Renal length and volume prediction in healthy children.

INTRODUCTION: Little information is available regarding the evaluation of renal volume in healthy Latin-American children of different ages. The objective of this work was to establish a predictive model of renal size (volume and length) and develop a web-based calculator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective and representative sample was obtained randomly from the database of healthy children living in Resistencia city, Chaco, Argentina: a) the National Health Program for children under 6 years old; b) school children until 18 years old (primary and middle education). Renal dimensions were obtained by ultrasonography via a single experienced operator at the indicated site (schools or primary health care centers). Renal volume was calculated using Dinkel's formula. A multiple linear regression model was applied using potential predictors. The final model was implemented in a free web-based application. RESULTS: Random selection was made from the database to include 882 subjects with ages between 0.03 and 230.63 months. The data was divided into two sets (one for training and the other for model testing). The training set (423) included 212 (50%) females. Significant predictors included age, height, current weight and birth weight, and the interaction between age and present weight. Using the test dataset, both renal volume and length root mean square errors were 5.06 cm3 and 0.59 cm. CONCLUSION: The prediction model was accurate and allowed for the development a freely-available web app: Renal size prediction (https://porbm28.shinyapps.io/RenalVolume/). Once the models are validated by additional studies, the app could be a useful tool to predict renal volume and length in pediatric clinical practice.

Burden of disease: prevalence and incidence of ESRD in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major challenge for Latin America (LA), due to its epidemic proportions and high burden to the population affected and to public health systems. METHODS: Our methods have been reported previously: This paper shows the data for the last 10 years until 2010, from the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Registry (RLADTR). RESULTS: 20 countries participated in the surveys, covering 99% of Latin America (LA). The prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) under renal replacement therapy (RRT) in LA increased from 119 patients per million population (pmp) in 1991 to 660 pmp in 2010 (hemodialysis (HD) 413 pmp, peritoneal dialysis (PD) 135 pmp, and LFG 111 pmp). HD proportionally increased more than PD and transplant and continues to be the treatment of choice in the region (75%). The kidney transplant rate increased from 3.7 pmp in 1987 to 6.9 pmp in 1991 and to 19.1 in 2010. The total number of transplants in 2010 was 10,397, with 58% being deceased donors. The total RRT prevalence correlated positively with gross national income (GNI) (r = 0.86; p < 0.05) and life expectancy at birth (r = 0.58; p < 0.05). The global incidence rate correlated significantly only with GNI (r = 0.56; p < 0.05). Diabetes remained the leading cause of ESRD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence and incidence of RRT continues to increase. In countries with 100% public health or insurance coverage for RRT the rates are comparable to those displayed by developed countries with better GNI. PD is still an underutilized strategy for RRT in the region. Diagnostic and prevention programs for hypertension and diabetes, appropriate policies promoting the expansion of PD and organ procurement as well as transplantation as cost effective forms of RRT are needed in the region.

Chronic kidney disease and the global public health agenda: an international consensus.

Early detection is a key strategy to prevent kidney disease, its progression and related complications, but numerous studies show that awareness of kidney disease at the population level is low. Therefore, increasing knowledge and implementing sustainable solutions for early detection of kidney disease are public health priorities. Economic and epidemiological data underscore why kidney disease should be placed on the global public health agenda - kidney disease prevalence is increasing globally and it is now the seventh leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. Moreover, demographic trends, the obesity epidemic and the sequelae of climate change are all likely to increase kidney disease prevalence further, with serious implications for survival, quality of life and health care spending worldwide. Importantly, the burden of kidney disease is highest among historically disadvantaged populations that often have limited access to optimal kidney disease therapies, which greatly contributes to current socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes. This joint statement from the International Society of Nephrology, European Renal Association and American Society of Nephrology, supported by three other regional nephrology societies, advocates for the inclusion of kidney disease in the current WHO statement on major non-communicable disease drivers of premature mortality.

Global differences in dialysis modality mix: the role of patient characteristics, macroeconomics and renal service indicators.

BACKGROUND: An increase in the dialysis programme expenditure is expected in most countries given the continued rise in the number of people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally. Since chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy is relatively less expensive compared with haemodialysis (HD) and because there is no survival difference between PD and HD, identifying factors associated with PD use is important. METHODS: Incidence counts for the years 2003-05 were available from 36 countries worldwide. We studied associations of population characteristics, macroeconomic factors and renal service indicators with the percentage of patients on PD at Day 91 after starting dialysis. With linear regression models, we obtained relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The median percentage of incident patients on PD was 12% (interquartile range: 7-26%). Determinants independently associated with lower percentages of patients on PD were as follows: patients with diabetic kidney disease (per 5% increase) (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.89-0.97), health expenditure as % gross domestic product (per 1% increase) (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-0.98), private-for-profit share of HD facilities (per 1% increase) (RR 0.996; 95% CI 0.99-1.00; P = 0.04), costs of PD consumables relative to staffing (per 0.1 increase) (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with a lower percentage of patients on PD include higher diabetes prevalence, higher healthcare expenditures, larger share of private-for-profit centres and higher costs of PD consumables relative to staffing. Whether dialysis modality mix can be influenced by changing healthcare organization and funding requires additional studies.

Unmet Needs of CKD in Latin America: A Review from Expert Virtual Working Group.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major challenge for Latin American (LatAm) because of its epidemic proportions. Therefore, the current status and knowledge of CKD in Latin America is not clearly understood. Moreover, there is a paucity of epidemiologic studies that makes the comparison across the countries even more difficult. To address these gaps, a virtual kidney expert opinion meeting of 14 key opinion leaders from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama was held in January 2022 to review and discuss the status of CKD in various LatAm regions. The meeting discussed the following: (i) epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CKD, (ii) detection and prevention programs, (iii) clinical guidelines, (iv) state of public policies about diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease, and (v) role of innovative therapies in the management of CKD. The expert panel emphasized that efforts should be made to implement timely detection programs and early evaluation of kidney function parameters to prevent the development or progression of CKD. Furthermore, the panel discussed the importance of raising awareness among health care professionals; disseminating knowledge to the authorities, the medical community, and the general population about the kidney and cardiovascular benefits of novel therapies; and the need for timely updating of clinical practice guidelines, regulatory policies, and protocols across the region.

Global variation in renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Incidence rates of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease vary considerably worldwide. This study examines the independent association between the general population, health care system and renal service characteristics and RRT incidence rates. METHODS: RRT incidence data (2003-2005) were obtained from renal registries; general population age and health and macroeconomic indices were collected from secondary sources. Renal service organization and resource data were obtained through interviews and questionnaires. Linear regression models were built to establish the factors independently associated with RRT incidence, stratified by the Human Development Index where required. False discovery rate (FDR) correction was adjusted for multiple testing. RESULTS: Across the 46 countries (population 1.25 billion), RRT incidence rates ranged from 12 to 455 (median 130) per million population. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.02 per $1000 increase, P(FDR) = 0.047], percentage of GDP spent on health care (IRR: 1.11 per % increase, P(FDR) = 0.006) and dialysis facility reimbursement rate relative to GDP (IRR: 0.76 per GDP per capita-sized increase in reimbursement rate, P(FDR) = 0.007) were independently associated with RRT incidence. In more developed countries, the private for-profit share of haemodialysis facilities was also associated with higher incidence (IRR: 1.009 per % increase, P(FDR) = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Macroeconomic and renal service factors are more often associated with RRT incidence rates than measured demographic or general population health status factors.

The Glomerular Filtration Rate: From the Diagnosis of Kidney Function to a Public Health Tool.

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to increase worldwide, as well as the associated morbidity and mortality and the consequences on the patients' quality of life and countries' economies. CKD often evolves without being recognized by patients and physicians, although the diagnosis is based on two simple laboratory data: the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine analysis. To measure GFR, the knowledge about the physiologic processes at the nephron level, the concept of clearance, and the identification of creatinine as a suitable endogenous marker for measuring the creatinine clearance (CrCl) had to be previously developed. On those bases, different equations to calculate CrCl (Cockcroft and Gault, 1976), or estimated GFR (four variables MDRD, 1999; CKD-Epi, 2009, among others) were generated. They all include creatinine and some demographic data, such as sex and age. However, to compare results throughout life or among laboratories, the creatinine determination must be standardized. In addition, the accuracy of these equations remains controversial in certain subgroups of patients. For these reasons, other mathematical models to improve CrCl estimation have been developed, such as when urine cannot be collected, in debilitated elderly patients and patients with trauma, diabetes, or obesity. Currently, eGFR in adults can be measured and reported immediately, using isotope dilution mass spectrometry traceable creatinine-based equations. In conclusion, based on knowledge obtained from renal physiology, eGFR can be used in the clinic for the diagnosis and early treatment of CKD, as well as a public instrument to estimate the prevalence.

The Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry: report 2006.

The Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry collects information on end-stage renal disease and its treatment in 20 countries of the region. By December 2005, a total of 257,974 patients were on renal replacement therapy, for a prevalence of 478.2 cases per million population; 57% were on hemodialysis, 23% on peritoneal dialysis, and 20% had a functioning kidney graft. The prevalence on renal replacement therapy continued to grow at a rate of approximately 6% annually. Hemodialysis continued to be the treatment of choice in the region, except for in Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala, where peritoneal dialysis predominated. Diabetes remained the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, and the highest incidences were reported in Puerto Rico (65%), Mexico (51%), Venezuela (42%), and Colombia (35%). Forty-four percent of incident patients were aged > 65 years. The rate of transplantation remained unchanged at 15 per million population, which is not sufficient to satisfy the demand of the growing number of patients in the waiting list. Close to 50% of transplants came from cadaver donors. A total of 137 simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplants were performed, 123 in Brazil, 6 in Argentina, 3 in Uruguay, 2 each in Colombia and Mexico, and 1 in Chile. In addition, 1 cardiorenal transplant (Argentina) and 1 liver-renal transplant (Chile) were reported. In conclusion, the incidence and prevalence of renal replacement therapy continued to grow. Prevention of chronic kidney disease and an integrated approach of affordable dialysis and transplantation are urgently needed in the region.

Present, prevention, and management of chronic kidney disease in Latin America.

In recent decades, Latin America (LA) has experienced profound demographic and epidemiologic changes conditioning an enormous increase in prevalence and incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases. End-stage renal disease has steadily increased in prevalence and incidence (478.2 and 168.7 pmp, respectively) and is emerging as a devastating medical, social, and economic problem for patients, families, and national health systems. The development of successful renal replacement treatment modalities has emphasized the wide breach in healthcare between developed and emerging nations. LA is composed of many nations that have a common social and cultural background yet exhibit significant variations in socioeconomic status, ethnicities, and human development. In addition, the region is experiencing a type 2 diabetes mellitus epidemic and a constant growth of related end-stage renal disease which at present is not sustainable and will be unaffordable in most countries, unless changes in public health policy and a new focus on the problem is generated. Renal transplantation, though increasing, cannot revert the growing prevalence. The development of public health policies and prevention programs is mandatory in LA and requires a better knowledge of prevalence and distribution of risk factors in the different nations of the region.

Breve historia de la diálisis en el mundo y en Argentina. 3era Parte: Los inicios de la diálisis peritoneal en el mundo / Brief history of dialysis in the world and in Argentina. Part 3: The beginnings of peritoneal dialysis in the world

RESUMEN El camino para llegar a la diálisis peritoneal (DP) como tratamiento de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) avanzada estuvo jalonado por hitos a lo largo de la historia. Los conocimientos sobre la anatomía del peritoneo fueron aportados por los embalsamadores egipcios, Galeno (siglo II), y Vesalio (siglo XVI). Recién en 1628 Asellius Gaselli describe los capilares linfáticos abdominales. El siglo XIX fue rico en avances: se identificarn la célula como unidad de los seres vivos y el fenómeno de ósmosis (Dutrochet, 1828), los cristaloides y coloides y su pasaje o no a través de una membrana (Graham T, 1850), el flujo de solutos y partículas a través de la membrana peritoneal (v.Recklinghausen, 1863), la absorción de sustancias hipotónicas y el aumento del efluente con las hipertónicas (Wegner G, 1877), y experimentos en animales confirmaron que la remoción de fluidos y otras sustancias ocurría primariamente a través de vasos sanguíneos (Starling & Tubby, 1894). Pero recién en el siglo 20 se utilizó la DP como tratamiento. El primer intento de utilizar el peritoneo para tratar la uremia lo realizó Georg Ganter en 1923, primero en animales con ligadura de uréteres y luego en dos pacientes. Recién en 1937 se publicó el primer caso que sobrevivió a un "lavaje "peritoneal (Wear y col), pero fueron Fine, Frank y Seligman quienes inicialmente en perros nefrectomizados y luego en pacientes con injuria renal aguda (IRA) demostraron que el método no sólo era viable, sino también efectivo. Luego continuaron los progresos, sobre todo para pacientes con IRA, pero también en algunos casos con ERC avanzada: el doble frasco colgante (Maxwell M, 1959), la diálisis crónica intrahospitalaria con cicladora (Tenckoff y col, 1965), las bolsas plásticas para DP, hasta que en 1975 Moncrief y col pusieron en marcha la DP continua ambulatoria, y en 1981 se introdujo la DP automatizada. Los años noventa fueron de expansión de la DP, hoy instalada como una de las alternativas de tratamiento de la ERC avanzada.

ABSTRACT Milestones throughout history marked the path to reach peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a treatment for advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Egyptian embalmers, Galen (2nd century) and Vesalius (16th century) provided knowledge about the anatomy of the peritoneum. It was not until 1628 that Asellius Gaselli described the abdominal lymphatic capillaries. The 19th century was rich in advances: the cell was identified as the unit of living beings and the phenomenon of osmosis (Dutrochet, 1828), crystalloids and colloids and their passage or not through a membrane (Graham T, 1850), the flow of solutes and particles through the peritoneal membrane (Recklinghausen, 1863), the absorption of hypotonic substances and the increase in effluent with hypertonic ones (Wegner G, 1877), and animal experiments confirmed that fluid removal and other substances occurred primarily through blood vessels (Starling & Tubby, 1894). But it was not until the 20th century that PD was applied as treatment. The first attempt to use the peritoneum to treat uremia was made by Georg Ganter in 1923, first in animals with ureteral ligation and then in two patients. It was not until 1937 that the first case that survived a peritoneal "lavage" was published (Wear et al), but it was Fine, Frank and Seligman who initially in nephrectomized dogs and later in patients with acute kidney injury (ARI) demonstrated that the method was not only viable, but also succesful. Then progress continued, especially for patients with ARI, but also in some cases with advanced CKD: the double hanging bottle (Maxwell M, 1959), chronic intrahospital dialysis with a cycler (Tenckoff et al, 1965), plastic bags for PD, until 1975 when Moncrief et al launched continuous ambulatory PD, and in 1981 automated PD was introduced. The 1990s saw the expansion of PD, to date installed as one of treatment alternatives for advanced CKD.

Nonprogrammed Vascular Access Is Associated With Greater Mortality in Patients Who Return to Hemodialysis With a Failing Renal Graft.

BACKGROUND: In incident hemodialysis (HD) patients, the use of catheters is associated with a worse prognosis when compared with those with an arteriovenous fistula, but the role of vascular access (VA) type in the morbidity and mortality of patients returning to HD with a failing renal allograft is unknown. We aimed to determine the associations between the type of VA and mortality in this population. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of 138 patients who initiated dialysis after kidney transplant failure between 1995 and 2014. We recorded access type, laboratory values at entry, stratified patients per risk, and determined the effect on mortality of programmed VA (PVA), (arteriovenous fistula or PTFE graft) and nonprogrammed VA (UPVA) (tunneled or nontunneled catheters) at the initiation of HD. RESULTS: Eighty-five (61.6%) and 53 (38.4%) patients initiated therapy with PVA and UPVA, respectively. Overall mortality was 14.6% at 1 year. Patients using catheters had greater mortality than those with a PVA (log rank P <0.0001). At 24 months, 7 patients died in PVA group versus 22 in UPVA group. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that initiation of HD with a catheter (hazard ratio, 5.90; 95%, confidence interval, 2.83-12.31) was independently associated with greater mortality after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Nonprogrammed VA with a catheter predicted all-cause mortality among patients with transplant failure reentering HD.

The Latin American Dialysis and Transplantation Registry (RLDT) annual report 2004.

INTRODUCTION: The Latin American Dialysis and Transplantation Registry (RLDT) includes 20 national affiliates. Data are provided annually by delegates designated by the national affiliate or by the Registry's Coordinating Committee. RESULTS: Prevalence of persons on renal replacement therapy (RRT) has increased from 192 patients per million population (pmp) in 1992 to 424 pmp in 2003, a 10% annual increment. Fifty-six percent were on hemodialysis, 23% on peritoneal dialysis, and 21% had a functioning graft. The highest prevalence was observed in Puerto Rico, and the lowest in Ecuador. Hemodialysis was the preferred treatment modality, except in El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala. Incidence rates varied widely; they were high in Puerto Rico (336 pmp) and Mexico (275 pmp) and low in Costa Rica (24 pmp) and Ecuador (14 pmp). Diabetes was the main reported cause of endstage renal disease (ESRD); it caused from 21% (Uruguay) to 65% (Puerto Rico) of cases. Forty percent of incident patients were > 65 years old. Access to RRT is universal in Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela but restricted in countries like Mexico and Paraguay. Main causes of death on dialysis were cardiovascular (44%) and infection (26%). Transplantation rates increased from 3.7 pmp in 1987 to 13.7 pmp in 2003, mostly from living donors (55%). The number of transplants reached 69,181 grafts. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of RRT has increased over the years; diabetes has become the main cause of ESRD, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death on dialysis. Transplantation rates, although increasing, have not matched the growing population on dialysis. Programs to promote renal health in the region are urgently needed.

Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry: Experience and contributions to end-stage renal disease epidemiology.

In 2015, 634387 million people (9% of the world's population) resided in Latin America (LA), with half of those populating Brazil and Mexico. The LA Dialysis and Transplant Registry was initiated in 1991, with the aim of collecting data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) from the 20 LA-affiliated countries. Since then, the Registry has revealed a trend of increasing prevalence and incidence of end-stage kidney disease on RRT, which is ongoing and is correlated with gross national income, life expectancy at birth, and percentage of population that is older than 65 years. In addition, the rate of kidney transplantation has increased yearly, with > 70% being performed from deceased donors. According to the numbers reported for 2013, the rates of prevalence, incidence and transplantation were (in patients per million population) 669, 149 and 19.4, respectively. Hemodialysis was the treatment of choice (90%), and 43% of the patients undergoing this treatment was located in Brazil; in contrast, peritoneal dialysis prevailed in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala. To date, the Registry remains the only source of RRT data available to healthcare authorities in many LA countries. It not only serves to promote knowledge regarding epidemiology of end-stage renal disease and the related RRT but also for training of nephrologists and renal researchers, to improve understanding and clinical application of dialysis and transplantation services. In LA, accessibility to RRT is still limited and it remains necessary to develop effective programs that will reduce risk factors, promote early diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease, and strengthen transplantation programs.

Percepción sobre uso de fisiología en el proceso enfermero / Perception of using physiology in the nursing process / Percepção sobre o uso de fisiologia no processo enfermeiro

Introducción: el ejercicio de la enfermería requiere conocimiento integral del funcionamiento del cuerpo humano, por lo cual es imprescindible el aprendizaje de fisiología humana dentro del proceso formativo de grado. El proceso enfermero, herramienta para la práctica profesional sistemática, dinámica y oportuna basado en el método científico, constituye el eje organizador del currículo de la Licenciatura en Enfermería en la Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (Corrientes, Argentina). Objetivo:Identificar la percepción que estudiantes y docentes de asignaturas troncales de Enfermería tenían sobre la aplicación o no de conocimientos fisiológicos desarrollados en los trabajos prácticos de la asignatura Fisiología en las distintas etapas del proceso enfermero. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal, cuestionario anónimo distribuido al azar a estudiantes y docentes, consistente en una tabla de doble entrada que describe los contenidos de cada trabajo práctico, por un lado, y las fases del proceso enfermero, por el otro. Resultados: respondieron 24 docentes (39 %) y 38 estudiantes (61 %). Las fases en que más reconocieron aplicar conocimientos de fisiología en el proceso enfermero fueron, en ambos grupos, valoración y diagnóstico; en cada trabajo práctico fue percibido diferente por docentes y estudiantes, siendo mayor el reconocimiento del uso de fisiología en el proceso enfermero por parte de docentes. Conclusiones: vertebrar la actividad práctica de fisiología alrededor del proceso enfermero parece constituir una estrategia didáctica válida, dado que docentes y estudiantes perciben, en mayor o menor medida, que aplican conocimientos trabajados en la asignatura en las distintas etapas del proceso enfermero, particularmente en la valoración y el diagnóstico. La percepción fue mayor en herramienta para la práctica profesional sistemática, dinámica y oportuna basado en el método científico, constituye el eje organizador del currículo de la Licenciatura en Enfermería en la Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (Corrientes, Argentina). Objetivo: I d e n t i f i c a r l a percepción que estudiantes y docentes de asignaturas troncales de Enfermería tenían sobre la aplicación o no de conocimientos fisiológicos desarrollados en los trabajos prácticos de la asignatura Fisiología en lasdistintas etapas del proceso enfermero. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal, cuestionario anónimo distribuido al azar a estudiantes y docentes, consistente en una tabla de doble entrada que describe los contenidos de cada trabajo práctico, por un lado, y las fases del proceso enfermero, por el otro. Resultados: respondieron 24 docentes (39 %) y 38 estudiantes (61 %). Las fases en que más reconocieron aplicar conocimientos de fisiología en el proceso enfermero fueron, en ambos grupos, valoración y diagnóstico; en cada trabajo práctico fue percibido diferente por docentes y estudiantes, siendo mayor el reconocimiento del uso de fisiología en el proceso enfermero por parte de docentes. Conclusiones: vertebrar la actividad práctica de fisiología alrededor del proceso enfermero parece constituir una estrategia didáctica válida, dado que docentes y estudiantes perciben, en mayor o menor medida, que aplican conocimientos trabajados en la asignatura en las distintas etapas del proceso enfermero, particularmente en la valoración y el diagnóstico. La percepción fue mayor en docentes, lo cual evidencia mejor manejo del proceso enfermero, por tener mayor nivel de conocimientos y práctica profesional.

Introdução: a prática da enfermagem requer conhecimento abrangente do funcionamento do corpo humano, razão pela qual é essencial o aprendizado da fisiologia humana na graduação. O processo de enfermagem, ferramenta para a prática profissional sistemática, dinâmica e oportuna baseada no método científico, é o eixo organizador do currículo da Licenciatura em Enfermagem da Universidade Nacional do Nordeste (Corrientes, Argentina). Objetivo: Identificar a percepção que alunos e professores das disciplinas nucleares de Enfermagem têm sobre a aplicação ou não dos conhecimentos fisiológicos desenvolvidos nos trabalhos práticos da disciplina de Fisiologia nas diferentes etapas do processo de enfermagem. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, observacional e transversal, com questionário anônimo distribuído aleatoriamente aos alunos e professores, constituído por uma tabela de dupla entrada que descreve o conteúdo de cada trabalho prático, por um lado, e as fases do processo de enfermagem, de outro. Resultados: Responderam 24 professores (39%) e 38 alunos (61%). As fases em que mais reconheceram a aplicação dos conhecimentos da fisiologia no processo de enfermagem foram, nos dois grupos, avaliação e diagnóstico; em cada trabalho prático foi percebido de forma diferente por professores e alunos, havendo maior reconhecimento da utilização da fisiologia no processo de enfermagem pelos professores. Conclusões: estruturar a atividade prática da fisiologia em torno do processo de enfermagem parece constituir uma estratégia didática válida, uma vez que professores y alunos percebem, em maior ou menor grau, que aplicam os conhecimentos trabalhados na disciplina nas diferentes etapas do processo de enfermagem, particularmente no processo de enfermagem avaliação e diagnóstico. A percepção foi maior nos professores, o que evidencia melhor gerenciamento do processo de enfermagem, por possuírem maior nível de conhecimento e prática profissional.

Introduction: Nursing practice requires comprehensive knowledge of the human body's functioning, so learning human physiology is essential during the undergraduate educational process. The nursing process, a tool for systematic, dynamic, and timely professional practice, based on the scientific method, constitutes the organizing axis of the curriculum of the bachelor's degree in nursing at the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (Corrientes, Argentina). Objective: To identify the perception that students and teachers of core nursing courses had about applying or not physiological knowledge gained during practical work in the Physiology class, in different stages of the nursing process. Method: A d e s c r i p t i ve , observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. An anonymous questionnaire was randomly administered to students and teachers, which consisted of a double-entry table describing the contents of each practical work, on the one hand, and the phases of the nursing process, on the other. Results: T h e questionnaire was answered by 24 teachers (39%) and 38 students (61%). The phases in which they most admitted applying physiology knowledge in the nursing process were assessment and diagnosis in both groups. In each practical work, the application of physiological knowledge was perceived differently by teachers and students, and teachers recognized more the use of physiology in the nursing process. Conclusions: Structuring practical physiology activities around the nursing process seems to be a valid didactic strategy, considering that teachers and students perceive, to a greater or lesser extent, that they apply the knowledge gained during the course in the different stages of the nursing process, particularly in the assessment and diagnosis stages. The perception was higher in teachers, which evidences a better management of the nursing process due to a higher level of knowledge and professional practice.

The Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Registry Annual Report 2002.

Latin America is a conglomerate of adjacent countries having in common a Latin extraction and language (Spanish or Portuguese) and exhibiting extreme variations in socioeconomic status. The Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Registry was created in 1991. Annual data are sent by local societies in 3 forms: patient, center, and country. The prevalence of renal replacement therapy (RRT) (all modalities) increased from 119 patients per million population (pmp) in 1991 to 349 pmp in 2001; the acceptance rate was 91.7 pmp in 2001. Dialysis prevalence was 277 pmp; hemodialysis was the predominant modality, except in Mexico (86% on peritoneal dialysis). The highest dialysis prevalence and acceptance rates were reported by Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Chile. Among incident patients, diabetic nephropathy (33%) and nephroangioesclerosis (32%) were the primary causes; 38% were older than 65 years old. Renal transplants increased from 3.7 pmp in 1987 to 13.7 pmp in 2001. In 2003, 6357 transplants were performed (55% living donor); the cumulative number performed since 1987 reached 55,947. Prevalence and incidence are low because not all patients with end-stage renal disease have access to RRT because of restricted availability, difficulties in referral, and inequities in coverage. The annual increase in the number of patients on RRT (8%-10%) is higher, proportionally, than the annual growth of the Latin American population in general (1.5%). Efforts must be focused on prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease, especially in diabetic and older patients, and in implementing better organ donation programs to improve the pool of cadaveric donors.

Identification of hepatitis C virus RNA in peritoneal dialysis fluid of patients with viremia.

BACKGROUND: The potential risk for transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been studied previously, with conflicting results. METHODS: To assess whether HCV crosses the peritoneal membrane, the following determinations were performed in 16 patients (7 males, 9 females; mean age 41.8 years; mean time on PD 14 +/- 15 months) undergoing PD: serum anti-HCV using second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum and PD fluid HCV RNA by nested polymerase chain reaction, HCV genotyping by restriction fragment length polymorphism, and serum HCV load by branched DNA assay. RESULTS: Anti-HCV was positive in 10 patients. Serum HCV RNA was positive in 7 anti-HCV-positive patients and negative in all anti-HCV-negative patients. Fluid HCV RNA was detected in 5 (71.4%) patients testing positive for serum HCV RNA and in none testing negative for serum HCV RNA. Serum HCV genotype was 1a in 3 patients and 1b in 4; PD fluid HCV genotype was 1a in 1 patient and 1b in 4. Genotypes in serum and fluid were concordant when both were positive. Serum viral load ranged from nondetectable by the quantitative method to 5.1 MEq genome/mL in patients with fluid infection, and 1.05 MEq and 29 MEq genome/mL in the remaining 2 patients without detectable HCV in PD fLuid. CONCLUSIONS: HCV crosses the peritoneal membrane and may be detected in the dialysate of PD patients with proven viremia. Although our study population was small for firm conclusions to be drawn, this passage does not seem to depend upon the serum viral load. Our data support the notion that PD fluid needs careful handling and local disinfection to prevent possible spreading of viruses, in the institutional and the domestic environments.

Apuntes para la historia de la diálisis en el mundo y en la argentina. primera parte: los inicios de la hemodiálisis en el mundo / Notes for the history of dialysis in the world and in argentina. part one: the beginnings of hemodialysis in the world

RESUMEN La hemodiálisis (HD), como tratamiento de la insuficiencia renal (IR), y la nefrología, como especialidad, surgieron casi simultáneamente. La primera HD exitosa en humanos ocurrió en Holanda, en 1945, con un riñón diseñado por Wilhem Kolff. La primera sociedad científica se fundó en Francia, en 1949 (Société de Pathologie Rénale), y la segunda en 1950, en el Reino Unido (Renal Association). Varios intentos precedieron a la primera HD exitosa. En el ámbito experimental, se dializaron perros nefrectomizados John J. Abel, Leonard G. Rowntree y Benjamin B. Turner (1913, Estados Unidos), George Hass (1914, Alemania) y Henry Necheles (1923, China). Las primeras HD en humanos las realizó Hass, entre 1924 y 1927: hemodializó seis pacientes, de 15 a 30 minutos, dado que su objetivo era de probar la seguridad del método. Si bien Kolff realizó la primera HD exitosa, otros autores, como Nils Alwall (Suecia) y Gordon Murray (Canadá), durante los años cuarenta, publicaron experiencias exitosas con otros modelos de riñones. A mediados de los años cuarenta, la HD se había inventado, simultánea e independientemente, en Holanda, Suecia y Canadá, si bien aún con dudas sobre su aplicación y eficacia. Utilizada inicialmente solo para pacientes agudos, la HD se convirtió en un tratamiento posible en la insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC) gracias a que Belding Scribner y Wayne Quinton, en 1960, y Michael J. Brescia y James E. Cimino, en 1966, desarrollaron el shunt semipermanente y la fístula arteriovenosa permanente, respectivamente. Esto posibilitó en el mundo el sostenimiento de la vida de millones de personas con IRC y el desarrollo del trasplante renal como una alternativa terapéutica más.

ABSTRACT Hemodialysis (HD), as a treatment for renal failure (RF), and nephrology, as a specialty, arose almost simultaneously. The first successful HD in humans occurred in the Netherlands, in 1945, with a kidney designed by Wilhem Kolff. The first scientific society was founded in France in 1949 (Société de Pathologie Rénale), and the second in 1950, in the United Kingdom (Renal Association). Several attempts preceded the first successful HD. In the experimental setting, John J. Abel, Leonard G. Rowntree and Benjamin B. Turner (1913, United States), George Haas (1914, Germany) and Henry Necheles (1923, China) dialyzed nephrectomized dogs. The first HD in humans were performed by Haas, between 1924 and 1927: he hemodialyzed six patients, from 15 to 30 minutes, since his objective was to test the safety of the method. Although Kolff performed the first successful HD, other authors, such as Nils Alwall (Sweden) and Gordon Murray (Canada), during the 1940s, published successful experiences with other kidney models. By the mid-1940s, HD had been invented, simultaneously and independently, in the Netherlands, Sweden and Canada, although still with doubts about its application and effectiveness. Initially used only for acute patients, HD became a possible treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) thanks to the development of the semi-permanent shunt by Belding Scribner and Wayne Quinton in 1960 and the permanent arteriovenous fistula by Michael J. Brescia and James E. Cimino in 1966. This enabled the life support of millions of people with CKD in the world and the development of kidney transplantation as one more therapeutic alternative.

Apuntes Para La Historia De La Diálisis En El Mundo Y En La Argentina. Segunda Parte: Los Inicios De La Hemodiálisis En La Argentina / Notes For The History Of Dialysis In The World And In Argentina. Second Part: The Beginnings Of Hemodialysis In Argentina

Resumen La hemodiálisis, como tratamiento de la insuficiencia renal crónica extrema, comenzó en la Argentina casi simultáneamente con el trasplante renal y la especialidad de nefrología. En 1957 se realizó el primer trasplante renal, en 1958, la primera hemodiálisis y, en 1960 se creó la Sociedad Argentina de Nefrología. Inicialmente fue importante la fabricación local de riñones, como aquel con el que se realizó la primera hemodiálisis, construido por el Dr. Alfonso Ruiz Guiñazú y varios artesanos, basándose en apuntes y fotos traídas del exterior y en el modelo tipo Kiil, confeccionado por el Dr. Manuel Calvo, luego modificado por el Dr. Manuel Arce. La hemodiálisis, inicialmente, se usó en el país para tratar la insuficiencia renal aguda o como preparación para el trasplante. En 1964 se constituyó el primer Servicio de Hemodiálisis Crónica del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, seguido, en 1965, por el Servicio de Nefrología del Instituto de Cardiología de la Fundación Pombo, dirigido por el Dr. Víctor Raúl Miatello. La expansión de la hemodiálisis crónica en todo el país ocurrió durante los años ochenta, lo que posibilitó su desarrollo fue la universalización de la cobertura de salud para pacientes que necesitaran hemodiálisis crónica, en agosto de 1975, la Ley Nacional de Trasplante 21.541 de 1977 y, en el mismo año, la inclusión de la hemodiálisis en la cobertura de salud de los sistemas de aseguramiento privados. En 1983, la Ley 22.853 normatiza la organización y funcionamiento de las instituciones de diálisis. La Ley 21.541 creó el CUCAI, Centro Único Coordinador de Ablación e Implante, hoy instituto nacional (INCUCAI), que realiza el registro de la insuficiencia renal crónica y de su tratamiento sustitutivo.

Abstract In Argentina, hemodialysis, as a treatment for acute chronic kidney disease, started almost simultaneously with renal transplantation and nephrology. In 1957, the first renal transplantation was performed; in 1958, the first hemodialysis treatment took place, and in 1960 the Argentine Society of Nephrology was created. At first, local manufacture of kidneys was important; for example, Dr. Alfonso Ruiz Guiñazú and other artisans made the one used for the first hemodialysis session, based on notes and photographs from abroad and on the Kiil model made by Dr. Manuel Calvo and later modified by Dr. Manuel Arce. Hemodialysis was first used in our country to treat acute kidney disease or to prepare the patient for transplantation. In 1964, the first chronic hemodialysis unit was established at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires), followed by another at the Servicio de Nefrología del Instituto de Cardiología de la Fundación Pombo (Pombo Foundation Cardiology Institute), led by Dr. Víctor Raúl Miatello. The spread of this practice to the whole country took place in the 80s; its development was fostered by the following: the universalization of health care coverage for chronic hemodialysis patients (August 1975); the National Law 21.541 on organ transplantation in 1977, and the inclusion of hemodialysis in private health insurance plans the same year. In 1983, Law 22.853 regulated the organization and running of dialysis institutions. The Unique Central Coordinator of Ablation and Implant (CUCAI in Spanish) was created under Law 21.541 of 1977; this institution, nowadays a national institute (INCUCAI), keeps an important record of chronic kidney disease and its replacement therapy.