Upscaling telemonitoring in Dutch University Medical Centres: A baseline measurement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The Dutch university medical centres (UMC's) are on the forefront when it comes to validation, implementation and research of telemonitoring. To aid the UMC's in their effort, the Dutch Government has supported the UMC's by fostering the 'Citrien eHealth program'. This program aims at nationwide implementation and upscaling of telemonitoring via a collaborative network. To quantify the success of this program, this study aims to provide insights into the current adoption of telemonitoring by health care professionals (HCP) within Dutch UMC's. METHODS: Based on the evaluation framework as adapted from the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) a cross-sectional study was conducted in all Dutch UMC's. Thirty healthcare professionals (HCPs) per UMC were invited to complete the 23-item Normalization MeAsure Development (NoMAD) questionnaire, a tool to assess the degree of normalisation of telemonitoring. RESULTS: The over-all response rate was 52.4% (124/240). Over 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they understand how telemonitoring affects the nature of their work, with a mean score of 1.49 (N = 117, SD 0.74). HCPs reported to believe telemonitoring will become a normal part of their work in the near future (N = 124, mean = 8.67, SD = 1.38). Using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the difference between current practise and future use of telemonitoring predicts to be statistically significant (Z =  - 7.505, p ≤ 0.001). Mean scores for appropriate training and sufficient resources are relatively low (2.39 and 2.70 respectively), indicating a barrier for collective action. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to assess the implementation of telemonitoring as standard practise across Dutch UMCs. The HCPs in this study are the frontrunners, believing that telemonitoring will become standard practise in the future despite the fact that it is currently not. Based on the results of this study, both educational and implementation strategies including practical skills training are highly recommended in order to scale up telemonitoring widely.

[Reconstruction of the mandible after loss of the middle segment due to an odontogenic myxoma]. / Reconstructie van de mandibula na verlies van het middensegment door een odontogeen myxoom.

In an 18-year-old boy, the middle segment of the mandible was removed because of a locally aggressive tumour. The reconstruction became infected and was lost, resulting in 2 separately-moving mandible parts and oral disability. For the second reconstruction, skeletal fixation with osteosynthesis plates, dental fixation with a stabilization frame and intermaxillary fixation were used. Preparation for returning the jaws to their original position was facilitated by three-dimensional simulation software. After a successful second reconstruction, an implant-supported removable bridge was eventually placed.

Rationale and design of the OPTIMIZE trial: OPen label multicenter randomized trial comparing standard IMmunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil with a low exposure tacrolimus regimen In combination with everolimus in de novo renal transplantation in Elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: In 2019, more than 30 % of all newly transplanted kidney transplant recipients in The Netherlands were above 65 years of age. Elderly patients are less prone to rejection, and death censored graft loss is less frequent compared to younger recipients. Elderly recipients do have increased rates of malignancy and infection-related mortality. Poor kidney transplant function in elderly recipients may be related to both pre-existing (i.e. donor-derived) kidney damage and increased susceptibility to nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in kidneys from older donors. Hence, it is pivotal to shift the focus from prevention of rejection to preservation of graft function and prevention of over-immunosuppression in the elderly. The OPTIMIZE study will test the hypothesis that reduced CNI exposure in combination with everolimus will lead to better kidney transplant function, a reduced incidence of complications and improved health-related quality of life for kidney transplant recipients aged 65 years and older, compared to standard immunosuppression. METHODS: This open label, randomized, multicenter clinical trial will include 374 elderly kidney transplant recipients (≥ 65 years) and consists of two strata. Stratum A includes elderly recipients of a kidney from an elderly deceased donor and stratum B includes elderly recipients of a kidney from a living donor or from a deceased donor < 65 years. In each stratum, subjects will be randomized to a standard, tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen with mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids or an adapted immunosuppressive regimen with reduced CNI exposure in combination with everolimus and glucocorticoids. The primary endpoint is 'successful transplantation', defined as survival with a functioning graft and an eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in stratum A and ≥ 45 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in stratum B, after 2 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The OPTIMIZE study will help to determine the optimal immunosuppressive regimen after kidney transplantation for elderly patients and the cost-effectiveness of this regimen. It will also provide deeper insight into immunosenescence and both subjective and objective outcomes after kidney transplantation in elderly recipients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03797196 , registered January 9th, 2019. EudraCT: 2018-003194-10, registered March 19th, 2019.

Fluid balance-adjusted creatinine at initiation of continuous venovenous hemofiltration and mortality. A post-hoc analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) is associated with high mortality. The creatinine-based stage of AKI is considered when deciding to start or delay RRT. However, creatinine is not only determined by renal function (excretion), but also by dilution (fluid balance) and creatinine generation (muscle mass). The aim of this study was to explore whether fluid balance-adjusted creatinine at initiation of RRT is related to 28-day mortality independent of other markers of AKI, surrogates of muscle mass and severity of disease. METHODS: We performed a post-hoc analysis on data from the multicentre CASH trial comparing citrate to heparin anticoagulation during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). To determine whether fluid balance-adjusted creatinine was associated with 28-day mortality, we performed a logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounders of creatinine generation (age, gender, body weight), other markers of AKI (creatinine, urine output) and severity of disease. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients, 32 patients were excluded. Of the 107 included patients, 36 died at 28 days (34%). Non-survivors were older, had higher APACHE II and inclusion SOFA scores, lower pH and bicarbonate, lower creatinine and fluid balance-adjusted creatinine at CVVH initiation. In multivariate analysis lower fluid balance-adjusted creatinine (OR 0.996, 95% CI 0.993-0.999, p = 0.019), but not unadjusted creatinine, remained associated with 28-day mortality together with bicarbonate (OR 0.869, 95% CI 0.769-0.982, P = 0.024), while the APACHE II score non-significantly contributed to the model. CONCLUSION: In this post-hoc analysis of a multicentre trial, low fluid balance-adjusted creatinine at CVVH initiation was associated with 28-day mortality, independent of other markers of AKI, organ failure, and surrogates of muscle mass, while unadjusted creatinine was not. More tools are needed for better understanding of the complex determinants of "AKI classification", "CVVH initiation" and their relation with mortality, fluid balance is only one.

Differential effects of donor-specific HLA antibodies in living versus deceased donor transplant.

The presence of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSAs) is associated with increased risk of graft failure after kidney transplant. We hypothesized that DSAs against HLA class I, class II, or both classes indicate a different risk for graft loss between deceased and living donor transplant. In this study, we investigated the impact of pretransplant DSAs, by using single antigen bead assays, on long-term graft survival in 3237 deceased and 1487 living donor kidney transplants with a negative complement-dependent crossmatch. In living donor transplants, we found a limited effect on graft survival of DSAs against class I or II antigens after transplant. Class I and II DSAs combined resulted in decreased 10-year graft survival (84% to 75%). In contrast, after deceased donor transplant, patients with class I or class II DSAs had a 10-year graft survival of 59% and 60%, respectively, both significantly lower than the survival for patients without DSAs (76%). The combination of class I and II DSAs resulted in a 10-year survival of 54% in deceased donor transplants. In conclusion, class I and II DSAs are a clear risk factor for graft loss in deceased donor transplants, while in living donor transplants, class I and II DSAs seem to be associated with an increased risk for graft failure, but this could not be assessed due to their low prevalence.

Percentiles for skeletal muscle index, area and radiation attenuation based on computed tomography imaging in a healthy Caucasian population.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Muscle mass is a key determinant of nutritional status and associated with outcomes in several patient groups. Computed tomography (CT) analysis is increasingly used to assess skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and muscle radiation attenuation (MRA). However, interpretation of these muscle parameters is difficult since values in a healthy population are lacking. The aim of this study was to provide sex specific percentiles for SMA, SMA and MRA in a healthy Caucasian population and to examine the association with age and BMI in order to define age- and BMI specific percentiles. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study CT scans of potential kidney donors were used to assess SMA, SMI and MRA at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. Sex specific distributions were described and, based on the association between age/BMI and muscle parameters, age, and BMI specific predicted percentiles were computed. The 5th percentile was considered as cut-off. RESULTS: CT scans of 420 Individuals were included (age range 20-82 years and BMI range 17.5-40.7 kg/m2). Sex specific cut-offs of SMA, SMI and MRA were 134.0 cm2, 41.6 cm2/m2 and 29.3 HU in men and 89.2 cm2, 32.0 cm2/m2 and 22.0 HU in women, respectively. Correlations were negative between age and all three muscle parameters, positive between BMI and SMA/SMI and negative between BMI and MRA, resulting in age- and BMI specific percentiles. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides sex specific percentiles for SMA, SMI, and MRA. In addition, age- and BMI specific percentiles have been established.

Feasibility of long-term continuous subcutaneous magnesium supplementation in a patient with irreversible magnesium wasting due to cisplatin.

A 39-year-old woman presented with severe, uncontrolled and irreversible hypomagnesaemia, following cisplatin treatment in her childhood. Because high-dose oral magnesium supplementation therapy was insufficient and not tolerated, continuous subcutaneous magnesium supplementation was successfully instituted and continued in the outpatient setting. This case demonstrates that continuous subcutaneous magnesium supplementation is effective in maintaining magnesium levels within the normal range, is well tolerated and may provide a long-term solution for chronic hypomagnesaemia due to intractable renal losses.

Towards a standardised informed consent procedure for live donor nephrectomy: the PRINCE (Process of Informed Consent Evaluation) project-study protocol for a nationwide prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Informed consent is mandatory for all (surgical) procedures, but it is even more important when it comes to living kidney donors undergoing surgery for the benefit of others. Donor education, leading to informed consent, needs to be carried out according to certain standards. Informed consent procedures for live donor nephrectomy vary per centre, and even per individual healthcare professional. The basis for a standardised, uniform surgical informed consent procedure for live donor nephrectomy can be created by assessing what information donors need to hear to prepare them for the operation and convalescence. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The PRINCE (Process of Informed Consent Evaluation) project is a prospective, multicentre cohort study, to be carried out in all eight Dutch kidney transplant centres. Donor knowledge of the procedure and postoperative course will be evaluated by means of pop quizzes. A baseline cohort (prior to receiving any information from a member of the transplant team in one of the transplant centres) will be compared with a control group, the members of which receive the pop quiz on the day of admission for donor nephrectomy. Donor satisfaction will be evaluated for all donors who completed the admission pop-quiz. The primary end point is donor knowledge. In addition, those elements that have to be included in the standardised format informed consent procedure will be identified. Secondary end points are donor satisfaction, current informed consent practices in the different centres (eg, how many visits, which personnel, what kind of information is disclosed, in which format, etc) and correlation of donor knowledge with surgeons' estimation thereof. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval for this study was obtained from the medical ethical committee of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, on 18 February 2015. Secondary approval has been obtained from the local ethics committees in six participating centres. Approval in the last centre has been sought. RESULTS: Outcome will be published in a scientific journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR5374; Pre-results.

Putative novel mediators of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: handling by continuous venovenous hemofiltration and effect of anticoagulation modalities.

BACKGROUND: Novel putative mediators of acute kidney injury (AKI) include immune-cell derived tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and protein pentraxin-3 (PTX3). The effect of continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) and different anticoagulation regimens on plasma levels were studied. METHODS: At 0, 10, 60, 180 and 720 min of CVVH, samples were collected from pre- and postfilter blood and ultrafiltrate. No anticoagulation (n = 13), unfractionated heparin (n = 8) or trisodium citrate (n = 21) were compared. RESULTS: Concentrations of TWEAK, Ang-2 and PTX3 were hardly affected by CVVH since the mediators were not (TWEAK, PTX3) or hardly (Ang-2) detectable in ultrafiltrate, indicating negligible clearance by the filter in spite of molecular sizes (TWEAK, PTX3) at or below the cutoff of the membrane. Heparin use, however, was associated with an increase in in- and outlet plasma TWEAK. CONCLUSION: Novel AKI mediators are not cleared nor produced by CVVH. However, heparin anticoagulation increased TWEAK levels in patient's plasma whereas citrate did not, favouring the latter as anticoagulant in CVVH for AKI.

Coagulation, Fibrinolysis and Inhibitors in Failing Filters during Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: Effect of Anticoagulation Modalities.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanisms of early filter failure and clotting with different anticoagulation modalities during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) are largely unknown. METHODS: Citrate, heparin and no anticoagulation were compared. Blood was drawn pre- and post filter up to 720 min. Concentrations of the thrombin-antithrombin (TAT), activated protein C-protein C inhibitor (APC-PCI), and type I plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) were determined. RESULTS: In case of early filter failure (<24 h), inlet concentrations of TAT and APC-PCI were higher over time, irrespective of anticoagulation. There was more production of APC-PCI and platelet-derived PAI-1 in the filter after 10 min in the heparin group than in other groups. In clotting filters, production of APC-PCI and PAI was also higher with heparin than citrate. CONCLUSION: Coagulation activation in plasma and inhibition of anticoagulation in plasma and filter may partly determine early CVVH filter failure due to clotting, particularly when heparin is used. Regional anticoagulation by citrate circumvents the inhibition of anticoagulation and fibrinolysis by platelet activation following heparin.

Health-care barriers for workers with HAVS in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) becomes irreversible unless it is identified early and progression prevented. AIMS: To describe the health-care-seeking behaviours of workers with HAVS and barriers to health care. METHODS: We invited all patients assessed for HAVS between 15 January and 27 March 2013 at a hospital-based occupational health clinic (OHC) in Ontario, Canada, to complete a questionnaire asking why and from whom they sought health care, reasons they waited to seek care and barriers they encountered in accessing care. We analysed the data using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Forty-one (82%) patients agreed to participate. Thirty-seven had confirmed HAVS; 30 (84%) were Stockholm workshop vascular stage 2 or greater and 35 (97%) were sensorineural stage 1 or greater. The commonest employment sectors were construction [21 (57%)] and mining [6 (17%)]. The main reasons for seeking treatment were pain [11 (30%)], finger numbness [8 (22%)] and functional limitations [5 (14%)]. The commonest initial point of health care was the family physician [23 (66%)]. The mean wait between symptom onset and seeking treatment was 3.4 years, while the mean time between onset and OHC assessment was 9 years. Reasons for delay in seeking care were ignorance of the seriousness and irreversibility of HAVS and ability to continue to work. Family physicians suspected HAVS in 17% of cases and recommended job modification in 34%. CONCLUSIONS: Workers with HAVS in Ontario delay seeking health care. Primary care physicians often fail to recognize HAVS. Barriers to health care include ignorance of HAVS and of the importance of prevention.

The effects of kidney transplantation on sleep, melatonin, circadian rhythm and quality of life in kidney transplant recipients and living donors.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbance is an important medical problem in patients with end-stage renal disease. It might be related to the disruption of the body's circadian clock since nocturnal levels of its key biomarker melatonin are markedly reduced. We aimed at investigating whether a change in renal function due to kidney transplantation or donation would modify sleep, melatonin levels, circadian rhythmicity, and quality of life in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) and living donors (LD). METHODS: In KTR, we assessed saliva melatonin concentrations, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness prior to and at 2 weeks and 3 months after transplantation. In LD, we assessed these parameters prior to and at 3 months after donation. We additionally assessed 24-hour core body temperature (cBT), 24-hour blood pressure profile, and quality of life (QoL) prior to and 3 months after transplantation. RESULTS: Twenty-three KTR and 23 LD completed the study. Regarding sleep, the amount of nighttime awake minutes tended to be reduced in recipients after transplantation (p = 0.05). Nocturnal melatonin concentrations did not change with transplantation or donation. Blood pressure dipping profile and the two circadian markers dim-light melatonin onset and time of core body temperature minimum did not change. Nevertheless, KTR reported that daytime sleepiness and QoL had improved. CONCLUSION: Objectively nocturnal sleep quality marginally improved after transplantation. Subjectively patients reported improved QoL and daytime sleepiness scores. Changes in renal function were not associated with modified melatonin secretion or circadian rhythmicity.

Citrate anticoagulation versus systemic heparinisation in continuous venovenous hemofiltration in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a multi-center randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Because of ongoing controversy, renal and vital outcomes are compared between systemically administered unfractionated heparin and regional anticoagulation with citrate-buffered replacement solution in predilution mode, during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: In this multi-center randomized controlled trial, patients admitted to the intensive care unit requiring CVVH and meeting inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to citrate or heparin. Primary endpoints were mortality and renal outcome in intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary endpoints were safety and efficacy. Safety was defined as absence of any adverse event necessitating discontinuation of the assigned anticoagulant. For efficacy, among other parameters, survival times of the first hemofilter were studied. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients enrolled, 66 were randomized to citrate and 73 to heparin. Mortality rates at 28 and 90 days did not differ between groups: 22/66 (33%) of citrate-treated patients died versus 25/72 (35%) of heparin-treated patients at 28 days, and 27/65 (42%) of citrate-treated patients died versus 29/69 (42%) of heparin-treated patients at 90 days (P = 1.00 for both). Renal outcome, i.e. independency of renal replacement therapy 28 days after initiation of CVVH in surviving patients, did not differ between groups: 29/43 (67%) in the citrate-treated patients versus 33/47 (70%) in heparin-treated patients (P = 0.82). Heparin was discontinued in 24/73 (33%) of patients whereas citrate was discontinued in 5/66 (8%) of patients (P < 0.001). Filter survival times were superior for citrate (median 46 versus 32 hours, P = 0.02), as were the number of filters used (P = 0.002) and the off time within 72 hours (P = 0.002). The costs during the first 72 hours of prescribed CVVH were lower in citrate-based CVVH. CONCLUSIONS: Renal outcome and patient mortality were similar for citrate and heparin anticoagulation during CVVH in the critically ill patient with AKI. However, citrate was superior in terms of safety, efficacy and costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00209378. Registered 13th September 2005.

The plasma level and biomarker value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury are not affected by continuous venovenous hemofiltration and anticoagulation applied.

INTRODUCTION: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI), and levels reflect severity of disease in critically ill patients. However, continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) may affect plasma levels by clearance or release of NGAL by activated neutrophils in the filter, dependent on the anticoagulation regimen applied. We therefore studied handling of NGAL by CVVH in patients with AKI. METHODS: Immediately before initiation of CVVH, prefilter blood was drawn. After 10, 60, 180, and 720 minutes of CVVH, samples were collected from pre- and postfilter (in- and outlet) blood and ultrafiltrate. CVVH with the following anticoagulation regimens was studied: no anticoagulation in case of a high bleeding tendency (n = 13), unfractionated heparin (n = 8), or trisodium citrate (n = 21). NGAL levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Concentrations of NGAL at inlet and outlet were similar, and concentrations did not change over time in any of the anticoagulation groups; thus no net removal or production of NGAL occurred. Concentrations of NGAL at inlet correlated with disease severity at initiation of CVVH and at the end of a CVVH run. Concentrations of NGAL in the ultrafiltrate were lower with citrate-based CVVH (P = 0.03) and decreased over time, irrespective of anticoagulation administered (P < 0.001). The sieving coefficient and clearance of NGAL were low and decreased over time (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The plasma level and biomarker value of NGAL in critically ill patients with AKI are not affected by CVVH, because clearance by the filter was low. Furthermore, no evidence exists for intrafilter release of NGAL by neutrophils, irrespective of the anticoagulation method applied.

Citrate confers less filter-induced complement activation and neutrophil degranulation than heparin when used for anticoagulation during continuous venovenous haemofiltration in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: During continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH), regional anticoagulation with citrate may be superior to heparin in terms of biocompatibility, since heparin as opposed to citrate may activate complement (reflected by circulating C5a) and induce neutrophil degranulation in the filter and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release from endothelium. METHODS: No anticoagulation (n = 13), unfractionated heparin (n = 8) and trisodium citrate (n = 17) regimens during CVVH were compared. Blood samples were collected pre- and postfilter; C5a, elastase and MPO were determined by ELISA. Additionally, C5a was also measured in the ultrafiltrate. RESULTS: In the heparin group, there was C5a production across the filter which most decreased over time as compared to other groups (P = 0.007). There was also net production of elastase and MPO across the filter during heparin anticoagulation (P = 0.049 or lower), while production was minimal and absent in the no anticoagulation and citrate group, respectively. During heparin anticoagulation, plasma concentrations of MPO at the inlet increased in the first 10 minutes of CVVH (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Citrate confers less filter-induced, potentially harmful complement activation and neutrophil degranulation and less endothelial activation than heparin when used for anticoagulation during continuous venovenous haemofiltration in critically ill patients.

[Kolff and the artificial kidney]. / Kolff en de kunstnier.

Willem Kolff (1911-2009), son of a physician, studied medicine in Leiden and specialised in internal medicine in Groningen. It was there that he started attempts to apply the phenomenon of dialysis in patients suffering from renal failure. He built the first prototypes of dialysis machines after his appointment as an internist in the municipal hospital in Kampen, during the Second World War. Indeed, in the first 15 patients he managed to decrease urea levels, resulting in temporary clinical improvement, but eventually they all died. It was not until after the war that dialysis helped a patient survive an episode of acute glomerulonephritis. After 1950 he continued his work on artificial organs in the United States (first in Cleveland and later, after 1967, in Salt Lake City). Although most of his work from then on revolved around the development of an artificial heart, he also contributed to the design of a compact, disposable apparatus for dialysis, the 'twin coil'. Haemodialysis also became feasible for patients with chronic renal failure after the 'Scribner shunt' (1960) provided easy access to the circulation. Peritoneal dialysis is another option. Excess mortality, mainly from cardiovascular disease, is still a largely unsolved problem.

Effect of anticoagulation regimens on handling of interleukin-6 and -8 during continuous venovenous hemofiltration in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.

OBJECTIVE: During continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) to replace renal function in acute kidney injury (AKI), anticoagulation of the filter is routinely required. A survival benefit for citrate has been reported, possibly due to reduced proinflammatory effects of the filter (bioincompatibility). We hypothesized that the type of anticoagulation modulates the immune response to, and clearance by CVVH of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and -8 (IL-8). METHODS: Three anticoagulation regimens were compared: trisodium citrate (n=17), unfractionated heparin (n=8) and no anticoagulation in case of bleeding tendency (n=13). Immediately before initiation of CVVH (cellulose triacetate membrane) pre-filter blood was drawn. Thereafter, at 10, 60, 180 and 720 min, samples were collected from the pre- and postfilter blood and from ultrafiltrate. IL-6 and IL-8 were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: High inlet levels of IL-6 and IL-8, particularly in the no anticoagulation group, were associated with non-survival. The inlet concentrations and mass rates of IL-6 and IL-8 decreased during CVVH. The course of fluxes across the filter were similar for the groups, however. Although increasing in time for IL-6 in the no anticoagulation group, mass removal and adsorption of IL-6 and IL-8 were low and did not differ among the anticoagulation groups. CONCLUSIONS: Blood to membrane contact, adsorption/clearance and anticoagulation do not increase nor attenuate high circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-8 during CVVH for AKI. This renders the hypothesis that the reported survival benefit for citrate anticoagulation is based on a reduction of bioincompatibility unlikely.

Physisorbed o-carborane onto lyso-phosphatidylcholine-functionalized, single-walled carbon nanotubes: a potential carrier system for the therapeutic delivery of boron.

A combination of data from ICP-MS, Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis spectrometry, atomic force microscopy, zeta-potential measurements and gel electorphoresis studies has shown that o-carborane may be immobilized on stable aqueous dispersions of lyso-phosphatidylcholine-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes, which in turn indicates the potential of such structures for deployment as carrier vehicles in boron neutron capture therapy.