THE COST OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION AT THE MERKUR UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, ZAGREB, CROATIA.

The aim was to determine the cost of hospitalization for a transplant procedure and identify the independent variables associated with the cost of transplantation. The investigation was designed as a retrospective single-center cohort study conducted at a tertiary university hospital transplant center in Zagreb, Croatia. The study included 219 consecutive kidney recipients transplanted during the 2007-2013 period at the Merkur University Hospital. There were 141 male and 78 female patients having undergone kidney transplantation during the study period. The majority of kidney transplants were from a deceased donor (n=179), while 40 were from a living donor. The mean cost of a transplantation was 86,140±42,240 HRK (11,460±5,600 €), ranging from 29,000 HRK (3,860 €) to 408,000 HRK (54,000 €). In the bivariate analysis, the variables associated with the cost of transplantation were the length of hospital stay, delayed graft function, death of the patient, graft loss, use of steroids, and death-censored graft loss. In the multivariate analysis, delayed graft function was the only statistically significant variable for the cost of transplantation. Since only delayed graft function had an impact on the cost of transplantation in this study, certain steps such as shortening of the cold ischemia time (better organization of organ transport), better education of family members for living donors, and higher percentage of patients on peritoneal dialysis should be taken to lower the percentage of delayed graft function.

Cardiovascular mortality in liver and kidney transplant recipients: A retrospective analysis from a single institution.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have demonstrated cardiovascular causes to be among the leading causes of death after liver (LT) and kidney transplantation (KT). Although both recipient populations have unique pre-transplant cardiovascular burdens, they share similarities in post-transplant exposure to cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular mortality after LT and KT.We analyzed causes of death in 370 consecutive LT and 207 KT recipients from in-hospital records at a single tertiary transplant center. Cardiovascular causes of death were defined as cardiac arrest, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, or myocardial infarction.After a median follow-up of 36.5 months, infection was the most common cause of death in both cohorts, followed by cardiovascular causes in KT recipients and graft-related causes in LT recipients in whom cardiovascular causes were the third most common. Cumulative incidence curves for cardiovascular mortality computed with death from other causes as the competing risk were not significantly different (P = .36). While 1-year cumulative cardiovascular mortality was similar (1.6% after LT and 1.5% after KT), the estimated 4-year probability was higher post-KT (3.8% vs. 1.6%). Significant pre-transplant risk factors for overall mortality after KT in multivariable analysis were age at transplantation, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and diastolic dysfunction grade 2 or greater, while significant risk factors for cardiovascular mortality were peripheral artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. In the LT group no variables remained significant in a multivariable model for either overall or cardiovascular mortality.The present study found no significant overall difference in cardiovascular mortality after LT and KT. While LT and KT recipients may have similar early cardiovascular mortality, long-term risk is potentially lower after LT. Differing characteristics of cardiovascular death between these two patient populations should be further investigated.

Combined liver-kidney transplantation for rare diseases.

Combined liver and kidney transplantation (CLKT) is indicated in patients with failure of both organs, or for the treatment of end-stage chronic kidney disease (ESKD) caused by a genetic defect in the liver. The aim of the present review is to provide the most up-to-date overview of the rare conditions as indications for CLKT. They are major indications for CLKT in children. However, in some of them (e.g., atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome or primary hyperoxaluria), CLKT may be required in adults as well. Primary hyperoxaluria is divided into three types, of which type 1 and 2 lead to ESKD. CLKT has been proven effective in renal function replacement, at the same time preventing recurrence of the disease. Nephronophthisis is associated with liver fibrosis in 5% of cases and these patients are candidates for CLKT. In alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, hereditary C3 deficiency, lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency and glycogen storage diseases, glomerular or tubulointerstitial disease can lead to chronic kidney disease. Liver transplantation as a part of CLKT corrects underlying genetic and consequent metabolic abnormality. In atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by mutations in the genes for factor H, successful CLKT has been reported in a small number of patients. However, for this indication, CLKT has been largely replaced by eculizumab, an anti-C5 antibody. CLKT has been well established to provide immune protection of the transplanted kidney against donor-specific antibodies against class I HLA, facilitating transplantation in a highly sensitized recipient.

Pre- and intraoperative predictors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after liver transplantation (LT) is a frequent and multifactorial event related to increased morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for AKI after LT still need to be clarified. AIM: To identify the predictors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation. METHODS: The frequency and pre- and intraoperative predictors of AKI within the first 7 d after LT were evaluated in adult liver transplant candidates in a single LT center in Croatia. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. RESULTS: Out of 205 patients (mean age 57 ± 10 years; 73.7% males, 52.7% with alcohol-related liver disease) 93 (45.36%) developed AKI, and the majority of them (58.06%) had stage 1. Only 5.38% of patients required renal replacement therapy after LT. The majority of patients (82.8%) developed AKI within the first two days after the procedure. Multivariate logistic regression identified pre-LT body mass index (OR = 1.1, 95%CI: 1.05-1.24) and red blood cell transfusion (OR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.09-2.53) as independent predictors of early post-LT AKI occurrence. 30-d survival after LT was significantly better for patients without AKI (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Early AKI after LT is a frequent event that negatively impacts short-term survival. The pathogenesis of AKI is multifactorial, but pre-LT BMI and intraoperative volume shifts are major contributors.

Evaluation of cell-mediated immune response by QuantiFERON Monitor Assay in kidney transplant recipients presenting with infective complications.

The net level of immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients is difficult to assess. QuantiFERON Monitor (QFM) is an in vitro diagnostic test that detects interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release in peripheral blood. The aim of our study was to compare QFM testing results in stable kidney transplant recipients and kidney transplant recipients with infection, in a single-centre cohort.We enrolled 71 kidney transplant recipients from our transplantation centre. They were divided into 2 groups according to clinical presentation (Stable kidney transplant recipients or Infection).There were no significant differences in interferon-γ release between the 2 groups (Stable kidney transplant recipients 140.59 ±â€Š215.28 IU/ml, Infection group 78.37 ±â€Š197.03 IU/ml, P = .24). A further analysis revealed that kidney transplant recipients presenting with bacterial infection had significantly lower IFN-γ release when compared to stable kidney transplant recipients (26.52 ±â€Š42.46 IU/ml vs 140.59 ±â€Š215.28 IU/ml, P = .04).Kidney transplant recipients presenting with bacterial infection had lower IFN-γ release when compared to stable kidney transplant recipients. The QFM test may be useful as a tool to help guide immunosuppression dosing in kidney transplant recipients, but further studies are required to confirm its diagnostic value.

Periodontal inflamed surface area in patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: a Croatian cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The decision to initiate dialysis treatment via haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) often involves the consideration of complex factors and remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to quantify the inflammatory burden that periodontitis causes in dialysis patients and to examine whether patients on PD and HD differ in terms of the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), which can be helpful for selecting the most appropriate dialysis modality. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 58 consecutive patients on HD and 31 consecutive patients on PD. PISA was calculated using measurements of the clinical attachment level, recession and bleeding on probing. We performed the primary analysis using multivariable robust regression. RESULTS: Patients on PD had a 746 mm2 (93%) lower mean PISA than patients on HD after adjustment for 20 possible confounders, including the duration of dialysis. The type of dialysis was independently correlated with the PISA (semipartial correlation: - 0.50; p = 0.017; false discovery rate < 5%). After adjusting for confounding factors, the correlation between the duration and type of dialysis was not significant (F (2,44) = 0.01; p = 0.994; η2 = 0.00). Differences in the PISA between patients who had undergone dialysis for less than a year, 2-3 years or ≥ 3 years were not significantly different in either of the two dialysis groups. CONCLUSIONS: PISA levels in Croatian patients on dialysis indicate a high need for periodontal treatment. PD is associated with a smaller PISA independent of many sociodemographic, lifestyle, laboratory and clinical factors. The duration of dialysis does not influence PISA levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN17887630. A clinical study to investigate gum infection in patients undergoing kidney dialysis.

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.

Safety of Outpatient Kidney Biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Kidney biopsy is frequently performed in our centre as an outpatient procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of biopsy in the outpatient setting. METHODS: We analysed kidney biopsies performed from March 2013 to February 2017. Seven hundred twenty-five biopsies performed in the outpatient setting were identified: There were 592 transplant and 133 native biopsies including 3 solitary kidney biopsies. All were performed under ultrasound guidance using a 16G or 18G needle, with freehand technique. In all patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 desmopressin was administered. Patients were observed for 6h before discharge, with a complete blood count and urine test after 4 h. Major complications were haemorrhage requiring therapeutic intervention or transfusion. Minor complications were significant reduction in haemoglobin (Hb) levels (>10%), without need for transfusion or intervention and macrohaematuria. RESULTS: There were 506 (69.8%) male patients. Average age was 50.3 ± 12.7 years. Indications for native kidney biopsy included nephrotic syndrome (39.8%), nephritic syndrome (42.9%), follow-up biopsy (15.8%), and other (1.5%). There were no major complications. A decline in Hb was observed in 72% of patients. Average Hb decline was 4.2 ± 6.3 g/L. In 10.1% patients there was >10% reduction in Hb level, with no evident bleeding, including by ultrasonography. In 2.5% of patients, macrohaematuria was present. In a multivariate analysis, male gender, lower eGFR, higher pre-biopsy Hb and native kidney biopsy were predictive for Hb decline. No therapeutic interventions were required. CONCLUSION: We found that kidney biopsy performed in an outpatient setting in select patients is only rarely associated with adverse events and is a safe procedure.

IgM as a novel predictor of disease progression in secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

AIM: To determine the role of immunoglobulin M (IgM) deposits in clinical manifestations, disease outcome, and treatment response of idiopathic and secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). METHODS: Kidney biopsy specimens of 171 patients diagnosed with FSGS (primary and secondary) and 50 control patients were retrospectively included in the study. For each patient, clinical and outcome data were obtained and compared to morphological parameters, including immunofluorescence analysis of mesangial IgM and complement 3 (C3) deposits analyzed on kidney biopsy samples. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations between IgM and C3 deposition in secondary FSGS (P<0.001) and between IgM and mesangial deposits detected by electron microscopy in secondary FSGS (P=0.015), which indicated that higher IgM deposition correlated with higher C3 deposition and mesangial deposits only in secondary FSGS. Patients with secondary FSGS and the deposition of IgM showed inferior renal outcomes at earlier time points in comparison with patients with negative IgM expression (P=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: We detected a positive correlation between IgM and C3 in secondary FSGS. The association between IgM deposition and worse renal outcome in secondary FSGS indicates that IgM may play a role in the progression of this disease.

Association of chronic kidney disease with periprocedural myocardial injury after elective stent implantation: A single center prospective cohort study.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with CKD who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may have more ischemic events than patients without CKD. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) after elective stent implantation in patients with CKD using the Third Joint ESC/ACCF/AHA/WHF PMI definition.In a single center prospective cohort study, we enrolled 344 consecutive patients who underwent elective PCI in a period of 39 months. Serum troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were measured at baseline and at 8 and 16 hours after PCI. Periprocedural increase of cTnI, according to the most recent PMI definition, was used to define both the presence and intensity of PMI. Patients were further stratified according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using 4 variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation: control group with eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m and the CKD group with eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m, with further subdivision according to the CKD stage.We found no significant difference in the incidence as well as intensity of the PMI in the control (>90 mL/min/1.73 m) and the CKD group (<90 mL/min/1.73 m) both 8 and 16 hours after PCI. When the CKD patients were further subdivided according to their CKD stage, there was again no difference in the intensity or incidence of PMI compared to the control group. Further analyses of our data showed angina pectoris CCS IV, bare metal stent (BMS) implantation, and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) as independent predictors of PMI. Furthermore, the presence of hypertension was inversely related to the occurrence of PMI.Applying the new guidelines for PMI and using the eGFR equation most suitable for our patients, we found no association between PMI and CKD. Further analyses showed other factors that could potentially influence the occurrence of PMI.

Tunnelled haemodialysis catheter and haemodialysis outcomes: a retrospective cohort study in Zagreb, Croatia.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have reported that the tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) is associated with inferior haemodialysis (HD) patient survival, in comparison with arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Since many cofactors may also affect survival of HD patients, it is unclear whether the greater risk for survival arises from TDC per se, or from associated conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine, in a multivariate analysis, the long-term outcome of HD patients, with respect to vascular access (VA). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort study included all 156 patients with a TDC admitted at University Hospital Merkur, from 2010 to 2012. The control group consisted of 97 patients dialysed via AVF. The groups were matched according to dialysis unit and time of VA placement. The site of choice for the placement of the TDC was the right jugular vein. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test was used to assess patient survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent variables associated with patient survival. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient survival with respect to VA. RESULTS: The cumulative 1-year survival of patients who were dialysed exclusively via TDC was 86.4% and of those who were dialysed exclusively via AVF, survival was 97.1% (p=0.002). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, male sex and older age were independently negatively associated with the survival of HD patients, while shorter HD vintage before the creation of the observed VA, hypertensive renal disease and glomerulonephritis were positively associated with survival. TDC was an independent risk factor for survival of HD patients (HR 23.0, 95% CI 6.2 to 85.3). CONCLUSION: TDC may be an independent negative risk factor for HD patient survival.

[Calcific uremic arteriolopathy: clinical features and treatment]. / Kalcificirajuca uremijska arteriolopatija: klinicka slika i lijecenje.

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy or alciphylaxis is a malignant form of calcification of small arteries and arterioles, usually present in patients with chronic kidney disease and dialysis therapy. It causes high mortality. Histological distinctive feature are calcium deposits lining vascular intima. Calcification of medial muscle layer, inflammation and necrosis of subcutaneous adipose tissue are frequent. The disease begins with painful violaceous mottling, resembling livedo reticularis. Ths skin lesion progresses to ulcers and eschars, sometimes it becomes very vulnerable to secondary infection which can often develop into fatal sepsis. Our first patient with proximal form of calciphylaxis dies in repeated sepsis. The second patient with the distal form of calciphylaxis was treated successfully. The decisive moment was the use of calcimimetic. A multiinterventional strategy is likely to be more effective than any single therapy. It is necessary to regulate metabolism of calcium phosphate and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Effectiveness has been demonstrated using calcimimetics, sodium thiosulfate, oxygen therapy, careful application of biphosphonates and surgical procedures. Warfarin withdrawal is urgently recommended and subsequent vitamin K supplementation is appropriate. The control of infection is critically important and the use of carbonylated hemoglobin in the stage without infections could accelerate the wound healing.

Effect of mycophenolate mofetil on progression of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy after kidney transplantation: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic transplant dysfunction after kidney transplantation is a major reason of kidney graft loss and is caused by immunological and non-immunological factors. There is evidence that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may exert a positive effect on renal damage in addition to immunosuppression, by its direct antifibrotic properties. The aim of our study was to retrospectively investigate the role of MMF doses on progression of chronic allograft dysfunction and fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA). SETTING: Retrospective, cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with kidney transplant in a tertiary care institution. This is a retrospective cohort study that included 79 patients with kidney and kidney-pancreas transplantation. Immunosuppression consisted of anti-interleukin 2 antibody induction, MMF, a calcineurin inhibitor±steroids. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: An association of average MMF doses over 1 year post-transplant with progression of interstitial fibrosis (Δci), tubular atrophy (Δct) and estimated-creatinine clearance (eCrcl) at 1 year post-transplant was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A higher average MMF dose was significantly independently associated with better eCrcl at 1 year post-transplant (b=0.21±0.1, p=0.04). In multiple regression analysis lower Δci (b=-0.2±0.09, p=0.05) and Δct (b=-0.29±0.1, p=0.02) were independently associated with a greater average MMF dose. There was no correlation between average MMF doses and incidence of acute rejection (p=0.68). CONCLUSIONS: A higher average MMF dose over 1 year is associated with better renal function and slower progression of IF/TA, at least partly independent of its immunosuppressive effects.

[Consensus statement of the Croatian Society for Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation regarding the use of generic immunosuppressive drugs]. / Stav hrvatskog drustva za nefrologiju, dijalizu i transplantaciju bubrega prema uporabi generickih imunosupresiva u transplantaciji bubrega.

The use of generic immunosuppressive drugs may decrease the cost of immunosuppressive medication, although total cost sav- ings are still a matter of debate since patients need close monitoring after conversion from original to the generic formulation. A working group of the Croatian Society of Transplantation was established to develop recommendations on the use of generic immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients based on a review of the available data. Immunosuppressive drugs belong to the 'narrow therapeutic index' drugs, with huge pharmacokinetic variations secondary to the impact of food, other drugs, as well as of kidney and liver function. Failure to maintain an appropriate balance of immunosuppression seriously influences graft and patient survival. Published evidence supporting therapeutic equivalence of generic formulations is scarce or completely lacking. Different generic formulations may expose patients to uncontrolled product switching by pharmacists or general practitioners, which is very dangerous for patients, since generic preparations are not required to demonstrate bioequivalence with each other. The Croatian Society for Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation is not against the use of generic immunosuppressive drugs, but it requires close supervision of nephrologists and respecting the strict rules of their use. More efforts should be invested in education of primary care physicians as well as of patients to be aware of differences between the original and generic, as well as between different generic formulations.

Long-term effects of peritonitis on peritoneal dialysis outcomes.

PURPOSE: Prevalence of peritoneal dialysis is low in part because of the perceived high risk for complications such as peritonitis. However, in the most recent era, peritonitis incidence and its effects on patient outcomes may have diminished. The aim of this study was to analyze peritonitis incidence and its impact on patient and technique survival, as well as on the kidney transplantation rate and outcome. METHODS: All peritoneal dialysis patients from a county hospital between year 2001 and 2011 were retrospectively included. Patients were divided into two groups with respect to peritonitis. The primary composite end-point consisted of a 3-year patient mortality or technique loss. Secondary end-points were patient survival and probability of kidney transplantation with respect to peritonitis history. RESULTS: Among 85 study patients, there were 61 peritonitis episodes. The incidence of peritonitis was 0.339 ± 0.71 episode per patient per 12 months or one episode per 29.3 ± 22.2 patient-months. The time to peritonitis was shorter, and peritonitis was more likely in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis than in automated peritoneal dialysis patients. Patient and technique survival and transplantation rate were similar in the group with and without peritonitis history. The primary end-point was recorded in 35 % of patients with peritonitis history and in 54 % of those without peritonitis (p = 0.04). In a multivariate analysis, the only variable significantly associated with the primary end-point and with patient survival was patient age at start of peritoneal dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: In contemporary peritoneal dialysis patients, timely treated peritonitis may not be associated with adverse patient and technique outcomes. The transplantation rate is unaffected by the peritonitis history. Peritoneal dialysis may be promoted as the first dialysis method in appropriate patients.

Estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in diabetes: the performance of MDRD and CKD-EPI equations in patients with various degrees of albuminuria.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equations in estimating GFR in a large cohort of diabetic patients with various degrees of albuminuria. DESIGN AND METHODS: In a group of 842 diabetic patients GFR was estimated from standardized creatinine, with MDRD-Study and CKD-EPI equations, and their performance evaluated regarding clinical stages of albuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD). RESULTS: Patients with normoalbuminuria had higher eGFR when calculated by CKD-EPI, than MDRD-Study equation [median (IQR): 103 (91-115) vs 97 (85-113)mL/min/1.73 m(2), P=0.006, n=364], which significantly influenced the prevalence of stage 1 CKD [eGFR>90 mL/min/1.73 m(2): 76.7% (CKD-EPI) vs. 65.1% (MDRD-Study), P=0.005]. There were no differences between the eGFR values derived by two equations in patients with micro- and macroalbuminuria, and more advanced staging of CKD. CONCLUSION: CKD-EPI equation might be a superior surrogate marker of GFR in patients with normoalbuminuria and hyperfiltration and could be used as a screening tool for early renal impairment in diabetes. It's validity as a marker of progression of diabetic nephropathy merits further investigation.

Prognostic significance of glomerular and tubulointerstitial morphometry in idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

The purpose of our study was to investigate the prognostic value of clinical and pathological, in particular glomerular and tubulointerstitial morphometric variables in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). We prospectively followed 60 Caucasian patients diagnosed with idiopathic membranous nephropathy for at least 2 years or until primary outcome (≥50% permanent decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate or death). Glomerular and tubulointerstitial morphometric variables at the time of renal biopsy were analyzed with respect to this outcome. Univariate analysis revealed that significant negative prognostic factors for this outcome were higher cholesterol and smaller albumin concentrations, higher creatinine and maximal 24-h proteinuria, higher grade of nephroangiosclerosis, higher glomerular basement membrane thickness and glomerulopathy index, higher interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy percentage and higher injury score. In multivariate analysis, only the maximal 24-h proteinuria and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy percentage were independent predictors of this outcome. The results suggest that morphometric analysis, mainly quantitative measurement of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy percentage, injury score, glomerular basement membrane thickness and glomerulopathy index could be used as an additional method for risk stratification of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Successful pregnancy and delivery after kidney transplantation.

The kidney transplantation is considered to be the best therapy for terminal kidney disease, nowadays. Numerous studies have shown that pregnancy may be successful and may result in a delivery of a healthy baby after the kidney transplantation. Pregnant women who are the recipients of a kidney transplant have increased chances of developing hypertension, preeclampsia, as well as going into premature labour and frequently giving birth to newborns of low birth weight. We present a case of a successful pregnancy and delivery in a 32-year-old kidney transplant recipient who conceived spontaneously four years posttransplantation. The kidney transplantation has been done due to the chronic hypertension and the consequential kidney atrophy. During the pregnancy, the patient underwent antihypertension and immunosupressive drugs therapy. She was also being monitored by the gynaecologist and the nephrologist. The pregnancy was terminated in the 40th week by an urgent Caesarean section due to the fetal bradycardia. The patient gave birth to the healthy baby girl.

Treatment of bleeding after kidney biopsy with recombinant activated factor VII.

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is approved for prevention and treatment of bleeding in hemophilia patients with inhibitors to FVIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B), patients with congenital and acquired hemophilia and in patients with FVII deficiency or Glantzmann thrombasthenia (last indication is approved only in Europe). Off-labeled, the drug has been prescribed for prevention, or treatment of bleeding in severe hepatic disease, neonatal coagulopathies, high-risk surgical procedures, trauma, thrombocytopenia and platelet function disorders, as well as for urgent reversal of oral anticoagulation. Here we report a case of a 53-year-old female patient with delayed graft function after kidney transplantation, who had kidney biopsy complicated with prolonged bleeding. After unsuccessful treatment with desmopressin, the patient was treated with rFVIIa and the bleeding stopped immediately. Only few anecdotal reports of use of rFVIIa for treatment of bleeding in uremic patients have been published thus far. To our knowledge, this is the first case that describes use of rFVIIa for management of bleeding as a complication of renal biopsy in a uremic patient in the early kidney posttransplantation period.