Evaluation of the relationship between acute kidney injury and renin angiotensin system inhibition in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), acute kidney injury (AKI) may alter the clinical course and outcome of the disease. In this study, the association of AKI with renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor treatment and its clinical consequences were examined in COVID-19 patients admitted to our hospital during the initial stages of the pandemic. METHODS: A total of 407 patients between 18 and 85 years of age (202 male and 205 female) admitted to the Umraniye Research And Training Hospital between May 2020 and August 2020 with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. Patients were categorized as follows: Group 1, subjects with no chronic conditions (n=150); and Group 2, subjects with comorbid conditions (n=257). Group 2 was subdivided into Group 2A (receiving angiotensin receptor blocker [ARB])/(angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor [ACEI], n=81), and Group 2B (not receiving ARB/ACEI, n=176). RESULTS: Hypertension was the most frequent comorbid condition (36.4%). There was no difference in survival rates between the patients who used RAS inhibitor and the ones who did not based on log rank test (p=0.342). Fifty-four patients (13.4%) had developed AKI during the time frame of the disease. In patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, the use of RAS inhibitory medication was not associated with developing AKI (OR 95% CI: 0.317-1.358; p=0.256). The survival rate of the patients with AKI was significantly lower than patients without AKI (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 may cause renal injury represents a risk factor for mortality. Therefore, detection of renal injury has a particular prognostic importance.

The first kidney transplantation after recipient and living donor recovered from COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 is still a major threat to the world. In this pandemic, transplantation activities have largely been affected worldwide. We are still facing with this pandemic; however, after regulations, we have started our transplantation activities. We report the first kidney transplantation whose recipient and living donor recovered from COVID-19. A 31-year-old male with renal failure was admitted for transplantation with an ABO-compatible relative. The recipient and the donor were tested for COVID-19 before transplantation, and they were both positive with a polymerase chain reaction. The recipient had minor symptoms and received therapy; the living donor also received therapy. Thirty days after recovery, surgery was performed successfully. The recipient was discharged with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), tacrolimus, and steroid 15 days after surgery. In the follow-up, they were both negative for COVID-19 45 days after surgery. Although there is missing literature regarding safety concerns and short-term follow-up, living-donor transplantation may be considered for patients, who recovered from COVID-19, after careful selection with paying attention to precautions.

A case of dasatinib-induced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in a patient with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a common glomerular histological lesion, which is usually characterised by non-nephrotic range proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome. It may be idiopathic or occurs secondarily to drugs, diabetes, obesity or HIV nephropathy and other infections. Dasatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been used for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, has a few renal adverse effects. Exceptional cases with non-nephrotic range proteinuria have been reported in relation with dasatinib. In this case, we report a patient with symptoms of nephrotic syndrome and nephrotic range proteinuria, who was diagnosed as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis by kidney biopsy after treated with dasatinib.

Therapeutic effectiveness of rectally administered fish oil and mesalazine in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis.

AIM: Fish oil (FO) and mesalazine have well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; on the other hand, information related to combined intrarectal administration of FO and mesalazine is limited. The present study was conducted to make comparison on therapeutic effectiveness of rectally administered FO and mesalazine in rats with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups as (1) Control, (2) Colitis, (3) Colitis + Mesalazine (Colitis + M), (4) Colitis + Fish Oil (Colitis + F), and (5) Colitis + Mesalazine + Fish Oil (Colitis + M + F). Intrarectally administered TNBS induced colitis. At the end of the trial, the rats' macroscopic and histopathologic lesions were rated and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin 6 (IL6), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Total nitrate and nitrite, and catalase (CAT) in serum and tissue were detected. RESULTS: As a result of macroscopic and microscopic examination, although separate administrations of FO and mesalazine partly decreased the damage, their combined administration decreased the damage scores significantly (p < 0.01). It was observed that separate and combined administrations of FO and mesalazine decreased the increase in the serum and tissue TNF-α and IL-6 levels caused by colitis (p < 0.05). It was observed that the serum MPO, serum GR, tissue SOD, tissue nitrite/nitrate values of both Colitis + M and Colitis + F groups were close to the control in terms of all the parameter values in Colitis + M + F group (p > 0.05). Also based on the histological results, the inflammation damage in the tissue caused by colitis in the Colitis + M + F group recovered significantly. CONCLUSIONS: We found that microscopic and macroscopic damage, serum IL-6 level decreased and increased serum and tissue GP and tissue GR values in Colitis + M + F group compared to Colitis + M and Colitis + F groups. Combined intrarectal administration of FO and mesalazine may bring a new insight concerning the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Is FGF23 effective on insulin resistance in individuals with metabolic syndrome?

Purpose Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a polymetabolic syndrome has high morbidity and mortality rates. Insulin resistance (IR) plays a key role in the increasing frequency of this situation and has been cited as being an important etiologic factor in MetS. In this study, the relationship between IR and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), was investigated in a population with MetS. Materials and methods Forty patients with diagnosis of MetS and 40 healthy volunteers with an equal number of males and females were included in the study and classified as patient group and control group. Blood samples were obtained after 12-h fasting period to study FGF23 and other parameters. MetS, defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) guidelines, FGF23 was studied by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method and IR was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula. Results There was a statistically significant difference in HOMA-IR between the patient and control group as expected, while levels of FGF23 were similar. According to gender, levels of FGF23 was statistically significantly higher in male patients compared with controls (p = 0.037). A relationship was not detected between HOMA-IR and FGF23 in the correlation analysis. Conclusion Although there are many studies suggesting the correlation between FGF23 and IR in different populations, we did not find any statistically significant relationship between IR and FGF23 levels in MetS in this study.

Burnout Syndrome Among Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Nurses.

INTRODUCTION: Burnout, a syndrome with 3 dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduction of personal accomplishment, is very common among hemodialysis nurses, while data are scarce regarding the prevalence of burnout syndrome (BS) among peritoneal dialysis (PD) nurses. This study aimed to assess and compare demographic and professional characteristics and burnout levels in hemodialysis and PD nurses, and to investigate factors that increase the level of burnout in dialysis nurses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 171 nurses from 44 dialysis centers in Turkey were included in a cross-sectional survey study. Data were collected using a questionnaire defining the social and demographic characteristics and working conditions of the nurses as well as the Maslach Burnout Inventory for assessment of burnout level. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the level of burnout between the hemodialysis and PD nurses groups. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores were higher among the shift workers, nurses who had problems in interactions with the other team members, and those who wanted to leave the unit, as well as the nurses who would not attend training programs. In addition, male sex, younger age, limited working experience, more than 50 hours of working per week, and working in dialysis not by choice were associated with higher depersonalization scores. Personal accomplishment score was lower among the younger nurses who had problems in their interactions with the doctors, who would not regularly attend training programs, and who felt being medically inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Improving working conditions and relations among colleagues, and also providing further dialysis education are necessary for minimizing burnout syndrome. Burnout reduction programs should mainly focus on younger professionals.

The Effects of Hemodialysis on Tear Osmolarity.

Aim. To determine the effects of hemodialysis (HD) on tear osmolarity and to define the blood biochemical tests correlating with tear osmolarity among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Material-Method. Tear osmolarity of ESRD patients before and after the hemodialysis program was determined as well as the blood biochemical data including glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, urea, and creatinine levels. Results. Totally 43 eyes of 43 patients (20 females and 23 males) with a mean age of 53.98 ± 18.06 years were included in the study. Tear osmolarity of patients was statistically significantly decreased after hemodialysis (314.06 ± 17.77 versus 301.88 ± 15.22 mOsm/L, p = 0.0001). In correlation analysis, pre-HD tear osmolarity was negatively correlated with pre-HD blood creatinine level (r = -0.366, p = 0.016). Post-HD tear osmolarity was statistically significantly correlated with the post-HD glucose levels (r = 0.305 p = 0.047). Tear osmolarity alteration by HD was negatively correlated with creatinine alteration, body weight alteration, and ultrafiltration (r = -0.426, p = 0.004; r = -0.365, p = 0.016; and r = -0.320, p = 0.036, resp.). There was no correlation between tear osmolarity and Kt/V and URR values. Conclusion. HD effectively decreases tear osmolarity to normal values and corrects the volume and composition of the ocular fluid transiently. Tear osmolarity alteration induced by HD is correlated with body weight changes, creatinine alterations, and ultrafiltration.

Relation of Complementary-Alternative Medicine use with glomerular filtration rate and depression in patients with chronic kidney disease at predialysis stage.

AIM: Complementary and alternative medicine is a broad field of health including all health care practices and methods, and their accompanying theories and beliefs. In the present study, we aimed to examine the frequency of complementary-alternative medicine use, and its relation with glomerular filtration rate and depression in patients with chronic kidney disease at predialysis stage. METHODS: A total of 1053 predialysis patients; 518 female and 535 male, that were followed up with chronic kidney disease for at least 3 months were enrolled into the study. Demographic features, biochemical parameters and findings of physical examination were recorded. Their compliance to diet, and knowledge about disease were questioned. Beck depression inventory and questionnaire regarding complementary-alternative medicine use were performed. RESULTS: The overall frequency of complementary-alternative medicine use was 40.3% . Total ratio of herbal products was 46%. Complementary-alternative medicine use was significantly more frequent in female or single patients, and patients that informed about chronic kidney disease or under strict diet (P = 0.007, P = 0.016, P = 0.02, P = 0.016, respectively). When glomerular filtration rate of participants were considered, complementary-alternative medicine use was similar in different stages of kidney disease. Depression was observed in 41.9% of patients and significantly frequent in patients with alternative method use (P = 0.002). Depression score was higher as creatinine increases and glomerular filtration rate decreases (P = 0.002; r = 0.093). CONCLUSION: We determined that complementary-alternative medicine use gradually increases at predialysis stage as glomerular filtration rate decreases and there is a strict relation between complementary-alternative medicine use and depression or female gender. Disorder related stressors may lead to seeking of alternative methods.

The relation of mean platelet volume with microalbuminuria and glomerular filtration rate in obese individuals without other metabolic risk factors: the role of platelets on renal functions.

INTRODUCTION: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indirect indicator of platelet activity that plays a major role in the pathogenesis of endothelial injury. Obese individuals have higher microalbuminuria which is the initial step of renal endothelial injury. We aimed to analyze the relation of microalbuminuria and MPV in obese individuals without metabolic risk factors. METHODS: A total of 290 obese individuals (body mass index (BMI)>30 kg/m2) without an accompanying chronic disorder, and 204 nonobese healthy subjects were enrolled into the study. All participants underwent physical examination. Biochemical, hemogram, and hormonal parameters along with urine albumin analysis were performed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by Cockcroft-Gault (GFRC&G), modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD). The BMI was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze relation of variables. RESULTS: The patient group consisted of 171 (59%) female (mean age: 37.15±8.05 years) and 119 (41%) male (mean age 38.98±10.68 years) obese individuals. 130 (63.7%) age matched female (mean age 36.18±8.26 years) and 74 (36.3%) age matched male (mean age 36.49±10.25 years) controls were assigned to the control group. There was a significant difference between groups with regard to BMI, spot microalbuminuria, spot urine microalbuminuria/creatinine ratio but not with to MPV and spot urine creatinine (p: 0.01, 0.004, 0.002; respectively). GFR measured by MDRD and Cockcroft-Gault formula were significantly higher in the obese group (p<0.001 for both). Correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between BMI and spot urine microalbuminuria, spot urine microalbuminuria/creatinine ratio, GFR (Cockcroft-Gault Formula), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, C-peptide, diastolic blood pressure, glucose, uric acid, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, c-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), leukocyte count, platelet count. MPV was inversely and significantly correlated with spot urine creatinine, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, C-peptide, and platelet count. Mean urea, creatinine, uric acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin, C-peptide, HOMA-IR were significantly higher in obese male individuals while obese female individuals had higher levels of mean high density lipoprotein (HDL), CRP, TSH, platelet count, spot urine microalbumin/creatinine rate, and GFR measured by MDRD. CONCLUSIONS: Obese individuals have higher microalbuminuria and nonsignificantly elevated MPV, however, urine albumin loss is independent of MPV.

Is hemodialysis a reason for unresponsiveness to hepatitis B vaccine? Hepatitis B virus and dialysis therapy.

Impaired renal function is associated with a high risk of chronicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Patients on hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis are at an increased risk of viral transmission due to frequent necessity of blood product transfer as well as use of contaminated dialysate or dialysis materials. Additionally, health professionals may cause viral spread via contaminated hands and carelessness against hygiene rules. The frequency of chronic HBV infection may be as high as 80% in patients on renal replacement therapies. This is because HBV vaccination is essential to eliminate chronic HBV infection. However, response rates of HD patients to HBV vaccination vary between 10%-50%. Dialysis adequacy and early vaccination before the onset of dialysis therapy seem to be major determinants of high seroconversion rates. Older age, male gender, duration of dialysis therapy and nutritional status are other well-known factors associated with seroconversion rate. There are controversial reports regarding the role of the presence of diabetes mellitus, HCV positivity, erythropoietin resistance, hyperparathyroidism, and vitamin D inadequacy. The role of genetic alteration in the functions or production of cytokines still needs to be elucidated.

Evaluation of relationship between sexual functions, depression and quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease at predialysis stage.

AIM: The relation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with metabolic, psychiatric and endocrinologic disorder is well-known. Depressive mood and sexual dysfunction are frequently observed as renal functions deteriorate. We aimed to analyze the relationship of sexual dysfunction, depressive mood and life quality in patients with CKD at predialysis stage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients; 27 female and 26 male with CKD who had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15 and 90 mL/min and followed up in the Nephrology Department, Bursa Sevket Yilmaz Education and Research Hospital, were enrolled. Age- and sex-matched 20 female and 20 male healthy control subjects were assigned to the control group. Detailed medical and sexual history was obtained by using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Erectile Function International Evaluation Form (IEFF), Short form (SF) 36 Form and Beck Depression Questionnaire (BDI). Biochemical and hormonal parameters including urea, creatinine, uric acid, sedimentation rate, c-reactive protein, total testosterone, DHEA-S, FSH, LH, TSH, estradiol and prolactin were analyzed. FINDINGS: Depression was observed in 12 male (46%) and 14 female (51%) patients. The frequency of depression among male patients and control subjects was similar, however, significantly higher in female patients than female controls (p=0.036). Physical function score, physical role score and pain score in SF 36 of entire patients were significantly lower than controls (p=0.0001, 0.0001, 0.001, respectively). The frequency of depression was similar between patients and controls (p>0.05). When SF 36 tests of male and female patients were compared, general health status, vitality and mental health status were significantly better in male patients (p=0.005, 0.016, 0.035, respectively). SF 36 scores of female patients were significantly lower than female controls (p=0.0001). The frequency of erectile dysfunction (ED) was similar between male patients (84%) and controls (75%) (p=0.62). On the other hand, sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in female patients when compared to female controls (92% vs. 30%; p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: We showed that sexual dysfunction and depression are more frequent among female patients with CKD at predialysis stage; however, it does not have significant impact on life quality. When life quality of female and male patients was compared, general health status, vitality and mental health status of female patients were poorer. We failed to demonstrate a relationship between sexual dysfunction and sex hormone level.

The association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene G894T polymorphism and serum nitric oxide concentration with microalbuminuria in patients with gestational diabetes.

AIM: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a glucose intolerant condition that affects 14% of all pregnancies. Diabetes mellitus (DM) occurs in 30 - 70% of patients with GDM after delivery. DM and GDM are associated with structural and functional deterioration of the renovascular system. Our aim is to investigate the association Glu- 298Asp polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene with serum nitric oxide levels and microalbuminuria in patients with GDM and healthy pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum nitric oxide (NO) levels, urinary excretion of albumin and Glu298Asp polymorphism of the eNOS gene were analyzed in 68 patients with GDM and 73 healthy controls. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-Griess) method was used to analyze serum NO levels. Microalbuminuria was evaluated by rate nephelometry method. The Glu298Asp polymorphism of the eNOS gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: Nitric oxide, glucose, creatinine, and microalbuminuria were significantly different between the patients and the control subjects (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.005, respectively). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of the ratio of GG/GT+TT of eNOS gene Glu- 298Asp (p = 0.02). The patients with GT+TT genotype had significantly higher microalbuminuria levels and lower NO concentrations (22.16 vs. 9.51, p = 0.005, and 10.56 vs. 12.73, p = 0.021, respectively). The presence of T allele of eNOS gene is an independent predictor of microalbuminuria (OR: 2.346, 95% confidence interval: 1.247 - 5.238, p = 0.02) as well as serum glucose and NO concentration. CONCLUSION: The G894T polymorphism of eNOS gene and decreased NO concentration seem to be independent predictors of increased urinary excretion of albumin in patients with GDM. Determining the frequency of eNOS gene G894T polymorphism may help to identify pregnancies at increased risk of microalbuminuria.

Evaluation of the serum cystatin C values in prediction of indications for hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Indications of dialysis treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease depend on various clinical and laboratory parameters. In this study, we aimed to determine whether standardized serum cystatin C (SCC) equation may be an applicability of marker for dialysis initiation and its relationship to other clearance values among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 84 patients (45 males, 39 females) aged 19-89 were evaluated in this study. Hemodialysis was indicated according to clinical and laboratory findings, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was according to four different formulas [MDRD, EpiCKD, Cockcroft Gault formula (CGF) and SCC equation]. RESULTS: eGFR values of patients in the study were 7.23 ± 3.26, 7.86 ± 3.78, 15.09 ± 10.88 and 11.31 ± 4.54 according to MDRD, EpiCKD, SCC equation and CGF, respectively. There was a positive correlation between MDRD, EpiCKD and CGF, and between EpiCKD and CGF (p < 0.01). Also, statistically significant correlation was found between SCC equation and CGF (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SCC equation was not seemed to be an appropriate marker for starting dialysis in patients with advanced CKD.

Do hemodialysis adequacy data reflect reality?

Hemodialysis (HD) adequacy requires monitoring in line with standards and at appropriate intervals. However, the use of inappropriate or incorrectly applied techniques in the determination of HD adequacy can lead to highly unfortunate results. This study was intended to identify the path to a solution by determining how far HD adequacy in HD centers in our region reflects reality. Three hundred and thirty HD patients from eight centers were included. On the first visit, predialysis and postdialysis blood collection with the centers' own methods being used were observed and errors were recorded. Kt/V1 was calculated from pre- and postdialysis blood specimens taken by the units themselves. On the second visit, one session later, pre- and postdialysis blood samples were collected in line with guidelines by ourselves, the authors, and Kt/V2 was calculated from these samples. The eight units' total Kt/V2 value was significantly lower compared with Kt/V1 (<0.0001). The level of patients in all centers with Kt/V1 <1.2 was 13.5%, and that of patients with Kt/V2 <1.2 was 22.1%. No center, apart from one unit, managed to complete the collection of blood specimens as recommended by the guidelines. With one exception, blood collection for HD adequacy was not performed using proper technique in any center. This simple but easily overlooked situation, HD being regarded as adequate though in fact it is not, may lead to patients not being treated effectively and accurately and to a rise in mortality and morbidity in the long term.

Parameters of oxidative stress and echocardiographic indexes in patients on dialysis therapy.

AIM: Quantity of oxidative stress (OS) is enhanced in every stage of chronic renal failure (CRF). OS and its effects on echocardiographic indexes in patients on hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients on CAPD, 32 patients on HD, and 30 healthy individuals with similar demographic features were included. Patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic inflammatory diseases were excluded. Blood samples were collected to examine hematological and biochemical parameters and levels of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) after a 12-hour fasting period in the middle of dialysis week. OS parameters were compared with ejection fraction (EF), interventricular septum diameter (IVSd), left ventricular posterior wall diameter (LVPWd), and left atrium diameter (LAd) determined in M-mod echocardiographic examination. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between MDA and GSH-px levels of patients and control group; however, SOD levels of patients group were significantly lower (p<0.0001). SOD levels of patients on HD were lower than that of patients on CAPD (p=0.039). Negative correlation was detected between MDA and EF (r=-0.380, p=0.001); SOD has negative correlation with systolic blood pressure (r=-0.265, p=0.011), diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.230, p=0.028), phosphorus (r=-0.327, p=0.001), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (r=-0.259, p=0.013), C-reactive protein (CRP) (r=-0.235, p=0.024), fibrinogen (r=-0.342, p=0.001), and total cholesterol (r=-0.249, p=0.017); and positive correlation with hemoglobin (r=0.414, p<0.001) and albumin (r=0.367, p<0.001). MDA was independently related with age (beta=-0.258, p=0.035), male gender (beta=-0.312, p=0.004), and EF (beta=-0.461, p<0.001). No correlation was determined between antioxidants and cardiac indexes. CONCLUSION: SOD levels decreased significantly especially in patients on HD, and it was observed that lower levels of SOD would lead to OS in patients on HD and CAPD when compared to healthy individuals; MDA levels were independently influenced from EF.

An atypical localisation of tuberculosis infection in patients undergoing haemodialysis: a case report.

Spinal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare skeletal system localisation of TB in haemodialysis patients. In this paper, a case of Pott's disease with a psoas muscle abscess is reported. The patient had been on the dialysis programme for five years and was complaining of back pain, weight loss and weakness, which were investigated. A thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple paravertebral abscesses invading the psoas muscle. TB diagnosis was made by microbiological analysis of specimen, which was obtained by fine needle aspiration under computerised tomography guidance.

The association of demographic, clinical, and thrombophilic factors with the failure of arteriovenous fistula among hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of demographic, clinical, and thrombophilic factors with the failure of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. METHODS: Sixty-two (33 males, 29 females) patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis were included in the study in March 2005 at the Hemodialysis Center of the Medicine Faculty at Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they needed (group II) or do not need (group I) more than one fistula placed. RESULTS: Female gender, longer vintage of hemodialysis, frequent intradialytic hypotensive episodes, elevated levels of phosporous, calcium-phosporous product (CaP), and intact parathormone (iPTH), and left ventricle hypertrophy were more likely in group 2. CONCLUSION: Arteriovenous fistula loss, and recurrent requirement of AVF constitution increase with hemodialysis vintage. We believe that female gender, frequent intradialytic hypotensive episodes, elevated serum levels of phosporous, iPTH, and high CaP products are risk factors related to the failure of AVF among hemodialysis patients.

The prevalence and the characteristics of tuberculosis patients undergoing chronic dialysis treatment: experience of a dialysis center in southeast Turkey.

Tuberculosis remains a significant health problem for patients receiving chronic dialysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of tuberculosis among patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) undergoing chronic hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Between 1999 and 2006, we diagnosed 21 active tuberculosis patients among a total of 674-dialysis patient in our dialysis center (582 patients on hemodialysis and 92 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis program). Fourteen patients developed extrapulmonary tuberculosis (generally tuberculous lymphadenitis, n = 8) and seven patients developed pulmonary tuberculosis. All patients who developed tuberculosis after starting dialysis had low creatinine clearances and, in general, anemia and hypoalbuminemia. Three of patients greater than 40 years died. In conclusion, tuberculous lymphadenitis was the most frequent form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in our dialysis population. If no cause is found despite extensive investigations in an end stage renal failure case with fever, loss of weight, and/or atypical lymphadenopathy, the physician should consider the possibility of tuberculosis. Finally, it was considered that ESRF is associated with depressed immune system and elevated risk of tuberculosis; thus, in this population, clinicians must evaluate patients carefully.

The effect of venlafaxine HCl on painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of venlafaxine HCl in the symptomatic treatment of painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PPDN) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). DESIGN: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized, and controlled trial. SETTING: This study was conducted at the Dicle University Medical Faculty (Diyarbakir, Turkey). PATIENTS: Sixty type 2 DM outpatients (47 females and 13 males) with PPDN who had a minimum visual analog scale (VAS) score of 40 mm were enrolled in this study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients randomized to the treatment group (n=30) received venlafaxine HCl, whereas those randomized to the control group (n=30) received a combination of vitamins B(1)and B(6) tablets. MEASURES: Severity of pain was measured by VAS, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and numerical analog scale scores at admission and at the second, fourth, and eighth weeks of the study. Polyneuropathy was supported by electromyelography. OUTCOME: In the treatment group, severity of pain was measured as 70.0+/-13.0 in the VAS, as 24.9+/-6.2 in the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and as 7.2+/-1.1 in the numerical analog scale. In the control group, it was measured as 73.0+/-8.0 in the VAS, as 26.8+/-6.2 in the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and as 7.4+/-0.8 in the numerical analog scale (P>.05). RESULTS: The most common form of PPDN was distal symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy in both groups (46.8% vs. 50.0%). At the end of the study, there was a significant difference in severity of pain between the groups. In the treatment group, scores were 8.5+/-5.2 and 3.1+/-1.6 in the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and numerical analog scale, respectively; in the control group, these were 20.5+/-7.0 and 5.5+/-1.6, respectively (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Venlafaxine HCl is a safe and well-tolerable analgesic drug in the symptomatic treatment of PPDN; however, it has minimal adverse effects. It showed its efficacy markedly in the second week of therapy.