Rhabdomyolysis in a patient taking nebivolol

β Blockers such as propranolol and labetalol are known to induce toxic myopathy because of their partial β₂ adrenoceptor agonistic effect. Nebivolol has the highest β1 receptor affinity among β blockers, and it has never been reported to induce rhabdomyolysis until now. We report a patient who developed rhabdomyolysis after changing medication to nebivolol. A 75-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of generalized weakness originating 2 weeks before visiting. Approximately 1 month before her admission, her medication was changed from carvedilol 12.5 mg to nebivolol 5 mg. Over this time span, she had no other lifestyle changes causing rhabdomyolysis. Her blood chemistry and whole body bone scan indicated rhabdomyolysis. We considered newly prescribed nebivolol as a causal agent. She was prescribed carvedilol 12.5 mg, which she was previously taking, instead of nebivolol. She was treated by hydration and urine alkalization. She had fully recovered and was discharged.

Concomitant inhibition of renin angiotensin system and Toll-like receptor 2 attenuates renal injury in unilateral ureteral obstructed mice

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There has been controversy about the role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in renal injury following ureteric obstruction. Although inhibition of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) reduces TLR2 expression in mice, the exact relationship between TLR2 and RAS is not known. The aim of this study was to determine whether the RAS modulates TLR2. METHODS: We used 8-week-old male wild type (WT) and TLR2-knockout (KO) mice on a C57Bl/6 background. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was induced by complete ligation of the left ureter. Angiotensin (Ang) II (1,000 ng/kg/min) and the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren (25 mg/kg/day) were administrated to mice using an osmotic minipump. Molecular and histologic evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Ang II infusion increased mRNA expression of TLR2 in WT mouse kidneys (p < 0.05). The expression of renin mRNA in TLR2-KO UUO kidneys was significantly higher than that in WT UUO kidneys (p < 0.05). There were no differences in tissue injury score or mRNA expression of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), osteopontin (OPN), or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) between TLR2-KO UUO and WT UUO kidneys. However, aliskiren decreased the tissue injury score and mRNA expression of TLR2, MCP-1, OPN, and TGF-beta in WT UUO kidneys (p < 0.05). Aliskiren-treated TLR2-KO UUO kidneys showed less kidney injury than aliskiren-treated WT UUO kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: TLR2 deletion induced activation of the RAS in UUO kidneys. Moreover, inhibition of both RAS and TLR2 had an additive ameliorative effect on UUO injury of the kidney.

The Impact of Hemodialysis and Arteriovenous Access Flow on Extracranial Hemodynamic Changes in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

In this study, we characterized cerebral blood flow changes by assessment of blood flow parameters in neck arteries using carotid duplex ultrasonography and predictive factors for these hemodynamic changes. Hemodynamic variables were measured before and during hemodialysis in 81 patients with an arteriovenous access in their arm. Hemodialysis produced significant lowering in peak systolic velocity and flow volume of neck arteries and calculated total cerebral blood flow (1,221.9 ± 344.9 [before hemodialysis] vs. 1,085.8 ± 319.2 [during hemodialysis], P < 0.001). Effects were greater in vessels on the same side as the arteriovenous access and these changes were influenced by arteriovenous access flow during hemodialysis, both in the CCA (r = -0.277, P = 0.015) and the VA (r = -0.239, P = 0.034). The change of total cerebral blood flow during hemodialysis was independently related with age, presence of diabetes, and systemic blood pressure.

The Impact of Hemodialysis and Arteriovenous Access Flow on Extracranial Hemodynamic Changes in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

In this study, we characterized cerebral blood flow changes by assessment of blood flow parameters in neck arteries using carotid duplex ultrasonography and predictive factors for these hemodynamic changes. Hemodynamic variables were measured before and during hemodialysis in 81 patients with an arteriovenous access in their arm. Hemodialysis produced significant lowering in peak systolic velocity and flow volume of neck arteries and calculated total cerebral blood flow (1,221.9 ± 344.9 [before hemodialysis] vs. 1,085.8 ± 319.2 [during hemodialysis], P < 0.001). Effects were greater in vessels on the same side as the arteriovenous access and these changes were influenced by arteriovenous access flow during hemodialysis, both in the CCA (r = -0.277, P = 0.015) and the VA (r = -0.239, P = 0.034). The change of total cerebral blood flow during hemodialysis was independently related with age, presence of diabetes, and systemic blood pressure.

A Case of Membranous Glomerulonephritis with Superimposed Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Rapidly Progressive Crescentic Glomerulonephritis / 전남의대학술지

Idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis (IMGN) is commonly diagnosed in adults with proteinuria. Rapid deterioration of renal function is a rare complication of IMGN, except when accompanied by renal vein thrombosis, malignant hypertension, or other underlying disease, including lupus nephritis. Here, we present a case of rapid deterioration of renal function in a patient with MGN superimposed with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis (RPGN). Overall, about 20 cases of MGN with ANCA-associated RPGN have been reported. This case of biopsy-proven MGN with ANCA-associated RPGN is the first to be reported in Korea.

Overhydration measured by bioimpedance analysis and the survival of patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a single-center study

BACKGROUND: Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) helps measuring the constituents of the body noninvasively. Prior studies suggest that BIA-guided fluid assessment helps to predict survival in dialysis patients. We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of BIA for predicting the survival rate of hemodialysis patients in Korea. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study. All patients were diagnosed with end-stage renal disorder and started maintenance hemodialysis between June 2009 and April 2014. BIA was performed within the 1st week from the start of hemodialysis. The patients were classified into 2 groups based on volume status measured by the body composition monitor (BCM; Fresenius): an overhydrated group [OG; overhydration/extracellular water (OH/ECW) >15%] and a nonoverhydrated group (NOG; OH/ECW < or =15%). RESULTS: A total of 344 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 252 patients (73.3%) were categorized into the OG and 92 patients (26.7%) into the NOG. Age- and sex-matching patients were selected with a rate of 2:1. Finally, 160 overhydrated patients and 80 nonoverhydrated patients were analyzed. Initial levels of hemoglobin and serum albumin were significantly lower in the OG. During follow-up, 43 patients from the OG and 7 patients from the NOG died (median follow-up duration, 24.0 months). The multivariate-adjusted all-cause mortality was significantly increased in the OG (odds ratio, 2.569; P = 0.033) and older patients (odds ratio, 1.072/y; P < 0.001). No significant difference of all-cause or disease-specific admission rate was observed between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The ratio of OH/ECW volume measured with body composition monitor is related to the overall survival of end-stage renal disorder patients who started maintenance hemodialysis.

A Case of Membranous Glomerulonephritis with Superimposed Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Rapidly Progressive Crescentic Glomerulonephritis / 전남의대학술지

Idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis (IMGN) is commonly diagnosed in adults with proteinuria. Rapid deterioration of renal function is a rare complication of IMGN, except when accompanied by renal vein thrombosis, malignant hypertension, or other underlying disease, including lupus nephritis. Here, we present a case of rapid deterioration of renal function in a patient with MGN superimposed with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis (RPGN). Overall, about 20 cases of MGN with ANCA-associated RPGN have been reported. This case of biopsy-proven MGN with ANCA-associated RPGN is the first to be reported in Korea.

A Case of Septic Pulmonary Embolism in an End-Stage Renal Failure Patient with Infected Arterio-venous Graft for Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is different from non-infectious thromboembolism in that it causes pulmonary arterial obstruction and inflammation by infectious emboli from various sources. There are increased risks of SPE in patients with chronic kidney disease because of decreased immunity and frequent venous puncture with the use of indwelling venous catheters or arterio-venous graft (AVG). However, SPE related with AVG infection in end-stage renal failure patient is very rare. Recently, we experienced a typical case of septic pulmonary embolism occurring in a 57-year-old man with infected AVG during hemodialysis. The patient had started hemodialysis 10 years ago due to diabetic end stage renal failure. Due to functional failure of the arterio-venous fistula, hemodialysis had been performed through an AVG on the upper left arm 3 years before admission.

Ankle-Brachial Index and Risk Factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease in Dialysis Patients / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a predictable marker of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease and its prevalence among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients especially in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing dialysis is apparently increasing. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is regarded as an easy, reliable, and noninvasive measure of the presence and severity of lower-extremity PAD (ABI or =0.9) and the prevalence of PAD was analyzed. We measured ABI with VP2000 PWV/ankle-brachial index. We also reviewed the clinical characteristics and evaluated the risk factors of PAD, retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen patients on hemodialysis, and twenty one patients on peritoneal dialysis were included in this study. The mean age of total patients was 60.1 (24-84) years old. Thirty five patients out of one hundred thirty eight patients had an ABI index of less than 0.9 (PAD indicative). PAD was independently associated with age (p=0.013), duration of dialysis (p=0.013), history of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease (p=0.001, p=0.001 respectively), diabetes (p=0.034), and increased LDL cholesterol (p=0.004) in univariate analysis. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, duration of dialysis, increased level of LDL-cholesterol and history of coronary artery disease were significantly related with PAD (p=0.008, p=0.019, p=0.018 respectively). CONCLUSION: Duration of dialysis, increased level of LDL-cholesterol and coronary artery disease were independent risk factors for PAD in patients with ESRD on dialysis.

A Case of Spontaneous Subdural Hematoma in a Patient with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease / 대한신장학회지

Intracranial manifestations associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) include arachnoid cysts, dolichoectasias, and subdural hematoma (SDH), although there are only a few reports of SDH in patients with ADPKD. We report a case of spontaneous SDH in a patient with ADPKD. A 33-year-old woman complained of severe nausea and vomiting for 10 days. She had suffered from a headache for several months. She was diagnosed with ADPKD and hypertension 6 years earlier, and the hypertension was well controlled. Her mental state was drowsy in the emergency room. Her blood pressure was 180/105 mmHg. There was no evidence of head trauma. Results of a peripheral blood CBC and blood chemistry analysis were within normal limits, as were the results of a blood coagulation test and urinalysis. She was pregnant and in the eighth week of gestation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed SDH in the left lateral convexity and focally in the right lateral convexity, and brain herniation. Surgical drainage was performed through a burr hole, under general anesthesia. Intra-operatively, 62 mL of liquefied subdural hematoma were removed. She recovered completely without sequelae.

Spontaneous Bilateral Renal Rupture in an End-stage Renal Disease Patient Treated with Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

Bilateral spontaneous renal rupture is a rare event that has been documented in only a few reports. We report a spontaneous, but not simultaneous rupture of both kidneys in a 64-year-old man with end-stage renal disease who had been treated with hemodialysis for 78 months. He complained of sudden left flank pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a huge perirenal hematoma with multiple renal cysts. The patient underwent an urgent left nephrectomy and was diagnosed as multiple acquired renal cysts with rupture and focal incidental papillary renal cell carcinoma. Twenty-two days after the left nephrectomy, he complained of sudden right flank pain and abdominal CT showed another massive perirenal hematoma. The patient underwent a right nephrectomy and was diagnosed as renal cyst rupture with perirenal hemorrhage. However, there was no evidence of renal cell carcinoma in the right kidney. Postural hypotension and frequent hypotensive episodes developed during hemodialysis several months after both nephrectomies. He was diagnosed as primary adrenal insufficiency with rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and the level of plasma ACTH and was treated with prednisolone and fludrocortisone. The patient died of acute myocardial infarction 32 months after bilateral nephrectomies.

Prognostic Factors of Acute Renal Failure Patients Treated with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has been used widely for treating critically ill patients with acute renal failure (ARF). We performed this study to identify predictors of mortality in critically ill ARF patients treated with CRRT. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 128 patients who were treated with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) or continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) from May, 2002 to March, 2008. We compared the clinical data of survivors with non-survivors. RESULTS: On univariate analyses of prognostic factors of patients treated with CVVHDF, APACHE II scores (p=0.004), prothrombin time (INR) (p=0.033) and the number of inotropics used (p=0.005) were significantly lower in survivors than those of non-survivors. MAP (p=0.027), diastolic BP (p=0.015) and fibrinogen level (p=0.007) were significantly higher in survivors than those of non-survivors. Multivariate analysis revealed that APACHE II scores and fibrinogen level were the independent factors for the prediction of mortality. And on univariate analyses of prognostic factors of patients treated with CVVH, APACHE II scores (p=0.002) and the number of inotropics used (p=0.006) were significantly lower in survivors than in non-survivors. MAP (p=0.03), systolic BP (p=0.02) and diastolic BP (p=0.03) were significantly higher in survivors than in non-survivors. Multivariate analysis also revealed that APACHE II scores was the only independent factor for the prediction of mortality. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the independent prognostic factor for mortality in ARF patients treated with CRRT was the APACHE II score.

C-phycocyanin Attenuates Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis in UUO Mice / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: It has been reported that Spirulina, a blue-green algae with potent antioxidant properties, affords significant protection against inflammation and fibrosis in the liver in vivo. The aim of the present study was to establish the possible protective role of C-phycocyanin, one of the active ingredients of Spirulina, in an experimental model of fibrosis in the kidney. METHODS: The study was carried out using male C57BL6 mice. Mice were divided into the following four groups: sham-operated group; C-phycocyanin (PC)-treated sham group; unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) group; and PC with UUO group. We evaluated renal TGF-beta mRNA, MCP-1, and osteopontin using real-time RT PCR. We evaluated renal TGF-beta, alpha-SMA, and CD68 by immunohistochemistry. We recorded light microscopic findings of kidney specimens. RESULTS: PC significantly decreased the expression of MCP-1 and alpha-SMA mRNA. Renal gene levels of expression of TGF-beta, MCP-1, and osteopontin in the UUO group were significantly higher than the sham-operated group (p<0.01). The levels of expression of TGF-beta, MCP-1, and osteopontin mRNA of kidneys in the PC-treated UUO group were significantly lower than the untreated UUO group (p< 0.05). The magnitude of expression of TGF-beta and alpha-SMA protein in the kidneys of the PC-treated UUO group was significantly less than the untreated UUO control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that PC has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in an experimental UUO murine model.

Erythropoietin (EPO) Attenuates Renal Injury in an Experimental Model of Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE:In addition to its hematopoietic effects, EPO has protective effects in vivo in several animal models of acute renal injury. We examined whether EPO also attenuated renal injury in a rat model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions. METHODS:Male SpragueDawley rats were divided into four groups: control rats, EPO+control rats, cisplatin rats, and EPO+cisplatin rats. EPO treatment was started 24 h prior to cisplatin administration. Then, 96 h after cisplatin administration, all experimental animals were killed. And renal molecular, functional and structural parameters were measured. RESULTS:The serum levels of BUN and creatinine in the 96 h after cisplatin administration were significantly lower than in cisplatin rats. On microscopic examination, the magnitude of renal tubular epithelial damage in the EPO+cisplatin rats was also significantly less than that of cisplatin rats. Renal expression of TNF-alpha Fas, MCP-1 and TGF-betain the cisplatin rats was significantly higher than those of control rats and EPO+control rats. The levels of TNF-alpha Fas, MCP-1 and TGF-betagene expression in EPO+cisplatin rats were significantly lower than those of cisplatin rats. The Bcl-2 mRNA level in EPO+cisplatin rats was significantly higher than in cisplatin rats. EPO+cisplatin rats had significantly fewer TUNEL-positive cells. CONCLUSION:These results suggest that EPO has a protective effect against experimental cisplatin- induced renal injury and that the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties of EPO may be involved.

Perirenal Hematoma Induced by Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation / 대한신장학회지

Acupuncture therapy has been widely performed by staffs of oriental medicine in Korea, and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) therapy has been introduced recently and used for controlling myofascial pain in the field of orthopedics, rehabilitation, and pain clinics. To penetrate human tissues, relatively long needles are used in both procedures and these these may have some risks to puncture blood vessels. However, there were few reports about sequelae or complications after such procedures in Korean literatures. Recently, we experienced two cases of perirenal hematoma in patients without blood coagulation abnormalities (one case induced by acupuncture in oriental medicine clinic, and the other case induced by IMS in orthopedic clinic and was also accompanied by perirenal abscess).

Henoch-Schonlein Nephritis in Adults: Renal Outcomes and Prognostic Factors / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Renal involvement of Henoch-Schonlein (HS) purpura is common, and the long-term prognosis depends on the degree of renal injury. The aim of our study was to search for prognostic factors of HS nephritis and its relationship with clinical, laboratory, and renal pathologic features. METHODS: Study population consisted of 81 patients (age > or =15 years) with HS nephritis who had been admitted to Chungnam National University Hospital from January, 1991 to February, 2008. We reviewed the clinical symptoms, laboratory data and pathologic findings of kidney of total 81 patients, and also analyzed the relationship between these and renal prognosis. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 40.6 years and the median duration of follow-up was 16 months. Male to female ratio was 1.08. Kidney biopsies were carried out in 61 patients (75.4%). Regarding renal function, 14 (17.3%) of patients reached moderate to severe renal insufficiency, and 4 (4.9%) progressed to end-stage renal disease within 16 months (median, range 1.5-196 months) after diagnosis. Complete clinical remission was achieved in 26 patients (32.1%). The presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, relapse of purpura, hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, increased level of serum immunoglobulin A, and the magnitude of crescents and sclerotic glomeruli were significantly associated with poor renal prognosis (all p<0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, initial elevated serum creatinine level and hypertension were independent prognostic factors (p=0.013, p=0.007). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the initial clinical findings including renal function and hypertension are important prognostic factors in adult HS nephritis.

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Peroneal Nerve Palsy after Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome / 대한신장학회지

In the course of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), mild neurological symptoms such as headache, vertigo and nausea are common. Peripheral neuropathy in HFRS is very rare. Henoch- Sch?nlein purpura (HSP) is an immunologically medicated systemic vasculitis of small blood vessels affecting the skin, gastrointestinal tract, joints and kidneys, predominantly. Neurological complications in HSP include headache, focal cerebral deficit, coma, convulsion, subarachnoid hemorrhage and chorea. Peripheral neuropathy is also very rare. However there was no case report about HSP and peroneal nerve palsy after HFRS. With a brief review of the literature, we report a case of HSP and peroneal nerve palsy following HFRS.

Successful Treatment of Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis with Tamoxifen and Prednisolone / 대한신장학회지

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is an uncommon but serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Entrapment of the intestine in fibrous tissue, causing complete intestinal obstruction, is referred to as SEP. The usual clinical presentation is with partial or complete small bowel obstruction, ascites, abdominal mass, or impaired peritoneal ultrafiltration. Conservative treatment carries a poor outcome and surgery has offered variable results. Even though there is no established medical treatment, immunosuppressive drugs, steroid and tamoxifen are often used. Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal anti-estrogenic drug commonly used in the management of breast cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first case of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis successfully treated with tamoxifen and prednisolone in Korea. Recently, we have treated three SEP patients with tamoxifen and prednisolone. All three patients showed clinical improvement within a few months.

Renal Cell Carcinoma Occurred in Native Kidneys before and after Renal Transplantation / 대한신장학회지

One of the major risk factors of renal cell carcinoma is acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) developed in course of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) and the incidence of ACKD increases with the duration of dialysis. Moreover, the overall incidence of renal cell carcinoma after renal transplantation has been reported to be being more than 8 times higher compared with that of general population. But renal cell carcinomas occurred in native kidneys before and after renal transplantation in ESRF patient with ACKD are very rare. We experienced a case of renal cell carcinoma occurred in native kidneys 14 months before and 5 months after renal transplantation in an ESRF patient with ACKD.

The Protective Effect of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin and N-acetylcysteine in Radiocontrast-Induced Nephrotoxicity / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with underlying renal dysfunction, who are regarded as a high risk group. METHODS: This study included 77 individuals with renal insufficiency, defined by a serum creatinine concentration above 1.2 mg/dL or creatinine clearance of more than 15 mL/min/1.73m2 and less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2. These patients who needed radiologic interventions including the use of radiocontrast materials from August 2006 to May 2007 were randomly assigned to one of four groups, which were treated with EPO only, NAC only, EPO plus NAC and placebo respectively. The serum creatinine and cystatin-C were measured before, 24 hours and 48 hours after the intervention. The creatinine clearance was obtained using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. RESULTS: The serum level of creatinine in EPO plus NAC group was not significantly elevated 24 and 48 hours after radiocontrast exposure compared to control group (p=0.012). Also, the creatinine clearance of EPO plus NAC group was not significantly decreased after radiocontrast exposure compared to control group (p=0.046). The serum level of creatinine in EPO and NAC group increased less than control group, but there were no significant differences between the groups. Also, the creatinine clearance in EPO and NAC group decreased less than control group, but there were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: EPO plus NAC showed a renoprotective effect on radiocontrast study in patients with underlying renal dysfunction.