Bronchiectasis diagnosed after renal transplantation: a retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is characterized by abnormal, permanent and irreversible dilatation of the bronchi, usually responsible for daily symptoms and frequent respiratory complications. Many causes have been identified, but only limited data are available concerning the association between bronchiectasis and renal transplantation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of cases of bronchiectasis diagnosed after renal transplantation in 14 renal transplantation departments (French SPIESSER group). Demographic, clinical, laboratory and CT scan data were collected. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included (mean age 58.2 years, 52.2 % men). Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (32.6 %) was the main underlying renal disease. Chronic cough and sputum (50.0 %) were the major symptoms leading to chest CT scan. Mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 1.5 years [0-12.1 years]. Microorganisms were identified in 22 patients, predominantly Haemophilus influenzae. Hypogammaglobulinemia was observed in 46.9 % patients. Bronchiectasis was usually extensive (84.8 %). The total bronchiectasis score was 7.4 ± 5.5 with a significant gradient from apex to bases. Many patients remained symptomatic (43.5 %) and/or presented recurrent respiratory tract infections (37.0 %) during follow-up. Six deaths (13 %) occurred during follow-up, but none were attributable to bronchiectasis. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight that the diagnosis of bronchiectasis should be considered in patients with de novo respiratory symptoms after renal transplantation. Further studies are needed to more clearly understand the mechanisms underlying bronchiectasis in this setting.

[Risk control of dialysis fluids production in a teledialysis unit]. / Maîtrise des risques liés à la production des fluides de dialyse dans une unité de télédialyse.

OBJECTIVE: The "Centre Hospitalier Francois Dunan" is located on an isolated island and ensures patients care in hemodialysis thanks to telemedicine support. Many research studies have demonstrated the importance of hemodialysis fluids composition to reduce morbidity in patients on chronic hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to identify the risks inherent in the production of dialysis fluids in a particular context, in order to set up an improvement action plan to improve risk control on the production of dialysis fluids. METHODS: The risk analysis was conducted with the FMECA methodology (Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis) by a multi professional work group. Three types of risk have been reviewed: technical risks that may impact the production of hemodialysis fluids, health risks linked with chemical composition and health risks due to microbiological contamination of hemodialysis fluids. RESULTS: The work group, in close cooperation with the expert staff of the dialysis center providing telemedicine assistance, has developed an action plan in order to improve the control of the main risks brought to light by the risk analysis. CONCLUSION: The exhaustive analysis of the risks and their prioritisation have permitted to establish a relevant action plan in this improving quality of dialysis fluids approach. The risk control of dialysis fluids is necessary for the security of dialysis sessions for patients, even more when these sessions are realized by telemedicine in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.