Membranous nephropathy treatment standard.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is characterized by deposition of immune complexes leading to thickening of glomerular basement membranes. Over time, the understanding of MN has evolved, with the identification of specific autoantibodies against novel podocyte antigens and the unraveling of intricate pathogenic pathways. Although the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab is favored as part of the initial therapy in MN, a subgroup of MN patients may be resistant to rituximab necessitating the use of alternative agents such as cytotoxic therapies. In addition, newer agents such as novel anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, therapies targeting the CD38-positive plasma cells and anti-complement therapy are being studied in patients who are resistant to traditional treatment strategies. This manuscript furnishes a review of the novel developments in the pathophysiology of MN including the identification of target antigens and current treatment standards for MN, concentrating on evidenced-based interventions designed to attain remission and to prevent disease progression.

Chain of Thought Utilization in Large Language Models and Application in Nephrology.

Chain-of-thought prompting enhances the abilities of large language models (LLMs) significantly. It not only makes these models more specific and context-aware but also impacts the wider field of artificial intelligence (AI). This approach broadens the usability of AI, increases its efficiency, and aligns it more closely with human thinking and decision-making processes. As we improve this method, it is set to become a key element in the future of AI, adding more purpose, precision, and ethical consideration to these technologies. In medicine, the chain-of-thought prompting is especially beneficial. Its capacity to handle complex information, its logical and sequential reasoning, and its suitability for ethically and context-sensitive situations make it an invaluable tool for healthcare professionals. Its role in enhancing medical care and research is expected to grow as we further develop and use this technique. Chain-of-thought prompting bridges the gap between AI's traditionally obscure decision-making process and the clear, accountable standards required in healthcare. It does this by emulating a reasoning style familiar to medical professionals, fitting well into their existing practices and ethical codes. While solving AI transparency is a complex challenge, the chain-of-thought approach is a significant step toward making AI more comprehensible and trustworthy in medicine. This review focuses on understanding the workings of LLMs, particularly how chain-of-thought prompting can be adapted for nephrology's unique requirements. It also aims to thoroughly examine the ethical aspects, clarity, and future possibilities, offering an in-depth view of the exciting convergence of these areas.

Tunneled femoral dialysis catheter: Practical pointers.

One of the most challenging aspects of providing end-stage kidney disease care is to achieve adequate long-term access to the bloodstream to support hemodialysis (HD) therapy. Although upper extremity arteriovenous fistula remains the vascular access of choice for patients on HD, complications such as central venous stenosis, access thrombosis, or exhaustion of suitable access sites in the upper extremity, ultimately result in pursuing vascular access creation in the lower extremity. The current review focuses on the indications, contraindications, and clinically relevant practical procedural tips to successfully place a tunneled femoral dialysis catheter. The review highlights some of the prevailing misconceptions regarding femoral catheter placement practices.

Life-Threatening Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage Following Cyst Rupture in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD): A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the leading genetic cause of kidney failure worldwide. It is characterized by cyst formation and growth, kidney parenchymal destruction, and complications including cyst infection, nephrolithiasis, cyst rupture, and cyst hemorrhage. Cyst bleeding is typically a self-limited event. This case report describes a 60-year-old man with ADPKD admitted with retroperitoneal hemorrhage following renal cyst rupture requiring embolization of a bleeding left lumbar artery and use of tranexamic acid. CASE REPORT A 60-year-old man with ADPKD presented with altered mental status. Labs noted hemoglobin of 4.7 g/dL. Abdominal imaging revealed polycystic kidneys and large left retroperitoneal hematoma. Angiogram demonstrated active bleeding from left L3 lumbar artery which was embolized. He was admitted to intensive care unit for hemorrhagic shock requiring multiple blood transfusions. Hemoglobin continued to downtrend despite blood products with repeat imaging demonstrating expanding retroperitoneal bleed. He underwent repeat angiogram and though there was no active bleeding, prophylactic embolization of left L1, L3, L4 lumbar and left renal capsular arteries were performed. Hemoglobin stabilized for next 3 days but continued to downtrend subsequently. Oral tranexamic acid was trialed with stabilization of the hemoglobin. CONCLUSIONS Life-threatening retroperitoneal hemorrhage following cyst rupture in the absence of major trauma or use of anti-coagulants, is a rare complication in ADPKD. Treatment involves resuscitation with blood products, management of shock, and interventional radiology-guided embolization. Tranexamic acid may be considered when the above measures fail. Nephrectomy may be indicated for refractory bleeding. This report highlights the diagnosis and management of massive cyst bleeding in ADPKD.

Global hemodialysis vascular access care: Three decades of evolution.

The development of vascular access for hemodialysis has come a long way since 1943 when the first hemodialysis treatment was performed in humans by connecting an artery and vein using an external glass canula. Since then, vascular access care has evolved robustly through contributions from numerous countries and professional nephrology societies, worldwide. To understand the global distribution and contribution of different specialties to medical literature on dialysis vascular access care, we performed a literature search from 1991 to 2021 and identified 2768 articles from 74 countries. The majority of publications originated from the United States (41.5%), followed by China (5.1%) and the United Kingdom (4.6%). Our search results comprise of observational studies (43%), case reports/series (27%), review articles (16.5%) and clinical trials (12%). A large proportion of articles were published in Nephrology journals (49%), followed by General Medicine (14%), Surgery (10%), Vascular Medicine (8%), and Interventional Radiology journals (4%). With the introduction of interventional nephrology, nephrologists will be able to assume the majority of the responsibility for dialysis vascular access care and above all maintain a close interdisciplinary collaboration with other specialties to provide optimum patient care. In this review article, we discuss the history, evolving knowledge, challenges, educational opportunities, and future directions of dialysis vascular access care, worldwide.

Association of hypochloremia with mortality among patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND: Serum chloride derangement is common in critically ill patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We aimed to assess the association between serum chloride levels before and during CRRT with mortality. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients receiving CRRT for acute kidney injury from December 2006 through November 2015 in a tertiary referral hospital in the United States. We used logistic regression to assess serum chloride before and mean serum chloride during CRRT as predictors for 90 days mortality after CRRT initiation. The normal reference range for serum chloride was 99-108 mmol/L. RESULTS: Of 1282 eligible patients, 25%, 50%, and 25% had hypochloremia, normochloremia, and hyperchloremia, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for 90 days mortality in patients with hypochloremia before CRRT was 1.82 (95% CI 1.29-2.55). During CRRT, 4%, 70%, 26% of patients had mean serum chloride in the hypochloremia, normochloremia, and hyperchloremia range, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for 90 days mortality in patients with mean serum chloride during CRRT in the hypochloremia range was 2.96 (95% CI 1.43-6.12). Hyperchloremia before and during CRRT was not associated with mortality. The greater serum chloride range during CRRT was associated with increased mortality (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.13-1.47 per 5 mmol/L increase). CONCLUSION: Hypochloremia before and during CRRT is associated with higher mortality.

Management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the era of disease-modifying treatment options.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the reported etiology in 10% of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients and has an estimated prevalence of 12.5 million cases worldwide across all ethnicities. There have been major advancements over the last two decades in understanding the pathogenesis and development of disease-modifying treatment options for ADPKD, culminating in regulatory approval of tolvaptan for ADPKD patients at risk of rapid progression to kidney failure. This review highlights the genetic mutations associated with ADPKD, defines patients at risk of rapid progression to ESKD, and focuses on the management of ADPKD in the era of disease-modifying agents.

Impact of hypoalbuminemia on mortality in critically ill patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the association of hypoalbuminemia with mortality in critically ill patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients receiving CRRT from December 2006 through November 2015 in a tertiary referral hospital in the United States. We used logistic regression to assess serum albumin at CRRT initiation as predictors for 90-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 911 patients requiring CRRT were included in this study. The mean serum albumin at CRRT initiation was 3.0 ± 0.7 g/dL. The 90-day mortality was 57%. Serum albumin levels of ≤2.4, 2.5-2.9, 3.0-3.4, and ≥ 3.5 g/dL were noted in 24%, 29%, 24%, and 23% of patients, respectively. In adjusted analysis, serum albumin ≤2.4 g/dL compared with serum albumin of ≥3.5 g/dL was significantly associated with higher 90-day mortality with OR of 1.57 (95% CI 1.02-2.42). Serum albumin 2.5-2.9 and 3.0-3.4 g/dL were not associated with higher mortality. Sensitivity analysis in patients requiring CRRT in the setting of acute kidney injury showed consistent results. CONCLUSION: Approximately three out of four patients had hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) at CRRT initiation. However, only severe hypoalbuminemia <2.5 g/dL was significantly associated with higher mortality.

Association of Serum Phosphate Derangement With Mortality in Patients on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

Background: There is limited evidence on the association of serum phosphate with mortality in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Objective: To assess the association of serum phosphate with mortality in critically ill patients requiring CRRT for acute kidney injury (AKI). Design: A cohort study. Setting: A tertiary referral hospital in the United States. Patients: Acute kidney injury patients receiving CRRT from 2006 through 2015 in intensive care units. Measurements: (1) Serum phosphate before CRRT and (2) mean serum phosphate during CRRT were categorized into 3 groups; ≤2.4 (hypophosphatemia), 2.5 to 4.5 (normal serum phosphate group), and ≥4.6 (hyperphosphatemia) mg/dL. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between serum phosphate and 90-day mortality. Results: A total of 1108 patients were included in this study. Of these, 55% died within 90 days after CRRT initiation. Before CRRT, 3%, 30%, and 66% had hypophosphatemia, normophosphatemia, and hyperphosphatemia, respectively. Before CRRT, both hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia were significantly associated with higher 90-day mortality with the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.03, 4.78]) and 1.62 (95% CI: [1.21, 2.18]), respectively. During CRRT, 3%, 85%, and 12% had mean serum phosphate in hypophosphatemia, normophosphatemia, and hyperphosphatemia range. During CRRT, hyperphosphatemia was significantly associated with higher 90-day mortality with adjusted OR of 2.22 (95% CI: [1.45, 3.38]). Limitations: Single center, observational design, lack of information regarding causes of serum phosphate derangement. Conclusion: Most CRRT patients had hyperphosphatemia before CRRT initiation but maintain normal serum phosphate during CRRT. Before CRRT, hypo- and hyperphosphatemia, and during CRRT, hyperphosphatemia predicted higher mortality. Trial registration: Not registered.

Contexte: Il existe peu de données sur l'association entre la phosphatémie et la mortalité chez les patients recevant une thérapie de remplacement rénal continue (TRRC). Objectif: Examiner l'association entre la phosphatémie et la mortalité chez les patients gravement malades nécessitant une TRRC pour suppléer une insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA). Type d'étude: Étude de cohorte. Cadre: Un hôpital central de soins tertiaires aux États-Unis. Patients: Des patients atteints d'IRA ayant reçu une TRRC entre 2006 et 2015 dans les unités de soins intensifs. Mesures: 1) la phosphatémie avant la TRRC et 2) la phosphatémie moyenne pendant la TRRC ont été classées en trois groupes: hypophosphatémie (≤ 2,4 mg/dl), normophosphatémie (2,5 à 4,5 mg/dl) et hyperphosphatémie (≥ 4,6 mg/dl). Méthodologie: La régression logistique multivariable a été utilisée pour évaluer l'association entre la phosphatémie et la mortalité à 90 jours. Résultats: L'étude a inclus un total de 1 108 patients dont 55 % sont décédés dans les 90 jours suivant le début de la TRRC. Avant d'amorcer la TRRC, 3 % des patients présentaient une hypophosphatémie, 30 % une normophosphatémie et 66 % une hyperphosphatémie. Avant l'amorce de la TRRC, avec leur rapport de cotes ajusté de 2,22 (IC 95 %: 1,03-4,78) et 1,62 (IC 95 %: 1,21-2,18) respectivement, l'hypophosphatémie et l'hyperphosphatémie étaient significativement associées à une mortalité plus élevée à 90 jours. Pendant la TRRC, 3 % des patients présentaient un taux de phosphate sérique moyen dans les gammes d'hypophosphatémie; ces proportions étaient de 85 % pour la normophosphatémie et de 12 % pour l'hyperphosphatémie. Cette dernière était également significativement associée à un taux de mortalité plus élevé à 90 jours, avec un taux ajusté de 2,22 (IC à 95 %: 1,45-3,38), pendant la TRRC. Limites: Étude dans un seul center, conception observationnelle, manque d'information sur les causes du dérèglement de la phosphatémie. Conclusion: La plupart des patients présentaient une hyperphosphatémie avant l'initiation de la TRRC, mais ont maintenu des valeurs normales pendant la TRRC. L'hypophosphatémie et l'hyperphosphatémie avant l'amorce de la TRRC, ainsi que l'hyperphosphatémie pendant la TRRC, se sont avérés des facteurs prédictifs d'un taux de mortalité plus élevé. Enregistrement de l'essai: Non enregistré.

Association of serum potassium derangements with mortality among patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess the association between serum potassium and mortality in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: We studied 1279 acute kidney injury patients receiving CRRT in a tertiary referral hospital in the United States. We used logistic regression to assess the association of serum potassium before CRRT and mean serum potassium during CRRT with 90-day mortality after CRRT initiation, using serum potassium 4.0-4.4 mmol/L as reference group. RESULTS: Before CRRT, there was a U-shaped association between serum potassium and 90-day mortality. There was a significant increase in mortality when serum potassium before CRRT was ≤3.4 and ≥4.5 mmol/L. During CRRT, progressively increased mortality was noted when mean serum potassium was ≥4.5 mmol/L. The odds ratio of 90-day mortality was significantly higher when mean serum potassium was ≥4.5 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia before CRRT and hyperkalemia during CRRT predicts 90-day mortality.

Characteristics of Kidney Recipients of High Kidney Donor Profile Index Kidneys as Identified by Machine Learning Consensus Clustering.

Background: Our study aimed to characterize kidney transplant recipients who received high kidney donor profile index (KDPI) kidneys using unsupervised machine learning approach. Methods: We used the OPTN/UNOS database from 2010 to 2019 to perform consensus cluster analysis based on recipient-, donor-, and transplant-related characteristics in 8935 kidney transplant recipients from deceased donors with KDPI ≥ 85%. We identified each cluster's key characteristics using the standardized mean difference of >0.3. We compared the posttransplant outcomes among the assigned clusters. Results: Consensus cluster analysis identified 6 clinically distinct clusters of kidney transplant recipients from donors with high KDPI. Cluster 1 was characterized by young, black, hypertensive, non-diabetic patients who were on dialysis for more than 3 years before receiving kidney transplant from black donors; cluster 2 by elderly, white, non-diabetic patients who had preemptive kidney transplant or were on dialysis less than 3 years before receiving kidney transplant from older white donors; cluster 3 by young, non-diabetic, retransplant patients; cluster 4 by young, non-obese, non-diabetic patients who received dual kidney transplant from pediatric, black, non-hypertensive non-ECD deceased donors; cluster 5 by low number of HLA mismatch; cluster 6 by diabetes mellitus. Cluster 4 had the best patient survival, whereas cluster 3 had the worst patient survival. Cluster 2 had the best death-censored graft survival, whereas cluster 4 and cluster 3 had the worst death-censored graft survival at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Cluster 2 and cluster 4 had the best overall graft survival at 1 and 5 years, respectively, whereas cluster 3 had the worst overall graft survival. Conclusions: Unsupervised machine learning approach kidney transplant recipients from donors with high KDPI based on their pattern of clinical characteristics into 6 clinically distinct clusters.

Management of COVID-19 in special populations with kidney disease.

Although the literature is limited, early evidence suggests that patients with chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, and kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease and death. Hence, management should focus on both infection prevention and treatment. There is currently a lack of evidence and guideline recommendations on optimal management of immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 infection. This article focuses on the prevention and management of COVID-19 in patients with chronic kidney disease, patients with end-stage kidney disease on home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients.

The significance of anti-phospholipase receptor antibodies in a patient with membranous nephropathy.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the major cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults and may be secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus or malignancy in 25% of patients. Without any etiology, it is called primary MN, which is usually associated with phospholipase A2 (PLA2) receptor antibodies. Secondary MN can appear months before a secondary cause is identified. Here, we report a case of MN, that was found to be secondary to pancreatic adenocarcinoma and positive for PLA2 receptor antibodies.

COVID-19 and the kidney.

COVID-19 is primarily considered a respiratory illness, but the kidney may be one of the targets of SARS-CoV-2 infection, since the virus enters cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is found in abundance in the kidney. Information on kidney involvement in COVID-19 is limited but is evolving rapidly. This article discusses the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19, its optimal management, and the impact of COVID-19 on patients with chronic kidney disease, patients with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients.

Overview of Monogenic or Mendelian Forms of Hypertension.

Monogenic or Mendelian forms of hypertension are described as a group of conditions characterized by insults to the normal regulation of blood pressure by the kidney and adrenal gland. These alterations stem from single mutations that lead to maladaptive overabsorption of electrolytes with fluid shift into the vasculature, and consequent hypertension. Knowledge of these various conditions is essential in diagnosing pediatric or early-onset adult hypertension as they directly affect treatment strategies. Precise diagnosis with specific treatment regimens aimed at the underlying physiologic derangement can restore normotension and prevent the severe sequelae of chronic hypertension.

Optimal management of atypical hemolytic uremic disease: challenges and solutions.

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a chronic life threatening condition that arises from genetic abnormalities resulting in uncontrolled complement amplifying activity. The introduction of eculizumab, the humanized monoclonal antibody, has brought about a paradigm shift in the management of aHUS. However, there are many knowledge gaps, diagnostic issues, access and cost issues, and patient or physician challenges associated with the use of this agent. Limited data on the natural history of aHUS along with the underlying genetic mutations make it difficult to predict the relapses and thereby raising concerns about the appropriate duration and monitoring of treatment. In this review, we discuss the safety and efficacy of eculizumab in patients with aHUS and its associated challenges.

Incorporating problem based learning into medical curriculum: An experience from a medical college in Mangalore.

BACKGROUND: The Medical Council of India (MCI) has envisioned a change in the undergraduate medical curriculum by encouraging integrated teaching and Problem Based Learning (PBL). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 110 medical teachers of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore were assessed regarding their perception on PBL. Independent t-test was applied to find out the difference in the mean perception scores regarding PBL among the teachers in pre/para-clinical and clinical departments and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: PBL as a teaching method was preferred by 65.2% medical teachers. The teachers from clinical departments (Mean 4.1, SD 0.8) perceived PBL sessions to be more effective than the traditional methods than those from the pre-clinical and para clinical departments (Mean 3.7, SD 3.7) and this difference was found to be statistically significant. (P =0.028). CONCLUSION: PBL can complement integrated teaching and motivates students towards self-learning, and apply the learnt concepts of basic specialties to clinical problem solving.