Long-term prognosis of BK virus-associated nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: The long-term prognosis of BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is uncertain. We evaluated the long-term prognosis in KTRs with BKVAN and the clinical significance of BKVAN on post-transplant clinical outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 582 patients who underwent kidney transplant (KT) between 2001 and 2014. We divided the patients into a BKVAN group (15 patients) diagnosed by allograft biopsy and a control group (356 patients). RESULTS: The incidence of BKVAN was 4.0%, and the mean follow-up duration was 93.1 ± 52.3 months. Median time from KT to BKVAN diagnosis was 5.9 months (interquartile range [IQR], 4.4–8.7). In the BKVAN group, 9 (60.0%) KTRs with combined acute rejection progressed to graft failure, and the median time from BKVAN diagnosis to graft failure was 36.2 months (IQR, 9.7–65.5). Death-censored graft survival rate and patient survival rate in the BKVAN group were significantly lower than those in the control group. BKVAN and rejection were independent risk factors for graft failure. In the subgroup analysis, death-censored graft survival rate of KTRs with BKVAN with acute rejection was significantly worst in comparison with similar patients without BKVAN regardless of acute rejection (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The long-term prognosis of BKVAN with acute rejection was very poor because of graft failure caused by inadequate treatment for acute rejection considering BKVAN. Therefore, we should carefully monitor the allograft status of KTRs through regular surveillance tests after treatment for BKVAN with acute rejection.

Effect of epidural corticosteroid injection on magnetic resonance imaging findings

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine is the preferred diagnostic tool for pathologic conditions affecting the spine. However, in patients receiving epidural corticosteroid injection (ESI) for treatment of spinal diseases, there is a possibility of misreading of MR images because of air or fluid in the epidural space after the injection. Therefore, we defined the characteristics of abnormal changes in MRI findings following an ESI in patients with low back pain. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 133 patients who underwent MRI of the lumbar spine within 7 days after ESI between 2006 and 2015.All patients were administered an ESI using a 22-gauge Tuohy needle at the lumbar spine through the interlaminar approach. The epidural space was identified by the loss of resistance technique with air. RESULTS: The incidences of abnormal changes in MRI findings because of ESI were 54%, 31%, and 25% in patients who underwent MRI at approximately 24 h, and 2 and 3 days after ESI, respectively. Abnormal MRI findings included epidural air or fluid, needle tracks, and soft tissue changes. Epidural air, the most frequent abnormal finding (82%), was observed in 41% of patients who underwent MRI within 3 days after injection. Abnormal findings due to an ESI were not observed in MR images acquired 4 days after ESI or later. CONCLUSIONS: Pain physicians should consider the possibility of abnormal findings in MR images acquired after epidural injection using the interlaminar approach and the loss of resistance technique with air at the lumbar spine.

Late Onset Renal Vein Thrombosis after Kidney Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

Renal vein thrombosis is a rare but serious cause of graft loss in kidney transplant recipients that is usually associated with early surgical complications. Here, we report a rare case of sudden development of late onset renal vein thrombosis after kidney transplantation. A 32-year-old man underwent deceased kidney transplantation 2 years prior. Oliguria and pain suddenly developed at the allograft site along with an elevated serum creatinine level. Doppler ultrasound showed absence of venous flow in the transplanted kidney. Magnetic resonance imaging showed thrombosis from the allograft vein to the anastomosis with the left common iliac vein and a swollen allograft kidney. The patient underwent anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin and warfarin. Serum creatinine normalized and renal vein thrombosis disappeared after 3 months of treatment. Late-onset renal vein thrombosis is rare; however, early detection and treatment are very important to restore renal allograft function.

A Pedigree with c.179 Cytosine to Threonine Missense Mutation of SLC12A3 Gene Presenting Gitelman's Syndrome

A 42-year-old man came to the hospital presenting chest discomfort and general weakness. He had come to the hospital with the same symptoms 3 months ago and 12 years prior. His laboratory test showed hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria. The arterial blood gas analysis showed hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. He had an ultrasonography guided renal biopsy, the result was normal at light microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy. However, a special stain for Na-Cl cotransporter was weakly expressed compared with the control. The patient and his family underwent genetic sequencing about the SLC12A3 gene. He had a homozygous mutation in the 179th nucleotide of Exon 1 on the SLC12A3 gene (p.Thr60Met) and his parents and sisters were diagnosed as carrier state of Gitelman's syndrome (GS). GS is an inherited tubular disorder which presents mild hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria. Since the symptoms and laboratory results are not severe, it can go unnoticed by physicians. Herein we present a family with GS, diagnosed by genetic sequencing.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between ABO-compatible and ABO-incompatible spousal donor kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease patients. The spouse is a major donor in living KT. Clinical outcomes of spousal donor KT are not inferior to those of living related donor KT. In this study, we compared clinical outcomes between ABO-compatible (ABOc) and ABO-incompatible (ABOi) spousal donor KTs. METHODS: Thirty-two cases of spousal donor KT performed from January 2011 to August 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Twenty-one ABOc KTs and 11 ABOi KTs were performed. We investigated patient survival, graft survival, acute rejection, graft function, and complications. RESULTS: During follow-up, patient and graft survival rates were 100% in both groups. There were no significant differences in the incidence of delayed graft function, acute rejection, and the change in graft function between the 2 groups. Medical and surgical complications were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes of ABOc and ABOi spousal donor KTs were equivalent. In ABOi KT, an emotionally motivated spousal donor KT may be a good alternative to the problem of the absolute shortage of kidney donations.

Bilateral ureteral calcification with left kidney hydronephrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus

No abstract available.

Optimal Dose of Thymoglobulin for Induction Therapy in High Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: Thymoglobulin has been used for induction therapy to prevent acute rejection and delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplant patients. However, the usual dose of thymoglobulin is considered to be related with frequent infection. We compared the efficacy and safety of low-dose thymoglobulin to high-dose treatment in high risk recipients with kidney transplantation. METHODS: Twenty-one kidney transplant recipients underwent induction treatment with thymoglobulin and were divided into two groups: patients treated with low-dose (<6.0 mg/kg) and high-dose thymoglobulin (≥6.0 mg/kg). All patients showed one or more risk factors for acute rejection or DGF. The risk factors were re-transplantation, recipient or donor age over 60 years, human leukocyte antigen full mismatch, and panel-reactive antibody more than 50%. We compared incidence of acute rejection, infection, hematologic complications, and graft survival between two groups. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Mean follow-up duration was 11.9±4.3 months, and cumulative thymoglobulin dosage was 6.3±1.6 mg/kg. The incidence rates of acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), DGF and infectious events as cytomegalovirus disease, or urinary tract infection were not significantly different between the two groups. Neutropenia occurred more frequently in the high-dose thymoglobulin group, but there was no statistically significant difference. The rate of graft loss were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in graft survival, infectious disease, and hematologic problems between the two groups. We suggest to lower the dose of thymoglobulin to less than 6 mg/kg for prevent acute AMR and DGF in high risk patients.

Uremic Pericarditis Accompanying Cardiac Tamponade after Emergency Hemodialysis / 계명의대학술지

Although the incidence of uremic pericarditis was high in the past, it has decreased in recent decades with early and appropriate dialysis. However, cardiac tamponade caused by uremic pericarditis is still a life-threatening emergency and it requires urgent management. Herein we report a case of 38-year-old man with chronic renal disease who represented critical uremic pericarditis followed by cardiac tamponade despite of appropriate hemodialysis. Careful consideration of risk factors and aggressive treatment are very important for effective and safe treatment of uremic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade.

Identification of epidural space using loss of resistance technique with the combination of liquid and air: a clinical feasibility study

BACKGROUND: The loss of resistance technique is the most popular method for identifying the epidural space. Air or liquid is a commonly used medium for this technique. These two media have certain advantages and disadvantages. A liquid filled pressure line connected to an air syringe might have advantages of both air and liquid while preventing the drawbacks of each medium. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients were scheduled to receive an epidural anesthesia for surgery and selected for study. A lidocaine filled pressure line connected to an air syringe allowed for sequential injection of lidocaine and air. The time spent on the procedure, amount of air injected into the epidural space, inadvertent puncture of the dura mater, and rate of anesthetic failure were recorded. RESULTS: The procedure took less than 2 minutes in 22 cases. The average amount of air lost from the syringe during the loss of resistance test was 0.98 +/- 0.23 ml in 22 patients. Volume of the 3-way connected pressure line was 0.95 ml. Therefore, the air volume injected into the epidural space was minimal. In the other 3 cases where previous spinal disease existed, multiple epidural approaches were needed and the procedure took relatively longer with larger injection volumes. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: This technique minimized injection of the air into the epidural space during identification but simultaneously, it does not disturb the feel of air compressibility in the syringe.

Hospitalization in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Hospitalization as a measure of morbidity in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is mainly related to peritonitis. And the hospitalization rate is expected to decrease as the peritonitis rate has decreased substantially with development of connectology. Yet there is no internal study on hospitalization. We evaluated hospitalization rates, causes and duration of admission of PD patients, and their prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 414 patients who started and followed up at least three months at the Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital from January 2003 to December 2008. RESULTS: There were 1,036 admissions in 328 patients during a mean follow-up of 29.9 months. The admission rate was 1.0 per patients-year and hospital days were 17.1 per patients-year. The number of patients admitted once was 102 (31.1%), and more than 5 was 71 (21.7%). The most common cause of hospital admission was peritonitis (36.5%), followed by volume imbalance (13.8%), gastrointestinal disease (6.9%), other infection (6.2%), neurologic disease (5.5%), surgery (5.4%) and cardiac disease (4.3%). Catheter-related problems, including catheter related infection (1.8%) and catheter dysfunction (1.4%) were uncommon. Duration of admission was longest in neurologic disease (18.0+/-19.0) and shortest in catheter-related problems (9.3+/-3). Duration of admission of peritonitis (16.1+/-8.0) was similar to mean duration. Hospitalization was significantly greater in patients with prior history of peritonitis (p<0.000), and longer duration on PD (p<0.000). There were no significant differences in one and five year patient and catheter survival between hospitalized and non-hospitalized PD patients. CONCLUSION: Peritonitis remains a major cause of hospitalization in PD patients. To decrease admissions of PD patients, patient education and attention needs to be focused on preventing peritonitis. Also we should pay more attention to prevent multiple admissions due to recurrent peritonitis.

Propofol and Aminophylline Antagonize Each Other During the Mobilization of Intracellular Calcium in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

This study examined whether propofol and aminophylline affect the mobilization of intracellular calcium in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Intracellular calcium was measured using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Cultured and serum-starved cells on round coverslips were incubated with propofol or aminophylline for 30 min, and then stimulated with lysophosphatidic acid, propofol and aminophylline. The results were expressed as relative fluorescence intensity and fold stimulation. Propofol decreased the concentration of intracellular calcium, whereas aminophylline caused increased mobilization of intracellular calcium in a concentration-dependent manner. Propofol suppressed the lysophosphatidic acid-induced mobilization of intracellular calcium in a concentration-dependent manner. Propofol further prevented the aminophylline-induced increase of intracellular calcium at clinically relevant concentrations. However, aminophylline reversed the inhibitory effect of propofol on the elevation of intracellular calcium by lysophosphatidic acid. Our results suggest that propofol and aminophylline antagonize each other on the mobilization of intracellular calcium in human umbilical vein endothelial cells at clinically relevant concentrations. Serious consideration should be given to how this interaction affects mobilization of intracellular calcium when these two drugs are used together.

The comparative study of flow rate between IV extension tube and epidural catheter connected to patient controlled analgesia device / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) device is known to be an effective method for acute and chronic pain control and the administration route for PCA pump is various. The representative routes are intravenous and epidural space. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of catheter diameter on flow rate. METHODS: IV extension tube or epidural catheter connected to Mechanical- or balloon-type PCA devices were examined (100 ml, 2 ml/hr). There were four groups each of 5 experiments: Group I: Mechanical-type pump + IV extension tube, Group II: Mechanical-type pump + epidural catheter, Group III: Balloon-type pump + IV extension tube, Group IV: Balloon-type pump + epidural catheter. The flow rate was indirectly measured by the weight change of collecting infusate bottle. Infusion fluid was distilled water. Experiment was carried out in a laboratory room with a constant room temperature of 20-22degrees C. RESULTS: Infusion rate differed significantly among the groups, exhibiting flow rates within +/-15% of their expected rate for 28% (group IV) to 100% (group I) of their infusion duration. The mean Infusion rate in group I was significantly more rapid than that in other groups. The mean flow rate in group III was higher than that in group IV (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the use of an epidural catheter with a small internal diameter could decrease the flow rate of PCA device.

Surgical Venous Thrombectomy for Chronic May-Thurner Sysndrome: 2 cases report / 대한흉부외과학회지

May-Thurner syndrome is a deep vein thrombosis of the ilio-femoral vein due to compression of the left common iliac vein by the overlying right common iliac artery. Although, catheter directed thrombectomy (CDT) and thrombolysis with stent insertion has become the standard treatment method for acute or subacute May-Thurner syndrome, because of technical feasibility and lower recurrence rate, however, sometimes this methods make fatal complications. Furthermore, there are few reports on optimal treatment strategies for patients in a chronic state of May-Thurner syndrome,. We now present two cases of chronic (>1 month since onset of symptoms) May-Thurner syndrome treated by surgical thrombectomy and femoral arteriovenous shunt with simultaneous stent insertion after failed endovascular treatment. This technique may provide a significant benefit for patients who are not suitable for conventional endovascular treatment.

Anesthetic management for a cesarean section under regional anesthesia in a parturient with tuberous sclerosis: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominantly transmitted genetic disorder that has characteristic dermatologic and neurologic features. There are few informations about anesthetic management for this disorder, particularly pregnant women. We report the anesthetic experience for a cesarean section under regional anesthesia in a parturient with tuberous sclerosis.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients with Acute Renal Failure / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: The mortality rate in critically ill patients with acute renal failure (ARF) remains unacceptably high, despite numerous advances in dialysis techniques and intensive care medicine. We evaluated clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in ICU patients with ARF requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all ICU patients who received CRRT at the Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital from September 2002 to October 2007. RESULTS: Total number of patients who required CRRT in ICU was 58. The mean age was 58.3+/-14.8 years. The treatment duration of CRRT was 63.5+/-40.7 hours. The mechanical ventilation rate was 82.8%, vasoactive drug 79.3%, sepsis 39.7%. APACHE II score was 25.2+/-7.9, SAPS II score 48.1+/-15.1, CCF score 9.3+/-3.6, the number of organ dysfunction 2.1+/-1.3. Overall mortality rate was 48%. When we compared sepsis group with non-sepsis group, the number of organ dysfunction and severity of illness were significantly higher in sepsis group than that of non-sepsis group. A mortality rate of sepsis group was significantly higher than non-sepsis group (82.6% vs 31.3%, p<0.001). In univariate analysis, significant risk factors for mortality were the number of organ dysfunction, severity of illness, MAP, platelet count, serum albumin level, and a type of hemofilter. Significances of all these factors were lost in multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: A large scaled, prospective randomized multi-center trials are needed to confirm the beneficial effect of CRRT in patient with ARF in ICU.

Using Medical Error Cases for Patient Safety Education / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: To draw attention to patient safety and increase its awareness among medical students, we developed a program that teaches patient safety based on common medical error cases. The aim of this study is to introduce this program and improve student receptivity to it. METHODS: As part of the "Patient, Doctor, and Society" course, third-year medical students participated in 8 hours of a medical error education program. Students discussed recent, typical medical lawsuits that were generated from internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurosurgery, medication, anesthesia, and blood transfusion cases. Students weighed these issues in small groups, using various discussion methods. After finishing the program, students completed a course evaluation questionnaire. RESULTS: The students rated this program as satisfactory, highly motivating, and helpful in preparing their future practices. They responded that although the cases were interesting, some were difficult. They stated that the small group discussion techniques encouraged them to take active part in the discussion and to consider the cases more deeply. CONCLUSION: Small group discussion of medical error cases is an effective method for students to study patient safety.

The Effect of the Addition of Fentanyl and Midazolam to Lidocaine in a Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fentanyl and midazolam when used as adjuvant in a supraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS: 100 adult patients with an ASA status of I-II that were scheduled to undergo upper extremity surgery performed under a supraclavicular brachial plexus block were prospectively evaluated in this study.The patients were randomly divided into 4 study groups:Group 1, which received 40 ml of 1.5% lidocaine, Group 2, which received 3 mg of midazolam with 40 ml of 1.5% lidocaine, Group 3, which received 100microgram of fentanyl with 40 ml of 1.5% lidocaine, and Group 4, which received 3 mg of midazolam and 100microgram of fentanyl with 40 ml of 1.5% lidocaine.The onset time, as well as the duration of analgesia and motor blocks, proportion of successful blocks, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse events were then noted. RESULTS: The incidence of successful block was higher in group 4 (92%) than in any other groups (68-72%) (P = 0.185). In addition, the mean duration of analgesia was longer in groups 2 and 4 (165 min and 175 min) than in groups 1 and 3 (114 min and 131 min) (P < 0.05).Furthermore, the mean duration of motor block was longer in groups 2 and 4 (169 min and 180 min) than in groups 1 and 3 (123 min and 126 min) (P < 0.05).No significant difference was observed in the onset time of the sensory block and motor block when the groups were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Although the addition of 3 mg of midazolam and 100microgram of fentanyl to lidocaine in a supraclavicular brachial plexus block does not affect the onset of sensory or motor block, it does prolong the duration of analgesia and motor block.

Severe Hypotension Caused by Coronary Spasm during Recovery from Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

In order that anesthesiologists may reduce the anesthetic and surgical stress on the heart, they frequently use regional anesthesia in patients with coronary artery disease, even though there is no evidence that it reduce the incidence of myocardial ischemia. We report a case of life-threatening cardiovascular collapse that occurred in a 47 years old male patient at the emergence from regional anesthesia. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation for femur fracture under combined spinal epidural anesthesia.The cause of serious hypotension is suspected of myocardial ischemia on the basis of ST segment elevation on EKG. We considered that these cardiovascular events were due to coronary spasm.The possible inducing factors of coronary spasm were altered autonomic balance and arteriosclerotic change related endothelial dysfunction.

A Case of Emphysematous Pyelitis in a Renal Transplant Recipient / 대한이식학회지

Emphysematous pyelitis (EP) is a rare complication of urinary tract infection, which has been defined as isolated gas production inside the excretory system. Contrary to emphysematous pyelonephritis, which is more severe, necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma, EP is a benign entity. To our knowledge, it has not been reported in the Korean literature, particularly in renal transplant recipients. Herein we report a case of EP in a living renal transplant recipient. A 32-year-old man received a living related renal transplant 4 years earlier for end-stage renal disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis. The patient presented with a sudden onset of chills, nausea, vomiting and pain on graft area. He was diagnosed as EP by computerized tomography. Immunosuppressive agents were modified and he was successfully treated with parenteral antibiotics with complete disappearance of air in the renal pelvis.

Mitral Valvuloplasty using New Mitral Strip (Mitracon(R)) / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Numerous surgical devices for mitral repair have been used in the past with good results. In this study we describe a simple annuloplasty technique with using a new device (Mitracon(R)). The aim of this study was to assess its efficacy and surgical results with using Mitracon. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From May 2003 to October 2005, 46 patients (21 women and 25 men (mean age of 51.4+/-17.8 years) with mitral regurgitation from various causes were treated with either the Mitracon(R) (the Mitracon group) or the Capentier Edward rigid ring(R) (the CE group). The median follow-up duration was 18.9 months. RESULT: The mean grade of mitral regurgitation before and immediately after surgery in the Mitracon group and the CE group decreased from 3.2+/-0.8 to 0.6+/-0.7 and 3.4+/-0.7 to 0.3+/-0.5, respectively. There were no significant changes in the ejection fraction either between the two groups or before and immediately after surgery. No deaths were seen in either group. Early postoperative echocardiography of all 46 patients showed only trivial mitral regurgitation or none at all. Echocardiography at a median of 18.9 months also showed no progression in mitral regurgitation. The mean grade of mitral regurgitation in the Mitracon group at this time point decreased from 3.2+/-0.8 to 0.8+/-0.7 (p<0.05). The CE group also showed a similar degree of decrease from 3.4+/-0.7 to 0.3+/-0.6 (p<0.05). The mitral valve area in the Mitracon group at 1 year follow-up was 3.3+/-0.9 cm(2). The mitral valve area in the CE group was 2.7+/-0.6 cm(2). The mean mitral pressure gradient in the Mitracon group at 1 year follow-up was 3.1+/-1.3 mmHg. The mean pressure gradient in the CE group was 4.5+/-2.1 mmHg, although any statistical significant difference for this between the groups was not reached. CONCLUSION: The present study showed the described technique to be safe and effective in the intermediate term. Because long term results are unavailable, a more extensive prospective randomized multicenter trial may be warranted to determine whether this procedure should be generally applied for repair of mitral valve disease.