Two cases of idiopathic membranous nephropathy treated with rituximab

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome, and has been reported as a cause of idiopathic primary glomerulonephropathy in up to 90% of patients. However, the treatment options remain controversial. We report two cases of idiopathic membranous nephropathy that were treated with rituximab. A 54-year-old man and a 64-year old man were admitted for rituximab therapy. They had previously been treated with combinations of immunosuppressive agents including cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, and steroids. However, the patients' heavy proteinuria was not resolved. Both patients received rituximab therapy, 2 weeks apart. After several months of follow-up and a second round of rituximab treatment for each patient, their proteinuria decreased and partial remission of disease was achieved in both patients.

A Fatal Case of Acute Superior Vena Cava Syndrome and Mediastinal Hematoma Following Insertion of the Internal Jugular Catheter for Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

The superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome refers to all clinical phenomena appeared as bronchial pneumonia, lymphoma, mediastinitis, and aortic aneurysm compress the superior vena cava and the veins in the vicinity in the superior mediastinum. Iatrogenic superior vena cava syndrome due to vascular stenosis or aneurysmal change has occurred by the repeated placement of cardiac pacemaker. Cardiac tamponade and hematoma have been reported in patients with end-stage renal disease due to impairment of blood coagulation caused by uremia. But acutely developed SVC syndrome was not reported after catheterization. In this report, we describe a case of acute SVC syndrome and mediastinal hematoma after insertion of internal jugular catheter for hemodialysis.

A Case of Renal Salt Wasting Syndrome Induced by Cisplatin for Chemotherapy / 대한신장학회지

Cisplatin is widely used for chemotherapy, but known to cause renal, auditory, hematologic, gastrointestinal, and neurologic toxicities. Hyponatremia after administration of cisplatin is related to renal tubular sodium excretion. A 71-year-old female was referred to our hospital for chemotherapy of laryngeal cancer. On admission, the patient's laboratory data were normal. The patient received for 3 days chemotherapy without complication, but presented mental confusion on the 4th hospital day. The laboratory findings were as follows; serum sodium was 118 mmol/L, urine sodium 163 mmol/L, serum osmolality 248 mmol/kg, and urine osmolality 594 mmol/kg. On physical exam, volume status was hypovolemic, so we supplied hypertonic and isotonic salines. On the 9th hospital day, she showed normal sodium concentration and clear consciousness. After chemotherapy, we should make differential diagnosis between SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) and renal salt wasting syndrome according to the physical examination. We report a case of renal salt wasting syndrome with severe mental change after chemotherapy using cisplatin.

A Case of Nocardia farcinica Brain Abscess in a Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Patient after Steroid Treatment / 대한신장학회지

Nocardia is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause disseminated disease in serious immunosuppressive patients with organ transplantation, advanced HIV infection, malignancy or long-term corticosteroid use. Cerebral nocardiosis constitutes the most severe form of Nocardial infection. Early detection and treatment of cerebral abscess of Nocardia is important because the mortality is three times higher than that of other bacterial cerebral abscesses. We report a case of N. farcinica brain abscess in a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) patient after steroid treatment.

Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Associated with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한신장학회지

Malignant tumors have been shown to be a major secondary cause of nephrotic syndrome. They have been associated with different glomerulopathy depending on their type. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) rarely develops in solid tumors, although cases have been reported in renal cell cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and tumors in the urogenital system. However, to our knowledge, there have been no case reported of MPGN associated with thyroid cancer. In the present case, we observed MPGN associated with thyroid cancer in a 44-year-old woman with nephrotic syndrome and renal insufficiency. Her thyroid ultrasound revealed a tumor measuring 1.01x1.14x1.48 cm with an indistinct border that was partially calcified. The tumor was confirmed to be papillary carcinoma by percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy. Renal biopsy showed chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis and MPGN. On day 45 of admission, total thyroidectomy and neck lymphadenectomy were performed. After total thyroidectomy, serum total protein, albumin, C3, and C4 normalized. In conclusion, this case represents the first report of simultaneous development of MPGN and thyroid cancer.

Coagulopathy in patients who experience snakebite

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Coagulopathy is a common complication of snakebite, but there is little information on the clinical importance of coagulopathy. We analyzed the characteristics of coagulopathy after envenomation. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients who experienced snakebite were enrolled in this study. We divided all the patients into three groups by the ISTH DIC scoring system: the normal, simple coagulopathy and DIC groups. The coagulopathy group included both the simple coagulopathy and DIC groups. We then conducted a case-control study. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the Hct, protein, albumin, ALP and cholesterol levels in the coagulopathy group, and only the cholesterol level was deceased in the DIC group (p<0.05). Leukocytosis and rhabdomyolysis were significantly associated with coagulopathy, and hemolysis and rhabdomyolysis were associated with DIC (p<0.05). The presence of rhabdomyolysis was considered a risk factor for coagulopathy (p<0.05). These conditions continued for up to six to seven days after the snakebite. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of coagulopathy with using these characteristics is helpful to properly manage the patients who experience snakebite.

A case of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome after renal transplantation / 대한내과학회지

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is an acute disease characterized by fever, headache, bleeding tendency, and anuria. We recently treated a case of hemorrhagic fever in a renal allograft patient with renal syndrome. A 43-year-old woman presented with high fever, headache, and myalgia for 4 days. In February 1998, she had undergone allograft kidney transplantation following treatment with cyclosporine and steroids. Allograft function was stable. Hantaan virus infection was demonstrated by serology during the first hospital week. Her clinical course progressed through febrile, hypotensive, oliguria, polyuria, and recovery phases. The patient was successfully treated with continuous renal replacement therapy and supportive management with maintenance doses of immunosuppressive agents.

Peritonitis due to Trichosporon asahii in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient / 대한내과학회지

Fungal peritonitis is an important cause of intractable peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Candida species are the most common cause of fungal peritonitis, while Trichosporon asahii is rarely reported. Here, we report a case of peritonitis due to T. asahii in a 44-year-old woman who had undergone CAPD for 8 years. She was admitted to our hospital with diarrhea and fever. The clinical findings and analysis of the peritoneal fluid were consistent with peritonitis, and a culture of the peritoneal fluid revealed T. asahii. The peritonitis was treated by removing the peritoneal catheter and administering amphotericin B and fluconazole. T. asahii peritonitis is rare, but it should be considered as one of the important organism in fungal peritonitis in a CAPD patient.

Clinical Characteristics and Survival Analysis of Elderly Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: The increased prevalence and incidence of end-stage renal disease in the elderly is a worldwide phenomenon. We investigated the survival rate, technical success, cause of death and the predictors of death in patients starting peritoneal dialysis over 65 years of age. METHODS: We analyzed 67 patients; 37 were in the elderly group (>65 years of age) and 30 in the control group (45-64 years of age) that started peritoneal dialysis between January 1995 and June 2006. Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings at the beginning of dialysis and 6 months later were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, the survival rate and independent predictors of survival were analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of complication was not different in the two groups. However, leakage of dialysate was more common in the elderly group. The duration of patient survival, serum albumin levels and BMI were lower in the elderly group. The multivariate analysis showed that age, presence of diabetes, initial albumin level, and residual renal function was associated with patient survival, gender, age, initial albumin level, and the prevalence of peritonitis affected the technical success rate. CONCLUSION: Among elderly patients, leakage was more prevalent compared to the younger patients and the most common cause of death was cardiovascular disease. The presence of diabetes, a low serum albumin and BMI, and residual renal function were associated with the duration of survival

Relationship between serum brain natriuretic peptide and heart function in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are known to be elevated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and normal heart function. Therefore, the present study was performed to examine the effectiveness of BNP level in diagnosing heart failure in patients with CKD and to determine its effects on survival rate and prognosis. METHODS: A total of 182 patients with CKD who visited the hospital due to dyspnea of NYHA class II were included in the study. BNP levels were measured and echocardiography was performed to divide the subjects into groups with and without heart failure. Their BNP levels, clinical courses, and survival rates were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: When BNP level was > or =858.5 pg/mL in CKD patients, heart failure could be diagnosed with sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 72%, respectively. Survival rate of the group with BNP levels of > or =858.8 pg/mL was significantly lower than that of the group with BNP level below this threshold (p=0.012) and multivariate analysis showed that BNP level, age, and sex affected survival rate in the group with BNP level > or =858.8 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: BNP levels of patients with CKD showed a positive correlation with creatinine levels, and the critical point of BNP level for diagnosis of heart failure was 858.5 pg/mL. As the survival rate in patients with BNP level above the critical point was significantly low, this level was a useful indicator for predicting their prognosis. Care should be taken in interpreting BNP level because patients with stage 5 CKD may show a high concentration of BNP without heart failure.

A Case of Membranous Glomerulonephritis in a Patient with HIV Infection / 대한신장학회지

Viral infections can be causative in many glomerular disease, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is closely related to a collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This is known as HIV associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and is characterized clinically by proteinuria, often of sudden onset, with rapidly progressive renal dysfunction resulting in end stage renal disease (ESRD) over several months. Increasingly, other primary renal diseases are being described in HIV infected patients, including IgA nephropathy, an immune complex lupus-like neprhopathy, and tubulonephritis. We observed rare HIVAN case presenting membranous glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome in a woman who was positive for HIV without hepatitis B viral infection. She was treated with Methylprednisolone 60 mg/day, zidovudine 600 mg/day, efavirenz 60 mg/day, and lamivudine 300 mg/day for 5 months. After treatment, proteinuria decreased from 4,092 mg/day to 419 mg/day and CD4 T cell count rose from 594/mL to 1,176/mL. The effectiveness and safety of corticosteroids in the treatment of HIVAN remained controversial but this case showed good response for steroid with triple antiviral therapy about HIVAN especially membranous glomerulonephritis.

Comparison between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease and Liver Cirrhosis / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: During hemodialysis (HD) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and preexisting liver cirrhosis (LC), there is a risk of inadequate ultrafiltration due to either intradialytic hypotension or a coagulopathy causing complications from alteration of clotting factors and platelets. Peritoneal dialysis has several benefits over HD for cirrhotic patients including proper hemodynamic stability, avoidance of anticoagulants and direct removal of ascitic fluid. We compared the factors associated with the survival rates in patients with ESRD and LC undergoing dialysis. METHODS: We analyzed 41 ESRD patients with LC (HD 23 patients, PD 18 patients). Their characteristics and laboratory findings at the beginning of dialysis, and survival rates were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in survival time with the treatment modality. The patients with severe ascites at the beginning of dialysis, low albumin (serum albumin or =7) and low hemoglobin (Hb) level (Hb <10 g/dL) had poor survival. The multivariate analysis showed that age, the amount of ascites, the initial Hb level and the modified Child-Pugh score were risk factors for death. CONCLUSION: PD was an effective renal replacement therapy for patients with ESRD and LC. Patients with a modified Child-Pugh classification of A and B were not significantly different with regard to survival rates. Therefore, PD may be a safe and effective option for patients with ESRD and LC.

Clinical Characteristics of Alcoholic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Chronic Alcoholic Ingestion / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND:Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a common disorder observed in chronic alcoholics with metabolic acidosis but there were only several reports. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical characteristics of alcoholic ketoacidosis and to identify prognostic factors that could affect survival of patients. METHODS:We retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in 66 patients who were diagnosed with alcoholic ketoacidosis. RESULTS: There were 57 men and 9 women and their mean age was 48.6 years. Duration of alcohol intake was 20+/-12 years. The amount of daily alcohol intake was 129+/-68 g. Alcohol drinking patterns such as duration and the amount of daily alcohol consumption did not differ significantly between the non-survivors the and survivors. On laboratory testing, the levels of creatinine, pCO2, leukocyte count, total bilirubin, creatinine, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher in the non-survivors than in the survivors (respectively, p=0.044; p=0.003; p=0.001; p=0.011; p=0.007; p=0.018). The levels of hemoglobin, total protein, albumin and calcium were significantly lower in the non-survivors than in the survivors (respectively, p=0.003; p=0.022; p=0.001; p= 0.001). Combined conditions on admission were acute renal failure (36/66), alcoholic hepatitis (29/66), gastritis (21/66), rhabdomyolysis (15/66), alcohol withdrawal syndrome (15/66), infections (15/66) and pancreatitis (10/66). Mortality rate was 22.7% (15/66) and common causes of death were uncontrolled acidosis, sepsis and gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSION: The general conditions, ability of respiratory compensation, renal function and the severity of liver disease on admission were associated with mortality in patients with alcoholic ketoacidosis.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Complicated by Cochlear Hemorrhage and Abducens Nerve Palsy / 대한신장학회잡지

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is characterized clinically by the triad with fever, hemorrhage and renal failure. The hemorrhage in HFRS varies from transient petechial skin lesions to fulminant and massive internal bleeding. The latter can be an important cause of death in HFRS. A 52-year-old male was admitted to our hospital presenting with fatigue, fever, diplopia and right ear deafness. Rapid test for detecting Hantaan virus antibody was positive, so we diagnosed his case as HFRS. We also performed prism cover test, pure tone audiogram, tympanometry and temporal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaulate his diplopia and right ear deafness. Pure tone audiogram revealed right ear deafness and temporal MRI revealed right cochlear hemorrhage. After two weeks management, he recovered from HFRS and diplopia, but not from right ear deafness. We here report a case of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome complicated by sudden sensorineural hearing loss caused by cochlear hemorrhage and isolated abducens nerve palsy, which has not been submitted in Korea.

Secondary Amyloidosis in Patient with Spinal Cord Injury: Renal and Thyroid Amyloidosis / 대한신장학회잡지

Amyloidosis is an acquired or inherited disorder with protein folding and degradation characterizing the deposition of the proteinaceous material in the extracellular matrix of one or several organs. Secondary amyloidosis resulting from the deposition of serum amyloid A protein, occurs 1-5% during the lifetime of patients with chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. In addition, chronic pyelonephritis and pressure sores in patient with spinal cord injury are documented as risk factors of secondary amyloidosis. Thus, the efforts to treat and prevent the development of secondary amyloidosis and to preserve the renal function should focus on avoiding the chronic inflammatory state and a pathologic study of doubtful organs for early diagnosis should be performed. We have experienced one case of secondary amyloidosis in patient with spinal cord injury which involves with kidney and thyroid gland.

Clinical Significance of B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Impedance Cardiography in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: The risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is higher in hemodialysis (HD) patients than in general population. Early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the best way to reduce the most important cause of death. However, cardiac geometric and/or functional alterations including left ventricular hypertrophy, atherosclerosis and/or systolic and diastolic dysfunction are not easily known to nephrologist in the sense that diagnostic procedure is limited because cardiac angiography and echocardiography are frequently needed. METHODS: To evaluate the cardiac alteration by non-invasive tools, we measured pre- and post-HD B-type natriuretic peptide levels and performed impedance cardiography (ICG) in 40 HD patients and 10 healthy adults as control. RESULTS: Pre- and post-HD BNP level, cardiac index (CI), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), acceleration index (ACI), velocity index (VI) and thoracic fluid content (TFC) in patients were significantly higher than those in normal control group (p<0.05). Pre-HD BNP level, stroke index (SI), SV and TFC were significantly different after HD (p<0.05). There were significant differences in pre-HD BNP level, SI, SV and VI between diabetes and non-diabetes groups (p<0.05). Pre-HD BNP level correlated significantly with post- HD BNP level, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, CO, SVRI, SVR and TFC (p<0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis, SVR and TFC were positively associated with pre-HD BNP level (R2=0.289). The area under the ROC curve for cardiac alterations was 0.749 for pre-HD BNP level. A cut-point of 560 pg/mL for pre-HD BNP level was 80% sensitive and 72% specific in determining cardiac alterations. CONCLUSION: Even though cardiac alterations of patients were heterogeneous in our study, plasma BNP level and some parameters (SVR, TFC) of ICG seem to be available to nephrologist for detecting and monitoring cardiac conditions in HD patients.

Listeria monocytogenes Meningitis in Hemodialysis Patient: a Case Report / 대한신장학회잡지

Since it has been named as Listeria monocytogenes after its detection in 20th century, listeriosis has been known as a microorganism to parasitize and proliferate in cytoplasm of eucaryotic cell in many researches. As listeriosis has been occurred frequently in malignancy, leukemia, alcoholism, pregnant women, neonates and patients who has been administered immunosuppressants, a declined cell- mediated immune system of these patients has gotten the clinical attention as a common pattern. Infections by listeria have been rarely reported in end stage renal disease patients with a reduction in cell- medicated immune system. Through our experience, we'd like to report a meningitis by Listeria monocytogenes which has not been submitted in Korea yet.

Comparative Analysis of Acute Drug Intoxication between 1980s and 1990s

BACKGROUND: To comparatively analysis the epidemiological changes in the acute drug intoxication between 1980s and 1990s. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of the patients with acute drug intoxication in the emergency department of the Inha hospital from June 1986 to April 1987 and from June 1996 to May 1997. And we performed comparative analysis between two result. RESULTS: The ratio of the acute drug intoxication in the emergency medical center was reduced significantly in 1990s against 1980s. Sexual ratio and prevalent age group has no significant interval changes between 1980s and 1990s. The prevalent seasons were Spring in 1980s and Summer in 1990s but has no significance. The most commonly used drugs was rodentides in 1980s and hypnosedatives in 1990s and shown significant interval changes. The most common motive was suicidal attempts in both 1980s and 1990s, but significantly reduced. After emergency treatment the rate of curative-discharge has improved and the rate of admission has decreased significantly in 1990s against 1980s. The most critical agent was agricultural chemicals in both 1980s and 1990s. The mortality rate has no significant interval changes. CONCLUSION: There were some significant interval changes of the acute drug intoxication in prevalence rate, commonly used drugs, ratio of suicidal attempt and curative-discharge rate between 1980s and 1990s. New education programs far preventing acute drug intoxication and strict legal control of drugs are important and necessary.

Central Origin Dizziness Versus Peripheral Origin Dizziness

BACKGROUND: Dizziness is a common complaint in patients presenting to the emergency room and that has various pathologic causes. This study investigate the clinical differences in dizziness between the central origin and the peripheral origin and to provides the clues far diagnosis and proper treatment. METHODS: We analysed 290 patients with dizziness during 12 months period prospectively, who visited in ED, Inha University Hospital from Jan. 1997 to Dec. 1997. We analysized sex ratio, characteristics of the dizziness, associated past illness, associated symptoms, severity, results of the special radiologic study, nystagmus type, and causes of central origin and peripheral origin dizziness. RESULTS: Male to female ratio was 1:1.4 in central origin(n=165) and 1:2.0 in peripheral origin(n=125). Most common age group was 11th decade in both groups. According to the characteristics of the dizziness, rotation sense was the main complaint of the peripheral origin dizziness. Most common past illness was hypertension in both groups. MRI has diagnostic priority than CT scan in central origin dizziness. Types of nystagmus has some significant differences between two groups. CONCLUSION: Dizziness may represented as a sign of significant pathological neurologic status especially in central origin. So we must precisely evaluate the patient history, neurologic examination of the inner ear and CNS, and special radiologic study incliding MRI.