Development of donepezil-induced hypokalemia following treatment of cognitive impairment / 영남의대학술지

Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor used extensively to treat Alzheimer disease. The increased cholinergic activity is associated with adverse effects, therefore gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are common. Hypokalemia is a rare adverse event that occurs in less than 1% of donepezil-treated patients. Although hypokalemia of mild and moderate grade does not present serious signs and symptoms, severe hypokalemia often results in prolonged hospitalization and mortality. Herein, we report a case of hypokalemia developed after the initiation of donepezil therapy for cognitive impairment.

Central venous disease in hemodialysis patients

Central venous disease (CVD) is difficult to treat and often resistant to treatment. In CVD, hemodialysis vascular access should sometimes be abandoned, or in serious cases, the patient's life may be threatened. Therefore, prevention is ideal. However, as the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased steadily with population aging, CKD patients with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) are encountered frequently. PICCs can cause CVD, and the basilic vein, which is regarded as the important last option for native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, is destroyed frequently after its use as the entry site of PICC. The most well-established risk factors for CVD are a history of central venous catheter (CVC) insertion and its duration of use. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of CVD, catheterization in the central vein (CV) should be minimized, along with its duration of use. In this review, we will first explain the basic territories of the CV and introduce its pathophysiology, clinical features, and advanced treatment options. Finally, we will emphasize prevention of CVD.

Identification of a Novel GLA Mutation (L206 P) in a Patient with Fabry Disease

We report a new α-Galactosidase A (αGal-A) mutation in a 39-year-old Korean born, male Fabry disease patient. Fabry disease is a devastating, progressive inborn error of metabolism caused by X-linked genetic mutations. In this case, the first clinical symptom to occur was in childhood consisting of a burning pain originating in the extremities then radiating inwards to the limbs. This patient also stated to have ringing in his ears, angiokeratomas on his trunk, and cornea verticillata. He visited an outpatient cardiologist due to intermittent and atypical chest discomfort at the age of 39. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination showed left ventricular hypertrophy. A physical examination revealed proteinuria without hematuria. The patient's plasma αGal-A activity was markedly lower than the mean value of the controls. After genetic counseling and obtaining written informed consent, we identified one hemizygous mutation in exon 4 of galactosidase alpha, c.617T>C (p.Leu206 Pro). He was eventually diagnosed as having Fabry disease.

The Impact of Arterial Micro-calcification of the Vascular Access on Coronary Artery Calcification and Cardiovascular Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between arterial micro-calcification (AMiC) and coronary artery calcification, and to determine the impact of AMiC on cardiovascular mortality in incident hemodialysis patients. METHODS: One hundred and nineteen hemodialysis patients who received vascular access surgeries between April 2011 and May 2015 were included in this study. AMiC was diagnosed by pathologic examination of arterial specimens acquired during surgery, using von Kossa stain. All patients underwent multi-detector computed tomography imaging, and coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) were calculated. We evaluated the association between AMiC and CACS in these patients, and examined the incidence of cardiovascular death (through Febraury 2017) in patients with and without AMiC. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient group was 64.3 ± 13.0 years, and 64% were male (n = 76). Of 119 patients, 67 (56.3%) were positive for AMiC of the vascular access. The mean CACS was 430.4 ± 720.2 (0-3,954), and 99 patients were considered positive for CAC (83.1%). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, CACS was independently associated with AMiC. The mean follow- up period was 35.5 ± 17.8 months. During this time there were 26 all-cause deaths, of which 17 were cardiovascular. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that AMiC was associated with cardiovascular mortality (log rank = 9.0, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AMiC may be associated with coronary artery calcification in incident hemodialysis patients, and may also be a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality.

Invasive Primary Colonic Aspergillosis in the Immunocompetent Host without Classical Risk Factors

Invasive aspergillosis (IA), generally considered an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised hosts, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. IA commonly occurs in the respiratory tract with isolated reports of aspergillosis infection in the nasal sinuses, central nervous system, skin, liver, and urinary tract. Extra-pulmonary aspergillosis is usually observed in disseminated disease. To date, there are a few studies regarding primary and disseminated gastrointestinal (GI) aspergillosis in immunocompromised hosts. Only a few cases of primary GI aspergillosis in non-immunocompromised hosts have been reported; of these, almost all of them involved the upper GI tract. We describe a very rare case of IA involving the lower GI tract in the patient without classical risk factors that presented as multiple colon perforations and was successfully treated by surgery and antifungal treatment. We also review related literature and discuss the characteristics and risk factors of IA in the immunocompetent hosts without classical risk factors. This case that shows IA should be considered in critically ill patients, and that primary lower GI aspergillosis may also occur in the immunocompetent hosts without classical risk factors.

Effects of pretransplant plasmapheresis and rituximab on recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in adult renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) following renal transplantation is relatively common. However, the risk factors and optimal pretransplant treatment preventing recurrence of FSGS remain controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 27 adult renal transplant recipients with FSGS over a period of 10 years. We first compared possible risk factors for FSGS recurrence between the recurrence and nonrecurrence groups. Then we evaluated the effect of pretransplant plasmapheresis (PP; n = 4) and PP with rituximab (PP + RTX; n = 5) on recurrence of FSGS after transplantation compared to control patients that were not treated with these modalities. RESULTS: There were seven recurrences in 27 patients (25.9%), but there were no significant differences in possible risk factors for FSGS recurrence between the two groups. Recurrence rates between patients with pretransplant PP or PP + RTX and control patients were not significantly different (22.2% vs. 27.7%, p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in recurrence between the pretransplant PP and PP + RTX groups (25% vs. 20%, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pretransplant PP or PP + RTX do not significantly decrease the recurrence of FSGS in adult renal transplant candidates.

Effect of intradialytic change in blood pressure and ultrafiltration volume on the variation in access flow measured by ultrasound dilution

BACKGROUND: Prospective access flow measurement is the preferred method for vascular access surveillance in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We studied the effect of intradialytic change in blood pressure and ultrafiltration volume on the variation in access flow measured by ultrasound dilution. METHODS: Access flow was measured 30 minutes, 120 minutes, and 240 minutes after the start of HD by ultrasound dilution in 30 patients during 89 HD sessions and evaluated for variation. RESULTS: The mean age of the 30 patients was 62 +/- 11 years: 19 were male. The accesses comprised 16 fistulae and 14 grafts. The mean access flow over all sessions decreased by 6.1% over time (1265 +/- 568 mL/min after 30 minutes, 1260 +/- 599 mL/min after 120 minutes, and 1197 +/- 576 mL/min after 240 minutes, P or = 5% decrease in mean arterial pressure during HD significantly reduced access flow (P = 0.014). However, no other variable (ultrafiltration volume, sex, age, presence of diabetes, type or location of access, body surface area, hemoglobin, serum albumin level) interacted significantly with the effect of time on access flow. Furthermore, mean arterial pressure did not correlate with ultrafiltration volume. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the variation in access flow during HD is relatively small. Decreased blood pressure is a risk factor for variation in access flow measured by ultrasound dilution. In most patients whose blood pressures are stable during HD, the access flow can be measured at any time during the HD treatment.

Effect of intradialytic change in blood pressure and ultrafiltration volume on the variation in access flow measured by ultrasound dilution

BACKGROUND: Prospective access flow measurement is the preferred method for vascular access surveillance in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We studied the effect of intradialytic change in blood pressure and ultrafiltration volume on the variation in access flow measured by ultrasound dilution. METHODS: Access flow was measured 30 minutes, 120 minutes, and 240 minutes after the start of HD by ultrasound dilution in 30 patients during 89 HD sessions and evaluated for variation. RESULTS: The mean age of the 30 patients was 62 +/- 11 years: 19 were male. The accesses comprised 16 fistulae and 14 grafts. The mean access flow over all sessions decreased by 6.1% over time (1265 +/- 568 mL/min after 30 minutes, 1260 +/- 599 mL/min after 120 minutes, and 1197 +/- 576 mL/min after 240 minutes, P or = 5% decrease in mean arterial pressure during HD significantly reduced access flow (P = 0.014). However, no other variable (ultrafiltration volume, sex, age, presence of diabetes, type or location of access, body surface area, hemoglobin, serum albumin level) interacted significantly with the effect of time on access flow. Furthermore, mean arterial pressure did not correlate with ultrafiltration volume. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the variation in access flow during HD is relatively small. Decreased blood pressure is a risk factor for variation in access flow measured by ultrasound dilution. In most patients whose blood pressures are stable during HD, the access flow can be measured at any time during the HD treatment.

Malignant Hypertension with an Unusual Presentation Mimicking the Immune Mediated Pulmonary Renal Syndrome

A 27-year-old man presented at the emergency room with hemoptysis. His blood pressure was 180/100 mm Hg, and he had no history of hypertension. Chest radiographs showed bilateral infiltration, suggestive of alveolar hemorrhage. His laboratory data were consistent with acute kidney injury. His serum creatinine level increased abruptly; therefore, renal biopsy was performed. Steroid pulse therapy was administered because of a strong suspicion of immune-mediated pulmonary renal syndrome. Renal biopsy showed proliferative endarteritis, fibrinoid necrosis, and intraluminal thrombi in the vessels without crescent formation or necrotizing lesions. Steroid pulse therapy rapidly tapered and stopped. His serum creatinine level gradually decreased with strict blood pressure control. Ten months after discharge, his blood pressure was approximately 120/80 mm Hg with a serum creatinine level of 1.98 mg/dL. Pulmonary renal syndrome is generally caused by an immune-mediated mechanism. However, malignant hypertension accompanying renal insufficiency and heart dysfunction causing end-organ damage can create a pulmonary hemorrhage, similar to pulmonary renal syndrome caused by an immune-mediated mechanism. The present case shows that hypertension, a common disease, can possibly cause pulmonary renal syndrome, a rare condition.

Experience of Anti-Viral Therapy in Hepatitis B-Associated Membranous Nephropathy, Including Lamivudine-Resistant Strains

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic hepatitis B infection is a common cause of secondary membranous nephropathy (MN) in endemic areas. Lamivudine treatment improves renal outcome in patients with hepatitis B virus-associated MN (HBV-MN), but prolonged use leads to the emergence of lamivudine-resistant variants. We describe our experience treating lamivudine-resistant and other strains of HBV-MN with new antiviral drugs. METHODS: Of the 89 patients biopsied and diagnosed with MN from 1996 to 2011, 10 positive for hepatitis B surface antigen were recruited for this study. We investigated the clinical courses, therapeutic responses, and prognoses of patients with HBV-MN. RESULTS: The incidence of HBV-MN among the original 89 patients was 11.2%. Of these patients, four were treated with supportive care and six with antiviral drugs. One of the four patients treated with supportive care had a spontaneous remission. Four of the six patients treated with antiviral drugs were given lamivudine, and the other two were given entecavir. Two of the four patients treated with lamivudine achieved complete remission with seroconversion (i.e., development of anti-hepatitis B e antigen antibodies), whereas the other two had lamivudine-resistant strains, which were detected at 22 and 23 months after lamivudine treatment, respectively. We added adefovir to the treatment regimen for one of these patients, and for the other patient we substituted clevudine for lamivudine. Both of these patients experienced complete remission, as did the two patients initially treated with entecavir, neither of whom showed resistance to the drug. CONCLUSIONS: New nucleoside analogues, such as entecavir, adefovir, and clevudine, can be effective for treatment of HBV-MN, including lamivudine-resistant strains.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes by Different Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Secondary to Lupus Nephritis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Many studies have compared patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on renal replacement therapy (RRT) with non-lupus patients. However, few data are available on the long-term outcome of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to SLE who are managed by different types of RRTs. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study on 59 patients with ESRD who underwent maintenance RRT between 1990 and 2007 for SLE. Of these patients, 28 underwent hemodialysis (HD), 14 underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 17 patients received kidney transplantation (KT). We analyzed the clinical outcomes in these patients to determine the best treatment modality. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 5 +/- 3 years in the HD group, 5 +/- 3 years in the PD group, and 10 +/- 5 years in the KT group (p = 0.005). Disease flare-up was more common in the HD group than in the KT group (p = 0.012). Infection was more common in the PD and HD groups than in the KT group (HD vs. KT, p = 0.027; PD vs. KT, p = 0.033). Cardiovascular complications were more common in the HD group than in the other groups (p = 0.049). Orthopedic complications were more common in the PD group than in the other groups (p = 0.028). Bleeding was more common in the HD group than in the other groups (p = 0.026). Patient survival was greater in the KT group than in the HD group (p = 0.029). Technique survival was lower in the PD group than in the HD group (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with ESRD secondary to SLE, KT had better patient survival and lower complication rates than HD and lower complication rates than PD. The prognosis between the HD and PD groups was similar. We conclude that if KT is not a viable treatment option, any alternative treatment should take into account the patient's general condition and preference.

Changes in Renal Function after Different Tandem Hematopoietic Stem-cell Transplantation Approaches in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

This study was done to observe the alteration of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in multiple myeloma patients according to type of tandem hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Forty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients underwent autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT) and 21 patients underwent allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT). The changes in eGFR after the two tandem HSCT modalities were different between the two groups, according to the donor of stem cells (P = 0.016). In the auto-HSCT group, the eGFR, recorded 12 months after secondary HSCT, was significantly decreased compared with the eGFR recorded before stem cell mobilization (P = 0.005). Although there was no significant difference, the trend showed that the eGFR after allo-HSCT decreased from the previous HSCT until a month after secondary HSCT. In addition, after 6 months of secondary HSCT, the eGFR recovered to the level recorded prior to the HSCT (P = 0.062). This difference may be due to total body irradiation, a calcineurin inhibitor, or maintemance therapy. Changes in renal function would be monitored closely for these patients. The recovery of the eGFR would be a main focus for the patients treated with the total body irradiation or the calcineurin inhibitor, a progressive decline of the eGFR would be also crucial for the patients treated with maintenance therapy.

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome Caused by Steroid Therapy in a Patient with Lupus Nephritis

A 51-yr-old female was referred to our outpatient clinic for the evaluation of generalized edema. She had been diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). She had taken no medicine. Except for the ITP, she had no history of systemic disease. She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunosuppressions consisting of high-dose steroid were started. When preparing the patient for discharge, a generalized myoclonic seizure occurred at the 47th day of admission. At that time, the laboratory and neurology studies showed hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. Brain MRI and EEG showed brain atrophy without other lesion. The seizure stopped after the blood sugar and serum osmolarity declined below the upper normal limit. The patient became asymptomatic and she was discharged 10 weeks after admission under maintenance therapy with prednisolone, insulin glargine and nateglinide. The patient remained asymptomatic under maintenance therapy with deflazacort and without insulin or medication for blood sugar control.

Higher infiltration by Th17 cells compared with regulatory T cells is associated with severe acute T-cell-mediated graft rejection

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Th17 and Treg cell infiltration into allograft tissue is associated with the severity of allograft dysfunction and tissue injury in acute T cell-mediated rejection (ATCMR). Seventy-one allograft tissues with biopsy-proven ATCMR were included. The biopsy specimens were immunostained for FOXP3 and IL-17. The allograft function was assessed at biopsy by measuring serum creatinine (Scr) concentration, and by applying the modified diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula, which provides the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The severity of allograft tissue injury was assessed by calculating tissue injury scores using the Banff classification. The average numbers of infiltrating Treg and Th17 cells were 11.6 +/- 12.2 cells/mm2 and 5.6 +/- 8.0 cells/mm2, respectively. The average Treg/Th17 ratio was 5.6 +/- 8.2. The Treg/Th17 ratio was significantly associated with allograft function (Scr and MDRD eGFR) and with the severity of interstitial injury and tubular injury (P < 0.05, all parameters). In separate analyses of the number of infiltrating Treg and Th17 cells, Th17 cell infiltration was significantly associated with allograft function and the severity of tissue injury. By contrast, Treg cell infiltration was not significantly associated with allograft dysfunction or the severity of tissue injury. The results of this study show that higher infiltration of Th17 cell compared with Treg cell is significantly associated with the severity of allograft dysfunction and tissue injury.

A Case of Transmesocolic Hernia in Elderly Person without a History of Operation / 대한소화기학회지

Internal hernia is defined as the herniation of viscera through an anatomic or pathologic opening within the boundaries of peritoneal cavity. Transmesocolic hernia, a subtype of internal hernia, has a herniated sac through the transverse mesocolon. Transmesocolic hernia has been rarely described in the literature, and most of reported cases were associated with a history of operation or congenital anormaly. A 72-year-old female with chronic intermittent abdominal pain and bloating was admitted. Small bowel series showed multiple jejunal loops confined to the left upper quadrant of abdomen. Abdomen spiral computed tomography (CT) showed a cluster of mildly dilated small bowel loops with mesenteries on the same area. On the three-dimensional reconstruction CT scan, a herniated sac through the transverse mesocolon was identified. She was diagnosed as transmesocolic hernia by using the three-dimensional reconstruction CT and small bowel series, without surgical exploration. The symptoms were managed with conservative measures.

Four Cases of Verapamil Deleterious Effects in Chronic Renal Failure / 대한신장학회잡지

Four hypertensive patients with chronic renal insufficiency who were treated with sustained release verapamil hydrochloride subsequently developed acute toxic effects. All four patients developed marked bradycardia, hypotension, hyperkalemia and metabolic aciodosis and were treated with atropine, fluid therapy, potasium lowing measure, dialysis, and temporary pacemaker, and were restored to the renal function and sinus rhythm after 12-24 hr. Patients with renal impairement who are treated with sustained release verapamil may accumulate verapamil or its metabolites and develop toxic side effects. We conclude that sustained release verapamil should be used with caution in chronic renal failure and that patients should be closely monitored for adverse cardiovascular, metaboic, and hepatic side effects.

High Tibial Osteotomy Fixed with Long-winged Modified Steinmann pin

PURPOSE: To report the clinical and radiological results after high tibial osteotomy that was fixed with a long winged modified Steinmann pin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty knees of twenty patients with genu varum, degenerative or physiologic, underwent high tibial osteotomy using a long-winged modified Steinmann pin and four-week cast immobilization. Mean follow up was 36.0 months(5~67 months). Clinical results were assessed using the Knee society score and radiographic measurements, using Bauer 's method and Insall-Savati ratio. Statistical analyses were performed with the paired samples t-test. RESULTS: The corrected angle was varus 3.2+/-2.7 degrees preoperatively, valgus 7.3+/-2.0 degrees postoperatively(p<0.05), and valgus 6.0+/-1.4 degrees at the latest follow up. According to the Knee society clinical rating system, the knee score was 61.8+/-7.2 preoperatively and 92.8+/-2.8 postoperatively (p<0.05). The function score was 77.8+/-5.8 preoperatively and 89.0+/-6.3 postoperatively(p<0.05). The Insall-Salvati ratio was 1.02+/-0.14 preoperatively and 1.00+/-0.15 at the latest follow up(p=0.018). CONCLUSION: High tibial osteotomy with a long-winged modified Steinmann pin could obtain good correction of angles and clinical results with few complications. And this method was also useful in maintaining the correction angles.