Serum VEGF-C levels as a candidate biomarker of hypervolemia in chronic kidney disease.

Attaining and maintaining optimal "dry weight" is one of the principal goals during maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Recent studies have shown a close relationship between Na load and serum vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) levels; thus, we aimed to investigate the role of VEGF-C as a candidate biomarker of hypervolemia. Physical examination, basic laboratory tests, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), echocardiography, and bioimpedance spectroscopy data of 3 groups of study subjects (euvolemic MHD patients, healthy controls, and hypervolemic chronic kidney disease [CKD] patients) were analyzed. Research data for MHD patients were obtained both before the first and after the last hemodialysis (HD) sessions of the week. Data of 10 subjects from each study groups were included in the analysis. Serum VEGF-C levels were significantly higher in hypervolemic CKD versus in MHD patients both before the first and after the last HD sessions (P = .004 and P = .000, respectively). Healthy controls had serum VEGF-C levels similar to and higher than MHD patients before the first and after the last HD sessions of the week (P = .327 and P = .021, respectively). VEGF-C levels were correlated with bioimpedance spectroscopy results (r 0.659, P = .000) and edema (r 0.494, P =0.006), but not with ejection fraction (EF) (r -0.251, P = .134), blood pressures (systolic r 0.037, P = 0.824, diastolic r -0.067, P = .691), and NT-ProBNP (r -0.047, P = .773). These findings suggest that serum VEGF-C levels could be a potential new biomarker of hypervolemia. The lack of correlation between VEGF-C and EF may hold a promise to eliminate this common confounder. Further studies are needed to define the clinical utility of VEGF-C in volume management.

Can eculizumab be discontinued in aHUS?: Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The management of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) has evolved into better control of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and recovery of renal functions since the recent introduction of the terminal complement cascade blocker, eculizumab, into clinical use. Better characterization of genotype-phenotype relations has become possible with genetic and clinical studies. However, these advances brought up some important issues, such as the possibility and timing of discontinuation of eculizumab and strategy of follow-up that need to be enlightened. CASE SUMMARY: One of our aHUS cases with a novel complement factor H mutation, who developed unusual laboratory findings (thrombocytopenia and mild creatinine elevation without other features of TMA) following discontinuation of eculizumab was presented. Literature and case reports relevant to discontinuation of eculizumab in aHUS patients were reviewed. CONCLUSION: Limited experience suggests that the risk of recurrence of TMA following discontinuation of eculizumab is relatively low for patients with MCP mutations, homozygous CFHR3/R1 deletions, anti-CFH antibodies, CFI mutations, and no identifiable mutations, whereas there is a major risk for patients with CFH mutations. Early detection of TMA recurrence and prompt retreatment with eculizumab seem to be efficient in controlling of TMA and restoration of kidney functions.

Test of the recommended dialysis dose on one-year mortality of nondiabetic maintenance hemodialysis patients; observations from a single dialysis unit.

BACKGROUND: The optimal delivered dialysis dose has been of a great interest for the last three decades, though a clear cut point has not been reached yet. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between one-year mortality and the delivered dialysis dose, which was recommended by Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI), in our maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. METHODS: This was a single center, prospective observational study with one year of follow-up. Patients with extremes of age, BMI, residual renal function, diabetes mellitus, severe infection malignancy, and recent hospitalization within the last three months were excluded. Demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, and outcome data (mortality as the primary) were prospectively collected. Patients were classified into two groups according to baseline spKt/V levels; group 1 (n = 20): spKt/V ≤ 1.4, group 2 (n = 60): spKt/V > 1.4. RESULTS: Median (IQR) age and hemodialysis vintage of all patients (M/F: 41/39) were 49.5 (29) years and 60 (94) months, respectively. Both groups had similar characteristics, with the exception of significantly higher BMI (24 vs. 21.7, p = 0.012), serum creatinine and uric acids, and lower spKt/V (1.30 vs. 1.71, p < 0.001) in group 1. Overall death occurred in seven (8.75%) patients (5 from group 1 and 2 from group 2). Patients in group 1 had significantly higher one-year mortality rate and shorter survival time (25% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.003 and 43.9 vs. 47.3 weeks, p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Higher spKt/V (>1.4) was associated with a lower one-year mortality in this small cohort of patients.

Serum uric acid levels and inflammatory markers with respect to dipping status: A retrospective analysis of hypertensive patients with or without chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum uric acid levels, inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)] and mean platelet volume (MPV) among hypertensive patients with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD) with respect to dipping status. METHODS: A total of 432 hypertensive patients with (n = 340) or without (n = 92) CKD who had ambulatory blood pressure monitoring recordings were included. Correlation of serum uric acid levels with inflammatory markers (CRP, PLR, NLR) was evaluated as was the logistic regression analysis for determinants of nondipper pattern. RESULTS: Nondipper pattern was noted in 65.2% and 79.7% of non-CKD and CKD patients, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only serum uric acid (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.60 to 4.52; p = 0.000), MPV (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.53; p = 0.000), PLR (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97 to 0.99; p = 0.000), and serum albumin (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.93; p = 0.031) were significant determinants of nondipper pattern in the overall study population. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings revealed higher prevalence of nondipper pattern in hypertensive patients with than without CKD and significantly higher levels for uric acid, CRP, MPV, PLR, and NLR among nondipper than dipper hypertensive patients with CKD. High levels for uric acid and MPV and lower levels for PLR and serum albumin were noted as significant determinants of nondipper pattern among hypertensive patients.

The relationship between serum albumin levels and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring recordings in non-diabetic essential hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin levels and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-h ABPM) recordings in non-diabetic essential hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 354 patients (mean [SD] age: 55.5 [14.3] years, 50% females) with essential hypertension and 24-h ABPM recordings were included. Patient 24-h nighttime and daytime ABPM values, systolic and diastolic dipping status and average nocturnal dipping were recorded. The correlations between serum albumin levels and nocturnal systolic and diastolic dipping were evaluated, and correlates of average nocturnal systolic dipping were determined via a linear regression model. RESULTS: Overall, 73.2% of patients were determined to be non-dippers. The mean (SD) levels of serum albumin (4.2 [0.3] g/dL vs. 4.4 [0.4] g/dL, p<0.001) and the average nocturnal systolic (15.2 [4.8] mmHg vs. 0.3 [6.6] mmHg, p<0.001) and diastolic dipping (4.2 [8.6] mmHg vs. 18.9 [7.0] mmHg, p<0.001) were significantly lower in non-dippers than in dippers. A significant positive correlation was noted between serum albumin levels and both systolic (r=0.297, p<0.001) and diastolic dipping (r=0.265, p<0.001). The linear regression analysis revealed that for each one-unit increase in serum albumin, the average nocturnal dip in systolic BP increased by 0.17 mmHg (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate an association between serum albumin levels and the deterioration of circadian BP rhythm among essential hypertensive patients along with the identification of a non-dipper pattern in more than two-thirds of patients. Our findings emphasize the importance of serum albumin levels, rather than urinary albumin excretion, as an independent predictor of nocturnal systolic dipping, at least in non-diabetic essential hypertensive patients with moderate proteinuria.

The predictive value of malnutrition - inflammation score on 1-year mortality in Turkish maintenance hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) on short-term mortality and to identify the best cut-off point in the Turkish maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) population. METHODS: A total of 100 patients on MHD were included in this prospective single-center study. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were obtained from all patients. The study population was followed up as a 12-month prospective cohort to evaluate mortality as the primary outcome. RESULTS: Median (IQR) age and HD vintage of 100 patients (M/F: 52/48) were 53 (39.5 - 67) years and 53.5 (11 - 104.7) months, respectively. Deceased patients (n = 7) had significantly older age (years) (50 (38.5 - 63.5) vs. 70 (62 - 82), respectively, p = 0.001), lower spKt/V (1.60 (1.40 - 1.79) vs. 1.35 (0.90 - 1.50), respectively, p = 0.002), lower triceps skinfold thickness (14 (10 - 19) vs. 9 (7 - 11), respectively, p = 0.021) and higher MIS (5 (4 - 7) vs. 10 (7 - 11), respectively, p = 0.013). In the ROC analysis, we found that the optimal cut-off value of MIS for predicting death was 6.5 with 85.7% sensitivity and 62.4% specificity (positive and negative predictive values were 0.6951 and 0.8136, respectively). Advanced age, low spKt/V, and high MIS were found to be predictors of mortality in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The 1-year mortality rate was significantly higher in MIS > 6.5 group compared to the MIS ≤ 6.5 group (14,3% (6/41) vs. 1.6% (1/59), respectively). Compared to MIS ≤ 6.5 group, 1 year survival time of the patients with MIS > 6.5 was found to be significantly lower (47.8 ± 0.16 vs. 43.6 ± 1.63 weeks, respectively, p (log-rank) = 0.012). CONCLUSION: MIS is a robust and independent predictor of short-term mortality in MHD patients. Patients with MIS > 6.5 had a significant risk, and additional risk factors associated with short-term mortality were advanced age and low spKt/V.

The relationship between serum albumin levels and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring recordings in non-diabetic essential hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin levels and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-h ABPM) recordings in non-diabetic essential hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 354 patients (mean [SD] age: 55.5 [14.3] years, 50% females) with essential hypertension and 24-h ABPM recordings were included. Patient 24-h nighttime and daytime ABPM values, systolic and diastolic dipping status and average nocturnal dipping were recorded. The correlations between serum albumin levels and nocturnal systolic and diastolic dipping were evaluated, and correlates of average nocturnal systolic dipping were determined via a linear regression model. RESULTS: Overall, 73.2% of patients were determined to be non-dippers. The mean (SD) levels of serum albumin (4.2 [0.3] g/dL vs. 4.4 [0.4] g/dL, p<0.001) and the average nocturnal systolic (15.2 [4.8] mmHg vs. 0.3 [6.6] mmHg, p<0.001) and diastolic dipping (4.2 [8.6] mmHg vs. 18.9 [7.0] mmHg, p<0.001) were significantly lower in non-dippers than in dippers. A significant positive correlation was noted between serum albumin levels and both systolic (r=0.297, p<0.001) and diastolic dipping (r=0.265, p<0.001). The linear regression analysis revealed that for each one-unit increase in serum albumin, the average nocturnal dip in systolic BP increased by 0.17 mmHg (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate an association between serum albumin levels and the deterioration of circadian BP rhythm among essential hypertensive patients along with the identification of a non-dipper pattern in more than two-thirds of patients. Our findings emphasize the importance of serum albumin levels, rather than urinary albumin excretion, as an independent predictor of nocturnal systolic dipping, at least in non-diabetic essential hypertensive patients with moderate proteinuria.

Persistent left superior vena cava: Two case reports and a review from nephrologists' perspective.

Thoracic venous anomalies without congenital heart anomalies are present in minority of the population, but they are frequent enough to be encountered while placing hemodialysis catheters through the jugular or subclavian veins. Persistent left superior vena cava is the most commonly seen anomaly and it is rarely noticed before the observation of an unusual course of hemodialysis catheter or guidewire on chest X-ray. We present two patients with previously unspotted persistent left superior vena cava and uncomplicated hemodialysis catheter insertions through the internal jugular veins with good catheter functions. Review of the relevant literature from a nephrologists' perspective with technical aspects is provided.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-tolymphocyte ratio in evaluation of inflammation in end-stage renal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and inflammation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: 100 ESRD patients on maintenance HD (mean ± SD age: 52.3 ± 1.7 years, 52% were males) were included in this cross-sectional study. Data on patient demographics, dry weight, body mass index, duration of HD (months), etiology of ESRD, delivered dose of dialysis (spKt/V), complete blood count, blood biochemistry and inflammatory markers including hs-CRP (mg/L), TNF-α (pg/mL), NLR, and PLR were recorded in all patients and compared in patients with hs-CRP levels of ≤ 3 mg/L vs. > 3 mg/L. other study parameters were also recorded. RESULTS: Compared to patients with lower hs-CRP levels, patients with hs-CRP levels of > 3 mg/L had significantly higher values for NLR (3.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.2, p < 0.01) and PLR (150.7 ± 6.9 vs. 111.8 ± 7.0, p < 0.001). Both NLR and PLR were positively correlated with hs-CRP (r = 0.333, p = 0.01 and r = 0.262, p = 0.001, respectively) and negatively correlated with transferrin saturation (%) (r = -0.418, p = 0.001 and r = -0.309, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings in a cohort of ESRD patients on maintenance HD revealed higher values for NLR and PLR in patients with higher levels of inflammation along with a significant positive correlation of both NLR and PLR with hs-CRP levels. Being a simple, relatively inexpensive and universally available method, whether or not calculation of NLR and PLR offers a plausible strategy in the evaluation of inflammation in ESRD patients in the clinical practice should be addressed in larger scale randomized and controlled studies.

Familial Mediterranean Fever is associated with abnormal ventricular repolarization indices / La fiebre mediterránea familiar se asocia a anomalías en la repolarizacıón ventricular

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias can be a part of cardiovascular involvement in some rheumatic diseases, but data about familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) are conflicting. Aim: To search for abnormalities in ventricular repolarization indices in FMF patients. Patients and Methods: Seventy seven FMF patients and 30 age/gender comparable healthy controls were included. All patients were attack free and subjects with disease or drugs that are known to alter cardiac electrophysiology were excluded. Electrocardiographic data were obtained and analyzed. Results: Twelve FMF patients had amyloidosis. QT and QTc intervals were within the normal ranges and similar between FMF patients and healthy controls. QT dispersion, peak to end interval of T wave (Tpe), Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc ratios were significantly higher in FMF patients than in healthy controls. Patients with amyloidosis had significantly higher QT dispersion, Tpe, Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc than their counterparts without FMF. Levels of proteinuria were moderately correlated with QT dispersion, Tpe, Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc. Conclusions: FMF patients may have an increased risk for arrhythmias.

Antecedentes: Las arritmias cardíacas pueden ser parte del compromiso cardíaco en enfermedades reumáticas, sin embargo, no se sabe con certeza si esto ocurre en la fiebre mediterránea familiar (FMF). Objetivo: Buscar anomalías en la repolarización ventricular en pacientes con FMF. Pacientes y Métodos: Sesenta y siete pacientes como FMF y 30 controles sanos pareados por edad y género fueron estudiados. Todos los pacientes estaban en período intercrítico y no usaban medicamentos o tenían enfermedades concomitantes que pudieran causar anomalías electrocardiográficas. Se analizaron los electrocardiogramas de estos participantes. Resultados: Veinte pacientes con FMF tenían amiloidosis. Los intervalos QT y QTc eran normales y similares entre pacientes y controles. La dispersión del intervalo QT, el intervalo desde el peak al final de la onda T (Tpe), las razones Tpe/QT y Tpe/QTc fueron significativamente más altos en los pacientes que en los controles. Los pacientes con amiloidosis tenían una dispersión de QT, Tpe, Tpe/QT y Tpe/QTc mayores que sus pares sin la condición. Los niveles de proteinuria se correlacionaron moderadamente con los parámetros antes mencionados. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con FMF tienen mayor riesgo de arritmias.

Clinical outcomes and mortality in elderly peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and identify the predictors of mortality in elderly patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including all incident peritoneal dialysis cases in patients ≥65 years of age treated from 2001 to 2014. Demographic and clinical data on the initiation of peritoneal dialysis and the clinical events during the study period were collected. Infectious complications were recorded. Overall and technique survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients who began peritoneal dialysis during the study period were considered for analysis, and 50 of these patients were included in the final analysis. Peritoneal dialysis exchanges were performed by another person for 65% of the patients, whereas 79.9% of patients preferred to perform the peritoneal dialysis themselves. Peritonitis and catheter exit site/tunnel infection incidences were 20.4±16.3 and 24.6±17.4 patient-months, respectively. During the follow-up period, 40 patients were withdrawn from peritoneal dialysis. Causes of death included peritonitis and/or sepsis (50%) and cardiovascular events (30%). The mean patient survival time was 38.9±4.3 months, and the survival rates were 78.8%, 66.8%, 50.9% and 19.5% at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years after peritoneal dialysis initiation, respectively. Advanced age, the presence of additional diseases, increased episodes of peritonitis, the use of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and low albumin levels and daily urine volumes (<100 ml) at the initiation of peritoneal dialysis were predictors of mortality. The mean technique survival duration was 61.7±5.2 months. The technique survival rates were 97.9%, 90.6%, 81.5% and 71% at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively. None of the factors analyzed were predictors of technique survival. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality was higher in elderly patients. Factors affecting mortality in elderly patients included advanced age, the presence of comorbid diseases, increased episodes of peritonitis, use of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and low albumin levels and daily urine volumes (<100 ml) at the initiation of peritoneal dialysis.

Plasma resistant atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with a CFH mutation treated with eculizumab: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombotic microangiopathies are a group of diseases presenting as microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and end-organ dysfunction. As the role of the complement system was elucidated in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome pathogenesis, eculizumab was successfully introduced into clinical practice. We present a large pedigree with multiple individuals carrying a functionally significant novel factor H mutation. We describe the proband's presentation following a presumed infectious trigger requiring plasma exchange and hemodialysis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old Caucasian woman presented with pyrexia and headache lasting one week to our Emergency Department. She gave no history of diarrhea or other symptoms to account for her high temperature. She was not taking any medication. She was pyrexial (38°C), tachycardic (110 bpm) and hypertensive (160/110 mmHg). Her fundoscopy revealed grade IV hypertensive retinopathy. She had mild pretibial and periorbital edema, with oliguria (450 mL/day). She had a pregnancy one year previously, during which she had hypertension, proteinuria and edema, with successful delivery at term. Her mother had died in her early 30s with a clinical picture consistent with thrombotic microangiopathy. Her laboratory evaluation showed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. After 22 sessions of plasma exchange, her lactate dehydrogenase levels started to climb. As a result, she was classified as plasma resistant and eculizumab therapy was instituted. Her lactate dehydrogenase level and platelet count normalized, and her renal function recovered after three months of dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that, even in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and prolonged dialysis dependence, recovery of renal function can be seen with eculizumab treatment. We suggest a treatment regime of at least three months prior to evaluation of efficacy.

Clinical outcomes and mortality in elderly peritoneal dialysis patients

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and identify the predictors of mortality in elderly patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including all incident peritoneal dialysis cases in patients ≥65 years of age treated from 2001 to 2014. Demographic and clinical data on the initiation of peritoneal dialysis and the clinical events during the study period were collected. Infectious complications were recorded. Overall and technique survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients who began peritoneal dialysis during the study period were considered for analysis, and 50 of these patients were included in the final analysis. Peritoneal dialysis exchanges were performed by another person for 65% of the patients, whereas 79.9% of patients preferred to perform the peritoneal dialysis themselves. Peritonitis and catheter exit site/tunnel infection incidences were 20.4±16.3 and 24.6±17.4 patient-months, respectively. During the follow-up period, 40 patients were withdrawn from peritoneal dialysis. Causes of death included peritonitis and/or sepsis (50%) and cardiovascular events (30%). The mean patient survival time was 38.9±4.3 months, and the survival rates were 78.8%, 66.8%, 50.9% and 19.5% at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years after peritoneal dialysis initiation, respectively. Advanced age, the presence of additional diseases, increased episodes of peritonitis, the use of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and low albumin levels and daily urine volumes (<100 ml) at the initiation of peritoneal dialysis were predictors of mortality. The mean technique survival duration was 61.7±5.2 months. The technique survival rates were 97.9%, 90.6%, 81.5% and 71% at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively. None of the factors analyzed were predictors of technique survival. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality was higher in elderly patients. Factors affecting mortality in elderly patients included advanced age, ...

Relationship between relative interdialytic weight gain and serum leptin levels, nutrition, and inflammation in chronic hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive relative interdialytic weight gain (RIDWG, %) is an important risk factor for long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. On the other hand, it may also be an index of good appetite and nutritional status. We aimed to assess the relationship between RIDWG and appetite, nutrition, inflammation parameters of chronic HD patients. METHODS: 100 chronic anuric HD patients were enrolled in this prospective study between January 2013 and January 2014. Patients with hospitalization, major surgery, obvious infectious/inflammatory disease, end-stage liver disease, malignancies, and malabsorption syndromes were excluded. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their RIDWG levels; group 1 = RIDWG < 3%, group 2 = RIDWG: 3 - 5%, and group 3 = RIDWG > 5%. RESULTS: Group 3 patients were younger (p = 0.011) and had a lower body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.014). Nutrition and inflammation parameters including malnutrition inflammation score (MIS), serum albumin, prealbumin, triceps skinfold thickness, hs-CRP, and TNF-α ere not significantly different between the groups. Leptin and leptin/BMI ratio were significantly lower in group 3 (p = 0.001). RIDWG was negatively correlated with age (p = 0.001, r = -0.371), BMI (p = 0.001, r = -0.372), leptin (p = 0.001, r = -0.369), leptin/BMI (p = 0.001, r = -0.369). After adjustment for BMI in linear regression analyis, leptin/BMI remained significantly correlated with RIDWG (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that RIDWG was associated with younger age, lower BMI and dry weight, and lower serum leptin levels. More detailed studies are needed to validate and dissect the mechanisms of these findings.

Elevated serum leptin levels are associated with good nutritional status in non-obese chronic hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Leptin is a hormone and a proinflammatory cytokine secreted from adipocytes, which functions to suppress appetite in healthy persons. Serum leptin levels are significantly elevated in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) primarily due to decreased clearance by the kidneys The consequence of hyperleptinemia in ESRD is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the association between serum leptin levels and nutrition/inflammation status in non-obese chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: 65 chronic, anuric, nonobese (body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2) HD patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were obtained from all patients to determine nutrition and inflammation status. Patients were classified into the 3 groups according to serum leptin levels; group 1 (low leptin, n = 9), group 2 (normal leptin, n = 31), and group 3 (high leptin, n = 25). RESULTS: Mean age and duration on dialysis of 65 patients (male/female: 34/31) were 51.6 ± 17.8 years and 78.0 ± 67.9 months, respectively. Serum leptin levels increased with older age, female gender, higher BMI and triceps skinfold thickness. Elevated serum leptin levels were significantly associated with good nutritional status parameters, such as higher albumin (p = 0.001), prealbumin (p = 0.033), total iron binding capacity (p = 0.045), total cholesterol (p = 0.041), and lower malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) (p = 0.002). Serum leptin levels remained a negative correlation with MIS after adjustments made for BMI. No correlation was established between leptin and inflammation parameters including ferritin, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necorsis factor alpha (TNF-α). CONCLUSION: Elevated serum leptin levels seem to be associated with good nutritional status. However, there was no correlation between leptin and inflammatory status.

Familial Mediterranean Fever is associated with abnormal ventricular repolarization indices.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrhythmias can be a part of cardiovascular involvement in some rheumatic diseases, but data about familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) are conflicting. AIM: To search for abnormalities in ventricular repolarization indices in FMF patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy seven FMF patients and 30 age/gender comparable healthy controls were included. All patients were attack free and subjects with disease or drugs that are known to alter cardiac electrophysiology were excluded. Electrocardiographic data were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: Twelve FMF patients had amyloidosis. QT and QTc intervals were within the normal ranges and similar between FMF patients and healthy controls. QT dispersion, peak to end interval of T wave (Tpe), Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc ratios were significantly higher in FMF patients than in healthy controls. Patients with amyloidosis had significantly higher QT dispersion, Tpe, Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc than their counterparts without FMF. Levels of proteinuria were moderately correlated with QT dispersion, Tpe, Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc. CONCLUSIONS: FMF patients may have an increased risk for arrhythmias.

Outcome of 121 patients with renal amyloid a amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is a multisystem, progressive and fatal disease. Renal involvement occurs early in the course of AA. We aimed to investigate the etiology, clinical and laboratory features, and outcome of patients with biopsy-proven renal AA amyloidosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 patients (male/female: 84/37, mean age 42.6 ± 14.4 years) were analyzed retrospectively between January of 2001 and May of 2013. Demographic, clinical and laboratory features and outcomes data were obtained from follow-up charts. RESULTS: Familial Mediterranean fever (37.2%) and tuberculosis (24.8%) were the most frequent causes of amyloidosis. Mean serum creatinine and proteinuria at diagnosis were 2.3 ± 2.1 mg/dL and 6.7 ± 5.3 g/day, respectively. Sixty-eight (56.2%) patients were started dialysis treatment during the follow-up period. Mean duration of renal survival was 64.7 ± 6.3 months. Age, serum creatinine and albumin levels were found as predictors of end-stage renal disease. Fifty patients (%41.3) died during the follow-up period. The mean survival of patients was 88.7 ± 7.8 months (median: 63 ± 13.9). 1, 2 and 5 years survival rates of patients were 80.7%, 68.2% and 51.3%, respectively. Older age, male gender, lower levels of body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum albumin, calcium, and higher levels of phosphor, intact parathyroid hormone and proteinuria were associated with a higher mortality. Higher serum creatinine, lower albumin, dialysis requirement and short time to dialysis were predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: The outcome of patients with AA amyloidosis and renal involvement is poor, particularly in those who had massive proteinuria, severe hypoalbuminemia and dialysis requirement at the outset.