Healthcare professional education in shared decision making in the context of chronic kidney disease: a scoping review.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals, individuals with CKD whereby clinical evidence, expected outcomes and potential side-effects are balanced with individual values and beliefs to provide the best mutually decided treatment option. Meaningful SDM is supported by effective training and education. We aimed to identify the available evidence on SDM training and education of healthcare professionals caring for people with chronic kidney disease. We aimed to identify existing training programs and to explore what means are used to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of these educational efforts. METHODOLOGY: We performed a scoping review to study the effectiveness of training or education about shared decision making of healthcare professionals treating patients with kidney disease. EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and APA PsycInfo were searched. RESULTS: After screening of 1190 articles, 24 articles were included for analysis, of which 20 were suitable for quality appraisal. These included 2 systematic reviews, 1 cohort study, 7 qualitative studies, and 10 studies using mixed methods. Study quality was varied with high quality (n = 5), medium quality (n = 12), and low quality (n = 3) studies. The majority of studies (n = 11) explored SDM education for nurses, and physicians (n = 11). Other HCP profiles included social workers (n = 6), dieticians (n = 4), and technicians (n = 2). Topics included education on SDM in withholding of dialysis, modality choice, patient engagement, and end-of-life decisions. LIMITATIONS: We observed significant heterogeneity in study design and varied quality of the data. As the literature search is restricted to evidence published between January 2000 and March 2021, relevant literature outside of this time window has not been taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on training and education of SDM for healthcare professionals taking care of patients with CKD is limited. Curricula are not standardized, and educational and training materials do not belong to the public domain. The extent to which interventions have improved the process of shared-decision making is tested mostly by pre-post testing of healthcare professionals, whereas the impact from the patient perspective for the most part remains untested.

Assisted peritoneal dialysis across Europe: Practice variation and factors associated with availability.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, the number of elderly end-stage kidney disease patients is increasing. Few of those patients receive peritoneal dialysis (PD), as many cannot perform PD autonomously. Assisted PD programmes are available in most European countries, but the percentage of patients receiving assisted PD varies considerably. Hence, we assessed which factors are associated with the availability of an assisted PD programme at a centre level and whether the availability of this programme is associated with proportion of home dialysis patients. METHODS: An online survey was sent to healthcare professionals of European nephrology units. After selecting one respondent per centre, the associations were explored by χ2 tests and (ordinal) logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 609 respondents completed the survey. Subsequently, 288 respondents from individual centres were identified; 58% worked in a centre with an assisted PD programme. Factors associated with availability of an assisted PD programme were Western European and Scandinavian countries (OR: 5.73; 95% CI: 3.07-10.68), non-academic centres (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09-3.72) and centres with a dedicated team for education (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.35-6.11). Most Eastern & Central European respondents reported that the proportion of incident and prevalent home dialysis patients was <10% (72% and 63%), while 27% of Scandinavian respondents reported a proportion of >30% for both incident and prevalent home dialysis patients. Availability of an assisted PD programme was associated with a higher incidence (cumulative OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.21-3.01) and prevalence (cumulative OR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.76-4.47) of patients on home dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Assisted PD was more commonly offered among non-academic centres with a dedicated team for education across Europe, especially among Western European and Scandinavian countries where higher incidence and prevalence of home dialysis patients was reported.

Barriers and opportunities to increase PD incidence and prevalence: Lessons from a European Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains underutilised and unplanned start of dialysis further diminishes the likelihood of patients starting on PD, although outcomes are equal to haemodialysis (HD). METHODS: A survey was sent to members of EuroPD and regional societies presenting a case vignette of a 48-year-old woman not previously known to the nephrology department and who arrives at the emergency department with established end-stage kidney disease (unplanned start), asking which dialysis modality would most likely be chosen at their respective centre. We assessed associations between the modality choices for this case vignette and centre characteristics and PD-related practices. RESULTS: Of 575 respondents, 32.8%, 32.2% and 35.0% indicated they would start unplanned PD, unplanned HD or unplanned HD with intention to educate patient on PD later, respectively. Likelihood for unplanned start of PD was only associated with quality of structure of the pre-dialysis program. Structure of pre-dialysis education program, PD program in general, likelihood to provide education on PD to unplanned starters, good collaboration with the PD access team and taking initiatives to enhance home-based therapies increased the likelihood unplanned patients would end up on PD. CONCLUSIONS: Well-structured pre-dialysis education on PD as a modality, good connections to dedicated PD catheter placement teams and additional initiatives to enhance home-based therapies are key to grow PD programs. Centres motivated to grow their PD programs seem to find solutions to do so.

Periodontal inflamed surface area in patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: a Croatian cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The decision to initiate dialysis treatment via haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) often involves the consideration of complex factors and remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to quantify the inflammatory burden that periodontitis causes in dialysis patients and to examine whether patients on PD and HD differ in terms of the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), which can be helpful for selecting the most appropriate dialysis modality. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 58 consecutive patients on HD and 31 consecutive patients on PD. PISA was calculated using measurements of the clinical attachment level, recession and bleeding on probing. We performed the primary analysis using multivariable robust regression. RESULTS: Patients on PD had a 746 mm2 (93%) lower mean PISA than patients on HD after adjustment for 20 possible confounders, including the duration of dialysis. The type of dialysis was independently correlated with the PISA (semipartial correlation: - 0.50; p = 0.017; false discovery rate < 5%). After adjusting for confounding factors, the correlation between the duration and type of dialysis was not significant (F (2,44) = 0.01; p = 0.994; η2 = 0.00). Differences in the PISA between patients who had undergone dialysis for less than a year, 2-3 years or ≥ 3 years were not significantly different in either of the two dialysis groups. CONCLUSIONS: PISA levels in Croatian patients on dialysis indicate a high need for periodontal treatment. PD is associated with a smaller PISA independent of many sociodemographic, lifestyle, laboratory and clinical factors. The duration of dialysis does not influence PISA levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN17887630. A clinical study to investigate gum infection in patients undergoing kidney dialysis.

THE ASSOCIATION OF LOW TRIIODOTHYRONINE SYNDROME, PROTEIN-ENERGY WASTING AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATION WITH MORTALITY IN PREVALENT DIALYSIS PATIENTS.

- This prospective study in prevalent dialysis patients investigated prognostic properties of low triiodothyronine syndrome, protein-energy wasting and chronic inflammation. Ninety-four prevalent dialysis patients were followed-up for a median of 39 months. Demographic, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done using Cox regression analysis. ROC curve analysis using survival status as a classification variable was performed with the goal of determining optimal cut-off values for numerical variables. In our population, low total triiodothyronine (hazard ratio (HR) 2.19, p=0.038), catheter as vascular access (HR 2.76, p=0.023), higher vintage (HR 1.01, p=0.014) and higher Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.28, p=0.017) were statistically significantly associated with inferior survival. In our group of steady-state dialysis patients, total triiodothyronine seemed to be the strongest predictor of inferior survival among thyroid hormones. Taking this parameter into account, it was possible to identify patients at an increased risk of death even after adjustment for other prognostically relevant variables. However, after further adjustment for significant risk factors, the impact of C-reactive protein and albumin on survival disappeared due to the overlapping prognostic properties. We concluded that triiodothyronine was an independent prognostic factor in our study group.

Anemia Is Correlated with Malnutrition and Inflammation in Croatian Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Multicenter Nationwide Study.

Malnutrition, inflammation, and anemia are common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In this study, correlations between Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS), laboratory and anthropometric parameters, and anemia indices in Croatian PD patients were analyzed. One hundred and one PD patients (males/females 54/47, age 58.71 ± 14.68 years, mean PD duration 21.82 ± 21.71 months) were included. Clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric parameters were measured. Statistically significant correlations between MIS and erythropoietin weekly dose per kg of body weight (ESA weekly dose), hemoglobin (Hb), and erythrocytes were found (r = 0.439, p < 0.001; r = -0.032, p < 0.001; r = -0.435, p < 0.001), respectively. Also, statistically significant correlations were found between MIS and mean corpuscular volume (r = 0.344, p < 0.001), iron (r = -0.229, p = 0.021), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (r = -0.362, p < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, statistically significant correlations between ESA weekly dose and serum albumin level and body mass index (BMI) were found (r = -0.272, p = 0.006; r = -0.269, p = 0.006), respectively. When we divided PD patients into 2 groups according Hb level (Hb ≥ 110 [N = 60, 59.41 %]) and Hb < 110 [N = 41, 40.59%]), statistically significant differences were found in MIS score (3.02 ± 2.54 vs 4.54 ± 3.54, p = 0.014), C-reactive protein (CRP) (3.52 ± 6.36 vs 7.85 ± 7.96, p = 0.005), and serum albumin level (44.22 ± 8.54 vs 39.94 ± 8.56, p = 0.003), respectively. Our findings suggest that anemia is correlated with malnutrition and inflammation in Croatian PD patients. Further studies are needed to assess whether modulating inflammatory or nutritional processes can improve anemia management in PD patients.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in ageing and age-related diseases: How currently available treatment modalities affect EPC biology, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular outcomes.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are mononuclear cells that circulate in the blood and are derived from different tissues, expressing cell surface markers that are similar to mature endothelial cells. The discovery of EPCs has lead to new insights in vascular repair and atherosclerosis and also a new theory for ageing. EPCs from the bone marrow and some other organs aid in vascular repair by migrating to distant vessels where they differentiate into mature endothelial cells and replace old and injured endothelial cells. The ability of EPCs to repair vascular damage depends on their number and functionality. Currently marketed drugs used in a variety of diseases can modulate these characteristics. In this review, the effect of currently available treatment options for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders on EPC biology will be discussed. The various EPC-based therapies that will be discussed include lipid-lowering agents, antihypertensive agents, antidiabetic drugs, phosphodiesteraze inhibitors, hormones, as well as EPC capturing stents.

Nebivolol Induced Hyperkalemia: Case Report

In this article, we document a conclusive case of nebivolol-induced hyperkalemia for the first time in the known medical literature. Hyperkalemia is associated with serious conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Nebivolol was not known to cause hyperkalemia, and this event is not listed in its summary of product characteristics (SmPC). For older beta blockers, hyperkalemia is recognized as a rare adverse event linked to cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) polymorphism and poor drug degradation. Our patient, a 47-year-old woman taking nebivolol for hypertension developed persistent hyperkalemia, with serum potassium levels up to 6.4 mmol/L. After extensive diagnostic evaluation and exclusion of other known conditions leading to hyperkalemia, its cause remained occult. Since hyperkalemia coincided with increased doses of nebivolol, dose reduction and discontinuation were attempted, resulting in normalized serum potassium. Poor drug metabolism could not explain this adverse effect, since pharmacogenetic testing showed no relevant aberrations. In conclusion, hyperkalemia is a harmful adverse event with possible lethal outcome, and it may be caused by nebivolol. Therefore, medical professionals have to be aware of this side effect and hyperkalemia should be listed as an adverse event in nebivolol SmPC.

Comparative Effects of Sunscreens Alone vs Sunscreens Plus DNA Repair Enzymes in Patients With Actinic Keratosis: Clinical and Molecular Findings from a 6-Month, Randomized, Clinical Study.

Recent experimental irradiation studies have shown that the addition of DNA repair enzymes (photolyase and endonuclease) to traditional sunscreens may reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced molecular damage to the skin to a greater extent than sunscreens alone. In this 6-month, randomized, clinical study, we sought to compare the clinical and molecular effects of sunscreens plus DNA repair enzymes vs. those of traditional sunscreens alone in patients with actinic keratosis (AK). A total of 28 AK patients were randomized to topically apply sunscreens plus DNA repair enzymes (enzyme group; n = 14) or sunscreens alone (sunscreen group; n = 14) for 6 months. The main outcome measures included 1) hyperkeratosis, 2) field cancerization (as measured by fluorescence diagnostics using methylaminolaevulinate), and 3) levels of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in skin biopsies. Both regimens produced a significant reduction of hyperkeratosis at 6 months, with no difference between the two groups. Field cancerization was significantly reduced by both regimens, but the decrease observed in the enzyme group was significantly more pronounced than in the sunscreen group (P < 0.001). At 6 months, CPDs decreased by 61% in the enzyme group and by 35% in the sunscreen group compared with baseline values (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that, despite a similar effect on hyperkeratosis, the addition of DNA repair enzymes to sunscreens was more effective in reducing field cancerization and CPDs than sunscreens alone. Taken together, our findings indicate that sunscreens plus DNA repair enzymes may be superior to traditional sunscreens alone in reducing field cancerization and UVR-associated molecular signatures (CPDs) in AK patients, potentially preventing malignant transformation into invasive squamous cell carcinoma in a more efficient manner.

Topical application of preparations containing DNA repair enzymes prevents ultraviolet-induced telomere shortening and c-FOS proto-oncogene hyperexpression in human skin: an experimental pilot study.

The exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is one of the most important risk factors for skin aging and increases the risk of malignant transformation. Telomere shortening and an altered expression of the proto-oncogene c-FOS are among the key molecular mechanisms associated with photoaging and tumorigenesis. Photolyase from A. nidulans and endonuclease from M. luteus are xenogenic DNA repair enzymes which can reverse the molecular events associated with skin aging and carcinogenosis caused by UVR exposure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the topical application of preparations containing DNA repair enzymes may prevent UVR-induced acute telomere shortening and FOS gene hyperexpression in human skin biopsies. Twelve volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin types I and II) were enrolled for this experimental study, and six circular areas (10 mm diameter) were marked out on the nonexposed lower back of each participant. One site was left untreated (site 1: negative control), whereas the remaining five sites (designated sites 2-6) were exposed to solar-simulated UVR at 3 times the MED on four consecutive days. Site 2 received UVR only (site 2: positive control), whereas the following products were applied to sites 3-6, respectively: vehicle (moisturizer base cream; applied both 30 minutes before and immediately after each irradiation; site 3); a traditional sunscreen (SS, SPF 50) 30 minutes before irradiation and a vehicle immediately after irradiation (site 4); a SS 30 minutes before irradiation and an endonuclease preparation immediately after irradiation (site 5); a SS plus photolyase 30 minutes before irradiation and an endonuclease preparation immediately after irradiation (site 6). Skin biopsies were taken 24 h after the last irradiation. The degree of telomere shortening and c-FOS gene expression were measured in all specimens. Strikingly, the combined use of a SS plus photolyase 30 minutes before irradiation and an endonuclease preparation immediately after irradiation completely abrogated telomere shortening and c-FOS gene hyperexpression induced by the experimental irradiations. We conclude that the topical application of preparations containing both photolyase from A. nidulans and endonuclease from M. luteus may be clinically useful to prevent skin aging and carcinogenesis by abrogating UVR-induced telomere shortening and c-FOS gene hyperexpression.

Visfatin is not associated with inflammatory markers in patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular events are a major cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease. Endothelial dysfunction represents a key event in atherosclerosis development and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of different forms of cardiovascular disease, including chronic kidney disease. In recent years, visfatin, a ubiquitous adipokine, has been described as a potent marker of endothelial inflammation and dysfunction. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of visfatin with well-known markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: Serum and plasma samples from 66 patients (40 males and 26 females) treated by hemodialysis were analysed for visfatin, fibrinogen, CRP, PAI-1 levels. Visfatin was determined by ELISA method while CRP, fibrinogen and PAL-1 were obtained by standard laboratory methods. RESULTS: We observed statistically significant correlation between visfatin level and fibrinogen (r = 0.51; p = 0.008) and the time on dialysis in female patients (r = 0.70; p < 0.001). PAI-1 and CRP did not correlate with visfatin in males nor in females. CONCLUSIONS: Visfatin is correlated with time on dialysis and with fibrinogen only in female dialysis patients. To confirm this, further studies are needed with a higher number of patients.

Glucose metabolism disorders in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Glucose metabolism disorders in acutely ill patients include oscillations in plasma glucose concentration outside the range of reference values. These disorders include both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, regardless of previous diagnosis of diabetes in a particular patient. Hyperglycemia is frequent in acute patients due to the increased release of stress hormones such as catecholamines and cortisol, but also as an effect of a cascade of proinflammatory cytokines in emergencies such as acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, injuries, severe infections and sepsis. Hyperglycemia occurs often even in patients in whom diabetes was not previously diagnosed, and in diabetic patients requirement for hypoglycemic medication may be temporarily increased. Hyperglycemia in cardiac emergencies is associated with more frequent adverse major cardiovascular events and worse prognosis. Hypoglycemia occurs seldom in these patients, its origin is almost always iatrogenic, and it worsens the patient's prognosis even more than moderate hyperglycemia. Good regulation of glycemia is necessary in the management of these patients; therefore plasma glucose determination and close monitoring are obligatory, and therapy with short acting insulin should be introduced if plasma glucose concentration exceeds 10 mmol/L, regardless of the risk of hypoglycemia. It is also useful to determine the acid-base status and blood or urine ketones.

Anti-inflammatory effects of a topical preparation containing nicotinamide, retinol, and 7-dehydrocholesterol in patients with acne: a gene expression study.

PURPOSE: Acne vulgaris is a skin disorder of the sebaceous follicles, involving hyperkeratinization and perifollicular inflammation. Aberrant extracellular matrix remodeling due to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been associated with the presence of acne conditions. Given the complex pathophysiology of acne, novel topical therapies should include combination products that target multiple pathogenetic mechanisms. In this pilot study we investigated the changes in gene expression of extracellular MMPs, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and proinflammatory molecules after 45 days of topical application of a combination product containing nicotinamide, retinol, and 7-dehydrocholesterol in 16 patients with inflammatory acne on their back. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin biopsies were obtained before and after treatment for gene expression studies. RESULTS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed a significant downregulation of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor. In contrast, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and transforming growth factor-ß1 were significantly upregulated. The gene expression findings correlated well with the clinical treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of nicotinamide, retinol, and 7-dehydrocholesterol appears to be effective for acne treatment from both clinical and molecular standpoints.

Reduced ultraviolet-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in human skin with topical application of a photolyase-containing DNA repair enzyme cream: clues to skin cancer prevention.

The exposure of human skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) results in the formation of DNA photolesions that give rise to photoaging, mutations, cell death and the onset of carcinogenic events. Photolyase (EC 4.1.99.3) is a DNA repair enzyme that reverses damage caused by exposure to UVR. We sought to investigate whether addition of photolyase enhances the protection provided by a traditional sunscreen (SS), by reducing the in vivo formation of cyclobutane-type pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and UVR-induced apoptosis in human skin. Ten volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin type II) were exposed to solar-simulated (ss) UVR at a three times minimal erythema dose for 4 consecutive days. Thirty minutes prior to each exposure, the test materials [vehicle, SS (sun protection factor 50) alone, and SS plus photolyase from Anacystis nidulans] were applied topically to three different sites. One additional site was left untreated and one received ssUVR only. Biopsy specimens were taken 72 h after the last irradiation. The amount of CPDs and the extent of apoptosis were measured by ELISA. Photolyase plus SS was superior to SS alone in reducing both the formation of CPDs and apoptotic cell death (both P<0.001). In conclusion, the addition of photolyase to a traditional SS contributes significantly to the prevention of UVR-induced DNA damage and apoptosis when applied topically to human skin.

[Peritoneal dialysis in a patient with right hemiparesis, lupus nephritis, significant insufficiency of arteries of aortic arch and celiac disease: case report]. / Peritonejska dijaliza u bolesnice s desnostranom hemiparezom, lupus nefritisom, znacajnom insuficijencijom arterija luka aorte i glutenskom enteropatijom--prikaz slucaja.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a method of choice in patients in whom there are difficulties concerning creation of AV fistula. A 38-year old female patient came to our hospital because of a need of making an AV fistula. She had end-stage renal insufficiency of unknown origin. She had a right hemiparesis with a contracture of the right fist and epilepsy because of the stroke she suffered in 1993. After doing the diagnostics, we have found that patient had lupus nephritis, occlusion of brachiocephalic trunk, right and left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery. We also diagnosed celiac disease and a significant anemia. It was not possible to form an AV fistula, as it was not possible to do an assisted PD. Because of the right hemiparesis and contracture of the right fist, the possibility of performing PD independently was questionable. Despite the handicap, the patient had strong motivation and she managed to master the technique of PD independently. Even though it was estimated that she had a high risk score for applying anesthesia (ASA IV), the insertion of the peritoneal catheter went without complications. Because of the comorbidity, especially because of the significant stenosis and occlusions of the arteries of aortic arch, the kidney transplantation will not be performed. In the last fifteen months, the patient is performing PD independently, without any infectious complications, she is feeling well and is satisfied with the quality of her life. The consequences of the renal insufficiency are under control, systemic lupus erythematosus is, with a low dose of corticosteroids, in a steady state, malnutrition is corrected, but there is still hypoalbuminemia noted.

Adiponectin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue is reduced in women with cellulite.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite, which appears as orange peel-type or cottage cheese-like dimpling of the skin on the thighs and buttocks, is a complex, multifactorial, cosmetic disorder of the subcutaneous fat layer and the overlying superficial skin. Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone mainly produced by subcutaneous fat that shows important protective anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. We hypothesized that adiponectin expressed in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) might play a role in the pathogenesis of cellulite. We reasoned that a reduction in the expression of adiponectin - a humoral vasodilator - in the SAT of cellulite areas might contribute to the altered microcirculation frequently found in these regions. METHODS: A total of 15 lean (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m(2) ) women with cellulite and 15 age- and BMI-matched women without cellulite participated in this study. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess adiponectin gene expression. Plasma adiponectin levels were measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit. RESULTS: Adiponectin mRNA expression in the SAT of the gluteal region was significantly lower in areas with cellulite compared with those without (12.6 ± 3.1 AU versus 16.6 ± 4.1 AU; P=0.006). However, plasma adiponectin levels did not differ between women with (20.3 ± 7.3 µg/ml) and without (19.3 ± 6.1 µg/ml) cellulite (P=0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Adiponectin expression is significantly reduced in the SAT in areas affected by cellulite. Our findings provide novel insights into the nature of cellulite and may give clues to the treatment of this cosmetic issue.

From cellulite to smooth skin: is Viagra the new dream cream?

In this article, we provide a hypothesis considering the potential effect of phosphodiesterase 5a inhibitors on cellulite. Cellulite is a significant cosmetic problem for many post-adolescent women. Its pathophysiology is complex and involves the presence of excess subcutaneous fat, the microcirculatory system, lymphatics and the extracellular matrix. Many diverse treatments have been tested to treat cellulite like iontophoresis, ultrasound, thermotherapy, pressotherapy, lymphatic drainage and electrolipophoresis which all enhance skin microcirculation. There have been several attempts to treat cellulite with drugs, but results were insufficient. Phosphodiesterases (PDE) are a superfamily of enzymes degrading adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophoshpate (cGMP). Human fat cell lipolysis is mediated by both cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases. Indeed, high dose sildenafil pretreatment led to increased lipolysis in adipocyte cultures. That effect could not be attributed exclusively to either PDE3b or PDE5a inhibition, since sildenafil inhibited about 50% of the PDE3b activity in pretreated adipocytes. Sildenafil has a potential beneficial effect on skin microcirculation, as well as on tissue hypoxia. Transdermal or local route of administration should be considered.

The efficacy of cisapride vs. placebo and diet in patients with chronic constipation.

The effects of cisapride (10 mg three times daily) on the stool evacuation characteristics, laxative consumption (symptom diary) and motility pattern (rectoanal manometry) were assessed in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation who fulfilled Rome II criteria. After a 14-day basal period on a diet rich in fiber (phase I), patients were treated with placebo (n = 20) or cisapride (n = 19) (phase II). Anorectal manometry was performed at the end of each phase. The study was controlled, randomized and double blind. Side effects related to the use of cisapride were noted and found to be mild. Cisapride and placebo increased stool frequency from 4 (1-11) to 7 (14-12) (p < 0.001) and from 4 (2-10) to 6 (2-11) (p < 0.05) per week, respectively. Straining was decreased from 69.0% to 39.7% in the cisapride (p < 0.0001) group, and from 79% to 35% (p < 0.0001) in the placebo group. Both cisapride and placebo decreased the feeling of incomplete evacuation from 91.7% to 37.5% (p < 0.0001) and from 82.7% to 39.2% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Cisapride reduced the need of laxatives and showed a tendency to normalize stool consistency but did not influence any other symptom or bowel motility parameter.

[Adequacy of dialysis at the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis of the Sveti Duh General Hospital in Zagreb and the Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) guidelines--comparison of the years 1998 and 2002]. / Adekvatnost dijalize u Odjelu nefrologije i dijalize u Opcoj bolnici "Sveti duh" u Zagrebu i DOQI preporuke--usporedba 1998. i 2002. godine.

Every year ever more and more patients in our country receive some form of dialysis, which provides life-saving renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease. In an effort to improve the quality and outcomes of dialysis care, the National Kidney Foundation--Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-DOQI) have developed clinical practice guidelines for care of dialysis patients regarding hemodialysis adequacy, peritoneal dialysis adequacy, treatment of anemia, and vascular access. The morbidity and mortality of patients is strongly connected with dialysis adequacy and degree of anemia. We compared 180 patients on hemodialysis (HD) in 1998 and 177 patients in 2002, who are regularly treated in our Center with the use of DOQI guidelines. Dialysis adequacy was assessed by use of urea reduction ratio URR = 1-(post. urea/pre. urea), and overall wellbeing according to the degree of anemia, number of blood transfusions, presence of elevated blood pressure, and number of antihypertensives in therapy. In year 2002, 50% of the patients had adequate dialysis compared with 30% in 1998. The average duration on dialysis and the age of patients did not change. We recorded a rise in hemoglobin from 80 g/L to 92 g/L, and in the use of EPO (from 18% to 30%). No case of hypoalbuminemia was observed. The aim of dialysis is to improve the overall wellbeing of uremic patients. Comparing our results with DOQI-guidelines, we demonstrated that dialysis therapy could be improved to prevent complications and early mortality in dialysis patients.