Prevalence of renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis according to ADQI-IAC working party proposal

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A revised classification system for renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis was proposed by the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative and the International Ascites Club Working Group in 2011. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of renal dysfunction according to the criteria in this proposal. METHODS: The medical records of cirrhotic patients who were admitted to Konkuk University Hospital between 2006 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The data obtained at first admission were collected. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were defined using the proposed diagnostic criteria of kidney dysfunction in cirrhosis. RESULTS: Six hundred and forty-three patients were admitted, of whom 190 (29.5%), 273 (42.5%), and 180 (28.0%) were Child-Pugh class A, B, and C, respectively. Eighty-three patients (12.9%) were diagnosed with AKI, the most common cause for which was dehydration (30 patients). Three patients had hepatorenal syndrome type 1 and 26 patients had prerenal-type AKI caused by volume deficiency after variceal bleeding. In addition, 22 patients (3.4%) were diagnosed with CKD, 1 patient with hepatorenal syndrome type 2, and 3 patients (0.5%) with AKI on CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Both AKI and CKD are common among hospitalized cirrhotic patients, and often occur simultaneously (16.8%). The most common type of renal dysfunction was AKI (12.9%). Diagnosis of type 2 hepatorenal syndrome remains difficult. A prospective cohort study is warranted to evaluate the clinical course in cirrhotic patients with renal dysfunction.

Efficacy and Safety of Tenofovir-Based Rescue Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Previous Nucleo(s/t)ide Treatment Failure

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based treatment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who failed previous antiviral therapies. METHODS: Seventeen patients who failed to achieve virological responses during sequential antiviral treatments were included. The patients were treated with TDF monotherapy (four patients) or a combination of TDF and lamivudine (13 patients) for a median of 42 months. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were measured, and renal function was also monitored. RESULTS: Prior to TDF therapy, 180 M, 204 I/V/S, 181 T/V, 236 T, and 184 L mutations were detected. After TDF therapy, the median HBV DNA level decreased from 4.6 log10 IU/mL to 2.0 log10 IU/mL and to 1.6 log10 IU/mL at 12 and 24 months, respectively. HBV DNA became undetectable (< or =20 IU/mL) in 14.3%, 41.7%, and 100% of patients after 12, 24, and 48 months of treatment, respectively. HBeAg loss was observed in two patients. Viral breakthrough occurred in five patients who had skipped their medication. No significant changes in renal function were observed. CONCLUSIONS: TDF-based rescue treatment is effective in reducing HBV DNA levels and is safe for patients with CHB who failed prior antiviral treatments. Patients' adherence to medication is related to viral rebound.

Cytomegalovirus Jejunitis Diagnosed with Single-Balloon Enteroscopy / 대한소화기학회지

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are usually diagnosed in immunocompromised patients. A 74-year-old male without any significant medical history visited our center because of abdominal pain and diarrhea which began about a month ago. Abdominal computed tomography revealed segmental enhanced bowel wall thickening on jejunum and single-balloon enteroscopy showed multiple geographic shaped ulcerations covered with exudates on proximal jejunum. Biopsy samples taken during endoscopic examination demonstrated necrotic fibrinopurulent tissue debris and benign ulcer. Nested-PCR analysis of CMV DNA from jejunal tissue was positive. The patient was finally diagnosed with CMV jejunitis and was treated by intravenous ganciclovir for 14 days after which, abdominal pain and diarrhea improved. Our case shows that CMV jejunitis can occur in an immunocompetent adult as multiple jejunal ulcers which can be diagnosed using a single-balloon enteroscope.

Association of acute tubular necrosis with gross hematuria in cirrhosis-related immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy associated with cirrhosis is the most common form of secondary IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Cirrhosis-related IgAN is usually clinically silent with a rare occurrence of gross hematuria, unlike in cases of idiopathic IgAN. Especially, acute tubular necrosis (ATN) associated with gross hematuria is very rare in cirrhosis-related IgAN, although acute renal failure is a frequently reported complication in advanced cirrhosis. Herein, we report an unusual case of ATN requiring renal replacement therapy, associated with gross hematuria in a patient with nonalcoholic, hepatitis B virus-associated cirrhosis. Results of a histopathological analysis revealed obstruction of the lumen of renal tubules by red blood cell casts, a marked tubular necrosis, and IgA deposition in the mesangium. The patient's renal function and gross hematuria were clearly improved after lamivudine treatment.

Association of acute tubular necrosis with gross hematuria in cirrhosis-related immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy associated with cirrhosis is the most common form of secondary IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Cirrhosis-related IgAN is usually clinically silent with a rare occurrence of gross hematuria, unlike in cases of idiopathic IgAN. Especially, acute tubular necrosis (ATN) associated with gross hematuria is very rare in cirrhosis-related IgAN, although acute renal failure is a frequently reported complication in advanced cirrhosis. Herein, we report an unusual case of ATN requiring renal replacement therapy, associated with gross hematuria in a patient with nonalcoholic, hepatitis B virus-associated cirrhosis. Results of a histopathological analysis revealed obstruction of the lumen of renal tubules by red blood cell casts, a marked tubular necrosis, and IgA deposition in the mesangium. The patient's renal function and gross hematuria were clearly improved after lamivudine treatment.

A Case of Scleredema Associated with Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis (DM) is rare systemic inflammatory disease with typical skin manifestations and muscular involvement. Various skin lesions can accompany this disease, such as Gottron's sign, Heliotrope rash, mechanic's hands, V sign and shawl sign. Scleredema is a very rare skin manifestation in DM. We report a case of DM in a 63-year-old woman, who had scleredema on her thighs. A diagnosis of DM was established by clinical manifestation, elevated muscle enzyme levels, electromyogram measures, and muscle biopsy findings. She was successfully treated with the immunosuppressants methotrexate, cyclosporine, and steroids (low dose).

Cefepime-Induced Nonconvulsive Status Epileticus Presenting as Coma in a Patient with ESRD on Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

Cefepime-induced nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving hemodialysis has only rarely been reported. Here we report a case of cefepime-induced NCSE presenting as coma in a patient with ESRD on hemodialysis. A 73-year-old man, who had been receiving maintenance hemodialysis, developed aphasia and coma during cefepime therapy for epidural abscess. Emergent eletroencephalography (EEG) revealed evidence of NCSE. The abnormal EEG findings were resolved and comatose mentality was completely recovered after cessation of cefepime and administration of anticonvulsive drugs. Cefepime-induced NCSE should be considered if neurological symptoms including comatose mentality develops during cefepime therapy in a patient with renal failure.