Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of adult-onset minimal change disease in Turkey: Turkish Society of Nephrology-Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group.

PURPOSE: In our study, diagnostic and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with minimal change disease (MCD) by biopsy, clinical and laboratory findings in our country were investigated. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group database. Demographic characteristics, indications for biopsy, diagnosis of the glomerular diseases, comorbidities, laboratory and biopsy findings of all patients were recorded. The data presented are cross-sectional and includes application data for the biopsy period. RESULTS: Of 3875 patients, 233 patients with MCD (median age 35.0 years) were included in the study, which constitutes 6.0% of the total glomerulonephritis database. Renal biopsy was performed in 196 (84.1%) patients due to nephrotic syndrome. Median serum creatinine was 0.7 (0.6-1.0) mg/dl, mean eGFR was 104 ± 33 ml/min/1.73 m2 and median proteinuria 6000 mg/day. The number of patients under the age of 40 years was 139 (59.7%) (Group A), and the number of patients aged 40 years and over was 94 (40.3%) (Group B). Compared to Group A, global sclerotic glomeruli (24 vs. 43, p < 0.001) interstitial inflammation (15 vs. 34, p < 0.001), interstitial fibrosis (20 vs. 31, p = 0.001, vascular changes (10 vs. 25, p < 0.001) and tubular atrophy (18 vs. 30, p < 0.001) were found to be significantly higher in Group B. There was no difference in immunofluorescent staining properties between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our data are generally compatible with the literature. Chronic histopathological changes were more common in patients aged 40 years and older than younger patients. Studies investigating the effects of these different features on renal survival are needed.

Evaluation of Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients in the Post-COVID-19 Period: A National Multicenter Case-Control Study from Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: There are not enough data on the post-CO-VID-19 period for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients affected from COVID-19. We aimed to compare the clinical and laboratory data of PD patients after COVID-19 with a control PD group. METHODS: This study, supported by the Turkish Society of Nephrology, is a national, multicenter retrospective case-control study involving adult PD patients with confirmed COVID-19, using data collected from April 21, 2021, to June 11, 2021. A control PD group was also formed from each PD unit, from patients with similar characteristics but without COVID-19. Patients in the active period of COVID-19 were not included. Data at the end of the first month and within the first 90 days, as well as other outcomes, including mortality, were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 223 patients (COVID-19 group: 113, control group: 110) from 27 centers were included. The duration of PD in both groups was similar (median [IQR]: 3.0 [1.88-6.0] years and 3.0 [2.0-5.6]), but the patient age in the COVID-19 group was lower than that in the control group (50 [IQR: 40-57] years and 56 [IQR: 46-64] years, p < 0.001). PD characteristics and baseline laboratory data were similar in both groups, except serum albumin and hemoglobin levels on day 28, which were significantly lower in the COVID-19 group. In the COVID-19 group, respiratory symptoms, rehospitalization, lower respiratory tract infection, change in PD modality, UF failure, and hypervolemia were significantly higher on the 28th day. There was no significant difference in laboratory parameters at day 90. Only 1 (0.9%) patient in the COVID-19 group died within 90 days. There was no death in the control group. Respiratory symptoms, malnutrition, and hypervolemia were significantly higher at day 90 in the COVID-19 group. CONCLUSION: Mortality in the first 90 days after COVID-19 in PD patients with COVID-19 was not different from the control PD group. However, some patients continued to experience significant problems, especially respiratory system symptoms, malnutrition, and hypervolemia.

Comparison of Lower and Upper Limb Remote Ischemic Preconditioning to Prevent Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Randomized Pilot Study with a Control Group / Comparación del preacondicionamiento isquémico remoto de la extremidad inferior y superior para evitar la nefropatía inducida por el contraste: Un estudio piloto aleatorizado con un grupo de control

ABSTRACT Background: The role of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in preventing the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and whether there is a difference between the results of applications of RIPC to the upper or lower extremities has not been adequately demonstrated. Methods: We included the patients who underwent coronary angiography due to stable angina pectoris in this single center, randomized, pilot study. We randomly enrolled a total of 168 patients in one of three groups (60 patients in the upper limb RIPC group, 58 patients in the lower limb RIPC group, and 50 patients in the control group). Results: According to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), CIN did not develop in any RIPC patients and developed in 6% of controls (OR: 3.511, 95% CI: 2.757-4.471, p=0.025). According to the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines, CIN developed in 1.7% of RIPC patients and 8% of controls (p=0.065). It was found that creatinine levels increased in the control group and decreased in the RIPC groups (baseline: 0.81±0.19mg/dL and 0.86±0.25mg/dL and control: 0.76±0.17mg/dL and 0.91±0.36mg/ dL, p <0.001). When the upper and lower limb RIPC results were compared, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of CIN. In multivariate analyses we found out that baseline eGFR, baseline mean blood pressure, contrast agent volume, and RIPC were independently associated with the development of CIN. Conclusions: RIPC is a practically useful method in preventing CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Upper or lower-limb RIPC applications seem to have a similar effect.

RESUMEN No se ha demostrado adecuadamente el papel del preacondicionamiento isquémico remoto (RIPC) en la prevención del desarrollo de nefropatía inducida por contraste (NIC) y si existe una diferencia entre los resultados de las aplicaciones de RIPC en las extremidades superiores o inferiores. Se incluyó a los pacientes sometidos a coronariografía por angina de pecho estable en este estudio piloto, aleatorizado, unicéntrico. Inscribimos al azar a un total de 168 pacientes en uno de los tres grupos (60 pacientes en el grupo de RIPC de miembros superiores, 58 pacientes en el grupo de RIPC de miembros inferiores, 50 pacientes en el grupo de control). De acuerdo con la Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), NIC no se desarrolló en ningún paciente con RIPC y se desarrolló en el 6% de los controles (OR: 3,511, IC del 95%: 2,757-4,471, p = 0,025). Según las directrices de la Sociedad Europea de Radiología Urogenital (ESUR), la NIC se desarrolló en el 1,7% de los pacientes con RIPC y en el 8% de los controles (p = 0,065). Se encontró que los niveles de creatinina aumentaron en el grupo de control y disminuyeron en los grupos de RIPC (línea de base: 0,81 ± 0,19 mg / dL y 0,86 ± 0,25 mg / dL y control: 0,76 ± 0,17 mg / dL y 0,91 ± 0,36 mg / dL, p <0,001). Cuando se compararon los resultados de RIPC de miembros superiores e inferiores, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la incidencia de NIC. En análisis multivariado descubrimos que la TFGe basal, la presión arterial media basal, el volumen del agente de contraste y la RIPC se asociaron de forma independiente con el desarrollo de NIC. La RIPC es un método prácticamente útil en la prevención de NIC en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía. Las aplicaciones de RIPC de miembros superiores o inferiores parecen tener un efecto similar.

Characteristics and Survival Results of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Suffering from COVID-19 in Turkey: A Multicenter National Study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to study the characteristics of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), determine the short-term mortality and other medical complications, and delineate the factors associated with COVID-19 outcome. METHODS: In this multicenter national study, we included PD patients with confirmed COVID-19 from 27 centers. The baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data and outcomes at the end of the first month were recorded. RESULTS: We enrolled 142 COVID-19 patients (median age: 52 years). 58.2% of patients had mild disease at diagnosis. Lung involvement was detected in 60.8% of patients. Eighty-three (58.4%) patients were hospitalized, 31 (21.8%) patients were admitted to intensive care unit and 24 needed mechanical ventilation. Fifteen (10.5%) patients were switched to hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration was performed for four (2.8%) patients. Persisting pulmonary symptoms (n = 27), lower respiratory system infection (n = 12), rehospitalization for any reason (n = 24), malnutrition (n = 6), hypervolemia (n = 13), peritonitis (n = 7), ultrafiltration failure (n = 7), and in PD modality change (n = 8) were reported in survivors. Twenty-six patients (18.31%) died in the first month of diagnosis. The non-survivor group was older, comorbidities were more prevalent. Fever, dyspnea, cough, serious-vital disease at presentation, bilateral pulmonary involvement, and pleural effusion were more frequent among non-survivors. Age (OR: 1.102; 95% CI: 1.032-1.117; p: 0.004), moderate-severe clinical disease at presentation (OR: 26.825; 95% CI: 4.578-157.172; p < 0.001), and baseline CRP (OR: 1.008; 95% CI; 1,000-1.016; p: 0.040) were associated with first-month mortality in multivariate analysis. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Early mortality rate and medical complications are quite high in PD patients with COVID-19. Age, clinical severity of COVID-19, and baseline CRP level are the independent parameters associated with mortality.

Determinants of mortality in a large group of hemodialysis patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients are at increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to describe clinical, laboratory, and radiologic characteristics and determinants of mortality in a large group of MHD patients hospitalized for COVID-19. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective, observational study collected data from 47 nephrology clinics in Turkey. Baseline clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics, and COVID-19 treatments during hospitalization, need for intensive care and mechanical ventilation were recorded. The main study outcome was in-hospital mortality and the determinants were analyzed by Cox regression survival analysis. RESULTS: Of 567 MHD patients, 93 (16.3%) patients died, 134 (23.6%) patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and 91 of the ones in ICU (67.9%) needed mechanical ventilation. Patients who died were older (median age, 66 [57-74] vs. 63 [52-71] years, p = 0.019), had more congestive heart failure (34.9% versus 20.7%, p = 0.004) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23.6% versus 12.7%, p = 0.008) compared to the discharged patients. Most patients (89.6%) had radiological manifestations compatible with COVID-19 pulmonary involvement. Median platelet (166 × 103 per mm3 versus 192 × 103 per mm3, p = 0.011) and lymphocyte (800 per mm3 versus 1000 per mm3, p < 0.001) counts and albumin levels (median, 3.2 g/dl versus 3.5 g/dl, p = 0.001) on admission were lower in patients who died. Age (HR: 1.022 [95% CI, 1.003-1.041], p = 0.025), severe-critical disease clinical presentation at the time of diagnosis (HR: 6.223 [95% CI, 2.168-17.863], p < 0.001), presence of congestive heart failure (HR: 2.247 [95% CI, 1.228-4.111], p = 0.009), ferritin levels on admission (HR; 1.057 [95% CI, 1.006-1.111], p = 0.028), elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (HR; 3.909 [95% CI, 2.143-7.132], p < 0.001) and low platelet count (< 150 × 103 per mm3) during hospitalization (HR; 1.864 [95% CI, 1.025-3.390], p = 0.041) were risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized MHD patients with COVID-19 had a high mortality rate. Older age, presence of heart failure, clinical severity of the disease at presentation, ferritin level on admission, decrease in platelet count and increase in AST level during hospitalization may be used to predict the mortality risk of these patients.

Characteristics of primary glomerular diseases patients with hematuria in Turkey: the data from TSN-GOLD Working Group.

PURPOSE: Hematuria is one of the most common laboratory findings in nephrology practice. To date, there is no enough data regarding the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of primary glomerular disease (PGD) patients with hematuria in our country. METHODS: Data were obtained from national multicenter (47 centers) data entered into the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) database between May 2009 and June 2019. The data of all PGD patients over the age of 16 years who were diagnosed with renal biopsy and had hematuria data were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, laboratory and biopsy findings were also recorded. RESULTS: Data of 3394 PGD patients were included in the study. While 1699 (50.1%) patients had hematuria, 1695 (49.9%) patients did not have hematuria. Patients with hematuria had statistically higher systolic blood pressure, serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, albumin, levels and urine pyuria. However, these patients had statistically lower age, body mass index, presence of hypertension and diabetes, eGFR, 24-h proteinuria, serum total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and C3 levels when compared with patients without hematuria. Hematuria was present 609 of 1733 patients (35.8%) among the patients presenting with nephrotic syndrome, while it was presented in 1090 of 1661 (64.2%) patients in non-nephrotics (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first multicenter national report regarding the demographic and histopathologic data of PGD patients with or without hematuria. Hematuria, a feature of nephritic syndrome, was found at a higher than expected in the PGDs presenting with nephrotic syndrome in our national database.

Podocyte Injury in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a tubulointerstitial disease. Different degrees of glomerular affection in ADPKD may affect the further course of disease in which it may hypothetically be secondary to the result of glomerular involvement causing podocyte injury. Our aim was to compare urinary excretion of podocin and podocalyxin, which are biomarkers of podocyte injury, and to assess their relationship with proteinuria and renal function in ADPKD. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with ADPKD and 28 volunteers were enrolled to study. Podocin, podocalyxin protein levels, and proteinuria were measured in urine. Patients were categorized based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS: Patients with ADPKD had higher podocin and podocalyxin levels compared to the control group. The levels of podocin and podocalyxin were higher in ADPKD patients both with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 than in controls. The levels of podocin and podocalyxin were higher in ADPKD patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 than in ADPKD patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Podocin and podocalyxin were negatively correlated with eGFR and positively correlated with urine protein to creatinine ratio in ADPKD patients. CONCLUSION: Urine biomarkers of podocytes injury were significantly higher in ADPKD patients even in the early stage of the disease than in the control group. It should be clarified whether these biomarkers can provide new prognostic parameters for disease surveillance.

The Main Determinants of Serum Resistin Level in Type 2 Diabetic Patients are Renal Function and Inflammation not Presence of Microvascular Complication, Obesity and Insulin Resistance.

AIM: The association of increased resistin levels in chronic kidney disease with diabetic nephropathy has not yet been clarified. Our aim was to analyze the relationship between serum resistin levels and various diabetic microvascular complications in patients. METHODS: A total of 83 patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: 27 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) having no diabetic retinopathy (DRP) or microalbuminuria and having normal renal function were included in Group-1, 28 patients with T2DM having DRP and normal renal function in Group-2, and 28 patients with T2DM with DRP and microalbuminuria and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in Group-3. Serum resistin levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients [46 female (55.4%)] was 54.8±9.1 years. The resistin level in Group-3 was significantly higher than in Group-1 and Group-2 (p<0.001).However the resistin level was not different between Group-1 (without microvascular complications) and Group-2 (with microvascular complications). The resistin level was found to be correlated negatively with eGFR (r=-0.459; p<0.001) and albumin (r=-0.402; p<0.001), and positively with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r=0.366; p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, it was observed that eGFR and hs-CRP were independent determinants of plasma resistin level. CONCLUSION: The main determinants of resistin level in patients with T2DM are the level of renal function and inflammation rather than presence of microvascular complications, obesity and insulin resistance.

Factors effective on peritoneal phosphorus transport and clearance in peritoneal dialysis patients
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AIMS: Transport characteristics of phosphorus are different from other small solutes that are evaluated in routine peritoneal equilibration test (PET) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We aimed to evaluate peritoneal phosphorus clearance and permeability, and their relationship with peritoneal membrane transport type and creatinine clearance as well as factors affecting peritoneal phosphorus clearance. METHODS: 70 adult patients on a PD program were included in our study. Phosphorus transport status was classified according to dialysate/plasma (D/P) phosphorus at the 4th hour of PET as slow transporter (< 0.47), slow-average transporter (0.47 - 0.56), fast-average transporter (0.57 - 0.67), and fast transporter (> 0.67). We evaluated the relationship of peritoneal phosphorus clearance and transport type with PD regime, phosphorus level, and presence of residual renal function in addition to investigating factors that are effective on peritoneal phosphorus clearance. RESULTS: D/P phosphorus and peritoneal phosphorus clearance were positively correlated with D/P creatinine and peritoneal creatinine clearance, respectively. Automated PD and continuous ambulatory PD patients were similar regarding phosphorus and creatinine clearances and transport status based on D/P phosphorus. The major determinant of peritoneal phosphorus clearance was anuria status. Anuric patients had higher dialysate volume (11.6 ± 3.0 L vs. 8.4 ± 2.1 L, p < 0.001) and therefore higher peritoneal phosphorus clearance (61.7 ± 15.1 L/week/1.73 m2 vs. 48.4 ± 14.0 L/week/1.73 m2, p = 0.001). Hyperphosphatemia was present in 40% and 11% of anuric patients and those with residual renal function, respectively (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal phosphorus transport characteristics are similar to that of creatinine. Although increased dialysis dose may increase peritoneal phosphorus clearance, it may be insufficient to prevent hyperphosphatemia in anuric patients.
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Changes in the inflammatory markers with advancing stages of diabetic nephropathy and the role of pentraxin-3.

BACKGROUND: Immunological and inflammatory mechanisms have been shown to have role in both the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DNP). There is need for more specific markers for inflammation as the ones commonly used are influenced by many factors. Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) seems to be a potential candidate. We aimed in our study to evaluate the changes of PTX-3 levels in different stages of DNP and its relationship with other inflammatory markers. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study in which patients with DNP at different stages were involved. Patient were divided into three groups according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), microalbuminuria and proteinuria levels: Group-1: eGFR >60 mL/min and microalbuminuria, Group-2: eGFR >60 mL/min and macroalbuminuria, Group-3: eGFR <60 mL/min and macroalbuminuria. Besides the routine biochemical parameters, levels of PTX-3, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was measured. Groups were compared with each other regarding the study parameters and correlation of PTX-3 with other markers was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean PTX-3 level in Group-2 (0.94 ± 0.26 ng/mL) and -3 (1.35 ± 1.55 ng/mL) were higher than in Group-1 (0.81 ± 0.25 ng/mL) (p = 0.009 and p = 0.012). There was a significant correlation of PTX-3 with proteinuria (r = 0.266, p = 0.016), microalbuminuria (r = 0.304, p = 0.014) and hypoalbuminemia (r = 0.197, p = 0.043). PTX-3 was not correlated with other markers of inflammation (IL-1, TNF-α and hsCRP) and diabetic metabolic parameters (hbA1c, C-peptide, insulin and HOMA-IR). PTX-3, IL-1 and TNF-α levels increased with the advancing stage of DNP while hsCRP level did not change. CONCLUSION: PTX-3 that increases similar to other markers of inflammation (IL-1, TNF-α) is a better inflammatory marker than hsCRP. Furthermore, there is a relationship between PTX-3 and proteinuria independent from eGFR.

Skin disorders in peritoneal dialysis patients: An underdiagnosed subject.

AIM: To examine all skin changes in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients followed up in our unit. METHODS: Patients on PD program for at least three months without any known chronic skin disease were included in the study. Patients with already diagnosed skin disease, those who have systemic diseases that may cause skin lesions, patients with malignancies and those who did not give informed consent were excluded from the study. All patients were examined by the same predetermined dermatologist with all findings recorded. The demographic, clinical and laboratory data including measures of dialysis adequacy of patients were recorded also. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows 16.0 standard version was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among the patients followed up in our PD unit, those without exclusion criteria who gave informed consent, 38 patients were included in the study with male/female ratio and mean age of 26/12 and 50.3 ± 13.7 years, respectively. The duration of CKD was 7.86 ± 4.16 years and the mean PD duration was 47.1 ± 29.6 mo. Primary kidney disease was diabetic nephropathy in 11, nephrosclerosis in six, uropathologies in four, chronic glomerulonephritis in three, chronic pyelonephritis in three, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in three patients while cause was unknown in eight patients. All patients except for one patient had at least one skin lesion. Loss of lunula, onychomycosis and tinea pedis are the most frequent skin disorders recorded in the study group. Diabetic patients had tinea pedis more frequently (P = 0.045). No relationship of skin findings was detected with primary renal diseases, comorbidities and medications that the patients were using. CONCLUSION: Skin abnormalities are common in in PD patients. The most frequent skin pathologies are onychomycosis and tinea pedis which must not be overlooked.

The role of midkine in the inflammatory process and its correlation with other inflammatory markers in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Midkine (MK), which is expressed in the proximal tubular epithelial cells of the kidney, is thought to have a role in the pathophysiology of inflammation-related renal diseases. Both immunological and nonimmunological mechanisms may affect renal functions negatively during the early and late post-transplantation periods. We aimed in our study to evaluate the relationship of MK with clinical findings and inflammatory markers, including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in the pretransplant and post-transplant period. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients transplanted from living related donors were included in this prospective observational study. All patients received the same immunosuppressive treatment protocol. MK, hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured before and 2 months after renal transplantation. RESULTS: Pretransplant MK levels correlated positively with hsCRP (r = 0.41, p = 0.004) and IL-6 (r = 0.58, p<0.001). The mean post-transplant MK level was found to be higher than the pretransplant level (143 ± 350 pg/mL, 2792 ± 4235 pg/mL respectively, p = <0.001), while the mean hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels did not change significantly. Post-transplant IL-6 correlated significantly with MK (r = 0.388, p = 0.012), hsCRP (r = 0.41, p = 0.007) and TNF-α (r = 0.348, p = 0.026). There was no significant correlation between clinical findings and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: MK may be a good inflammatory marker in renal transplant recipients as in other inflammatory diseases. Moreover, it seems that it is not affected by factors other than inflammation during the post-transplantation period.

The correlation of inflammatory markers and plasma vaspin levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Vaspin, a recently identified adipokine, is a visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor that may have insulin sensitizing effect on adipose tissue. Herein, we measured vaspin level in patients with different stages of diabetic nephropathy (DNP), and investigated the correlation of the vaspin level with other inflammatory parameters. 106 adult type 2 diabetic patients with no known chronic inflammatory disease were included and grouped according to the stage of DNP: Albuminuria <30 mg/day and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (Group-1); albuminuria 30-300 mg/day and eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (Group-2); albuminuria >300 mL/min and eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (Group-3). Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded as well as vaspin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels. There were 38, 35 and 33 patients in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Groups were similar regarding age and gender. Vaspin level did not differ between groups. When all the groups were considered, vaspin was positively correlated with IL-6 level (r = 0.215, p = 0.041). No correlation of vaspin was found with IL-1, TNF-α and hsCRP levels (p = 0.580, r = 0.054; p = 0.463, r = 0.072; p = 0.812, r = 0.025, respectively). Vaspin levels of the patients with GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m(2) was less than that of patients with GFR <60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (p = 0.03). Age and IL-6 were found to be the major determinants of vaspin level with linear regression analysis. In patients with DNP, vaspin level does not change within the early stages of DNP; while it is higher in patients with decreased GFR, which may be related with increasing inflammation regardless of the stage of the kidney disease.

A Case of Primary Hypoparathyroidism Presenting with Acute Kidney Injury Secondary to Rhabdomyolysis.

Hypoparathyroidism is the most common cause of symmetric calcification of the basal ganglia. Herein, a case of primary hypoparathyroidism with severe tetany, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury is presented. A 26-year-old male was admitted to the emergency clinic with leg pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, and decreased amount of urine. He had been treated for epilepsy for the last 10 years. He was admitted to the emergency department for leg pain, cramping in the hands and legs, and agitation multiple times within the last six months. He was prescribed antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. He had a blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg, diffuse abdominal tenderness, and abdominal muscle rigidity on physical examination. Pathological laboratory findings were as follows: creatinine, 7.5 mg/dL, calcium, 3.7 mg/dL, alanine transaminase, 4349 U/L, aspartate transaminase, 5237 U/L, creatine phosphokinase, 262.000 U/L, and parathyroid hormone, 0 pg/mL. There were bilateral symmetrical calcifications in basal ganglia and the cerebellum on computerized tomography. He was diagnosed as primary hypoparathyroidism and acute kidney injury secondary to severe rhabdomyolysis. Brain calcifications, although rare, should be considered in dealing with patients with neurological symptoms, symmetrical cranial calcifications, and calcium metabolism abnormalities.

Is handgrip strength and key pinch measurement related with biochemical parameters of nutrition in peritoneal dialysis patients?

BACKGROUNDS & OBJECTIVE: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) frequently causes Protein Energy Wasting (PEW), which is an important morbidity and mortality factor. Although it is difficult to assess PEW with a reliable method, there are various methods such as Handgrip strength test (HST), serum albumin, cholesterol, etc. HST is a simple and reliable antropometric method which is used for nutritional status and body muscle strength. This study aims to assess the relationship between HST and biochemical markers in evolution of nutritional status of ESRD patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 36 consecutive patients, who are on peritoneal dialysis and 36 healthy -control subjects. Jamar-hand dynamometer was used for handgrip strength test; a pinch gauge was used for key pinch. Other antropometric tests included skin fold thicknesses at biceps, triceps, umbilical, suprailiac and subscapular regions; circumferences at waist hip, neck and midarm. Biochemical tests were performed only in Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) group. SPSS for Windows ver. 15.0 was used for statistics. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 49.3±14.4, and mean age of control group was 43.8±10.6 (p=0.075). In PD group dominant hand dynamometer test 1,2 and 3 results were 19.3±9.3 kg, 25.3±10.8 kg, 25.5± 10.6 kg and; 34.2±10.3 kg, 34.4±9.8 kg, 34.6±10.0 kg for control group (p< 0,001). Right key pinch results were 6.7±1.9 kg for patients; 13.5±4.5 kg for control group (p<0.001). Left key pinch results were 6.8±1.9 kg for patients; 13.2±4.4 kg for control group (p<0.001). There was not any significant relationship concerning handgrip or key pinch tests with biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: Handgrip Strength Test and key pinch may be reliable, cheap and easily performed tests for the diagnosis of Protein Energy Wasting in patients on Peritoneal Dialysis.

A case of newly diagnosed klippel trenaunay weber syndrome presenting with nephrotic syndrome.

Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome (KTWS) is a rare disease characterized by hemihypertrophy, variceal enlargement of the veins, and arteriovenous (AV) malformations. Renal involvement in KTWS is not known except in rare case reports. Herein, we present a case of KTWS with nephrotic syndrome. A 52-year-old male was admitted due to dyspnea and swelling of the body for the last three months. The pathological physical findings were diffuse edema, decreased lung sounds at the right basal site, increased diameter and decreased length of the left leg compared with the right one, diffuse variceal enlargements, and a few hemangiomatous lesions on the left leg. The pathological laboratory findings were hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, increased creatinine level (1.23 mg/dL), and proteinuria (7.6 g/day). Radiographic pathological findings were cystic lesions in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, splenomegaly, AV malformation on the left posterolateral thigh, and hypertrophy of the soft tissues of the proximal left leg. He was diagnosed to have KTWS with these findings. Renal biopsy was performed to determine the cause of nephrotic syndrome. The pathologic examination was consistent with focal segmental sclerosis (FSGS). He was started on oral methylprednisolone at the dosage of 1 mg/kg and began to be followedup in the nephrology outpatient clinic.

Aspirin resistance in patients undergoing hemodialysis and effect of hemodialysis on aspirin resistance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of aspirin resistance (AR) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and to assess the effect of HD on the results of the Multiplate test. A total of 54 patients undergoing HD were included in this study. Blood samples were taken just before and after the HD session. To determine AR, we used Multiplate test. Platelet aggregation values of the study population were 363.01 ± 225.69 aggregation unit (AU) × minutes before and 375.33 ± 254.05 AU × minutes after the HD (P = .597). There was strong correlation between the values before and after HD (R = .755, P < .0001). The AR status was changed in 9 (16.6%) patients after HD. Agreement of AR status before and after HD was substantial (κ coefficient = .667, P < .0001). The prevalence of AR in patients undergoing HD seems higher than in most of the studied populations, and this study has shown that the AR statuses of a significant number of patients undergoing HD change after an HD session.

Colistin nephrotoxicity increases with age.

BACKGROUND: Colistin (COL) has become the backbone of the treatment of infections due to extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Gram-negative bacteria. The most common restriction to its use is acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate risk factors for new-onset AKI in patients receiving COL. The cohort consisted of 198 adults admitted to 9 referral hospitals between January 2010 and October 2012 and treated with intravenous COL for ≥ 72 h. Patients with no pre-existing kidney dysfunction were compared in terms of risk factors and outcomes of AKI graded according to the RIFLE criteria. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 167 had no pre-existing kidney dysfunction; the mean patient age was 58.77 (± 18.98) y. Bloodstream infections (34.8%) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (32.3%) were the 2 most common indications for COL use. New-onset AKI developed in 46.1% of the patients, graded as risk (10%), injury (15%), and failure (21%). Patients with high Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) scores (p = 0.001) and comparatively low initial glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimations (p < 0.001) were more likely to develop AKI, but older age (p = 0.001; odds ratio 5.199, 95% confidence interval 2.684-10.072) was the major predictor in the multivariate analysis. In-hospital recovery from AKI occurred in 58.1%, within a median of 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: COL-induced nephrotoxicity occurred significantly more often in patients older than 60 y of age and was related to low initial GFR estimations and high CCI scores, which were basically determined by age.

The relationship of Prohepcidin levels with anemia and inflammatory markers in non-diabetic uremic patients: a controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Hepcidin, a small peptide hormone synthesized in the liver, plays central role in regulation of iron metabolism. Hepcidin generation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is dependent on iron status, anemia, inflammation, and hypoxia and erythropoietin levels. In our study, the relationship between Prohepcidin levels and inflammation and iron indices in non-diabetic uremic patients was investigated. METHODS: This study has a cross-sectional design which includes four groups: Non-diabetic 21 patients with stage 4 CKD (predialysis), 20 hemodialysis (HD) and 21 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and 17 healthy volunteers as the control group. Complete blood count, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, parathyroid hormone, interleukin (IL)-6 and Prohepcidin levels were recorded. RESULTS: Serum Prohepcidin levels in the predialysis, HD, PD and the control groups were 119.6 ± 45.1 ng/mL, 140.2 ± 41.8 ng/mL, 148.2 ± 35.0 ng/mL and 93.8 ± 21.9 ng/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). Prohepcidin was positively correlated with urea (r = 0.345, p = 0.002), creatinine (r = 0.465, p < 0.001), phosphorus (r = 0.253, p = 0.025), hsCRP (r = 0.275, p = 0.019), duration of dialysis treatment (r = 0.443, p < 0.001), fibrinogen (r = 0.467, p < 0.001) and IL-6 (r = 0.615, p < 0.001) levels. A negative correlation was detected between Prohepcidin levels and albumin (r = -0.286, p < 0.001), TIBC (r = -0.573, p < 0.001), GFR (r = -0.473, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (r = -0.351, p = 0.002) and hematocrit (r = -0.342, p = 0.002) levels. DISCUSSION: Prohepcidin levels increase with deepening anemia and show positive correlation with inflammatory markers. Therapeutic interventions regarding Prohepcidin action on inflammatory status may play a role in the treatment of anemia due to inflammation. Functional iron deficiency is frequent in uremic patients. It may be beneficial to measure Prohepcidin level together with ferritin among these patients.

The relationship between apelin and cardiac parameters in patients on peritoneal dialysis: is there a new cardiac marker?

BACKGROUND: Many markers have been proposed for CVD risk assessment in dialysis population. Apelin is a peptide that has roles in cardiovascular functions and volume regulation namely vasodilation, decreased blood pressure (BP), positive inotropic effect and inhibition of antidiuretic hormone release. The aim of this study was to examine relationship of apelin levels with echocardiographic findings and laboratory parameters related with cardiovascular function and bone mineral metabolism among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which chronic PD patients aged between 18 and 80 without active cardiac, infectious or malignant diseases and hypervolemia have been included. Apelin-36 levels and echocardiographic findings were recorded as well as clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: Of the 53 patients, the mean age and female/male ratio was 52.8 ± 15.3 years and 30/23, respectively. Mean apelin level was 1.45 ± 0.37 ng/ml. Gender, drugs (renin-angiotensin-aldosteron inhibitors, statins), presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and significant residual renal function did not affect apelin-36 levels. Apelin-36 was correlated negatively with age and left atrium diameter; and positively with diastolic BP, ejection fraction (EF), total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Diastolic BP, LDL-cholesterol, ALP and EF were found to be the independent determinants of apelin-36 levels with linear regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Apelinergic system has important roles in volume regulation, cardiovascular functions, lipid metabolism and bone mineral disorders in PD patients. Prospective studies with large population are required.