Pediatric chronic kidney disease: blood cell count indexes as inflammation markers.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as a progressive decline of kidney functions. In childhood, the main triggering factors are congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) and glomerulopathies. Inflammatory responses present challenges for diagnosis and staging, which justifies studies on biomarkers/indexes. AIM: To define blood cell count indexes and verify their association with pediatric CKD etiology and staging. The included indexes were: Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Derived Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (dNLR), Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI), and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII). METHODS: We determined the indexes in 52 pediatric CKD patients and 33 healthy controls by mathematical calculation. CKD patients were separated in five groups based on the etiology and staging: Group IA: glomerulopathies at stage 1 or 2; IB: glomerulopathies at stage 3 or 4; IIA: CAKUT at stage 1 or 2; IIB: CAKUT at stage 3 or 4; and III: stages 3 or 4 of other etiologies. In addition, we combined all patients with CKD in one group (IV). Group V was a healthy control group. RESULTS: Lower values of LMR were observed for groups IB and IIB compared to group V (p = 0.047, p = 0.031, respectively). Increased values of SIRI were found for group III versus group V (p = 0.030). There was no difference for other indexes when the groups were compared two by two. CONCLUSION: The LMR and SIRI indexes showed promising results in the evaluation of inflammation, as they correlated with CKD etiologies and specially staging in these patients.

Panoramic snapshot of serum soluble mediator interplay in pregnant women with convalescent COVID-19: an exploratory study.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can induce changes in the maternal immune response, with effects on pregnancy outcome and offspring. This is a cross-sectional observational study designed to characterize the immunological status of pregnant women with convalescent COVID-19 at distinct pregnancy trimesters. The study focused on providing a clear snapshot of the interplay among serum soluble mediators. Methods: A sample of 141 pregnant women from all prenatal periods (1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters) comprised patients with convalescent SARS-CoV-2 infection at 3-20 weeks after symptoms onset (COVID, n=89) and a control group of pre-pandemic non-infected pregnant women (HC, n=52). Chemokine, pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine and growth factor levels were quantified by a high-throughput microbeads array. Results: In the HC group, most serum soluble mediators progressively decreased towards the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, while higher chemokine, cytokine and growth factor levels were observed in the COVID patient group. Serum soluble mediator signatures and heatmap analysis pointed out that the major increase observed in the COVID group related to pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, IFN-γ and IL-17). A larger set of biomarkers displayed an increased COVID/HC ratio towards the 2nd (3x increase) and the 3rd (3x to 15x increase) trimesters. Integrative network analysis demonstrated that HC pregnancy evolves with decreasing connectivity between pairs of serum soluble mediators towards the 3rd trimester. Although the COVID group exhibited a similar profile, the number of connections was remarkably lower throughout the pregnancy. Meanwhile, IL-1Ra, IL-10 and GM-CSF presented a preserved number of correlations (≥5 strong correlations in HC and COVID), IL-17, FGF-basic and VEGF lost connectivity throughout the pregnancy. IL-6 and CXCL8 were included in a set of acquired attributes, named COVID-selective (≥5 strong correlations in COVID and <5 in HC) observed at the 3rd pregnancy trimester. Discussion and conclusion: From an overall perspective, a pronounced increase in serum levels of soluble mediators with decreased network interplay between them demonstrated an imbalanced immune response in convalescent COVID-19 infection during pregnancy that may contribute to the management of, or indeed recovery from, late complications in the post-symptomatic phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women.

Endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in sickle cell disease: is there a role for ADMA and PAI-1?

Within the spectrum of sickle cell disease (SCD) are sickle cell anemia (SCA), presence of hemoglobin SS (HbSS), hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC), and sickle cell ß-thalassemia (Sß-thal). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) competitively inhibits the binding of arginine to NOS, reducing NO production. In patients with HbSS, increased levels of ADMA have been reported, as well as changes in many hemostatic biomarkers, including the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). We hypothesized that high levels of ADMA and PAI-1 may be associated with more severe SCD. Thus, ADMA and PAI-1 levels were determined in 78 individuals including 38 adult patients with SCD and 40 control subjects. Higher levels of ADMA were shown in HbSS and Sß-thal patients compared to controls. Concerning PAI-1, all patients showed high levels of PAI-1 compared to controls. As a role of NO in the pathogenesis of SCD has already been established, we concluded that high levels of ADMA should compromise, at least in part, NO synthesis, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Elevated plasma levels of PAI-1 in all patients may indicate not only endothelial dysfunction but also a hypofibrinolytic state favoring thrombotic complications. Finally, high levels of ADMA and PAI-1 may be associated with more severe SCD.

ADAMTS-13-VWF axis in sickle cell disease patients.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) comprises a group of genetic disorders characterized by the presence of the hemoglobin (Hb) S in homozygosis or in heterozygosis with some other Hb variant or in interaction with thalassemia. SCD is characterized by a very complex pathophysiology, which determines a wide variability of clinical manifestations, including a chronic state of hypercoagulability responsible for the increased risk of thromboembolic events. ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor (VWF) play an important role in arterial and venous thrombosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand how the ADAMTS13-VWF axis behaves in sickle cell disease, as well as whether there is an association of these markers with the use of hydroxyurea (HU). This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 40 patients diagnosed with SCD and 40 healthy individuals. The analysis of the ADAMTS13-VWF axis was comparatively performed between groups of patients and controls and, afterwards, between patients with SCD who were users and non-users of HU. ADAMTS13 activity, ADAMTS13 activity/VWF:Ag, and ADAMTS13:Ag/VWF:Ag ratios were significantly lower and VWF:Ag levels significantly higher in SCD patients when compared to the controls. There was no statistically significant difference in ADAMTS13:Ag and VWF collagen binding (VWF:CB) levels between the groups evaluated. Among the categories of HU use, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the evaluated markers. As a conclusion, we could observe that the ADAMTS13-VWF axis is altered in SCD when compared to healthy individuals and that there is no association between these markers and the use of HU.

Thrombin generation in vivo and ex vivo in sickle cell disease patients.

Activation of coagulation is an important hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) and it is believed that hypercoagulability plays a role to the disease pathophysiology. Studies have sought to identify how hemostatic biomarkers are expressed in SCD, however, the results are inconclusive. In this context, our objective was to evaluate the thrombin generation in vivo and ex vivo in SCD patients and the association between these biomarkers and the use of HU. This cross-sectional study was carried out with patients diagnosed with SCD, users or not of Hydroxyurea (HU), and healthy individuals as controls. D dimer (D-Di) was evaluated by ELISA and (TGT) thrombin generation test by CAT method. D-Di plasma levels were significantly higher in SCD patients when compared to the controls. TGT parameters such as peak, ETP and normalized ETP at low TF concentration and time-to-peak, peak, ETP and normalized ETP values at high TF concentration were lower in SCD patients than in controls. In contrast, the normalized activated protein C sensitivity ratio (nAPCsr) was higher in patients compared to controls, indicating resistance to the action of this natural anticoagulant. Regarding the use of HU, comparing users and non-users of this drug, no difference was observed in D-Di levels and in most TGT parameters. Our data analyzed together allow us to conclude that patients with SCD present a state of hypercoagulability in vivo due to the higher levels of D-Di and resistance to APC assessed ex vivo which is consistent with the coagulation imbalance described in SCD patients.

Association between dyslipidemia and CCL2 in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis (HD) is associated with high risk for cardiovascular diseases including acute myocardial infarction, stroke and congestive heart failure. C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2), also known monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) can be produced by a variety of cells, reaching increased levels in dyslipidemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing HD treatment. The main of this study was to evaluate the association between of CCL2 plasma levels and dyslipidemia in CKD patients undergoing HD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled 160 Brazilian HD patients. CCL2 plasma levels were measured by capture ELISA. The association between CCL2 levels and dyslipidemia was investigated using linear regression, adjusted for classic and non-classical CVD risk factors. RESULTS: A significant association was observed between CCL2 levels and dyslipidemia (P = 0.029), even after adjustment for possible confounding variables, such as age, gender, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, HD time, urea pre-hemodialysis and interdialytic weight gain (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that CCL2 levels are associated with dyslipidemia, which suggests a role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in HD patients. A better understanding of this pathogenesis could contribute to the discovery of new therapeutic targets that would reduce cardiovascular complications in these patients.

The dual effect of C-peptide on cellular activation and atherosclerosis: Protective or not?

C-peptide is a cleavage product of proinsulin that acts on different type of cells, such as blood and endothelial cells. C-peptide biological effects may be different in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Besides, there are further evidence for a functional interaction between C-peptide and insulin. In this way, C-peptide has ambiguous effects, acting as an antithrombotic or thrombotic molecule, depending on the physiological environment and disease conditions. Moreover, C-peptide regulates interaction of leucocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets with the endothelium. The beneficial effects include stimulation of nitric oxide production with its subsequent release by platelets and endothelium, the interaction with erythrocytes leading to the generation of adenosine triphosphate, and inhibition of atherogenic cytokine release. The undesirable action of C-peptide includes the chemotaxis of monocytes, lymphocytes, and smooth muscle cells. Also, C-peptide was related with increased lipid deposits and elevated smooth muscle cells proliferation in the vessel wall, contributing to atherosclerosis. Purpose of this review is to explore these dual roles of C-peptide on the blood, contributing at one side to haemostasis and the other to atherosclerotic process.

Cytokine Signature in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis is a modality of blood filtration in which accumulated toxins and water are removed from the body. This treatment is indicated for patients at the end stage of renal disease. Vascular access complications are responsible for 20-25% of all hospitalizations in dialyzed patients. The occurrence of thrombosis in the vascular access is a serious problem that may severely compromise or even make the hemodialysis impossible, which is vital for the patient. The aim of this study was to investigate inflammatory profile in patients undergoing hemodialysis as well as the association between these alterations and vascular access thrombosis. A total of 195 patients undergoing hemodialysis have been evaluated; of which, 149 patients had not experienced vascular access thrombosis (group I) and 46 patients had previously presented this complication (group II). Plasma levels of cytokines including interleukin (IL-) 2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were measured by cytometric bead array. Our results showed that patients with previous thrombotic events (group II) had higher levels of the IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ when compared to those in group I. Furthermore, a different cytokine signature was detected in dialyzed patients according to previous occurrences or not of thrombotic events, suggesting that elevated levels of T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cytokines might, at least in part, contribute to this complication.

Biomarcadores da função renal: do que dispomos atualmente? / Biomarkers of renal function: what is currently available?

A avaliação da função renal é de extrema importância na prática clínica, tanto para o diagnóstico quanto para e prognóstico e monitoração das doenças renais. Neste contexto, aparticipação do laboratório é de grande importância, uma vez que a maior parte das doenças renais só se manifesta clinicamente quando mais de 50% a 75% da função renal estácomprometida. O desenvolvimento de novos biomarcadores para diagnóstico precoce, estratificação de risco, prognóstico de lesão renal tem sido um dos principais alvos das pesquisas envolvendo o sistema renal. Dessa forma, diversos novos biomarcadores, tais como lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL), cistatina C, molécula-1 de lesão renal (KIM-1), interleucina-18 (IL-18), enzimas urinárias tubulares e proteínas de baixo peso molecular, dentre outros, têm sido propostos para diagnosticar /monitorar as doenças renais agudas e crônicas. Este estudo visa discutir aspectos associados aos principais biomarcadores utilizados na rotina laboratorial para diagnóstico, prognóstico e acompanhamento do paciente com disfunção renal, bem como apresentar novos marcadores que se destacam na literatura recente e que podem ser promissores na prática clínica

The assessment of renal function is very important in clinical practice, both for diagnosis and for prognosis and monitoring of renal diseases. In this context, the role of the laboratory is of great importance, since most of the kidney disease manifests itself clinically only when more than 50 to 75% of kidney function is compromised. The development of new biomarkers for early diagnosis, risk stratification, prognosis of renal injury has been a major focus of research involving the renal system. Thus, several new biomarkers, such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), interleukin-18 (IL18) and low-molecular weight proteins and enzymes, and others, have been proposed to diagnose/monitoring acute and chronic renal diseases. The aim of this study is to discuss aspects related to the main biomarkers used in routine laboratory tests for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of patients with renal dysfunction, as well as provide new markers that stand out in the recent literature, and that may be promising in clinical practice

Diabetes mellitus: The linkage between oxidative stress, inflammation, hypercoagulability and vascular complications.

BACKGROUND: Vascular complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These vascular abnormalities result of a chronic hyperglycemic state, which leads to an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. AIM: This review addresses the relationships among endothelial dysfunction, hypercoagulability and inflammation and their biomarkers in the development of vascular complications in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hypercoagulability are correlated to each other, playing an important role in the development of vascular complications in diabetic patients. Moreover, it has been observed that several endothelial, inflammatory and pro-coagulant biomarkers, such as VWF, IL-6, TNF-α, D-dimer and PAI-1, are increased in diabetic patients who have microvascular and macrovascular complications, including nephropathy or cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: It is promising the clinical and laboratory use of endothelial, inflammatory and pro-coagulant biomarkers for predicting the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications in diabetic patients and for monitoring these patients.

Resistance of dialyzed patients to erythropoietin.

Resistance to recombinant human erythropoietin is a common condition in dialyzed patients with chronic kidney disease and is associated with more hospitalizations, increased mortality and frequent blood transfusions. The main cause of hyporesponsiveness to recombinant human erythropoietin in these patients is iron deficiency. However, a high proportion of patients does not respond to treatment, even to the use of intravenous iron, which indicates the presence of other important causes of resistance. In addition to the iron deficiency, the most common causes of resistance include inflammation, infection, malnutrition, inadequate dialysis, and hyperparathyroidism, although other factors may be associated. In the presence of adequate iron stores, other causes should be investigated and treated appropriately.

Resistance of dialyzed patients to erythropoietin

Resistance to recombinant human erythropoietin is a common condition in dialyzed patients with chronic kidney disease and is associated with more hospitalizations, increased mortality and frequent blood transfusions. The main cause of hyporesponsiveness to recombinant human erythropoietin in these patients is iron deficiency. However, a high proportion of patients does not respond to treatment, even to the use of intravenous iron, which indicates the presence of other important causes of resistance. In addition to the iron deficiency, the most common causes of resistance include inflammation, infection, malnutrition, inadequate dialysis, and hyperparathyroidism, although other factors may be associated. In the presence of adequate iron stores, other causes should be investigated and treated appropriately.

Alfa-Talassemias: aspectos moleculares e diagnóstico / Alpha-Thalassemias: molecular aspects and diagnosis

A α-talassemia é um dos distúrbios da síntese de hemoglobina mais comuns no mundo, sendo causada, principalmente,por mutações delecionais nos genes α-globínicos. De acordo com o número degenes mutados que varia de um a quatro, a α-talassemia pode ser divididaem quatro fenótipos: α-talassemia silenciosa, traço α-talassêmico, Doençade HbH e hidropsia fetal, espectivamente. Segundo a literatura, afrequência de α-talassemia no Brasil também é considerável, sendo de grande importância o diagnósticocorreto deste distúrbio, que pode ser realizado com auxílio de exames convencionais que apresentam vantagens e desvantagens. Contudo, em alguns casos, principalmente nas formas menores da α-talassemia, a confirmação diagnóstica só pode ser realizada através dos exames moleculares que, apesar de confirmatórios, não estão disponíveisem grande parte dos laboratórios de análises clínicas e, devido ao custo, não são acessíveis à população em geral..

Influência da massa muscular e da atividade física nos níveis plasmáticos de creatinina / Influence of muscle mass and physical activity on creatinine plasma levels

Avaliar a creatinina e ureia plasmáticas de indivíduos saudáveis, sem suspeita clínica de disfunção renal, com massa muscular proeminente e que exerciam atividade física extenuante. Métodos: Foram selecionados 49 trabalhadores rurais, cuja coleta de sangue foi realizada à noite (GI/ n=27) ou pela manhã (GII/ n=22). Resultados: No GI, 96,2% dos indivíduos apresentaram níveis elevados de creatinina e, no GII, foram 50%. Conclusão: Considerando que os indivíduos não apresentavam evidências de disfunção renal, mostrando-se clinicamente saudáveis, e que tinham uma atividade laboral pesada de 6-8 horas diárias, é possível inferir, reliminarmente, que, no GI, o somatório da massa muscular e do esforço físico teriam contribuído para esse resultado e, no GII, apenas a massa muscular justificaria o aumento da creatinina. Este estudo demonstrou a possível interferência da atividade física na creatinina plasmática, sinalizando para a necessidade de maior divulgação e controle das orientações aos clientes pelos laboratórios, bem como a onferência da adesão dos indivíduos às mesmas, antes da coleta de sangue,para minimizar a variabilidade pré-analítica nesse exame laboratorial...

Contagem de reticulócitos por citometria de fluxo utilizando acridine orange: validação de um novo protocolo / Flow cytometry reticulocyte counting using acridine orange: validation of a new protocol

Introduction: Currently, the reticulocyte counting is a challenge for clinical laboratories in Brazil, mainly for the ordinary ones, which still use the manual method. This method has some limitations, since it consists of a laborious method, time consuming, with low accuracy. Objectives: This study has developed and evaluated the performance of a New Laboratory Protocol for flow cytometry (FC) reticulocytes counting using acridine orange (AO) as dye, aiming to standardize a more precise, easy, fast implementation, and low cost protocol. After standardization of the New Protocol (FC/AO), it was compared with the manual method. The results were analyzed according to the recommendations of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS), now known as Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), to evaluate the interchangeability of methods in linear regression analysis and paired t test, besides other quality control tests. Conclusion: Based on these results concerning to the correlation between the methods and the tests related to quality control, we can admit that FC/AO for reticulocyte counting shows undeniable advantages when compared to the preexisting manual method...

Introdução: Atualmente, a contagem de reticulócitos representa um desafio para os laboratórios clínicos no Brasil, principalmente os de pequeno e médio porte, nos quais ainda se utiliza o método manual. Este método apresenta algumas limitações, classificando-se como tedioso, demorado e de baixa precisão. Objetivos: O presente estudo desenvolveu e avaliou o desempenho de um novo protocolo laboratorial para contagem de reticulócitos por citometria de fluxo (CF) utilizando acridine orange (AO) como corante, visando padronizar um protocolo preciso, de fácil e rápida execução e custo acessível. Após a padronização do novo protocolo desenvolvido (CF/AO), fez-se a comparação com o método manual. Os resultados foram analisados de acordo com recomendações do National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS), atualmente Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), para avaliar a intercambialidade entre os métodos, por meio da análise de regressão linear e teste t pareado, além de outros testes de controle de qualidade. Conclusão: Diante dos resultados obtidos referentes à correlação entre os métodos e os testes voltados ao controle de qualidade, pode-se admitir que o CF/AO estabelecido para contagem de reticulócitos possui vantagens inegáveis quando comparado com o método manual...

Aterotrombose e antiagregantes plaquetários / Atherothrombosis and antiplatelet drugs

A aterotrombose é uma doença do sistema circulatório cujas manifestações clínicas mais significativas (infarto do miocárdio e acidente vascular encefálico) representam atualmente as principais causas de mortalidade, com expectativa de que sua incidência aumente nos próximos anos. O uso clínico de antiagregantes plaquetários encontra-se firmemente consolidado como terapia de escolha na prevenção primária e secundária de eventos clínicos relacionados à aterotrombose. A presente revisão tem como objetivo realizar uma descrição dos aspectos gerais da aterotrombose e dos principais fármacos antiagregantes plaquetários, com uma descrição breve de seus aspectos farmacodinâmicos e farmacocinéticos.

Atherothrombosis is a circulatory system disease whose most significant clinical manifestations (myocardial infarction and stroke) are today the leading causes of death worldwide, expected to increase over the coming years. The clinical use of antiplatelet agents is firmly established as the therapy of choice in primary and secondary prevention of clinical events related to atherothrombosis. This review offers a description of the general aspects of atherothrombosis and the main antiplatelet drugs,with a brief outline of their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic aspects.

Inflammation, neoangiogenesis and fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a form of renal replacement therapy used in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). It is based on using the peritoneum as a semipermeable membrane through which ultrafiltration (UF) and diffusion occur. Despite several benefits, PD has long-term complications, including inflammation, neoangiogenesis and fibrosis. Several inflammatory molecules can be found in the dialysate of PD patients including: interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Angiogenesis results in increased effective surface area exchange. Consequently, the glucose-driven osmotic pressure of the peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) is significantly reduced leading to UF failure (UFF). Several factors are implicated in the development of peritoneal fibrosis (PF) in PD patients. The most important factor is the conventional bio-incompatible PD solution, which contains high concentration of glucose and glucose degradation products (GDP). Although there are several studies elucidating the mechanisms leading to UFF in PD patients, more studies needed to be developed in this area and more research is required to find mechanisms to delay or to minimize the occurrence of many deleterious changes in peritoneal membrane (PM) during PD.

Pré-eclâmpsia: o que há de anômalo na placentação? / Preeclampsia: what is wrong with placentation

A pré-eclâmpsia (PE) constitui a principal causa de morte materna em diversos países do mundo e contribui significativamente para a prematuridade, o baixo peso fetal e o aumento da mortalidade neonatal. A placenta constitui o substrato anatômico etiopatogênico principal para a doença, inclusive em ambiente extra-uterino ou na ausência de embrião. O único tratamento efetivo para a PE consiste na interrupção da gravidez e remoção completa da placenta. Em muitos casos, esta medida precisa ser tomada prematuramente, visando garantir a vida da mãe, do bebê ou de ambos. Estudos clínicos, histológicos e laboratoriais demonstram alterações hemodinâmicas, histológicas, imunológicas e bioquímicas na placentação de mulheres portadoras de PE. Entender como essas alterações assumem proporções sistêmicas no organismo materno pode ser a chave para impedir a progressão abrupta e violenta da doença. Certamente, o entendimento de todo o processo fisiopatológico é necessário para qualquer proposta de predição, prevenção ou terapia que possa diminuir as altíssimas taxas de mortalidade atribuídas à PE.

Preeclampsia (PE) is the leading cause of maternal death in many countries worldwide and contributes significantly to prematurity, low fetal weight and increased neonatal mortality. The placenta seems to be the main etiopathogenic anatomical substrate for the disease even in extra-uterine environment or in the absence of the embryo. The only effective treatment for PE is the pregnancy interruption and complete placenta removal. In many cases, this action needs to be taken prematurely in order to ensure the life of the mother, baby or both. Clinical, histological and laboratory have shown hemodynamic, histological, immunological and biochemical abnormalities in placentation in women with PE. Understanding how these changes take on systemic proportions in the mother may be the key to prevent the abrupt progression of the disease. Indeed, an understanding of all physiological and the alterations in PE process is required for any action of prediction, prevention or therapy that can reduce the extremely high rates of mortality associated to PE.

Human parvovirus B19 infection in a renal transplant recipient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Parvovirus B19 presents tropism for human erythroid progenitor cells, causing chronic anemia in organ transplant recipients, due to their suppressed humoral and cellular responses. Diagnosis may be achieved through serological tests for detection of anti-B19 antibodies. However, renal transplant recipients are not routinely tested for parvovirus B19 infection, since there is scanty data or consensus on screening for B19 infection, as well as for treatment or preventive management of transplanted patients. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein we report a kidney transplant recipient, who was unresponsive to treatment of severe anemia, and presented hypocellular hematopoietic marrow, megaloblastosis and hypoplasia of erythroid lineage with larger cells with clear nuclei chromatin and eosinophilic nuclear inclusions. This patient was seropositive for Epstein-Barr and Cytomegalovirus infections and negative for anti-parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG antibodies, although symptoms were suggestive of parvoviruses infection. A qualitative polymerase chain reaction testing for B19 in serum sample revealed positive results for B19 virus DNA. CONCLUSION: This case report suggests that the diagnostic process for parvovirus B19 in renal transplant recipients should include a polymerase chain reaction assay to detect B19-DNA, since specific serological tests may be unreliable given their impaired humoral responses. These results also indicate the importance of considering parvovirus B19 infection in the differential diagnosis of persistent anemia in transplanted patients.

Comparison of discriminative indices for iron deficiency anemia and ß thalassemia trait in a Brazilian population.

To discriminate iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from ß thalassemia trait (ßTT), several indices obtained from modern blood count analyzers have been reported. Discrimination power of seven indices to differentiate between IDA and ßTT, such as Green and King Index (GKI), RDW Index (RDWI), Srivastava Index (SRI), Mentzer Index (MI), Shine and Lal Index (SLI), Ehsani Index (EI), and Sirdah Index (SI), were evaluated. These indices were applied on 47 patients with ßTT and on 289 patients with IDA, as confirmed by gold standard tests. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, efficiency, area under receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC), and Youden's Index (YI) were calculated. GKI and RDWI showed the highest reliability, as they had the largest AUCs (0.919, 0.912, respectively) and Youden's Index (70.4, 74.6, respectively). Conversely, SLI presented a less satisfactory performance (AUC = 0.786 and YI = 6.6). Data taken together suggest the superiority of GKI and RDWI to discriminate between IDA and ßTT.