Twenty-year Follow-up of Patients With Epidemic Glomerulonephritis due to Streptococcus zooepidemicus in Brazil.

Introduction: Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) has a good prognosis in children, but few studies have evaluated the long-term renal outcomes in adults with PSGN. Methods: In a follow-up study, 47 predominantly adult patients with PSGN due to group C Streptococcus zooepidemicus were reassessed 20 years after an outbreak in Nova Serrana, Brazil. We evaluated clinical characteristics, renal outcomes, and the trajectory of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by the creatinine-based chronic kidney disease-epidemiology collaboration equation from 5 follow-up assessments. Logistic regression and mixed-effects regression were used in the analysis. Results: After 20 years, the participants' mean age was 56.6±15.1 years. Thirty-four (72%) patients had hypertension, 21 (44.7%) had eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 8 of 43 (18.6%) had urine protein-to-creatinine ratio >150 mg/g, and 25 (53%) had CKD (low eGFR and/or increased proteinuria). Increasing age was associated with CKD (odds ratio: 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.13; P = 0.011) in multivariate analysis. The mean eGFR decline in the last 11 years of follow-up was -3.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year (95% CI: -3.7 to -2.7). Older age at baseline (coefficient -1.05 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year; 95% CI -1.28 to -0.81; P < 0.001), and hypertension 5 years after the outbreak (coefficient -7.78 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI -14.67 to -0.78; P = 0.027) were associated with lower eGFR during the whole study period. Conclusion: There was a marked worsening of renal function and a high prevalence of CKD and hypertension after 20 years of PSGN outbreak. Long-term follow-up is warranted after PSGN, especially among older patients.

CA-125 and CCL2 may indicate inflammation in peritoneal dialysis patients / CA-125 e CCL2 podem indicar inflamação em pacientes em diálise peritoneal

Abstract Introduction: Progressive structural changes in the peritoneal membrane occur over the course of treatment in peritoneal dialysis (PD), resulting in an increase in cytokines such as CCL2 and structural changes in peritoneal membrane triggering an increase in CA-125 in dialysate, which reflects a probable local inflammatory process, with possible loss of mesothelial cells. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma and CCL2 and CA-125 dialysate levels in patients undergoing PD. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with 41 patients undergoing PD. The assessments of CA-125 and CCL2 levels were performed using a capture ELISA. Correlations were estimated using Spearman's correlation and the investigation of the association between the explanatory variables (CCL2) and response variable (CA-125) was done for crude ratio of arithmetic means and adjusted utilizing generalized linear models. Results: A moderate positive correlation was observed between the levels of CA-125 and CCL2 in the dialysate (rho = 0.696). A statistically significant association was found between the levels in the CCL2 and CA-125 dialysate (RoM=1.31; CI = 1.20-1.43), which remained after adjustment for age (RoM = 1.31; CI=1.19-1.44) and for time in months of PD (RoM=1.34, CI=1.22-1.48). Conclusion: The association of CA-125 levels with CCL2 in the dialysate may indicate that the local inflammatory process leads to temporary or definitive changes in peritoneal membrane. A better understanding of this pathogenesis could contribute to the discovery of new inflammatory biomarkers.

Resumo Introdução: Alterações estruturais progressivas na membrana peritoneal ocorrem no decorrer do tratamento em diálise peritoneal (DP), resultando em um aumento de citocinas como CCL2 e alterações estruturais na membrana peritoneal desencadeando um aumento de CA-125 no dialisato, o que reflete um provável processo inflamatório local, com possível perda de células mesoteliais. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre CCL2 e CA-125 no plasma e no dialisato de pacientes submetidos à DP. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 41 pacientes submetidos à DP. As avaliações dos níveis de CA-125 e CCL2 foram realizadas utilizando ELISA de captura. As correlações foram estimadas usando a correlação de Spearman, e a investigação da associação entre as variáveis explicativas (CCL2) e a variável resposta (CA-125) foi feita pela razão bruta das médias aritméticas e ajustada utilizando modelos lineares generalizados. Resultados: Foi observada uma correlação positiva moderada entre os níveis de CA-125 e CCL2 no dialisato (rho = 0,696). Foi encontrada uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre os níveis no dialisato de CCL2 e CA-125 (RoM=1,31; IC = 1,20-1,43), que permaneceu após ajuste por idade (RoM = 1,31; IC=1,19-1,44) e pelo tempo de DP em meses (RoM=1,34, IC=1,22-1,48). Conclusão: A associação dos níveis de CA-125 com CCL2 no dialisato pode indicar que o processo inflamatório local leva a alterações temporárias ou definitivas na membrana peritoneal. Uma melhor compreensão desta patogênese pode contribuir para a descoberta de novos biomarcadores inflamatórios.

CA-125 and CCL2 may indicate inflammation in peritoneal dialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive structural changes in the peritoneal membrane occur over the course of treatment in peritoneal dialysis (PD), resulting in an increase in cytokines such as CCL2 and structural changes in peritoneal membrane triggering an increase in CA-125 in dialysate, which reflects a probable local inflammatory process, with possible loss of mesothelial cells. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma and CCL2 and CA-125 dialysate levels in patients undergoing PD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted with 41 patients undergoing PD. The assessments of CA-125 and CCL2 levels were performed using a capture ELISA. Correlations were estimated using Spearman's correlation and the investigation of the association between the explanatory variables (CCL2) and response variable (CA-125) was done for crude ratio of arithmetic means and adjusted utilizing generalized linear models. RESULTS: A moderate positive correlation was observed between the levels of CA-125 and CCL2 in the dialysate (rho = 0.696). A statistically significant association was found between the levels in the CCL2 and CA-125 dialysate (RoM=1.31; CI = 1.20-1.43), which remained after adjustment for age (RoM = 1.31; CI=1.19-1.44) and for time in months of PD (RoM=1.34, CI=1.22-1.48). CONCLUSION: The association of CA-125 levels with CCL2 in the dialysate may indicate that the local inflammatory process leads to temporary or definitive changes in peritoneal membrane. A better understanding of this pathogenesis could contribute to the discovery of new inflammatory biomarkers.

Most common histopathological patterns of the Minas Gerais Association of the Centers of Nephrology.

INTRODUCTION: We analyzed the distribution and frequency of glomerular diseases in patients biopsied between 1992 and 2016 in centers that make up the AMICEN (Minas Gerais Association of Nephrology Centers). METHODS: We analyzed the biopsy reports of patients from 9 AMICEN nephrology centers. We took note of their age, gender, ultrasound use, post-biopsy resting time, whether the kidney was native or a graft, number of glomeruli and indication for the biopsy. The kidney biopsy findings were broken down into four categories: glomerular and non-glomerular diseases, normal kidneys and insufficient material for analysis. Those patients diagnosed with glomerular diseases were further divided into having primary or secondary glomerular diseases. RESULTS: We obtained 582 biopsy reports. The median age was 38 years (1 to 85). The number of glomeruli varied between 0 and 70 (median = 13.0). In total, 97.8% of the biopsies were ultrasound guided. The main indication was nephrotic syndrome (36.9%), followed by hematuria-proteinuria association (16.2%). Primary glomerular diseases proved to be the most frequent (75.3%), followed by secondary diseases (24.7%). Among the primary glomerular diseases, FSGS was found at a higher frequency (28.8%), while among the secondary diseases, SLE was the most prevalent (42.4%). Regarding prevalence findings, those for both primary and secondary diseases were similar to those found in the large Brazilian registries published thus far. CONCLUSION: Glomerular disease registries are an important tool to identify the prevalence of such disease in regions of interest and can serve as an instrument to guide public policy decisions concerning the prevention of terminal kidney diseases.

Most common histopathological patterns of the Minas Gerais Association of the Centers of Nephrology

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: We analyzed the distribution and frequency of glomerular diseases in patients biopsied between 1992 and 2016 in centers that make up the AMICEN (Minas Gerais Association of Nephrology Centers). METHODS: We analyzed the biopsy reports of patients from 9 AMICEN nephrology centers. We took note of their age, gender, ultrasound use, post-biopsy resting time, whether the kidney was native or a graft, number of glomeruli and indication for the biopsy. The kidney biopsy findings were broken down into four categories: glomerular and non-glomerular diseases, normal kidneys and insufficient material for analysis. Those patients diagnosed with glomerular diseases were further divided into having primary or secondary glomerular diseases. RESULTS: We obtained 582 biopsy reports. The median age was 38 years (1 to 85). The number of glomeruli varied between 0 and 70 (median = 13.0). In total, 97.8% of the biopsies were ultrasound guided. The main indication was nephrotic syndrome (36.9%), followed by hematuria-proteinuria association (16.2%). Primary glomerular diseases proved to be the most frequent (75.3%), followed by secondary diseases (24.7%). Among the primary glomerular diseases, FSGS was found at a higher frequency (28.8%), while among the secondary diseases, SLE was the most prevalent (42.4%). Regarding prevalence findings, those for both primary and secondary diseases were similar to those found in the large Brazilian registries published thus far. CONCLUSION: Glomerular disease registries are an important tool to identify the prevalence of such disease in regions of interest and can serve as an instrument to guide public policy decisions concerning the prevention of terminal kidney diseases.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Analisamos a distribuição e frequência de doenças glomerulares de pacientes biopsiados entre 1992 e 2016 em centros que compõem a Amicen (Associação de Minas Gerais de Nefrologia). MÉTODOS: Analisamos os relatórios de biópsia de pacientes de nove centros de nefrologia da Amicen. Observamos idade, gênero, uso de ultrassom, tempo de descanso pós-biópsia, se o rim era nativo ou um enxerto, número de glomérulos e indicação para a biópsia. Os achados da biópsia do rim foram divididos em quatro categorias: doenças glomerulares e não glomerulares, rins normais e material insuficiente para análise. Os pacientes diagnosticados com doenças glomerulares foram ainda divididos em doenças glomerulares primárias ou secundárias. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos 582 relatórios de biópsia. A idade mediana foi de 38 anos (1 a 85). O número de glomérulos variou entre zero e 70 (mediana = 13,0). No total, 97,8% das biópsias foram guiadas por ultrassom. A principal indicação foi síndrome nefrótica (36,9%), seguida de associação hematúria-proteinúria (16,2%). As doenças glomerulares primárias revelaram-se as mais frequentes (75,3%), seguidas de doenças secundárias (24,7%). Entre as doenças glomerulares primárias, o FSGS foi encontrado em maior frequência (28,8%), enquanto nas doenças secundárias, o lúpus eritematoso sistêmico foi o mais prevalente (42,4%). Quanto aos achados de prevalência, aqueles para doenças primárias e secundárias foram semelhantes aos encontrados nos grandes registros brasileiros publicados até o momento. CONCLUSÃO: Os registros de doenças glomerulares são uma ferramenta importante para identificar a prevalência dessas doenças em regiões de interesse e pode servir como um instrumento para orientar decisões de políticas públicas relativas à prevenção de doenças renais terminais.

Is quality of life associated with compliance to pharmacoterapy in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis?

Objective To analyzed the association of quality of life and compliance to drug treatment in chronic kidney disease patients. Methods The Short Form Health Survey was used to evaluate the quality of life of these patients, and the therapeutic complexity index was verified. The Morisky-Green test and the Brief Medication Questionnaire were applied to check compliance to drug therapy. Results A total of 197 patients were included. The Morisky-Green test and Brief Medication Questionnaire showed that most patients had low compliance to treatment (50.3% and 80.6%, respectively). Compliance was highly associated with gender (male) and slightly associated with complexity of therapy, mental health, and social aspects. Conclusion We observed a slight association between compliance to pharmacotherapy and quality of life and complexity of therapy, and a strong association with gender.

Is quality of life associated with compliance to pharmacoterapy in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis? / Existe associação entre qualidade de vida e adesão à farmacoterapia em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise?

ABSTRACT Objective To analyzed the association of quality of life and compliance to drug treatment in chronic kidney disease patients. Methods The Short Form Health Survey was used to evaluate the quality of life of these patients, and the therapeutic complexity index was verified. The Morisky-Green test and the Brief Medication Questionnaire were applied to check compliance to drug therapy. Results A total of 197 patients were included. The Morisky-Green test and Brief Medication Questionnaire showed that most patients had low compliance to treatment (50.3% and 80.6%, respectively). Compliance was highly associated with gender (male) and slightly associated with complexity of therapy, mental health, and social aspects. Conclusion We observed a slight association between compliance to pharmacotherapy and quality of life and complexity of therapy, and a strong association with gender.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a associação entre a qualidade de vida e a adesão ao tratamento farmacológico de pacientes com doença renal crônica. Métodos Utilizou-se o Short Form Health Survey para avaliar a qualidade de vida destes pacientes. O índice de complexidade terapêutico foi avaliado. O teste de Morisky-Green e o Brief Medication Questionnaire foram aplicados para avaliar a adesão a farmacoterapia. Resultados Nos 197 pacientes que participaram do estudo, o teste de Morisky-Green e o Brief Medication Questionnaire mostraram que a maioria deles apresentava baixa adesão ao tratamento (50,3% e 80,6%, respectivamente). A adesão esteve altamente associada ao sexo (masculino) e ligeiramente associada à complexidade da terapia, à saúde mental e aos aspectos sociais. Conclusão Observaram-se ligeira associação da adesão farmacoterapêutica com qualidade de vida e complexidade terapêutica, e forte associação com o sexo.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in a city of southeast Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health alarming problem. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the estimated prevalence of kidney disease in diabetic and high-risk hypertensive patients to cardiovascular disease registered in Hiperdia program of a city of southeast of Brazil. METHODS: It is a transversal study conducted between May 2014 and August 2015. The study has included randomly 243 diabetic and high-risk hypertensive patients to cardiovascular disease which were originally referred from primary health care to the Hiperdia. CKD was classified based on cause, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). Were considered abnormalities GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 and/or ACR ≥ 30 mg/g. RESULTS: Of the 243 patients, 89 (36.6%) showed alterations in renal function markers in the first collection. Of these, 60 patients had a GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 25 the GFR was < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. The ACR was ≥ 30 mg/g in 43 patients and eight of the values were > 1000 mg/g. In 15 patients studied were found both changes. Of the 89 participants with abnormal renal function markers in the first collection 63 held the second test and 42 kept the changes being diagnosed with CKD. None of these patients had prior knowledge of the diagnosis of kidney disease and the need for consultation with the nephrologist. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CKD was 17.3% of disease in the population studied.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in a city of southeast Brazil / Prevalência da doença renal crônica em um município do sudeste do Brasil

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health alarming problem. Objective: This study investigated the estimated prevalence of kidney disease in diabetic and high-risk hypertensive patients to cardiovascular disease registered in Hiperdia program of a city of southeast of Brazil. Methods: It is a transversal study conducted between May 2014 and August 2015. The study has included randomly 243 diabetic and high-risk hypertensive patients to cardiovascular disease which were originally referred from primary health care to the Hiperdia. CKD was classified based on cause, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). Were considered abnormalities GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 and/or ACR ≥ 30 mg/g. Results: Of the 243 patients, 89 (36.6%) showed alterations in renal function markers in the first collection. Of these, 60 patients had a GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 25 the GFR was < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. The ACR was ≥ 30 mg/g in 43 patients and eight of the values were > 1000 mg/g. In 15 patients studied were found both changes. Of the 89 participants with abnormal renal function markers in the first collection 63 held the second test and 42 kept the changes being diagnosed with CKD. None of these patients had prior knowledge of the diagnosis of kidney disease and the need for consultation with the nephrologist. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD was 17.3% of disease in the population studied.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é um impactante problema de Saúde Pública nos dias atuais no Brasil e no mundo. Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência estimada de doença renal crônica em pacientes diabéticos e hipertensos de alto risco cardiovascular cadastrados no Hiperdia em um município do sudeste do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado entre maio de 2014 e agosto de 2015. Incluídos de forma aleatória 243 pacientes com diabetes e/ou hipertensão de alto risco cardiovascular que foram referenciados da atenção básica em saúde para o Hiperdia. A DRC foi classificada com base na causa, na categoria da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) e razão albumina/creatinina (RAC). Foram consideradas anormalidades TFG < 60 mL/min/1,73m2 e/ou RAC ≥ 30 mg/g. Os dados foram coletados em dois momentos: no início do estudo e seis meses após a primeira coleta. Resultados: Dos 243 pacientes, 89 (36,6%) apresentaram alteração nos marcadores de função renal na primeira coleta. Destes, 60 pacientes apresentaram TFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 e em 25 a TFG foi < 45 mL/min/1,73 m2. A RAC foi ≥ 30 mg/g em 43 pacientes e, em oito destes, os valores foram > 1000 mg/g. Em 15 pacientes foram encontradas ambas as alterações estudadas. Dos 89 participantes com alteração dos marcadores de função renal na primeira coleta, 63 realizaram a segunda coleta e 42 mantiveram as alterações, sendo diagnosticados com DRC. Nenhum desses pacientes tinha o conhecimento prévio desse diagnóstico e da necessidade da consulta com o nefrologista. Conclusão: A prevalência de DRC foi de 17,3% da doença na população estudada.

Study of association between interleukin-17 and interferon-gamma and recombinant human erythropoietin dose in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: A common complication in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory state and anemia that can be treating by recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). Higher required dose of rHuEPO could be expected in patients with higher cytokine levels. Additionally, it is known that peritoneal inflammation can be correlated with systemic inflammation and this could contribute to the compromised rHuEPO required dose in anemic patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the association between levels of systemic and local interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-17 and other cytokines and the dose of rHuEPO used by patients undergoing PD for the correction of anemia. METHODS: Thirty-one patients under PD using rHuEPO were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Plasma and dialysate levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IFN-γ were determined using the Cytometric Bead Array TM kit (CBA; BD Bioscences, San Jose, CA). The relation between the levels of each cytokine levels and the tertiles of rHuEPO were plotted on box-plot graphics and then the medians of interleukins levels were compared by median comparison test. The significance level adopted was 5% and the analysis was performed by the softwares STATA (version 12.0) and GraphPad Prism 3.0. RESULTS: The median of IL-17 and IFN-γ plasma levels were significant higher in the group with higher rHuEPO dosage. However, this association was not observed in the dialysate levels, as well as was not observed a relationship between the other plasma and dialysate cytokines evaluated in this study and the dose of rHuEPO. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found increased IL-17 and IFN-γ plasma, but no dialysate levels, in patients receiving higher doses of rHuEPO, suggesting may exist a relationship between systemic inflammation of ESRD, and the necessary levels of rHuEPO for the correction of anemia in these patients.

Icodextrin reduces insulin resistance in non-diabetic patients undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis: results of a randomized controlled trial (STARCH).

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is a common risk factor in chronic kidney disease patients contributing to the high cardiovascular burden, even in the absence of diabetes. Glucose-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions are thought to intensify insulin resistance due to the continuous glucose absorption from the peritoneal cavity. The aim of our study was to analyse the effect of the substitution of glucose for icodextrin on insulin resistance in non-diabetic PD patients in a multicentric randomized clinical trial. METHODS: This was a multicenter, open-label study with balanced randomization (1:1) and two parallel-groups. Inclusion criteria were non-diabetic adult patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) for at least 3 months on therapy prior to randomization. Patients assigned to the intervention group were treated with 2L of icodextrin 7.5%, and the control group with glucose 2.5% during the long dwell and, at night in the cycler, with a prescription of standard glucose-based PD solution only in both groups. The primary end-point was the change in insulin resistance measured by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index at 90 days. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in the intervention (n = 33) or the control (n = 27) groups. There was no difference between groups at baseline. After adjustment for pre-intervention HOMA index levels, the group treated with icodextrin had the lower post-intervention levels at 90 days in both intention to treat [1.49 (95% CI: 1.23-1.74) versus 1.89 (95% CI: 1.62-2.17)], (F = 4.643, P = 0.03, partial η(2) = 0.078); and the treated analysis [1.47 (95% CI: 1.01-1.84) versus 2.18 (95% CI: 1.81-2.55)], (F = 7.488, P = 0.01, partial η(2) = 0.195). CONCLUSIONS: The substitution of glucose for icodextrin for the long dwell improved insulin resistance measured by HOMA index in non-diabetic APD patients.

Ten-Year Follow-up of Patients with Epidemic Post Infectious Glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Scarce information on outcomes of epidemic post infectious glomerulonephritis is available. This is a 10-year follow-up of the patients that developed acute glomerulonephritis in an epidemic outbreak caused by group C Streptococcus zooepidemicus in Brazil in 1998, that were also previously evaluated 2 and 5 years after the acute episode. METHODS: In this prospective study 60 cases (out of 134 in 1998) were reevaluated after 10 years, as well as community controls matched by gender and age. They underwent clinical and renal function evaluation, including serum creatinine and cystatin C, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria and hematuria. RESULTS: Comparisons of clinical and renal function aspects of 60 patients and 48 community controls have not shown significant differences (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or albuminuria >30 mg/g creatinine: 13.8% vs. 12.2%, respectively, p = 0.817) except for a higher frequency of hypertension in the cases (45.0% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.009). Comparing the same patients affected in the acute episode, 2, 5 and 10 years later, it was observed an improvement of median eGFR levels at 2 years and a trend toward subsequent stabilization in these levels, associated with decrease in albuminuria and increased hypertension rates in the last survey. At 10 years it was not observed additional reduction of renal function using serum creatinine, eGFR and cystatin C. CONCLUSIONS: During the acute episode of epidemic GN a considerable proportion of patients presented hypertension and reduced renal function; after 2 years and particularly at this 10-year follow-up survey there was no worsening of renal function parameters, except for persistent higher frequency of hypertension. Nevertheless, a longer follow up is necessary to confirm that progressive loss of renal function will not occur.

Peritoneal dialysis and inflammation.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a kidney replacement therapy for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Despite being a lifesaving treatment, the rate of mortality in patients under PD is elevated, mainly due to the chronic peritoneal dysfunction which is characterized by inflammation, peritoneal fibrosis and neoangiogenesis. The inflammatory process is trigged and modulated by the type of the peritoneal dialysis solutions (PDSs) used during PD. Currently, different PDSs are commercially available: (i) the conventional solutions; (ii) solutions of neutral pH containing low concentration of glucose degradation products (GDPs); (iii) solutions with icodextrin; and (iv) solutions containing taurine. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the different types of peritoneal dialysis solutions used during PD and their relationship with systemic and intraperitoneal inflammation. Some studies suggested that solutions of neutral pH containing low concentration of GDPs, icodextrin and taurine have better biocompatibility and lower influence on the inflammatory process compared to the conventional one. On the other hand, the studies, in general, were performed with a small population and for a short period of time. Therefore, further well-designed and -controlled clinical trials with larger number of individuals are required in order to better understand the role of different peritoneal dialysis solution types in the development of inflammation in patients with chronic peritoneal dialysis. Accordingly, studies that are more well-designed, well-controlled and with a larger number of patients are needed to explain and define the role of different types of PDS in the inflammation development in patients with chronic peritoneal dialysis.

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.

Genome sequence of a Lancefield group C Streptococcus zooepidemicus strain causing epidemic nephritis: new information about an old disease.

Outbreaks of disease attributable to human error or natural causes can provide unique opportunities to gain new information about host-pathogen interactions and new leads for pathogenesis research. Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), a sequela of infection with pathogenic streptococci, is a common cause of preventable kidney disease worldwide. Although PSGN usually occurs after infection with group A streptococci, organisms of Lancefield group C and G also can be responsible. Despite decades of study, the molecular pathogenesis of PSGN is poorly understood. As a first step toward gaining new information about PSGN pathogenesis, we sequenced the genome of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus strain MGCS10565, a group C organism that caused a very large and unusually severe epidemic of nephritis in Brazil. The genome is a circular chromosome of 2,024,171 bp. The genome shares extensive gene content, including many virulence factors, with genetically related group A streptococci, but unexpectedly lacks prophages. The genome contains many apparently foreign genes interspersed around the chromosome, consistent with the presence of a full array of genes required for natural competence. An inordinately large family of genes encodes secreted extracellular collagen-like proteins with multiple integrin-binding motifs. The absence of a gene related to speB rules out the long-held belief that streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B or antibodies reacting with it singularly cause PSGN. Many proteins previously implicated in GAS PSGN, such as streptokinase, are either highly divergent in strain MGCS10565 or are not more closely related between these species than to orthologs present in other streptococci that do not commonly cause PSGN. Our analysis provides a comparative genomics framework for renewed appraisal of molecular events underlying APSGN pathogenesis.

Five-year follow-up of patients with epidemic glomerulonephritis due to Streptococcus zooepidemicus.

BACKGROUND: In 1998 there was a large outbreak of acute glomerulonephritis in Nova Serrana, Brazil, caused by group C Streptococcus zooepidemicus. This study describes the follow-up of these patients, after a mean time of 5.4 years of the acute episode. METHODS: Of 135 cases identified in 1998, 56 were re-examined in a prospective study and had measurements of blood pressure, creatinine clearance (estimated by the Cockcroft and Gault formula), microalbuminuria (radioimmunoassay), urine sediment analysis and a protein dipstick test. RESULTS: Of the original group of 135 subjects, 3 died in the acute phase and 5 (3.7%) required chronic dialysis. Of the 56 cases re-evaluated, 54 (96%) were adults (mean+/-SD age, 43+/-17 years) and 36 (64%) females. At the follow-up examination, we found arterial hypertension in 30% (n = 17/56) of the subjects, reduced creatinine clearance (<80 ml/min) in 49% (n = 26/53) and increased microalbuminuria (>20 microg/min) in 22% (n = 11/51). Compared to the evaluation carried out 3 years before, the number of cases with creatinine clearance lower than 80 ml/min increased from 20 to 26 (of 53 cases). Increased microalbuminuria and/or reduced creatinine clearance were detected in 57% (n = 32/56) of the subjects. Patients with reduced creatinine clearance were older than those without reduced renal function (54+/-15 vs 34+/-12 years, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After a mean time of 5.4 years, a relatively high proportion of patients with epidemic poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis due to S.zooepidemicus present hypertension, reduced renal function and increased microalbuminuria.

Censo SBN 2002: informações epidemiológicas das unidades de diálise do Brasil / Brazilian Society of Nephrology's (SBN) annual survey reporton epidemiology of dialysis facilities in Brazil, 2002

A epidemiologia da insuficiência renal crônica e da terapia de substituição renal (TRS) apresenta evolução contínua. Em 1999, a Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN) introduziu o Censo SBN para coletar dados operacionais das unidades de diálise do Brasil. Esta rotina foi repetida nos anos subseqüentes, produzindo dados sobre o comportamento evolutivo do perfil dos serviços de diálise e da TRS. Objetivo :Apresentar os dados consolidados do Censo SBN 2002, comparando-os aos obtidos nos censos de 1999 a 2001. Métodos :Análise de questionário padrão enviado em de novembro de 2002 às unidades registradas na SBN. Foram obtidas respostas de 560 das 561 unidades cadastradas. Resultados:Em 2002, existiam 561 unidades de diálise no Brasil (3,2 unidades por milhão de habitantes, sendo 62, 1 por cento serviços privados e 18,1 por cento filantrópicos), operadas por 2.812 nefrologistas, 8.849 profissionais de enfermagem e 2.162 funcionários administrativos. Foi relatada a existência de 11.367 máquinas de hemodiálise (96,5por cento do tipo proporção), abastecidas por água tratada por osmose reversa em 90,9 pro cento dos centros. Eram 54.523 pacientes mantidos em diálise (prevalência de 312 pacientes pmp), sendo 48.874 em hemodiálise (89,6por cento), 3.728 em CAPD (6,8por cento) e 1.570 em DPA (2,9 por cento). A prevalência de sorologia para o HbsAg era de 3,2por cento, para o anti-HCV de 15,4 por cento e anti-HIV de 0,51 por cento. No período 1999-2002, houve um crescimento de pontos de máquinas de hemodiálise, nefrologistas e no número absoluto de pacientes de 30,8 por cento, 16,7 pro cento e de 27,7 por cento, respectivamente. Havia uma grande iniqüidade na distribuição de centros,equipamentos e prevalência entre as cinco regiões brasileiras. A prevalência em TRS no Brasil também é pequena quando comparada internacionalmente. Conclusões : O projeto Censo SBN 2002 mostrou a infra-estrutura das unidades de diálise do país com um crescente número de pacientes, gerando informações epidemiológicas básicas evolutivas. São marcantes as assimetrias regionais, a baixa prevalência nacional e o progressivo endividamento financeiro dos serviços. Tais informações são importantes para a avaliação da TRS no país e nortear projetos e recursos que proporcionem um a melhor atenção médica aos pacientes com IRC.