Is hypoalbuminemia a predictor for acute kidney injury after coronary bypass grafting in diabetes mellitus patients?

Abstract Objective: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most important complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure. Serum albumin, which is an acute phase reactant, is suggested to be associated with AKI development subsequent to various surgical procedures. In this study, we research the relation between preoperative serum albumin levels and postoperative AKI development in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients undergoing isolated CABG. Methods: We included a total of 634 diabetic patients undergoing CABG (60.5±9.1 years, 65.1% male) into this study, which was performed between September 2009 and January 2014 in a single center. The relation between preoperative serum albumin levels and postoperative AKI development was observed. AKI was evaluated and diagnosed using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification. Results: AKI was diagnosed in 230 (36.3%) patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of AKI development. Proteinuria (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.066 [1.002-1.135]; P=0.043) and low preoperative serum albumin levels (OR and 95% CI, 0.453 [0.216-0.947]; P=0.035) were found to be independent predictors of AKI. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, albumin level <3mg/dL (area under the curve: 0.621 [0.572-0.669], P<0.001) had 83% sensitivity and 10% specificity on predicting the development of AKI. Conclusion: We observed that a preoperative low serum albumin level was associated with postoperative AKI development in patients with DM who underwent isolated CABG procedure. We emphasize that this adjustable albumin level should be considered before the operation since it is an easy and clinically implementable management for the prevention of AKI development.

Sodium thiosulfate and pamidronate for treatment of calciphylaxis: case report / Tiosulfato de sodio y pamidronato para el tratamiento de calcifilaxis: reporte de caso

Abstract Introduction: Calciphylaxis is an infrequent disease that almost exclusively affects patients with chronic kidney disease, although cases have been observed in patients without renal function impairment. The diagnosis is mainly made by clinical manifestations and subsequently confirmed by radiological and histological study. The optimal treatment is not known, although there is a consensus that a multifactorial approach is required. Clinical Case: A 68-year-old woman on hemodialysis for 2 years, who presented a painful nodular lesion in the left thigh, a skin biopsy was performed resulting in a diagnosis of calciphylaxis. Treatment and Outcome: Treatment was started with intravenous sodium thiosulfate. Pamidronate is added intravenously, three months later, due to an unfavorable evolution. After 6 months of treatment, improvement in nodular lesions and healing of the ulcerated lesion was observed to be generally well tolerated treatment. Conclusion: The combined treatment of sodium thiosulfate, pamidronate and calcitomimetics has been effectiveand safe for the treatment of calciphylaxis, inducing complete remission.

Resumen: Introducción: La calcifilaxis es una enfermedad infrecuente que afecta casi exclusivamente a pacientes con insuficiencia renal, aunque se han observado casos en pacientes sin deterioro de la función renal. El diagnóstico es clínico confirmándose con estudio radiológico e histológico. No se conoce con exactitud el tratamiento óptimo, aunque hay consenso en que se requiere un abordaje multifactorial. Caso Clínico: Mujer de 68 años en hemodiálisis desde hace 2 años, que presenta una lesión nodular dolorosa en muslo izquierdo, resultando un diagnostico compatible con calcifilaxis, tras biopsia cutánea. Tratamiento y resultado: Inicia tratamiento con tiosulfato de sodio vía venosa. Tres meses más tarde y ante la evolución desfavorable, se añade al tratamiento pamidronato vía intravenosa. Tras 6 meses de tratamiento se observa mejoría de las lesiones nodulares y cicatrización de la lesión ulcerada, habiéndose experimentado buena tolerancia. Conclusión: El tratamiento combinado de tiosulfato de sodio, pamidronato y calcimiméticos ha resultado efectivo y seguro para el tratamiento de la calcifilaxis, induciendo su remisión completa.

Aspectos clínicos y microbiológicos de la peritonitis asociada a diálisis peritoneal en pacientes adultos con insuficiencia renal crónica en el Servicio de Urgencias / Clinical and microbiological aspects of peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis in adult patients with chronic renal failure in the Emergency Department

Resumen Introducción: La peritonitis es la complicación más importante y frecuente de la diálisis peritoneal (DP), las infecciones bacterianas son las responsables en la mayoría de los casos, con sintomatología característica. Objetivo: Determinar los patógenos más frecuentes en peritonitis asociado con la DP en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC). Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, transversal y observacional, de pacientes con peritonitis en DP con IRC del servicio de urgencias, entre julio de 2012 y junio de 2013. Se evaluaron de los expedientes datos sociodemográficos, de diagnóstico, clínicos y microbiológicos y celulares de líquido de diálisis. Resultados: De 73 expedientes revisados 52% correspondían a pacientes del género masculino, la causa primaria de la IRC fue la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (67%). Síntomas presentados: dolor abdominal (86%), vómitos (42%) y náuseas (34%), con anemia, azoemia, hiperglicemia hipoalbuminemia e hiponatremia. Los cultivos microbiológicos positivos fueron 59%; y los patógenos identificados fueron Candida tropicalis (9,6%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (8,2%), y Enterococcus faecalis y Staphylococcus haemolyticus (6,8% cada uno), asociados con elevación de leucocitos, azoemia y celularidad alta en el líquido peritoneal (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: El principal microorganismo determinado fue de origen fúngico asociado a leucocitos, azoemia y celularidad alta.

Background: Peritonitis is the most important and frequent complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Bacterial infections are responsible in most cases, with characteristic symptoms. Aim: To determine the most frequent pathogens in peritonitis associated with PD in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methodos: Retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study of patients with peritonitis in PD with CRF of the emergency department, between July 2012 and June 2013. Sociodemographic, diagnostic, clinical and microbiological and cellular data were evaluated from the patient's fluid. Dialysis. Results: From 73 reviewed records, 52% were male. The primary cause of CRF was diabetes mellitus type 2 (67%). Symptoms presented: abdominal pain (86%), vomiting (42%) and nausea (34%), with anemia, azotemia, hyperglycemia, hypoalbuminemia and hyponatremia. The positive microbiological cultures were 59%; and the pathogens identified were Candida tropicalis (9.6%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (8.2%), Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (6.8% each one), associated with elevated leukocytes, azotemia and high cellularity in peritoneal fluid (p <0.05). Conclusions: The main microorganism determined was of fungal origin associated with leukocytes, azotemia and high cellularity.

A hipoalbuminemia parece estar associada a uma maior taxa de hospitalização nos pacientes em hemodiálise / Hypoalbuminemia seems to be associated with a higher rate of hospitalization in hemodialysis patients

Resumo Introdução: Anemia, inflamação e hipoalbuminemia são complicações frequentemente observadas em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise crônica. Existem poucos dados nacionais que avaliam a associação dessas condições à morbidade e mortalidade especialmente considerando a região nordeste do país onde a ocorrência de anemia e desnutrição é elevada. Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o impacto da presença da anemia, inflamação e hipoalbuminemia sobre os desfechos clínicos (óbito e hospitalização) de pacientes sob hemodiálise. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo observacional com pacientes pre avaliados 221 pacientes adultos, considerando-se os valores de hemoglobina, proteína C reativa (PCR), albumina sérica no início do estudo. A ocorrência de hospitalização e óbito foi computada em um seguimento aproximado de 13 meses. Resultados: A ocorrência de hospitalização e óbito não diferiu entre os grupos com e sem anemia (Hb ≤ 10g/dL) ou inflamação (PCR ≥ 0,5mg/dL). Houve um maior número de hospitalização entre os pacientes com hipoalbuminemia. A albumina não apresentou correlação com os níveis séricos de PCR. Observou-se um menor tempo livre de hospitalização entre os pacientes com hipoalbuminemia (p = 0,008), houve uma tendência de menor tempo livre de hospitalização entre os pacientes com PCR aumentado (p = 0,08), e a anemia não se relacionou com o tempo livre de hospitalização. Não houve diferença na sobrevida em relação à presença de anemia, inflamação e hipoalbuminemia. A análise de regressão de Cox apontou a hipoalbuminemia como fator independente relacionado à hospitalização, mesmo após ajustes para idade, presença de diabetes, PCR e hemoglobina. Conclusão: A hipoalbuminemia, e não anemia ou inflamação, mostrou-se um marcador independente de hospitalização em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise.

Abstract Introduction: Anemia, inflammation and hypoalbuminemia are frequent disorders among patients underwent hemodialysis. There are few national data, particularly from Northeast region where anemia and malnourished were common findings, analyzing the association between these conditions and clinical outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the presence of anemia, inflammation and hypoalbuminemia on clinical outcomes (death and hospitalization) of hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this prospective observational study 221 adult patients were evaluated, considering the presence of anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 10 g/dL), inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 0,5 mg/dL) and hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 3,8 g/ dL) at baseline. Clinical outcomes were recorded over 13 months. Results: The occurrence of hospitalization and death did not differ between the groups with and without anemia or inflammation. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had more hospitalizations, and the presence of hypoalbuminemia was associated with shorter hospitalization event-free time (p = 0.008). There was a trend of shorter hospitalization event-free time among patients with increased PCR (p = 0.08). There was no correlation between albumin and CRP levels. The presence of anemia, inflammation and hypoalbuminemia were not associated with lower survival. Adjusting for confounders, hypoalbuminemia was a predictor of hospitalization in hemodialyzed patients. Conclusion: The presence of hypoalbuminemia, but not anemia or inflammation, was able to predict hospitalization in hemodialysis patients.

Prevalence of hypoalbuminemia and nutritional issues in hospitalized elders / Prevalência de hipoalbuminemia e aspectos nutricionais em idosos hospitalizados / Prevalencia de hipoalbuminemia y aspectos nutricionales en ancianos hospitalizados

ABSTRACT Objective: to estimate the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia in hospitalized elders, related to socio-demographic variables, nutritional status and length of stay. Methods: crosscutting study with 200 patients hospitalized in a large hospital in the South of Brazil during three months. Evaluations, lab tests and interviews through questionnaires were performed. Results: the average albuminemia was 2,9 ± 0,5g/dL. Hypoalbuminemia was diagnosed in 173 subjects (87%) and was absent in 27 (13%) that have normal albuminemia (p=0,000). After six days of hospitalization, the prevalence of low levels grew significantly to 90% (p=0,002), average 2,7 ± 0,5g/dL. Using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, it was observed that 41 patients were malnourished and from those, 40 had hypoalbuminemia. Conclusion: the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia proved to be high, in approx. nine in ten elders, and the nutritional status and the length of stay proved to be related to the decrease of serum albumin levels. Thus, it is suggested that monitoring albumin levels should be done to evaluate the risk that the patient has to develop malnutrition and other complications during hospital stays.

RESUMO Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de hipoalbuminemia em idosos hospitalizados, em relação às variáveis sociodemográficas, estado nutricional e tempo de internação. Método: estudo transversal, com 200 pacientes internados em hospital de grande porte do sul do Brasil, durante o período de três meses. Foram realizadas avaliações, análise de exames laboratoriais e entrevista através de questionário. Resultados: a média de albuminemia foi 2,9 ± 0,5g/dL. O diagnóstico de hipoalbuminemia, foi encontrado em 173 sujeitos (87%), e não revelado em 27 (13%), que apresentaram albuminemia normal (p=0,000). Constatou-se que após seis dias de internação a prevalência de níveis baixos aumentou significativamente para 90% (p=0,002), com média de 2,7 ± 0,5g/dL. Utilizando-se a Mini Avaliação Nutricional, observou-se que 41 pacientes estavam desnutridos, e que destes, 40 apresentavam hipoalbuminemia. Conclusão: a prevalência de hipoalbuminemia mostrou-se elevada, acometendo aproximadamente nove entre dez idosos, sendo que o estado nutricional, da mesma maneira que o tempo de internação , está relacionado à diminuição dos níveis de albumina sérica. Assim, sugere-se monitorar os níveis de albuminemia para avaliar o risco que o paciente tem de desenvolver desnutrição e demais complicações durante a internação hospitalar.

RESUMEN Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de hipoalbuminemia en ancianos hospitalizados, considerando las variables sociodemográficas, estado nutricional y tiempo de internación. Método: estudio transversal, en 200 pacientes internados en hospital de gran porte del sur de Brasil, durante un período de tres meses. Fueron realizadas evaluaciones, análisis de exámenes de laboratorio y se realizó una entrevista usando un cuestionario. Resultados: el promedio de albuminemia fue 2,9 ± 0,5g/dL. El diagnóstico de hipoalbuminemia, fue encontrado en 173 sujetos (87%), y no revelado en 27 (13%), que presentaron albuminemia normal (p=0,000). Se constató que después de seis días de internación la prevalencia de niveles bajos aumentó significativamente para 90% (p=0,002), con promedio de 2,7 ± 0,5g/dL. Utilizando la Mini Evaluación Nutricional, se observó que 41 pacientes estaban desnutridos, y que de estos, 40 presentaban hipoalbuminemia. Conclusión: la prevalencia de hipoalbuminemia se mostró elevada, afectando aproximadamente nueve entre diez ancianos, siendo que el estado nutricional, de la misma manera que el tiempo de internación, está relacionado a la disminución de los niveles de albúmina sérica. Así, se sugiere monitorizar los niveles de albuminemia para evaluar el riesgo que el paciente tiene de desarrollar desnutrición y demás complicaciones durante la internación hospitalaria.