Risk factors for overcorrection of severe hyponatremia: a post hoc analysis of the SALSA trial

Hyponatremia overcorrection can result in irreversible neurologic impairment such as osmotic demyelination syndrome. Few prospective studies have identified patients undergoing hypertonic saline treatment with a high risk of hyponatremia overcorrection. Methods: We conducted a post hoc analysis of a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled study, the SALSA trial, in 178 patients aged above 18 years with symptomatic hyponatremia (mean age, 73.1 years; mean serum sodium level, 118.2 mEq/L). Overcorrection was defined as an increase in serum sodium levels by >12 or 18 mEq/L within 24 or 48 hours, respectively. Results: Among the 178 patients, 37 experienced hyponatremia overcorrection (20.8%), which was independently associated with initial serum sodium level (≤110, 110–115, 115–120, and 120–125 mEq/L with 7, 4, 2, and 0 points, respectively), chronic alcoholism (7 points), severe symptoms of hyponatremia (3 points), and initial potassium level (<3.0 mEq/L, 3 points). The NASK (hypoNatremia, Alcoholism, Severe symptoms, and hypoKalemia) score was derived from four risk factors for hyponatremia overcorrection and was significantly associated with overcorrection (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–1.61; p < 0.01) with good discrimination (area under the receiver-operating characteristic [AUROC] curve, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.85; p < 0.01). The AUROC curve of the NASK score was statistically better compared with those of each risk factor. Conclusion: In treating patients with symptomatic hyponatremia, individuals with high hyponatremia overcorrection risks were predictable using a novel risk score summarizing baseline information.

Association between copeptin levels and treatment responses to hypertonic saline infusion in patients with symptomatic hyponatremia: a prospective cohort study

Background@#Copeptin is secreted in equimolar amounts as arginine vasopressin, main hormone regulating body fluid homeostasis. A recent study reported a copeptin-based classification of osmoregulatory defects in syndromes of inappropriate antidiuresis that may aid in prediction of therapeutic success. We investigated usefulness of copeptin for differentiating etiologies of hyponatremia and predicting efficacy and safety of hypertonic saline treatment in hyponatremic patients. @*Methods@#We performed a multicenter, prospective cohort study of 100 inpatients with symptomatic hyponatremia (corrected serum sodium [sNa] ≤ 125 mmol/L) treated with hypertonic saline. Copeptin levels were measured at baseline and 24 hours after treatment initiation, and patients were classified as being below or above median of copeptin at baseline or at 24 hours, respectively. Correlations between target, under correction, and overcorrection rates of sNa within 24 hours/24–48 hours and copeptin levels at baseline/24 hours were analyzed. @*Results@#Mean sNa and median copeptin levels were 117.9 and 16.9 pmol/L, respectively. Ratio of copeptin-to-urine sodium allowed for an improved differentiation among some (insufficient effective circulatory volume), but not all hyponatremia etiologic subgroups. Patients with below-median copeptin levels at baseline achieved a higher target correction rate in 6/24 hours (odds ratio [OR], 2.97; p = 0.02/OR, 6.21; p = 0.006). Patients with below-median copeptin levels 24 hours after treatment showed a higher overcorrection rate in next 24 hours (OR, 18.00, p = 0.02). @*Conclusion@#There is a limited diagnostic utility of copeptin for differential diagnosis of hyponatremia. However, copeptin might be useful for predicting responses to hypertonic saline treatment in hyponatremic patients.

Clinical Report by using hybrid telescopic double crown Removable Partial Denture on a few remaining teeth with severe periodontal disease / 대한치과보철학회지

The successful results of the treatment using a double crown denture have been reported in several papers for some of the few remaining teeth in patient. In particular, double crown dentures may be an alternative to treatment in cases where the periodontal status is poor and clasp type removable partial dentures are inappropriate (crown/root ratio > 1). In this case, the patient visited clinic with a chief complaint of difficulty in mastication due to loss of posterior teeth and overall teeth mobility. After teeth with severe periodontitis were extracted, treatment plan of mandible is Kennedy class I removable partial denture (RPD) and treatment plan of maxilla is hybrid telescopic double crown RPD with a friction pin. Patient is well adapted after the prosthetic treatment and we report due to achieving satisfactory results in pronunciation, mastication, retention and aesthetics.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) Associated with Mediastinal Schwannoma

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most common cause of euvolemic hypo-osmotic hyponatremia. There are several etiologies of SIADH including neuroendocrine tumor, pulmonary disease, infection, trauma, and medications. Here, we report a case of SIADH associated with a schwannoma involving the mediastinum in a 75-year-old woman who presented with nausea, vomiting, and general weakness. Laboratory testing showed hypo-osmolar hyponatremia, with a serum sodium level of 102mmol/L, serum osmolality of 221mOsm/kg, urine osmolality of 382mOsm/kg, urine sodium of 55 mmol/L, and plasma antidiuretic hormone (ADH) of 4.40 pg/mL. Chest computed tomography identified a 1.5-cm-sized solid enhancing nodule in the right lower paratracheal area. A biopsy specimen was obtained by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, which was diagnosed on pathology as a schwannoma. The hyponatremia was completely resolved after schwannoma resection and plasma ADH level decreased from 4.40 pg/mL to 0.86 pg/mL. This case highlights the importance of suspecting and identifying the underlying cause of SIADH when faced with refractory or recurrent hyponatremia, and that on possibility is mediastinal schwannoma

The association between an abnormal post-voiding urine volume and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes with no voiding symptoms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Diabetic cystopathy is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus. This study assessed the association between the post-voiding residual (PVR) urine volume and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetics with no voiding symptoms. METHODS: This study investigated 42 patients with type 2 diabetes who were followed regularly at our outpatient clinic between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. No patient had voiding problems or International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSSs) > or = 12. An urologist performed the urological evaluations and the PVR was measured using a bladder scan. A PVR > 50 mL on two consecutive voids was considered abnormal, which was the primary study outcome. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 60 +/- 10 years; the IPSS score was 3.7 +/- 3.3; and the diabetes duration was 11.9 +/- 7.8 years. Seven of the 42 patients (16.7%) had a PVR > 50 mL. The presence of overt proteinuria or microalbuminuria was associated with an increased risk of a PVR > 50 mL (p 50 mL had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared with those with a PVR 50 mL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetic nephropathy had a significantly higher PVR and a lower eGFR was associated with an abnormal PVR.

Psychometric Properties of a Short Korean Version of the Revised Obsessive Intrusion Inventory

OBJECTIVE: The Revised Obsessive Intrusion Inventory (ROII) is a 52-item scale that evaluates obsessional intrusive thoughts. The aim of the present study was to validate a short, 20-item Korean version of the ROII (ROII-20). METHODS: Of the 1125 participants who completed the ROII-20, 895 participants completed the scale to examine the factor structure of the scale. A subgroup of these participants (n=53) completed the scale twice to determine test-retest reliability. To establish external validity, 230 participants completed the scale and other questionnaires. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analyses suggested a hierarchical model comprising two higher order factors of autogenous obsessions (resulting from aggressive thoughts and sexual thoughts) and reactive obsessions (resulting from thoughts about contamination, thoughts about accidents, and thoughts about dirt). Confirmatory factor analyses supported this model. The results indicated good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. External validity was supported by relationships with obsessive-compulsive symptoms and general distress. CONCLUSION: The ROII-20 presents good psychometric properties and may be considered as a promising instrument for measuring obsessional intrusions.

Changes in Area of Conjunctiva and Tear Meniscus Measured Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography after Conjunctivochalasis Surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate cross-sectional areas of conjunctiva and tear meniscus of conjunctivochalasis using Fourier-Domain RTVue-100 optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after conjunctivochalasis surgery. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (33 eyes) with symptomatic conjunctivochalasis were recruited for this study between June 2013 and April 2014. All patients underwent crescent-shaped conjunctiva resection and amniotic membrane transplantation. Anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) imaging was performed and tear break-up time was evaluated prior to and 3 months after the conjunctivochalasis surgery. Cross-sectional areas of conjunctiva and tear meniscus of conjunctivochalasis at 7 locations (1 center, 3 nasal and 3 temporal areas) were measured in all patients. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 66.3 +/- 10.8 years. Cross-sectional areas of conjunctivochalasis at all locations significantly decreased from 0.487 +/- 0.42 mm2 to 0.007 +/- 0.011 mm2 (p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes in cross-sectional areas of tear meniscus at all 7 locations were observed after the surgery. Mean tear break-up time significantly increased from 2.26 +/- 0.69 sec to 3.81 +/- 1.22 sec following the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Using AS-OCT, in this study we showed that areas of conjunctiva decreased and areas of tear meniscus were unchanged after conjunctivochalasis surgery.

A Case of Acute Anterior Uveitis Associated with HLA-B27 Positivity after Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab

PURPOSE: Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin(R)) can lead to several intraocular complications including endophthalmitis, hemorrhage and inflammation. We present one case of acute anterior uveitis with hypopyon in an HLA-B27(+) patient following intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. CASE SUMMARY: A 40-year-old male with known central retinal vein occlusion presented with redness and decreased visual acuity in the left eye. Symptoms had developed 4 days earlier after the sixth intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in that eye. The patient had a marked anterior chamber reaction with hypopyon and posterior synechiae. Nine days after onset, similar symptoms in the left eye occurred in the uninjected right eye. Through examination and clinical manifestations, we diagnosed acute anterior uveitis associated with HLA-B27 positivity. The patient was treated with 1% prednisolone acetate, 0.5% moxifloxacin and 1% atropine in both eyes and all symptoms had resolved after 6 weeks.

Pulmonary Hypertension in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with Maintenance Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Pulmonary hypertension can occur from diverse etiologies. It was reported that pulmonary hypertension also complicated dialysis patents, but the exact mechanisms were not determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of pulmonary hypertension in maintenance hemodialysis patients. In addition, we studied the relationship between pulmonary hypertension and arteriovenous access. METHODS: Fifty-nine chronic hemodialysis patients underwent clinical evaluation. Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was estimated by Doppler echocardiography. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as PAP > or =35 mmHg. RESULTS: Mean PAP value of subjects was 39.3+/-13.2 mmHg. Pulmonary hypertension was found in 31 (53%) of patients receiving hemodialysis (49.0+/-10.6 mmHg; range 37 to 84 mmHg). Clinical and biochemical parameters did not differ significantly between patients with pulmonary hypertension and without pulmonary hypertension. In 19 patients, PAP was elevated from 27.8+/-10.2 mmHg to 41.8+/-11.9 mmHg (p<0.001) after onset of hemodialysis via arteriovenous fistula. And pulmonary hypertension developed in 12 of 15 patients with normal PAP after onset of hemodialysis treatment. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension was high, and hemodialysis via arteriovenous access may be involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Low-Dose Nafamostat Mesilate in Hemodialysis Patients at High Bleeding Risk / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Systemic anticoagulation, usually with heparin, is required to prevent thrombosis in the blood circuit of hemodialysis. In patients at high bleeding risk, strategies to minimize the bleeding risk include heparin-free or regional anticoagulation methods. Nafamostat mesilate with conventional dose (35 mg/hr) has been used for this purpose. But it is an expensive anticoagulant to use conveniently for the dialysis therapy. Application of low-dose nafamostat mesilate has almost never been tried yet on hemodiaysis management. In this study, we examined the effect of low-dose nafamostat mesilate compared to heparin-free in hemodialysis patients with high risk of bleeding. METHODS: The current study was conducted on 35 hemodialysis patients with high bleeding risk (on-going bleeding, hemorrhage, surgery or severe thrombocytopenia). In the low-dose nafamostat group (n=17, mean age: 59+/-15 years), 238 sessions were performed with continuous infusion of nafamostat mesilate (12.5 mg/hr). In the control group with saline-flushing no heparin methods (n=18, mean age: 57+/-17 years), 247 sessions were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics between the low-dose nafamostat group and the saline group. In the progress of bleeding complications, there were no significant differences between the two groups (11.8% vs. 11.1%). In saline group, however, massive clotting occurred in 44.5 per 1000 sessions, while it occurred in 4.2 per 1000 sessions in the low-dose nafamostat group (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: In patients at high bleeding risk, low-dose nafamostat mesilat can be used as an inexpensive, effective, and safe anticoagulant for hemodialysis.

Acute Purulent Staphylococcal Pericarditis with Cardiac Tamponade in a Hemodialysis Patient / 대한신장학회지

Purulent pericarditis is a rare disease in both end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and the general population. We report herein a case of acute purulent staphylococcal pericarditis with cardiac tamponade managed by intravenous antibiotics and pericardiocentesis with drainage. A 54-year-old man with ESRD, who had been on hemodialysis (HD) for the previous six months, was admitted to the hospital because of fever. He had a history of a recent episode of staphylococcal bacteremia associated with venography for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) malfunction. On the sixth day after admission, severe intradialytic hypotension arose during HD. Echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion with hemodynamic significance. Emergency pericardiocentesis with drainage was performed. Acute purulent staphylococcal pericarditis with cardiac tamponade was diagnosed and intravenous vancomycin was administered for four weeks. On the 23rd day, the patient was discharged from the hospital after the drainage catheter's removal. Ten days after discharge, however, he was re-admitted because of dyspnea on exertion. Eventually, the patient expired because of heart failure caused by progressive constrictive pericarditis. We suggest that acute purulent pericarditis should be considered in dialysis patients who develop fever and severe hypotension during HD, especially after known staphylococcal infections.

Effects of Keto Acids on Serum Albumin Level in Hemodialysis Patients with Hypoalbuminemia / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Malnutrition is a strong predictor of increased morbidity and mortality in patients on maintenance dialysis. Although a number of studies were performed to determine effective treatment, there is no proven medication for malnutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of keto acids (ketosteril(R)) on serum albumin levels in hemodialysis patients with hypoalbuminemia. METHODS: Hemodialysis patients with hypoalbumineia (serum albumin < or = 3.8 g/dL) were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were previous supplementation of keto acids before the initiation of dialysis, acute infection, liver cirrhosis, malignancy and persistent hypercalcemia. Patients were treated with ketosteril for 6 months and serum albumin levels were compared to age- and gender-matched hemodialysis patients. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline serum albumin levels between ketosteril group (n=19) and the control group (n=19). After 6 months, the mean (+/-SD) serum albumin level in the ketosteril group rose from 3.46+/-0.40 g/dL to 3.66+/-0.37 g/dL (p=0.01), but not the control group. However, the difference between the two groups was not significant (p=0.06). Multivariate analysis showed that the ketosteril supplementation (p=0.03) and the baseline serum albumin level (< or = 3.4 g/dL, p=0.04) were predictors of increased serum albumin. There was no severe hypercalcemia during the study period. CONCLUSION: There was an improvement of serum albumin levels in hemodialysis patients with hypoalbuminemia after the supplementation of keto acids.

Saline Versus Nafamostat Mesilate Anticoagulation for Continuous Veno-venous Hemofiltration (CVVH) in Patients at High Risk of Bleeding: A Prospective Study / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE:In patients with a higherrisk of bleeding, performing CVVH with heparin or saline anticoagulation is associated with increased bleeding or thrombotic risk. Nafamostat mesilate (NM), a serine proteinase inhibitor, while inhibiting various clotting factors in filter circuit, is characterized by short half life resulting in little systemic anticoagulation effect. Accordingly, we prospectively evaluated the anticoagulant effect and safety of NM in patients with a higher risk of bleeding who underwent CVVH. METHODS:Among 43 patients with high risk of bleeding [defined by (1) INR>2, aPTT>20 sec, platelet2, aPTT>20 sec, platelet<50,000/mm3), the positive effect of NM on circuit lifespan persisted irrespective of the coagulation status. CONCLUSION:As compared with saline bolus, nafamostat mesilate infusion was associated with higher CVVH filter life. In patients with high risk of bleeding, nafamostat mesilate can be used as a safe and effective anticoagulant for CVVH with acceptable filter life

Sulodexide-induced Hyperkalemia: A Case Report / 대한신장학회지

Sulodexide is composed of two glycosaminoglycans (fast-moving heparin 80%, dermatan sulfate 20%) that are capable of preventing diabetic nephropathy by correcting abnormal glycosaminoglycan metabolism. Considering heparin-like propertyof sulodexide, side effect profiles of sulodexide are expected to be similar with those of heparin. Among those side effects, we remarked on heparin-induced hyperkalemia and hereby report a case of severe hyperkalemia during the use of sulodexide. A 52-year-old man with diabetic nephroapthy and hypertension was admitted to our hospital because of severe hyperkalemia up to 7.5 meq/L. His clinical condition was stable and medications including losartan and furosemide had not been changed for last 6 months except the addition of sulodexide, which was started 30 days prior to admission. Despite intensive use of Kayexalate and immediate discontinuation of losartan, hyperkalemia aggravated up to 8.0 meq/L. After recognition of possible sulodexide-induced hyperkalemia, sulodexide was discontinued, which resulted in rapid correction of hyperkalemia. In view of the above discussed clinical consideration, we suspect sulodexide as a major cause of hyperkalmia and report this case with a review of literature.

The Effects of Amniotic Membrane Contact Lens for Cornea Wound Healing

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of an amniotic membrane contact lens on corneal epithelial wound healing. METHODS: We made a model with a corneal epithelial wound by applying 6 mm round filter paper soaked with 1 N NaOHonto the central cornea in 24 eyes of 12 rabbits. The rabbits were divided into three groups: AMCL (amniotic membrane contact lens), T-AMT (temporary amniotic membrane transplantation) and the control group. We evaluated corneal wound healing every postoperative day using a digital photo slitlamp and fluorescein dye. The corneas were harvested for histopathologic studies after seven days and analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin (H & E) stain and TUNEL staining. RESULTS: The average wound healing time was similar between the amniotic membrane contact lens and the temporary amniotic membrane transplantation group. The number of the infiltrated PMNs (polymorphonuclear cells) was 8.8+/-2.58, 8.6+/-2.19 and 48.6+/-7.12 in the AMCL, T-AMT and control groups, respectively. Apoptotic keratocytes were 3.8+/-1.1, 3.6+/-1.09 and 23.2+/-5.06 in the AMCL, T-AMT and control groups, respectively. In the AMCL and T-AMT groups, the number of infiltrated PMNs and apoptotic keratocytes were significantly less than those the control group (p<0.05). There were not significant differences in the number of PMNs and apoptotic cells in the AMCL and the T-AMT groups. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane contact lenses have the benefits of being an easily applied method and having a wound healing ability comparable to that possible with conventional suture methods.

Comparison of Dynamic Contour Tonometry and Goldmann Applanation Tonometry

PURPOSE: To compare dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and investigate the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT) onintraocular pressure. METHODS: In a prospective study of 165 eyes with glaucoma (135 eyes), glaucoma suspect (14 eyes), and ocular hypertension (16 eyes), intraocularpressure was measured with DCT and GAT, and followed by measurement of the CCT with ultrasound pachymetry. Statistical analysis were performed with simple linear regression analysis and t-test using SPSS (Statistical software, ver. 10; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS: A clear correlation between DCT and GAT was found (r=0.733, p<0.001). The average intraocular pressure was 14.92+/-2.28 mmHg with DCT and 13.97+/-3.12 mmHg with GAT, and the intraocular pressure with DCT was 0.95+/-2.49 mmHg higher than with GAT. A meaningful correlation was shown between GAT and CCT (r2=0.145, p<0.001), but was not demonstrated between DCT and CCT (r2=0.012, p=0.081). In addition, the difference of intraocular pressure between GAT and DCT (GAT-DCT) showed a significant correlation with CCT (r2=0.145, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DCT appears to be a reliable method for intraocular pressure measurement, which is not influenced by CCT, unlike GAT.

Polymorphism in the promoter region of the klotho gene (G-395A) is associated with early dysfunction in vascular access in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vascular access dysfunction is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Recent studies have shown that a klotho gene mutation is related to endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis, and arteriosclerosis, which are regarded as causes of vascular access dysfunction. We investigated the relationship between the klotho G-395A polymorphism and early dysfunction in vascular access in HD patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent vascular access operations between 1999 and 2002 were enrolled (n=126). Genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination using a 5'-nuclease polymerase chain reaction assay. Clinical data that could be relevant to access dysfunction were obtained from medical records. Early dysfunction of vascular access was defined as the need for any angioplastic or surgical intervention to correct or replace a poorly or nonfunctioning vascular access within 1 year and at least 8 weeks after initial access placement. RESULTS: Of the 126 patients, the genotype frequency of G-395A was 72.2% for GG (n=91), 24.6% for GA (n=31), and 3.2% for AA (n=4), and the frequency of minor allele was 0.155. Clinical data were similar between the two groups, divided according to the status of the A allele. Early dysfunction occurred in 34 (27.0%) of patients, but it occurred at a significantly higher rate in A allele carriers (45.7%, 16/35) than in noncarriers (19.8%, 18/91; p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the klotho G-395A polymorphism could be a risk factor for early dysfunction of vascular access in HD patients.

Magnesium Metabolism

Magnesium is the second most common intracellular divalent cation. Magnesium balance in the body is controlled by a dynamic interplay among intestinal absorption, exchange with bone, and renal excretion. Intestinal magnesium absorption proceeds in both a passive paracellular and an active transcellular manner. Regulation of serum magnesium concentrations is achieved mainly by control of renal magnesium reabsorption. Only 20% of filtered magnesium is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule, whereas 60% is reclaimed in the cortical thick ascending limb (TAL) and another 5-10% in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). The passive paracellular transport of magnesium in the TAL is closely related with the mutations in claudin-16/paracellin-1 and is responsible for familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis. The active transcellular transport of magnesium in the DCT was similarly enhanced by the realization that defects in transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6) cause hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia. This channel regulates the apical entry of magnesium into epithelia and alters whole-body magnesium homeostasis by controlling urinary excretion. TRPM6 is regulated at the transcriptional level by acid-base status, 17beta-estradiol, and both FK506 and cyclosporine. The molecular identity of the protein responsible for the basolateral exit of magnesium from the epithelial cell remains unidentified.

The Changes of Renal Function in Apparent Healthy Individuals with a Simple Renal Cyst / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Simple cysts are a common structural abnormality in seemingly healthy individuals, but their clinical significance, especially on changes of renal function, remains unknown. We examined whether sporadic cysts can influence changes of renal function in apparent healthy individuals. METHODS: The records from 424 people who underwent two ultrasonographic examinations in a routine check-up at our health promotion center from 2000 to 2003 were reviewed. Patients who had a medical disease were excluded. The healthy individuals (n=199) were divided into two groups according to whether they had renal cysts (cyst group, n=61), or not (control group, n=138). Renal function was evaluated by serum creatinine level (Scr), creatinine clearance (Ccr), using the Cockcroft-Gault equation, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), using the MDRD equation. RESULTS: Individuals in the cyst group were significantly older (44.18+/-7.55, 41.02+/-7.06, p=0.013) and more likely to be male (90.16%, 72.46%, p=0.006) than those without cysts. Compared with the control group, the cyst group had no significant differences in Scr (1.03+/-0.15 mg/dL, 1.08+/-0.11 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.06), in Ccr (82.34+/-13.26 ml/min, 81.00+/-12.6 ml/min, respectively, p=0.56) nor in GFR (84.35+/-11.65 ml/min/1.73m2, 82.47+/-10.27 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively, p=0.38). Furthermore, the parameters for changes of renal function were not significant over three years. Conclusions:The presence of renal cysts was associated with neither renal dysfunction nor a reduction in renal function over three years in Korean individuals without apparent renal disease.

Calcium-Sensing Receptor Gene Polymorphism is Associated with the Parathyroid Response to Low Calcium Dialysate in Hemodialysis Patients with Low Parathyroid Hormone Secretion / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Low level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a risk factor that might cause hip fracture in dialysis patients. Low calcium dialysate (LCD) has been suggested as an approach to increase PTH level. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) polymorphism is known to be associated with the sensitivity to extracellular calcium. METHODS: We prospectively investigated the role of genetic polymorphism of CaSR codon 990 as one cause of the different parathyroid responses to LCD in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. 48 patients, using 3.5 mEq/L calcium dialysate, with intact PTH below 100 pg/ml for the last one year underwent HD sessions on 2.5 mEq/L calcium dialysate for 12 weeks. Serum intact PTH, total calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone-specific ALP (BAP) were measured monthly. The CaSR gene from peripheral lymphocytes was amplified to confirm the genotype by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: According to the CaSR genetic polymorphism, subjects were divided into 3 groups, A/A (14.6 %), A/G (45.8%) and G/G (39.6%). Twelve weeks later, intact PTH (48.5+/-25.4 to 89.0+/-49.4 pg/mL, p<0.01), and ALP (78.7+/-25.7 to 87.4+/-27.2 IU/L, p<0.01) increased significantly in G/G group, but not in non-G/G groups. However, BAP significantly increased in both G/G group (24.3+/-11.9 to 29.5+/-10.6 U/L, p<0.01) and in non-G/G groups (21.4+/-4.5 to 26.1+/-9.1 U/L, p<0.01). During the study period, levels of corrected total calcium and phosphorus were not significantly changed. CONCLUSION: The CaSR polymorphism, G/G genotype, strongly influenced the responsiveness of parathyroid gland to LCD, compared with non-G/G genotypes. However, bone formation may occur actively on LCD, irrespective of CaSR genetic polymorphism.