Ocurrence enzootic hematuria in buffaloes in Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects / Ocorrência de hematúria enzoótica em búfalos no Brasil: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos

It is reported the occurrence of enzootic hematuria (EH) in buffaloes in Brazil after performing an epidemiological survey and clinicopathological analises. To date, EH caused by ingestion of Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, a radiomimetic plant popularly known as "bracken fern", has not been described in this species in Brazil. Bovine EH is responsible for high economic losses in Brazil's Southeast Region not only because of the deaths it causes, but also owing to its negative effect on productivity. In São José do Barreiro County, São Paulo, some farmers in areas with a high incidence of bovine EH have been replacing cattle with buffaloes, based on the premise that the latter would be more resistant to poisoning by ingestion of Pteridium spp. However, even though initial observations indicated that buffaloes are indeed less sensitive than cattle to the toxic principle of Pteridium spp., cases of hematuria in this species have been reported. According to preliminary date, EH only occurs in buffaloes over six years of age. Macroscopic examination revealed a thickened urinary vesicle mucosa, along with multiple foci of ulcerated, exophytic, verrucous, and pedunculated lesions. In one of the buffaloes studied, the bladder wall was ruptured and exhibited marked secondary inflammation. Histologically, neoplastic and non-neoplastic changes similar to those described in cattle poisoned by Pteridium spp. were observed. The neoplasms found included papilloma, carcinoma in situ, urothelial carcinoma (low and high grade), inverted, microcystic, and trabecular variants, urothelial carcinoma with divergent differentiation (squamous and glandular), squamous cell carcinoma, lymphangioma, hemangioma, and hemangiosarcoma. There was also coexistence of epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. Bovine papillomavirus particles were not detected by polymerase chain reaction in the bladder samples analyzed.

Descreve-se, através de levantamento epidemiológico e avaliação clínico-patológica, a ocorrência de hematúria enzoótica (HE) em búfalos no Brasil. Essa condição, causada pela ingestão da planta radiomimética Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, conhecida popularmente como "samambaia" ou "samambaia do campo", até então não havia sido descrita nessa espécie no Brasil. Na Região Sudeste, a HE bovina é responsável por elevadas perdas econômicas, devidas não apenas aos óbitos, mas também em função da queda de produtividade. No município de São José do Barreiro/SP, alguns produtores de áreas com alta incidência de HE bovina, vêm substituindo os bovinos por búfalos, com base na premissa de que estes seriam mais resistentes à intoxicação. Embora, de acordo com observações iniciais, os búfalos realmente sejam menos sensíveis que os bovinos ao princípio tóxico de Pteridium spp., ainda assim, tem-se verificado a ocorrência de casos de hematúria nessa espécie. De acordo com o levantamento inicial, a HE só ocorre em búfalos com idade a partir de seis anos. Ao exame macroscópico, verificou-se a mucosa da bexiga espessa, com múltiplos focos de lesões ulceradas, exofíticas, papiliformes, verrucosas, pedunculadas. Histologicamente, foram observadas alterações neoplásicas e não neoplásicas semelhantes às descritas nos bovinos com HE. Entre as neoplasias foram encontrados papiloma, carcinoma in situ, carcinoma urotelial (baixo e alto grau), variantes invertida, microcística e trabecular, carcinoma urotelial com diferenciação divergente (escamosa e glandular), carcinoma de células escamosas, linfangioma, hemangioma e hemangiossarcoma. Ocorreu também coexistência entre neoplasias epiteliais e mesenquimais. Não foram detectadas partículas de papilomavírus bovino pelo teste PCR nas amostras de bexiga analisadas.

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.

Hematúria levando ao diagnóstico de duas condições singulares na prática clínica - síndrome de quebra-nozes e traço falcêmico: um relato de caso / Hematuria leading to the diagnosis of two singular conditions in clinical practice - renal nutcracker syndrome and sickle cell trait: a case report

RESUMO: A hematúria é definida como o achado de mais que duas hemácias por campo de aumento na análise microscópica de urina coletada por jato médio. Na sua forma macroscópica, caracteriza-se por sua coloração típica (avermelhada ou marrom), acompanhada pela presença de mais de 106 hemácias/ml na sedimentoscopia. É uma condição que necessita de investigação da causa e apresenta-se com prevalência incerta e definição às vezes imprecisa, mas com vasto diagnóstico diferencial. Dentre as possíveis causas, encontramos a presença do traço falciforme, aparentemente subdiagnosticado, e a síndrome de quebra-nozes, possibilidade mais rara. No caso relatado a seguir, foram diagnosticadas simultaneamente as duas causas acima citadas, descobertas após a investigação do primeiro episódio de hematúria macroscópica em uma mulher jovem previamente hígida. Com o objetivo de chamar a atenção para a concomitância de duas possíveis e incomuns causas de hematúria numa mesma paciente, relatamos o caso a seguir. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Hematuria is defined as the finding more than two red blood cells per field of analysis in the microscopic analysis of the urine collected by the medium jet. In its macroscopic form, it is characterized by its typical coloration (reddish or brown), accompanied by the presence of more than 106 red cells/ml in urinary sediment. It is a condition that needs investigation and it presents itself sometimes with imprecise definition, but with vast differential diagnosis. Among the possible etiologies, there is the presence of the sickle cell trait, apparently underdiagnosed, and the renal nutcracker syndrome, a rarer possibility. In the case reported below, these two findings were diagnosed simultaneously, following an investigation of the first episode of macroscopic hematuria in a young and previously healthy woman. In order to draw attention to the simultaneous presence of two unusual causes of hematuria in the same patient, we report the following case. (AU)

Síndrome del cascanueces / Nutcracker syndrome

El síndrome del cascanueces es una anomalía vascular en la que se comprime la vena renal izquierda a su paso entre la unión de la aorta y la arteria mesentérica superior, debido a un ángulo muy cerrado entre ambas arterias. Clínicamente puede presentarse como hematuria macro o microscópica, dolor episódico en flanco izquierdo, dolor pélvico, várices gonadales o simplemente cursar de forma asintomática. Presentamos dos casos clínicos, uno de ellos con dolor abdominal tipo cólico nefrítico y hematuria macroscópica y otro estudiado por hipertensión pero con antecedentes de embolización de la vena renal izquierda por varicocele izquierdo. Discutimos los aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos de este síndrome.

Nutcracker syndrome is a vascular anomaly consisting in the compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. Clinical features in nutcracker syndrome include pelvic pain, flank pain, haematuria, gonadal varices or simply asymptomatic. We are presenting two cases, one of them with macroscopic haematuria and flank pain and the other was studied for hypertension but with previous antecedents of left renal vein embolization in the setting of varicocele. We discuss the clinical presentation as well as diagnostic and therapeutic aspects related to this syndrome.

Diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome de quebra-nozes (nutcracker): revisão dos últimos 10 anos / Diagnosis and treatment of the Nutcracker syndrome: a review of the last 10 years

A síndrome de quebra-nozes é caracterizada por um grupo de manifestações clínicas que ocorrem por conta da compressão da veia renal esquerda. Seus principais sintomas são macro e micro-hematúria, proteinúria e dor no flanco. O diagnóstico é geralmente realizado após a exclusão de outras causas mais comuns, por conta da ausência de critérios clínicos para diagnóstico. Sua confirmação é feita por exames de imagem, com uso da ultrassonografia Doppler e tomografia computadorizada. O tratamento pode variar com as características do paciente e com a gravidade dos sintomas, e inclui o tratamento conservador, a cirurgia aberta e a cirurgia endovascular. Atualmente, a cirurgia aberta continua sendo a linha de frente, mas abordagens menos invasivas vêm ganhando cada vez mais espaço

The nutcracker syndrome is characterized by a group of clinical manifestations caused by compression of the Left Renal Vein. The main symptoms are: macro and micro hematuria, proteinuria, and flank pain. Diagnosis is usually made after excluding other causes, because there are no clinical criteria for diagnosis. Confirmation is by Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography. Treatment can vary, depending on patient characteristics and the severity of the symptoms, while conservative treatment, open surgery, and endovascular surgery may be employed. Currently, open surgery is still the first-line treatment, but some less invasive approaches are gaining acceptance

Diagnóstico de infección por VIH por el hallazgo incidental de alteraciones ultraestructurales en una biopsia renal: Report of one case / Ultrastructural alterations in renal biopsy leading to the diagnosis of HIV infection

HIV infection has different clinical presentations. We report a 21-year-old male with longstanding isolated microscopic hematuria attributed to thin glomerular basement membrane disease, who after 15 years of follow-up presented with significant proteinuria. A kidney biopsy was performed, revealing the presence of tubulo-reticular inclusions in the glomerular endothelial cells. This finding led to suspect an HIV infection, which was verified. Antiretroviral therapy, angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II receptor blockers were prescribed. At 6 years of diagnosis the patient is asymptomatic and has normal kidney function. Microscopic hematuria and low level proteinuria persists.

The Natural Course of Biopsy-Proven Isolated Microscopic Hematuria: a Single Center Experience of 350 Patients

The increasing interest in healthcare and health screening events is revealing additional cases of asymptomatic isolated microscopic hematuria (IMH). However, a consensus of the evaluation and explanation of the IMH prognosis is controversial among physicians. Here, we present the natural course of IMH together with the pathological diagnosis and features to provide supportive data when approaching patients with IMH. We retrospectively evaluated 350 patients with IMH who underwent a renal biopsy between 2002 and 2011, and the pathological diagnosis and chronic histopathological features (glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy) were reviewed. Deterioration of renal function was examined during follow up. The patients with IMH were evaluated for a mean of 86 months. IgA nephropathy was the most common diagnosis in 164 patients (46.9%). Chronic histopathological changes were observed in 166 (47.4%) but was not correlated with proteinuria or a decline in renal function. Ten patients developed proteinuria, and all of them had IgA nephropathy. Three patients progressed to chronic kidney disease with an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 but none progressed to end stage renal disease. In conclusion, IMH had a generally benign course during 7-years of observation, although IgA nephropathy should be monitored if it progresses to proteinuria. Future prospective randomized studies may help conclude the long-term prognosis and lead to a consensus for managing IMH.

Lavado vesical de bovinos com hematúria enzoótica: padronização de técnica de colheita, obtenção de amostras e avaliação citopatológica / Bovine urinary bladder washing with enzootic hematuria: standardization of harvesting technique, sample collection and cytopathological evaluation

A hematúria enzoótica bovina é uma doença crônica que causa neoplasias na bexiga, e o exame citopatológico poderia auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce. Objetivou-se padronizar a técnica de colheita, obtenção de amostras e avaliação citopatológica do lavado vesical de bovinos com hematúria enzoótica bovina. Foram utilizadas 10 vacas, adultas, distribuídas em dois grupos. No grupo A foi recuperado todo o líquido vesical infundido, no grupo B foi recuperado apenas o último lavado. Os lavados foram submetidos à avaliação citopatológica. Apesar do volume final de líquido vesical ter sido maior no grupo A, em relação ao número de células, não houve diferença significativa (p > 0,05) entre os grupos. A quantidade de células inflamatórias e células epiteliais obtidas por amostra revelou que nos dois grupos todos os animais apresentavam mais células inflamatórias do que epiteliais, entretanto, não houve diferença entre o tipo de colheita realizada. As células epiteliais foram encontradas em 60% dos casos e as alterações morfológicas observadas foram discretas, não sendo possível classificar nenhuma amostra como hiperplásica ou neoplásica. Os dados deste estudo permitiram concluir que o exame citopatológico do lavado vesical de bovinos pode auxiliar no diagnóstico da hematúria enzoótica bovina e que os dois métodos de colheita empregados mostraram-se adequados para obtenção de amostras viáveis. A avaliação citopatológica permitiu a identificação de lesões não neoplásicas predominantemente inflamatórias. Acredita-se que a utilização de técnicas moleculares com biomarcadores em amostras citológicas seria importante para detectar precocemente lesões pré-neoplásicas ou neoplásicas nesses animais.(AU)

The bovine enzootic hematuria is a chronic disease that causes tumors in the bladder, and the cytophatologic test could assist in the early diagnosis. Aimed to standardize the technique of harvesting, obtaining samples and cytophatologic evaluation of bovine urinary bladder washing with bovine enzootic hematuria, 10 adult cows were divided into two groups: A (all the liquid infused in the bladder was recovered) and B (only the latter liquid was recovered). Liquids recovered were subjected to cytophatological evaluation. It was observed that the final volume of bladder liquid was higher in group A, however, in relation to the number of cells, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between groups. The amount of inflammatory cells and epithelial cells obtained per sample revealed that in both groups all animals had more inflammatory cells than epithelial cells, however, there was no difference between the type of washing done. The epithelial cells were found in 60% of cases, the alterations observed were discretes and it was not possible to classify any sample as hyperplastic or neoplastic. Data from this study showed that the cytophatological examination of bovine urinary bladder washing may aid in the diagnosis of bovine enzootic hematuria and the two harvesting methods employed were adequate for obtaining viable samples. Cytopathological evaluation allowed the identification of non-neoplastic lesions predominantly inflammatory. It is believed that the use of molecular markers in cytological samples is important for early detection of pre-neoplastic or neoplastic lesions in these animals.(AU)

Proteinuria predicts relapse in adolescent and adult minimal change disease

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to outline the clinical and laboratory characteristics of minimal change disease in adolescents and adults and establish the clinical and laboratory characteristics of relapsing and non-relapsing patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with confirmed diagnoses of minimal change disease by renal biopsy from 1979 to 2009; the patients were aged >13 years and had minimum 1-year follow-ups. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients with a median age (at diagnosis) of 34 (23-49) years were studied, including 23 males and 40 females. At diagnosis, eight (12.7%) patients presented with microscopic hematuria, 17 (27%) with hypertension and 17 (27%) with acute kidney injury. After the initial treatment, 55 (87.3%) patients showed complete remission, six (9.5%) showed partial remission and two (3.1%) were nonresponders. Disease relapse was observed in 34 (54%) patients who were initial responders (n = 61). In a comparison between the relapsing patients (n = 34) and the non-relapsing patients (n = 27), only proteinuria at diagnosis showed any significant difference (8.8 (7.1-12.0) vs. 6.0 (3.6-7.3) g/day, respectively, p = 0.001). Proteinuria greater than 7 g/day at the initial screening was associated with relapsing disease. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, minimal change disease in adults may sometimes present concurrently with hematuria, hypertension, and acute kidney injury. The relapsing pattern in our patients was associated with basal proteinuria over 7 g/day.

Hipercalciuria idiopática en el niño / Idiopathic hypercalciuria in children

Con el propósito de facilitar la orientación y el estudio de los pacientes con hematuria macroscópica recurrente o microscópica persistente, dolor abdominal recurrente, disuria, infección urinaria recurrente o litiasis nefrourológica en las que puede estar involucrada la hipercalciuria idiopática, se hace esta presentación de forma sencilla, para que pueda ser empleada por el médico de atención primaria. La hipercalciuria idiopática es tan frecuente que afecta aproximadamente al 10 por ciento de la población y ante sus síntomas que pueden ser muy variados, hay que pensar en esta alteración metabólica hereditaria que es la causa más frecuente de litiasis renal cálcica. En ocasiones con una orientación adecuada y pocos o ningún medicamento se puede evitar que los pacientes desarrollen una litiasis nefrourológica o que la enfermedad litiásica progrese, y a la vez, impedir que estos pacientes, niños principalmente, sean sometidos a investigaciones cruentas...

In order to make possible the orientation and the study of patients presenting with recurrent macroscopic hematuria or persistent microscopic hematuria, recurrent abdominal pain, dysuria, recurrent urinary infection or nephrourologic lithiasis where a idiopathic hypercalciuria could be involved, we make this simple presentation that primary care physician could be used. Idiopathic hypercalciuria is so frequent that involves approximately to 10 percent`of population and in face of its symptoms that could be varied, we must to consider this hereditary metabolic alteration as the more frequent cause of calcium renal lithiasis. Some times with an appropriate orientation and a few or none drug it is possible to avoid that patient develop a nephrourologic lithiasis or that the lithiasis disease be progressive, and at the same time, to prevent that these patients, mainly the children underwent difficult researches...

Glomerulonefritis rapidamente progresiva en el niño: análisis de la casuística de un quinquenio 2004-2009: [revisión] / Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in children: analysis of the data of a five-year period 2004-2009: [review]

La glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva (GNRP) es una entidad poco frecuente; el diagnóstico precoz es importante con fines terapéuticos y pronósticos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es reportar la casuística del GNRP en el Servicio de Nefrología del Hospital de Niños "Jorge Lizarraga" entre enero 2004 y enero 2009. Estudio retrospectiva y descriptivo con la revisión de las historias clínicas de 8 pacientes con edades entre 3-13 años. Seis pacientes correspondieron al sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 11 ± 3.5 años. La mayoría presentó un foco infeccioso previo con mayor frecuencia en piel (6 casos), y en faringe un caso. Las manifestaciones clínicas y los hallazgos de laboratorio se caracterizaron por: edema, hipertensión, hematuria, retención azoada progresiva, proteinuria e hipocomplementaria. Se realizó biopsia renal en todos los casos, observandose glomerulonefritis proliferativa endo y extracapilar en 6 casos y glomerulonefritis membranoprolirativa en 2 casos. La terapéutica se basó en tratar la infección y el fallo renal agudo. Se aplicaron pulsos de metilprednisolona a todos los pacientes y 6 pacientes ameritaron diálisis peritoneal. Seis pacientes sobrevivieron (2 egresaron con función renal normal y 4 progresaron a enfermedad renal crónica) y 2 pacientes fallecieron. La GNRP es una condición que se presenta esporadicamente; su evolución depende de la severidad del compromiso renal, extensión de las lesiones histopatológicas y precocidad en la terapéutica farmacológica y dialítica. La mayoría de los pacientes sobrevive, un porcentaje importante progresa a enfermedad renal crónica, lo cual eventualmente amerita terapia substitutiva con dialisis y trasplante renal.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a rate entity; early diagnosis is important for adequate and prompt treatment. The objetive of this paper is to report the casuistic of RPGN in the Department of Nephrology of the Hospital de Niños "Jorge Lizarraga" between January 2004 and January 2009. Retrospective and descriptive study collecting data of the medical records of 8 pantients, ages 3-13 years. Six patients were females and the average for age was 11 ± 3.5 years. The majority presented a previous infection (skin in 6 and pharynx in 1). Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were: edema hypertensión, hematuria, progressive azotemic retentions, proteinuria and hypocomplementemia. Renal biopsy was performed in all patients with the following results: endo and extracapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis in 6 cases and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 2. Therapeutic measures were aimed to the treatment of infection acute renal failure. Methylprednisolone boluses were indicated in all patients, 6 patients were submitted to peritoneal dialysis. Six patients survived (2 with normal renal function and 4 with progression to chronic kidney disease), and 2 died. RPGN is a condition that occurs sporadically: its evolution depends of the severity of renal involvement, the extension of histological lesions and the precocity with which pharmacological and dialytic treatment are installed. Most patients survive but a significant number progresss to chronic kidney disease.

Role of dipstick in detection of haeme pigment due to rhabdomyolysis in victims of Bam earthquake

Avoiding life-threatening complications of rhabdomyolysis depends on early diagnosis and prompt management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of urinary dipstick test in the detection of haeme pigment in patients who were at risk of acute renal failure [ARF] due to rhabdomyolysis after suffering injury in the Bam earthquake. Serum creatine phosphokinase [CPK] level was used as the gold standard for prediction of ARF. ARF developed in 8 [10%] of 79 patients studied. We found no significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of dipstick urine and serum CPK tests for identifying patients who were at risk of ARF. However, dipstick urine test is an easy test that can be performed quickly at an earthquake site

A Case of Vesical and Scrotal Sparganosis Presenting as a Scrotal Mass

A 59-year-old Korean man complained of a painless scrotal hard nodule and weak urine stream. The ultrasound scan revealed a 2.2-cm sized round heteroechogenic nodule located in the extratesticular area. Microscopic hematuria was detected in routine laboratory examinations. On scrotal exploration, multiple spargana were incidentally found in the mass and along the left spermatic cord. On cystoscopy, a 10-mm sized mucosal elevation was found in the right side of the bladder dome. After transurethral resection of the covered mucosa, larval tapeworms were removed from inside of the nodule by forceps. Plerocercoids of Spirometra erinacei was confirmed morphologically and also by PCR-sequencing analysis from the extracted tissue of the urinary bladder. So far as the literature is concerned, this is the first worm (PCR)-proven case of sparganosis in the urinary bladder.

Enfermedad renal crónica: Clasificación, identificación, manejo y complicaciones / Clinical guidelines on identitication, management and complications of chronic kidney disease

The key messages of these guidel ines on chronic kidney disease are: • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem due to its wide distribution, high rate of complications and cost. • CKD is a common condition, its prevalence being about 10 percent, and is treatable if it is detected on time. • A patient with CKD has a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality than of progression of its underlying renal disease. • A new definition of CKD, based on estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and kidney damage, facilitates its detection and management. • CKD is detected with three simple tests: 1) Blood pressure measurement, 2) Detection of proteinuria or albuminuria in an isolated urine sample, and 3) Estimation of renal function (eGFR), based on serum creatinine, age, gender and race. • The CKD risk groups are individuáis with diabetes, hypertension and a family history of renal disease. • The most cost-effective measures are to detect and treat diabetic and hypertensive patients in the community. • Therapy must emphasize the maximal reduction of cardiovascular risk. • The complications of CKD such as anemia and renal osteodystrophy can be identified and treated on time. • Most patients with chronic kidney disease are detected in the community, therefore their initial care must be organized at the level of primary care, along with programs for hypertension and diabetes.

Hematuria microscópica assintomática em mulheres / Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in women

Este artigo tem como objetivo sistematizar a avaliação da hematúria microscópica assintomática em mulheres, revisando as possibilidades diagnósticas mais prevalentes, bem como os exames laboratoriais e de imagem mais adequados. Tendo em vista a alta prevalência desse achado ocasional em exame de urina de rotina, os autores buscam encontrar um consenso sobre definição e forma de investigação mais adequada.

Urinary calcium/creatinin ratio with different dosages of vitamin D3 prophylaxis in infants

The requirement of vitamin D for breast-fed term infants remains an area of controversy. Different dosage is needed according to environmental factors such as sunlight exposure. Reception of more than 400 I.U. of vitamin D daily produces hypercalcemia. A random urine calcium/creatinin ratio [UCa/Cr] is a screening test for detection of hypercalciuria. Setting adequate values of vitamin D3 prophylaxis by random UCa/Cr in infant population of Yazd city in Iran, is the aim of present study. A total of 90 healthy, full term newborns of both genders were enrolled in the study. They were divided equally into three receiving vitamin D3 prophylaxis groups as follow: [I] 200 IU/daily, [II] 400 IU/daily and [III] 50000 IU two times in fifteen and sixty days after birth. A random urine specimen from each subject was analyzed for calcium, creatinin and serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D at the end of three months of life. From all 90 studied infants, 25 [83.3%] infants with 200 IU/daily vitamin D3, 23 [76.7%] infants with 400 IU/daily vitamin D3 and 28 [93.3%] who received 50000 IU two times [76 infants, 84.4%] had hypercalciuria and 14 [15.6%] infants remained with low values of Ca/Cr ratios. According to high prevalence of hypercalciuria in this survey, it is recommended to evaluate the vitamin D level in infants and use proper amount of supplemented vitamin D. It seems that 200 IU/daily could be used in infants in our area

Avaliação comparativa da sedimentoscopia urinária realizada pelo nefrologista e pelo profissional de análises clínicas em pacientes com glomerulopatias / Comparative assessment of urinary sediment done by the nephrologist and by the clinical analyst professional in patients with glomerulonephritis

Introdução: A sedimentoscopia urinária com microscópio munido com contraste de fase (MCF) deveria ser a primeira etapa na determinação da origemdas hematúrias. Objetivo: Avaliar discrepâncias nas descrições dos parâmetros urinários relacionados à origem das hematúrias, comparando as descrições do nefrologista (Nef) e do profissional de análises clínicas (PAC). Métodos: Urinas de pacientes com glomerulopatias (GP) confirmadas por biópsia renal foram analisadas sob MCF, por um Nef e um PAC, ambos sem conhecimento prévio da origem das amostras. Cilindros hemáticos, acantocitúria ou células G1 >5% e dismorfismo eritrocitário foram utilizados na localização glomerular das hematúrias. Resultados: Dos 28 pacientes, 13 pacientes (46,4%) apresentavam glomerulonefrites não proliferativas e 15 (53,6%) glomerulonefrites proliferativas. Comparativamente ao PAC, o Nef identificou maior número de hemácias (mediana/mL de urina, 80.000 vs 4.800, p=0,001), maior número de cilindros hemáticos (39,3% vs 0%, p=0,001), maior freqüência de acantocitúria ou células G1 >5% (35,7% vs. 7,14%, p=0,021) e de dismorfismo eritrocitário (96,2% vs 7,14%, p<0,001). As discrepâncias dos resultados permaneceram após a separação das glomerulopatias em proliferativas e não proliferativas. Conclusão: Os parâmetros urinários que caracterizam a origem da hematúria foram mais freqüentemente identificados pelo nefrologista e sugerem que a urinálise, pela sua simplicidade e grande valor informativo, deveria ser incluída obrigatoriamente nos programas de treinamento em nefrologia.

Introduction: In the assessment of hematuria, the first step should be the identification of the origin of the bleeding, which can be done easily by analyzing the urine under phase-contrast microscopy. Obective: To assess the discrepancy of reports of the urinary parameters utilized in the localization of the glomerular origin of hematuria, comparing reports by the nephrologists and by the clinical laboratory technologist. Methods: Urines of patients with biopsy proven glomerulonephritis were assessed under phase-contrast microscopy by a nephrologist and a clinical laboratory technologist, both without previous knowledge of the origin of the samples. Red blood cell (RBC) casts, urinary acanthocytes or G1 cells >5%, and erithrocyte dysmorphism were used tolocalize the glomerular bleeding. Results: Among 28 patients, 13 (46.4%) had non proliferative glomerulonephritis and 15 (53.6%) had proliferative glomerulonephritis. Relatively to the clinical laboratory technologist, the nephrologist identified more RBC (median of 80.000 vs 4.800, p= 0.001), more RBC casts (39.3% vs 0%, p=0.001), more urinary acanthocytes or G1 cells >5% (35.7% vs 7.14%, p=0.021) and more dysmorphic RBC (96.2% vs 7.14%,p<0.001). The discrepancies of the reports were maintained after the separation of the glomerulonephritis in proliferative and non proliferative. Conclusion: The urinary parameters used in characterization of the origin of the hematuria were more frequently identified by the nephrologist, and suggest that the urinalysis, a simple and very informative test, should be mandatory in programs of training in nephrology.