency to negative correlation, either as a whole or separately pre- and under-RT. However, no correlation was statistically significant.

Serum transferrin and ceruloplasmin in patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal and other systems.

Serum transferrin and ceruloplasmin were determined in 20 healthy subjects, 23 patients with cancer of the gastro-intestinal system (G.I.S) and 22 patients with other types of cancer. Serum transferrin in patients with cancer of the G.I.S. was significantly decreased in comparison to that of healthy subjects (p < 0.05) and to that of other cancer patients (p < 0.005), but no significant difference was found between the values of healthy subjects and those with other types of cancer. Serum ceruloplasmin was significantly increased in patients with cancer of the G.I.S. (p < 0.01) and other types (p < 0.05) in comparison to that of healthy subjects. No significant difference was found between patients with cancer of the G.I.S. and those with other cancer types. In conclusion, transferrin was significantly decreased in the serum of patients with cancer of the G.I.S. while ceruloplasmin was significantly increased in both groups of patients with G.I.S. and other types of cancer.

Pre-HD dilution acidosis, without post-HD contraction alkalosis in uremic patients.

The aim of this study was to verify if the degree of pre-HD acidosis and its correction post-HD is related to body fluid expansion during the interdialytic period. Twelve uremic patients without major problems, with stable hematocrit, with regular and similar HD-session characteristics, but widely varying amounts of body fluid expansion in the interdialytic period were included. Blood samples were collected from arterial line pre- and post-HD, anaerobically in heparinized syringes, for determination of HCO3-, pH and PaCO2 (radiometer Copenhagen ABL 300 Acid-Base Laboratory), in two similar HD-sessions for each patient (12 patients, 24 HD-sessions). The percentage (%) of body weight gain in the interdialytic period was also estimated. For each patient, the mean value of parameters studied in the two HD-sessions was used for the evaluation of findings. According to mean values (+/-SD) of HCO3-, pH and PaCO2 Pre-HD (18.26+/-1.99 mmol/L, 7.31+/-0.03, 36.27+/-2.5 mmHg respectively) and post-HD (26.37+/-1.7, 7.43+/-0.03, 38.43+/-2.10 respectively) patients are acidotic pre-HD and slightly alkalemic post-HD. Correlation between the percentage (%) of interdialytic body weight gain (IBWG) and the values of HCO3-, pH and PaCO2, Pre-HD (r=-0.814, p<0.001; r=-0.931, p<0.001; r=0, 100 NS; respectively) and post-HD (r=-0.958, p<0.001; r=-0.937, p<0.001; r=-0.504 NS; respectively) indicates a significant and negative relationship of IBWG% with HCO3- and pH pre- and post-HD, but not with PCO2. In conclusion, the negative relationship of IBWG% with HCO3- and pH pre- and post-HD indicates that the body fluid expansion during the interdialytic period contributes to a dilutional acidosis pre-HD, but not to a contraction alkalosis post-HD, by the elimination of fluid during the HD-session.

Changes of arterio-venous differences in pH and pCO2 by hemodialysis.

Normally the differences in arterial-venous pH (A-VpH) and veno-arterial pCO2 (V-ApCO2) are small and constant. This study deals with A-VpH and V-ApCO2 and their effect on arterial-venous saturation hemoglobin percentage (A-VSHb%) in uremic patients under hemodialysis (HD). In 17 uremic patients under HD with acetate, blood samples were collected anaerobically in heparinized syringes from artery (fistula) and vein (forearm without fistula) pre- and post-HD. In these samples pH, pCO2 and SHb% were determined and A-VpH, V-ApCO2 and A-VSHb% were estimated. Comparison between the values pre- and post-HD of A-VpH, V-ApCO2 and A-VSHb% shows that these three values were decreased significantly post-HD (p < 0.001). The correlation of all values (pre- and post-HD) of A-VpH and V-ApCO2 with that of A-VSHb% was significant and positive (r = 0.514 p < 0.01, r = 0.505 p < 0.01, respectively).

A cross-over study of a new low molecular weight heparin (Logiparin) in hemodialysis.

The safety and effectiveness of a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) of 4500 +/- 1500 Daltons were evaluated in eight hemodialysis (HD) patients, in comparison with unfractionated heparin (UFH). In phase A of the study 3000 +/- 500 anti-factor Xa (AFXa) IU of LMWH were administered in bolus for the three consecutive HD sessions of a week. In phase B, 10000 +/- 2500 IU of UFH were administered to the same patients for the same time. Were observed no significant differences in hematocrit (Ht), platelets (Pt), fibronogen (FG) and prothrombin time (PT). Whole blood activated coagulation time (WBACT) was more prolonged with LMWH, 24 and 48 hours (start of next session) after administration (p < 0.05), and less prolonged at 5, 60, 120, 180, 240 min compared to UFH (p < 0.001). The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and AFXa activity were more prolonged with UFH at 60 and 240 min (p < 0.001). The clinical effectiveness of the two preparations was similar as judged by thrombus formation and compression time. In conclusion, the present study found no real differences between LMWH and UFH, except for prolongation of WBACT 24 and 48 hours after the administration of LWMH. This probably indicates a cumulative effect of the LMWH and needs further investigation.

Telemedicine technology and applications for home hemodialysis.

Home hemodialysis (HD) for the treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was first put into practice about 30 years ago. In this paper we describe the application of telematics monitoring services (TMS) for supporting patients who need home or satellite HD (SHD). For the clinical trials two modified HD machines were located in the renal unit and a central control station (UNIX workstation with multimedia PC-terminal) was located in another room of the hospital. Bi-directional communication between modified HD machines and central control station was managed via ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) links. Using these HD-machines 150 HD sessions were performed in nine patients over a period of five months. This system enabled on-line remote supervision of the HD machine-related functions (air in the blood, leak of blood, low conductivity etc.) and the clinical condition of patients through measurement of blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, PO2 (pulse oxymetry) and electrocardiogram (ECG) from the central control station (CCS). The user checked the type of alarm/warning, its appearance on HD machines and multimedia terminal units (MTU), the action of the protective system and the appearance of consultative messages from CCS on the remote terminal unit RTU. According to the data collected, the disturbances of HD machine function were visible and audible in the CCS and the user messages were always observed on the RTU. No unusual dialysis-associated complications were observed, all data and alarms/warnings were transmitted correctly and patients had adequate HD treatment.

Serum changes of Ferroxidases and iron-binding capacity in pregnancy.

Serum changes of Ferroxidase I and II well as the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) were measured throughout their gestation in 32 normal pregnant women. Significantly higher concentrations for all the above mentioned parameters were found as pregnancy advanced. Moreover, a significant and positive correlation between the weeks of gestation and a) serum Ferroxidase I (r:0.568 p < 0.001), d) serum Ferroxidase II (r:0.619 p < 0.001), c) serum TIBC (r:0.549 p < 0.01), and d) serum UIBC (r:0.424 p < 0.05) was found. The parallel serum changes of both ferroxidase with those of TIBC and UIBC are also shown in this study. The correlation of Ferroxidase I with TIBC (r:0.734 p < 0.001) and UIBC (r:0.536 p < 0.01) as that of Ferroxidase II with TIBC(r:0.634 p < 0.001) and UIBC (r:0.513 p < 0.01) was significant and positive. In conclusion, serum Ferroxidase I and II are progressively increased with serum TIBC and UIBC as pregnancy advances.

Changes of serum transferrin and ceruloplasmin after radiation therapy in women with cervical or uterine carcinoma.

Serum transferrin and ceruloplasmin were measured in 27 healthy women as well as in 21 women who received fractionated radiation therapy (RT) after undergoing surgery for cervical or uterine carcinoma. Although no significant difference in the mean values of transferrin was found between the healthy women and the patients before the initiation of RT, a significantly lower concentration of transferrin after the end of RT (p < 0.001) was observed in comparison to that of controls and of patients before RT. On the contrary, a significantly higher serum concentration of ceruloplasmin was found in patients before and after RT compared to that in healthy women (p < 0.001). The observed increase of ceruloplasmin after RT was not found to be significantly different from the mean value before RT. In conclusion serum transferrin is reduced by RT, while ceruloplasmin which is higher in patients before RT shows a tendency for increase following RT.

Correlation of depressive symptoms and olfactory dysfunction in patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A possible link between depression and olfactory dysfunction has been suggested in the literature, in research projects using the olfactory bulbectomy model. In human studies using a syndrome-oriented approach, such an association has not been reported consistently. The aim of the study was to test the association of olfactory dysfunction with depression using a symptom-oriented approach.Paients and methods: Twenty eight end-stage renal failure patients took part in this project. The patients olfactory identification ability was tested with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Immediately before olfactory testing, the subjects completed the Zung self-rating scale, which provides data on symptoms of depression in this group of patients. RESULTS: The mean value of the number of mistakes made in the olfactory identification ability (UPSIT test) by the total sample was 14.0±4.5, with a range 6-22. Half of the symptoms seem to bear an influence on the olfactory identification performance. Patients experiencing decreased libido and dissatisfaction exhibited significantly reduced olfactory function, as contrasted to those not experiencing these symptoms. The above results remain practically unaltered even after taking into account such probable confounding factors as age, sex, olfactory detection threshold and duration of illness. CONCLUSION: These findings support previous evidence indicating that olfactory dysfunction may be related to specific depressive symptoms in humans. The present findings also suggest that the symptom-oriented approach is an effective research tool for the elucidation of such clinical issues. The need for further research in this field is pointed out.

Relation of interdialytic water retention with apparent bicarbonate space, HCO3-, and pH in hemodialyzed uremic patients.

This study determines the relationship between interdialytic water retention (IWR) and acid-base homeostasis in uremic patients under regular hemodialysis (HD). To this aim, in 33 regular bicarbonate HD sessions of 11 uremic patients (three HD sessions of 1 week for each patient), blood samples were received from arterial line immediately pre- and post-HD anaerobically in heparinized syringes and the HCO3-, pH, and pco2 were determined. Also in the studied HD sessions, the IWR was estimated and the apparent bicarbonate space percentage (ABS%) pre- and post-HD was calculated by Fernandez et al. (Eq. 1). The mean +/- SD values pre-HD (ABS% = 54.15 +/- 1.49, HCO3- = 18.54 +/- 2.0 mmol/L, pH = 7.32 +/- 0.02, pco2 = 35.44 +/- 3.10 mmHg) and post-HD (ABS% = 49.88 +/- 0.6, HCO3- = 26.33 +/- 1.6 mmol/L, pH = 7.44 +/- 0.02, pco2 = 37.69 +/- 3.00 mmHg) show metabolic acidosis pre-HD and slight alkalosis post-HD. There was a significant positive correlation between IWR and ABS% pre-HD (r = 0.650, p < .0001) and post-HD (r = 0.655, p < .0001), but a significant negative correlation between IWR and HCO3- pre-HD (r = -0.502, p < .003) and post-HD (r = -0.700, p < .001), as well as between IWR and pH pre-HD (r = -0.516, p < .002) and post-HD (r = -0.377, p < .03). In addition, there was a significantly negative correlation between IWR and pco2 post-HD (r = -0.656, p < .001), but not pre-HD (r = 0.0136, PNS). The significantly positive relationship between IWR and ABS% pre- and post-HD, in combination with the significantly negative correlation between HCO3- and pH pre- and post-HD, indicates that the IWR negatively influences the acid-base homeostasis in hemodialysis patients without residual renal function, and may worsen the cardiovascular physiology and tissue oxygenation of these patients.