First Mexican Consensus on Crohn's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Crohn's disease (CD) is a subtype of chronic and incurable inflammatory bowel disease. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract and its etiology is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this consensus was to establish the most relevant aspects related to definitions, diagnosis, follow-up, medical treatment, and surgical treatment of Crohn's disease in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mexican specialists in the areas of gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease were summoned. The consensus was divided into five modules, with 69 statements. Applying the Delphi panel method, the pre-meeting questions were sent to the participants, to be edited and weighted. At the face-to-face meeting, all the selected articles were shown, underlining their level of clinical evidence; all the statements were discussed, and a final vote was carried out, determining the percentage of agreement for each statement. RESULTS: The first Mexican consensus on Crohn's disease was produced, in which recommendations for definitions, classifications, diagnostic aspects, follow-up, medical treatment, and surgical treatment were established. CONCLUSIONS: Updated recommendations are provided that focus on definitions, classifications, diagnostic criteria, follow-up, and guidelines for conventional medical treatment, biologic therapy, and small molecule treatment, as well as surgical management.

Síndrome clínico aislado: diagnóstico y riesgo de desarrollar esclerosis múltiple clínicamente definida / Clinically isolated syndrome: diagnosis and risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis

Introducción: La mayoría de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) debutan con un síndrome clínico aislado (SCA). Es importante diferenciar este SCA de otras patologías neurológicas agudas o subagudas y estimar el riesgo de desarrollar una esclerosis múltiple clínicamente definida (EMCD), pues un segundo ataque clínico en un corto período de tiempo se asocia con peor pronóstico a largo plazo. Desarrollo: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de contrastar diferentes variables, tales como la resonancia magnética (RM) y distintos marcadores biofluídicos como las bandas oligoclonales IgG (BOC), bandas oligoclonales IgM (BOCM), bandas oligoclonales IgM lípido específicas (BOCM-LE), índice de cadenas ligeras libres Kappa (κ index) mediante la determinación de las cadenas ligeras libres kappa en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR), neurofilamentos de cadenas ligeras en LCR (NfLL) y suero (NfLS) y la proteína chitinasa 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) en LCR (CHI3L1L) y suero (CHI3L1S), con el objetivo de mejorar la precisión diagnóstica y predecir los riesgos de un segundo ataque clínico tras un SCA. Conclusión: Unas BOC positivas junto con la identificación de lesiones por RM, reducirán el tiempo de diagnóstico y nos indicarán que la mayoría de los pacientes con SCA evolucionarán a EM. Un κ index > 10,6 y una concentración de NfLL > 1.150 ng/L, nos muestran que los SCA tienen más probabilidades de convertirse en EM durante el primer año (40/50%). El 90% de los pacientes con SCA y niveles de CHI3L1S > 33 ng/mL, y el 100% con presencia BOCM-LE se transforman en EM durante el primer año.(AU)

Introduction: In most cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) initially presents as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Differentiating CIS from other acute or subacute neurological diseases and estimating the risk of progression to clinically definite MS is essential since presenting a second episode in a short time is associated with poorer long-term prognosis. Development: We conducted a literature review to evaluate the usefulness of different variables in improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting progression from CIS to MS, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and such biofluid markers as oligoclonal IgG and IgM bands, lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands in the CSF, CSF kappa free light-chain (KFLC) index, neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the CSF and serum, and chitinase 3–like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in the CSF and serum. Conclusions: Codetection of oligoclonal IgG bands and MRI lesions reduces diagnostic delays and suggests a high risk of CIS progression to MS. A KFLC index > 10.6 and CSF NfL concentrations > 1150 ng/L indicate that CIS is more likely to progress to MS within one year (40-50%); 90% of patients with CIS and serum CHI3L1 levels > 33 ng/mL and 100% of those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands present MS within one year of CIS onset.

Clinically isolated syndrome: Diagnosis and risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: In most cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) initially presents as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Differentiating CIS from other acute or subacute neurological diseases and estimating the risk of progression to clinically definite MS is essential since presenting a second episode in a short time is associated with poorer long-term prognosis. DEVELOPMENT: We conducted a literature review to evaluate the usefulness of different variables in improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting progression from CIS to MS, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and such biofluid markers as oligoclonal IgG and IgM bands, lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands in the CSF, CSF kappa free light-chain (KFLC) index, neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the CSF and serum, and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in the CSF and serum. CONCLUSIONS: Codetection of oligoclonal IgG bands and MRI lesions reduces diagnostic delays and suggests a high risk of CIS progression to MS. A KFLC index > 10.6 and CSF NfL concentrations > 1150 ng/L indicate that CIS is more likely to progress to MS within one year (40%-50%); 90% of patients with CIS and serum CHI3L1 levels > 33 ng/mL and 100% of those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands present MS within one year of CIS onset.

Interaction of the variant in the adiponectin gene rs3774261 with serum lipid profile and adiponectin levels after 9 months with a high monounsaturated fat hypocaloric diet with Mediterranean pattern.

OBJECTIVE: The role of ADIPOQ gene variants on weight loss and serum lipid changes after a dietary intervention is an important topic area with little scientific evidence. We designed a study in order to analyze the effects of rs3774261 of ADIPOQ gene on metabolic response and adiposity parameters after a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet pattern for 9 months and with a high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 133 patients with obesity were enrolled. Adiposity parameters, blood pressure, and serum parameters (lipid profile, insulin, HOMA-IR; glucose, C reactive protein, adiponectin, resistin, and leptin levels) were measured, at basal time and after dietary intervention (3 and 9 months). All patients were genotyped rs3774261 and evaluated in a dominant model (AA vs. GA+AA). RESULTS: Genotype frequencies were 46 (34.6%) AA, 66 (49.6%) AG, and 21 (15.8%) GG. After dietary intervention and in both genotypes, BMI, weight, fat mass, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin decreased. In patients with the AA genotype, there was a significant improvement at (3 and 9 months) in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (-10.1±0.9 mg/dl vs. -5.6±1.7 mg/dl, p=0.01) (-19.1±0.9 mg/dl vs. -6.9±0.7 mg/dl, p=0.03), total cholesterol (-9.4±0.8 mg/dl vs. -5.8±0.9 mg/dl, p=0.02) (-17.4±1.8 mg/dl vs. -9.8±1.9 mg/dl, p=0.02), triglycerides (-12.3±0.8 mg/dl vs. -8.0±0.9 mg/dl, p=0.01) (-26.1±0.8 mg/dl vs. -11.0±0.3 mg/dl, p=0.01), C reactive protein (CRP) (-0.8±0.2 mg/ dl vs. -0.4± 0.3 mg/dl, p=0.01) (-1.1±0.2 mg/ dl vs. -0.7±0.1 mg/dl, p=0.01) and adiponectin (28.2±11.1 ng/ml vs. 4.1±2.8 ng/ml, p=0.02) (30.1±8.1 ng/ml vs. 7.1±4.8 ng/ml, p=0.02). Finally, higher values of adiponectin and adiponectin/leptin ratio were detected at 3- and 9-months post-treatment in patients with AA genotype. CONCLUSIONS: G allele carriers of ADIPOQ gene variant (rs3774261) showed no improvement in serum levels of adiponectin, adiponectin/leptin ratio, total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP after weight loss with a hypocaloric fat monounsaturated diet.

Relationship between fat-free mass and metabolic syndrome in obese females.

OBJECTIVE: A greater fat-free mass (FFM) could be negatively or positively associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship of FFM with MS, through three determinations; absolute FFM, relative to body weight FFM% and relative to squared height (FFMi). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1,008 obese Caucasian females. Fat-free mass index (FFMi) was calculated by dividing FFM by squared height [FFM (kg)/height (m2)]. Fat-free mass percentage (FFM%) was calculated (absolute FFM/body weight) x100. RESULTS: The odds ratio adjusted by age of having MS per tertiles were significantly higher in tertile 3 of FFM (OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.26-2.41; p=0.01) and FFMi (OR=3.38, 95% CI=2.42-3.72; p=0.001) and tertile 2 of FFM (OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.08-1.94; p=0.02) and FFMi (OR=2.37, 95% CI=1.75-3.20; p=0.01) compared with its reference (tertile-1). In contrast, odds ratio adjusted by age of having MS per tertiles were significantly lower in tertile-3 of FFM% (OR=0.29, 95% CI=0.20-0.41; p=0.01) and tertile- 2 of FFM% (OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.51-0.91; p=0.01) compared with its reference (tertile-1). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MS relative to FFM varies depending on the method used to represent it.

Valoración morfofuncional del estado nutricional y vinculación con Atención Primaria / Morphofunctional assessment of nutritional status and connection with Primary Care

Una evaluación e intervención nutricional adecuada se asocia a un mejor pronóstico y a una disminución de los costes en el paciente hospitalizado. Tras el alta, es necesaria una buena comunicación entre el médico especialista en endocrinología y nutrición y el médico especialista de Atención Primaria (AP) para asegurar la continuidad asistencial. Teniendo en cuenta el punto del médico de AP y del especialista en nutrición clínica, en este artículo se resumen las herramientas de valoración morfofuncional del estado nutricional, tanto clásicas como emergentes, destacando aquellas que se pueden utilizar en AP. Además, se dan algunas claves para mejorar la relación bidireccional y la comunicación entre los especialistas en nutrición y los médicos de AP (AU)

Appropriate nutritional assessment and interventions are associated with improved prognosis for hospitalized patients and reduced healthcare expenditure. After discharge, good communication between endocrinology specialists and primary care physicians is necessary to ensure continuity of care. Regarding the primary care provider and the specialist in clinical nutrition, this article summarizes traditional and novel tools for the morphofunctional assessment of nutritional status, with an emphasis on those that can be used in primary care. We also give some key points to improve relationships and communication between specialists in nutrition and primary care physicians (AU)

Clinically isolated syndrome: diagnosis and risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis. / Síndrome clínico aislado: diagnóstico y riesgo de desarrollar esclerosis múltiple clínicamente definida.

INTRODUCTION: In most cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) initially presents as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Differentiating CIS from other acute or subacute neurological diseases and estimating the risk of progression to clinically definite MS is essential since presenting a second episode in a short time is associated with poorer long-term prognosis. DEVELOPMENT: We conducted a literature review to evaluate the usefulness of different variables in improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting progression from CIS to MS, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and such biofluid markers as oligoclonal IgG and IgM bands, lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands in the CSF, CSF kappa free light-chain (KFLC) index, neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the CSF and serum, and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in the CSF and serum. CONCLUSIONS: Codetection of oligoclonal IgG bands and MRI lesions reduces diagnostic delays and suggests a high risk of CIS progression to MS. A KFLC index > 10.6 and CSF NfL concentrations > 1150 ng/L indicate that CIS is more likely to progress to MS within one year (40-50%); 90% of patients with CIS and serum CHI3L1 levels > 33 ng/mL and 100% of those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands present MS within one year of CIS onset.

RS9939609 FTO gene variant modified weight loss and insulin resistance after a partial meal-replacement hypocaloric diet.

OBJECTIVE: Some studies have demonstrated that the allele A of FTO rs9939609 is related to both higher waist circumference and body mass index. Subsequently, some designs related biochemical variables and body weight changes with this genetic variant. We decide to analyze the effects of rs9939609 genetic variant of FTO gene on metabolic parameters and weight loss secondary to partial meal replacements hypocaloric diets (pMRHDs) in obese subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a non-randomized, single-treatment study with a formula-diet in 44 obese subjects. The patients received nutritional education and a pMRHDs with two intakes of normocaloric hyperproteic formula during 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters and biochemical profiles were measured at basal time and after 12 weeks. The variant of FTO gene rs9939609 was determined. RESULTS: Genotype distribution (n=44) was (16 TT (36.4%), 17 TA (38.6%) and 11 AA (25.0%)). After the pMRHD, body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, waist circumference, serum leptin levels and systolic blood pressure improved in both genotypes without statistical differences in both branches. After dietary intervention with pMRHD, subjects with A allele showed a significant improvement in total cholesterol levels (TT vs. TA+AA) (-3.8±1.4 md/dL vs. -12.6±1.7 mg/dl: p=0.01), LDL-cholesterol (-0.2±1.5 md/dL vs. -10.5±1.9 mg/dl: p=0.02), insulin levels (-1.9±0.2 mU/L vs. -3.8±0.3 mU/L: p=0.02) and HOMA-IR (-0.6±0.2 units vs. -1.1±0.1 units: p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the genetic variant (rs9939609) of FTO gene showed better improvement of LDL-cholesterol, insulin and HOMA-IR in subjects with A allele.

Resección hepática radioguiada con 18F-DOPA en un paciente con carcinoma medular de tiroides metastásico / Radioguided hepatic resection with 18F-DOPA in a patient with metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma

Introducción: El carcinoma medular representa el 1-2% de todas las neoplasias tiroideas malignas. El 13-20% de los pacientes presenta metástasis a distancia, afectando al hígado en el 45% de los casos. Presentación de un caso: Una mujer de 50 años de edad, diagnosticada de carcinoma medular de tiroides, fue sometida a tiroidectomía total y disección cervical modificada en 1999. Se trataron con resección quirúrgica 2 recidivas ganglionares en el cuello; durante el periodo de vigilancia, la paciente desarrolló niveles elevados de calcitonina, identificándose la localización de la recidiva en el hígado mediante PET/TC con 18F-DOPA. La actividad metabólica no se asoció a lesión visible en TC, RM y ecografía. La cirugía radioguiada con 18F-DOPA permitió la resección anatómica de los segmentos IVb y V. Discusión: En pacientes con carcinoma medular y elevación de calcitonina durante el periodo de vigilancia, la PET/TC con 18F-DOPA es una opción para evaluar la localización de la recidiva. La resección radioguiada fue posible en esta paciente, cuya recidiva hepática no resultó visible con ningún otro método de imagen. Conclusión: La resección hepática radioguiada con 18F-DOPA en el carcinoma medular de tiroides metastásico es factible cuando la localización de la recidiva no puede identificarse anatómicamente mediante otros estudios de imagen

Introduction: Medullary carcinoma accounts for 1-2% of all thyroid malignancies. 13-20% of patients present with distant metastasis, with 45% of the cases affecting the liver. Clinical case: A 50-year-old woman, diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma, was treated with total thyroidectomy and a modified neck dissection in 1999. Two lymph node recurrences in the neck were treated with surgical resection; during surveillance, she developed elevated calcitonin levels, the recurrence site was identified with 18F-DOPA PET/CT in the liver. Metabolic activity was not associated with a visible lesion in CT, MRI nor ultrasound. Radioguided surgery with 18F-DOPA allowed an anatomic resection of segments IVb and V. Discussion: In patients with medullary carcinoma and elevated calcitonin during surveillance, 18F-DOPA PET/CT is an option to evaluate the site of recurrence. Radioguided resection was feasible in this patient, whose hepatic recurrence was not visible with any other imaging method. Conclusion: Radioguided hepatic resection with 18F-DOPA in metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma is feasible when the recurrence site is not anatomically identified by any other imaging studies

Radioguided hepatic resection with 18F-DOPA in a patient with metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma. / Resección hepática radioguiada con 18F-DOPA en un paciente con carcinoma medular de tiroides metastásico.

INTRODUCTION: Medullary carcinoma accounts for 1-2% of all thyroid malignancies. 13-20% of patients present with distant metastasis, with 45% of the cases affecting the liver. CLINICAL CASE: A 50-year-old woman, diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma, was treated with total thyroidectomy and a modified neck dissection in 1999. Two lymph node recurrences in the neck were treated with surgical resection; during surveillance, she developed elevated calcitonin levels, the recurrence site was identified with 18F-DOPA PET/CT in the liver. Metabolic activity was not associated with a visible lesion in CT, MRI nor ultrasound. Radioguided surgery with 18F-DOPA allowed an anatomic resection of segments IVb and V. DISCUSSION: In patients with medullary carcinoma and elevated calcitonin during surveillance, 18F-DOPA PET/CT is an option to evaluate the site of recurrence. Radioguided resection was feasible in this patient, whose hepatic recurrence was not visible with any other imaging method. CONCLUSION: Radioguided hepatic resection with 18F-DOPA in metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma is feasible when the recurrence site is not anatomically identified by any other imaging studies.

The Mexican consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis. / Consenso mexicano para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la colitis ulcerosa crónica idiopática.

The guidelines presented herein are an updated version of the recommendations published in 2007. Since then, there has been a rapid advance in the knowledge about the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis and its therapeutic options. New drugs have been approved, novel targeted therapies have emerged, and new strategies have been developed to improve the previously available approaches to the disease. The aim of the present consensus is to promote the current knowledge of and Mexican perspective on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of chronic idiopathic ulcerative colitis. The final vote on the statements and their ultimate modifications were carried out at the consensus working group meeting. Evidence was evaluated through the GRADE classification.

Hipertensión pulmonar en pacientes en hemodiálisis: prevalencia y factores asociados / Pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients: Prevalence and associated factors

Introducción y objetivo: La hipertensión pulmonar (HTP) es un trastorno progresivo que puede deberse a enfermedades subyacentes o a una alteración intrínseca de la vascularización pulmonar. El aumento crónico de la presión en el árbol vascular pulmonar lleva a cambios en la arquitectura de los vasos que perpetúan la propia HTP y producen disfunción ventricular derecha; todo esto podría disminuir la supervivencia y calidad de vida de los pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es establecer la prevalencia de HTP en los pacientes en hemodiálisis y su asociación con factores propios de este grupo de pacientes. Material y métodos: Incluimos a un total de 202 pacientes prevalentes en hemodiálisis durante al menos 6 meses y estables clínicamente, se recogieron datos demográficos, parámetros analíticos de rutina y los datos de un ecocardiograma doppler-2D. Definimos HTP como una presión sistólica de arteria pulmonar (PSAP) estimada mediante ecografía doppler por encima de 35 mmHg. El estado de hidratación se valoró mediante la determinación de los niveles de fragmento N terminal del péptido natriurético cerebral (Nt-proBNP). Resultados: La prevalencia de HTP fue del 37,1% (75 pacientes). La media de PSAP en toda la población estudiada fue de 32 ± 12 mmHg y en el grupo con HTP de 45 ± 11 mmHg. Encontramos una correlación directa estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de HTP y la edad (p = 0,001), el tiempo en tratamiento renal sustitutivo (p = 0,04), la presencia de disfunción sistólica (p = 0,007), disfunción diastólica (p = 0,01), valvulopatía mitral (p = 0,01) y doble lesión mitral y aórtica (p = 0,007). La sobrecarga de volumen se asocia estrechamente con HTP como se demuestra por la correlación entre la PSAP y los niveles de Nt-ProBNP (p = 0,001). Conclusión: Concluimos que la prevalencia de HTP en los pacientes en hemodiálisis es alta y uno de los factores asociados más importante es la hipervolemia. Son necesarios más estudios para establecer el impacto de la HTP sobre la morbimortalidad de los pacientes y valorar si un mejor control de la volemia lleva a mejoría de la HTP (AU)

Background and objective: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disorder that can be caused by several underlying conditions or an intrinsic alteration of the pulmonary vasculature. Chronic increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature leads to changes in the architecture of the vessels that can perpetuate PH and produce right ventricular dysfunction. These structural and functional alterations can decrease survival and quality of life of patients on hemodialysis; however, there is a lack of evidence about this problem in this population. The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of PH in patients on hemodialysis and its association with specific factors related to this patient population. Material and methods: We included 202 prevalent patients on hemodialysis for at least 6 months and who were clinically stable. We collected demographic data, routine laboratory parameters and data of 2D Doppler-echocardiography. PH was defined as a systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) estimated by Doppler ultrasound above 35 mmHg. Hydration status was assessed by determining the plasma concentration of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP). Results: PH prevalence was 37.1% (75 patients). The average SPAP in the entire study population was 32 ± 12 mmHg and in the group with PH it was 45 ± 11 mmHg. We found a direct and statistically significant correlation between the presence of PH and age (P = .001), time on renal replacement therapy (P = .04), the presence of systolic dysfunction (P = .007), diastolic dysfunction (P = 01), mitral valve disease (P = .01) and double mitral and aortic disease (P = .007). Volume overload was closely associated with PH, as demonstrated by the correlation between the SPAP and Nt-proBNP levels (P = .001). Conclusion: We conclude that prevalence of PH in hemodialysis patients is high. And one of the most important associated factors is volume overload. More studies are needed to establish the impact of PH on morbidity and mortality of patients and to assess whether a better volume control improves PH (AU)

Pulmonary hypertension is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality in haemodialysis patients.

AIM: The evidence about prevalence, associated factors of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and its impact on patient's outcomes is limited. METHODS: We included 211 haemodialysis patients, we estimated the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) by 2D Doppler echocardiography defining PH as a SPAP above 35 mmHg, the median follow-up was 39 (19-56) moths, and the primary endpoints were all cause mortality and cardiovascular events. RESULTS: We found PH in 91 patients (43.9%). Independent determinants of PH were age, previous cardiovascular disease, the Nt-pro-BNP level hs-TnT, the systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy. Over the follow-up 94 cardiovascular events occurred, variables associated were: PH, age, history cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, elevated concentration of Nt-pro-BNP and hs-TnT, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, in a multivariate model, the PH maintained its independent association. Mortality data: 88 patients died (41.7%); 35 (29.5%) in the no PH group and 53 (58.5%) in the PH group (P < 0.001). In the Cox survival analysis, we found an association between mortality and age, previous cardiovascular disease, history of peripheral vascular disease, Nt-pro-BNP levels. In a multivariate model the PH remains as independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertension is a common finding in HD patients and a valuable predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events. Prospective studies are needed to assess the effect of intervention on risk factors in improving patient's outcomes.

[Pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients: Prevalence and associated factors]. / Hipertensión pulmonar en pacientes en hemodiálisis: prevalencia y factores asociados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disorder that can be caused by several underlying conditions or an intrinsic alteration of the pulmonary vasculature. Chronic increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature leads to changes in the architecture of the vessels that can perpetuate PH and produce right ventricular dysfunction. These structural and functional alterations can decrease survival and quality of life of patients on hemodialysis; however, there is a lack of evidence about this problem in this population. The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of PH in patients on hemodialysis and its association with specific factors related to this patient population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 202 prevalent patients on hemodialysis for at least 6 months and who were clinically stable. We collected demographic data, routine laboratory parameters and data of 2D Doppler-echocardiography. PH was defined as a systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) estimated by Doppler ultrasound above 35mmHg. Hydration status was assessed by determining the plasma concentration of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP). RESULTS: PH prevalence was 37.1% (75 patients). The average SPAP in the entire study population was 32±12mmHg and in the group with PH it was 45±11mmHg. We found a direct and statistically significant correlation between the presence of PH and age (P=.001), time on renal replacement therapy (P=.04), the presence of systolic dysfunction (P=.007), diastolic dysfunction (P= 01), mitral valve disease (P=.01) and double mitral and aortic disease (P=.007). Volume overload was closely associated with PH, as demonstrated by the correlation between the SPAP and Nt-proBNP levels (P=.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that prevalence of PH in hemodialysis patients is high. And one of the most important associated factors is volume overload. More studies are needed to establish the impact of PH on morbidity and mortality of patients and to assess whether a better volume control improves PH.

Effects of a High-Protein/Low-Carbohydrate versus a Standard Hypocaloric Diet on Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors during 9 Months: Role of a Genetic Variation in the Cannabinoid Receptor Gene (CNR1) (G1359A Polymorphism).

OBJECTIVE: We decided to investigate the role of this polymorphism on cardiovascular risk factors and weight loss secondary to a high-protein/low-carbohydrate vs. a standard hypocaloric diet (1,000 kcal/day) over a period of 9 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nutritional evaluation was performed at the beginning and at the end of a 9-month period in which subjects received 1 of 2 diets (diet HP: high protein/low carbohydrate vs. S: standard diet). RESULTS: One hundred and four patients (54.7%) had the genotype G1359G and 86 (45.3%) patients had G1359A (77 patients, 25.8%) or A1359A (9 patients, 3.7%) (A-allele-carriers). In subjects with both genotypes, the body mass index, weight, fat mass, waist circumference and systolic blood pressures decreased with both diets. After the diet type HP and in subjects with both genotypes, the glucose, leptin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin and HOMA-R levels decreased. After diet S and in all subjects, the total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and leptin levels decreased, too. CONCLUSION: Our interventional study didn't show a relationship between the rs1049353 CNR-1 polymorphism and body weight response after two different hypocaloric (low carbohydrate/high protein vs. standard) diets over a period of 9 months. However, a low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet for 9 months improved glucose metabolism in subjects with both genotypes.

Crescentic glomerulonephritis: data from the Spanish Glomerulonephritis Registry.

BACKGROUND: Crescentic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is a histological finding that implies rapid deterioration of renal function and can be related to different diseases, such as type 1 or anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody (Goodpasture) disease, type 2 or immune complex CGN and type 3 or pauci-immune disease. AIM: The present study describes CGN and its characteristics based on the data from the Spanish Glomerulonephritis Registry. METHODS: An analysis was made of all native renal biopsies obtained from patients during 1994-2013 and classified as CGN. A patient epidemiological and clinical data questionnaire was completed by the 120 centres involved. RESULTS: A total of 21,774 biopsies was performed, of which 2089 (8.1%) corresponded to CGN (211 type 1, 177 type 2 and 1701 type 3). Renal function was poorer in type 1 compared with types 2 and 3, and proteinuria was higher in type 2 compared to types 1 and 3. Patients diagnosed with CGN type 3 were older than those with types 1 and 2, but less hypertensive than the type 2 patients. No differences in the urine test findings were found between types 1 and 2. Microhaematuria was the most frequent feature in general, as well as in type 3 compared with types 1 and 2. The main indication for biopsy was acute renal injury. Age was the only difference between type 1 patients with and without alveolar haemorrhage (53 [33-67] vs 64 [46-73], P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Although classified as the same entity, the different types of CGN have different features that must be taken into account.

Dose equivalence between continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), Darbepoetin and Epoetin in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a prevalent situation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can be well managed with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) has a long half-life that allows to be administered once monthly. The lowest recommended dose for patients with non dialysis CKD is 120 µg per month. The objectives were to assess the efficacy of subcutaneous monthly dosing of CERA in CKD stages 4 and 5 not on dialysis, and to determine the equivalent dose to epoetin ß and darbepoetin α. METHODS: This is a cohort study. A 30-patient group that ESAs was changed to CERA (µg/month) was used as treatment group. We used the following clinically-based equivalent dosing: epoetin ß (IU/week) and darbepoetin α (µg/week): 3000/15= 50; 4000/20=75; 6000/30=100; 8000/40=150. Another group of 30 patients with similar characteristics was used as control group and received the same epoetin ß and darbepoetin α doses. RESULTS: The mean CERA initial dose and at 6 months was 81.9 ± 35.2 and 82.0 ± 37.82 µg/month (p=0.37). The mean erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) and hemoglobin at baseline and at 6 months in the CERA group and in the control group were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Monthly dosing treatment with CERA is safe and effective. A dose of 75-100 µg/month is enough to maintain stable levels of hemoglobin. Hippokratia 2014; 18 (4): 315-318.

The phase angle of the electrical impedance is a predictor of long-term survival in dialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Protein-energy malnutrition is a risk factor for mortality in dialysis patients; however, its clinical assessment has not been well defined. Electrical bioimpedance (EBI) is a non-invasive and objective procedure, which is increasingly being used for this assessment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between the phase angle determined by EBI at a frequency of 50kHz (AF50) and other nutritional parameters, and prospectively evaluate its ability as a marker for long-term mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 164 patients (127 on haemodialysis and 37 on peritoneal dialysis) who underwent an EBI analysis while simultaneously determining inflammation and nutrition parameters. The Charlson comorbidity index was then calculated. RESULTS: In the linear correlation analysis, we found that the AF50 had a direct association with lean mass, intracellular water, extracellular water and interdialytic weight gain, while having an inverse association with age and fat mass. Patients with AF50 >8º had a better nutritional status, were younger and had significantly longer survival at the six-year follow-up. Among the patients studied, both the AF50 and the other body composition parameters were better in peritoneal dialysis than in haemodialysis, but these differences may be attributable to the fact that the first patients were younger. In the multivariate analysis, only the AF50 <8º and comorbidity adjusted for age persisted as independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that AF50 has a good correlation with nutritional parameters and is a good marker of survival in dialysis patients. Nevertheless, intervention studies are needed to demonstrate if the improvement in EBI parameters is associated with better survival.