Gene Expression in the Capsule Tissue of the Frozen Shoulder / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To investigate the overall expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion molecule genes using a gene array technique in the joint capsule of a frozen shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissues from 20 human shoulder joint capsules were harvested intraoperatively from patients (15 primary frozen shoulders, 5 controls) in our hospital. The RNA was isolated from the capsule tissue and the gene expression of ECM and adhesion molecules was analyzed using an oligo-array technique. RESULTS: The expression of several genes of the ECM and cell adhesion molecules was significantly higher in the capsule tissue from patients with a frozen shoulder than the controls. The gene expression of the collagen V alpha1/alpha3, VI alpha2/alpha3, VIII alpha1/alpha2, XV alpha1, XVIII alpha1 and ECM proteins including CD 44, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9/14, osteonectin, veriscan, hyaluronan synthase (HAS)-1, extra-cellular matrix (ECM)-1, secreted phosphoprotein (SSP)-1, tenascin C (TNC), thrombospondin 2/4 was two times higher in the frozen shoulder than the control. Several cell adhesion molecules genes including catenin alpha1, seletin p, integrin alpha3, beta2, beta4, beta5 and laminin alpha4, alpha5 were also two times higher in the in the patients with a frozen shoulder than the control. CONCLUSION: The gene expression of several ECM proteins and adhesion molecules is significantly higher in patients with frozen shoulder.

Relationship between decreased renal function and hemoglobin / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to define the relationship between the decreased renal function and anemia, and also to determine whether this relationship is different in male and female patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 289 patients (male:female=157:132) who were followed at the department of internal medicine at Chonnam National University Hospital. General linear models were used to analyze the relationship between the hemoglobin concentration and Modification of Diet in the Renal Disease formula estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (mL/min/1.73 m2). RESULTS: Among all patients, the mean hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit of the men with a Glomerular Filtration Rate of 50~59 mL/min/1.73 m2 was an absolute change of 0.8 g/dL (p=0.021) and it was 2.6% (p=0.011) lower than those of the patients with a Glomerular Filtration Rate> or =90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and continued to decrease further as the Glomerular Filtration Rate decreased, respectively (Hgb.: r=0.635, Hct.: r=0.640, all p or =90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and continued to decrease as the Glomerular Filtration Rate decreased, respectively (Hgb.: r=0.698, Hct: r=0.689, all p or =90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and continued to decrease further as the Glomerular Filtration Rate decreased, respectively (Hgb.: r=0.672, Hct.: r=0.687, all p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in the hemoglobin concentration was statistically significant in the patients of both genders, along with a moderately decreased Glomerular Filtration Rate (< or =60 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Blockade of Nitric Oxide Synthesis Further Diminishes Aquaporin Water Channels in Rat Kidney Subjected to Ischemia/reperfusion Injury / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGOUND: The present study examined whether a blockade of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis affects the regulation of aquaporin (AQP) water channels in rats subjected to renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS: Renal I/R was experimentally induced by clamping the left renal artery for 60 minutes in rats. The rats were kept for 7 days thereafter, during which they were supplied with tap water containing NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 mg/L). The expression of AQP1-3 was determined in the kidney by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: In renal I/R injury, the expression of AQP2 was significantly decreased. The treatment with L-NAME further diminished the expression of AQP2. Although the expression of either AQP1 or AQP3 was not significantly altered in the kidney subjected to I/R, it was also significantly decreased by the treatment with L-NAME. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that endogenous NO system should play a role in the regulation of AQP water channels in rat kidney subjected to I/R injury.

A Case of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Caused by Escherichia coli O104:H4

A 29-year-old woman presented with bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. She was diagnosed with Escherichia coli O104:H4-associated hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and treated with plasmapheresis and hemodialysis for 3 weeks. She recovered without sequelae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Escherichia coli O104:H4-associated HUS in Korea. We recommend that Escherichia coli O104:H4, as well as the more common O157:H7, be considered in the diagnosis of bloody diarrhea-associated HUS.

Diagnostic Noninvasive Tests for Coronary Artery Disease in Chronic Renal Failure Patients / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: As ischemic heart disease is the major cause of death in chronic renal failure patients, screening tests are clinically important. Although coronary angiography is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, other noninvasive tests are usually used to avoid this potentially dangerous and costly procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively determined the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac enzyme determination, and Technetium 99m tetrofosmin (TF) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in 61 chronic renal failure patients who underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (31.1%) were undergoing chronic hemodialysis, seven patients (11.4%) were undergoing peritoneal dialysis, and thirty five patients (57.3%) were undergoing conservative treatment. 99mTc SPECT had a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 19%. Although echocardiography and tronponin-T had a relatively lower sensitivity of 69 % and 56% than 99mTc SPECT, they had a higher specificity of 63% and 63%, respectively. 99mTc SPECT had the highest sensitivity of 88% and echocardiography had the highest specificity of 78% in renal replacement group. 99mTc SPECT had the highest sensitivity of 100% and Troponin T had the highest specificity of 71% in conservative treatment group. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive test for coronary artery disease in patients with chronic renal failure, especially 99mTc SPECT is of limited value because of their low specificity, so echocardiography and troponin T may helpful for diagnosing coronary artery disease.

SIADH Associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome / 대한신장학회잡지

The most common cause of hyponatremia in hospitalized patients is syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) characterized by water retention leading to decreased serum sodium concentration and osmolality. Since the report of Schwartz and his co-workers1), this syndrome has been described in various clinical settings. There are some reports on SIADH associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome in the literature2-6). However, to our knowledge, there was only one reported case of SIADH associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome in Korea

Erectile dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among patients with diabetes mellitus and impaired renal function. To estimate the prevalence of ED in diabetic nephropathy and to identify its risk factors, we carried out a survey of patients with diabetic nephropathy attending Chonnam University Hospital. METHODS: The presence of ED was assessed among 106 type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria or overt diabetic nephropathy or renal replacement therapy using its self- administered International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). ED was also classified into five validated severity levels, ranging from none (22-25), mild (17-21), mild/moderate (12-16), moderate (8-11), through severe (5-7). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between ED and other medical conditions. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.30+/-8.57 years in patients without ED and 58.53+/-8.46 years in patients with ED. The prevalence of any level of ED was 72% using IIEF. An independent t-test and chi-square demonstrated age, smoking, smoking duration, degree of nephropathy, coronary heart disease, neuropathy, diabetic foot, and retinopathy to be associated with the presence of any level of ED. Patients with ED had lower serum levels of hemoglobin, albumin, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and higher serum levels of BUN in unadjusted analyses compared with patients without ED. A multivariable logistic regression demonstrated age, serum creatinine concentration, and renal replacement therapy to be independently associated with the presence of any level of ED. CONCLUSION: ED is extremely prevalent among type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria or overt diabetic nephropathy or renal replacement therapy. Increased age and serum creatinine concentration, and renal replacement therapy were associated with higher prevalence of ED.

Diabetic Muscle Infarction in a Patient with Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis / 대한신장학회잡지

Diabetic muscle infarction (DMI) is a rare condition occurring in subjects with long-standing complicated diabetes mellitus. We report DMI in a 65-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing continous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) with review of this condition in the literature. He had been suffered from type 2 diabetes mellitus for 21 years. In 1997, he reached end-stage renal disease and had received on renal replacement therapy with CAPD since then. In June 2002, he presented with sudden and spontaneous onset of severe pain in the right thigh region. He was afebrile, and the right thigh was swollen and tender but not erythematous. Laboratory data on admission included white blood cell count of 15, 800/mm3, hemoglobin 9.0 g/dL, platelet count 264, 000/mm3, BUN 102.3 mg/dL, serum creatinine 9.9 mg/dL, fasting blood glucose 85 mg/dL, postprandial 2 hours blood glucose 162 mg/ dL, hemoglobin A1C 5.84%, ESR 125 mm/h (it was 52 mm/h one month earlier), CRP 18.9 mg/dL, and normal levels of creatinine kinase. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed asymmetry of the muscle in T1-weighted images and increased signal intensity involving the medial portion of right thigh (adductor longus, adductor magnus, vastus intermedius muscle, etc) in T2-weighted images with no contrast enhancement. Radioisotope venography of the ileo-femoral veins was normal, excluding deep venous thrombosis as a cause. The right thigh was explored surgically and a biopsy taken from the vastus intermedius muscle was consistent with chronically inflammed scar tissue with no evidence of malignancy. A biopsy taken from the vastus intermedius muscle showed hemorrhagic necrosis of skeletal muscle, with lymphcytic infiltration. Most of the blood vessels appeared normal. The swelling resolved spontaneously following a few weeks of bedrest and analgesia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of DMI in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy in Korea.

Serum CRP level is positively correlated with the cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis, a major problem in patients undergoing chronic dialysis treatment, has been characterized as an inflammatory disease. Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality, accouting for approximately half of all deaths in this population. The present study was aimed whether CRP, an important inflammatory marker, might be associated with cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients. METHODS: We performed retrospective study in 77 dialysis patients. Patients were divided into the elevated CRP group (>8 mg/L, n=11) and the normal CRP group (8 mg/L) showed significant higher cardiovascular events (by chi-squre test, p=0.032). BMI, smoking, alcohol, dialysis modality, lipid parameters, BUN, serum creatinine, serum protein, serum albumin and seurm TIBC did not show significant difference between two groups. Correlation between CRP and other biochemical parameters was analysed. Only ESR was positively correlated with CRP. In a subsequent analysis, elevated CRP group had significantly higher cardiovascular risk (by stepwise logistic regression method, odd ratio = 6.59;95% CI, 1.13 to 38.28). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that CRP level is correlated with cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients.

The Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Iron Sucrose in Hemodialysis Patients / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of iron sucrose by determining the subsequent change in hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), transferrin saturation (TAST), serum ferritin values and blood pressures in hemodialysis patients receiving Epoetin. METHODS: A total of 19 adult patients who had been receiving hemodialysis three times a week at Chonnam Natinal University Hospital were assigned. Their Hgb level was less than 10 g/dL and their serum ferritin level was less than 100 ng/mL, and/or TSAT was less than 20%. Iron sucrose was administered as 1,000 mg in 10 divided doses diluted in 100 mL normal saline over the last 60 minutes during hemodialysis with a one-time prior test dose of 20 mg on 10 consecutive dialysis sessions. Iron sucrose dosage was adjusted to 25-100 mg/week depending on serum ferritin level, and TSAT in the following 3 months. Epoetin administration was stopped due to insurance regulation when Hgb level was more than 10 g/dL and Hct level was more than 30 %. To evaluate efficacy of iron sucrose, assessment of serum iron parameters and anemia indices was determined just before the first dose (baseline), at 1 month after the first dose (loading) and then, monthly for 3 months (maintenance). To evaluate safety of iron sucrose, we recorded blood pressure 1 hour before and at the time of completion of iron sucrose injection, and also recorded blood pressure during observation sessions before dialysis and at intervals of 2 hours and 4 hours after starting dialysis. We determined routine serum chemistry and hematologic results at 1 month after the first dose and compared results with those obtained at baseline. RESULTS: 1,000 mg iron surcose injection in 10 divided dose (loading) produced a significant rise in Hgb, Hct, serum iron, serum ferritin, TSAT, MCV and MCH at 1 month after first dose (respectively p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.01, p<0.001, p<0.01, p<0.01, p< 0.01). During the following maintenance period of 3 months, Hgb, Hct, serrum ferritin, and TSAT level remained more elevated than at baseline respectively. In 19 enrolled patients, we experienced no serious adverse drug reactions and no significant changes in intradialytic blood pressure associated with iron sucrose administration. Serum albumin concentrations was higher at 1 month than at base line and however, changes in other serum chemistry and hematologic results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Intravenous iron sucrose administration is an efficient and safe method to supply iron in end-stage renal disease patients receiving Epoetin with iron deficiency, who are undergoing hemodialysis.

Serum homocysteine concentration in kidney transplant recipients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) after kidney transplantation is a major cause of both graft loss and patient death in kidney transplant recipeints. There are several well known risk factors of CVD, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes melitus, old age and smoking. Non-classic risk factors are acute rejection episode, LVH, C-reactive protein and hyperhomocysteinemia. Homocysteine is an amino acid filtered through the glomerulus and hyperhomocysteinemia is considered as a risk factor of CVD in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplant patients. So homocysteine lowering trials, such as folic acid and vitamine supplement therapy, are being made. We evaluated the prevelance and determinants of hyperhomocysteinemia in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We measured serum total homocysteine concentration (tHcy) and its determinants in 21 normal persons, 37 chronic renal failure (CRF) patients with conservative treatment (predialysis) and 48 kidney transplant patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 4.8%, 83.8% and 45.8% among normal persons, predialysis and kidney tranplant patients, respectively. Among the kidney transplant recipients the prevelence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 18.8% in normal renal function (serum creatitine concentration male: below 1.2 mg/dL, female: below 1.1 mg/dL) group and 59.4% in abnormal renal function group. The tHcy values in kidney transplant patients are significantly lower than those in predialysis patients (16.38+/-6.48 nmol/L vs. 24.68+/-9.01 nmol/L, p < 0.01), but higher than those in normal persons (16.38+/-6.48 nmol/L vs. 8.80+/-2.07 nmol/L, p < 0.01). Among the kidney transplant recipients the tHcy values in normal creatinine group are significantly lower than those in abnormal creatinine group (12.02+/-3.68 nmol/L vs. 18.57+/-6.51 nmol/L, p < 0.01). Using muliple regression analysis, this study showed increased serum creatinine concentration is a major determinant of tHcy concentrations in kidney transplant recipients and hyperhomocysteinemia is not correlated with whole blood trough level of cyclosporin (mean 126.26+/-62.19 ng/mL, range: 26~322 ng/mL) or vitamines supplement therapy. CONCLUSION: In this study the serum homocysteine values in kidney transplant recipients were higher than in normal control group but significantly lower than in CRF patients with conservative treatment. The major determinant for serum homocysteine concentration is a serum creatinine concentration.

Relationship between the Serum Parathyroid Hormone and Magnesium Levels in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) Patients using Low-magnesium Peritoneal Dialysate

BACKGROUND: Patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) have increased risk of low-turnover bone disease and relative hypoparathyroidism. Recently, it has been believed that magnesium plays an important role in regulating secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum PTH and serum magnesium as a factor increasing the frequency of relative hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 56 patients who had been on CAPD for more than 6 months without any significant problems. No patient had been previously treated with vitamin D or aluminum hydroxide. The patients had used peritoneal dialysate with the magnesium concentration of 0.5 mEq/L. Biochemical parameters, such as BUN, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase bony isoenzyme, total protein, albumin, total calcium, ionized calcium and intact parathyroid hormone level were measured. RESULTS: The mean serum magnesium level was 1.99 +/- 0.36 mEq/L. Among total 56 patients, 15 patients (26.8%) showed hypermagnesemia (serum magnesium > 2.2 mEq/L) and 5 patients (8.9%) showed hypomagnesemia (serum magnesium < 1.6 mEq/L). Among all 56 patients, serum iPTH (intact PTH) level was not correlated with serum magnesium level. However, it was inversely correlated with serum total calcium and ionized calcium levels, respectively (r=-0.365, p=0.006; r=-0.515 p < 0.001). Among 49 patients whose serum iPTH level was less than 300 pg/mL, serum iPTH level was inversely correlated with serum magnesium level (r=-0.295, p=0.039) and inversely correlated with serum total calcium and ionized calcium levels, respectively (r=-0.546, p < 0.001; r=-0.572 p < 0.001). Among 49 patients whose serum iPTH level was less than 300 pg/mL, lower iPTH group (serum iPTH < 120 pg/mL) showed higher serum magnesium level (p=0.037), higher serum total calcium level (p < 0.001) and lower bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase level (p < 0.001) than those of higher iPTH group (120 pg/mL

Relationship between the serum parathyroid hormone and magnesium levels in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients using low-magnesium peritoneal dialysate / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: One of the most common complications in patients with end stage renal disease is renal osteodystrophy and parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of renal osteodystrophy. It is known that patients undergoing CAPD (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis) have increased risk of low turnover bone disease and relative hypoparathyroidism is related to its pathogenesis. Factors related to relative hypoparathyroidism are increased in extracellular calcium level, accumulation of aluminum, vitamin D treatment, good control of serum phosphate, diabetes mellitus, and old age. Recently it has been believed that magnesium plays an important role in regulating secretion of PTH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum PTH and serum magnesium as a factor increasing the frequency of relative hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: Author studied 56 patients who had undergone CAPD for more than 6 months without any significant problems and had been followed by Chonnam National University Hospital. No patient had been previously treated with vitamin D or aluminum hydroxide. The patients had used peritoneal dialysate with the magnesium concentration of 0.5 mEq/L. Biochemical parameters were checked. RESULTS: 1. The mean serum magnesium level was 1.99+/-0.36 mEq/L. Among total 56 patients, 15 patients (26.8%) showed hypermagnesemia (serum magnesium > 2.2 mEq/L), and 5 patients (8.9%) showed hypomagnesemia (serum magnesium < 1.6 mEq/L)2. On all 56 patients, serum iPTH level was not correlated with serum magnesium level. But, it was inversely correlated with serum total calcium and ionized calcium levels, respectively (r=-0.365, p=0.006; r=-0.515 p<0.001).3. Among the 49 patients whose serum iPTH level was less than 300 pg/mL, serum iPTH level was inversely correlated with serum magnesium level (r=-0.295, p=0.039), and inversely correlated with serum total calcium and ionized calcium levels, respectively (r=-0.546, p<0.001; r=-0.572 p<0.001).4. Among the 49 patients whose serum iPTH level was less than 300 pg/mL, lower iPTH group (serum iPTH<120 pg/mL) showed higher serum magnesium level (p=0.037), higher serum total calcium level (p<0.001), and lower bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase level (p<0.001) than those of higher iPTH group (120 pg/mL serum< or =iPTH<300 pg/mL). CONCLUSION: Among the CAPD patients whose serum iPTH level was less than 300 pg/mL, there was a significantly inverse correlation between serum iPTH level and serum magnesium level. This study indicates that not only serum calcium level, but also serum magnesium level are important in the regulation of serum iPTH levels of CAPD patients who have been dialyzed by low-magnesium peritoneal dialysate.