Relationship between liver function tests & cardiovascular risk factors in stage 3-5 pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

Background & objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Liver function tests (LFTs) have emerged as markers of CVD risk in some population-based studies. Hence, in the present study the relation between LFTs and biochemical cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) were evaluated in CKD patients. Methods: A total of 246 patients with stage 3-5 pre-dialysis CKD were enrolled. Demographics, LFTs [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)] and biochemical CRFs were recorded retrospectively. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using CKD-EPI equation. Results: ALT was positively correlated with GFR, albumin, triglyceride and 25-hydroxyvitamin D and negatively correlated with CRP and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH); AST was positively correlated with GFR, albumin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D and negatively correlated with CRP and iPTH; GGT was positively correlated with GFR, CRP and triglyceride and negatively correlated with HDL-C. In diabetic patients, ALT correlated positively with GFR; AST correlated positively with GFR and HDL-C, but correlated negatively with iPTH. In the correlation analysis between GFR and CRF, GFR was positively correlated with albumin, triglyceride and 25-hydroxyvitamin D and negatively correlated with CRP, iPTH and albuminuria in both total study population and diabetic group. A partial correlation analysis revealed no correlation between LFTs and CRFs after being controlled for GFR. Interpretation & conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that the relationship between LFTs and biochemical CRFs seems to be a function of impaired GFR.

Serum apelin is associated with affective disorders in peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Depression and anxiety are prevalent affective disorders in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Recent research has proposed a potential role of apelinergic system in pathogenesis of depression. The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of depression and anxiety and their potential relation with serum apelin levels among PD patients. METHODS: A total of 40 PD patients were enrolled into the study. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were assessed with the Beck's Depression Inventory and the Beck's Anxiety Inventory. Serum apelin-12 levels were measured by immunoenzymatic assays using commercially available ELISA kit for standard human apelin. RESULTS: Of the patients, 16 (40%) had depression, 20 (50%) had anxiety. The patients with depression and anxiety had a significantly longer time on dialysis (p < 0.001 for both), significantly higher serum apelin (p < 0.001 for both) and C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.001 for both) than those without depression and anxiety. In multivariate analysis, serum apelin was the only parameter associated independently with depression and anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of PD patients had depression and anxiety. Increased levels of serum apelin may constitute a significant independent predictor of development of depression and anxiety in PD patients.

Unknown aspect of the old disease: does dyslipidemia in systemic AA amyloidosis differ from the dyslipidemia in primary glomerulonephritis?

AIM: To investigate the nature of dyslipidemia and its diversity in patients with systemic AA amyloidosis. METHODS: The reports of the kidney biopsies performed due to nephrotic proteinuria (>3.5 g/day/1.73 m(2)) with preserved renal function [glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)] were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory data of the patients with systemic AA amyloidosis and primary glomerulonephritis (PG) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 104 (systemic AA amyloidosis: 43, PG: 61) patients were included in the study. Proteinuria and GFR levels were similar in both the groups. Patients with systemic AA amyloidosis group had lower serum albumin (p = 0.002), lower hemoglobin levels (p = 0.001), higher platelet counts (p = 0.002) and higher C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.001) compared to patients in PG group. Although the frequency of dyslipidemia was similar in the groups (86.0 vs. 93.4%), patients with systemic amyloidosis had both lower values of LDL-C (4.56 ± 2.05 vs. 5.49 ± 2.23 mmol/L, p = 0.028) and HDL-C (1.19 ± 0.36 vs. 1.35 ± 0.39 mmol/L, p = 0.035). Serum lipid levels were correlated with serum total protein, albumin and proteinuria levels in PG group. However, in the systemic amyloidosis group, only one clear correlation between serum lipid and hemoglobin levels was estimated. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that LDL-C was independently associated with the etiology of nephrotic proteinuria, serum total protein, serum albumin (inversely) and hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although dyslipidemia is closely associated with serum total protein, albumin and proteinuria in patients with PG, there is no clear such association in patients with systemic amyloidosis. Correlation between serum lipid and hemoglobin levels in this group and other findings point out that probably complex mechanisms take place in dyslipidemia of nephrotic syndrome caused by systemic AA amyloidosis.

The effect of biocompatible peritoneal dialysis solutions on neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term exposure to dialysis solutions is an important contributor to the ongoing inflammatory process in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Some studies have shown amelioration of this adverse effect with biocompatible solutions. We aimed to compare the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio in PD patients using biocompatible and standard solutions and to find out the association between N/L ratio and peritonitis indices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study involving 120 prevalent PD patients. Seventy-one patients (59%) were using biocompatible solutions and 49 patients (41%) were using standard solutions. From blood samples, N/L ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were calculated and mean platelet volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hs-CRP values were detected. Data regarding the peritonitis rate and time to first peritonitis episode were also recorded. RESULTS: Biocompatible and standard groups were similar regarding age and gender. N/L ratio and hs-CRP levels have been found significantly higher in patients using biocompatible solutions (3.75 ± 1.50 vs. 3.27 ± 1.3, p = 0.04 and 3.2 ± 2.5 vs. 1.8 ± 2.0, p < 0.01, respectively). Peritonitis rates and time to the first peritonitis episode were found similar in patients using both types of solutions (0.23 ± 0.35 vs. 0.27 ± 0.32, p = 0.36 and 32.8 ± 35.8 vs. 21.5 ± 26.9 months, p = 0.16, respectively). DISCUSSION: N/L ratio was significantly higher in biocompatible solution users in parallel to hs-CRP levels, so biocompatible solutions seem to be related with increased inflammation in PD patients. Although we cannot make a certain explanation, we assume that there may be an association between acidity of the peritoneal content and virulence of microorganisms.

Effects of incremental peritoneal dialysis with low glucose-degradation product neutral pH solution on clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Incremental peritoneal dialysis (IPD) could decrease unfavorable glucose exposure results and preserve (RKF). However, there is no standardization of dialysis prescriptions for patients undergoing IPD. We designed a prospective observational multi-center study with a standardized IPD prescription to evaluate the effect of IPD on RKF, metabolic alterations, blood pressure control, and adverse outcomes. METHODS: All patients used low GDP product (GDP) neutral pH solutions in both the incremental continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (ICAPD) group and the retrospective standard PD (sPD) group. IPD patients started treatment with three daily exchanges five days a week. Control-group patients performed four changes per day, seven days a week. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients (47 IPD and 47 sPD) were included in this study. The small-solute clearance and mean blood pressures were similar between both groups during follow-up. The weekly mean glucose exposure was significantly higher in sPD group than IPD during the follow-up (p < 0.001). The patients with sPD required more phosphate-binding medications compared to the IPD group (p = 0.05). The rates of peritonitis, tunnel infection, and hospitalization frequencies were similar between groups. Patients in the sPD group experienced more episodes of hypervolemia compared to the IPD group (p = 0.007). The slope in RKF in the 6th month was significantly higher in the sPD group compared to the IPD group (65% vs. 95%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: IPD could be a rational dialysis method and provide non-inferior dialysis adequacy compared to full-dose PD. This regimen may contribute to preserving RKF for a longer period.

Impact of low- or high-flux haemodialysis and online haemodiafiltration on inflammatory markers and lipid profile in chronic haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the impact of low- or high-flux haemodialysis (HD) and online haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) on inflammation and the lipid profile in HD patients. METHODS: 50 HD patients were assigned to two groups for HD with low-flux (n = 25) or high-flux (n = 25) polysulphone dialysers for 6 weeks. Subsequently, all patients were haemodialysed with a low-flux polysulphone dialyser for 6 weeks, then transferred to OL-HDF for another 6 weeks. Blood samples for lipids and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, hs-CRP) were obtained at baseline and every 6 weeks. RESULTS: Changes in inflammatory markers and lipids from baseline to the 6-week dialysis period did not differ between low- and high-flux groups. When patients were transferred from low-flux HD to OL-HDF, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels significantly decreased whereas HDL and LDL cholesterol significantly increased. CONCLUSION: Low- and high-flux polysulphone membranes had similar effects on lipids and inflammatory markers, whereas OL-HDF potently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Revisiting secondary amyloidosis for an inadequately investigated feature: dyslipidemia.

Secondary amyloidosis is the most frequent form of the systemic amyloidosis around the world. Data on frequency and nature of dyslipidemia in patients with secondary amyloidosis are not conclusive. We evaluated the lipid abnormalities and their association with clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients with secondary amyloidosis. The reports of the kidney biopsies performed in our hospital were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory data of the patients with biopsy-proven secondary amyloidosis were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 102 patients were diagnosed as having secondary amyloidosis. Familial Mediterranean fever was the leading cause of secondary amyloidosis accounting for 42.2 % of the cases. The most frequent indication for kidney biopsy was the nephrotic range proteinuria. The most common clinical and laboratory characteristics at the time of the diagnosis were edema, proteinuria and impaired renal function. The frequency of the nephrotic range proteinuria and microscopic hematuria were 75.5 and 18.6 %, respectively. Dyslipidemia was found in 88 % of the cases. Serum lipids significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but not with serum albumin or urine protein levels. We demonstrated that majority of the patients with secondary amyloidosis had serum lipid abnormalities. Dyslipidemia was closely associated with GFR in a manner that patients with advanced stage kidney disease had lower serum lipid levels.

An uninvestigated risk factor for contrast-induced nephropathy in chronic kidney disease: proteinuria.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the most frequent causes of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients with the incremental use of contrast media. We aimed to investigate whether proteinuria may act as a risk factor for CIN in patients with chronic kidney disease. METHODS: Seventy hospitalized patients (37 men, 33 women) with chronic kidney disease, proteinuria, and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, who were exposed to contrast media were investigated prospectively. Thirty patients were diabetic. All patients received prophylaxis against CIN with acetylcysteine and 0.9% intravenous saline. CIN is defined as either a 25% higher increase in serum creatinine (sCr) from the baseline levels or a 0.5 mg/dL increase in sCr at 72 h after contrast media exposure. RESULTS: CIN was detected in 26 (37.1%) patients. Advanced age, diabetes, heart failure, anemia, baseline sCr of >1.5 mg/dL, baseline eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), proteinuria of ≥1 g/day, hypoalbuminemia, and the volume of contrast media of ≥100 mL correlated significantly with CIN. The frequency of CIN was significantly higher in patients with proteinuria of ≥1 g/day compared to patients with proteinuria of <1 g/day (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Proteinuria may be a new risk factor for the development of CIN in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Prostaglandin transporter mutations cause pachydermoperiostosis with myelofibrosis.

Pachydermoperiostosis, or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO), is an inherited multisystem disorder, whose features closely mimic the reactive osteoarthropathy that commonly accompanies neoplastic and inflammatory pathologies. We previously described deficiency of the prostaglandin-degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) as a cause of this condition, implicating elevated circulating prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) as causative of PHO, and perhaps also as the principal mediator of secondary HO. However, PHO is genetically heterogeneous. Here, we use whole-exome sequencing to identify recessive mutations of the prostaglandin transporter SLCO2A1, in individuals lacking HPGD mutations. We performed exome sequencing of four probands with severe PHO, followed by conventional mutation analysis of SLCO2A1 in nine others. Biallelic SLCO2A1 mutations were identified in 12 of the 13 families. Affected individuals had elevated urinary PGE(2), but unlike HPGD-deficient patients, also excreted considerable quantities of the PGE(2) metabolite, PGE-M. Clinical differences between the two groups were also identified, notably that SLCO2A1-deficient individuals have a high frequency of severe anemia due to myelofibrosis. These findings reinforce the key role of systemic or local prostaglandin excess as the stimulus to HO. They also suggest that the induction or maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells by prostaglandin may depend upon transporter activity.

Use of mesenchymal stem cells and darbepoetin improve ischemia-induced acute kidney injury outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Interest has recently been focused on the possible role of bone marrow-originating stem cells and the therapeutic role of erythropoietin in the recovery of ischemia-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of the present study was to compare treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treatment with darbepoetin-α (DPO) or both concomitantly in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) AKI. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were included, and 28 of them were randomly assigned to controls (treated with serum physiologic) or one of the three treatment groups treated with either DPO, MSCs, or both (MSCs and DPO concomitantly) after the induction of I/R injury. Hematocrit, serum creatinine, and BUN levels were obtained at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h of surgery, and renal tissue was obtained at 72 h after nephrectomy for histological analysis. Tissue injury was quantified by standardized histological scoring systems, using light and electron microscopes. RESULTS: Treatment with MSCs or DPO improved renal function compared with controls. However, the improvement observed in renal function in the MSC/DPO group was better than that in the other groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that tissue injury was significantly decreased in rats in the MSC or DPO groups compared to that of the controls; however the best recovery was observed in rats treated with MSCs and DPO concomitantly. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that concomitant application of DPO and MSCs may be a potential novel renoprotective therapy for patients after having sustained an ischemic renal insult.

High frequency of aspirin resistance in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin has a beneficial role in prevention of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events. Patients may experience thromboembolic events despite aspirin treatment, a phenomenon called aspirin resistance. We evaluated the frequency of aspirin resistance and its correlation with clinical and biochemical parameters among patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). METHODS: A total of 83 patients (50 males, 33 females, age range 18-79 years) with NS using aspirin 100 mg/day were included in the study. Demographic information and aetiology of NS based on the histology of a renal biopsy were recorded for each patient. Blood samples were drawn to investigate the association of aspirin resistance with inflammation and thrombotic risk factors. Aspirin resistance was defined as a normal collagen/epinephrine closure time<159 s using a platelet function analyzer (PFA-100). RESULTS: Aspirin resistance was determined in 51 patients (61.4%). The number of patients exposed to azathioprine therapy was significantly higher in the aspirin-sensitive group (P=0.043), whereas patients exposed to cyclosporine therapy were significantly higher in the aspirin-resistant group (P=0.017). More patients in the aspirin-resistant group were on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy compared with the aspirin-sensitive group (P=0.024). The aspirin-resistant group showed significantly higher serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (151±47 versus 104±21 mg/dL; P<0.001), triglyceride levels (192±116 versus 134±82 mg/dL; P=0.015) and glomerular filtration rates (91.8±43.0 versus 74.0±35.6 mL/min/1.73 m2; P=0.044) compared with the aspirin-sensitive group. In multivariate analysis, LDL-C was the only parameter associated independently with aspirin resistance [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.06; P=0.004]. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of patients with NS are resistant to aspirin therapy. Serum LDL-C level is closely associated with aspirin resistance in NS.

Real-time ultrasound guided placement of temporary internal jugular vein catheters: assessment of technical success and complication rates in nephrology practice.

AIM: Internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization is often required to gain access for haemodialysis. Use of ultrasound guidance has reduced the complication rates of this procedure. We hypothesized that nephrologists may perform IJV cannulation with a high technical success and low immediate complication rates under real-time ultrasound guidance. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 323 patients (186 male, 137 female) who underwent IJV cannulation with real-time ultrasound guidance. The number of needle punctures, technical success, the time between injection of local anaesthetic and entry into the IJV, and immediate complications were recorded. Patients with a history of multiple catheter insertions, previous difficulties during catheterization, poor compliance, obesity, impaired consciousness, skeletal deformity, disorder of haemostasis were regarded as high-risk group. RESULTS: Cannulation of IJV was achieved in all patients. Of the 323 catheters, 125 (38.7%) were placed in high-risk patients. Average number of puncture was 1.26 (range, 1-4). IJV was entered on the first attempt in 261 (80.8%) patients. Only ten complications (10/323, 3.2%) developed; five (2.5%) in the normal-risk group, and five (4.0%) in the high-risk group. Cannulation of IJV took a longer time in the high-risk group than in the normal-risk group. The number of needle punctures, percent of successful cannulation on the first attempt, and the frequency of complications were similar between the high- and normal-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cannulation of IJV under real-time ultrasound guidance is very safe with high technical success rates. Nephrologists can use this technique with ease and with minimal complications in normal- and high-risk patients.

A rare case of acute renal failure due to tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome successfully treated with steroid.

We hereby describe a 49-year-old woman with acute renal failure due to tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome. This patient presented with vomiting and nausea and was found to have chronic uveitis, elevated creatinine, and interstitial nephritis. The combination of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis emerged the diagnosis of TINU syndrome after a stepwise examination for differential diagnosis. Clinical course and renal function improved quickly on oral steroids but not to normal range. TINU syndrome, although known to some ophthalmologists and nephrologists, is still rather obscure. TINU syndrome should be considered in patients with uveitis in combination with acute renal failure. The prognosis for the renal disorder is excellent, although the uveitis often recurs or remains chronic.

The Critical Role of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of MPO-ANCA Associated Crescentic IgA Nephropathy.

Crescentic IgA nephropathy (IgAN) with the positivity for antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) is a novel and uncommon entity. The optimal management of this condition is not well-defined. We report a 49-years-old woman with complaints of skin rash and swelling of lower limbs. She had hematuria, proteinuria and, progressive renal impairment with positive myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA test. A renal biopsy revealed MPO-ANCA-associated crescentic IgAN. Induction therapy was intravenous methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide and, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). An unexpected disease flare-up was observed during induction immunosuppressive therapy which regressed after long-term TPE. The patient experienced a full renal recovery after treatment with long-term TPE, cyclophosphamide, and corticosteroids.  DOI: 10.52547/ijkd.6490.

Coexistence of medullary sponge kidney and renal AA amyloidosis in a patient with nephrotic range proteinuria.

We report a patient with medullary sponge kidney (MSK) who presented with hematuria and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Renal biopsy revealed a diagnosis of renal AA amyloidosis. No secondary factors contributing to renal amyloidosis were demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case that demonstrates the coexistence of MSK and renal AA amyloidosis.

[Epidemiological and molecular characteristics of hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated in Hacettepe University Adult Hospital in 2004-2005]. / Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eriskin Hastanesinde 2004-2005 yillarinda izole edilen hastane kaynakli metisiline dirençli Staphylococcus aureus suslarinin epidemiyolojik ve moleküler özellikleri.

The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of hospital-acquired (HA)-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates by investigating the distribution of clinical samples according to the hospital wards, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, staphylococcal chromosome cassette mec (SCCmec) types and the presence of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) genes. A total of 110 MRSA isolates obtained from various clinical samples of inpatients at Hacettepe University Adult Hospital between January 2004 and December 2005 were included in the study. The identification of the isolates was done by BD Sceptor automated system (Becton Dickinson, USA). The mecA gene, SCCmec types and PVL genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed to examine the clonal relatedness. The susceptibility testing was performed for some antibiotics by E-test (AB Biodisk, Sweden) and for the others by disk diffusion methods according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations. The clinical samples (35 blood, 37 pus, 23 deep tracheal aspiration, 5 catheter, and 10 other samples) that yielded the MRSA strains were isolated from patients (71.5%) at intensive care units and surgical wards. All the isolates were positive for mecA gene. Of the isolates, 68 (61.8%) were harboring SCCmec type III, 38 (34.5%) SCCmec variant IIIB, and 3 (2.7%) SCCmec type IV. One isolate which was mecA gene positive could not be classified in any of the SCCmec types. PVL was positive in 14 (12.7%) of the isolates. All MRSA strains were susceptible to tigecycline, linezolid, vancomycin and teicoplanin; however, exhibited high rates (> 90%) of resistance to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and rifampin. Susceptibility rates to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was 90%, clindamycin 53% and erythromycin 32%. Eight pulsotypes were distinguished on the basis of PFGE (A, B, C, D, K, L, N, O). Of the total isolates, 92.7% belonged to pulsotype A. HA-MRSA strains predominantly isolated from pus and blood samples of inpatients at intensive care units and surgical wards in our hospital were multi-resistant. Majority of these isolates were SCCmec III, or variant IIIB type. Although PVL is known as a common virulence factor of community-acquired MRSA, HA-MRSA isolates in our center have a considerable rate of PVL positivity pointing out the importance of surveillance of the changing epidemiology of MRSA.

A "silent" course of normotensive scleroderma renal crisis: case report and review of the literature.

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a complication of systemic sclerosis characterized by the sudden onset of accelerated arterial hypertension, followed by progressive renal failure. Rarely, patients with SRC may be normotensive on presentation. These patients have poorer prognosis and higher mortality rates than those with hypertensive SRC. This is partly explained by the insidious course of normotensive SRC leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Normotensive patients also seem to be less responsive to current treatment modalities. Since available data on etiology, pathogenesis, and risk factors of the disease are inadequate, no effective therapy has been established to date. We report a patient with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma who developed SRC during his hospitalization. The patient remained normotensive and had an insidious course until oliguria and signs of hypervolemia occurred. Etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment modalities and prognosis of normotensive SRC are also discussed through previously published reports.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with psoriasis vulgaris.

Psoriasis is a hereditary, chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin. Generally, the psoriatic process is limited to the skin; however, internal organs such as the kidneys may be involved in the course. Several glomerular diseases have been distinguished due to renal histological findings of psoriatic patients to date. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of these associations remain unclear because of the limited number of cases. We report a case of primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) in a psoriatic patient. This is the first reported case that demonstrates the coexistence of MPGN and psoriasis.

Successful Treatment of Posttransplant Recurrent Complement C3 Glomerulopathy with Eculizumab.

Two-thirds of complement C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) recur after transplantation and commonly cause graft loss. There is not a standard treatment protocol for these cases. We present a kidney transplant patient with recurrent C3G who was successfully treated with eculizumab. Nephrotic proteinuria and hematuria occurred and creatinine levels increased after transplantation. A graft biopsy revealed recurrent C3G. The patient was administered 250 mg pulse methylprednisolone for 3 days and had 9 sessions of plasmapheresis. Since elevated creatinine levels and proteinuria persisted, eculizumab was instituted. A complete remission was observed after 9-month maintenance eculizumab treatment. Eculizumab may be a potentially effective option in kidney transplant patients with recurrent C3G unresponsive to other treatment modalities.