Serum calcification propensity and its association with biochemical parameters and bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients

T50 is a novel serum-based marker that assesses the propensity for calcification in serum. A shorter T50 indicates a greater propensity to calcify and has been associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease. The factors associated with T50 and the correlation between T50 and bone mineral density (BMD) are unknown in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 184 patients undergoing HD. Individuals were grouped into tertiles of T50 to compare the demographic and disease indicators of the tertiles. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association between T50 and hip and spinal BMD in a multivariate model. Results: Mineral and inflammatory parameters, including serum phosphate (r = –0.156, p = 0.04), albumin (r = 0.289, p < 0.001), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = –0.224, p = 0.003) levels, were associated with T50. We found a weak association between T50 and BMD in the total hip area in the unadjusted model (β = 0.030, p = 0.04) but did not find a statistically significant association with the total hip (β = 0.017, p = 0.12), femoral neck (β = –0.001, p = 0.96), or spinal BMD (β = 0.019, p = 0.33) in multivariable-adjusted models. Conclusion: T50 was moderately associated with mineral and inflammatory parameters but did not conclusively establish an association with BMD in HD patients. Broad-scale future studies should determine whether T50 can provide insights into BMD beyond traditional risk factors in this population.

Elevated levels of soluble ST2 but not galectin-3 are associated with increased risk of mortality in hemodialysis patients

Background@#The soluble forms of suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (ST2) and galectin-3 have been proposed as novel biomarkers for cardiac fibrosis and heart failure, as well as predictors of cardiovascular events and mortality. However, there are limited data on the association between soluble ST2 and galectin-3 and clinical outcomes in patients with kidney failure on replacement therapy. To determine this, we examined the associations between soluble ST2 and galectin-3 and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients on hemodialysis. @*Methods@#This study included maintenance hemodialysis patients (over 18 years old) who consented to preserve their serum in the Biobank at our institution between March 2014 and March 2015. We used Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to evaluate the associations between soluble ST2, galectin-3 levels, and clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, the secondary outcome was cardiovascular disease, and patients were followed for both outcomes until March 2018. @*Results@#A total of 296 patients were analyzed in this study. The mean age was 57 ± 13 years, and 53.0% were male. Serum concentration of soluble ST2 was significantly associated with higher mortality, after adjustment for confounding factors, but was not associated with cardiovascular disease. Serum galectin-3 level was not independently associated with either outcome after adjustment. @*Conclusion@#Elevated soluble ST2 is independently associated with an increased risk of mortality, but not with cardiovascular disease, in patients on hemodialysis. Elevated galectin-3 was not associated with mortality or cardiovascular disease.

Elevated levels of soluble ST2 but not galectin-3 are associated with increased risk of mortality in hemodialysis patients

Background@#The soluble forms of suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (ST2) and galectin-3 have been proposed as novel biomarkers for cardiac fibrosis and heart failure, as well as predictors of cardiovascular events and mortality. However, there are limited data on the association between soluble ST2 and galectin-3 and clinical outcomes in patients with kidney failure on replacement therapy. To determine this, we examined the associations between soluble ST2 and galectin-3 and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients on hemodialysis. @*Methods@#This study included maintenance hemodialysis patients (over 18 years old) who consented to preserve their serum in the Biobank at our institution between March 2014 and March 2015. We used Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to evaluate the associations between soluble ST2, galectin-3 levels, and clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, the secondary outcome was cardiovascular disease, and patients were followed for both outcomes until March 2018. @*Results@#A total of 296 patients were analyzed in this study. The mean age was 57 ± 13 years, and 53.0% were male. Serum concentration of soluble ST2 was significantly associated with higher mortality, after adjustment for confounding factors, but was not associated with cardiovascular disease. Serum galectin-3 level was not independently associated with either outcome after adjustment. @*Conclusion@#Elevated soluble ST2 is independently associated with an increased risk of mortality, but not with cardiovascular disease, in patients on hemodialysis. Elevated galectin-3 was not associated with mortality or cardiovascular disease.

Adipsic Hypernatremia after Clipping of a Ruptured Aneurysm in the Anterior Communicating Artery:A Case Report

Adipsia is a rare disorder that occurs due to damage to the osmoreceptor and not feeling thirst despite hyperosmolality. Adipsic hypernatremia can occur when there is damage to the anterior communicating artery that supplies blood to osmoreceptors, and the level of arginine vasopressin secretion varies widely. A 37-year-old woman, suffering from severe headache, was consulted to the nephrology department for hypernatremia and polyuria after clipping of a ruptured aneurysm in the anterior communicating artery. Despite her hypernatremic hyperosmolar state, she denied thirst and did not drink spontaneously. She was diagnosed adipsic hypernatremia by evaluating the osmoregulatory and baroregulatory function tests.Because adipsic hypernatremia is caused by not enough drinking water even for hyperosmolality due to the lack of thirst stimulus, the strategies of treatment are that setting the target body weight when serum osmolality is normal and have the patient drink water until patient reach the target body weight. Adipsic hypernatremia should be considered to be a rare complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with an anterior communicating artery aneurysm.

Neurolytic abdominal wall blocks with alcohol for intractable gastrostomy site pain in a cancer patient -a case report- / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#There have been reports of neurolytic transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block using different agents such as alcohol or phenol for the treatment of chronic abdominal pain caused by malignant abdominal wall invasion. However, to date, there have been no reports on neurolytic abdominal wall blocks for pain with non-cancer-related origin in cancer patients. Case: We performed subcostal TAP neurolysis using ethanol in a patient with esophageal cancer with constant pain at the site of gastrostomy. After neurolysis, the patient’s overall pain decreased, with the exception of pain in the medial part of the gastrostomy site. We performed additional rectus sheath neurolysis using ethanol for the treatment of continuous pain at the medial site, and the effect of neurolysis has persisted for over 4 months. @*Conclusions@#Alcohol-based TAP neurolysis and rectus sheath neurolysis provide effective pain control in a cancer patient with chronic treatment-related pain involving the abdominal wall.

Associations between Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (sRAGE) and S100A12 (EN-RAGE) with Mortality in Long-term Hemodialysis Patients

Hemodialysis (HD) patients experience vascular calcification, ultimately leading to high mortality rates. Previously, we reported associations between soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGEs) and extracellular newly identified RAGE-binding protein S100A12 (EN-RAGE) and vascular calcification. Here, we extended our observations, investigating whether these biomarkers may be useful for predicting cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in these subjects. Thus, we evaluated the relationship between sRAGE and S100A12 and mortality in long-term HD patients. This was a prospective observational cohort study in 199 HD patients from an extended analysis of our previous study. Plasma sRAGE, S100A12, comorbidities, and other traditional risk factors were investigated. The cumulative incidences for death using Cox proportional hazards regression were evaluated in multivariable analyses. The observation period was 44 months. During the observation period, 27 (13.6%) patients died. Univariate analysis demonstrated that S100A12 was correlated with diabetes (P = 0.040) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (P = 0.006). In multivariable analyses, plasma sRAGE (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.155; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.612–2.183; P = 0.656) and S100A12 (HR = 0.960; 95% CI = 0.566–1.630; P = 0.881) were not associated with mortality in HD patients, although traditional predictors of mortality, including age, history of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and serum levels of albumin and hsCRP were related to mortality. Powerful predictors of mortality were age, CVD, and albumin levels. Plasma sRAGE and S100A12 may be weak surrogate markers for predicting all-cause mortality in patients undergoing HD, although S100A12 was partly related to diabetes and inflammation.

Liver cirrhosis leads to poorer survival in patients with end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is an important problem in patients withend-stage renal disease (ESRD). Few studies have investigated the inf luence ofLC on mortality in patients with ESRD. This study investigated the associationbetween LC and mortality among patients with ESRD and compare mortality betweentwo dialysis modalities. METHODS: Adult patients (≥ 18 years of age) starting dialysis for ESRD were enrolledin the present study from 2000 to 2011. We analyzed 1,069 patients withESRD; of these, 742 patients were undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and 327 patientswere undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). RESULTS: The prevalence of LC was 44 of 1,069 patients (4.1%). The cumulative 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of noncirrhotic patients were 93%, 83%, and 73%, respectively,whereas the equivalent survival rates of cirrhotic patients were 90%,68%, and 48%, respectively (p = 0.011). After adjustment, LC was an independentrisk factor for death in patients with ESRD. No difference in mortality associatedwith LC was found between the HD and PD subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Of the patients with ESRD, cirrhotic patients had poorer survivalthan noncirrhotic patients. Among patients with ESRD and LC, survival of patientsundergoing PD may be comparable with that of patients undergoing HD.

IgG4-Related Systemic Disease Can Be Easily Mistaken as a Uroepithelial Tumor / 전남의대학술지

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognized systemic syndrome characterized by elevated serum IgG4 concentrations and tumefaction or tissue infiltration by IgG4-positive plasma cells. We experienced a case of IgG4-RD involving multiple organs in a 64-year-old female who was referred for a suspected uroepithelial tumor. A mass biopsy confirmed dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with an increased number of IgG4-positive plasma cells. We discuss this case and review the literature to bring IgG4-RD to the attention to clinicians because it responds dramatically well to steroid therapy and should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.

IgG4-Related Systemic Disease Can Be Easily Mistaken as a Uroepithelial Tumor / 전남의대학술지

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognized systemic syndrome characterized by elevated serum IgG4 concentrations and tumefaction or tissue infiltration by IgG4-positive plasma cells. We experienced a case of IgG4-RD involving multiple organs in a 64-year-old female who was referred for a suspected uroepithelial tumor. A mass biopsy confirmed dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with an increased number of IgG4-positive plasma cells. We discuss this case and review the literature to bring IgG4-RD to the attention to clinicians because it responds dramatically well to steroid therapy and should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.

IgG4-Related Systemic Disease Can Be Easily Mistaken as a Uroepithelial Tumor / 전남의대학술지

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognized systemic syndrome characterized by elevated serum IgG4 concentrations and tumefaction or tissue infiltration by IgG4-positive plasma cells. We experienced a case of IgG4-RD involving multiple organs in a 64-year-old female who was referred for a suspected uroepithelial tumor. A mass biopsy confirmed dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with an increased number of IgG4-positive plasma cells. We discuss this case and review the literature to bring IgG4-RD to the attention to clinicians because it responds dramatically well to steroid therapy and should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.

The Impact of ABCB1 Gene Polymorphism on Steroid Responsiveness in Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: Steroid pulse therapy has been used for patients with acute rejection after kidney transplantation. The ABCB1 gene codes for P-glycoprotein, a transporter that is involved in the metabolism of steroids. However, the role of ABCB1 polymorphisms has not been investigated in patients with acute rejection after kidney transplantation. METHODS: Among 763 patients that received kidney or simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation at Seoul National University Hospital between May 1996 and July 2009, 684 patients agreed to genetic sampling for polymorphisms. Acute rejection was defined as biopsy-proven, acute cellular rejection with increased serum creatinine, or in the context of delayed or slow graft function. Steroid-resistance was defined as no improvement in serum creatinine, need for additional OKT3 or ATG treatment, or repeated acute rejection within 30 days. Three polymorphisms of ABCB1 gene (C1236T, C3435T, G2677T/A) were assessed. RESULTS: C allele frequency of C3435T was 59.3% and of C1236T 40.1%. Patients who were steroid-resistant (n=37) had higher serum creatinine at kidney biopsy compared to those who were steroid-sensitive (n=49, P<0.001). The frequency of ABCB1 gene polymorphisms (C1236T and C3435T) did not differ significantly between patients who were steroid-sensitive and those who were resistant. An association with G2677T/A could not be analyzed due to a high failure rate of genotyping. CONCLUSIONS: ABCB1 gene polymorphisms (C1236T and C3435T) were not associated with steroid resistance in patients with acute cellular rejection after kidney transplantation.

A Case of Recurrent Exercise-Induced Acute Renal Failure and Renal Hypouricemia with R90H Mutation in a SCL22A12 Gene / 영남의대학술지

Acute renal failure with severe loin pain and patch renal ischemia after anaerobic exercise (ALPE) is a rare cause of exercise-induced acute kidney injury. Some ALPE patients also have renal hypouricemia. Mutations in the SCL22A12 gene are among the major factors of hypouricemia. Education for the prevention of relapse and genetic counseling should be recommended to ALPE patients with renal hypouricemia. This paper reports a 25-year-old man who showed recurrent exercise-induced ARF and renal hypouricemia with R90H mutation in his SCL22A12 gene.

Differences in Bone Mineral Density between the Right and Left Hips in Postmenopausal Women

Bone mineral density (BMD) using dual energy radiography absorptiometry are commonly used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. It is usually measured at the spine and also at one hip joint. Controversy still exists regarding the use of bilateral hip scanning. We analyzed the difference of BMD at bilateral hips in 384 postmenopausal women, retrospectively. The concordance and discordance rates of the lowest T-score and BMD between both hips were evaluated. The BMDs of the femoral neck and trochanter were significantly different between both hips (P < 0.05). There were also discrepancies between the lowest T-scores of both hips (P < 0.05). The discordance rates were about 30%. Due to significant differences in BMD between both hips at the femoral neck and trochanter and high discordance rate, bilateral hip measurements using DEXA are recommended to avoid underestimating osteoporosis.

Erratum to "Assessment of Deceased Donor Kidneys Using a Donor Scoring System" by Bang K, et al. (Yonsei Med J 2010;51:870-876)

No abstract available.

Erratum to "Assessment of Deceased Donor Kidneys Using a Donor Scoring System" by Bang K, et al. (Yonsei Med J 2010;51:870-876)

No abstract available.

Cardiovascular Diseases after Kidney Transplantation in Korea

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in renal allograft recipients with functioning graft. Our study aimed to determine the incidence and the risk factors of cardiovascular disease after renal transplantation in Korea. We retrospectively analyzed 430 adult recipients who underwent kidney transplantation between January 1997 and February 2007. CVD was defined as a composite outcome of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident and peripheral vascular disease. Mean age of recipients was 40.0+/-11.8 yr. Mean duration of follow-up was 72+/-39 months. The cumulative incidence of CVD after renal transplantation was 2.4% at 5 yr, 5.4% at 10 yr and 11.4% at 12 yr. Multivariate analysis revealed that recipient's age, diabetes mellitus and duration of dialysis before transplantation were associated with post-transplant CVD (hazard ratio 1.843 [95% CI, 1.005-3.381], 3.846 [95% CI, 1.025-14.432] and 3.394 [95% CI, 1.728-6.665] respectively). In conclusion, old age, duration of dialysis and diabetes mellitus are important risk factors for post-transplant CVD, although the incidence of post-renal transplant CVD is lower in Korea than that in western countries.

Assessment of Deceased Donor Kidneys Using a Donor Scoring System

PURPOSE: Marginal grafts should be used more actively in Asian countries where deceased donor transplantation is unpopular. We modified a quantitative donor scoring system proposed by Nyberg and his colleagues and developed a donor scoring system in order to assess the quality of deceased donor grafts and their prognostic value as an initial effort to promote usage of marginal donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 337 patients. RESULTS: A scoring system was derived from six donor variables [age, 0-25; renal function, 0-4; history of hypertension, 0-4; Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) mismatch, 0-3; body weight, 0-1; cause of death, 0-3 points]. Donor grafts were stratified by scores: grade A, 0-10; grade B, 11-20; grade C, 21-30; and grade D, 31-40 points. Donor grades significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 months (A, 64.0 mL/min/1.73 m2; B, 57.0 mL/min/1.73 m2; C, 46.8 mL/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.001). The five-year graft survival rate was also lower in grade C than grade A (74% vs. 93%, p = 0.002). Donors in grade C and D were regarded as marginal donors. The proportion of marginal donors was much lower in Korea, compared with data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (15.2% vs. 29%). CONCLUSION: Considering the scarcity of deceased donor kidneys and the relatively better graft outcome with lower grade-donors in Korea, it is worth increasing the usage of marginal grafts.

Current Management for Patients on the Waiting List of Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation in Korea / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: Health maintenance and monitoring of transplant candidates, the great majority of whom are undergoing chronic dialysis, can be a determinant of post-transplant prognosis. New issues such as malignancy, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and psychosocial problems might arise among potential recipients, which may lead to cancellation of the transplantation. METHODS: A questionnaire, including questions regarding follow-up monitoring, was sent to 66 transplant centers, and responses to the survey were obtained from 35 centers (53%). A similar questionnaire was sent to 217 wait-listed patients, and 164 (76%) responded. RESULTS: Regular contact between the transplant center and patients was maintained by only 37% of the centers. No consistent pattern of contact was observed for 11%. Sixty percent of the centers monitored patients by telephone. Three-fourths of the transplant centers monitored their patients annually or every 6 months. A cancer screening program was run by only 17% of the centers, and 29% did not routinely request cardiac screening. Most centers (83%) informed their patients of the features of marginal kidneys. However, many patients (69%) reported not hearing about marginal kidneys, and 43% indicated that a cadaver transplant was cancelled because of a cadaver donor problem. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey indicates that the necessity for routine follow-up monitoring is broadly recognized by 86% of transplant centers and 78% of wait-listed patients However, no formal monitoring guidelines currently exist for wait-listed patients in Korea. Therefore, guidelines are absolutely necessary for improving the quality of post-transplant life.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization Therapy for a Massive Polycystic Liver in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients

Polycystic liver is the most common extra-renal manifestation associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), comprising up to 80% of all features. Patients with polycystic liver often suffer from abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, or dyspnea; however, there have been few ways to relieve their symptoms effectively and safely. Therefore, we tried transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), which has been used in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. We enrolled four patients with ADPKD in Seoul National University Hospital, suffering from enlarged polycystic liver. We embolized the hepatic arteries supplying the dominant hepatic segments replaced by cysts using polyvinyl alcohol particles and micro-coils. The patients were evaluated 12 months after embolization for the change in both liver and cyst volumes. Among four patients, one patient was lost in follow up and 3 patients were included in the analysis. Both liver (33%; 10%) and cyst volume (47.7%; 11.4%) substantially decreased in two patients. Common adverse events were fever, epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. We suggest that TAE is effective and safe in treating symptomatic polycystic liver in selected ADPKD patients.

A case of primary renal angiosarcoma in a patient with end-stage renal disease / 대한내과학회지

Primary renal angiosarcoma is a rare and fatal malignant tumor. About 20 cases have been reported in the literature, but there has been no report of renal angiosarcoma in Korea. A 67-year old man with end-stage renal disease was admitted to the hospital for left flank pain. A computed tomography examination revealed a subcapsular hemorrhage in the left kidney. The patient was discharged after 2 weeks of observation. However, at 6 weeks after the discharge, the patient revisited the outpatient clinic due to aggravating pain, and a left nephrectomy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was angiosarcoma. Three weeks after the nephrectomy, a re-operation was performed because of uncontrolled intra-abdominal bleeding. The surgical findings revealed massive metastasis. The patient died of an uncontrolled hemorrhage about 1 week after the second surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a renal angiosarcoma in a patient with end-stage renal disease. It should be noted that a renal angiosarcoma may be a cause of a retroperitoneal hematoma.