Anca negative pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis and mixed connective tissue disease: a case study / Glomerulonefrite crescêntica pauci-imune ANCA-negativa e doença mista do tecido conjuntivo: relato de um caso

Abstract One of the most common causes of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (CrGN). In the majority of cases, this condition has a positive serologic marker, the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs), but in approximately 10% there are no circulating ANCAs, and this subgroup has been known as the ANCA-negative pauci-immune CrGN. RPGN can be associated with systemic diseases, but there are only few case reports describing the association with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). The authors report a case of ANCA-negative CrGN associated with a MCTD.

Resumo Uma das causas mais comuns da glomerulonefrite rapidamente progressiva (GNRP) é a glomerulonefrite crescêntica (GNC) pauci-imune. Na maioria dos casos, a patologia apresenta um marcador sorológico positivo, o anticorpo anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA), mas em cerca de 10% dos pacientes não há ANCAs circulantes, perfazendo um subgrupo da patologia conhecido como GNC pauci-imune ANCA-negativa. A GNRP pode estar associada a doenças sistêmicas, mas são poucos os relatos de caso que descrevem sua associação com doença mista do tecido conjuntivo (DMTC). O presente artigo relata um caso de GNC ANCA-negativa associada a DMTC.

Trastornos glomerulares en la práctica médica / Glomerulopathies in the medical practice

RESUMEN Las glomerulopatías agrupan varias nefropatías con lesiones fundamentalmente del corpúsculo renal y que se expresan principalmente por proteinuria, hematuria, edemas e hipertensión arterial. La presentación clínica varía en dependencia del tipo de enfermedad de que se trate. Constituye la causa más frecuente de enfermedad renal crónica en adultos jóvenes, por lo que su estudio resulta imprescindible sobre todo para el nivel primario de salud. El propósito fue actualizar consideraciones pertinentes sobre la conducta diagnóstica y terapéutica integral ante una glomerulopatía y valorar emisión de recomendaciones al respecto. Se realizó una búsqueda, análisis y síntesis de información a través de Bases de datos ScieLO Cuba, ScieLO regional, Pubmed, Cumed, Clinical Key en el período 2012-2017 con las palabras clave: síndrome nefrótico, glomerulonefritis, diagnóstico, terapéutica, atención integral. El abordaje en las glomerulopatías es integral, multidisciplinario e individualizado. En Cuba constituyen la cuarta causa de enfermedad renal crónica y predomina el síndrome nefrítico agudo postinfeccioso. El método clínico juega en ello un papel trascendental a la hora de reconocer y registrar sus aspectos clínicos, su etiología, su fisiopatología, y los exámenes complementarios que confirman su presencia o sus complicaciones, así como un tratamiento oportuno que garanticen el perfeccionamiento asistencial. El arma más poderosa ante el reto de los trastornos glomerulares es la visión integradora y con enfoque individual y social protagonizado por el médico ante este grupo de nefropatías en adultos.

ABSTRACT Glomerulopathies encompass a group of several renal disorders with lesions, mainly in the renal corpuscle, expressed in proteinuria, hematuria, edemas and arterial hypertension. Their clinical manifestations change in dependence of the kind of disease. They are the most frequent cause of chronic renal disease in young adults; therefore their study is very important above all in the health care primary level. The aim was updating pertinent considerations on the diagnostic behavior and comprehensive therapy in the case of glomerulopathy, and evaluating the emission of recommendations regarding to them. A search, analysis and synthesis of information was carried out in the databases ScieLO Cuba, ScieLO regional, Pubmed, Cumed, and Clinical Key in the period 2012-2017, using the key words nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, diagnosis, therapeutics, comprehensive care. The approach to glomerulopathies is comprehensive, multidisciplinary and individualized. They are the fourth cause of chronic renal disease; the acute post-infectious nephritic syndrome predominates. The clinical method plays a transcendental role at the moment of recognizing and registering their clinical characteristics, etiology and physiopathology, while complementary tests confirm their presence or complications, and therefore an opportune treatment guarantying the healthcare improvement. The most powerful weapon against the challenge of the glomerular disorders is the integrated vision with an individual and social approach led by the physician in the case of these nephropathies in adults.

Most common histopathological patterns of the Minas Gerais Association of the Centers of Nephrology

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: We analyzed the distribution and frequency of glomerular diseases in patients biopsied between 1992 and 2016 in centers that make up the AMICEN (Minas Gerais Association of Nephrology Centers). METHODS: We analyzed the biopsy reports of patients from 9 AMICEN nephrology centers. We took note of their age, gender, ultrasound use, post-biopsy resting time, whether the kidney was native or a graft, number of glomeruli and indication for the biopsy. The kidney biopsy findings were broken down into four categories: glomerular and non-glomerular diseases, normal kidneys and insufficient material for analysis. Those patients diagnosed with glomerular diseases were further divided into having primary or secondary glomerular diseases. RESULTS: We obtained 582 biopsy reports. The median age was 38 years (1 to 85). The number of glomeruli varied between 0 and 70 (median = 13.0). In total, 97.8% of the biopsies were ultrasound guided. The main indication was nephrotic syndrome (36.9%), followed by hematuria-proteinuria association (16.2%). Primary glomerular diseases proved to be the most frequent (75.3%), followed by secondary diseases (24.7%). Among the primary glomerular diseases, FSGS was found at a higher frequency (28.8%), while among the secondary diseases, SLE was the most prevalent (42.4%). Regarding prevalence findings, those for both primary and secondary diseases were similar to those found in the large Brazilian registries published thus far. CONCLUSION: Glomerular disease registries are an important tool to identify the prevalence of such disease in regions of interest and can serve as an instrument to guide public policy decisions concerning the prevention of terminal kidney diseases.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Analisamos a distribuição e frequência de doenças glomerulares de pacientes biopsiados entre 1992 e 2016 em centros que compõem a Amicen (Associação de Minas Gerais de Nefrologia). MÉTODOS: Analisamos os relatórios de biópsia de pacientes de nove centros de nefrologia da Amicen. Observamos idade, gênero, uso de ultrassom, tempo de descanso pós-biópsia, se o rim era nativo ou um enxerto, número de glomérulos e indicação para a biópsia. Os achados da biópsia do rim foram divididos em quatro categorias: doenças glomerulares e não glomerulares, rins normais e material insuficiente para análise. Os pacientes diagnosticados com doenças glomerulares foram ainda divididos em doenças glomerulares primárias ou secundárias. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos 582 relatórios de biópsia. A idade mediana foi de 38 anos (1 a 85). O número de glomérulos variou entre zero e 70 (mediana = 13,0). No total, 97,8% das biópsias foram guiadas por ultrassom. A principal indicação foi síndrome nefrótica (36,9%), seguida de associação hematúria-proteinúria (16,2%). As doenças glomerulares primárias revelaram-se as mais frequentes (75,3%), seguidas de doenças secundárias (24,7%). Entre as doenças glomerulares primárias, o FSGS foi encontrado em maior frequência (28,8%), enquanto nas doenças secundárias, o lúpus eritematoso sistêmico foi o mais prevalente (42,4%). Quanto aos achados de prevalência, aqueles para doenças primárias e secundárias foram semelhantes aos encontrados nos grandes registros brasileiros publicados até o momento. CONCLUSÃO: Os registros de doenças glomerulares são uma ferramenta importante para identificar a prevalência dessas doenças em regiões de interesse e pode servir como um instrumento para orientar decisões de políticas públicas relativas à prevenção de doenças renais terminais.

Glomerulopatía colapsante con insuficiencia renal terminal de rápida progresión / Collapsing glomerulopathy with rapid progression to terminal renal failure

La glomerulopatía colapsante (GC) constituye una variedad de la glomeruloesclerosis focal y segmentaria. Afecta tanto a la población adulta (40%) como a la infantil (20%); presentándose con mayor frecuencia en hombres jóvenes y afrodescendientes. Clínicamente se presenta como un síndrome nefrótico, con niveles elevados de úrea y creatinina. Se presenta el caso de paciente femenino de 22 años, quien acude por presentar fiebre, edema matutino en miembros inferiores, e intolerancia oral de 9 días de evolución. Al examen físico: Hipertensión arterial y ascitis. La GC es una entidad poco diagnosticada, que progresa rápidamente a insuficiencia renal terminal a pesar de recibir cualquier tratamiento sistémico descrito hasta la actualidad, por lo que amerita mayor investigación en el ámbito terapéutico(AU)

Collapsing glomerulopathy (GC) is a variety of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. It affects both adult population (40%) and children (20%); it occurs most often in young people, male and of African descent. Clinically it is presented as a nephrotic syndrome, with high levels of urea and creatinine serum. There is insufficient evidence regarding the treatment of this entity, so that steroids and immunosuppressants are used at high doses. We present the case of a 22-year old female, who presented fever, edema in the lower limbs and oral intolerance of 9 days of evolution. Physical examination showed: high blood pressure and ascitis. This nephropathy is an underdiagnosed entity rapidly progressing to kidney failure despite receiving any systemic treatment described until now, so it merits further research in the therapeutic field(AU)

Púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch del adulto con compromiso cutáneo y renal / Henoch-Schonlein purpura in an adult with cutaneous and renal involvement

La púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch (PSH) es una vasculitis sistémica dada por el depósito de inmunoglobulina A (Ig A) en la pared de los pequeños vasos sanguíneos. Clínicamente se manifiesta por un tétrada característica: compromiso cutáneo ("púrpura palpaable"); afección articular (artralgias o artritis), compromiso del tubo digestivo (dolor abdominal, hemorragia digestiva) y afección renal (hematuria o proteinuria). La patogenia de la enfermedad involucra una predisposición genética sobre la que actúan factores gatillo tales como infecciiones (más frecuentes en los niños), alimentos, picaduras de insectos, medicamentos y neoplasias (los dos últimos más frecuentes en adultos). El estudio histopatológico de las lesiones evidencia una vasculitis leucocitoclásica. La inmunofluorescencia directa detecta los depósitos de Ig A y fracción C3 del complemento a nivel perivascular en los órganos afectados. El pronóstico se determina a corto plazo por el compromiso gastrointestinal y a largo plazo por el compromiso renal. El curso de la afección renal suele ser autolimitado en los niños, ya que sólo el 1% de la población infantil desarrolla insuficiencia renal crónica. En los adultos, la glomerulinefritis es mucho más frecuente (30%) y, por lo tanto, el pronóstico no es tan favorable. No existe una teraéutica estandarizada para la PSH. El tratamiento, desde conducta expectante y medidas de soporte hasta glucocorticoides sistémicos asociados a inmunosupresores, se enfoca a controlar los síntomas agudos (artritis y dolor abdominal) y a monitorear la función renal, pues el daño puede presentarse hasta 10 años después del brote inicial. Se presenta un paciente adulto varón, de 21 años, con PSH con compromiso cutáneo (púrpura palpable en las cuatro extremidades que evoluciona por brotes) y renal (glomerulonefritis proliferativa mesangial focal y segmentaria) que respondió satisfactoriamente al tratamiento con glucocorticoides orales

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis due to the deposition of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the wall of small blood wessels. Clinically it is manifested by a characteristic tetrad: cutaneous involvement ("palpable purpura") joint affection (arthralgia or arthritis), digestive tract compromise (abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding) and renal affection (hematuria or proteinuria). The pathogenesis of the disease involves a genetic predisposition on which trigger factors such as infections (more frequent in children), food, insect bites, medications and neoplasms (the last two more frequent in adults). The histopathological study of the lesions evidences a leukocytoclastic vascultitis. Direct immunofluorescence detects the deposits of IgA and C3 fraction of the complement at the perivascular level in the affected organs. The prognosis is determined by the gastrointestinal commitment in the short term and by the renal compromise in the long term. The course of hidney disease is usually self-limiting in children, since only 1% of the child poulation develop chronic renal failure. In adults, glomerulonephritis is much more frquent (30%) and therfore, the prognosis is not so favorable. There is no standardized therapy for HSP. The treatment, from expectant management and support measurs to systemic glucocorticoids associated with immunosuppressants, focuses on controlling acute symptoms (arthritis and abdominal pain) and monitoring renal function, as the damage can occur up to 10 years after the initial outbreak. We present a male adult patient of 21 years old with HSP with cutaneous involvement (palpable purpura in the four extremities that evalves in outbreaks) and renal involvement (focal and segmental esangial proliferative glomerulonephritis) that responded satisfactorily to treatment with oral glucocorticoids

Glomerulonefritis con semilunas / Glomerulonephritis with crescents

La glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva (GNRP) es una entidad caracterizada por una brusca y progresiva declinación de la función renal y por la presencia en la biopsia renal de proliferación celular extra capilar (semilunas) que ocupan el espacio de Bowmans. Nosotros analizamos en forma retrospectiva 37 niños con diagnóstico de GNRP (50% o más de los glomérulos con semilunas) asistidos en esta institución durante los últimos 20 años. El propósito fue evaluar la presentación clínica e histopatológica, etiología, evolución y factores de mal pronóstico. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 11 ± 3,5 años. Los síntomas de presentación fueron: hematuria 100% de los casos (hematuria macroscópica 56%); hipertensión arterial 92%; proteinuria 88%; síndrome nefrótico 57%. Fue necesaria diálisis al ingreso en el 64,1% de los casos. Las biopsias renales fueron realizadas a 38 ± 26 días desde el comienzo de los síntomas. El porcentaje de glomérulos que presentaron semilunas fue del 81,4%; las mismas fueron epiteliales en el 28,3% de los casos; fibroepiteliales en el 21,8% y fibrosas en el 31,3%. En el 75,8% de las biopsias se encontró fibrosis intersticial y atrofia tubular moderada y/o severa. La inmunofluorescencia no mostro depósitos de complejos inmunes (GN pauci-inmune) en el 40,6% de las biopsias, mostró depósitos granulares de complejos inmunes en el 48,6% y depósitos lineales de anticuerpos anti membrana basal glomerular (Goodpasture´s) en el 10,8%. El tratamiento fue iniciado a 36 ± 32 días desde el comienzo de los síntomas. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento de sostén; en 29 de ellos se indicaron además esteroides y ciclofosfamida, y en 5 solo esteroides. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 4,6 ± 3,9 años. La sobrevida de los pacientes al final del seguimiento fue del 87% (IC95% 55-97%) y la sobrevida del órgano fue del 17% (IC95% 7-38%). Por análisis multivariado encontramos que la fibrosis intersticial y atrofia tubular moderada y/o severa fue el único factor que se relacionó con pérdida del órgano (OR: 14,6 IC95%2,6-80) p= 0,001. Nuestros resultados muestran que la GNRP en niños es una entidad con pobre pronóstico en relación a la función renal. El factor de peor pronóstico que puede llevar a la pérdida del órgano es el compromiso túbulo-intersticial (AU)

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is characterized by a sudden and progressive decrease of kidney function and extra-capillary cell proliferation (crescents) occupying the Bowman's space on the biopsy. We retrospectively analysed 37 children with RPGN (50% or more of glomeruli with crescents) seen at our institution over the past 20 years. The purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical and histopathological presentation, etiology, outcome, and factors of poor prognosis. Mean age at diagnosis was 11 ± 3.5 years. Presenting symptoms were: hematuria in 100% of the cases (macroscopic hematuria 56%); arterial hypertension in 92%; proteinuria in 88%; and nephrotic syndrome in 57%. Dialysis was necessary on admission in 64.1% of the cases. Kidney biopsies were performed at 38 ± 26 days after symptom onset. The percentage of glomeruli that presented crescents was 81.4%; they were epithelial in 28.3% of the cases, fibroepithelial in 21.8%, and fibrous in 31.3%. In 75.8% of the biopsies interstitial fibrosis and moderate and/or severe tubular atrophy was found. Immunofluorescence techniques did not show immune complex deposits (pauci-immune GN) in 40.6% of the biopsies. Granular deposits of immune complexes were found in 48.6% and linear anti-glomerular basement membrane deposits (Goodpasture´s) in 10.8%. Treatment was started 36 ± 32 days after symptom onset. All patients received support treatment; in 29 steroids and cyclophosphamide were also indicated, and in 5 steroids only. Mean time of follow-up was 4.6 ± 3.9 years. Patient survival at the end of follow-up was 87% (95%CI 55-97%) and organ survival was 17% (95%CI 7-38%). On multivariate analysis we found that interstitial fibrosis and moderate and/or severe tubular atrophy was the only factor related to organ loss (OR: 14.6; 95%CI 2.6-80) p= 0.001). Our results show that RPGN in children has a poor prognosis regarding kidney function. Tubulo-interstitial involvement is the factor of poor prognosis that may lead to organ loss (AU)

Cocaine/levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis with retiform purpura and pauci-immune glomerulonephritis

Levamisole has been increasingly used as an adulterant of cocaine in recent years, emerging as a public health challenge worldwide. Levamisole-associated toxicity manifests clinically as a systemic vasculitis, consisting of cutaneous, hematological, and renal lesions, among others. Purpura retiform, cutaneous necrosis, intravascular thrombosis, neutropenia, and less commonly crescentic nephritis have been described in association with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) and other autoantibodies. Here we report the case of a 49-year-old male who was a chronic cocaine user, and who presented spontaneous weight loss, arthralgia, and 3 weeks before admission purpuric skin lesions in the earlobes and in the anterior thighs. His laboratory tests on admission showed serum creatinine of 4.56 mg/dL, white blood count 3,800/μL, hemoglobin 7.3 g/dL, urinalysis with 51 white blood cells/μL and 960 red blood cells/μL, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio 1.20. Serum ANCA testing was positive (>1:320), as well as serum anti-myeloperoxidase and anti-proteinase 3 antibodies. Urine toxicology screen was positive for cocaine and levamisole, with 62.8% of cocaine, 32.2% of levamisole, and 5% of an unidentified substance. Skin and renal biopsies were diagnostic for leukocytoclastic vasculitis and pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis, respectively. The patient showed a good clinical response to cocaine abstinence, and use of corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide. Last serum creatinine was 1.97 mg/dL, white blood cell count 7,420/μL, and hemoglobin level 10.8 g/dL. In levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis, the early institution of cocaine abstinence, concomitant with the use of immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases, may prevent permanent end organ damage and associate with better clinical outcomes.

Multiple facets of HIV-associated renal disease

HIV infection has a broad spectrum of renal manifestations. This study examined the clinical and histological manifestations of HIV-associated renal disease, and predictors of renal outcomes. Sixty-one (64% male, mean age 45 years) HIV patients were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical presentation and renal histopathology were assessed, as well as CD4 T-cell count and viral load. The predictive value of histological lesion, baseline CD4 cell count and viral load for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or death were determined using the Cox regression model. The outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESRD or death were evaluated by baseline CD4 cell count. The percent distribution at initial clinical presentation was non-nephrotic proteinuria (54%), acute kidney injury (28%), nephrotic syndrome (23%), and chronic kidney disease (22%). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (28%), mainly the collapsing form (HIVAN), acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) (26%), and immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis (ICGN) (25%) were the predominant renal histology. Baseline CD4 cell count ≥200 cells/mm3 was a protective factor against CKD (hazard ratio=0.997; 95%CI=0.994-0.999; P=0.012). At last follow-up, 64% of patients with baseline CD4 ≥200 cells/mm3 had eGFR >60 mL·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1 compared to the other 35% of patients who presented with CD4 <200 cells/mm3 (log rank=9.043, P=0.003). In conclusion, the main histological lesion of HIV-associated renal disease was HIVAN, followed by AIN and ICGN. These findings reinforce the need to biopsy HIV patients with kidney impairment and/or proteinuria. Baseline CD4 cell count ≥200 cells/mm3 was associated with better renal function after 2 years of follow-up.

Pattern, clinical features and response to corticoids of glomerular diseases in a Brazilian population. An analytical cross-sectional study / Perfil, características clínicas e resposta a corticoides das doenças glomerulares em uma população brasileira. Um estudo transversal analítico

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Glomerular disease registries are increasing all around the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment response among patients with glomerular diseases followed up in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study; tertiary-level public hospital. METHODS: This study included patients with glomerular diseases followed up at a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza, northeastern Brazil. Clinical and laboratory data on each patient were registered. The response to specific treatment was evaluated after 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The study included 168 patients of mean age 37 ± 14 years. The most prevalent glomerular diseases were focal segmental glomerulosclerosis FSGS] (19.6%), minimal change disease MCD] (17.9%), membranous nephropathy MN] (16.7%) and lupus nephritis LN] (11.9%). The main clinical presentations were nephrotic proteinuria (67.3%) and renal insufficiency (17.9%). The mean proteinuria value decreased after the treatment began. Regarding 24-hour proteinuria on admission, there was no significant difference between patients with a good response and those with no response (7,448 ± 5,056 versus 6,448 ± 4,251 mg/24 h, P = 0.29). The glomerular disease with the highest remission rate was MCD (92%). Absence ...

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Registros de glomerulopatias estão aumentando em todo o mundo. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as características clínicas e a resposta do tratamento de pacientes com glomerulopatias acompanhados em um hospital terciário no Brasil. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal analítico. Hospital público terciário. MÉTODOS: O estudo incluiu pacientes com glomerulopatias acompanhados em um hospital terciário de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Foi realizado registro dos dados clínicos e laboratoriais para cada paciente. A resposta ao tratamento específico foi avaliada após 3, 6 e 12 meses. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 168 pacientes, com média de idade de 37 ± 14 anos. A glomerulopatia mais prevalente foi a glomerulosclerose segmentar e focal GESF] (19,6%), seguida pela doença de lesão mínima DLM] (17,9%), nefropatia membranosa NM] (16,7%) e nefrite lúpica NL] (11,9%). As principais manifestações clínicas foram proteinúria nefrótica (67,3%) e insuficiência renal (17,9%). A média dos valores de proteinúria diminuiu após o início do tratamento. Com relação à proteinúria de 24 horas na admissão, não houve diferença significativa entre os pacientes com boa resposta ao tratamento ...

Avances en el tratamiento de cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración: énfasis en nuevas terapias hormonales / Advances in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer: emphasis in new hormonal therapies

Prostate cancer represents the second cancer-related cause of death in North American and Chilean men. The main treatment for incurable stages of disease is surgical or pharmacological castration. However, with time and despite the addition of anti-androgens, the disease progresses to a clinical state that has been commonly referred to as “hormone refractory”. In recent years, the concept of hormone refractoriness has been challenged and replaced by “castration resistance”, acknowledging that further and optimal hormonal manipulation can be attained, beyond achieving testosterone levels at castration range. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent therapeutic breakthroughs in the management of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with greater emphasis in the newer hormonal therapy agents such as Abiraterone and Enzalutamide. Future combination and sequential treatment strategies are contextualized in the current era of personalized cancer medicine and genomic characterization of prostate cancer.

Renal biopsy in glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis [GN] is responsible for 25-30% of end-stage renal disease [ESRD] among all causes. Renal biopsy is important to determine the GN treatment method and its prognosis. In some cases, renal biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis. Biopsies were used as a diagnostic method in different disease from 1930. They were performed blindly and at bedside. Complication rate varies from 2 to 20% in different reports. Percutaneous renal biopsy is a routine diagnostic procedure in nephrology nowadays, and it should be individualized for each patient depending on their age, BMI, coagulation status and the availability of skilled radiologist. In this paper, we review image-guided renal biopsy in glomerulonephritis

Biopsia renal en el segundo trimestre del embarazo: Dos casos clínicos / Renal biopsies during the second trimester of pregnancy: Report of two cases

Kidney biopsies were performed in two women during their 21th and 24th week of pregnancy. The first patient developed an abrupt nephrotic syndrome without hypertension or kidney failure. The pathological study disclosed diffuse podocyte alterations such as those observed in focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, which had a good response to steroidal treatment. The second patient had a progressive renal failure associated with non-nephrotic proteinuria. The biopsy disclosed a fibrillary glomerulopathy.

Glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva en ancianos / Rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis in the elderly

La glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva (GNRP) es un síndrome clínico que se caracteriza por la presencia de signos urinarios de enfermedad glomerular e insuficiencia renal de desarrollo en un lapso de días a pocos meses. La inmunofluorescencia permite clasificar a las GNRP en cuatro tipos según se identifiquen o no depósitos inmunes y, si están presentes, de acuerdo con su naturaleza. En la última década se ha demostrado un aumento constante en el promedio de edad de los pacientes con GNRP. Este fenómeno podría reflejar tanto una mayor incidencia de la enfermedad, como un incremento en la tasa de diagnóstico. Se presentan 3 casos de GNRP en adultos mayores de 65 años, diagnosticados en un periodo de 3 meses en nuestra institución.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a syndrome characterized by glomerular lesions giving rise to acute renal injury that develops within a brief period of time, usually days or a few months. It is classified according to the underlying mechanism of injury and the immunofluorescence findings into four main disorders. In the last decade, nephrologists have witnessed a steady rise in the mean age of the patients diagnosed with RPGN. This observation may reflect an increase in the incidence of this entity and also a more timely diagnosis. We present 3 cases of RPGN in elderly patients, diagnosed within a 3-month period at our institution which illustrates the spectrum of these conditions.

Renal histopathllogical findings in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis / Achados histopatológicos renais em cães com leishmaniose visceral

Visceral leishmaniasis affects various organs including the kidneys; which can lead to renal failure and death. In order to verify this renal involvement, material was evaluated from 100 dogs naturally infected and with serological diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Inflammatory changes were present in 25.3% of the tubules, in 67.0% of interstitium and in 52.0% of glomeruli. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the presence of glomerulonephritis in symptomatic and oligosymptomatic dogs. The membranous and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis were the most frequent, both with 18.0% frequency, followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with 14.0%. Changes such as cylindruria, tubular and fibrosis hypertrophy, periglomerular inflammatory infiltrate, and multifocal and diffuse peritubular inflammatory infiltrate were observed. The findings are consistent with those of other authors indicating that renal involvement is common in CVL and the standards of membranous and membranoploriferative glomerulonephritis, as well as the tubulointerstitial involvement, are frequent.

A leishmaniose visceral acomete vários órgãos entre eles os rins; o que pode levar a insuficiência renal e a morte. Com o objetivo de verificar este acometimento renal foram avaliados materiais de 100 cães naturalmente infectados e com diagnósticos sorológicos de leishmaniose visceral canina - LVC. As alterações inflamatórias estavam presentes em 25,3% dos túbulos, em 67,0% do interstício e em 52,0% dos glomérulos. Não houve diferença significativa (p > 0,05) entre a presença de glomerulonefrite em cães sintomáticos e oligossintomáticos. As glomerulonefrites membranosa e membrano proliferativa foram as mais freqüentes, ambas com 18,0% de freqüência seguidas da glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal com 14,0%. Foram observadas alterações como cilindrúria, hipertrofia tubular e fibrose e infiltrados inflamatórios periglomerulares e peritubulares multifocais e difusos. Os achados concordam com os de outros autores indicando que o acometimento renal é comum na LVC e que os padrões de glomerulonefrites membranoploriferativa e membranosa; assim como o acometimento tubulointersticial são freqüentes.

Síndrome nefrótico e injuria renal aguda con microangiopatía trombótica en mujer con enfermedad celíaca: Caso clínico / Nephrotic syndrome and acute kidney injury associated with celiac disease: Report of one case

Celiac disease may be associated with other autoimmune diseases and exceptionally with glomerulopathies and nephrotic syndrome. Associations have been reported with IgA nephropathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulopathy and minimal change disease. We report a 63-year-old woman who simultaneously presented with massive nephrotic syndrome (proteinuria 46 g/day) and cachexia due to a malabsorption syndrome secondary to celiac disease. The course of her diseases was complicated with cardiomyopathy due to severe malnutrition, septic shock, acute kidney injury that required dialysis for seven weeks and severe hypertension. A renal biopsy showed a membranoproliferative pattern of injury secondary to a thrombotic microangiopathy and diffusepodocyte damage. Fouryears later, the patient was in good general health, the glomerular filtration rate was 30 ml/min/1.73m² and there was non-nephrotic proteinuria.

Renal histology in pauci-immune rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: 8-year retrospective study.

Context: The need to perform reporting of renal biopsies of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitides in a more uniform manner required relook at our eight-year data. Aims: To document detailed renal histopathology of pauci-immune rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and also to seek any significant differences in renal histology of C-ANCA-positive, P-ANCA-positive, and ANCA-negative patients. Materials and Methods: A detailed analysis of the histopathologic features of renal biopsies of 48 patients in whom a diagnosis of pauci-immune glomerulonephritis was concluded on renal biopsy and who presented clinically as rapidly progressive renal failure was done. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA and Pearson Chi square tests. Results: Compared with ANCA +ve patients, the ANCA -ve patients were much younger (46.85 ± 16.12 years vs 34.28±15.94 years). No significant differences were found between renal lesions of C-ANCA, P-ANCA, and ANCA-negative patients, except for diffuse tubular atrophy which was more severe and more frequently present with P-ANCA positivity (P value=0.013). Conclusions: Pauci-immune RPGN (irrespective of ANCA status) is a relatively rare disorder in patients who are undergoing the renal biopsy at our institute, constituting 2% of all renal biopsies submitted. It is mandatory to have ANCA serology status during reporting of a kidney biopsy showing pauci-immune crescentic or necrotizing glomerulonephritis. Also, if a uniform reporting strategy is followed throughout the country, the studies from this vast country will be comparable.

A Case of Elderly-Onset Crescentic Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Nephritis with Hypocomplementemia and Positive MPO-ANCA

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is common in childhood and often self-limiting. There have been limited studies on elderly-onset HSP nephritis (HSPN). A 76-yr-old man was transferred to our hospital with a 1-month history of oliguria, abdominal pain, edema and palpable purpura in the legs. Three months ago, he was admitted to another hospital with jaundice, and consequently diagnosed with early common bile duct cancer. The patient underwent a Whipple's operation. Antibiotics were administrated because of leakage in the suture from the surgery. However, he showed progressive renal failure with edema and purpura in the legs. Laboratory investigations showed serum creatinine 6.4 mg/dL, 24-hr urine protein 8,141 mg/day, myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) 1:40 and C3 below 64.89 mg/dL. Renal biopsy showed crescentic glomerulonephritis, as well as mesangial and extracapillary Ig A deposition. We started steroid therapy and hemodialysis, but he progressed to end-stage renal failure and he has been under maintenance hemodialysis. We describe elderly onset HSPN with MPO-ANCA can be crescentic glomerulonephritis rapidly progressed to end stage renal failure.

Glomerulonefritis fibrilar: Una rara forma de enfermedad glomerular por depósitos organizados / Fibrillary glomerulo-nephritis: A rare form of glomerular disease with organized deposits

Se describe el caso de una mujer de 67 años de edad que consultó por debilidad y astenia, constatándose proteinuria de rango nefrótico y dislipemia. Se realizó punción para biopsia renal, la que se analizó por microscopia óptica, inmunofluorescencia y microscopia electrónica de transmisión. El análisis ultra-estructural reveló la existencia de depósitos fibrilares organizados, rectos, no ramificados, cuyo espesor osciló entre 15 y 20 nm. Dichas fibrillas ópticamente se veían como una expansión mesangial discretamente nodular, ligeramente PAS positiva, rojo Congo negativa y débilmente positiva para IgG. El diagnóstico fue glomerulonefritis fibrilar. Las enfermedades glomerulares por depósitos organizados pueden exhibir superposición sindrómica e histopatológica. Por tal motivo, resulta de importancia una primera separación entre aquellas rojo Congo positivas o negativas, siendo en este último caso la microscopia electrónica de transmisión la que diferencia dos entidades: la glomerulonefritis fibrilar y la glomerulonefritis inmunotactoide. Esta diferencia se apoya no sólo en las características ultraestructurales, sino en sus características clínicas. La glomerulonefritis inmunotactoide muestra una fuerte asociación con procesos linfoproliferativos, a diferencia de lo que ocurre con la glomerulonefritis fibrilar.

We describe the case of a 67 year-old female who presented weakness and fatigue. Laboratory data showed nephrotic level of proteinuria and dyslipidemia. A renal biopsy was performed, and studied by light microscopy, immuno-fluorescence and electron microscopy. Ultra-structural analysis revealed the existence of organized fibrillary deposits, straight and without ramifications, the thickness of which ranged from 15 to 20 nm. These fibres were identified, by light microscopy, as slightly nodular mesangial expansions PAS positive, Congo red negative and weakly positive for IgG. Given the above findings, the diagnosis was fibrillary glomerulonephritis. Glomerular lesions with organized deposits may exhibit syndromic and pathological overlap. For this reason it is important to initially discriminate between positive and negative Congo red deposits, using, in the latter case, transmission electron microscopy to distinguish between immuno-tactoid and fibrillary glomerulonephritis. This differentiation relies not only on ultrastructural features, but on different clinical characteristics. Unlike what happens with fibrillary glomerulonephritis, the immuno-tactoid shows a strong association with lymphoproliferative processes.