The Future of Nephrology and Public Health.

The study of kidney diseases has been described since the Hippocratic era, but nephrology as a medical specialty dates from the mid-20th century. Despite all interesting aspects of nephrology, there is a lack of interest by young physicians for the specialty worldwide. Great discoveries have been made throughout the years, leading to great achievements in diagnosis, classification, and treatment of kidney diseases. There is a current interest in the search for novel biomarkers for early detection of kidney dysfunction, and, in the future, there will be novel diagnostic tests for kidney diseases. There have been significant improvements in dialysis and transplant techniques, and novel modalities are being studied, including new renal replacement therapy modalities, such as the wearable artificial kidney. Another trend in the contemporary world, and one that should increase in the future, is the increasing patient connectivity, using novel technologies that will allow access to healthcare and improve outcomes.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES): Is DWI a prognosis factor?

INTRODUCTION: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinicoradiologic entity with typical MR imaging showing a white matter vasogenic edema predominantly affecting the occipital and parietal lobes of the brain. The aim of this article is evaluated the importance of DWI as a prognosis factor in patients with PRES. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed data from 70 patients with PRES (35 with restricted DWI and 35 with no DWI abnormalities), that were admitted to Hospital São Lucas-PUCRS. These two groups were evaluated in age, sex, previous diseases and past medical history, use of medications, the neurologic manifestations, the highest blood pressure during the neurologic presentation and the highest creatinine during the period of observation. RESULTS: Evaluating 70 patients with PRES with a mean age of 25.4 years old (range from 2 to 74 years old; 55 female and 15 male) we identified 35 cases were brain MRI presents with restricted DWI. Restricted DWI was associated with higher mortality in 90 days (14.2% vs 0.0%; p: 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Few articles present new data that will help clinicians in therapeutic decisions or that modify the knowledge of this syndrome. We suggested that restricted DWI is associated with a worst prognosis in PRES.

Comparison of plasma and oral fluid concentrations of mycophenolic acid and its glucuronide metabolite by LC-MS in kidney transplant patients.

PURPOSE: Mycophenolic acid is one of the most used immunosuppressive drugs in solid organ transplant treatments in the world. Developing a highly sensitive analytical method to analyse the drug and its metabolites in oral fluid and plasma is important to evaluate the possibility of using oral fluid as a biological matrix in therapeutic drug monitoring, instead of plasma. METHOD: The liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was developed and validated for determining mycophenolic acid (MPA) and its glucuronide metabolite (MPAG) in oral fluid and plasma, with both matrices presenting a detection limit of 1 ng/mL for MPA and 5 ng/mL for MPAG. Both analytes were analysed after a simple protein precipitation procedure. Transplanted-kidney samples of oral fluid and blood were collected from 13 patients that were hospitalised and kept at - 80 °C until analyses. RESULTS: The proposed method was linear in the concentration range of 5-500 ng/mL for MPA and 10-500 ng/mL for MPAG, with correlation coefficients (r) between 0.9925 and 0.9973. It was then applied to samples collected from kidney-transplanted patients and used for calculation of pharmacokinetics parameters. CONCLUSION: After comparing plasma and oral fluid concentrations as well as performing a non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of the average curves, it is possible to suggest that oral fluid concentration may be used as an alternative for MPA and MPAG monitoring in kidney transplant patients.

Using the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure model of preeclampsia to study the blood brain barrier permeability / Uso do modelo de Redução da Pressão de Perfusão Uterina de pré-eclâmpsia para estudar a permeabilidade da barreira hematoencefálica

AIMS: To use the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) model for preeclampsia to describe and evaluate the blood brain barrier permeability in pregnant rats. METHODS: Forty-one pregnant Wistar rats were divided into different intervention groups between 13 to 15 days of gestation: PregnantControl (PC; n=12), Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP; n=15), Invasive Blood Pressure-Control (IBP; n=7) and Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure and Invasive Blood Pressure (RUPP-IBP; n=7). The 14 rats of groups IBP and RUPP-IBP had their mean arterial pressure measured at day 21. All animals were then sacrificed, administered Evans Blue dye through the tail vein and perfused with paraformaldehyde 4%. Brains were removed and evaluated by a blinded pathologist. Results are presented as means and standard errors. Comparisons between the groups were performed using Student's t-test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Statistical significance was set as a p value less than 0.05. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure averaged 85.4±2.2 mmHg in the IPB group and 102.5±8.3 mmHg in the RUPP-IPB group (p=0.002). Among all the RUPP rats (RUPP and RUPP-IBP groups), 82% had a positive staining with Evans Blue dye for at least one of the brain hemispheres, while none of the pregnant control rats (PC and IBP groups) had brain staining (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, altered permeability of the blood brain barrier was successfully reproduced in pregnant rats exposed to the RUPP protocol. Therefore, we concluded that the RUPP model is a valid surrogate to study blood brain barrier abnormalities.

OBJETIVOS: Usar o modelo de Redução da Pressão de Perfusão Uterina / Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) de pré-eclâmpsia para descrever e avaliar a permeabilidade da barreira hematoencefálica. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e uma ratas Wistar prenhes foram estratificadas em diferentes grupos de intervenção entre 13 a 15 dias de gestação: grupo controle (PC; n=12), grupo modelo de redução da pressão de perfusão uterina (RUPP; n=15), grupo monitorização invasiva da pressão arterial (IBP; n=7) e grupo redução da pressão de perfusão uterina e monitorização invasiva da pressão arterial (RUPP-IBP; n=7). As 14 ratas dos grupos IBP e RUPP-IBP tiveram sua pressão arterial média aferida no dia 21. Logo após todos os animais foram sacrificados e foi administrado o corante Azul de Evans pela veia da cauda, seguido de formaldeído 4%. Os cérebros foram removidos e avaliados por um patologista cegado para os grupos. Os resultados são apresentados em médias e erros padrão. As comparações entre os grupos foram realizadas utilizando o teste t de Student para variáveis contínuas e o teste exato de Fisher para variáveis categóricas. A significância estatística foi definida como um valor de p inferior a 0,05. RESULTADOS: As médias e desvios padrões da pressão arterial média foram 85,4±2,2 mmHg no grupo IPB e 102,5±8,3 mmHg no grupo RUPP-IPB (p=0,002). Entre todas as ratas RUPP (grupos RUPP e RUPP-IBP), 82% tiveram marcação positiva pelo corante em pelo menos um dos hemisférios cerebrais, enquanto nenhuma das ratas controle (grupos PC e IBP) teve marcação cerebral positiva (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo, a permeabilidade alterada da barreira hematoencefálica foi reproduzida com sucesso em ratas prenhes expostas ao protocolo RUPP. Portanto, concluímos que o modelo RUPP é um substituto válido para estudar anormalidades da barreira hematoencefálica.

Síndrome de lise tumoral / Tumor lysis syndrome

Introdução: A expansão das opções terapêuticas para pacientes oncológicos nos últimos anos leva ao aumento na probabilidade de intercorrências ao longo do tratamento. Portanto, as emergências oncológicas têm se tornado ainda mais frequentes. A síndrome de lise tumoral (SLT) é uma emergência oncológica de grande importância clínica que merece atenção de todo médico. Métodos: este capítulo é uma revisão dos artigos sobre SLT das principais revistas de clínica médica da biblioteca virtual MEDLINE e é um protocolo baseado nos guidelines internacionais mais recentes. Resultados: A SLT ocorre a partir da lise das células tumorais e dos distúrbios metabólicos associados ao conteúdo intracelular extravasado, que resultam em alterações laboratoriais metabólicas e clínicas. Para manejo adequado dos pacientes de risco, deve ser feita a estratificação desses pacientes em baixo, intermediário e alto risco de desenvolvimento de SLT. Conclusão: O principal aspecto para êxito no manejo de pacientes com SLT aguda é manter um alto índice de suspeição e de vigilância, identificando pacientes de alto risco e instituindo hidratação e terapia medicamentosa imediatamente.

Introduction: The expansion on therapeutic possibilities for oncologic patients in the last years leads to an increase on the probability of intercurrences along the clinical course. Therefore, oncologic emergencies are becoming more frequent. Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency of great clinical importance that deserves every physician's attention. Methods: This chapter is a review of the major clinical articles on Medline Database Regarding TLS and a protocol based on the most recent international guidelines. Results: Once tumor cells experience lysis, discharge of intracellular content can cause different metabolic disturbances, that result in laboratory disorders or, even further, in clinical presentation. Conclusion: The key aspect on management of acute TLS is maintaining high clinical suspicion and surveillance to identify patients on high risk of developing TLS and to establish hydration and pharmacological therapy immediately.

Acesso vascular para hemodiálise / Hemodialysis vascular hemodialysis vascular access

Introdução: A Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) acomete um grande número de pacientes em todo o mundo, sendo a hemodiálise um dos recursos terapêuticos mais frequentes para as fases mais avançadas de falência renal. Uma vez que o acesso vascular é essencial para a terapia, o presente artigo tem como objetivo revisar a literatura relacionada às indicações, técnica e complicações dos acessos temporários e permanentes. Métodos: A busca nas bases de dados Pubmed e LILACS foi realizada através da combinação de termos relacionados à hemodiálise ou diálise renal, acesso vascular e vasos sanguíneos. Foram selecionados 20 artigos conforme os critérios de inclusão e de exclusão e adequação ao tema proposto. Resultados: Os acessos temporários são o cateter de Shilley e o permcath. O primeiro se destina a situações agudas, inserido preferencialmente na veia jugular direita e tem a infecção como principal complicação. O permcath proporciona um período mais longo de utilização, com implante subcutâneo preferencialmente em veia jugular interna direita, tendo como principal complicação a punção arterial inadvertida. A fístula representa o acesso vascular definitivo, sendo o acesso de primeira escolha para pacientes que serão submetidos à hemodiálise por longo prazo. Suas maiores complicações são infecção, sangramento e alteração de fluxo sanguíneo arterial. Conclusão: Acesso vascular para hemodiálise é fundamental para instituição e manutenção da terapia. Dentre as opções atuais, o tempo de permanência, as potenciais complicações e as condições do pacientes guiarão a escolha.

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects a large number of patients worldwide, with hemodialysis being one of the most frequent therapeutic resources for the more advanced phases of renal failure. As vascular access is paramount for this therapy, we aimed reviewing the literature regarding indications, technique and complications of temporary and permanent vascular accesses for hemodialysis. Methods: Pubmed and LILACS databases were searched combining terms refered to hemodialysis or renal dialysis, vascular access and blood vessels. It were selected 20 articles according inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as related to the proposed theme. Results: Temporary accesses are Shilley catheter and permcath. Shilley is indicated for acute situations, inserted preferably in the right jugular vein and the main complication is infection. Permcath allows a longer period of use, subcutaneously implanted preferably in the right internal jugular vein. The main complication is arterial puncture. Arteriovenous fistula represents the definitive vascular access, constituing the first choice for patients needing long term hemodialysis. The technique is based on the anastomosis between the artery and vein walls or between its extremities and the main complication is related to infection, bleeding and decreased artery blood flow. Conclusion: Hemodialysis vascular access is paramount in order to start and maintain the therapy. The option will be guided by therapy length, complications and clinical conditions.

Aspectos cirúrgicos da pancreatite aguda necrosante / Surgical implications of acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Objetivos: Sumarizar as recomendações da literatura atual quanto ao manejo da pancreatite aguda necrosante. Métodos: Foram selecionados artigos publicados nos últimos anos nas bibliotecas Cochrane e PubMed, pesquisados nos meses de maio e junho de 2017. Resultados: O diagnóstico de pancreatite aguda (PA) é estabelecido com a presença de pelo menos 2 dos 3 critérios a seguir: dor compatível com PA; elevação de amilase e lipase séricas 3 vezes ou mais do limite superior da normalidade; e alteração compatível com PA em Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) ou Ressonância Nuclear Magnética (RNM). O tratamento cirúrgico da PA está indicado na necrose pancreática infectada e na necrose estéril com sintomas (febre crônica, letargia, inapetência alimentar, náusea). Ele deve ser feito de imediato nos pacientes hemodinamicamente instáveis, enquanto que nos pacientes estáveis recomenda-se estabilizar o processo inflamatório por no mínimo 4 semanas antes do procedimento. Atualmente recomenda-se que se inicie a intervenção com técnicas minimamente invasivas, como drenagem endoscópica e drenagem percutânea, pois se sugere que tais técnicas resultam em menos efeitos adversos e morbidade. Na impossibilidade do uso dessas técnicas, podem ser realizadas cirurgia aberta ou por videolaparoscopia, devendo a indicação ser individualizada e dependente da experiência do cirurgião. Nos casos de pancreatite aguda biliar, a colecistectomia semieletiva é mandatória, pois o risco de recorrência de pancreatite é muito alto caso não seja feito o procedimento. Conclusões: Novos estudos são necessários para que seja possível definir com precisão o melhor tempo cirúrgico e a melhor técnica de necrosectomia/desbridamento no manejo da pancreatite aguda cirúrgica.

Aims: Summarize the current recommendations in the set of necrotizing pancreatitis management. Methods: Publications on pancreatitis management published in the last years were reviewed and selected from May to June 2017 in Cochrane e PubMed database. Results: The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) is established with the presence of at least 2 of the following 3 criteria: AP compatible pain; Elevation of serum amylase and lipase 3 times or more of the upper limit of normal; And alteration compatible with AP in CT or Magnetic Nuclear Imaging (MRI). Surgical treatment of AP is indicated in infected pancreatic necrosis and in sterile necrosis with symptoms (chronic fever, lethargy, ingestion of food, nausea). It should be done immediately in hemodynamically unstable patients, whereas in stable patients it is recommended to stabilize the inflammatory process for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. It is now recommended that intervention be initiated with minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopic drainage and percutaneous drainage, as it is suggested that such techniques result in fewer adverse effects and morbidity. In the impossibility of using these techniques, open surgery or laparoscopy may be performed, and the indication must be individualized and dependent on the experience of the surgeon. In cases of acute biliary pancreatitis, semi-elective cholecystectomy is mandatory because the risk of recurrence of pancreatitis is very high if the procedure is not performed. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to determine the best moment to intervene and the best necrosectomy technique with regard to surgical PA management.

Reversible hemianopsia in postpartum due to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in pregnant with late eclampsia. / Caso de hemianopsia reversível no pós-parto decorrente de síndrome da encefalopatia reversível posterior (PRES) em gestante com eclâmpsia tardia.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome diagnosed in pregnant women with late-eclampsia, as well as its clinical management. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 34 years old patient in her third pregnancy had started with high blood pressure levels during labor; after eleven days postpartum, she presented a decreased right visual acuity; subsequently one episode of seizure followed by partial loss of vision in the right eye. After conducting tests and ruled out stroke, the patient was diagnosed as Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Established the clinical management of seizures and hypertensive crisis, there was complete remission of symptoms and reversal of the initial clinical picture. CONCLUSION: Once properly diagnosed and treated, the Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome can present satisfactory progress, especially when associated with an acutely triggered factor, as eclampsia.

Caso de hemianopsia reversível no pós-parto decorrente de síndrome da encefalopatia reversível posterior (PRES) em gestante com eclâmpsia tardia / Reversible hemianopsia in postpartum due to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in pregnant with late eclampsia

Resumo Objetivos: Descrever um caso de Síndrome da Encefalopatia Reversível Posterior em gestante diagnosticada com eclâmpsia tardia, bem como seu manejo clínico. Descrição do caso: Paciente feminina, 34 anos, em sua terceira gestação, iniciou com aumento dos níveis tensionais durante o trabalho de parto e, após onze dias de puerpério, apresentou quadro de diminuição da acuidade visual à direita, seguida de crise convulsiva e subsequente perda parcial da visão do olho direito. Após a realização de exames de imagem e descartada a possibilidade de acidente vascular encefálico, a paciente foi diagnosticada com Síndrome da Encefalopatia Reversível Posterior (PRES). Instituído o manejo clínico das crises convulsivas e hipertensivas, houve remissão completa dos sintomas e reversão do quadro clínico inicial. Conclusões: Uma vez adequadamente diagnosticada e tratada, a Síndrome da Encefalopatia Reversível Posterior pode apresentar evolução satisfatória, especialmente quando associada a um fator desencadeado agudamente, como a eclâmpsia.

Abstract Objectives: To describe a case of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome diagnosed in pregnant women with late-eclampsia, as well as its clinical management. Case description: A 34 years old patient in her third pregnancy had started with high blood pressure levels during labor; after eleven days postpartum, she presented a decreased right visual acuity; subsequently one episode of seizure followed by partial loss of vision in the right eye. After conducting tests and ruled out stroke, the patient was diagnosed as Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Established the clinical management of seizures and hypertensive crisis, there was complete remission of symptoms and reversal of the initial clinical picture. Conclusion: Once properly diagnosed and treated, the Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome can present satisfactory progress, especially when associated with an acutely triggered factor, as eclampsia.

Immature platelet fraction in hypertensive pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Imbalance in hemostatic mechanisms can occur during pregnancy with a tendency for hypercoagulability and increased thrombosis risk. Pregnant women with hypertensive disorder, especially preeclampsia, show alterations in platelet indexes. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) has been suggested as a sensitive index for monitoring changes in platelet production and destruction. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the IPF in patients diagnosed with a gestational hypertensive disorder (GHD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an University Hospital to estimate maternal blood IPF index in 99 pregnant women, divided into three groups: normotensive pregnancy (NP), preeclampsia syndrome (PES), and non-proteinuric hypertensive pregnancy (nPHP). Following ethical approval and written informed consent, samples were collected from 33 NP, 34 PES, and 32 nPHP women. Platelet indexes were measured by fluorescent flow cytometry. RESULTS: IPF and mean platelet volume (MPV) counts in GHD were significantly higher than in NP (IPF: 3.8, 2.4-5.1%; 8.6, 5.8-10.6%; 7.3, 4.2-10.2%; p < 0.001 and MPV: 10.6 ± 0.9 fL; 12.1 ± 1.0 fL; 11.6 ± 1.0 fL; p < 0.001 for NP, PES, and nPHP, respectively). No difference was detected between PES and nPHP groups. The distribution of patients with an IPF above 6.1%for NP, PES, and nPHP was 9%, 65%, and 43.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). IPF as a test to differentiate GHD from the controls achieved an area under the curve of 0.83 on a receiver operating characteristics curve. CONCLUSION: A distinct profile in platelet indexes was detected in hypertensive pregnancies. It suggests that these markers could be used in daily routine as an additional tool in the management of pregnant women.

Blood-brain barrier breakdown in reduced uterine perfusion pressure: a possible model of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical entity characterized by headaches, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances and is associated with white matter vasogenic edema. There are no experimental models to study PRES brain changes. METHODS: Twenty-eight pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 7: (1) pregnant-control; (2) reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP); (3) invasive blood pressure (IBP); and (4) reduced uterine perfusion pressure plus invasive blood pressure (RUPP-IBP). The RUPP and RUPP-IBP groups were submitted to a reduction of uterine perfusion pressure at pregnancy days 13 to 15. The invasive mean arterial pressure of the IBP and RUPP-IBP groups was measured on day 20. The blood-brain barriers (BBBs) of all groups were analyzed using 2% Evans Blue dye on day 21. RESULTS: RUPP rats had higher blood pressures and increased BBB permeability to Evans Blue dye compared with the control animals. Brain staining occurred in 11 of 14 RUPP rats and in none of the control groups (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The physiopathology of PRES remains unclear. Here, we described the use of RUPP rats as a potential model to better comprehend this syndrome.

Arterite de Takayasu diagnosticada durante o puerpério em mulher com doença hipertensiva gestacional: relato de caso / Takayasu Arteritis diagnosed during puerperium in a woman with pregnancy-induced hypertension: Case report

Objetivos: Descrever um caso de Arterite de Takayasu diagnosticada durante o puerpério precoce, demonstrando a importância da aferição adequada da pressão arterial para o diagnóstico da doença hipertensiva gestacional.Descrição do caso: Uma mulher de 40 anos, em sua quarta gestação, com idade gestacional de 36 semanas e três dias, foi hospitalizada por gestação de alto risco devido a hipertensão arterial sistêmica crônica. Durante a internação observou-se diferença nos níveis tensionais e assimetria de pulsos entre os membros superiores. No pós-parto a paciente foi submetida à ecografia de carótidas com Doppler, que demonstrou oclusão de artéria carótida comum esquerda e de artéria subclávia esquerda, levando ao diagnóstico de Arterite de Takayasu.Conclusões: O diagnóstico precoce da Arterite de Takayasu é difícil, pois as manifestações iniciais são inespecíficas e os sintomas discretos. Entretanto, um exame físico cuidadoso pode evidenciar sinais que suscitem suspeitas e justifiquem investigação adicional, podendo prevenir um desfecho negativo, especialmente no período gestacional.

Aims: To describe a case of Takayasu arteritis diagnosed during the early postpartum period, demonstrating the importance of proper blood pressure measurement for the diagnosis of gestational hypertension.Case description: A 40 year old woman in her fourth pregnancy, with gestational age of 36 weeks and three days, was hospitalized for highrisk pregnancy due to chronic hypertension. During hospitalization, difference in blood pressure levels and pulse asymmetry between the upper limbs were observed. In the postpartum the patient underwent carotid Doppler ultrasound, which showed occlusion of the left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery, leading to the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis is difficult because initial manifestations are nonspecific and symptoms are mild. However, a careful physical examination may reveal signs that raise suspicion and warrant further investigation, which may prevent a negative outcome, especially during pregnancy.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: differences between pregnant and non-pregnant patients.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiologic entity not yet understood, that presents with transient neurologic symptoms and particular radiological findings. Few papers show the differences between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. We review the cases of 38 women diagnosed with PRES, in order to find significant differences between pregnant (18) and non-pregnant (20) patients. We found differences among the age of patients (25.83 years old in pregnant and 29.31 years old in non pregnant; P=0.001); in the mean of highest systolic blood pressure, that was higher in non-pregnant group (185:162 mmHg; P=0.121); and in creatinine levels that was higher in non-pregnant group (3.47:1.04 mg/dL; P=0.001). To our knowledge, just a few papers analyzed whether PRES syndrome presented in the same way in pregnant and non-pregnant patients. The differences and the possible pathophisiology of this syndrome still remain enigmatic.

Is there any relationship between ABO/Rh blood group and patients with pre-eclampsia?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between pre-eclampsia and blood groups in a group of pregnant women hospitalized in a University Hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil - Hospital São Lucas (HSL)/PUCRS. STUDY DESIGN: Our sample consisted of 10,040 pregnant women admitted to the maternity department of HSL between 2005 and 2010. The patients were reviewed retrospectively for inclusion. Medical records of 414 women were diagnosed as preeclampsia/eclampsia and 9611 women were identified to the control group. The patients were divided into two groups: the group with preeclampsia/eclampsia and the control group, and their blood groups were considered. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 17.0. Categorical data were summarized by counts and percentages, with the statistical significance evaluated by the Chi-square test. The null hypothesis was rejected when p<0.05. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal parameters were compared between control group and pre-eclampsia, respectively, Systolic Blood Pressure (117±19.98 vs. 165±19.99); Diastolic Blood Pressure (73±14.23 vs. 106±14.24) and maternal weight at booking (73±33 vs. 83±33). For all data: mean+SD; p<0.05. In relation to blood groups, firstly they were stratified by Rh and ABO phenotypes, separately. After that the groups were put together. RESULTS: No differences in blood group distribution were observed between controls and pre-eclampsia for any analysis. (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When we adopted stricter criteria for pre-eclampsia and a large sample from the same region we noted that the results did not show any association between blood groups and the development of pre-eclampsia.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following a scorpion sting.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiologic entity not yet understood, that is present with transient neurologic symptoms and particular radiological findings. The most common imaging pattern in PRES is the presence of edema in the white matter of the posterior portions of both cerebral hemispheres. The cause of PRES is unclear. We report a case of 13-year-old male who was stung by a scorpion and developed a severe headache, visual disturbance, and seizures and had the diagnosis of PRES with a good outcome. Numerous factors can trigger this syndrome, most commonly: acute elevation of blood pressure, abnormal renal function, and immunosuppressive therapy. There are many cases described showing the relationship between PRES and eclampsia, transplantation, neoplasia and chemotherapy treatment, systemic infections, renal disease acute, or chronic. However, this is the first case of PRES following a scorpion sting.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Associated with FOLFOX Chemotherapy.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiologic entity characterized by headaches, altered mental status, seizures, visual loss, and characteristic imaging pattern in brain MRI. The cause of PRES is not yet understood. We report a case of a 27-year-old woman that developed PRES after the use of FOLFOX 5 (oxaliplatin/5-Fluoracil/Leucovorin) chemotherapy for a colorectal cancer.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and systemic lupus erythematosus: report of two cases.

The posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a novel entity clinically manifested by headache, changes of sensorium, seizures, and visual loss. PRES pathogenesis has not been fully clarified. The entity can be associated to a variety of clinical conditions, mainly hypertension, renal insufficiency and immunosuppressive therapy. A possible link of autoimmune disorders with PRES has been recently hypothesized. We herein describe two cases of systemic lupus erythematosus whereby PRES was triggered by different factors.

Gemcitabine monotherapy associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinicoradiologic entity that may present with headaches, altered mental status, seizures and visual loss as well as specific neuroimaging findings. We report a case of a 74-year-old woman receiving adjuvant gemcitabine chemotherapy as monotherapy for a stage IIa pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.