Comparison of dominant and nondominant C3 deposition in primary glomerulonephritis

Alternative complement pathway dysregulation plays a key role in glomerulonephritis (GN) and is associated with C3 deposition. Herein, we examined pathological and clinical differences between cases of primary GN with C3-dominant (C3D-GN) and nondominant (C3ND-GN) deposition. Methods: We extracted primary GN data from the Korean GlomeruloNEphritis sTudy (KoGNET). C3D-GN was defined as C3 staining two grades greater than C1q, C4, and immunoglobulin via immunofluorescence analysis. To overcome a large difference in the number of patients between the C3D-GN and C3ND-GN groups (31 vs. 9,689), permutation testing was used for analysis. Results: The C3D-GN group exhibited higher serum creatinine (p ≤ 0.001), a greater prevalence of estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.72 m2 (p ≤ 0.001), higher (but not significantly so) C-reactive protein level, and lower serum C3 level (p ≤ 0.001). Serum albumin, urine protein/creatinine ratio, number of patients who progressed to end-stage renal disease, and all-cause mortality were comparable between groups. Interstitial fibrosis and mesangial cellularity were greater in the C3D-GN group (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively) than in the C3ND-GN group. C3 deposition was dominant in the former group (p < 0.001), in parallel with increased subendothelial deposition (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Greater progression of renal injury and higher mortality occurred in patients with C3D-GN than with C3ND-GN, along with pathologic differences in interstitial and mesangial changes.

Electronic alert outpatient protocol improves the quality of care for the risk of postcontrast acute kidney injury following computed tomography

Prevention and diagnosis of postcontrast acute kidney injury (AKI) after contrast-enhanced computed tomography is burdensome in outpatient department. We investigated whether an electronic alert system could improve prevention and diagnosis of postcontrast AKI. Methods: In March 2018, we launched an electronic alert system that automatically identifies patients with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate of <45 mL/min/1.73 m2, provides a prescription of fluid regimen, and recommends a follow-up for serum creatinine measurement. Participants prescribed contrast-enhanced computed tomography at outpatient department before and after the launch of the system were categorized as historical and alert group, respectively. Propensity for the surveillance of postcontrast AKI was compared using logistic regression. Risks of AKI, admission, mortality, and renal replacement therapy were analyzed. Results: The historical and alert groups included 289 and 309 participants, respectively. The alert group was more likely to be men and take diuretics. The most frequent volume of prophylactic fluid in historical and alert group was 1,000 and 750 mL, respectively. Follow-up for AKI was more common in the alert group (adjusted odds ratio, 6.00; p < 0.001). Among them, incidence of postcontrast AKI was not statistically different. The two groups did not differ in risks of admission, mortality, or renal replacement therapy. Conclusion: The electronic alert system could assist in the detection of high-risk patients, prevention with reduced fluid volume, and proper diagnosis of postcontrast AKI, while limiting the prescribing clinicians’ burden. Whether the system can improve long-term outcomes remains unclear.

Predictive performance of the new race-free Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations for kidney outcome in Korean patients with chronic kidney disease

The new Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations without a race coefficient have gained recognition across the United States. We aimed to test whether these new equations performed well in Korean patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This study included 2,149 patients with CKD G1–G5 without kidney replacement therapy from the Korean Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients with CKD (KNOW-CKD). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the new CKD-EPI equations with serum creatinine and cystatin C. The primary outcome was 5-year risk of kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT). Results: When we adopted the new creatinine equation [eGFRcr (NEW)], 81 patients (23.1%) with CKD G3a based on the current creatinine equation (eGFRcr) were reclassified as CKD G2. Accordingly, the number of patients with eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 decreased from 1,393 (64.8%) to 1,312 (61.1%). The time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for 5-year KFRT risk was comparable between the eGFRcr (NEW) (0.941; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.922–0.960) and eGFRcr (0.941; 95% CI, 0.922–0.961). The eGFRcr (NEW) showed slightly better discrimination and reclassification than the eGFRcr. However, the new creatinine and cystatin C equation [eGFRcr-cys (NEW)] performed similarly to the current creatinine and cystatin C equation. Furthermore, eGFRcr-cys (NEW) did not show better performance for KFRT risk than eGFRcr (NEW). Conclusion: Both the current and the new CKD-EPI equations showed excellent predictive performance for 5-year KFRT risk in Korean patients with CKD. These new equations need to be further tested for other clinical outcomes in Koreans.

Sex disparity in dialysis and kidney transplantation over 20 years in Korea

Sex disparity is prevalent in organ transplantations worldwide. This study aimed to understand sex disparities in dialysis and kidney transplantation in Korea over the last 20 years. Methods: Data for incident dialysis, waiting list registration, and donors and recipients were retrospectively collected between January 2000 and December 2020 from the Korean Society of Nephrology end-stage renal disease registry and the database of the Korean Network for Organ Sharing. Data regarding the proportion of females for dialysis, waiting list, and kidney transplantation donors or recipients were analyzed using linear regression analysis. Results: The average proportion of females on dialysis over the past 20 years was 40.5%. The proportion of females on dialysis was 42.8% in 2000, and decreased to 38.2% in 2020, showing a decreasing trend. The average proportion of women on the waiting list was 38.4%, which was lower than that for dialysis. The average proportion of female recipients in living donor kidney transplantation and female living donors were 40.1% and 53.2%, respectively. The overall proportion of female donors in living donor kidney transplantation showed an increasing trend. However, there was no change in the proportion of female recipients in living donor kidney transplantation. Conclusion: Sex disparities in organ transplantation exist, including an increasing trend of female donors in living donor kidney transplantation. Further studies are needed to identify the biological and socioeconomic factors involved to resolve these disparities.

Renal diseases causing hematuria

Hematuria is a common laboratory finding in clinical practice, occurring mostly in the kidneys. However, it can occur in the rest of the urinary system, including the ureters, bladder, and urethra, as well as in the prostate in men. This paper will discuss cases of hematuria observed in various diseases, especially kidney disease.Current Concepts: Hematuria is diagnosed when three or more red blood cells are found in a high-power field microscopic urinalysis. Identifying urine sediment is critical in differentiating between glomerular and nonglomerular hematuria, classified according to location. If hematuria is accompanied by proteinuria, dysmorphic red blood cells, or cellular casts in urine microscopy, as well as hypertension or renal function decline, glomerular disease may be present; thus, a nephrologist should be consulted. Hematuria is also observed in renal vascular diseases, including renal infarction, renal artery dissection, and nutcracker syndrome. In polycystic kidney disease, hematuria may present in combination with renal stones or malignancy. Diabetic nephropathy can manifest hematuria, which is a negative prognosticator of end-stage kidney disease.Discussion and Conclusion: Hematuria is a laboratory finding for various diseases, and appropriate diagnosis and treatment should be provided according to its clinical features.

Executive summary of the Korean Society of Nephrology 2021 clinical practice guideline for optimal hemodialysis treatment

The Korean Society of Nephrology (KSN) has published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) document for maintenance hemodialysis (HD). The document, 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline on Optimal HD Treatment, is based on an extensive evidence-oriented review of the benefits of preparation, initiation, and maintenance therapy for HD, with the participation of representative experts from the KSN under the methodologists’ support for guideline development. It was intended to help clinicians participating in HD treatment make safer and more effective clinical decisions by providing user-friendly guidelines. We hope that this CPG will be meaningful as a recommendation in practice, but not on a regulatory rule basis, as different approaches and treatments may be used by health care providers depending on the individual patient’s condition. This CPG consists of eight sections and 15 key questions. Each begins with statements that are graded by the strength of recommendations and quality of the evidence. Each statement is followed by a summary of the evidence supporting the recommendations. There are also a link to full-text documents and lists of the most important reports so that the readers can read further (most of this is available online).

Additive harmful effects of acute kidney injury and acute heart failure on mortality in hospitalized patients

Organ crosstalk between the kidney and the heart has been suggested. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute heart failure (AHF) are well-known independent risk factors for mortality in hospitalized patients. This study aimed to investigate if these conditions have an additive effect on mortality in hospitalized patients, as this has not been explored in previous studies. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 101,804 hospitalized patients who visited two tertiary hospitals in the Republic of Korea over a period of 5 years. AKI was diagnosed using serum creatinine-based criteria, and AHF was classified using International Classification of Diseases codes within 2 weeks after admission. Patients were divided into four groups according to the two conditions. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Results: AKI occurred in 6.8% of all patients (n = 6,920) and AHF in 1.2% (n = 1,244). Three hundred thirty-one patients (0.3%) developed both conditions while AKI alone was present in 6,589 patients (6.5%) and AHF alone in 913 patients (0.9%). Among the 5,181 patients (5.1%) who died, 20.8% died within 1 month. The hazard ratio for 1-month mortality was 29.23 in patients with both conditions, 15.00 for AKI only, and 3.39 for AHF only. The relative excess risk of interaction was 11.85 (95% confidence interval, 2.43–21.27), and was more prominent in patients aged <75 years and those without chronic heart failure. Conclusion: AKI and AHF have a detrimental additive effect on short-term mortality in hospitalized patients.

Mortality predictors in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy

Background@#Because of high cost of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and the high mortality rate among severe acute kidney injury patients, careful identification of patients who will benefit from CRRT is warranted. This study determined factors associated with mortality among critically ill patients requiring CRRT. @*Methods@#This was a retrospective observational study of 414 patients admitted to the intensive care unit of four hospitals in South Korea who received CRRT from June 2017 to September 2018. Patients were divided according to degree of fluid overload (FO) and disease severity. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to explore the effect of relevant variables on mortality. @*Results@#In-hospital mortality rate was 57.2%. Ninety-day mortality rate was 58.5%. Lower creatinine and blood pH were significant predictors of mortality. A one-unit increase in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was associated with increased risk of and 90-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; p 10%, independent of disease severity. @*Conclusion@#FO increases the risk of mortality independent of other factors, including severity of acute illness. Prevention of FO should be a priority, especially when managing the critically ill.

Preexisting comorbidities are associated with the mortality rate as well as the predialysis adverse events in incident dialysis patients

Background@#Optimal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to start maintenance dialysis is controversial. Observational studies have reported that initiation of dialysis at high eGFRs is associated with worse postdialysis survival. @*Methods@#We retrospectively investigated 1,038 incident dialysis patients who started maintenance dialysis during 2010-2015. Patients were assessed for comorbidities and adverse events during the transitional period of dialysis initiation. Patients were classified as planned dialysis (PD) vs. unplanned dialysis (UD) according to indications for dialysis initiation. @*Results@#UD group comprised 352 patients (33.9%). Mean eGFR at dialysis initiation was higher in UD patients than PD patients (7.9 ± 5.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 5.9 ± 3.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001). Mean Davies comorbidity index in the UD group was higher than in the PD group (1.3 ± 1.0 vs. 0.9 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression, patients with more comorbidities experienced more ischemic heart disease (hazard ratio [HR], 4.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71–11.14) in the medium-risk group and HR of 8.84 (95% CI, 3.06–25.55) in the high-risk group (vs. low-risk group, p < 0.001)) during the predialysis period. High-risk group had increased postdialysis mortality (HR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.46–4.20; p = 0.001). Adjusted HR of mortality was higher in the medium-risk group of UD patients (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.16–2.56; p = 0.007). @*Conclusion@#Patients with more comorbidities were at increased risk of predialysis ischemic heart disease and postdialysis mortality. UD patients in the medium-risk population had increased risk of postdialysis mortality. Dialysis start should be individualized by considering comorbidities.

Renal outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery in patients with rectal cancer: a propensity score analysis

Background@#A laparoscopic approach is widely used in abdominal surgery. Although several studies have compared surgical and oncological outcomes between laparoscopic surgery (LS) and open surgery (OS) in rectal cancer patients, there have been few studies on postoperative renal outcomes. @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 1,633 patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery between 2003 and 2017. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) was diagnosed according to the serum creatinine criteria of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes classification. @*Results@#Among the 1,633 patients, 1,072 (65.6%) underwent LS. After matching propensity scores, 395 patients were included in each group. The incidence of postoperative AKI in the LS group was significantly lower than in the OS group (9.9% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.01). Operation time, estimated blood loss, and incidence of transfusion in the LS group were significantly lower than those in the OS group. Cox proportional hazard models revealed that LS was associated with decreased risk of postoperative AKI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.599; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.402–0.893; p = 0.01) and postoperative transfusion was associated with increased risk of AKI (HR, 2.495; 95% CI, 1.529–4.072; p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the incidence of postoperative AKI in patients with middle or high rectal cancer who underwent LS was much lower than in those who underwent OS (HR, 0.373; 95% CI, 0.197–0.705; p = 0.002). @*Conclusion@#This study showed that LS may have a favorable effect on the development of postoperative AKI in patients with rectal cancer.

Executive Summary of the Korean Society of Nephrology 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for Optimal Hemodialysis Treatment

The Korean Society of Nephrology (KSN) has published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) document for maintenance hemodialysis (HD). The document, 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline on Optimal HD Treatment, is based on an extensive evidence-oriented review of the benefits of preparation, initiation, and maintenance therapy for HD, with the participation of representative experts from the KSN under the methodologists’ support for guideline development. It was intended to help clinicians participating in HD treatment make safer and more effective clinical decisions by providing user-friendly guidelines. We hope that this CPG will be meaningful as a recommendation in practice, but not on a regulatory rule basis, as different approaches and treatments may be used by health care providers depending on the individual patient’s condition. This CPG consists of eight sections and 15 key questions. Each begins with statements that are graded by the strength of recommendations and quality of the evidence. Each statement is followed by a summary of the evidence supporting the recommendations. There is also a link to full-text documents and lists of the most important reports so that the readers can read further (most of this is available online).

Effect of estimating equations for glomerular filtration rate on novel surrogate markers for renal outcome

Background@#s: Recently, alternative surrogate endpoints such as a 30% or 40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or eGFR slope over 2 to 3 years have been proposed for predicting renal outcomes. However, the impact of GFR estimation methods on the accuracy and effectiveness of surrogate markers is unknown. @*Methods@#We retrospectively enrolled participants in health screening programs at three hospitals from 1995 to 2009. We defined two different participant groups as YR1 and YR3, which had available 1-year or 3-year eGFR values along with their baseline eGFR levels. We compared the effectiveness of eGFR percentage change or slope to estimate end-stage renal disease (ESRD) risk according to two estimating equations (modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation [eGFRm] and Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation [eGFRc]) for GFR. @*Results@#In the YR1 and YR3 groups, 9,971 and 10,171 candidates were enrolled and ESRD incidence during follow-up was 0.26% and 0.19%, respectively. The eGFR percentage change was more effective than eGFR slope in estimating ESRD risk, regardless of the method of estimation. A 40% of decline in eGFR was better than 30%, and a 3-year baseline period was better than a 1-year period for prediction accuracy. Although some diagnostic indices from the CKD-EPI equation were better, we found no significant differences in the discriminative ability and hazard ratios for incident ESRD between eGFRc and eGFRm in either eGFR percentage change or eGFR slope. @*Conclusion@#There were no significant differences in the prediction accuracy of GFR percentage change or eGFR slope between eGFRc and eGFRm in the general population.

Effect of estimating equations for glomerular filtration rate on novel surrogate markers for renal outcome

Background@#s: Recently, alternative surrogate endpoints such as a 30% or 40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or eGFR slope over 2 to 3 years have been proposed for predicting renal outcomes. However, the impact of GFR estimation methods on the accuracy and effectiveness of surrogate markers is unknown. @*Methods@#We retrospectively enrolled participants in health screening programs at three hospitals from 1995 to 2009. We defined two different participant groups as YR1 and YR3, which had available 1-year or 3-year eGFR values along with their baseline eGFR levels. We compared the effectiveness of eGFR percentage change or slope to estimate end-stage renal disease (ESRD) risk according to two estimating equations (modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation [eGFRm] and Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation [eGFRc]) for GFR. @*Results@#In the YR1 and YR3 groups, 9,971 and 10,171 candidates were enrolled and ESRD incidence during follow-up was 0.26% and 0.19%, respectively. The eGFR percentage change was more effective than eGFR slope in estimating ESRD risk, regardless of the method of estimation. A 40% of decline in eGFR was better than 30%, and a 3-year baseline period was better than a 1-year period for prediction accuracy. Although some diagnostic indices from the CKD-EPI equation were better, we found no significant differences in the discriminative ability and hazard ratios for incident ESRD between eGFRc and eGFRm in either eGFR percentage change or eGFR slope. @*Conclusion@#There were no significant differences in the prediction accuracy of GFR percentage change or eGFR slope between eGFRc and eGFRm in the general population.

Posterior Nutcracker Syndrome with Microscopic Hematuria / 대한내과학회지

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) refers to left renal vein compression with impaired blood outflow. The etiology of NCS has been attributed to various anatomic anomalies. Posterior NCS is caused by compression of the retroaortic left renal vein between the aorta and spine. The classic symptoms of NCS include left flank pain with gross or microscopic hematuria. The frequency and severity of the syndrome vary from asymptomatic microhematuria to severe pelvic congestion. For this reason, diagnosis of NCS is difficult and often delayed. Here, we report a case of posterior NCS that was incidentally discovered.

Time-varying effects of body mass index on mortality among hemodialysis patients: Results from a nationwide Korean registry

BACKGROUND: Unlike patterns observed in the general population, obesity is associated with better survival among hemodialysis patients, which could be explained by reverse causation or illness-related weight loss. However, the time-varying effect of body mass index (BMI) on hemodialysis survival has not been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the time-varying effect of BMI on mortality after starting hemodialysis. METHODS: In the present study, we examined Korean Society of Nephrology data from 16,069 adult patients who started hemodialysis during or after the year 2000. Complete survival data were obtained from Statistics Korea. Survival analysis was performed using Cox regression and a non-proportional hazard fractional polynomial model. RESULTS: During the median follow-up of 8.6 years, 9,272 patients (57.7%) died. Compared to individuals with normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m²), the underweight group (< 18.5 kg/m²) had a higer mortality hazard ratio (HR, 1.292; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.203–1.387; P < 0.001) and the overweight group (25.0–29.9 kg/m²) had a lower mortality HR (0.904; 95% CI, 0.829–0.985; P = 0.022). The underweight group had increasing HRs during the first 3 to 7 years after starting hemodialysis, which varied according to age group. The young obese group (< 40 years old) had a U-shaped temporal trend in their mortality HRs, which reflected increased mortality after 7 years. CONCLUSION: The obese hemodialysis group had better survival during the early post-dialysis period, although the beneficial effect of obesity disappeared 7 years after starting hemodialysis. The young obese group also had an increased mortality HR after 7 years.

Posterior Nutcracker Syndrome with Microscopic Hematuria / 대한내과학회지

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) refers to left renal vein compression with impaired blood outflow. The etiology of NCS has been attributed to various anatomic anomalies. Posterior NCS is caused by compression of the retroaortic left renal vein between the aorta and spine. The classic symptoms of NCS include left flank pain with gross or microscopic hematuria. The frequency and severity of the syndrome vary from asymptomatic microhematuria to severe pelvic congestion. For this reason, diagnosis of NCS is difficult and often delayed. Here, we report a case of posterior NCS that was incidentally discovered.

Renal Failure with Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome / 대한내과학회지

Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by preauricular pits, branchial fistula, branchial cyst, hearing impairment, and kidney anomalies. Hearing impairment is the single most common feature of BOR syndrome, affecting 89% of patients. Preauricular pits (77%), kidney anomalies (66%), branchial fistula (63%), external auditory canal anomalies (41%) are also common. For most patients, BOR syndrome does not affect life expectancy. The major life-threatening feature of this condition is kidney dysfunction, which occurs with about 6% of kidney anomalies. Therefore, once BOR syndrome is recognized in a patient, careful evaluation to detect renal anomalies and treatment of any kidney involvement are necessary. No case reports of BOR syndrome involving adult-onset end-stage kidney disease have been published in the Korean medical literature. We report a case of end-stage kidney disease in a 19-year-old male patient with BOR syndrome, together with a review of the pertinent literature.

Effects of education on low-phosphate diet and phosphate binder intake to control serum phosphate among maintenance hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: For phosphate control, patient education is essential due to the limited clearance of phosphate by dialysis. However, well-designed randomized controlled trials about dietary and phosphate binder education have been scarce. METHODS: We enrolled maintenance hemodialysis patients and randomized them into an education group (n = 48) or a control group (n = 22). We assessed the patients’ drug compliance and their knowledge about the phosphate binder using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The primary goal was to increase the number of patients who reached a calcium-phosphorus product of lower than 55. In the education group, 36 (75.0%) patients achieved the primary goal, as compared with 16 (72.7%) in the control group (P = 0.430). The education increased the proportion of patients who properly took the phosphate binder (22.9% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.087), but not to statistical significance. Education did not affect the amount of dietary phosphate intake per body weight (education vs. control: −1.18 ± 3.54 vs. −0.88 ± 2.04 mg/kg, P = 0.851). However, the dietary phosphate-to-protein ratio tended to be lower in the education group (−0.64 ± 2.04 vs. 0.65 ± 3.55, P = 0.193). The education on phosphate restriction affected neither the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment score (0.17 ± 4.58 vs. −0.86 ± 3.86, P = 0.363) nor the level of dietary protein intake (−0.03 ± 0.33 vs. −0.09 ± 0.18, P = 0.569). CONCLUSION: Education did not affect the calcium-phosphate product. Education on the proper timing of phosphate binder intake and the dietary phosphate-to-protein ratio showed marginal efficacy.

A Prospective Study on Nutritional Status and Nutrient Intake of Hemodialysis Patients Based on Coexistence of Diabetes

It is well known that malnutrition is a predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients. The number of diabetic nephropathy patients is increasing rapidly. This study aimed to investigate nutritional status and nutrient intake according to the presence of diabetes among hemodialysis patients. The nutritional intake and general characteristics of outpatients at Ajou University Hospital (24 with diabetes and 30 without diabetes) were investigated between July and September 2015. Patients' general data were collected, and nutritional status by Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) was evaluated. Nutrient intakes were assessed according to 3-day food records. There was no significant difference regarding body weight between the two groups. However, the non-diabetic group showed a better nutritional status by Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) (5.2±4.4 vs. 8.0±4.3 score, non-diabetics vs. diabetics, P<0.05). There was no difference in daily calorie intake (1,473.9±370.5 vs. 1,503.8±397.5 kcal) and protein intake (60.3±19.7 vs. 65.6±20.5 g) in those with diabetes. Intakes of vegetables protein, sodium, potassium, vitamin C, folic acid and fiber were significantly higher in the diabetic group compared to those of the non-diabetic group. There was no difference in daily nutrient intake between the hemodialysis weekday and weekend groups. The non-diabetic group had higher calorie and sodium intakes per meal in the hemodialysis weekday group, but the difference was not significant. Based on these results, intervention should be performed to improve nutritional status in consideration of diabetes and dietary patterns.

Clinical analysis of single filtration plasmapheresis using continuous renal replacement therapy machines in kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND: Plasmapheresis has become an essential element of kidney transplantation (KT). In the present study, we report clinical outcomes of filtration plasmapheresis using continuous renal replacement therapy machines with a single filter for the first time in Korea. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed six patients who underwent filtration plasmapheresis for KT in our center; plasmapheresis was performed using the Plasmaflex (Baxter®) with a TPE 2000 filter set (Baxter®) in our hemodialysis unit. Five percent albumin was used as the replacement fluid, and intravenous immunoglobulin G was administered after each plasmapheresis session. The target preoperative ABO isoagglutinin titer was less than 1:8. RESULTS: Filtration plasmapheresis was performed in four patients for ABO-incompatible KT, one for antibody-mediated rejection after KT, and the last one for positive T cell crossmatch. Altogether, 46 sessions of plasmapheresis were performed. ABO isoagglutinin titers successfully declined to or below the target level in all patients, and all patients successfully received KT with no significant antibody titer rebound. Acute antibody-mediated rejection and positive T cell crossmatch were well treated with filtration plasmapheresis, and no patient required fresh frozen plasma infusion for coagulopathy. There were one episode of hypotension and three of hypocalcemia. No patients experienced bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction. CONCLUSION: Filtration plasmapheresis was effective and safe. Although our result is from a single center, our protocol appears to be promising.