Impact of Abdominal Fat Distribution on Mortality and Its Changes Over Time in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Measures of fat distribution and visceral fat accumulation maintain a direct association with mortality in the general population. However, among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), there are few reports of this association. This study aimed to investigate the impact of computed tomography (CT)-measured abdominal fat levels, including the visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA), on all-cause mortality in patients undergoing HD and investigate whether there are sex-specific particularities regarding the associations between the abovementioned parameters. METHODS: A total of 258 participants were selected from the population of patients undergoing stable HD. The baseline characteristics were collected by records and interviews. The following variables were assessed at baseline and every year: body mass index, abdominal circumference, VFA, and SFA. Abdominal circumference and body fat distribution were assessed at the level of the umbilicus via CT. All CT scans were performed on a nondialysis day with the subject in a supine position. The primary end point was the 5-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS: This prospective cohort study revealed that age, cardiothoracic ratio, %VFA (VFA/[VFA + SFA]), and albumin were independent predictors of death via multivariable analyses. Regarding the %VFA, its area under the curve (0.599), which did not suffice to predict mortality, was higher than that of VFA, SFA, and body mass index. Also, the effect was recognized mainly in male patients. The %VFA of patients who survived for 60 months increased over time. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that patients (especially men) with a high VFA-to-abdominal fat ratio have a high risk of death. Thus, more attention should be paid to such patients.

Antibody acquisition after second and third SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in Japanese kidney transplant patients: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant patients have lower antibody acquisition after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The efficacy of vaccines in Japanese kidney transplant patients with specific characteristics, such as predominant living-donor, ABO-incompatible kidney transplant, and low-dose immunosuppression, requires verification. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study to estimate anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in 105 kidney transplant patients and 57 controls. Blood samples were obtained before vaccination, 1, 3, and 6 months after second vaccination, and 1 month after third vaccination. We investigated antibody acquisition rates, antibody levels, and factors associated with antibody acquisition. RESULTS: One month after second vaccination, antibody acquisition was 100% in the controls but only 36.7% in the kidney transplant group (P < 0.001). Antibody levels in positive kidney transplant patients were also lower than in the controls (median, 4.9 arbitrary units vs 106.4 arbitrary units, respectively, P < 0.001). Years after kidney transplant (odds ratio 1.107, 95% confidence interval 1.012-1.211), ABO-incompatible kidney transplant (odds ratio 0.316, 95% confidence interval 0.101-0.991) and mycophenolate mofetil use (odds ratio 0.177, 95% confidence interval 0.054-0.570) were significant predictors for antibody acquisition after second vaccination. After third vaccination, antibody positivity in the kidney transplant group increased to 75.3%, and antibody levels in positive patients were 71.7 arbitrary units. No factors were associated with de novo antibody acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese kidney transplant patients, years after kidney transplant, ABO-incompatible kidney transplant and mycophenolate mofetil use were predictors for antibody acquisition after second vaccination. Third vaccination improves antibody status even in patients who were seronegative after the second vaccination.

Maoto, a traditional herbal medicine, for post-exposure prophylaxis for Japanese healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19: A single center study.

BACKGROUND: Little research has been done on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for COVID-19. This study was done to determine if maoto, a traditional herbal medicine commonly used for diseases with symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, can be repurposed for post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the spread of nosocomial infection with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: A cohort analysis was done of the data of 55 health care workers (HCWs) whether to get infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a Japanese hospital experiencing a COVID-19 cluster in April of 2021. Of these subjects, maoto granules for medical use were prescribed for PEP to 42 HCWs and taken for three days in mid-April. Controls were 13 HCWs who rejected the use of maoto. Polymerase chain reaction was performed routinely once or twice a week or when a participant presented with symptoms of COVID-19. RESULT: There were no background differences between the maoto and control groups by profession, sex, or mean age. No severe adverse reactions were observed. During the observation period of 1 week, significantly fewer subjects were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the maoto group (N = 3, 7.1%) than in the control group (N = 6, 46.2%). The prophylactic effectiveness of maoto was 84.5%. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of maoto is suggested to be effective as PEP against nosocomial COVID-19 infection.

Serum soluble (pro)renin receptor level as a prognostic factor in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

The (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR)] is a multifunctional protein that is cleaved to generate the soluble (P)RR [s(P)RR], reflecting the status of the tissue renin-angiotensin system and/or activity of the (P)RR. The serum s(P)RR level is associated with arteriosclerosis, independent of other risk factors, in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This study was conducted to investigate whether the s(P)RR level was associated with new-onset cardiovascular events or malignant diseases and poor prognosis in patients undergoing HD. Overall, 258 patients [70 (61-76) years, 146 males] undergoing maintenance HD were prospectively followed up for 60 months. We investigated the relationships between s(P)RR levels and new-onset cardiovascular events/ malignant diseases and mortality during the follow-up period using Cox proportional hazard analyses. The cumulative incidence of new-onset cardiovascular events (P = 0.009) and deaths (P < 0.001), but not of malignant diseases, was significantly greater in patients with higher serum s(P)RR level (≥ 29.8 ng/ml) than in those with lower s(P)RR level (< 29.8 ng/ml). A high serum s(P)RR level was independently correlated with cardiovascular mortality (95% CI 1.001-1.083, P = 0.046). The serum s(P)RR level was associated with cardiovascular events and mortality, thus qualifying as a biomarker for identifying patients requiring intensive care.

Association between serum soluble (pro)renin receptor level and worsening of cardiac function in hemodialysis patients: A prospective observational study.

The (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) is cleaved to generate soluble (P)RR (s(P)RR), which reflects the status of the tissue renin-angiotensin system. Hemodialysis (HD) patients have a poor prognosis due to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to investigate whether serum s(P)RR level is associated with the worsening of cardiac function in HD patients. A total of 258 maintenance HD patients were recruited and serum s(P)RR concentration was measured. Background factors in patients who survived (S group) and patients who died (D group) during the 12-month follow-up period and relationships between serum s(P)RR level and changes in cardiac function during the follow-up period in the S group were investigated. The median serum s(P)RR value at baseline was 29.8 ng/ml. Twenty-four patients died during the follow-up period. Cardiothoracic ratio, human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and E over e-prime were significantly higher in the D group. In the S group, changes in hANP or BNP were significantly greater in the higher serum s(P)RR group than in the lower serum s(P)RR group. High serum s(P)RR level was significantly correlated with changes in BNP, independent of other factors. High serum s(P)RR level was associated with increases in BNP, independent of other risk factors, suggesting that an increased expression of (P)RR may be associated with a progression of heart failure in HD patients and that serum s(P)RR concentration could be used as a biomarker for selecting patients requiring intensive care.

Characteristics of visit-to-visit blood pressure variability in hemodialysis patients.

Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (VVBPV) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population. Hemodialysis (HD) patients have a poor prognosis due to an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Intradialytic hypotension is associated with excess mortality, but whether VVBPV influences mortality is still unclear in HD patients. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of VVBPV in these patients. A total of 324 maintenance HD patients, who could be followed for 60 months, were recruited. We used variation independent of the mean (VIM) in pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure (pre-VIM-SBP) as an index of VVBPV. We investigated (1) the reproducibility of pre-VIM-SBP, (2) the relationship between pre-VIM-SBP and background factors, and (3) the association between pre-VIM-SBP and mortality. Pre-VIM-SBP showed significant reproducibility [intraclass correlation, 0.45 (P < 0.001)]. Higher pre-VIM-SBP was associated with less physical activity and worse left ventricular diastolic function. Higher pre-VIM-SBP was associated with a higher rate of cardiovascular deaths independent of other factors. These data suggest that VVBPV in HD patients is reproducible and associated with various background factors. VVBPV is independently correlated with cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio: 1.166, 95% confidence interval: 1.030-1.320, P = 0.015). Further studies are necessary to confirm the mechanism of increased VVBPV and to clarify whether reducing VVBPV will improve the prognosis for HD patients.

Investigation of small intestinal lesions in dialysis patients using capsule endoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Although gastrointestinal hemorrhage is an important complication for dialysis patients, the details of many points remain unclear with regard to small intestinal lesions. METHODS: Capsule endoscopy was performed in fecal occult blood-positive dialysis (n =16) and non-dialysis (n = 20) patients after upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies failed to reveal hemorrhagic lesions. FINDINGS: Erosive lesions were observed in 50.0% (8/16) and 25.0% (5/20) of the dialysis and non-dialysis groups, respectively. Vascular lesions were observed in 62.5% (10/16) and 25.0% (5/20), respectively. Vascular lesions were observed at a significantly higher rate in the dialysis patients (P = 0.041), but no significant difference was noted in erosive lesions (P = 0.188). Of patients taking proton pump inhibitor (PPI), Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and antiplatelet drugs, only oral PPI administration was associated with vascular lesions (P = 0.02). DISCUSSION: In dialysis patients, vascular lesions are the most common among small intestinal lesions, suggesting that they may have caused previously unexplained gastrointestinal hemorrhage in dialysis patients. It was also suggested that the frequent use of PPI may be a cause of small intestinal lesions.

Effects of L- and N-Type Ca Channel Blocker Cilnidipine on Changes in Heart Rate and QT Interval During Dialysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hemodialysis patients have poor prognosis due to increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Treatment to suppress increases in sympathetic nerve activity and QT prolongation may have the potential to reduce the occurrence of these events. The L/N-type Calcium (Ca) channel blocker cilnidipine has unique inhibitory action to inhibit sympathetic nerve activity and in a canine model ameliorates QT prolongation. In this study, we investigated whether cilnidipine has inhibitory effects on heart rate, an index of sympathetic nerve activity, and QT prolongation in patients undergoing dialysis. METHODS: An L-type Ca channel blocker amlodipine was administered for 4 weeks followed by cilnidipine treatment for 4 weeks. On the last day of each period, heart rate and corrected QT interval were estimated and compared between the two periods. RESULTS: Cilnidipine showed greater suppression of heart rate during dialysis than did amlodipine. The corrected QT interval in one dialysis session was significantly increased, and 3 of 17 patients showed prominent QT prolongation during administration of amlodipine but not cilnidipine. CONCLUSION: These data suggested that cilnidipine may inhibit increases in heart rate and QT interval. Cilnidipine may have beneficial effects in reducing cardiovascular events, resulting from increased sympathetic nerve activity and lethal arrhythmias in hemodialysis patients.

Effects of nocturnal oxygen therapy on heart function in SDB patients undergoing dialysis.

There is a close relationship between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and heart failure. We performed home oxygen therapy (HOT) in patients with SAS undergoing dialysis, and investigated its effects on the heart function. The subjects were 10 SDB patients on dialysis. On retiring at night, oxygen was transnasally administered at 1.0 L/min. The human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), total protein, Alb, cholesterol and phosphorus levels were measured before the start of oxygen therapy and after 6 weeks. The mean SpO2 increased from 93.5% [91.5, 97.0] to 96.3% [94.8, 97.4] (median [interquartile range]) (p = 0.015). The hANP (p = 0.0039), BNP (p = 0.0098) and serum Alb (p = 0.015) levels significantly improved. There were no significant changes in the cholesterol, phosphorus or total protein levels. These results suggest that nocturnal oxygen therapy improves indices of heart failure, contributing to the prevention and treatment of heart failure in dialysis patients with SDB.

[Myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) -associated glomerulonephritis with acute pancreatitis: a case report].

We report here a case of a 64-year-old woman with myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) -associated glomerulonephritis who developed acute pancreatitis. The patient was admitted to our hospital because of abnormal urinalysis findings, edema, and progressive renal failure. Laboratory studies showed a high white blood cell count (11,570/µL), anemia (hemoglobin 7.8 g/dL), and elevated serum creatinine (2.36 mg/dL) and C-reactive protein (12.20 mg/dL) levels. Furthermore, the MPO-ANCA titer was very high (1,625 U/mL, normal range < 10 U/mL). Histopathological findings of the renal biopsy were consistent with microscopic polyangiitis. Accordingly, we diagnosed MPO-ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. On the day after the renal biopsy, the patient complained of low back pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed postbiopsy hemorrhage. Thereafter, the patient's symptoms and laboratory studies gradually worsened. A repeat CT performed a few days later revealed no changes in the perirenal hematoma; however, an enlarged pancreas head was incidentally observed. There was no obvious cause of acute pancreatitis, and MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis, although rare, was suspected as the cause. We initiated prednisolone pulse therapy for vasculitis along with the administration of nafamostat mesilate and ulinastatin for acute pancreatitis. Subsequently, the levels of pancreatic enzymes gradually increased, but several days later, abdominal magnetic resonance imaging showed improvement in the pancreas head. The pancreatitis gradually resolved over time. Acute pancreatitis occurring concurrently with MPO-ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis is extremely rare. To our knowledge, only a few such cases have been reported and have suggested that steroid therapy may play a role in triggering pancreatic involvement. In our case, however, an enlarged pancreas head was observed before steroid therapy was initiated. Therefore, we consider our case to be very rare.

Laparoscopic combined resection of synchronous gastric and colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of performing combined laparoscopic resection in patients with synchronous gastric and colorectal cancer. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with synchronous gastric and colorectal cancer who underwent simultaneous combined resection were enrolled in this retrospective study. RESULTS: Six patients underwent laparoscopic combined resection (lap group), whereas the other 30 patients underwent conventional open combined surgery (open group). Although the operative time was longer in the lap group than in the open group, there were no differences in the amount of intraoperative bleeding. Although there were no differences in the rates of postoperative complications between the 2 groups, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the lap group. During a mean follow-up of 35 months, all 6 patients who underwent laparoscopic combined resection survived without any signs of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous laparoscopic resection is a feasible procedure in patients with synchronous gastric and colorectal cancer.

Reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach: an analysis of our 13-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Fundoplication during esophagogastrostomy (EG) after proximal gastrectomy (PG) is a useful procedure to prevent reflux esophagitis, but it is unclear how much of the remnant stomach should be wrapped around the esophagus. METHODS: We analyzed data from 101 patients who underwent PG for upper third early gastric cancer between 1999 and 2011. In all, 64 patients underwent EG, 25 underwent jejunal interposition (JI), and 12 underwent jejunal pouch interposition (JPI). We compared intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes, and investigated the relationships between the degree of the fundoplication during EG and endoscopic findings. RESULTS: The length of the operation was significantly shorter in the EG group than in the other 2 groups (P < .05), and the intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the EG group (P < .05). The JI and the JPI groups had significantly greater rates of early complications than did the EG group (P = .01). Reflux esophagitis was present in 22% of patients in the EG group, 8% in the JPI group, and none in the JI group. In the EG group, reflux esophagitis was significantly less common in patients with a >180° wrap of the remnant stomach around the esophagus than in patients with a smaller wrap (P = .0008). The rate of body weight loss was significantly less in the EG group compared with the other 2 groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Considering the low invasiveness of the procedure and postoperative outcomes, we consider that EG with a >180° wrap as the optimal reconstructive procedure.

Complications of endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric noninvasive neoplasia: an analysis of 647 lesions.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine risk factors for postoperative complications of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: This retrospective study included 647 lesions in 580 consecutive patients who underwent ESD for gastric noninvasive neoplasia from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2011. RESULTS: The overall perforation rate was 5.1%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that perforation was significantly associated with tumors in the greater curvature of the stomach (P<0.0001), scars in tumor lesions (P=0.002), long operative time (P=0.007), and tumors in the remnant stomach (P=0.036). The bleeding rate after gastric ESD was 3.9%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated a statistically significant association between postoperative bleeding and oral anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (P<0.0001), dialysis (P=0.009), and use of antihypertensive drugs (P=0.015). CONCLUSION: It is important to perform gastric ESD with particular care in patients with risk factors.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric tumors in various types of remnant stomach.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric tumors in various types of remnant stomach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and March 2013, ESD was performed for 750 gastric tumors. Of these lesions, 49 were in a remnant stomach, and were included in the study. RESULTS: The en bloc resection rate was 100 %. The curative resection rate was 82 %. The rate of perforation was high in patients with gastric conduits (28.6 %). Perforation was significantly more common in patients with lesions located on the suture line (4.9 % vs. 50.0 %; P = 0.0043). CONCLUSION: ESD for gastric tumors in the remnant stomach can be considered feasible and safe in clinical practice. However, the procedure is technically more difficult in patients with a gastric conduit, due to the increased risk of perforation at the suture line.

Is preoperative colonoscopy necessary for patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity of preoperative colonoscopy (CS) in gastric cancer (GC) patients and to assess the outcomes of different treatments in patients with synchronous GC and colorectal neoplasms (CRN). We also determined the risk factors influencing the comorbidity of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with GC. METHODS: This retrospective study included 1891 consecutive GC patients who underwent CS before surgery from January 1, 1999, through June 30, 2012. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of concurrent CRN (28.4 %) and CRC (3.2 %) in our patients with GC. Sixty-one patients with GC had synchronous CRC. Twenty-three of the 61 tumors were perioperatively treated by endoscopic resection. The other 38 tumors were treated by simultaneous surgery for the GC and CRC. Surgical complications were not found in either the endoscopic or surgical resection group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of synchronous CRC in patients with GC was significantly associated with the incidence of multiple GCs [P < 0.0001; odds ratio (OR) 15.3], having anemia (P = 0.002; OR 3.0), and having a smoking history (P = 0.021; OR 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend preoperative CS screening for GC patients. In particular, preoperative CS screening is indispensable for patients with multiple GCs. In addition, simultaneous treatments for patients with synchronous GC and CRN are safe and feasible procedures.

Atrial fibrillation after esophageal cancer surgery: an analysis of 207 consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify perioperative risk factors that are associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and the outcomes of different pharmacological interventions in esophageal cancer patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy. METHODS: This study included 207 patients who underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer resection by a single surgeon from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2010. RESULTS: Postoperative AF occurred in 19 patients (9.2 %), all of whom received antiarrhythmic drug therapy at the early stage. Antiarrhythmic treatment was effective in 12 cases (63.2 %). In this study, landiolol hydrochloride, an ultrashort-acting ß1-selective ß-blocker, was the first-line therapy for postoperative AF. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative AF was significantly associated with the use of an ileo-colon for reconstruction after esophagectomy (P = 0.0023, odds ratios [OR] = 13.6) and with the presence of tachycardia with a heart rate of >100 bpm on postoperative day (POD) 1 (P = 0.0004, OR = 18.4). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative AF is associated with the use of a colon conduit for reconstruction after esophagectomy and with tachycardia with a heart rate >100 bpm on POD 1. Identifying patients at high risk for postoperative AF will allow for more direct application of pharmacological methods of prophylaxis.

Clinical benefits of thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position for esophageal cancer.

PURPOSES: The clinical benefits of thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy in the prone position compared to conventional open esophagectomy have not been fully documented. METHODS: Forty-six patients with esophageal cancer who underwent MIE in the prone position (MIE-P group) were enrolled, and 46 case-matched controls that underwent open esophagectomy (OE group) were identified using propensity score methods to achieve a valid comparison of outcomes between MIE and open esophagectomy. RESULTS: The duration of systemic inflammatory response syndrome was shorter in the MIE-P group than in OE group (P = 0.005). The time to first walking was earlier in the MIE-P group (P < 0.001). Although the vital capacity ratio (%VC) declined after the operation in both groups, the change ratio of the %VC was 85.3% in the MIE-P group and 69.6% in the OE group (P < 0.001). No mortality occurred in either group. The postoperative morbidity rate was lower in the MIE-P group (13%) than in the OE group (30.4%) (P = 0.020). Two patients (4.3%) in the OE group and one patient in the MIE-P group (2.2%) had pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: MIE in the prone position was associated with less impairment of the pulmonary function, earlier recovery of activity and lower subsequent morbidity compared to open esophagectomy. Further investigation of the long-term outcomes is, therefore, needed.

Prognostic significance of IL-17 mRNA expression in peritoneal lavage in gastric cancer patients who underwent curative resection.

Peritoneal dissemination is frequently detected in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The peritoneal cavity is a compartment in which an immunologic host-tumor interaction can occur. There are no reports on the relationship between IL-17 expression in peritoneal lavage and prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Therefore, we investigated the expression of IL-17 mRNA in peritoneal lavage from gastric cancer patients and assessed the association of its expression with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Peritoneal lavage was obtained from 114 patients with gastric cancer at initial surgery. Seventy-nine patients underwent curative resection. Among these 79 patients, IL-17 mRNA expression was associated with the depth of tumor invasion (p<0.05). Twelve of the 79 patients who underwent curative resection died, and 9 of those 12 developed peritoneal metastasis. Notably, among the 79 patients who underwent curative resection, those with high expression of IL-17 mRNA in peritoneal lavage had significantly prolonged survival when compared to these patients with low expression of IL-17 mRNA in peritoneal lavage (p<0.05) as evidence by the survival curves. In a multivariate analysis, low expression of IL-17 mRNA in peritoneal lavage and tumor size were found to be independent significant predictive factors for prognosis (HR, 7.91; 95% CI, 1.65-38.03) in the patients who underwent curative resection. IL-17 mRNA expression in peritoneal lavage is a reliable prognostic factor for patients undergoing curative resection for gastric cancer. Low IL-17 expression in the peritoneal cavity may correlate with cancer development in the peritoneal cavity in patients with gastric cancer.