Impact of pretreatment with carnitine and tadalafil on contrast-induced nephropathy in CKD patients.

Objective: The present study assesses whether phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor or carnitine exert nephroprotective effects against clinical contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).Materials and Methods: The present study consisted of three groups of CKD patients. The first group was control group, who were treated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine 1 day before and on the day of radiocontrast administration. The second one was carnitine group, where the patients were infused with carnitine over 10 min 2 h prior to the radiocontrast administration and 24 h post CT. The third one was PDE-5 inhibitor group, where patients were given tadalafil 2 h prior to the administration of the radiocontrast and in the subsequent day. Urine and blood samples were collected before and at the following time sequence: 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 120 h after the contrast administration, for creatinine and NGAL determination.Results: Pretreated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine prior to administration of contrast media (CM) to CKD patients caused a significant increase in urinary but not of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and serum creatinine (SCr). In contrast, pretreatment with carnitine prevented the increase in urinary NGAL and reduced SCr below basal levels. Similarly, tadalafil administration diminished the elevation of CM-induced urinary NGAL.Conclusions: These results indicate that carnitine and PDE-5 inhibitors may comprise potential therapeutic maneuvers for CIN.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Rare Case Report from Nephrology.

BACKGROUND Tumor lysis syndrome is common in hematological malignancy, but less frequent in chronic and solid tumors. Almost always it is observed after chemotherapy or radiotherapy initiation, but rarely occurs spontaneously. CASE REPORT A 89-year-old female with stable chronic lymphocytic leukemia was admitted to the hospital because of worsening dyspnea and dry cough. Her vital signs were normal, except for sinus tachycardia. On physical examination, she appeared distressed, dyspneic, sweaty but afebrile, anxious, but alert and well oriented. Lung examination revealed reduced air entry with bibasilar crackles. No peripheral edema was seen, pulses were normal, and no signs of deep vein thrombosis were observed. Laboratory analysis revealed leukocytosis; but normal hematological and biochemical parameters. Intravenous (IV) furosemide and antibiotics (IV ceftriaxone and orally azithromycin) were started along with steroid therapy (methylprednisolone 62.5 mg, IV). The treatment with steroids lasted for 1 day only, and in the following day, the patient was switched to prednisone (20 mg/day orally) for only 1 additional day. White blood cell count increased on day 1, 2 and 3 after admission, along development of hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, acute renal failure and elevated troponin levels. Hemodiafiltration/hemodialysis was initiated, and the patient was discharged after serum concentrations of these electrolytes and kidney function were restored. One month after discharge, the patient denied any malaise and was at stable condition. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we present a case of a patient with stable chronic lymphocytic leukemia, who developed spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome after short low dose of steroid therapy. This case highlights the importance of including spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in the differential diagnosis of any acute renal failure in the constellation of any malignancy.