Derivação axilo-ilíaco para proteção de rim transplantado durante a correção de aneurisma de aorta abdominal: relato de caso / Axillary-iliac bypass to protect a transplanted kidney during abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: case report

Resumo Os aneurismas de aorta abdominal (AAA) são os mais frequentes, mesmo quando comparados a outros segmentos da aorta. A prevalência e a história natural de aneurismas arteriais em receptores de transplante de órgão abdominal permanecem incertas. Relatamos a abordagem de um caso de aneurisma de aorta abdominal em um paciente transplantado renal e com alergia ao contraste. Foi realizado o tratamento convencional do aneurisma de aorta abdominal com um by-pass aorto bi-ilíaco. Para manutenção do enxerto renal, foi confeccionado um by-pass temporário da artéria axilar direita até a artéria ilíaca comum direita. O paciente foi encaminhado para a unidade de terapia intensiva, onde permaneceu estável hemodinamicamente e recebeu alta no 2º pós-operatório. A cirurgia convencional aberta com derivação extra-anatômica temporária é uma alternativa para o tratamento do AAA em pacientes com transplante renal.

Abstract Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are the most common type, even when compared to those involving other segments of the aorta. The prevalence and natural history of arterial aneurysms in abdominal organ transplant recipients remain uncertain. We report a case of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a kidney transplant patient with contrast allergy. Conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm repair was performed, constructing a bi-iliac aortic bypass. A temporary bypass was constructed from the right axillary artery to the right common iliac artery to maintain the renal graft. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he remained hemodynamically stable, and he was discharged on the 2nd postoperative day. Conventional open surgery with temporary extra-anatomic bypass is an alternative option for treatment of AAA in patients with transplanted kidneys.

Efeito da isquemia renal unilateral no rim contralateral avaliada pela expressão de Caspase 3 / Effect of unilateral renal ischemia on the contralateral kidney assessed by Caspase 3 expression

Resumo Contexto Estudos demonstraram, por análise histológica e Dopplerfluxométrica, a interferência da isquemia renal unilateral, realizada em algumas cirurgias, sobre o rim contralateral, identificando o fenômeno de kidney-kidney crosstalk. Objetivos Identificar o efeito da isquemia de duas estratégias de oclusão da vasculatura renal esquerda sobre o rim contralateral através do volume de células renais positivas para Caspase 3. Métodos Suínos foram divididos em 2 grupos: A (n = 8), artéria renal esquerda clampeada, e AV (n = 8), artéria e veia renais esquerdas clampeadas. Foi realizado o estudo imuno-histoquímico (anti-Caspase 3), com o material de biópsias coletadas do rim isquêmico e contralateral em 0, 30, 60 e 90 minutos de isquemia, e análise morfométrica, sendo que a média representou o volume de área de Caspase 3 positiva (%). Resultados A análise morfométrica do rim contralateral nos tempos 30, 60 e 90 minutos de isquemia mostrou que a média da área marcada por Caspase 3 foi estatisticamente superior à média do rim isquêmico nos dois grupos: artéria renal clampeada (A) e artéria e veia renais clampeadas (AV). Comparando o rim isquêmico e contralateral nos dois tipos de clampeamento, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante da área marcada por Caspase 3. Conclusões No modelo experimental de isquemia renal unilateral, o rim não isquêmico apresentou dano celular, demonstrado pela expressão da Caspase 3 de forma aguda em decorrência da isquemia contralateral. O tipo de clampeamento do hilo não parece ter influência sobre o volume de área marcada por Caspase 3.

Abstract Background Studies have demonstrated with histological analysis and Doppler flow measurement analysis that unilateral renal ischemia, which is performed in some surgeries, interfered with the contralateral kidney, identifying the phenomenon of kidney-kidney crosstalk. Objectives To identify the effects on the ischemic and contralateral kidney of renal ischemia induced by two types of clamping technique by analyzing the volume of kidney cells positive for Caspase 3. Methods Sixteen pigs were divided into 2 groups, as follows: A (n = 8) - clamping of left renal artery only and AV (n = 8) - clamping of left renal artery and vein. Immunohistochemical analyses (anti Caspase 3) were conducted with biopsy specimens collected from the ischemic and contralateral kidney at 0, 30, 60, and 90 minutes of ischemia and morphometric analysis was performed, taking the mean to represent the volume of the Caspase 3 positive area (%). Results Morphometric analysis of specimens collected at 30, 60, and 90 minutes of ischemia showed that the mean area marked for Caspase 3 was statistically larger in the contralateral kidney than the ischemic kidney in both groups: clamped renal artery (A) and clamped renal artery and vein (AV). Comparing the ischemic and contralateral kidney, there was no statistically significant difference in the area marked for Caspase 3 between the two types of clamping. Conclusions In the experimental model of unilateral renal ischemia, the non-ischemic kidney exhibited cell damage, demonstrated by Caspase 3 expression. The type of hilum clamping does not appear to influence the area marked for Caspase 3.

The effects of aerobic exercise on biochemical parameters in individuals with CKD on hemodialysis: A longitudinal study / Os efeitos do exercício aeróbico sobre os parâmetros bioquímicos em indivíduos com DRC em hemodiálise: Um estudo longitudinal

BACKGROUNG: Chronic kidney disease is directly related to cardiovascular disorders. Guided physical exercises significantly improve the adverse effects of dialytic treatmentOBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in biochemical parameters of subjects with chronic kidney disease undergoing moderate exercise during hemodialysisMETHODS: This is an experimental study composed of 54 subjects submitted to hemodialysis, split into a control group and a group with intervention. The experimental group underwent three weekly sessions of aerobic exercise, performed during hemodialysis sessions, with a duration of 30 minutes, for 12 weeks. The blood parameters of both groups were comparedRESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between pre (p=0.001) and post-exercise protocol for urea (p=0.006), calcium (p=0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p=0.020) and sodium (p=<0.001). In the control group, we observed significant differences for the calcium variable (p<0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p=0.024), hematocrit (p=0.015), calcium vs phosphorus (p=0.018), and sodium (p=0.023), before and after the periodCONCLUSION: Aerobic training during hemodialysis was able to maintain blood level stability in patients with chronic kidney disease, both during and at the end of the protocol, even considering increased blood flow. This trial is registered in the Brazilian registry of clinical Trials - number RBR-7354r6. : July 5, 2018 at 12:59 PM. : July 24, 2018 at 10:24 AM. Identification of the test - UTN Number: U1111-1216-8272

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença renal crônica está diretamente relacionada a distúrbios cardiovasculares. Exercícios físicos guiados melhoram significativamente os efeitos adversos do tratamento dialíticoOBJETIVO: Analisar as alterações nos parâmetros bioquímicos de indivíduos com doença renal crônica submetidos a exercícios moderados durante a hemodiáliseMÉTODO: Este é um estudo experimental composto por 54 indivíduos submetidos à hemodiálise, divididos em um grupo controle e um grupo com intervenção. O grupo experimental passou por três sessões semanais de exercício aeróbico, realizadas durante as sessões de hemodiálise, com duração de 30 minutos, por 12 semanas. Os parâmetros sanguíneos de ambos os grupos foram comparadosRESULTADOS: Diferenças estatisticamente significativas foram observadas entre o protocolo pré (p=0,001) e pós-exercício para urea (p=0,006), cálcio (p=0,001), alanina aminotransferase (p=0,020) e sódio (p=&0.001). No grupo controle, observamos diferenças significativas para a variável cálcio (p<0.001), alanina aminotransferase (p=0,024), hematócrito (p=0,015), cálcio vs fósforo (p=0,018) e sódio (p=0,023), antes e depois do períodoCONCLUSÃO: O treinamento aeróbico durante a hemodiálise foi capaz de manter a estabilidade do nível sanguíneo em pacientes com doença renal crônica, tanto durante quanto no final do protocolo, considerando mesmo o aumento do fluxo sanguíneo. Este ensaio está registrado no registro brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos - número RBR-7354r6. Data de inscrição: 5 de julho de 2018 às 12h59. : 24 de julho de 2018 às 10h24. Identificação do teste - UTN Número: U1111-1216-8272

Horseshoe Kidney / Riñón en herradura

Abstract We present the clinical case of a 39 year old male that presented with a violent death in the city of Medellin. During the necropsy, a horseshoe Kidney was found, which was never diagnosed according to the patients' medical history. It is a case relevant in the medical field given the unusual vasculature that was found, because it's not a usual arrangement. The lack of symptoms and its spontaneous finding during the necropsy, shows us that it's not a rare find in our environment and that it has a big impact in the surgical fields, and in occasions, with urinary tract infections. Methodology: Descriptive. Informed consent was given by the deceased relatives for the use and analysis of the medical history.

Resumen Se expone el caso de un hombre de 39 años que presenta muerte violenta en la ciudad de Medellín. Durante la necropsia se encuentra un riñón en herradura, que no tuvo diagnóstico clínico en su momento, según los hallazgos en su historial médico. Es un caso que puede tener implicaciones en el campo médico, dada la vasculature accesoria que presenta, presentación que no es comúnmente observada. La falta de sintomatología y su hallazgo espontáneo durante la necropsia hacen ver que, a pesar de la poca incidencia, no es extraño encontrar el caso en pacientes de nuestro entorno. Este tiene mayor impacto en el campo quirúrgico y, en ocasiones, en las afecciones urinarias. Metodología: descriptivo. Se obtuvo consentimiento informado, de la familia del occiso, para el estudio de su historial médico.

Clinical characteristic of a population of diabetics type 2 with alteration in the renal function non macroalbuminuric / Características clínicas de una población de diabéticos tipo 2 con alteración en la función renal no macroalbuminúricos

Abstract Background: The main cause of impaired renal function in diabetic patients is diabetic nephropathy (ND), but there are other causes that should always be investigated especially when they do not detect macroalbuminuria. Aims: Characterization of demographic, clinical and etiological variables found in a population of type 2 diabetics over 10 years of non-macroalbuminuric evolution with nitrogen products elevation. Methods: We identified 67 patients, in whom several imaging studies were performed to obtain an etiological diagnosis. If the studies were inconclusive, percutaneous renal biopsy was performed. Results: The mean age was 73.4 years (SD: 9.3). Mean creatinine 1.8 mg / dl, 50.75% of the patients had normal albuminuria (A1) and 49.3% moderately increased albuminuria (A2). In 28 patients, imaging diagnoses were obtained, with hypertensive nephropathy being the main finding. A total of 58.20% (39 patients) of the population were submitted to renal biopsy. ND was detected in the 28% of cases (11 patients), hypertensive nephrosclerosis 28% (11 patients), mixed nephropathy (diabetic and hypertensive) 18% (7 patients), 5% IgA nephropathy (2 patients). Conclusions: Hypertensive nephropathy is the main cause of elevated nitrogen products in non-macroalbuminuric type 2 diabetics. Isolated ND accounts for only 16.42% (11 patients) of the causes of this population.

Resumen Antecedentes: aunque la principal causa de deterioro en la función renal en pacientes diabéticos es la nefropatía diabética (ND), existen otras causas que siempre se deben investigar, especialmente cuando en ellos no se detecta macroalbuminuria. Objetivo: caracterización de variables demográficas, clínicas y etiológicas encontradas en una población de diabéticos tipo 2 de más de 10 años de evolución, no macroalbuminúricos, con elevación de azoados. Métodos: se identificaron 67 pacientes, en los cuales se practicaron diversos estudios imagenológicos para lograr un diagnostico etiológico. Si los estudios no fueron concluyentes, se procedió a practicar biopsia renal percutánea Resultados: la media de edad fue de 73,4 años (DE: 9,3). Media de creatinina 1,8 mg/dl, 50,75 % de los pacientes presentaron albuminuria normal (A1) y 49,3 % albuminuria moderadamente incrementada (A2). En 28 pacientes se obtuvo diagnósticos por imágenes, siendo la nefropatía hipertensiva el principal hallazgo. Se practicó biopsia renal al 58,20 % de la población (39 pacientes) y, en ellos, los diagnósticos fueron: ND aislada en el 28 % de los casos (11 pacientes), nefroesclerosis hipertensiva 28 % (11 pacientes), nefropatía mixta (diabética e hipertensiva) 18 % (7 pacientes), nefropatía por IgA 5 % (2 pacientes). Conclusiones: la nefropatía hipertensiva es la principal causa de elevación de azoados en diabéticos tipo 2 no macroalbuminúricos. La ND aislada sólo explica el 16,42 % (11 pacientes) de las causas de esta población.

Role of vasopressin in current anesthetic practice / 대한마취과학회지

Arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone, is a peptide endogenously secreted by the posterior pituitary in response to hyperosmolar plasma or systemic hypoperfusion states. When administered intravenously, it causes an intense peripheral vasoconstriction through stimulation of V₁ receptors on the vascular smooth muscle. Patients in refractory shock associated with severe sepsis, cardiogenic or vasodilatory shock, or cardiopulmonary bypass have inappropriately low plasma levels of AVP (‘relative vasopressin deficiency’) and supersensitivity to exogenously-administered AVP. Low doses of AVP and its synthetic analog terlipressin can restore vasomotor tone in conditions that are resistant to catecholamines, with preservation of renal blood flow and urine output. They are also useful in the treatment of refractory arterial hypotension in patients chronically treated with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, cardiac arrest, or bleeding esophageal varices. In the perioperative setting, they represent attractive adjunct vasopressors in advanced shock states that are unresponsive to conventional therapeutic strategies.

A Case of Bilateral Renal Infarction of Unknown Cause in a Previously Healthy Young Male

We report a rare case of bilateral renal infarction resulting in acute renal failure in a previously healthy 26-year-old soldier. The patient presented with an abdominal pain and bilateral costovertebral angle tenderness. Laboratory studies showed elevated serum creatinine, mild leukocytosis, and increased lactate dehydrogenase. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed multiple perfusion defects in both kidneys with wedge-shaped infarction in right kidney. Kidney biopsy performed in the left kidney revealed microinfarction. Comprehensive work-up did not reveal any specific causes or risk factors except smoking, and the infarction was considered to be idiopathic. He emphasized that he received extremely strenuous military training several days before he came to the hospital. He was treated with low molecular weight heparin with significant improvement in renal function. Further studies are needed for the characterization of idiopathic renal infarction in previously healthy individuals and evaluating the mechanisms including strenuous physical activity on the renal blood flow.

Factors influencing the renal arterial Doppler waveform: a simulation study using an electrical circuit model (secondary publication)

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of vascular compliance, resistance, and pulse rate on the resistive index (RI) by using an electrical circuit model to simulate renal blood flow. METHODS: In order to analyze the renal arterial Doppler waveform, we modeled the renal blood-flow circuit with an equivalent simple electrical circuit containing resistance, inductance, and capacitance. The relationships among the impedance, resistance, and compliance of the circuit were derived from well-known equations, including Kirchhoff's current law for alternating current circuits. Simulated velocity-time profiles for pulsatile flow were generated using Mathematica (Wolfram Research) and the influence of resistance, compliance, and pulse rate on waveforms and the RI was evaluated. RESULTS: Resistance and compliance were found to alter the waveforms independently. The impedance of the circuit increased with increasing proximal compliance, proximal resistance, and distal resistance. The impedance decreased with increasing distal compliance. The RI of the circuit decreased with increasing proximal compliance and resistance. The RI increased with increasing distal compliance and resistance. No positive correlation between impedance and the RI was found. Pulse rate was found to be an extrinsic factor that also influenced the RI. CONCLUSION: This simulation study using an electrical circuit model led to a better understanding of the renal arterial Doppler waveform and the RI, which may be useful for interpreting Doppler findings in various clinical settings.

Prevention of Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill pediatric patients has been reported as increasing to 25 %, depending on population characteristics. The etiology of AKI has changed over the last 10-20 years from primary renal disease to the renal conditions associated with systemic illness. The AKI in pediatric population is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, and prevention is needed to reduce the consequence of AKI. It is known that the most important risk factors for AKI in critically ill pediatric patients are clinical conditions to be associated with decreased renal blood flow, direct renal injury, and illness severity. Renal hypoperfusion leads to neurohormonal activation including renin-angiotensinaldosterone system, sympathetic nervous system, antidiuretic hormone, and prostaglandins. Prolonged renal hypoperfusion can result in acute tubular necrosis. The direct renal injury can be predisposed under the condition of renal hypoperfusion, and appropriate treatment of volume depletion is important to prevent AKI. The preventable causes of AKI include contrast-induced nephropathy, hemodynamic instability, inappropriate mediation use, and multiple nephrotoxic insults. Given the evidence of preventable factors for AKI, several actions such as the use of protocol for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy, appropriate treatment of volume depletion, vigorous treatment of sepsis, avoidance of combinations of nephrotoxic medications, and monitoring of levels of drugs should be recommended.

Value of fractional flow reserve measurement in endovascular therapy for patients with Stanford B type aortic dissection complicated with renal blood flow injury / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement on endovascular therapy for patients with renal artery stenosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 12 patients with Stanford B type aortic dissection complicated with renal blood flow injury in Anzhen hospital hospitalized from May 2013 to February 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Renal artery angiography was performed and fractional flow reserve (FFR) was measured before Thoracic endovascular aortic repair. After operation, renal artery FFR was measured again, and renal artery stenting was performed in patients with FFR ≤ 0.90 or average pressure difference between proximal and distal of renal artery > 20 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) and not applied for patients with FFR > 0.90.The patients were then subsequently followed up clinically. Kidney function were measured after 1 month, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography data were obtained at 1 and 3 months later, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The FFR of 1 patient was 0.90, while the FFR of other patients were less than 0.90 before thoracic endovascular aortic repair. After the procedure,the angiography showed that the blood flow of renal artery in 8 patients were fluency, and the FFR index was over 0.90. There were 4 patients with FFR less than 0.90. After renal artery stenting, the FFR of these 4 patients were all above 0.90. Compared with pre-procedure, blood urea nitrogen ((8.84 ± 3.99) mmol/L vs. (5.18 ± 1.69) mmol/L, P = 0.011) and uric acid ((359.3 ± 77.3) µmol/L vs. (276.9 ± 108.3) µmol/L, P = 0.008) decreased significantly after 1 month, and there was no significant difference in serum creatinine (P = 0.760). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography results showed that blood flow of renal artery were fluency after 1 month and 3 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In patients with aortic dissection complicating renal blood flow injury, the FFR measurement is meaningful in evaluating the blood flow status of target organs and guide the endovascular revascularization.</p>

Comparação da contenção farmacológica com cetamina e xilazina, administradas pela via intramuscular no membro torácico ou pélvico, em jacarés-do-papo-amarelo juvenis / Comparison of pharmacological restraint with ketamine and xylazine, administered intramuscularly in the forelimb or hindlimb, in broad-snouted caiman juveniles

Os répteis possuem um sistema porta-renal, o qual pode desviar parte do sangue proveniente das porções caudais do corpo aos rins antes que a mesma atinja a circulação sistêmica. Em vista disto, vem sendo aconselhada a administração de medicamentos injetáveis nos membros torácicos, para que se evite a filtração imediata pelo parênquima renal, causando redução do efeito esperado. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos da associação de cetamina (30 mg/kg) e xilazina (1 mg/kg), injetada no membro torácico ou pélvico, em jacarés-do-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) juvenis. Oito animais machos com peso médio (±DP) de 1,3 (±0,3) kg e, aproximadamente, dois anos de idade foram anestesiados em duas ocasiões distintas com intervalo de sete dias. Em cada ocasião, os animais receberam, de forma aleatória, a associação anestésica por via intramuscular em membro torácico (tratamento MT) ou pélvico (tratamento MP). Foram avaliados os intervalos de tempo entre a administração do tratamento e a perda do reflexo de endireitamento (período de indução), entre a perda e o retorno desse reflexo (duração do efeito clínico importante) e entre o retorno do reflexo de endireitamento e os primeiros movimentos de deambulação (duração do efeito residual), as frequências cardíaca e respiratória e as temperaturas ambiental e cloacal. Os escores de sedação/anestesia foram avaliados através de uma escala com variação de 0 (alerta/consciente) a 10 (anestesia profunda/sobredosagem). No tratamento MP, dois animais não apresentaram perda de reflexo de endireitamento. Considerando somente aqueles que apresentaram a perda desse reflexo, o tempo de indução (21±9 e 17±5 minutos) e a duração do efeito clínico importante (35±19 e 43±21 minutos) e residual (28±31 e 12±11 minutos) foram similares entre os tratamentos MT e MP (média±desvio padrão)...

Reptiles possess a renal portal system which can divert part of the blood from the caudal portions of the body to the kidney before it reaches the systemic circulation. In view of this, it has been recommended the administration of injectable medications in the forelimbs, in order to avoid immediate glomerular filtration, which might result in a reduction of the expected effect. The aim of this study was to compare qualitative and quantitative aspects of the pharmacological restraint provided by the combination of ketamine (30mg/kg) and xylazine (1mg/kg), injected into the forelimb or hindlimb, in broad-snouted caiman juveniles (Caiman latirostris). Eight male animals, with a mean weight (±SD) of 1.3 (±0.3) kg, and aged about 2 years old, were anesthetized on two separate occasions with an interval of 7 days. On each occasion, the animals were randomly assigned to receive the anesthetic combination intramuscularly into the forelimb (FL treatment) or hindlimb (HL treatment). The time intervals between administration of treatment and loss of the righting reflex (induction time), between the loss and return of this reflex (duration of important clinical effect), and between the return of the righting reflex and first movements of ambulation (duration of residual effect) were measured as well as heart and respiratory rates and cloacal and environmental temperatures. Sedation/anesthesia scores were evaluated using a scale ranging from 0 (alert/conscious) to 10 (deep anesthesia/overdose). In the HL treatment, loss of righting reflex was not observed in two animals. Considering only those animals whose loss of righting reflex was observed, the induction time (21±9 and 17±5 minutes), the duration of important clinical effect (35±19 and 43±21 minutes), and the duration of residual effect (28±31 and 12±11 minutes) were similar between the FL and HL treatments, respectively (mean±SD). Sedation/anesthesia scores were significantly higher than at baseline...

Determinantes precoces en el desarrollo de injuria renal aguda durante la sepsis abdominal experimental / Early determinants of acute kidney injury during experimental intra-abdominal sepsis

Background: Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is an early and frequent organ dysfunction, associated with increased mortality. Aim: To evaluate the impact of macrohemodynamic and microcirculatory changes on renal function and histology during an experimental model of intra-abdominal sepsis. Material and Methods: In 18 anaesthetized pigs, catheters were installed to measure hemodynamic parameters in the carotid, right renal and pulmonary arteries. After baseline assessment and stabilization, animals were randomly divided to receive and intra-abdominal infusion of autologous feces or saline. Animals were observed for 18 hours thereafter. Results: In all septic animals, serum lactate levels increased, but only eight developed AKI (66%). These animals had higher creatinine and interleukin-6 levels, lower inulin and para-aminohippurate clearance (decreased glomerular filtration and renal plasma flow), and a negative lactate uptake. Septic animals with AKI had lower values of mean end arterial pressure, renal blood flow and kidney perfusion pressure, with an associated increase in kidney oxygen extraction. No tubular necrosis was observed in kidney histology. Conclusions: The reduction in renal blood flow and renal perfusion pressure were the main mechanisms associated with AKI, but were not associated with necrosis. Probably other mechanisms, such as microcirculatory vasoconstriction and inflammation also contributes to AKI development.

Renal arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging in normal adults: a study with a 3.0 T scanner / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the renal relative blood flow value (rBFV) and image quality in normal adults using single-shot fast spin echo, flow sensitive invention recovery (SSFSE-FAIR) magnetic resonance (MR) sequence and echo planar imaging, and flow sensitive invention recovery (EPI-FAIR) MR sequence, and assess its value for clinical application in routine renal examination.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty volunteers (25 male and 15 female adults, aged 30 to 62 years) with normal renal function were included in this prospective study. All the subjects underwent 3.0 Tesla MR scanning using 3 MR scan modes, namely breath-holding EPI-FAIR, breath-holding SSFSE-FAIR and free breathing SSFSE-FAIR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SSFSE-FAIR without breath-holding was capable of differentiating the renal cortex and medulla with the corresponding rBFVs of 111.48∓9.23 and 94.98∓3.38, respectively. Breath-holding SSFSE-FAIR and EPI-FAIR failed to distinguish the borders of the renal cortex and medulla. The EPI-FAIR rBFV of mixed cortex and medulla value was 178.50∓17.17 (95%CI: 167.59, 189.41).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Breath-holding SSFSE-FAIR and EPI-FAIR can not distinguish the renal cortex and medulla due to a poor spatial resolution but can be used for rough evaluation of renal blood perfusion. Free breathing SSFSE-FAIR with an improved spatial resolution allows evaluation of the status of renal perfusion of the cortex and medulla.</p>

Influence of non-sodium restricted diet with diuretics on plasma rennin, renal blood flow and in patients with cirrhotic ascites / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore influence of sodium restricted diet and non-sodium restricted diet on plasma rennin (PRA), angiotensin II (All), ALD, renal blood flow (RBF) and subside of ascites in patients with cirrhotic ascites.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty cases of hepatitis B with cirrhotic ascites were randomly divided into sodium restricted diet group and non-sodium restricted diet group. 39 cases were in non-sodium restricted diet group, taking sodium chloride 6500-8000 mg daily; 41 cases were in sodium restricted diet group, taking sodium chloride 5000 mg daily. Both groups received diuretics furosemide and spironolactone. Blood sodium, urine sodium, PRA, AII, ALD, RBF ascites subsiding were compared after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In non-sodium restricted diet group, blood sodium and urine sodium increased 10 days after treatment compared with those before treatment, and compared with those of sodium restricted diet group 10 days after treatment, P <0. 01. RBF increased compared with that before treatment, and compared with that of sodium restricted diet group 10 days after treatment, P < 0. 01. Renal damage induced by low blood sodium after treatment was less in non-sodium restricted diet group than that in sodium restricted diet group, P <0. 05. Ascites disappearance upon discharge was more in sodium restricted diet group than that in non-sodium restricted diet group, P <0. 01. Time of ascites disappearance was shorter in non-sodium restricted diet group than that in sodium restricted diet group, P < 0. 01.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with sodium restricted diet, while using diuretics of both groups, non-sodium restricted diet can increase level of blood sodium, thus increasing excretion of urine sodium and diuretic effect. It can also decrease levels of PRA, AII and ALD, increase renal blood flow and prevent renal damage induced by low blood sodium and facilitate subsiding of ascites.</p>

Lovastatin protects mithochondrial and renal function in kidney ischemia-reperfusion in rats / Lovastatina protege a função renal e mitocondrial na isquemia/reperfusão renal em ratos

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of lovastatin on renal ischemia followed by reperfusion. METHODS: Thirty one Wistar rats submitted to left renal ischemia for 60 minutes followed by contralateral nephrectomy were divided into two groups: A (n =17, control, no treatment), and B (n=14, lovastatin 15 mg/kg/day p.o. ten days before ischemia). The animals were sacrificed at the end of ischemia, after 24 hours and at seven days after reperfusion. Survival, serum urea and creatinine levels and renal mitochondrial function were evaluated. RESULTS: Mortality was 29.4% in group A and 0.7% in group B. Urea and creatinine levels were increased in both groups, but the values were significantly lower in group B. Mitochondrial function showed decoupling in 83.4% of group A, as opposed to 38.4/% of group B. CONCLUSIONS: The result shows a protective action of renal function by lovastatin administered before ischemia/reperfusion. Since most of the mitochondrial fraction presented membranes with the ability to maintain ATP production in group B, stabilization of the mitochondrial membrane should be considered as part of the protective action of lovastatin on renal function in ischemia/reperfusion.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a ação da lovastatina na isquemia renal seguida de reperfusão. MÉTODOS: Trinta e um ratos Wistar submetidos à isquemia renal esquerda durante 60 minutos, seguida da nefrectomia contralateral, foram distribuídos em dois grupos: A (n=17, controle, sem tratamento) e B (n=14, recebendo 15 mg/Kg/dia de lovastatina via oral), durante os dez dias que antecederam a isquemia. Os animais foram mortos ao final da isquemia, e com 24 horas e sete dias após a reperfusão. Foram avaliadas a sobrevida, os valores séricos de uréia e creatinina e a função mitocondrial renal. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade foi 29,4% no grupo A e 0,7% no grupo B. Os níveis de uréia e creatinina elevaram-se nos dois grupos, mas foram significativamente menores no grupo B. No grupo A a função mitocondrial renal ficou desacoplada em 83,4% dos ensaios, enquanto que no grupo B isto ocorreu em apenas 38,4% dos ensaios. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram que a administração de lovastatina antes do episódio de isquemia protege a função renal. No grupo B, como a maior parte da fração mitocondrial isolada apresentou função acoplada à produção de ATP, deve-se também considerar a estabilização da membrana mitocondrial como parte da ação protetora da lovastatina na função renal durante isquemia e reperfusão.

Acute Kidney Injury: Differential Diagnosis and New Biomarker / 대한내과학회지

Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasing and despite advances in supportive care, mortality from AKI in critically ill patients still exceeds 50%. Major causes of AKI can be classified into prerenal, renal and postrenal AKI and many of prerenal or ischemic acute tubular necrosis (ATN) are caused by decreased renal blood flow. In addition, exposure to nephrotoxicant or diverse drugs can lead to AKI and diseases that affect larger renal vessels, glomeruli, or renal microvasculature are also other causes of AKI. Because type of renal injury or initiation of proper therapy in setting of AKI is important in determining patient prognosis, differential diagnosis utilizing patients history, physical examination, and laboratory data including urinalysis, urine diagnostic indices, radiologic examination is important. Lack of sensitive biomarkers for early detection of AKI, which resembles troponin in acute myocardial infarction is one critical factor that has hampered the successful translation of various therapeutic strategies that were effective in animal research. However, over the last decade, efforts to identify and validate novel urine or plasma biomarkers in AKI led to identification of several promising biomarkers including neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-18 (IL-18), cystatin-C and liver type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP). Although far from replacing serum creatinine in clinical practice yet, data from large clinical studies are promising and here I briefly reviewed the characteristics of them and possible clinical utility in AKI.

Effect of polyethylene oxide on renal hemodynamics in rabbits with endotoxin shock / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of polyethylene oxide (PEO) on renal blood flow and its renoprotective effect in rabbits with endotoxin sepsis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty normal New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into normal saline (NS) group and PEO group (n=10), and endotoxin shock was induced by an intravenous injection of 0.6 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide. Resuscitation was performed when the blood pressure of the rabbits showed a 30% decline, using NS (in NS group) or the mixture of equal volumes of NS and 20 ng/g PEO (in PEO group) perfused at the rate of 5 ml/kg per hour. Before and during shock and at 1 h after resuscitation, the renal hemodynamics was monitored by ultrasound and the venous blood was extracted to examine the renal functions. The heart rate and arterial blood pressure were monitored throughout the experiment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rabbits in both groups showed a significantly lower renal artery blood flow velocity during the shock (P<0.05) with significantly increased pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) compared with those before the shock. One hour after resuscitation, the blood flow velocity in the renal arteries at all levels and the tertiary veins were reduced in NS group without obvious reduction of the PI and RI; in PEO group, the blood flow velocities in the renal arteries increased significantly compared to those before shock (P<0.05), and the PI and RI of the tertiary arteries were significantly lower than those in NS group (P<0.05). In both groups, BUN and Cr increased during endotoxin shock stage, and 1 h after resuscitation, PEO group showed significantly lower BUN and Cr levels than NS group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A small dose of PEO can significantly promote renal perfusion in rabbits with septic shock, thus offering renoprotective effect against early damage in septicopyemia and septic shock.</p>

The Effect of Distal Aortic Pressure on Spinal Cord Perfusion in Rats

BACKGROUND: Aortic cross clamping is associated with spinal cord ischemia. This study used a rat spinal cord ischemia model to investigate the effect of distal aortic pressure on spinal cord perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=12) were divided into three groups. In group A (n=4), the aorta was not occluded. In groups B (n=4) and C (n=4), the aorta was occluded. In group B the distal aortic pressures dropped to around 20 mmHg. In group C, the distal aortic pressure was decreased to near zero. The carotid artery and tail artery were cannulated to monitor the proximal aortic pressure and the distal aortic pressure. Fluorescent microspheres were used to measure the regional blood flow in the spinal cord. RESULTS: After aortic occlusion, blood flow to the cervical spinal cord showed no significant difference among the three groups. In groups B and C, the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord and renal blood flow decreased. No microspheres were detected in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord of group C. CONCLUSION: The spinal cord blood flow is dependent on the distal aortic pressure after thoracic aortic occlusion.

Effects of the renal blood flow at different levels by transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined general anesthesia induced controlled hypotension / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the intervention of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the renal blood flow at different levels of mean arterial pressure (MAP) in controlled hypotension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-two male beagle dogs were randomly divided into seven groups, i. e., the general anesthesia group, the 50% controlled group, the 40% controlled group, the 30% controlled group, the 50% experimental group, the 40% experimental group, and the 30% experimental group, 6 in each group. Beagles in the general anesthesia group were not treated with controlled hypotension, and the target MAP was achieved in those of the rest groups and maintained for 60 min. In the experimental groups, TEAS was applied to bilateral Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Quchi (LI11) at 2/100 Hz with the stimulation strength of (4 +/- 1) mA starting from the stability of their physiological conditions to 60 min of maintaining the target MAP level. The changes of the renal blood flow were monitored at different time points using laser Doppler.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From starting pressure control to the target MAP level, the renal blood flow was significantly lower in the 30% controlled group than in the general anesthesia group and the basic level of the same group (P < 0.05), while there was no obvious change in the 30% experimental group. In maintaining the blood pressure, the renal blood flow was significantly lower in the 50% controlled group, the 40% controlled group, the 30% controlled group, and the 30% experimental group than in the general anesthesia group (P < 0.05), while there was no obvious change in the 50% experimental group or the 40% experimental group. By the end of blood pressure recovery, the renal blood flow restored to the basic level in the 50% controlled group, the 50% experimental group, and the 40% experimental group (P > 0.05), while it was not restored to the basic level in the 40% controlled group, the 30% controlled group, and the 30% experimental group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TEAS combined general anesthesia in controlled hypotension could effectively improve the renal blood flow, thus protecting the kidney.</p>

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound analysis of renal perfusion in normal micropigs

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is one of method for evaluating renal perfusion. The purpose of this project was to assess perfusion patterns and dynamics in normal micropig kidney using ultrasonographic contrast media. Eight young healthy micropigs were included in this study. Micropigs were anesthetized with propofol and received an intravenous bolus of microbubble contrast media through an ear vein. Time/mean pixel value (MPV) curves were generated for selected regions in the right renal cortex and medulla. The parenchyma was enhanced in two phases. The cortex was first enhanced followed by a more gradual enhancement of the medulla. A significant difference in perfusion was detected between the cortex and medulla. Following the bolus injection, the average upslope was 0.68 +/- 0.27 MPV/sec, downslope was -0.27 +/- 0.13 MPV/sec, baseline was 73.9 +/- 16.5 MPV, peak was 84.6 +/- 17.2 MPV, and time-to-peak (from injection) was 17.5 +/- 6.6 sec for the cortex. For the medulla, the average upslope was 0.50 +/- 0.24 MPV/sec, downslope was -0.12 +/- 0.06 MPV/sec, baseline was 52.7 +/- 7.0 MPV, peak was 65.2 +/- 9.3 MPV, and time-to-peak (from injection) was 27.5 +/- 5.0 sec. These data can be used as normal reference values for studying young micropigs.