Overlap of membranous nephropathy and IgA nephropathy in a patient with Kimura's disease: a case report and literature review.

Introduction: Kimura's disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by subcutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia with peripheral eosinophilia. Kidney involvement is reported in 15%-18% of adult patients with KD, in many cases as nephrotic syndrome. We present a case of overlapping membranous nephropathy and IgA nephropathy associated with KD. Case report: A 27-year-old man was admitted with a history of bilateral leg edema for the last 2 months and concomitant progressive increase of cervical mass and fever. Laboratory findings were as follows: peripheral leukocyte count, 10,080/mm³; eosinophils, 3,200/mm³ (31.7%); serum creatinine, 0.83 mg/dL; and eGFR: 140 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Urinalysis revealed the presence of hematuria and proteinuria and the following results: 24-h proteinuria, 12.9 g; serum albumin, 1.3 g/dL; and elevated IgE level, 750 kU/L. Serologies for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and VDRL were all negative. Complement C3 and C4 levels were normal. No monoclonal protein was detected in blood and urine. Parasite infestation was discarded. A biopsy of the cervical lymph node revealed eosinophilic lymphoid hyperplasia, suggesting KD. A kidney biopsy revealed findings consistent with the overlapping of membranous nephropathy with IgA nephropathy. The patient was treated for KD with prednisone 1 mg/kg/d with progressive dose tapering and posterior association of methotrexate 15 mg/week. A renin-angiotensin system inhibitor was prescribed for nephrotic syndrome. The cervical mass regressed, and proteinuria achieved partial remission, with an increase in serum albumin level and normalization of eosinophils and IgE levels. Conclusion: Although uncommon, kidney involvement must be considered in patients with KD. Glomerular diseases are the most frequent form of kidney injury.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma: A Rare and Challenging Diagnosis for Recurrent Pleural Effusion.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma is an extremely rare and aggressive subtype of B-cell lymphoma, accounting for only <1% of all cases of this neoplasm. It has a unique clinical presentation because it has a predilection for appearing in body cavities, such as the pleural space, pericardium and peritoneum. It mainly affects immunocompromised individuals and may also affect individuals in the Mediterranean region and in areas endemic for human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Herein, we report the case of an 83-year-old immunocompetent male complaining of coughing, fever and progressive dyspnea for 3 days. His past medical history revealed a recurrent pleural effusion for the last three years, as well as losing weight and malaise. A subsequent investigation revealed a PEL diagnosis of the pleura.

Dialysis-related constrictive pericarditis: old enemies may sometimes come back / Pericardite Constritiva relacionada a diálise: velhos inimigos podem, às vezes, voltar

ABSTRACT Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Several heart conditions have been associated with CKD, including myocardial and pericardial diseases. This paper describes a case of Dialysis-related constrictive pericarditis in a patient diagnosed with sudden hypotension during a hemodialysis session. A 65-year-old man diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cirrhosis on hemodialysis for two years complained of symptoms during one of his sessions described as malaise, lipothymia, and confusion. The patient had a record of poor compliance with the prescribed diet and missed dialysis sessions. He was sluggish during the physical examination, and presented hypophonetic heart sounds, a blood pressure of 50/30mmHg, and a prolonged capillary refill time. The patient was referred to the intensive care unit and was started on antibiotics and vasoactive drugs. His workup did not show signs of infection, while electrocardiography showed low QRS-wave voltage. His echocardiogram showed signs consistent with a thickened pericardium without pericardial effusion. Cardiac catheterization showed equalization of diastolic pressures in all heart chambers indicative of constrictive pericarditis. The patient underwent a pericardiectomy. Examination of surgical specimens indicated he had marked fibrosis and areas of dystrophic calcification without evidence of infection, consistent with Dialysis-related constrictive pericarditis. Hypotension for unknown causes must be considered in the differential diagnosis of dialysis patients.

RESUMO A doença cardiovascular é a principal causa de morte em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). Várias formas de acometimento cardíaco têm sido associadas. à DRC, incluindo doenças miocárdicas e pericárdicas. Este artigo descreve um caso de pericardite constritiva relacionada a em um paciente diagnosticado com hipotensão súbita durante uma sessão de hemodiálise. Um homem de 65 anos com diagnósticos prévios de hipertensão, diabetes, obesidade e cirrose em hemodiálise por dois anos queixou-se de sintomas durante uma de suas sessões, descritos como mal-estar, lipotímia e confusão mental. Apresentava histórico de baixa adesão à dieta prescrita e faltas frequentes às sessões de diálise. Ele estava fraco durante o exame físico e apresentava bulhas cardíacas hipofonéticas, pressão arterial de 50/30mmHg e tempo de enchimento capilar prolongado. O paciente foi encaminhado para a unidade de terapia intensiva e iniciou o tratamento com antibióticos e drogas vasoativas. Investigação laboratorial não mostrou sinais de infecção, enquanto o eletrocardiograma mostrou baixa voltagem de complexo QRS. Seu ecocardiograma evidenciou sinais consistentes com um pericárdio espessado, sem derrame pericárdico. O cateterismo cardíaco mostrou equalização das pressões diastólicas em todas as câmaras cardíacas, indicativo de pericardite constritiva. O paciente foi submetido a uma pericardiectomia. O exame anatomopatológico mostrou sinais de acentuada fibrose acentuada fibrose e áreas de calcificação distrófica sem evidência de infecção, consistente com pericardite constritiva relacionada a por diálise. A hipotensão por causas desconhecidas deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes em diálise.

Proposal for standardizing normal insulin ranges in Brazilian patients and a new classification of metabolic syndrome.

Background: Insulin resistance and/or hyperinsulinemia are closely linked to adiposity, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and prolonged inflammatory processes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,018 adult individuals with a mean age of 46 years (74% male) and classified them as: Metabolically normal: without any of the five criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) used for the diagnosis of MetS, plus normal fasting insulin (Men < 8 mU/L, Women < 10 mU/L); Level 1 MetS: with one or two IDF criteria, plus hyperinsulinemia (Men: ≥ 8 mU/L), and Women: ≥ 10 mU/L); Level 2 MetS: with three or more IDF criteria, plus hyperinsulinemia. Results: The mean values for fasting insulinemia in metabolically normal individuals was 4.6 ± 1.8 mU/L and 5.6 ± 2.3 mU/L, while their means for the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were 1.0 and 1.2 for men and women, respectively. In addition, the mean values for insulin (and HOMA-IR) for individuals with two normal anthropometric parameters (body mass index and waist girth), or two normal anthropometric parameters plus no IDF criteria, were similar to the metabolically normal group. Based on the obtained mean + 2 SD, we established the following insulin (and HOMA-IR) values as diagnostic cut-offs for hyperinsulinemia: Men: ≥ 8 mU/L (≥ 1.5), and Women: ≥ 10 mU/L (≥ 2.0). The mean serum insulin was significantly higher for individuals with Level 1 MetS (approx. 9 mU/L for both genders) compared with metabolically normal individuals, as was the prevalence of hepatic steatosis, which was more evident in men. Thus, the presence of one or two abnormal IDF criteria, combined with hyperinsulinemia and/or raised HOMA-IR, suggests the presence of MetS and insulin resistance. Patients of both genders with Level 2 MetS had higher serum insulin and/or HOMA-IR values than Level 1, as well as a higher prevalence of hypertension and hepatic steatosis, being more pronounced among men. The process was progressive and proportional to the degree of hyperinsulinemia. Conclusion: It is proposed that intervention against MetS progression should be started in individuals with Level 1 MetS, rather than waiting for more criteria for diagnostic confirmation, which this should help to reduce the occurrence of known complications such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, among others.

The role of vacuum-assisted mechanical thrombectomy in the management of acutely thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas and grafts.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the mechanical thrombectomy with the Indigo System in the treatment of thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. METHODS: A retrospective search of endovascular procedures performed from November 2018 to June 2020 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: acute arteriovenous fistula or graft thrombosis that underwent endovascular mechanical thrombectomy with Indigo System. The following information was collected from each case: sex, age, fistula modality, fistula location, treatment modality, and outcomes. Endpoints evaluated were: technical and clinical success rates; primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates; complication rates. RESULTS: Twenty-six mechanical thrombectomy procedures for declotting of arteriovenous fistula thrombosis, using the Indigo System, were performed in 22 patients. Technical and clinical success was achieved in 23/26 cases (88%). Mean follow-up was 9 months (range 11-539 days). The 6-month primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were 71%, 86%, 93% and the 12-month primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were 71%, 72%, 80%, respectively. No technical or device-related complications were observed during thrombectomy, however two venous ruptures occurred on the angioplasty of the underlying stenosis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, vacuum-assisted thrombectomy of acutely thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas and grafts with Indigo System is safe and effective, providing good short term patency rates.

Dialysis-related constrictive pericarditis: old enemies may sometimes come back.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Several heart conditions have been associated with CKD, including myocardial and pericardial diseases. This paper describes a case of Dialysis-related constrictive pericarditis in a patient diagnosed with sudden hypotension during a hemodialysis session. A 65-year-old man diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cirrhosis on hemodialysis for two years complained of symptoms during one of his sessions described as malaise, lipothymia, and confusion. The patient had a record of poor compliance with the prescribed diet and missed dialysis sessions. He was sluggish during the physical examination, and presented hypophonetic heart sounds, a blood pressure of 50/30mmHg, and a prolonged capillary refill time. The patient was referred to the intensive care unit and was started on antibiotics and vasoactive drugs. His workup did not show signs of infection, while electrocardiography showed low QRS-wave voltage. His echocardiogram showed signs consistent with a thickened pericardium without pericardial effusion. Cardiac catheterization showed equalization of diastolic pressures in all heart chambers indicative of constrictive pericarditis. The patient underwent a pericardiectomy. Examination of surgical specimens indicated he had marked fibrosis and areas of dystrophic calcification without evidence of infection, consistent with Dialysis-related constrictive pericarditis. Hypotension for unknown causes must be considered in the differential diagnosis of dialysis patients.

Acute Kidney Injury Due to COVID-19 in Intensive Care Unit: An Analysis From a Latin-American Center.

Introduction: The kidney may be affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) in the setting of acute kidney injury (AKI). Data about AKI in intensive care unit (ICU) patients in Latin America are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the risk of AKI, dialysis (HD), and death in ICU COVID-19 patients in a Brazilian center. Methods: Analysis from medical records of COVID-19 patients in a Brazilian center. Results: A total of 95 patients were analyzed. There was male predominance (64.2%), median age: 64.9 years, and previous history of hypertension and diabetes in 51.6 and 27.4%, respectively. AKI was diagnosed in 54 (56.8%) patients, and 32 (59.2%) of them required HD. Mortality rate was 17.9%. AKI patients when compared with no-AKI were more frequently hypertensive/diabetic and more often needed organ support therapies. Workups depicted more anemia, lymphopenia, and higher levels of inflammatory markers and higher mortality. Comparing patients who had undergone death to survivors, they were older, more frequently diabetic, and had worse SAPS3 and SOFA scores and need for organ support therapies, AKI, and HD. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that hypertension (p = 0.018) and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.002) were associated with AKI; hypertension (p = 0.002), mechanical ventilation (p = 0.008), and use of vasopressor (p = 0.027) to HD patients; and age >65 years (p = 0.03) and AKI (p = 0.04) were risk factors for death. Conclusions: AKI was a common complication of ICU COVID-19 patients, and it was more frequent in patients with hypertension and need of organ support therapies. As well as age >65 years, AKI was an independent risk factor for death.

An elderly diabetic patient with McArdle disease and recurrent rhabdomyolysis: a potential association with late hypoinsulinemia?

BACKGROUND: McArdle disease is a myopathy caused by mutations in PYGM gene that is characterized by reduced or absent activity of myophosphorylase. Reports of patients with concomitant McArdle disease and diabetes are scarce. We report a case of a patient with a late diagnosis of McArdle disease and we postulate that symptoms may be related to hypoinsulinemia. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes the evolution of an elderly diabetic patient with confirmed diagnosis of McArdle's disease based on the absence of myophosphorylase activity in the analysis of muscle biopsy, and a homozygous mutation in the PYGM gene. The variant - Chr11: 64.525 (p. Asn168*fs) has not been previously described. The diagnosis of McArdle disease was confirmed after two episodes of rhabdomyolysis, at 77 and 81 years of age, as the symptoms were, until then, discrete. The "second-wind phenomenon" was not spontaneously reported, but it was confirmed when directly questioned. We postulate that the later episodes of rhabdomyolysis occurred because of a progressive decrease in insulin production with a consequent reduction in the uptake of blood glucose by muscle cells, thus compromising the cellular energy balance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of recurrent rhabdomyolysis in an elderly diabetic patient with genetically proven McArdle disease. Our initial attempt to reduce insulin resistance with metformin and pioglitazone was not effective, possibly because of inadequate insulinemia. However, an improvement was evident after the administration of low doses of intermediate-acting insulin. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the patient's clinical evolution, we suggest the use of medication that reduces insulin resistance for patients with McArdle disease and type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes or even normoglycemic metabolic syndrome.

Two cases of fungal cyst infection in ADPKD: is this really a rare complication?

BACKGROUND: Cyst infection is a prevalent complication in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients, however therapeutic and diagnostic approaches towards this condition remain unclear. The confirmation of a likely episode of cyst infection by isolating the pathogenic microorganism in a clinical scenario is possible only in the minority of cases. The available antimicrobial treatment guidelines, therefore, might not be appropriate to some patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe two unique cases of kidney cyst infection by Candida albicans, a condition that has not been previously described in literature. Both cases presented clear risk factors for Candida spp. infection. However, since there was no initial indication of cyst aspiration and culture, antifungal therapy was not immediately started and empirical treatment was initiated as recommended by the current guidelines. Antifungal treatment was instituted in both cases along the clinical course, according to their specificities. CONCLUSION: Our report highlights the possibility of Candida spp. cyst infection. Failure of clinical improvement with antibiotics should raise the suspicion of a fungal infection. Identification of infected cysts should be pursued in such cases, particularly with PET-CT, and when technically possible followed by cyst aspiration and culture to guide treatment. Risk factors for this condition, such as Candida spp. colonization, previous antimicrobial therapy, hemodialysis, necrotizing pancreatitis, gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary surgical procedure, central venous catheter, total parenteral nutrition, diabetes mellitus and immunodeficiency (neutropenia < 500 neutrophils/mL, hematologic malignancy, chemotherapy, immunosuppressant drugs), should be also considered accepted criteria for empirical antifungal therapy.

Randomized Trial of Machine Perfusion Versus Cold Storage in Recipients of Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants With High Incidence of Delayed Graft Function.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the use of static cold storage versus continuous hypothermic machine perfusion in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients at high risk for delayed graft function (DGF). METHODS: In this national, multicenter, and controlled trial, 80 pairs of kidneys recovered from brain-dead deceased donors were randomized to cold storage or machine perfusion, transplanted, and followed up for 12 months. The primary endpoint was the incidence of DGF. Secondary endpoints included the duration of DGF, hospital stay, primary nonfunction, estimated glomerular filtration rate, acute rejection, and allograft and patient survivals. RESULTS: Mean cold ischemia time was high but not different between the 2 groups (25.6 ± 6.6 hours vs 25.05 ± 6.3 hours, 0.937). The incidence of DGF was lower in the machine perfusion compared with cold storage group (61% vs. 45%, P = 0.031). Machine perfusion was independently associated with a reduced risk of DGF (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.95). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate tended to be higher at day 28 (40.6 ± 19.9 mL/min per 1.73 m2 vs 49.0 ± 26.9 mL/min per 1.73 m2; P = 0.262) and 1 year (48.3 ± 19.8 mL/min per 1.73 m2 vs 54.4 ± 28.6 mL/min per 1.73 m2; P = 0.201) in the machine perfusion group. No differences in the incidence of acute rejection, primary nonfunction (0% vs 2.5%), graft loss (7.5% vs 10%), or death (8.8% vs 6.3%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of recipients of deceased donor kidneys with high mean cold ischemia time and high incidence of DGF, the use of continuous machine perfusion was associated with a reduced risk of DGF compared with the traditional cold storage preservation method.

Monitoração terapêutica da azatioprina: uma revisão: [revisão] / Therapeutic drug monitoring of azathioprine: a review: [review]

Os nucleotídeos de tioguanina (6-TGN), metabólitos ativos da azatioprina (AZA) e da 6-mercaptopurina (6-MP), atuam como antagonistas das purinas, inibindo as sínteses de DNA, RNA e a protéica, e induzindo à citotoxicidade/imunossupressão. A enzima geneticamente determinada, tiopurina metiltransferase (TPMT), está envolvida no metabolismo desses agentes e, hipoteticamente, determina a resposta clínica às tiopurinas. A baixa atividade dessa enzima diminui a metilação das tiopurinas, resultando em potencial sobredose, enquanto altos níveis de TPMT levam à superprodução do metabólito tóxico 6-metilmercaptopurina (6-MMP) e à não-efetividade terapêutica da AZA e da 6-MP. Várias mutações no gene da TPMT têm sido identificadas e correlacionadas com fenótipos de baixa atividade. Neste artigo, também se discute a monitoração terapêutica desses fármacos por meio da medida dos níveis de 6-TGN intra-eritrocitários, os quais se correlacionam com imunossupressão e mielotoxicidade. Já a 6-MMP está diretamente relacionada com hepatotoxicidade. Esses ensaios estão associados ao uso de doses adequadas dessa droga, resultando num melhor controle da doença e menor uso de corticosteróides.

Thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN), active metabolites of azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), act as purine antagonists, inhibiting DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and inducing cytotoxicity and immunosuppression. The genetically determined thiopurine methyltransferase enzyme (TPMT) is involved in the metabolism of these agents and, theoretically, determines the clinical response to thiopurines. Low activity of this enzyme decreases the methylation of thiopurines, what results in potential overdosing, whereas high TPMT status leads to overproduction of toxic metabolite 6-methilmercaptopurine (6-MMP) and ineffectiveness of AZA and 6-MP. Several mutations in the TPMT gene have been identified and correlated with low activity phenotypes. In this study, we also discuss the therapeutic monitoring of these drugs by means of red blood cell 6-TGN levels, which correlate with immunosuppression and mielotoxicity. 6-MMP is directly connected with hepatotoxicity. These metabolites assays are associated with the use of appropriate doses of this drug, what results in a better control of the disease and a decreased use of corticosteroids.

Ciclosporina A: experiência da Unidade de Transplante Renal do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Säo Paulo / Cyclosporina A: experience of the Renal Transplant Unit of Hospital das Clínicas of Universidade de Säo Paulo

Os autores relatam sua experiência com o uso da ciclosproina-A (CsA) em transplante renal. Quando comparada com o esquema clássico (azatioprina e predinisona), a CsA, tanto associada à prednisona (esquema duplo), como associada à azatioprina e prednisona (esquema tríplice), contribuiu para uma considerável melhora na sobrevida do enxerto e do paciente. A CsA foi usada também em substituiçäo à azatioprina em pacientes com hepatopatia induzida ou agravada pela azatioprina. Os resultados iniciais säo promissores. Com o objetivo de favorecer o crescimento de crianças com déficit estatural, a CsA foi introduzida com retirada posterior da prednisona e manutençäo da azatioprina. Houve recuperaçäo do ritmo em todas elas. Este esquema parece ser o ideal para se empregar em crianças. Uma cuidadosa manutençäo dos níveis sanguíneos adequados de CsA evita ou minimiza a sua nefortoxicidade. Para atingir os níveis terapêuticos ideais, os pacientes hepatopatas necessitam doses mais baixas e as crianças, mais altas. Em resumo, a CsA, adequadamente manuseada, é um excelente imunossupressor

Recorrência de glomerulosclerose segmentar e focal em rins transplantados / Recurrence of segmental and focal glomerulosclerosis in transplanted kidneys

Relatamos a evoluçäo de 16 pacientes com glomerulosclerose segmentar e focal (GESF), que receberam transplante de rim. Dez dos 16 (grupo 1) tinham o diagnóstico confirmado histologicamente nos rins nativos. Em seis (grupo 2) o diagnóstico foi sugerido em virtude do aparecimento precoce de GESF no enxerto, o qual foi considerado com recidiva da doença primária. O percentual e recidiva (grupo 1) foi de 40%, sendo o principal marcador clínico a proteinúria, de nível nefrótico e de aparecimento precoce em todos os casos, isto é, em tempo menor do que 60 dias. Naqueles pacientes que apresentaram evoluçäo mais rápida da doença primitiva, em tempo menor que quatro anos, o percentual de recorrência da glomerulosclerose focal. Por outro lado, aqueles pacientes com tempo maior de evoluçäo da doença primária apresentaram evoluçäo mais benigna da glomerulosclerose recidivada, näo se observando nenhuma perda do enxerto pela recidiva. Acreditamos que o transplante renal, com doador vivo, deva ser evitado para aqueles pacientes com GESF de rápida evoluçäo

Gravidez em pacientes con transplante renal

Foram observadas 35 gestaçöes, das quais uma ectópica e quatro ainda em evoluçäo. Ocorreram quatro abortos, dois espontâneos e dous provocados, nenhum por indicaçäo médica. Foram verificados natimortos a 26 e 30 semanas, todos de mäe com rebaixamento funcional renal, hipertensäo arterial ou proteinúria. Uma criança faleceu dois dias após o parto por complicaçöes respiratórias infecciosas, e uma outra com microcefalia e polidactilia sobreviveu seis anos. Nasceram vinte crianças sem anormalidades, embora várias com peso baixo para a idade gestacional, sendo 2/3 através de cesariana. O parto vaginal näo trouxe complicaçöes para o rim pélvico. Uma paciente faleceu no 6§ mês, com feto morto retido, em sepse. Infecçäo urinária de fácil controle foi observada em quatro pacientes. Uma paciente desenvolveu icterícia revertida com diminuiçäo da dose de azatioprina. O aleitamento materno näo foi permitido em nnenhum caso. Na maioria das pacientes a funçäo do enxerto aumentou durante a gravidez, de modo semelhante as mulheres grávidas näo transplantadas. Em cinco casos (4%) ocorreu agravamento progressivo da funçäo renal atribuido, em quatro, ao dano renal presente pré-gestacional. Nenhum caso de toxemia gravídica foi observado nesta casuística. Anemia surgiu na evoluçäo de 11 gestaçöes, das quais cinco necessitaram de transfuçöes sangüíneas. Em todas a imunossupressäo foi efetuada com azatioprina e prednisona

Tuberculosis in patients with chronic renal failure

Nove casos de tuberculose (TBC) foram diagnosticados entre 800 pacientes urêmicos acompanhados durante um período de 11 anos. Isto constitui uma prevalência de 1,125%, 2,5 vezes maior que aquela da populaçäo geral. Seis pacientes (66,7%) tiveram comprometimento dos linfonodos (4 cervicais e 2 mediastinais). Três pacientes (33,3%) tiveram acometimento pulmonar (2, pleuro-pulmonar e 1, apical). Oito pacientes estavam em diálise e 1 estava na fase pré-dialítica. A duraçäo do tratamento dialítico variou de 1 a 60 meses. Três pacientes receberam imunossupressäo previamente por transplante renal mal sucedido. Febre diária esteve presente em todos pacientes, menos em um que era assintomático e cuja TBC foi suspeitada após uma radiografia de tórax rotineira anormal. Biópsia foi o procedimento diagnóstico em 7 pacientes (77,8%). Quatro foram biópsias diretas de linfonodos cervicais, 2 de linfonodos mediastinais realizadas através de mediastinoscopia e uma da pleura. Em 2 outros pacientes a TBC foi confirmada pela presença do bacilo da tuberculose; em 1 caso no escarro e em outro no lavado brônquico. Esquema tríplice foi empregado em todos os casos (isoniazida e etambutol em todos mais rifampicina em 8 e estreptomicina em 1). Um paciente teve icterícia e outro neurite óptica. Cinco pacientes se curaram. Os outros 4 faleceram durante o tratamento por causas näo relacionadas à TBC ou seu tratamento

Dopamina endovenosa como agente propiciador de ruptura renal no pós-transplante imediato / Endovenous dopamine as trigger agent of renal rupture in the immediate post-transplantation period

Dopamina endovenosa em dose subpressora vem sendo descrita na literatura como meio útil na profilaxia de insuficiência renal aguda. Em 25 pacientes submetidos a transplante renal, sendo 14 com doador vivo e 11 com doador cadáver, foi utilizada dopamina (D) na dose de 2-3mg/kg/min associada a furosemida (F) na dose de 100 a 200mg endovenosa a cada 6 horas, por 3 a 5 dias. A indicaçäo foi em 19 casos de insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) por necrose tubular aguda imediata pós-transplante, em 4 casos de rejeiçäo (R) e 2 casos de associaçäo de IRA + R. Como grupo-controle, analisamos 10 casos de IRA e 11 casos com R. Nos casos que se usou a dopamina, embora se tenha observado aumento da diurese em cerca de 70% dos casos, näo houve mudança na funçäo renal. Contudo, nesse grupo houve 6 casos de ruptura renal (3 casos de NTA, 2 casos de rejeiçäo + NTA e 1 caso de rejeiçäo humoral), o que dá uma incidência de 24% e nenhum caso no grupo-controle. Na experiência de UTR anterior ao uso de dopamina a incidência de ruptura renal era de 0,9%. Possivelmente a maior incidência de ruptura renal seja decorrente do aumento do edema renal, conseqüente ao aumento do fluxo sangüíneo renal induzido pela dopamina, em um rim já edemaciado pela necrose tubular aguda e/ou pela rejeiçäo e sem drenagem linfática. Dopamina em doses subpressoras näo deve ser usada no pós-transplante renal imediato

Hepatopatia em pacientes transplantados que adquiriram o vírus B da hepatite pós-transplante / Hepatopathy in transplanted patients who acquired B virus after transplantation

Foram analizados 408 pacientes submetidos a transplante renal no período de janeiro de 1971 a dezembro 1983, na Unidade de Transplante Renal do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Säo Paulo. Desse grupo, 41 pacientes (10%) adquiriram HBsAg, sendo previamente negativos no pré-transplante. Destes, 24 (57%) tornaram-se positivos em menos de 12 meses pós-transplante; 17 (42%) nos primeiros seis meses. Oito pacientes (19,5%) negativaram o HBsAg na evoluçäo de seu transplante (cinco em menos de seis meses e três em mais de 24 meses). Dos 41 pacientes, 26 (63,4%) apresentaram elevaçäo enzimática pós-transplantetendo médias de: TGO 162,9 UI/1 (variando de 26 a 1670), TGP 213,8 UI/1 (variando de 28 a 1240), Gama GT 149,2 UI/1 (variando de 62 a 491). Dez pacientes faleceram (24,4%), a maioria de causa infecciosa; somente um por insuficiência hepática (cirrose micronodular). Em dois casos falecidos por outra causa foi encontrado hepatopatia importante na necropsia. Contrariamente à infecçäo por virus de hepatite B no pré-transplante, este tipo de infecçäo no pós-transplante é de bom prognóstico, para a parte hepática do paciente