Evaluation of method performance for oxidative stress biomarkers in urine and biological variations in urine of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) play an important role in the pathogenesis or progression of numerous diseases. Data regarding the biological variation and analytical quality specifications (imprecision, bias and total error) for judging the acceptability of method performance for oxidative stress biomarkers in urine are conspicuously lacking in the literature. Such data are important in setting analytical quality specifications, assessing the utility of population reference intervals (index of individuality) and assessing the significance of changes in serial results from an individual (reference change value; RCV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 20 patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and 14 healthy individuals as control were involved in this study. Timed first morning urine samples were taken from patients and healthy groups on the zero, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 15th and 30th days. Index of individuality and reference change value were calculated from within-subject and between-subject variations. Methods of oxidative stress biomarkers in human blood were adopted in human urine and markers were measured as spectrophotometrically. Also, analytical quality specifications for evaluation of the method performance were established for oxidative stress biomarkers in urine. RESULTS: Within-subject variations of oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly higher in patients with DN and T2DM compared to healthy subjects. MDA showed low individuality, and within-subject variances of MDA were larger than between-subject variances in all groups. However, CAT and CuZnSOD showed strong individuality, but within-subject variances of them were smaller than between-subject variances in all groups. RCVs of all analytes in diabetic patients were relatively higher, because of high within-subject variation, resulting in a higher RCV. Also, the described methodology achieves these goals, with analytical CVs of < 3.5% for all analytes. Goals for bias and total error were 6.0-7.9% and 12.5-23.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RCVs concept for predicting the clinical status in diabetic patients represents an optimization of laboratory reporting and could be a valuable tool for clinical decision. Furthermore, for oxidative stress biomarkers' measurements in urine, the desirable imprecision goals based on biological variation are obtainable by current methodologies.

Gene mutations in chronic kidney disease patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and Sagliker syndrome.

Sagliker syndrome (SS) develops particularly before puberty while chronic kidney disease (CKD) reaches stage 3 with overt secondary hyperparathyroidism. We conducted screening for mutations in all the 13 exons of GNAS1 gene, all 3 exons of FGF23, and all 18 exons in FGFR3 genes in 23 patients. In 73.9% (17 of 23) patients, 17 genetic abnormalities in GNAS1 were detected. Seven (58.3%) of 12 nucleotide alterations comprised novel missense mutations and 3 nonsense. Mismutations were in different manner. There were also 6 heterozygous transversion polymorphisms in exons. Six were introngenic mutations (introns 65626, 70387, 70817). We found 10 mutations with different manner in FGF23 gene. Two were defined previously but remaining 8 were novel mutations. Three were in intronic region near exon 2. We sequenced all exons and intronic regions near exon-exon junction regions of FGFR3 gene. We found 22 mutations with different manner. Six were defined previously and remaining 16 were novel mutations. Eight of them were in intronic region near exon 11 and the last 2 were in noncoding exonic region of exons. One was in the exon-exon junction region between exon 11 and 12, therefore this mutation might be preventing splicing of this intron. Because the incidence of CKD late stage 3 is around 8% but the incidence of SS is around 0.5% in CKD, these gene mismutations might be responsible for bone deformities such as McCune-Albright syndrome and achondroplasias. Although our patients were not resembling any of them, they could be in between, and SS might be a combination-compulsion of bone dysplasias-hereditary osteodystrophies and CKD.

Effect of Ramadan fasting on serum concentration of apelin-13 and new obesity indices in healthy adult men.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine how Ramadan fasting (RF) affected the recently described new obesity indices [visceral adiposity index (VAI), waist circumference to height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI)], and serum concentration of apelin-13 (RF) in healthy adult men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, 42 healthy adult men were selected. Anthropometric parameters were measured and a sample of venous blood was obtained for biochemical assays on the first and last days of Ramadan. When all subjects were evaluated, all anthropometric parameters changed except VAI. Serum apelin-13, triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and insulin levels did not change. When patients were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI), BAI decreased in normal-weight subjects and WHtR decreased in other groups, but VAI and apelin-13 did not change in any groups. RESULTS: We demonstrate for the first time that while some anthropometric parameters changed, VAI and serum apelin-13 levels did not change with RF. BMI, waist circumference (WC), TG, and HDL-C were evaluated together in calculation of VAI. TG, VAI, and HDL-C remained unchanged by RF. Even if body weight (BW) and BMI decreased, apelin-13 was not affected by RF. The data on serum apelin-13 may have been influenced by the small-percentage decrease in BW, as well as insignificant improvements in metabolic parameters such as lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin. CONCLUSIONS: We found that Ramadan fasting in healthy adult men was associated with significant decreases in BW, BMI, WHtR, and BAI, but we found no significant changes in VAI and serum apelin-13 concentrations.

Orofacial digital syndrome type 1: an underlying cause of chronic renal failure.

Orofacial digital syndrome type 1 is condition which is characterized with, in addition to oral-facial and digital congenital anomalies, polycystic renal disease in most patient, and the prognosis is dependent on renal involvement in such patients. Our case was a 22-year-old patient who was presented with clinical picture of chronic renal failure, was started on hemodialysis and had took our attention due to oral, facial and digital anomalies in addition to polycystic renal disease.

Effect of hemoglobin variability on mortality and some cardiovascular parameters in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Most hemodialysis patients show hemoglobin fluctuations between low-normal and high levels. This hemoglobin variability may cause left ventricle hypertrophy and may increase mortality as well. Recently, many studies were designed to evaluate the effect of hemoglobin variability on mortality but results were conflicting. We aimed to investigate the effect of hemoglobin variability on mortality and some cardiovascular parameters in hemodialysis population. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Hundred and seventy-five prevalent hemodialysis patients classified into three hemoglobin variability groups according to their hemoglobin levels throughout 24 month observation period: Low-Normal, Low-High, Normal-High. Groups were compared in terms of laboratory, demographical data and mortality rates, initial and the end of 24 month echocardiographic data. Initial and last echocardiographic data were compared within groups in terms of left ventricle mass index increase. RESULTS: Mortality rates and cardiovascular risk factors such as coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension that may affect mortality were same between three groups. There was no significant difference between three groups in terms of echocardiographic and laboratory parameters. Only Low-High group showed significant increase on left ventricle mass index when initial and last echocardiographic parameters were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with previous studies, we found that most of the patients exhibited hemoglobin variability and our study is consistent with some of the studies that did not find any relationship between hemoglobin variability and mortality. Firstly, in this study based on objective data, it was shown that hemoglobin variability has adverse effect on left ventricle geometry independent from anemia.

The affecting factors and comparison of tuberculin skin test in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients.

Compared with the general population, patients with chronic renal failure have increased tuberculosis (TB) prevalence and mortality rates. In this study, we aimed to investigate tuberculin skin test (TST) positivity rates in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and the factors influencing TST positivity. Ninety-two HD patients and 44 PD patients who had been on HD and PD treatment for at least 3 months were recruited into the study. TST was administered in all patients. Positivity was defined as an induration diameter >10 mm. At least 5 mm of induration following skin testing together with a chest radiography indicating previous infection was defined as latent TB infection. TST positivity rates, diameter of TST indurations, and serum albumin levels in HD patients were higher than the PD patients. TST induration size was not correlated with any other parameters in both HD and PD groups. TST-positive patients had higher albumin levels and lower leukocyte count than the TST-negative patients. In TST-positive patients, albumin level was correlated with the duration of dialysis but TST induration size was not correlated with the lymphocyte count and albumin level. In our study, TST positivity of patients was found in 30.4% of HD patients, 9% of PD patients, and 23.5% of total patients. It is still recommended to use TST for the screening test of TB. We found a significant relationship between TST and albumin level. It should be remembered that TST response may be lower in PD patients, especially in cases in which TB is suspected.

QuantiFERON-TB Gold test for screening latent tuberculosis infection in hemodialysis patients.

Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) compared with the general population. QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) for LTBI detection is more promising than tuberculin skin test (TST) in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study is to determine whether the QFT-G is more sensitive than the TST in hemodialysis patients in LTBI. Eighty nine hemodialysis patients were evaluated for latent tuberculosis infection with the TST and QFT-G. Blood was obtained for QFT-G, and then TST was administered to all patients. Demographic information, laboratory tests, chest radiography results and BCG vaccination status were collected on standardized patient medical files. Forty patients had positive QFT-G results. 56 patients had TST induration above 5 mm, 28 patients above 10 mm. 61 patients had BCG vaccination scar. Statistically significant correlation was detected between TST and QFT-G (p< 0.05). In the BCG non-vaccinated subgroup, TST was positive in 8 (29%) patients and the QFT-G was positive in 11 (39%). Among the 21 non vaccinated patients with results for both tests, the concordance between the TST and QFT-G was 82%, k= 0.61, p= 0.001. We found good agreement between the TST and QFT-G test for LTBI in non vaccinated hemodialysis patients, whereas we found poor agreement in vaccinated patients. Because BCG vaccination is widely used in our country, the QFT-G test might be more useful for the diagnosis of LTBI than TST in hemodialysis patients who are suspected to have LTBI.

Uric acid in hypertension and renal disease: the chicken or the egg?

After uric acid was recognized as the causative factor in gout, increased prevalence of renal disease and hypertension in this patient population caught the attention of the medical community. Thus, it has been proposed that uric acid might have caused these disorders. However, uric acid suffered a long period of ignorance in which it was considered a metabolically inert substance. However, recent years has witnessed a resurrection of interest. Experimental studies showed an association between increased uric acid and renal arteriolar disease and hypertension. These preliminary results were supported with clinical studies. However, controversy regarding the precise pathophysiologic role of uric acid in inducing hypertension and renal disease remains to be elucidated. Despite being limited at this time, a few randomized intervention studies showed that even treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia was beneficial in terms of blood pressure regulation and kidney function. In this review, we focus on the pathophysiologic role of uric acid in the development and progression of renal disease and hypertension. We also discuss recent clinical evidence suggesting a causal role of uric acid in these disease states.

The prevalence and predictors of atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in long-term hemodialysis patients and to identify clinical and echocardiographic risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 183 patients (93 males, 90 females; mean age 52+/-17 years) who had been on long-term hemodialysis treatment (mean 41.6+/-39.8 months) and had preserved systolic function. Atrial fibrillation was determined electrocardiographically and the patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation. Conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic examinations were performed on interdialytic days. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (13.1%) had atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation significantly differed in terms of higher age (64.9+/-9.8 vs. 49.9+/-16.6 years; p<0.001), higher frequency of coronary artery disease (37.5% vs. 10.7%; p=0.008), and lower serum albumin level (3.6+/-0.4 vs. 3.9+/-0.5 mg/dl; p=0.015). Echocardiographic examination showed significantly increased left and right atrial diameters (p<0.05), higher incidence of mitral and/or aortic calcification (p=0.033), increased systolic pulmonary artery pressure (38.1+/-6.1 vs. 28.5+/-5.5 mmHg, p<0.001) and E/E' ratio (11.8+/-3.8 vs. 8.8+/-4.7, p=0.008) in patients with atrial fibrillation. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.00-1.17; p=0.036) and right atrial diameter (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.05-1.35; p=0.008) were independent risk factors for the development of atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight age and right atrial diameter as independent predictors of atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients. In addition, the E/E' ratio and pulmonary artery pressure may be considered new risk factors of atrial fibrillation in this population.

Prevalence of and factors affecting pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been reported to be high among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) flow in the pathogenesis of PH and the prevalence of PH in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and to suggest other possible etiologic factors. METHODS: The prevalence of PH was prospectively estimated by Doppler echocardiography in 116 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis (HD). Laboratory and clinical variables were compared between patients with and without PH (groups 1 and 2, respectively). PH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) over 30 mm Hg. Patients with PH underwent further evaluation by 2 pulmonologists. AVF flow was measured by Doppler ultrasonography. Blood tests including arterial blood gases, hemoglobin, serum calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone were determined. RESULTS: PH was found in 25 (21.6%) patients (group 1) with an SPAP of 37.9 ± 2.8 mm Hg. Mean AVF flow was increased (1,554 ± 207.60 ml/min) in group 1. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly different between the 2 groups (55.3 ± 11.5 and 64.4 ± 40, respectively; p < 0.05). Neither significant primary lung disease nor parenchymal lesions were detected in group 1. PH showed a significant difference for cigarette smoking (p < 0.05). In group 1 the prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher. The main etiology of CRF was diabetes mellitus with a ratio of 44% in group 1. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated a surprisingly high prevalence of PH among patients receiving long-term HD. PH was related to high AVF flow, low LVEF and cigarette smoking. AVF flow and cigarette smoking are important correctable causes of PH. Early detection is important in order to avoid the serious consequences.

Comparative effects of carvedilol and lercanidipine on ultrafiltration and solute transport in CAPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Peritonitis, the type of buffer used in the dialysate, continue ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) of greater than two years duration, increased exposure to dialysate glucose, diabetes mellitus, and the use of beta blockers may contribute to impaired ultrafiltration. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of a calcium-channel blocker and a beta-blocker on the peritoneal transport and clearance. METHODS: We studied 48 patients with ESRD on chronic peritoneal dialysis, included 27 females and 19 males with mean age 42.6 +/- 16.4 years. Two patients were excluded from the study due to peritonitis. Patients were treated either with carvedilol or lercanidipine. In all patients; peritoneal equilibration test (PET), ultrafiltration (UF), Kt/V ratio, creatinine clearance (CrCl), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum BUN, creatinine, glucose, sodium, potassium, albumin, cholesterol, and triglyceride values were obtained before and after 8 weeks from the start of the drug treatment. RESULTS: Lercanidipine and carvedilol showed a good antihypertensive effect in CAPD patients. Both drugs had a good tolerability profile and showed no effect on plasma lipids. There were no differences in terms of PET, ultrafiltration, Kt/V ratio, CrCl, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum BUN, creatinine, glucose, sodium, and potassium values between both patient groups. After antihypertensive treatment, neither group showed a difference in the above-mentioned parameters (p > 0.05) except potassium, which was significantly higher in the carvedilol group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In CAPD patients. short-term usage of carvedilol has no effect on ultrafiltration and solute transport like lercanidipine. Both drugs showed a good antihypertensive effect.

Effects of rosiglitazone on cardiac function in CAPD patients: a tissue Doppler study.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in uremic patients without diabetes. Rosiglitazone (ROS) improves insulin sensitivity in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. We prospectively investigated the effects of ROS on cardiac functions by standard (SDE) and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDI) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. METHODS: A total of 24 CAPD patients (13 males, 11 females; mean age 42.2 +/- 14.8 years) were included. Routine blood samples were examined. Left and right ventricular functions were assessed, and myocardial performance index (MPI) was calculated by SDE and TDI at baseline and after 12-month ROS therapy. Left and right atrial volumes were measured and indexed to body surface area. RESULTS: When compared with baseline, after 12 months of ROS treatment, it was shown that early (E) and late (A) diastolic velocities of atrioventricular valves, E/A ratio, mitral E-wave deceleration time (DT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), and MPI were similar (p > 0.05). Also, no significant changes were detected in LV dimensions, LV mass index, LVEF, LA volume index, or RA volume index measured by SDE before and after ROS therapy (p > 0.05). Left and right ventricular function parameters measured by TDI including Sm, Em, Am, Em/Am ratio, E/Em ratio, and MPI were similar. CONCLUSION: It was found that there was no negative effect of long-term ROS therapy on cardiac functions measured by SDE and TDI in CAPD patients.

Effect of depot oral cholecalciferol treatment on secondary hyperparathyroidism in stage 3 and stage 4 chronic kidney diseases patients.

By the time patients require dialysis replacement therapy, nearly all chronic kidney diseases (CKD) patients are affected with uremic bone diseases. High-turnover osteodystrophy can be prevented; patients with CKD should be monitored for imbalances in calcidiol (25 OH vitamin D), calcium, and phosphate homeostasis. We aimed to determine the effect of a monthly oral 300,000 IU vitamin D(3) (cholecalciferol) supplementation on the uremic bone diseases (UBD) markers such as iPTH and alkaline phosphatase in CKD patients. Among a total of 70 patients under treatment in the nephrology unit, 40 predialysis CKD patients (mean age of 49 +/- 14, male/female 20/20) were included the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Treatment group included 20 patients (mean age of 51 +/- 14, male/female 9/11), and the control group comprised 20 patients (mean age of 47 +/- 14, male/female 9/11). Treatment group patients were given a single dose of Devit3 ampoule (300,000 U cholecalciferol) per month orally way. Patients in the control group did not take any vitamin D for a month. The level of calcidiol was lower than normal range in two groups. After a month, treatment group patient's calcidiol increased statistically significant (6.8 +/- 3.5 to 17.8 +/- 21.4 ng/mL, p < 0.001). After a month, iPTH level decreased in the treatment group statistically significantly (368 +/- 274 to 279 +/- 179 pg/ml, p < 0.001). At the 30(th) day of the treatment, in 9/20 of the treatment group patients (45%), the iPTH value decreased at least 30% (p < 0.001). We suggest that oral depot cholecalciferol treatment causes a statistically significant decrease of serum iPTH level but does not cause a statistically significant change in Ca, P, ratio of Ca x P, or urinary calcium creatinine rate in UBD predialysis CKD. This treatment can be used safely for the predialysis CKD patients, along with the cautious control of serum calcium and phosphor.

Diurnal rhythm of urinary calcium excretion in adults.

Twenty-four-hour urinary calcium excretion is normally the equivalent of daily calcium intake, and varies between 200-300 mg/dL with a calcium/creatinine ratio of 0.07-0.15. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diurnal rhythm of calcium excretion in healthy individual. Forty subjects (30 male, 10 female) were involved into the study. The spot urine samples were taken at 08:00, 14:00, and 22:00 together with a 24-hour collection. Mean spot urinary calcium levels at 08:00, 14:00, and 22:00 were 12.39 +/- 8.19, 12.97 +/- 8.37, and 16.95 +/- 10.39 mg/dL, with calcium/creatinine ratios of 0.104 +/- 5.261, 0.119 +/- 7.85, and 0.133 +/- 8.17, respectively. Twenty-four-hour urinary calcium excretion was 12.74 +/- 7.31 mg/dL with a calcium/creatinine ratio of 0.111 +/- 5.41. The values at 08:00, 14:00, and of 24-hour collection were statistically similar (p > 0.05), but the nighttime values were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, calcium excretion is increased at night, and urinary calcium measurements should be interpreted accordingly.

Long-term efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a in HCV-positive hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The current "best therapy" for HCV-positive hemodialysis patients is not known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFNalpha-2a) in HCV-positive hemodialysis (HD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five HCV-RNA-positive hemodialysis patients were included into the study. Twelve patients were allocated to the PEG-IFN treatment group (group 1). Six refused the therapy, and seven were not candidates for kidney transplantation and were allocated to the control group (group 2). All patients underwent chronic hemodialysis treatment for end-stage renal disease during the study period. Group 1 patients received PEG-IFN alpha-2a at a dose of 135 mug weekly for 48 weeks. The patients were prospectively followed up for a period of 192 weeks. Biochemical and virological responses were evaluated at 144 weeks after the completion of therapy. Results. Two patients in group 1 and five patients in group 2 died during 144 weeks of follow-up. SVR was observed in six patients (50%) in group 1 and one patient (1/13) (7.7%) in group 2. ALT levels were normal in 8/10 (80%) in group 1 and in 5/7 (70%) in group 2. CONCLUSION: In summary, our data showed that treatment of chronic HCV infection in dialysis patients with PEG-IFN alpha-2a at a dose of up to 135 mug weekly was well tolerated. Furthermore, SVR was achieved in half of patients at the end of 144 weeks of follow-up. Our results are encouraging for the administration of PEG-IFN alpha-2a in HCV-positive HD patients waiting for kidney transplantation.

Subcutaneous C.E.R.A. for the Treatment of Chronic Renal Anemia in Predialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of once-monthly administration of C.E.R.A. in erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) naive predialysis patients with CKD for anemia treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Single arm, open label study. METHODS: A total of 75 patients (mean (SD) age was 52.8 (16.4) years, 76.0% were female) were included in this study conducted between 12 August 2008 and 30 October 2009 in 9 centers across Turkey. The mean change in Hb concentration (g/dL) between baseline (week 0) and the efficacy evaluation period (EEP) was the primary efficacy parameter evaluated in three consecutive periods including a dose titration period (DTP; with initial 1.2 µg/kg dose of C.E.R.A., subcutaneously, 28 weeks), EEP (8 weeks) and a long-term safety period (16 weeks). RESULTS: Our analysis revealed an improvement in Hb levels from baseline value of 9.4 (0.4) g/dL to time adjusted average level of 11.4 (0.7) g/dL in EEP in the per protocol (PP) population and from 9.3 (0.5) g/dL to 11.1 (1.0) g/dL in intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Mean (SD) change in Hb levels from baseline to EEP was 2.0 (0.7) g/dl in the PP population (primary endpoint) and 1.7 (1.1) g/dL in the ITT population. The percentage of patients whose Hb concentrations remained within the target range of 10.0-12.0 g/dL throughout the EEP was 43.9% (95% CI: 28.5-60.3%) in the PP population and 38.7% (95% CI: 27.6% to 50.6%) in the ITP population. A total of 206 adverse events (AE) were reported in 77.0% of patients with hypertension (20%) as the most frequent AE. CONCLUSION: Once-monthly subcutaneous C.E.R.A. administration is effective and safe in the treatment of anemia in pre-dialysis patients with CKD, who are not currently treated with ESAs.

Nonketotic hyperosmolar coma in a patient with type 1 diabetes-related diabetic nephropathy: case report.

Nonketotic hyperosmolar coma (NHC) is characterized by severe hyperglycemia; absence of, or only slight ketosis; nonketotic acidosis; severe dehydration; depressed sensorium or frank coma; and various neurologic signs. This condition is uncommon in type 1 diabetes. Because of little or no osmotic diuresis in patients with diabetic nephropathy, increases in plasma osmolality and therefore the likelihood of neurologic symptoms are limited. A 20-year-old male patient with type 1 diabetes with chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment (glomerular filtration rate [GFR], 18 mL/dk) presented with acute nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome. The patient was admitted presenting with thirst, fatigue, and drowsiness. Blood biochemistry levels were urea 87 mg/dL, creatinine 5.09 mg/dL, glucose 830 mg/dL, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8%, C peptide <0.3 ng/mL, sodium 131 mmol/L, chloride 93 mmol/L, potassium 5.2 mmol/L, and calculated serum osmolality 385 mOsm/kg. The presumptive diagnosis on admission was nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome precipitated by urinary infection. This is the first case report of hyperosmolar coma in a patient with type 1 diabetes with chronic kidney disease.

Incidence of renal insufficiency in cancer patients.

The frequency of chronic renal insufficiency among cancer patients is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of impaired renal function within a population of cancer patients. One thousand two hundred seventeen patients (563 women, 654 men) with cancer underwent serum creatinine concentration and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) evaluations. The Cockcroft-Gault formula was used to estimate the GFR from the creatinine clearance (Cl(cr)). Renal insufficiency was defined as a GFR 1.2 mg/dL). According to the Cockcroft-Gault formula evaluations, however, 330 (27.1%) of the patients had an estimated GFR <90 mL/min. Among these, the Clcr was between 60 and 89 mL/min in 241 patients (19.8%); 30 and 59 mL/min in 75 patients (6.2%); and 15 and 29 mL/min in 7 patients (0.6%); 7 patients (6%) had a Cl(cr) <15 mL/min. As a result, 21.2% of patients demonstrating a normal serum creatinine level had abnormal renal function. Renal function should be evaluated in all cancer patients, regardless of their serum creatinine level, before any drug regimen is administered. The Cockcroft-Gault formula appears to be more accurate than serum creatinine concentration for diagnosing renal insufficiency in patients with cancer, but more prospective studies in this population will be necessary to confirm this finding.

Fatal lactic acidosis due to leukemic transformation in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: case report.

Lactic acidosis (LA) associated with hematologic malignancies is uncommon, life-threatening, and generally occurs in adults. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood. This is a case report of LA due to leukemic transformation that occurred in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). A 24-year-old man with NHL was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea. Venous blood gas analysis revealed metabolic acidosis (pH 7.05; HCO3 6 mEq/L; BE 22 mmol/L; anion gap 28 mEq/L); the patient had an elevated plasma lactate concentration (12 mmol/L) and low glucose concentration (38 mg/dL). There was no reason other than leukemia-such as infection, circulatory failure, or drug use-for the development of severe LA. This case report shows that in patients with NHL, leukemic transformation may give rise to LA.

The Role of Apelin 13 in Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Apelin is an adipokine secreted by the adipose tissue and by the endothelial cells in various parts of the body. Apelin is also expressed by the glomerular arteriolar rectus and glomerular capillary cells. We evaluated the relationship between the initial serum levels of apelin 13 with the trend of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during a 1-year follow-up of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with CKD in the predialysis stages were included and completed the study. The demographic data, medications, and comorbidities of the patients were recorded. The relationship between the baseline apelin 13 levels and the 1-year GFR loss was evaluated.   Results. The mean 1-year GFR loss 1.6 mL/min for those with CKD stage 3, 5.1 mL/min for those with CKD stage 4, and 2.6 mL/min for those with CKD stage 5. Fifty-eight patients (58.6%) had a GFR loss less than 5 mL/min and 41 (41.4%) had a GFR loss of 5 mL/min and greater, for whom the mean apelin 13 levels were 2169 ± 1807 mL/min and 2513 ± 1920 mL/min, respectively (P = .36).  There was no significant correlation between the apelin 13 levels and GFR loss (P = .35). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study was the first that clinically examined the relationship between apelin 13 and CKD progression. Apart from the diabetic nephropathy, several factors causing comorbidity and progression may have probably masked this potential relationship.