Association between the progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy and a controlled status of hypertension in the first year after diagnosis

Background/Aims@#Hypertension is considered a risk factor in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). However, after IgAN diagnosis, the relationship between early blood pressure control and renal prognosis remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the association between the prognosis of IgAN patients and a controlled status of hypertension within the first year of IgAN diagnosis. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 2,945 patients diagnosed with IgAN by renal biopsy. The patients were divided into ‘normal,’ ‘new-onset,’ ‘well-controlled,’ and ‘poorly-controlled’ groups using blood pressure data from two consecutive measurements performed within a year. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional-hazards regression model were used to survey the independent association between recovery from hypertension and the risk of IgAN progression. The primary endpoint was IgAN progression defined as the initiation of dialysis or kidney transplantation. @*Results@#Before IgAN diagnosis, 1,239 patients (42.1%) had been diagnosed with hypertension. In the fully adjusted Cox proportional-hazards models, the risk of IgAN progression increased by approximately 1.7-fold for the prevalence of hypertension. In the subgroup analyses, the ‘well-controlled’ group showed a statistically significant risk of IgAN progression (hazard ratio [HR], 3.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.103 to 9.245; p = 0.032). Moreover, the ‘new-onset’ and ‘poorly-controlled’ groups had an increased risk of IgAN progression compared to the ‘normal’ group (HR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.016 to 6.545; p = 0.046 and HR, 3.85;95% CI, 1.541 to 9.603; p = 0.004, respectively). @*Conclusions@#Although hypertension was well-controlled in the first year after IgAN diagnosis, it remained a risk factor for IgAN progression.

Foodservice Status and Perception regarding Foodservice Management in Kindergartens attached to Elementary Schools in Seoul / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Objectives@#This study examines the foodservice status of kindergartens attached to elementary schools in Seoul. We further determine the perception of elementary school principals and kindergarten assistant principals on the foodservice management for kindergartens. @*Methods@#This survey was conducted from July 17 to 23, 2019, enrolling 207 kindergartens attached to elementary schools in Seoul. Questionnaires were sent to principals of elementary schools and assistant principals of kindergartens, and the data obtained from 89 kindergartens were included in the analysis. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: general information on subjects, foodservice management status, foodservice management status during elementary school vacations, and the perception of principals of elementary schools and assistant principals of kindergartens on foodservice management. Data are presented as frequency and percentage or mean and standard deviation. Statistical comparison between principals of elementary schools and assistant principals of kindergartens was conducted by paired t-test, chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation analysis. @*Results@#A separate menu (10.1%) or recipe (20.2%) that considers preschooler characteristics was rarely used for foodservice at kindergartens attached to elementary schools. Most kindergartens did not have a separate dining space (3.4%) or a dedicated cook (93.3%). Although most kindergartens (92.1%) had operational foodservice during elementary school vacations, non-professional staff and non-nutrition teacher were mainly in charge of organizing the menu and purchasing ingredients (34.1% and 41.5%, respectively). The rate of using a contract catering company (28.0%, 23.2%) was also high. Both elementary school principals and assistant principals of kindergartens showed a high perception of the necessity for providing responsibility allowances for nutrition teachers and improving the cooking environment for kindergartens during elementary school vacations. @*Conclusions@#There is a need for policies and administrative support measures to improve the quality of foodservices for kindergartens attached to elementary schools.

The Role of Adiponectin in the Skin

Adiponectin (Ad), a 30 kDa molecule, is an anti-diabetic adipokine; although derived from adipose tissue, it performs numerous activities in various other tissues. It binds to its own receptors, namely adiponectin receptor 1(AdipoR1), adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2), and T-cadherin (CDH13). Ad plays several roles, especially as a regulator. It modulates lipid and glucose metabolism and promotes insulin sensitivity. This demonstrates that Ad has a robust correlation with fat metabolism. Furthermore, although Ad is not in direct contact with other tissues, including the skin, it can be delivered to them by diffusion or secretion via the endocrine system. Recently it has been reported that Ad can impact skin cell biology, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic biomarker of skin diseases. In the present review, we have discussed the association between skin cell biology and Ad. To elaborate further, we described the involvement of Ad in the biology of various types of cells in the skin, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and immune cells. Additionally, we postulated that Ad could be employed as a therapeutic target to maintain skin homeostasis.

Changes in the glucose and insulin responses according to high-protein snacks for diabetic patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to develop healthy, appetizing high-protein snacks with enhanced isolated soy protein for diabetic patients and determine the blood glucose and insulin response after being consumed by these patients.MATERIALS/METHODS: Thirty adult patients aged between 30 and 75 years, with a ≤ 10-year history of type 2 diabetes and hemoglobin A1c of < 7.5%, were enrolled in this study. They made 3 clinical visits at one-week intervals. The control group consumed 50 g carbohydrates (white bread), whereas the test groups consumed high-protein grain (HP_G) or high-protein chocolate (HP_C) after an 8-hrs fast. Blood (2 cm 3 ) was drawn at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min before and after consumption to analyze the blood glucose and insulin concentrations. @*RESULTS@#Compared to the commercial snacks, the developed high-protein snacks had belowaverage calorie, carbohydrate, and fat content and a 2.5-fold higher protein content. In diabetic patients who consumed these snacks, the postprandial blood glucose increased between 15 min and 2 h after consumption, which was significantly slower than the time taken for the blood glucose to increase in the patients who consumed the control food product (P< 0.001). Insulin secretion was significantly lower at 45 min after consumption (P < 0.05), showing that the highprotein snacks did not increase the blood glucose levels rapidly. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC), which indicated the degree of blood sugar and insulin elevation after food intake, was higher in the control group than the groups given the 2 developed snacks (P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in insulin secretion. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of the postprandial blood glucose and insulin response suggest that high-protein snacks are potential convenient sources of high-quality protein and serve as a healthier alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes, who may have limited snack product choices. Such snacks may also provide balanced nutrition to pre-diabetic and obese individuals.

Long-term Renal Outcome of Biopsy-proven Acute Tubular Necrosis and Acute Interstitial Nephritis

Background@#Although emerging evidence suggest acute kidney injury (AKI) progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD), long-term renal outcome of AKI still remains unclear. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is the most common cause of AKI due to ischemia, toxin or sepsis. Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), caused by drugs or autoimmune diseases is also increasingly recognized as an important cause of AKI. Unlike glomerular diseases, AKI is usually diagnosed in the clinical context without kidney biopsies, and lack of histology might contribute to this uncertainty. @*Methods@#Among 8,769 biopsy series, 253 adults who were histologically diagnosed with ATN and AIN from 1982 to 2018 at five university hospitals were included. Demographic and pathological features that are associated with the development of end stage renal disease (ESRD) were also examined. @*Results@#Rate of non-recovery of renal function at 6 month was significantly higher in the AIN (ATN vs AIN 49.3 vs 69.4%, P = 0.007) with a 2.71-fold higher risk of non- recovery compared to ATN (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–6.47). During the mean follow up of 76.5 ± 91.9 months, ESRD developed in 39.4% of patients with AIN, and 21.5% patients of ATN. The risk of ESRD was significantly higher in AIN (23.05; 95% CI, 2.42–219.53) and also in ATN (12.14; 95% CI, 1.19–24.24) compared to control with non-specific pathology. Older age, female gender, renal function at the time of biopsy and at 6 months, proteinuria and pathological features including interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, tubulitis, vascular lesion were significantly associated with progression to ESRD. @*Conclusion@#Our study demonstrated that patients with biopsy proven ATN and AIN are at high risk of developing ESRD. AIN showed higher rate of non-renal recovery at 6 month than ATN.

Intradialytic exercise improves physical function and reduces intradialytic hypotension and depression in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS@#As numbers of maintenance hemodialysis patients are growing, debilitating conditions of muscle wasting and atrophy are becoming some of the greatest concerns in end-stage renal disease patients. Exercise training has various potential benefits in terms of prevention of a sustained decline in functional status. This study aimed to evaluate the physical, psychological, laboratory, and dialysis-related effects of intradialytic exercise.@*METHODS@#We enrolled 22 patients from a hemodialysis center for a 6-month non-randomized prospective trial. Combination of aerobic exercise with bicycle ergometer and anaerobic exercise with elastic bands was conducted during hemodialysis. Data including physical fitness test results, dialysis-related measurements, and biochemical laboratory results were collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Depression and quality of life were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory and Short Form-36 health survey.@*RESULTS@#After exercise completion, there were significant improvements in back muscle power, forward and backward trunk flexibility, vertical jump, elbow flexion, sit to stand test, and 6-minute walk test (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in dry weight, blood pressure, Kt/V, and biochemical variables, except for intradialytic hypotension (p < 0.05). For depression, Beck Depression Inventory showed statistically significant enhancement (p < 0.05). Scores of Short Form-36 health survey did not show significant increase in each domain, except for bodily pain (p < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise training during dialysis was found to be effective on physical health status, intradialytic hypotension, and depression in terms of mental health. Therefore, the findings of the current study may provide an appropriate guidance for encouraging exercise by nephrologists.

A Rare Case of Polyneuropathy and Monoclonalgammopathy with Recurrent Acute Kidney Injury

POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome and there are few reports of polyneuropathy and monoclonal gammopathy associated with kidney dysfunction. Here, we report a case of POEMS syndrome with recurrent acute kidney injury (AKI). A 52-year-old man presented with bilateral aggravating paresthesia and latermotor weakness of the lower extremities accompanied by repeated elevation of serum creatinine. The patient was finally diagnosed with POEMS syndrome on the basis of fulfilling the two mandatory major criteria (polyneuropathy and monoclonal gammopathy), one other major criterion (sclerotic bone lesion), and several minor criteria. A renal biopsy was performed to clarify the cause of AKI and showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis-like lesions with mesangiolysis and endothelial cell injury. This case illustrates that renal manifestations, not included in the diagnostic criteria for POEMS, can be apparent before various other systemic symptoms.

The association between an abnormal post-voiding urine volume and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes with no voiding symptoms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Diabetic cystopathy is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus. This study assessed the association between the post-voiding residual (PVR) urine volume and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetics with no voiding symptoms. METHODS: This study investigated 42 patients with type 2 diabetes who were followed regularly at our outpatient clinic between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. No patient had voiding problems or International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSSs) > or = 12. An urologist performed the urological evaluations and the PVR was measured using a bladder scan. A PVR > 50 mL on two consecutive voids was considered abnormal, which was the primary study outcome. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 60 +/- 10 years; the IPSS score was 3.7 +/- 3.3; and the diabetes duration was 11.9 +/- 7.8 years. Seven of the 42 patients (16.7%) had a PVR > 50 mL. The presence of overt proteinuria or microalbuminuria was associated with an increased risk of a PVR > 50 mL (p 50 mL had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared with those with a PVR 50 mL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetic nephropathy had a significantly higher PVR and a lower eGFR was associated with an abnormal PVR.

Time points for obtaining representative values of 24-hour blood pressure in chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring has been widely recommended for evaluating the status of BP, but is lacking in practicality. Determination of the specific time points for BP measurement that are representative of 24-hour mean BP could be useful and convenient in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: A total of 1,317 patients for whom 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring was performed were enrolled in a multicenter study on hypertensive CKD. We analyzed the time points at which systolic blood pressure (SBP) values exhibited the smallest differences from 24-hour mean SBP (mSBP). We included office mSBP and analyzed the relationships between SBPs at the office and the time points with the smallest differences from 24-hour mSBP using several methods. RESULTS: The time points with the smallest differences from 24-hour mSBP were 7:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 9:30 PM. In regression analysis, SBPs at 7:00 AM and 9:30 PM were better correlated with 24-hour mSBP than SBPs at 2:00 PM and the office. The proportions of patients with SBPs within 30% of 24-hour mSBP were higher at 7:00 AM and 9:30 PM. The best consistency between the uncontrolled hypertensive groups, defined as > or = 135 mmHg of 24-hour mSBP and higher values of SBPs corresponding to 135 mmHg of 24-hour mSBP, were observed at the 7:00 AM and 9:30 PM time points. CONCLUSIONS: The specific time points for SBPs that correlated well with 24-hour mSBP in hypertensive CKD patients were 7:00 AM and 9:30 PM.

Correction of Anemia with Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator in Korean Patients on Long-Term Hemodialysis

Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) is an erythropoietin with a long-half life. This study investigated the efficacy of CERA for correcting anemia in Korean patients on dialysis. Patients (> or =18 yr) who were not receiving any ESAs for more than 8 weeks were randomly assigned to either intravenous CERA once every 2 weeks (n=39) or epoetin beta thrice-weekly (n=41) during a 24-week correction phase. Hemoglobin (Hb) response was defined as increase of Hb by at least 1 g/dL and Hb> or =11 g/dL without red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Median dialysis duration was 1.7 (0.3-20.8) and 1.6 (0.4-13.8) yr in CERA and epoetin beta group, respectively. Hemoglobin response rate of CERA was 79.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 63.5-90.7). As the lower limit of 95% CI was higher than pre-specified 60% response rate, it can be concluded that CERA corrected anemia (P<0.05). Hb response rate of epoetin beta was 87.8% (95% CI, 73.8-95.9) (P=0.37). Median time to response was 12 weeks in CERA and 10.3 weeks in epoetin beta (P=0.03). It is suggested that once every 2 weeks administration of CERA is effective for correcting anemia in Korean patients on long-term hemodialysis with longer time-to-response than thrice weekly epoetin beta. (ClinicalTrials.gov registry No. NCT00546481)

A Higher Salt Intake Leads to a Lower Rate of Adequate Blood Pressure Control

The relationship between salt intake and adequate blood pressure control is not well investigated in Korea populations, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease. This cross-sectional study enrolled 19,083 subjects who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2009-2011. The amount of salt intake was estimated using the Tanaka equations based on spot urine samples. Comparing patients with and without cardiovascular disease, systolic blood pressure (129.1+/-18.1 mmHg vs. 120.0+/-18.1 mmHg, P<0.001) and the amount of urinary sodium excretion (149.4+/-37.5 mM/day vs. 144.1+/-36.2 mM/day, P<0.001) were higher in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Among patients with cardiovascular disease, the high blood pressure group showed an increased amount of urinary sodium excretion compared to the normal blood pressure group (155.5+/-38.2 vs. 146.6+/-36.9 mM/day, P<0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of high blood pressure was higher (OR, 1.825; 95% CI, 1.187-2.807; P-for-trend 0.003, highest quartile of urinary sodium excretion vs. lowest quartile) in patients with cardiovascular disease. A higher amount of urinary sodium excretion was associated with a lower rate of adequate blood pressure control in Korean population, especially with cardiovascular disease.

Estimated 24-Hour Urine Sodium Excretion Is Correlated with Blood Pressure in Korean Population: 2009-2011 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey

No large-scale studies have investigated the association between salt intake and hypertension in Korean population. To investigate the relationship of blood pressure to salt consumption, we analyzed data from 19,476 participants in the 2009-2011 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES). Urinary sodium excretion over 24-hr (24HUNa) was estimated from spot urine tests using Tanaka's equation. The study subjects were stratified into hypertensive and normotensive groups. Hypertensive participants (n=6,552, 33.6%) had higher estimated 24HUNa, 150.4+/-38.8 mEq/day, than normotensive participants, 140.5+/-34.6 mEq/day (P<0.001). The association between 24HUNa and blood pressure outcomes was not affected by adjustment for other risk factors for hypertension (odds ratio 0.001; 95% confidence interval 0.001-0.003; P<0.001). Increases in 24HUNa of 100 mEq/day were associated with a 6.1+/-0.3/2.9+/-0.2 mmHg increase in systolic/diastolic blood pressure in all participants. This effect was stronger in hypertensive participants (increase of 8.1+/-0.5/3.4+/-0.3 mmHg per 100 mEq/day) and smaller in normotensive participants (2.9+/-0.3/1.3+/-0.2 mmHg). These results support recommendations for low salt intake in Korean population to prevent and control adverse blood pressure levels.

Hemodialysis / 대한내과학회지

With the widespread availability of dialysis, the lives of end-stage renal disease patients have been prolonged over the past fifty years. Hemodialysis relies on the diffusion of molecules across a semipermeable membrane along the concentration gradient. In addition to diffusion, movement of waste products from the circulation into the dialysate can occur as a result of convective clearance. Use of high-flux dialyzer has increased the removal of the middle molecules such as beta2-microglobulin. Recently on-line hemodiafiltration which combined the hemodialysis and hemofiltration to increase the convective clearance of the large molecules has been available. About the hemodialysis adequacy, the result of hemodialysis (HEMO) study suggests that increasing the dose to greater than a single-pool Kt/Vurea 1.4 does not improve the survival of the patients. While the technical and scientific improvement in hemodialysis has led to a noticeable improvement in the survival of the dialysis patients, cardiovascular mortality and event rates are extraordinarily high in dialysis population. In addition to hemodialysis treatment, nephrologists taking care of dialysis patients must recognize and treat the diverse complications that can result from the loss of kidney function.

Hemodialysis / 대한내과학회지

With the widespread availability of dialysis, the lives of end-stage renal disease patients have been prolonged over the past fifty years. Hemodialysis relies on the diffusion of molecules across a semipermeable membrane along the concentration gradient. In addition to diffusion, movement of waste products from the circulation into the dialysate can occur as a result of convective clearance. Use of high-flux dialyzer has increased the removal of the middle molecules such as beta2-microglobulin. Recently on-line hemodiafiltration which combined the hemodialysis and hemofiltration to increase the convective clearance of the large molecules has been available. About the hemodialysis adequacy, the result of hemodialysis (HEMO) study suggests that increasing the dose to greater than a single-pool Kt/Vurea 1.4 does not improve the survival of the patients. While the technical and scientific improvement in hemodialysis has led to a noticeable improvement in the survival of the dialysis patients, cardiovascular mortality and event rates are extraordinarily high in dialysis population. In addition to hemodialysis treatment, nephrologists taking care of dialysis patients must recognize and treat the diverse complications that can result from the loss of kidney function.

Blue toe syndrome treated with sympathectomy in a patient with acute renal failure caused by cholesterol embolization

Blue toe syndrome is the most frequent manifestation of tissue ischemia caused by cholesterol embolization (CE), which can lead to amputation of affected lower extremities, if severe. However, any effective treatment is lacking. We experienced a case of spontaneously presenting blue toe syndrome and concomitant acute renal failure in a patient with multiple atherosclerotic risk factors. CE was confirmed by renal biopsy. Despite medical treatment including prostaglandin therapy and narcotics, the toe lesion progressed to gangrene with worsening ischemic pain. Therefore, we performed lumbar sympathectomy, which provided dramatic pain relief as well as an adequate blood flow to the ischemic lower extremities, resulting in healing of the gangrenous lesion and avoiding toe amputation. This is the first reported case of a patient with intractable ischemic toe syndrome caused by CE that was treated successfully by sympathectomy. Our observations suggest that sympathectomy may be beneficial in some patients with CE-associated blue toe syndrome.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Dialysis patients have impaired host defense mechanisms and frequently require antibiotics for various infective complications. In this study, we investigated whether dialysis patients have greater risk for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). METHODS: During the 4-year study period (2004-2008), 85 patients with CDAD were identified based on a retrospective review of C difficile toxin assay or histology records. Nosocomial diarrheal patients without CDAD were considered as controls (n=403). We assessed the association between renal function and the prevalence and clinical outcomes of CDAD. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the prevalence rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) between CDAD and non-CDAD patients (P<0.001). Sixteen patients (18.8%) of the CDAD group were treated with dialysis, whereas 21 patients (5.2%) of the non-CDAD group were treated with dialysis. There was a significant association between renal function and CDAD in patients on dialysis [odds ratio (OR)=4.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.19-8.99, P<0.001], but not in patients with CKD stage 3-5 (OR=1.10, 95% CI 0.63-1.92, P=0.73). In multivariate analysis, CKD stage 5D was an independent risk factor for the development of CDAD (OR=13.36, 95% CI 2.94-60.67, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that dialysis patients might be at a greater risk of developing CDAD, which suggests that particular attention should be provided to CDAD when antibiotic treatment is administered to dialysis patients.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Dialysis patients have impaired host defense mechanisms and frequently require antibiotics for various infective complications. In this study, we investigated whether dialysis patients have greater risk for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). METHODS: During the 4-year study period (2004-2008), 85 patients with CDAD were identified based on a retrospective review of C difficile toxin assay or histology records. Nosocomial diarrheal patients without CDAD were considered as controls (n=403). We assessed the association between renal function and the prevalence and clinical outcomes of CDAD. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the prevalence rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) between CDAD and non-CDAD patients (P<0.001). Sixteen patients (18.8%) of the CDAD group were treated with dialysis, whereas 21 patients (5.2%) of the non-CDAD group were treated with dialysis. There was a significant association between renal function and CDAD in patients on dialysis [odds ratio (OR)=4.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.19-8.99, P<0.001], but not in patients with CKD stage 3-5 (OR=1.10, 95% CI 0.63-1.92, P=0.73). In multivariate analysis, CKD stage 5D was an independent risk factor for the development of CDAD (OR=13.36, 95% CI 2.94-60.67, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that dialysis patients might be at a greater risk of developing CDAD, which suggests that particular attention should be provided to CDAD when antibiotic treatment is administered to dialysis patients.

Expression of Aquaporin-1, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 in the Peritoneal Tissues of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: AQP-1 (Aquaporin-1) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) are known to play an important role in ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AQP-1 and VEGF and VEGFR-1 (VEGF type 1 receptor) in peritoneums obtained from uremic non-dialyzed patients and peritoneal dialysis patients and to see if expression of these molecules are correlated with each other and with pathological findings in peritoneum. METHODS: Peritoneal expressions of AQP-1, VEGF and VEGFR-1 were examined by immunohistochemistry using specific antibody to each molecule. The degree of vascular proliferation and inflammation in peritoneal tissues were assessed semi-quantitatively by a single pathologist. RESULTS: AQP-1, VEGF and VEGFR-1 were mainly expressed in the vascular endothelial cells in the peritoneum. No significant difference in peritoneal expression of these molecules was found according to the clinical situations in which peritoneal tissues were obtained. The degree of expression of AQP-1 and VEGF were related to each other but not related to expression of VEGFR-1. The expressions of AQP-1 and VEGF were related to the vascular proliferation. The expression of AQP-1 was also related to inflammation. CONCLUSION: In end-stage renal disease patients before and after initiation of peritoneal dialysis, the peritoneal expressions of AQP-1 and VEGF were related to vascular proliferation. Inflammation might have some influence in expression of AQP-1.

A Case of Cyclosporine-Induced Type I Renal Tubular Acidosis after Kidney Transplantation / 대한신장학회지

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent that plays an important therapeutic role for organ transplantation. However, complications due to type 1 renal tubular acidosis, albeit rare, have been reported. We experienced a case of severe metabolic acidosis associated with cyclosporine administration after renal transplantation. A 54-year old man was hospitalized for seizure, confusion and weakness. He demonstrated severe metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia. Continuous renal replacement therapy was started and sodium bicarbonate was administered to correct the acidosis and the dosage of cyclosporine was reduced. Thereafter, the cyclosporine level in whole blood decreased gradually, and the metabolic acidosis improved.

Pulmonary Hypertension in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with Maintenance Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Pulmonary hypertension can occur from diverse etiologies. It was reported that pulmonary hypertension also complicated dialysis patents, but the exact mechanisms were not determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of pulmonary hypertension in maintenance hemodialysis patients. In addition, we studied the relationship between pulmonary hypertension and arteriovenous access. METHODS: Fifty-nine chronic hemodialysis patients underwent clinical evaluation. Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was estimated by Doppler echocardiography. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as PAP > or =35 mmHg. RESULTS: Mean PAP value of subjects was 39.3+/-13.2 mmHg. Pulmonary hypertension was found in 31 (53%) of patients receiving hemodialysis (49.0+/-10.6 mmHg; range 37 to 84 mmHg). Clinical and biochemical parameters did not differ significantly between patients with pulmonary hypertension and without pulmonary hypertension. In 19 patients, PAP was elevated from 27.8+/-10.2 mmHg to 41.8+/-11.9 mmHg (p<0.001) after onset of hemodialysis via arteriovenous fistula. And pulmonary hypertension developed in 12 of 15 patients with normal PAP after onset of hemodialysis treatment. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension was high, and hemodialysis via arteriovenous access may be involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension.