Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E in patients on haemodialysis in Croatia.

PURPOSE: Data on the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in heamodialysis (HD) patients are conflicting, ranging from 0 to 44%. The aim of this study was to determine the HEV seroprevalence and risk factors among HD patients in Croatia. METHODS: A total of 394 HD patients from six medical facilities in five Croatian cities (three sites in the continental and three sites in the coastal region) were tested for HEV IgM/IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, all samples were tested for HEV RNA by RT-PCR. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected using a questionnaire. RESULTS: HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 110 (27.9%) patients. The seroprevalence varied significantly between dialysis centres, ranging from 5.2 to 43.4% (p = 0.001). HEV IgM antibodies were found in 0.04% of IgG positive patients. All patients tested negative for HEV RNA. Factors associated with HEV IgG seropositivity were age > 60 years (OR 8.17; 95% CI 1.08-62.14), living in the continental parts of the country (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.55-4.30), and transfusion of blood products (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.01-2.73). After adjusting for age and gender, patients from continental regions had higher odds of HEV seropositivity compared to patients from coastal regions (OR 2.88; 95% CI 1.71-4.85) and those who had RBC transfusions (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.02-2.69) compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION: The study showed a high HEV seropositivity among HD patients in Croatia, with significant variations between geographical regions. Continental area of residence and RBC transfusion were the most significant risk factors for HEV seropositivity. Due to the high seroprevalence, routine HEV screening among HD patients, especially in transplant candidates should be considered.

Blood Pressure of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients in the Dalmatian Region of Croatia: Differences between Hospital and Out-of-Hospital Dialysis Centers.

AIMS: This study was aimed at comparing the incidence of arterial hypertension and blood pressure (BP) variance in hospital and out-of-hospital hemodialysis (HD) patients during HD sessions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 1 week at all the HD centers in Dalmatia, Croatia. The pre-, intra-, and post-dialysis BP values were collected for 3 consecutive HD sessions per patient. RESULTS: Of the 399 subjects, 73.9% were hypertensives, who showed higher interdialytic weight gain compared to the normotensives (2.58 vs. 2.40). Hospital and out-of-hospital HD patients received identical antihypertensive therapies, except that beta blockers were more frequently administered to out-of-hospital HD patients. Higher pre-, intra-, and post-dialysis BP values were recorded in patients at out-of-hospital HD centers. CONCLUSION: The differences in BP variability and antihypertensive therapies administered to hospital HD patients as compared to out-of-hospital HD patients may reflect differing approaches by the nephrologists at these centers.

[HYPOKALEMIC METABOLIC ALKALOSIS ­ A REPORT OF SIX CASES].

In this article six patients with hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, classified as Bartter or Gitelman syndrome are presented. Both syndromes result from different gene mutation inducing impaired function of the transporters involved in sodium, chloride and potassium reapsorption in thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle and distal convoluted tubules. These syndromes typically present with hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism without hypertension, polyuria and muscle weakness. Other clinical characteristics may vary considerably, depending on the gene expression. Correct diagnosis is only possible using expensive and not-routinely available genetic testing. Routine laboratory tests, especially those considering serum and urine electrolytes, can help in recognizing these syndromes and therefore in timely beginning of treatment. The most important distinctive laboratory findings are serum magnesium concentration and urine calcium excretion. In Bartter syndrome typically there is hypercalciuria with or without hypomagnesemia, while in Gitelman syndrome typical findings are hypocalciuria and hypomagnesemia. Recognizing and treating these patients is important due to possible increased morbidity and mortality induced by severe electrolyte imbalance.