Optimal hemoglobin level for anemia treatment in a cohort of hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a major risk factor that contributes to mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. There is controversy over the optimal hemoglobin (Hb) target in these patients. This study investigated the association between Hb level and mortality in a cohort of hemodialysis (HD) patients in Korea. METHODS: This study was a multicenter prospective observational study of maintenance HD patients that was performed for 5 years in western Seoul, Korea. Three hundred and sixty-two participants were enrolled. Laboratory values and mortality were accessed every 6 months. Repeated measures of laboratory values in each interval were averaged to obtain one semiannual mean value. The Hb values were divided into six groups: (1) Hb or =13 g/dL. We analyzed the odds ratio for all-cause mortality, based on the Hb group, and adjusted for demographics and various laboratory values. Statistics were performed with SAS, version 9.1 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). RESULTS: Mortality odds ratios relative to the reference group (10-11 g/dL) in the fully adjusted model were 3.61 for or =13 g/dL (* indicates P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, a Hb level of 10-11 g/dL was associated with the lowest mortality among the groups with Hb level<13 g/dL. Larger interventional trials are warranted to determine the optimal Hb target for Korean HD patients.

Maxillofacial Enlargement in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Successfully Treated by Limited Parathyroidectomy and Paricalcitol / 대한신장학회지

Maxillary enlargement is a rare complication of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). A 35-year-old Korean man undergoing chronic hemodialysis presented with a painless enlargement involving the maxilla and mandible. Plain radiography and CT scan showed bony expansion at the maxilla and mandible with multiple radiolucency. Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was >1,600 pg/mL. Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI) parathyroid scan and neck sonogram were compatible with SHPT. He underwent limited parathyroidectomy and commenced a course of paricalcitol. Fifteen months after surgery, maxillary enlargement and bony resorptions involving both hands markedly improved. Thirty-six months after the surgery, the serum iPTH level was 109.3 pg/mL. This is the first report in Korea documenting a patient with maxillary enlargement in SHPT who was successfully treated with limited parathyroidectomy and paricalcitol.

Mandibular Enlargement, Metastatic Pulmonary Calcification and Gastric Mucosal Calcinosis in a Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease-mineral Bone Disorder / 대한신장학회지

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is one of the most common complications of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mandibular enlargement, metastatic pulmonary calcification, and gastric mucosal calcinosis are rare complications in these patients. The defect of calcium and phosphorus metabolism may precipitate pathologic calcification at diverse organs and soft tissue, and change bone architecture. In case of involving periarticular area, patients usually present with localized swelling, pain, and reduced mobility in affected sites. However, in case of organ involvement, except in an advanced stage of disease, there are no specific symptoms. Among these patients, treatment strategies include tight control of calcium and phosphate levels, parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism, renal transplantation, and local excision of calcific lesions. We report a case of mandibular enlargement, metastatic pulmonary calcification, and gastric mucosal calcinosis due to CKD with improvement 3 months after medical and surgical treatment.

Supernumerary Parathyroid Gland Diagnosed with Contrast-enhanced MDCT after Total Parathyroidectomy / 대한신장학회지

We report a case of a 25-year old man with chronic kidney disease with secondary hyperparathyroidism who had persistent elevation of serum parathyroid hormone level after the immediate total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation. To localize supernumerary (ectopic) parathyroid gland, we checked Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy, MDCT and PET-CT. Contrast-enhanced MDCT showed a small strong enhancing lesion over left bracheocephalic vein, and PET-CT showed multiple brown tumors. We removed the supernumerary parathyroid gland and got a rapid drop of parathyroid hormone level.

Peritonitis due to Aspergillus niger in Two Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients / 대한신장학회지

Aspergillus peritonitis is a rare but serious cause of peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. We report 2 cases of peritonitis caused by Aspergillus niger in CAPD which were treated successfully with voriconazole and caspofungin, respectively, and catheter removal. Both patients initially received amphotericin B; however, they were not cured with the agent. We briefly discuss the proper selection of antifungal agent and the treatment duration. Previously reported cases of the CAPD peritonitis caused by A. Niger are also reviewed in this article.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in a Single Center / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: We checked the levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitmain D (25OHD) in the patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to survey the status of vitamin D levels, to see the seasonal variations of 25OHD, and to evaluate the relationships among the levels of intact PTH, corrected calcium, and phosphorus. METHODS: We defined vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels between 20 and 30 ng/mL and below 20 ng/mL, respectively. 185 patients in a single center were enlisted who categorized into 3 groups, CKD2-3, CKD4, and CKD5 by eGFR using MDRD7 equation. To see the seasonal differences of the levels of 25OHD, we collected laboratory data two times per each patient during summer division (April to September) and winter division (October to March). RESULTS: Prevalences of hypovitaminosis D were 42.8% (CKD2-3), 66.1% (CKD4), 92.8% (CKD5) in summer division and 48.7% (CKD2-3), 73.1% (CKD4), 92.8% (CKD5) in winter division. Seasonal difference of the levels of 25OHD was evident only in CKD stage 2-3 (p=0.018). Negative correlations were recognized between 25OHD and intact PTH (r=-0.2048, p<0.001), phosphorus (r=-0.1711, p=0.0011). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent even in patients with early stages of CKD. The levels of 25OHD decreased significantly in winter division in patients with CKD stages 2-3. The levels of 25OHD were inversely correlated with those of intact PTH, phosphorus, respectively.

A Case of Small Bowel Bleeding Treated by Single Balloon Enteroscopy in a Patient on Maintenance Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

Anemia is a common complication of hemodialysis. It reduces the quality of life and is recognized as adverse risk factor. The cause of anemia in CKD (chronic kidney disease) include lack of erythropoietin, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, hypothyroidism, hidden infection, and blood loss in hemodialysis. GI bleeding is not unusual complication in patient on maintenance hemodialysis, caused by uremia, medicine (NSAIDS, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants), angiodysplasia, and ulcer. In CKD patients, GI bleeding is found in various sites over the whole bowel. Small bowel bleeding is one of the most common causes of obscure GI bleeding and constitutes 2-10% of all GI bleeding. Regarding the small bowel bleeding, diagnosis and treatment are much improved recently with the help of wireless capsule endoscopy and double or single balloon enteroscopy. We report a case of GI bleeding due to erosion of small bowel, which was diagnosed and treated with the single-balloon enteroscopy in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

A Case of Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis with Acute Renal Failure / 대한신장학회잡지

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is proliferation of fibrous tissue with inflammatory process in retroperitoneal cavity. It is relatively rare disease that has been reported less than 20 cases in Korea until now. Idiopathic type is more frequent but secondary type is increasing nowadays. Secondary causes include drugs, infections, and leakage of blood or urine, malignancies, connective tissue diseases, etc. Recent studies suggest the relationship between retroperitoneal fibrosis and autoimmunity to own vascular or lipoid tissue. It can cause compression and obstruction of ureter, abdominal aorta, hypertension and finally collapse of renal function. Surgical procedure and immunosuppressive therapy consist of mainstay of management. Corticosteroid therapy may reduce inflammation and reverse fibrosis. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is thought to have some reVersible components in early stage. Corticosteroid may be used as initial therapy but more studies should be performed. We report a case of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis with acute renal failure improved with ureter stent insertion and steroid therapy.

The Clinical Significance of Bone Mineral Density Measurement in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: Decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) occurs relatively early and is known to be correlated with disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We investigated BMD and its correlation factors in Korean patients with AS. METHODS: Fifty patients with AS fulfilling modified New York criteria and age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched 100 normal controls were selected. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Lumbar and femur BMD was measured using a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Both lumbar and femur BMD in patients with AS were significantly lower than BMD in control group. Although Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed no correlation with BMD, lumbar BMD in patients with high disease activity in terms of inflammatory factors was significantly lower than that in patients with low disease activity. CONCLUSION: BMD in patients with AS was significantly lower than those in control group. Early detection and appropriate management will be necessary in patients with AS.

A case of bilateral psoas abscess in multiple myeloma patient / 대한내과학회지

Psoas abscess is caused by primary or secondary and most commonly results from direct extension of intraabdominal infections. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism for psoas abscess secondary to vertebral osteomyelitis. Tuberculosis, malnutrition, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, bone marrow failure, and steroid use are responsible for compromise in host defense and consequent increase in the relative risk of psoas abscess. We report here a case of bilateral poas abscess developed in a 58 year old patient with relapsed plasmacytoma in pelvic cavity during chemotherapy.

A Case of Coronary-Pulmonary Artery Fistula / 결핵

Fistula between coronary artery and pulmonary artery is a type of coronary artery anomalies. It can cause atypical chest pain and fatigue, angina pectoris, endocarditis, finally myocardial steal can result in heart failure and myocardial infarction. But only 0.1-0.2% of coronary angiographic studies reveal the communications between coronary artery and other spaces. (heart chamber, pulmonary artery etc.) It is frequently congenital, but acquired types are increasing because chest and heart manipulations such as opertion of tetralogy of Fallot, endomyocardial biopsy, radiation therapy, or penetrating blunt trauma are increasing. There are reports about repair of fistula using thrombogenic tips, coil embolization and surgical intervention. We report a connection between coronary artery and pulmonary artery in 79 years old female. She was 30 pack-years smoker and suffered from dyspnea several years with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She presented with atypical chest pain and palpitation after admission. Electrocardiography showed ST-T wave abnormality. Emergency coronary angiography and chest CT scan revealed coronary-pulmonary artery fistula. Transcatheter embolization was performed and she was relieved from discomforts.