Relation between Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) and Hearing Loss in Patients with Renal Impairment

Background. Hearing loss is common in patients with CRF. The exact etiology of this complication is not known, and little can be done to ameliorate the disorder. ADMA is found to be high in CRF patients. We studied the relation between ADMA and hearing loss in patients with CRF under conservative treatment. Methods. The study was carried out on 40 patients with renal impairment under conservative treatment (group 1) and 30 normal control subjects (group 2). For both groups' medical history and examination, biochemical tests, otological examination, pure tone audiometry, high sensitivity CRP, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were completed. Results. High-frequency hearing impairment was the predominant auditory dysfunction in CRF patients who showed worse high-tone hearing level on pure tone audiometry as compared with the controls (p < .001). Multiple regression analysis for hearing level at high frequency in group 1 shows that significant determinants of hearing level are ADMA (p = 0.002), high sensitivity CRP (p = 0.02), duration of renal disease (p = 0.01), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), and serum creatinine (p = 0.008). No correlation was found between hearing loss with age, gender, smoking, hematocrit, or lipid parameters. Conclusion. Patients with CRF under conservative treatment often experience a significant frequency hearing loss. Such a hearing disorder is mainly affected by duration and degree of renal disease, presence of DM, and level of hsCRP and ADMA. There is a close correlation between ADMA and hearing loss. Thus, ADMA could be an important factor causing hearing loss in those patients. Modifying this factor can be of value to ameliorate this common complication.     

Risk of Acute Kidney Injury after Exposure to Gadolinium-Based Contrast in Patients with Renal Impairment

Objectives: Gadolinium-based contrast media (Gd-CM) are reported to induce acute kidney injury (AKI) in a high-risk population group at the usual dose for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) examinations. We assessed gadolinium-induced nephropathy in patients with renal impairment who underwent MRI or MRA examinations, and evaluated the risk factors. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 238 patients with baseline renal impairment, who received MRI or MRA examinations with Gd-CM, were recruited. After all other AKI causes—liver decompensation, severe heart failure, all kinds of shock, and severe sepsis—and patients on dialysis were excluded, 158 patients were enrolled. AKI was defined as a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >10% of baseline data within 3 days after administration of Gd-CM. Regression analysis was used to find independent risk factors for gadolinium-induced AKI (Gd-AKI). Results: Twenty-six of the 158 patients (16.5%) developed Gd-AKI. There were no significant differences in gender, age, or baseline GFR between those who did and who did not develop AKI. Comorbid coronary artery disease, liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not significantly associated with the development of Gd-AKI. However, sepsis was an independent risk factor for Gd-AKI after multivariate regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio: 4.417; 95% confidence interval: 1.671–11.676, p = 0.03). Conclusions: It is potential AKI after administration of Gd-CM under sepsis condition at the dose for MRI and MRA examinations in patients with renal impairment. It is important to identify high-risk patients and closely monitor renal function after administration of Gd-CM.     

Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay Remains Predictive of Cure in Renal Impairment in Patients with Single Parathyroid Adenomas

Background

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has a short half-life and is cleared by the liver and kidneys. This study examined whether declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) affects application of the Miami criterion for intraoperative PTH (ioPTH) decline during parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT).

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoes parathyroidectomy for pHPT. Patients with multi-gland disease, without ioPTH, failure-to-cure and those <18 years were excluded. Baseline demographics, pre-operative PTH, ioPTH and 6-month follow-up data were available. Patients were categorised into normal or chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 2–5) based on pre-operative eGFR. Nonparametric data were compared using Mann–Whitney U test/Kruskal–Wallis test. The primary outcome measure was to assess whether CKD-affected ioPTH decline in parathyroidectomy for pHPT.

Results

A total of 476 patients were included [75.4% women; median age 63.8 years (18–92)]. CKD was present in 362 (76%) (CKD2:289; CKD3:66; CKD4/5:7). Increasing CKD stage was associated with advancing age [normal 53 years (41–61); CKD2 65 (57–73); CKD3 73.5 (66–78); CKD4/5 74(63–81); p < 0.001] and higher pre-operative PTH [16.6 pmol/L (11.1–22.9); 13.1 (10.4–17.7); 22.6 (13.8–33.7); 33.8(12.4–41.7); p < 0.001]. Baseline and post-excision ioPTH were significantly higher in those with CKD4/5 (p < 0.05). The Miami criterion was met in all patients, but median fall in ioPTH at 10-min varied between groups [normal:0.78 (0.71–0.82); CKD2:0.76 (0.69–0.83); CKD3:0.75 (0.69–0.82); CKD4/5:0.69 (0.61–0.70); p = 0.048)]. It was significantly lower in those with CKD4/5 compared with the remainder of patients [0.69 (0.61–0.70) vs. 0.76 (0.70–0.82); p = 0.008].

Conclusions

Although the reduction in ioPTH after successful parathyroidectomy is lower in severe CKD, the Miami criterion remains predictive of cure. Differences in absolute levels of PTH and tumour weight suggest that renal HPT may be a confounding factor.

     

Imaging for Screening and Surveillance of Patients with Hereditary Forms of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose of Review

To summarize the literature providing the basic genetic and clinical characteristics of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) familial syndromes, as well as to describe associated unique imaging characteristics and appropriate imaging protocols.

Recent Findings

At least 5–8% of RCC cases are associated with hereditary syndromes. These patients are prone to developing multiple renal tumors or associated malignancies and require more intense diagnostic and follow-up imaging studies. New familial types of RCC are continuously discovered, vis-à-vis recent characterization of BAP1 associated RCC and MITF associated cancer syndrome.

Summary

With increasing number of recognizable familial syndromes associated with RCC, physicians should be familiar with the different syndromes, the associated risks of malignancy and appropriate imaging protocols.

     

Mucormycosis in Patients with Renal Failure

Nine fatal cases of systemic mucormycosis observed in association with renal failure are described. Four patients were hospitalized for chronic renal failure as a consequence of chronic glomerulonephritis, myeloma kidney, chronic pyelonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease, respectively; and five patients presented with acute renal failure. The underlying causes in three of these five patients were gentamycin nephrotoxicity, acute gastroenteritis, and allograft rejection, respectively, and in the remaining two, acute renal failure was the result of extensive renal vascular and parenchymal invasion by mucor hyphae. Tissue invasion with mucormycosis was documented during life in two patients and at autopsy in seven patients. The infection was disseminated in five patients, and isolated pulmonary and rhinocerebral involvement occurred in two patients each. Our observations have shown that patients with renal failure are prone to develop mucormycosis, which carries a grave prognosis if therapy is not instituted in time.     

Evaluation of Treatment Response in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Role of State-of-the-Art Cross-Sectional Imaging

Recent advances in genetics and oncology have led to development of a wide array of molecular therapeutics in the management of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. These drugs have revolutionized the treatment of advanced disease by significantly improving patient outcomes. State-of-the-art cross-sectional imaging techniques play a seminal role in the evaluation of treatment response by providing reproducible, objective data, thereby permitting accurate quantification of tumor burden. Evolving functional imaging techniques such as perfusion and diffusion studies continue to advance the technology beyond assessing changes in tumor size and morphology.     

Renal Responses to Desflurane and Isoflurane in Patients with Renal Insufficiency

Background: The most consistent risk factor for postoperative renal failure is poor preoperative renal function. Desflurane is not contraindicated in patients with renal disease, but the data regarding its effects on renal function in these patients are sparse.

Methods: Only patients with preexisting renal disease were recruited into the study. In 51 adults undergoing elective surgery, general anesthesia was maintained using randomly desflurane or isoflurane according to a standardized protocol. Creatinine, creatinine clearance, and blood urea nitrogen were measured pre- and postoperatively.

Results: The administered amounts of the inhaled anesthetic agents were 1.8 +/- 2.1 minimum alveolar concentration hours (mean +/- SD) of isoflurane (24 patients) and 2.2 +/- 1.8 minimum alveolar concentration hours of desflurane (27 patients), respectively. No deterioration in renal parameters was noted when comparing the pre- and postoperative values between the groups and within the groups over time.     

Vaccine Therapy in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma

Context

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most immunoresponsive cancers in humans. Although immunotherapy is currently much less used than in the past, it remains an important option that warrants further exploration.

Objective

To examine the current status of vaccine therapy for RCC and to provide information on relevant clinical studies.

Evidence acquisition

We reviewed recent literature on Medline (2003–2008, using the keywords renal cell carcinoma, cancer vaccines, active immunotherapy, and dendritic cells). Subsequent references were identified from reference list of retrieved articles. Quality assessment included prospective phase 1–3 trials and critical evaluations with low numbers of patients.

Evidence synthesis

Therapeutic vaccines can be divided in autologous tumour cell–based vaccines, genetically modified tumour cell–based and dendritic cell (DC)–based vaccines, and peptide-based vaccines. To date, only two randomised, adjuvant, phase 3 studies investigating RCC vaccines have been published. Autologous tumour cell vaccine (Reniale) improved the 5-yr progression-free survival (PFS) for high-risk nonmetastatic RCC patients at all tumour stages when administered after nephrectomy. The benefit was clearer in the T3 group. A per-protocol analysis revealed a statistically significant PFS and overall survival (OS) in favour of the vaccine. Autologous tumour-derived heat shock protein peptide complex (HSPPC-96; vitespen) could not significantly improve recurrence-free survival in RCC patients at high risk for recurrence after nephrectomy, but did so in intermediate risk patients. DC vaccination in metastatic RCC (mRCC) patients is safe and can induce antigen-specific immune response and obtain tumour regression in a subset of patients.

Conclusions

RCC vaccines have much less toxicity than other current therapies and remain an important area for further research. Reniale has shown significant benefit as an adjuvant RCC vaccine. Vitespen seems promising as an adjuvant treatment in earlier stage disease. A possible area of research is the use of RCC vaccines with immune-enhancing or antiangiogenic agents in the adjuvant setting.     

Vecuronium in Patients with and without Renal Failure

Fifteen patients with and ten patients without renal failure (RF) were given vecuronium as the sole muscle relaxant during anaesthesia. RF patients were divided into two subgroups according to the daily diuresis (RF I, below 0.5 l/d; RF II, over 0.5 l/d). Vecuronium was given in small doses until the electromyographic twitch response showed 90% relaxation. The results showed great individual variations, and there were no statistically significant differences between the study groups in the parameters studied (ED90 dose, total consumption of the drug in mg kg-1 min-1, vecuronium plasma concentrations, twitch response) during induction and anaesthesia. After reversal of relaxation, the twitch response recovered more slowly in the RF I group than in the others (P less than 0.05). No complications occurred and it is confirmed that it is safe to use vecuronium as a muscle relaxant in patients with RF.     

经皮肾取石术在老年肾结石患者中的应用

目的探讨经皮肾取石术（percutaneous nephrolithotomy，PCNL）治疗老年肾结石的疗效及安全性。方法2005年1月-2011年12月对57例老年（年龄61—87岁，平均69岁）肾结石行PCNL。采用B超引导下建立经皮肾通道F16-F24，留置相应工作外鞘置入F8.0/9.8输尿管镜或F20.8经皮肾镜，钬激光或EMS碎石清系统碎石并清除结石。结果手术时间30～140min，平均65min。一期结石清除率78．9％（45／57）。1例术后体温〉38．5oC，经抗感染治疗后好转；2例术中、术后出血较多（分别出血1800、2500m1）给予输血治疗，其中1例因假性动脉瘤行肾动脉高选择性栓塞治疗好转。无一例损伤肝、脾等重要脏器及诱发呼吸和循环功能衰竭等其他严重并发症。12例结石残留者行二次PCNL4例及辅助ESWL5例，术后分别各有1例肾下盏少量结石残留，另7例无结石残留；5例结石残留随访6—24个月，除1例肾结石略有增大外其余4例无明显变化。46例结石清除者随访3—34个月，平均14．3月，除2例复发保守治疗外其余无复发。结论PCNL治疗老年肾结石安全，疗效满意。积极的术前准备、熟练的经皮肾镜技术及加强围手术期监测和管理是提高安全性的关键。     

Acute Appendicitis in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Background

Acute appendicitis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) poses a diagnostic challenge. Delayed surgery can contribute to higher morbidity and mortality rates. However, few studies have evaluated this disease among ESRD patients. Our study focused on the lack of data on the incidence and risk factors of acute appendicitis among ESRD patients and compared the outcomes in patients who underwent different dialysis modalities.

Methods

This national survey was conducted between 1997 and 2005 and included ESRD patients identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. The incidence rate of acute appendicitis in ESRD patients was compared with that in randomly selected age-, sex-, and Charlson comorbidity score-matched non-dialysis controls. A Cox regression hazard model was used to identify risk factors.

Results

Among 59,781 incident ESRD patients, matched one-to-one with controls, there were 328 events of acute appendicitis. The incidence rate of 16.9 per 10,000 person-years in the ESRD cohort was higher than that in the control cohort (p?=?0.003). The independent risk factors were atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), severe liver disease (HR, 1.74), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.58), and hemodialysis (HR, 1.74). Compared with the control cohort, subsequent perforation and mortality rates of acute appendicitis were also higher in the ESRD cohorts. There was no effect of dialysis modality on the patient outcomes.

Conclusions

ESRD patients had a higher risk for acute appendicitis and poorer outcomes than non-dialysis populations. A careful examination of ESRD patients presenting with atypical abdominal pain to avoid misdiagnosis is extremely important to prevent delayed surgery.     

Renal Function in Patients with Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Due to multiple reasons, acute renal failure (ARF) commonly develops in the early postoperative period of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients. The records of OLT recipients between 1999 and 2004 were evaluated. Age, gender, primary disease, history of diabetes, immunosuppressive drugs, pre- and postoperative renal function tests, serum electrolytes, dialysis, liver functions tests, and renal function tests in follow-up period were noted. We followed 16 patients with OLT in our center. ARF developed in 8 patients. Dialysis was performed in only 2 patients, and other patients with ARF were managed with conservative measures. Hypertensive crisis and cerebrovascular stroke developed in 1 diabetic hypertensive patient.