Serum and urine metabolomic biomarkers for predicting prognosis in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most prevalent form of glomerulonephritis worldwide. Prediction of disease progression in IgAN can help to provide individualized treatment based on accurate risk stratification. Methods: We performed proton nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics analyses of serum and urine samples from healthy controls, non-progressor (NP), and progressor (P) groups to identify metabolic profiles of IgAN disease progression. Metabolites that were significantly different between the NP and P groups were selected for pathway analysis. Subsequently, we analyzed multivariate area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the predictive power of metabolites associated with IgAN progression. Results: We observed several distinct metabolic fingerprints of the P group involving the following metabolic pathways: glycolipid metabolism; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; aminoacyl-transfer RNA biosynthesis; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. In multivariate ROC analyses, the combinations of serum glycerol, threonine, and proteinuria (area under the curve [AUC], 0.923; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.667–1.000) and of urinary leucine, valine, and proteinuria (AUC, 0.912; 95% CI, 0.667–1.000) showed the highest discriminatory ability to predict IgAN disease progression. Conclusion: This study identified serum and urine metabolites profiles that can aid in the identification of progressive IgAN and proposed perturbed metabolic pathways associated with the identified metabolites.

Hospital mortality and prognostic factors in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury and cancer undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy

Whether continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) should be applied to critically ill patients with both acute kidney injury (AKI) and cancer remains controversial because of poor expected outcomes. The present study determined prognostic factors for all-cause in-hospital mortality in patients with AKI and cancer undergoing CRRT. Methods: We included 471 patients with AKI and cancer who underwent CRRT at the intensive care unit of a Korean tertiary hospital from 2013 to 2020, and classified them by malignancy type. The primary outcomes were 28-day all-cause mortality rate and prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was renal replacement therapy (RRT) dependency at hospital discharge. Results: The 28-day mortality rates were 58.8% and 82% in the solid and hematologic malignancy groups, respectively. Body mass index (BMI), presence of oliguria, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and albumin level were common predictors of 28-day mortality in the solid and hematologic malignancy groups. A high heart rate and the presence of severe acidosis were prognostic factors only in the solid malignancy group. Among the survivors, the proportion with RRT dependency was 25.0% and 33.3% in the solid and hematologic malignancy groups, respectively. Conclusion: The 28-day mortality rate of cancer patients with AKI undergoing CRRT was high in both the solid and hematologic malignancy groups. BMI, presence of oliguria, SOFA score, and albumin level were common predictors of 28-day mortality in the solid and hematologic malignancy groups, but a high heart rate and severe acidosis were prognostic factors only in the solid malignancy group.

Clinical features and outcomes of elderly patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis: a single-center retrospective study

Background@#We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients aged ≥65 years with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-positive ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) in Korea. @*Methods@#Seventy patients diagnosed with ANCA-positive AAV from 2006 to 2019 at a single center were analyzed and categorized into younger (aged <65 years) or elderly (aged ≥65 years) groups. Initial induction treatments were investigated according to age group. All-cause mortality and kidney outcomes were evaluated. @*Results@#After categorization by age, 34 (48.6%) and 36 patients (51.4%) were in the younger and elderly groups, respectively. In the elderly group, more patients were treated with oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) (30.6%) than with intravenous CYC (19.4%). During a median follow-up of 14.6 months (range, 3.0-53.1 months), 13 patients died (elderly group: 11 patients, 84.6%). In the elderly group, older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.90; p = 0.01), lower hemoglobin (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08-0.60; p = 0.003), and higher serum creatinine level (HR 14.17; 95% CI, 1.29-155.84; p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for all-cause mortality after adjustment. Oral CYC + steroid treatment was associated with decreased all-cause mortality compared to untreated induction immunosuppressants (HR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.0003-0.47; p = 0.02). Kidney failure or renal recovery outcomes were not significantly different between the younger and elderly groups. @*Conclusion@#Patients aged ≥65 years had higher mortality rates than younger patients, and mortality was associated with older age, lower hemoglobin, higher serum creatinine level, and nontreatment compared to oral CYC + steroids.

Effect of Phoxilium on prognostic predictors in patients undergoing continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration

Background@#Phosphorus-containing dialysis solution is used to prevent hypophosphatemia in patients undergoing continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). This study evaluated the effect of phosphorus-containing dialysis solution on mortality in patients undergoing CVVHDF based on changes in phosphorus and red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) levels. @*Methods@#We included 272 patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who underwent CVVHDF at the medical intensive care unit from 2017 to 2019 and classified them according to Phoxilium (Baxter Healthcare Ltd.), as a phosphorus-containing dialysis solution, use within 48 hours after CVVHDF initiation. Clinical data were collected at baseline and 48 hours after CVVHDF initiation. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during the follow-up period. @*Results@#The non-Phoxilium (NP) group had higher phosphorus and lower RDW-CV levels than the Phoxilium (P) group (phosphorus, 7.3 ± 4.3 vs. 5.0 ± 2.8 mg/dL; RDW-CV, 14.6 ± 1.9 vs. 15.7 ± 2.6%; all p 0 mg/dL vs. 0% vs. 0% vs. >–0.2% and <0%; HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.12–6.24; p = 0.03), while an increase in delta phosphorus was not. @*Conclusion@#In patients with AKI undergoing CVVHDF, the risk factors for all-cause mortality differed according to the initial phosphorus levels and use of Phoxilium.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of mortality in liver cirrhosis patients on continuous renal replacement therapy in two tertiary hospitals in Korea

Background@#Data on liver cirrhosis (LC) patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are lacking despite the dismal prognosis. We therefore evaluated clinical characteristics and predictive factors related to mortality in LC patients undergoing CRRT. @*Methods@#We performed a retrospective observational study at two tertiary hospitals in Korea. A total of 229 LC patients who underwent CRRT were analyzed. Patients were classified into survivor and non-survivor groups. We used multivariable Cox regression analyses to identify factors predictive of in-hospital mortality. @*Results@#During a median follow-up of 5 days (interquartile range, 1–19 days), in-hospital mortality rate was 66.4%. In multivariable analysis, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.06; p = 0.02), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04–1.11; p 35 mL/kg/hr (HR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.62–6.05; p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that a CRRT delivered dose < 25 mL/kg/hr was a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality among LC patients with a MELD score ≥ 30. @*Conclusion@#High APACHE II score, high MELD score, and low delivered CRRT dose were significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality. CRRT delivered dose impacted mortality significantly, especially in patients with a MELD score ≥ 30.

Role of Akt1 in renal fibrosis and tubular dedifferentiation during the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

Background/Aims@#Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an underestimated yet important risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis and tubular dedifferentiation. Tubular dedifferentiation, which is associated with the loss of epithelial markers and the gain of mesenchymal features, is thought to be involved in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. As protein kinase B/Akt is involved in the development of CKD, we investigated the role of Akt1, one of the three Akt isoforms, in a murine model of AKI-to-CKD progression. @*Methods@#We subjected C57BL/6 male mice to unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI) and harvested their kidneys after 6 weeks. Mice were divided into four groups, namely, wild-type (WT) UIRI, Akt1−/− UIRI, WT sham, and Akt1−/− sham. @*Results@#Akt1 (but not Akt2 or Akt3) was markedly activated in WT UIRI mice than in WT sham mice. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis and tubular dedifferentiation significantly increased in WT UIRI mice, but were attenuated in Akt1−/− UIRI mice. Both WT UIRI and Akt1−/− UIRI mice showed markedly upregulated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling compared with WT sham mice. However, TGF-β1/Smad expression did not differ between the two groups. The levels of phosphorylated GSK-3β, β-catenin, and Snail were attenuated in Akt1−/− UIRI mice compared with those in WT UIRI mice. @*Conclusions@#Deletion of Akt1 results in the attenuation of renal fibrosis and tubular dedifferentiation, independent of TGF-β1/Smad signaling, during AKI-to-CKD progression in a UIRI without contralateral nephrectomy model. Thus, Akt1 may serve as a therapeutic target in AKI-to-CKD progression.

Role of Akt1 in renal fibrosis and tubular dedifferentiation during the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

Background/Aims@#Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an underestimated yet important risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis and tubular dedifferentiation. Tubular dedifferentiation, which is associated with the loss of epithelial markers and the gain of mesenchymal features, is thought to be involved in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. As protein kinase B/Akt is involved in the development of CKD, we investigated the role of Akt1, one of the three Akt isoforms, in a murine model of AKI-to-CKD progression. @*Methods@#We subjected C57BL/6 male mice to unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI) and harvested their kidneys after 6 weeks. Mice were divided into four groups, namely, wild-type (WT) UIRI, Akt1−/− UIRI, WT sham, and Akt1−/− sham. @*Results@#Akt1 (but not Akt2 or Akt3) was markedly activated in WT UIRI mice than in WT sham mice. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis and tubular dedifferentiation significantly increased in WT UIRI mice, but were attenuated in Akt1−/− UIRI mice. Both WT UIRI and Akt1−/− UIRI mice showed markedly upregulated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling compared with WT sham mice. However, TGF-β1/Smad expression did not differ between the two groups. The levels of phosphorylated GSK-3β, β-catenin, and Snail were attenuated in Akt1−/− UIRI mice compared with those in WT UIRI mice. @*Conclusions@#Deletion of Akt1 results in the attenuation of renal fibrosis and tubular dedifferentiation, independent of TGF-β1/Smad signaling, during AKI-to-CKD progression in a UIRI without contralateral nephrectomy model. Thus, Akt1 may serve as a therapeutic target in AKI-to-CKD progression.

Percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation with no break-in period: a viable option for patients requiring unplanned urgent-start peritoneal dialysis

Background@#Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) is applied to patients who need PD within two weeks but are able to wait for more than 48 hours before starting PD. To evaluate the usefulness of percutaneous PD catheter insertion in urgent-start PD, we reviewed the clinical outcomes of percutaneous catheter insertion with immediate start PD and surgical insertion with longer break-in time in Pusan National University Hospital. @*Methods@#This study included 177 patients who underwent urgent-start PD. Based on the PD catheter insertion techniques, the patients with urgent-start PD were divided into percutaneous (n = 103) and surgical (n = 74) groups. For the percutaneous group, a modified Seldinger percutaneous catheter insertion with immediate initiation of continuous ambulatory PD was performed by nephrologists. @*Results@#The percutaneous group showed higher serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, and lower serum albumin compared with the surgical group (P < 0.05). Ninety-day infectious and mechanical complications showed no significant differences between the two groups. Ninety-day peritonitis in the percutaneous group was 9.7% compared to 5.4% in the surgical group (P = not significant [NS]). Major leakage was 3.9% in the percutaneous group compared to 1.4% in the surgical group (P = NS). Overall infectious and mechanical complication-free survival was not significantly different between the two groups. The percutaneous group and surgical group showed no statistical difference with respect to catheter survival over the entire observation period (P = NS). @*Conclusion@#This study suggests that urgent-start PD can be applied safely with percutaneous catheter insertion by nephrologists with no break-in period.

The expression of two isoforms of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in aged mouse models of diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to explore the effects of aging on the kidneys in mouse models of diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to compare the expression of two isoforms of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)–secretory full-length MMP-2 and intracellular N-terminal truncated MMP-2 (NTT-MMP-2)–in these models. METHODS: Two experimental ICR mouse models were used: a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus model and a 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) CKD model. The abundance of each isoform of MMP-2 was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and functional analyses were conducted. Moreover, the protein levels of the two MMP-2 isoforms were determined semi-quantitatively by immunohistochemical staining, and their association with tissue damage was assessed. RESULTS: Both isoforms of MMP-2 were upregulated in the kidney tissues of STZ-induced diabetic mice and 5/6Nx mice, irrespective of age. Characteristically, NTT-MMP-2 protein expression was elevated in old control mice, in line with the qPCR results. NTT-MMP-2 expression was limited to the renal cortex, and to the tubulointerstitial area rather than the glomerular area. In terms of tissue damage, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was more severe in old 5/6Nx mice than in their young counterparts, whereas glomerulosclerosis was comparable in old and young 5/6Nx mice. CONCLUSION: The intracellular isoform of MMP-2 was induced by ageing, irrespective of the presence of diabetes or CKD, and its induction may be related to tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic kidney disease.

Primary Glomerulonephritis with Unique C4d Deposition and Concurrent Non-infectious Intermediate Uveitis: a Case Report and Literature Review

C4 glomerulopathy is a recently introduced entity that presents with bright C4d staining and minimal or absent immunoglobulin and C3 staining. We report a case of a 62-year-old man with C4 glomerulonephritis (GN) and uveitis. He presented to the nephrology department with proteinuria and hematuria. The patient also had intermediate uveitis along with proteinuria and hematuria. A kidney biopsy that was performed in light of continuing proteinuria and hematuria showed a focal proliferative, focal sclerotic glomerulopathy pattern on light microscopy, absent staining for immunoglobulin or C3 by immunofluorescence microscopy, with bright staining for C4d on immunohistochemistry, and electron-dense deposits on electron microscopy. Consequently, C4 GN was suggested as the pathologic diagnosis. Although laser microdissection and mass spectrometry for glomerular deposit and pathologic evaluation of the retinal tissue were not performed, this is the first report of C4 GN in Korea and the first case of coexisting C4 GN and uveitis in the English literature.

Severe Hypernatremia Caused by Acute Exogenous Salt Intake Combined with Primary Hypothyroidism

This report describes a case of severe hypernatremia with a serum sodium concentration of 188.1mmol/L caused by exogenous salt intake. A 26-year-old man diagnosed with Crohn's disease 5 years previously visited our clinic due to generalized edema and personality changes, with aggressive behavior. He had compulsively consumed salts, ingesting approximately 154 g of salt over the last 4 days. Despite careful fluid management that included not only hypotonic fluid therapy for 8 hours but also hypertonic saline administration, his serum sodium level decreased sharply at 40.6 mmol/L; however, it returned to normal within 72-hour of treatment without any neurological deficits. Primary hypothyroidism was also diagnosed. He was discharged after 9 days from admission, with a stable serum sodium level. We have described the possibility of successful treatment in a patient with hypernatremia caused by acute salt intoxication without sustained hypotonic fluid therapy.

Unmasked chronic renal function deterioration after unilateral adrenalectomy in patients with primary aldosteronism

We report 2 cases of chronic estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline after unilateral adrenalectomy due to primary aldosteronism. The patients were diagnosed with unilateral adrenal cortical adenoma releasing aldosterone. Two patients were examined for hypertension and hypokalemia. Unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in both cases, and pathology confirmed adrenal cortical adenoma. After adrenalectomy, hypertension and hypokalemia improved to within normal range. However, the eGFR decreased postoperatively, and abdominal computed tomography scan showed decreased kidney size compared to previous images. Kidney biopsy was performed to delineate the exact cause of renal function deterioration and revealed hypertensive changes with chronic interstitial changes, indicating that glomerular hyperfiltration with aldosterone excess masked renal function damage. Physicians have to consider the probability of postadrenalectomy eGFR decline related to chronic hypertensive change.

Acute intradialytic exercise and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients

No abstract available.

High serum and urine neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin levels are independent predictors of renal progression in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tubulointerstitial injury plays an important role in the progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is among the most sensitive tubular biomarkers. We investigated whether serum or urine NGAL predicts prognosis in patients with IgAN. METHODS: The present study enrolled patients with biopsy-proven IgAN from January 2005 to December 2010, whose serum and urine samples at the time of kidney biopsy were preserved by freezing. We retrospectively reviewed patient clinical data and followed patients until October 2012. Serum and urine NGAL levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Renal progression was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate decline by > 50% or progression to end-stage renal disease. RESULTS: There were 121 patients enrolled in this study. During the median follow-up period of 41.49 months, renal progression was found in nine patients (7.4%). Serum or urine NGAL alone could not predict renal progression; however, when serum and urine NGAL levels were combined, belonging to the high NGAL group independently predicted renal progression (hazard ratio [HR], 5.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42 to 21.73; p = 0.014), along with tubular damage graded according to the Oxford classification as T2 (HR, 8.79; 95% CI, 2.01 to 38.51; p = 0.004). In addition, a Kaplan-Meier curve of renal survival showed significantly higher renal progression in patients in the high NGAL group (log rank, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with IgAN, high serum and urine NGAL levels at the time of kidney biopsy predict renal progression.

Pyeloduodenal Fistula Successfully Treated By Endoscopic Ligation without Surgical Nephrectomy: Case Report

A 74-yr-old woman presented with fever and abdominal discomfort. She was in a septic condition caused by urinary tract infection. Her computed tomogram of the abdomen revealed features of hydronephrosis with ureteral stones in both kidneys. During percutaneous nephrostomies, right pyeloduodenal fistula (PDF) was diagnosed. Elective surgery was originally planned but the patient was in a poor condition to undergo surgery. Instead, 2 times endoscopic clipping and ligation by endoloop were applied with parenteral antibiotics for the fistula lesion. On admission day 30, she was discharged from the hospital after confirmation of no more contrast leakage on fistulography. We reviewed the literature and discuss the etiologies, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of PDF.

Comparison of glomerular filtration rates calculated by different serum cystatin C-based equations in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the performance of serum cystatin C-based equations in calculating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with varying stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Serum cystatin C and creatinine levels were measured in 615 CKD patients. The CKD stage was determined by the creatinine-based estimated GFR (eGFR) equation using the four-variable abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation suggested by the Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative with the addition of a coefficient applicable to Korean populations (K-aMDRD). In each CKD stage, the ratio of serum cystatin C to creatinine was calculated and six different cystatin C-based equations were used to estimate GFR. Cystatin C-based eGFR and aMDRD eGFR values were compared using the paired t test, Pearson correlation test, and the Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 53.21+/-14.45 years; of the 615 patients, 346 were male. The serum cystatin C-to-creatinine ratio was inversely correlated with the CKD stage. Compared with the K-aMDRD values, the results of the Hoek, Filler, and Le Bricon's cystatin C-based eGFR equations were lower in CKD Stages 1-3 and higher in Stages 4 and 5. However, the results of the Orebro-cystatin (Gentian) equation [GFR=100/ScytC (mL/minute/1.73m2) - 14] were similar to those of the K-aMDRD equation in CKD Stages 4 and 5 (15.44+/-9.45 vs. 15.17+/-9.05mL/minute/1.73m2, respectively; P=0.722; bias=0.27+/-8.87). CONCLUSION: The eGFRs obtained from the six cystatin C-based equations differed widely. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the most accurate equation to estimate GFR in Koreans with CKD.

Significance of residual renal function for phosphate control in chronic hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare mineral metabolism between anuric and nonanuric chronic hemodialysis patients, and determine the differences in phosphate control between the two groups. METHODS: A total of 77 chronic hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from January 2012 to February 2012. Patient demographics, laboratory findings, medication histories, and vascular calcification scores were collected. We divided the patients into anuric and nonanuric groups according to the residual renal function and then compared their clinical features. Multivariate binary regression analysis was used in each group to determine the independent factors related to phosphate control. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 59.27+/-13.95 years, and 57.1% of patients were anuric. In anuric patients, dialysis vintage was significantly longer, but the mean Kt/V was not different between groups. Serum phosphate, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, and Ca/P products were significantly higher, and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were significantly lower in the anuric patients, although the intact parathyroid hormone and 25(OH)D levels were not different. In anuric patients, LnFGF-23 [hazard ratio (HR) 2.894, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.294-6.474, P=0.010] was an independent factor predictive of phosphate control. However, in the nonanuric patients, glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.409, 95% CI 0.169-0.989, P=0.047) and blood urea nitrogen (HR 1.090, 95% CI 1.014-1.172, P=0.019) were independent factors predictive of phosphate control. CONCLUSION: In chronic hemodialysis patients, preservation of residual renal function is a significant determinant of phosphate control, and the factors associated with phosphate control is different depending on the residual renal function status. In the anuric patients, FGF-23 is most significantly associated with phosphate control; however, glomerular filtration rate and blood urea nitrogen are more important than FGF-23 in the nonanuric HD patients.

Corrigendum: Use of low-dose sulodexide in IgA nephropathy patients on renin-angiotensin system blockades Volume 31, Issue 3, September 2012, Pages 163-169

The authors regret that, in the above article, one of the co-authors' names was incorrectly printed. It is now reproduced correctly above.

Decreased Renal Function Is an Independent Predictor of Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: An Application of Gensini Score

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Although many studies have shown a higher prevalence of CAD among these patients, the association between the spectrum of renal dysfunction and severity of CAD remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the association between renal function and the severity of CAD. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,192 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG). The severity of CAD was evaluated by Gensini score according to the degree of luminal narrowing and location(s) of obstruction in the involved main coronary artery. In all patients, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was independently associated with Gensini score (beta=-0.27, P < 0.001) in addition to diabetes mellitus (beta=0.07, P = 0.02), hypertension (beta=0.12, P < 0.001), low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (beta=0.08, P = 0.003), and hemoglobin (beta=-0.07, P = 0.03) after controlling for other confounding factors. The result of this study demonstrates that decreased renal function is associated not only with the prevalence, but also the severity, of CAD.

A Case of Rifampin-Induced Crescentic Glomerulonephritis / 대한내과학회지

A 56-year-old male with pulmonary tuberculosis was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of generalized edema. He began antituberculosis treatment with rifampin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. He experienced abnormal increments in weight and serum creatinine after 6 weeks. All serological findings, including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), were negative. Rifampin was stopped because it might have caused the increase in creatinine. Renal biopsy was consistent with pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (CrGN). His renal function was improved by high-dose steroid treatment. Rifampin-induced, ANCA-negative pauci-immune CrGN is very rare; most cases of rifampin-induced acute renal failure are due to acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. We present here a case of rifampin-induced CrGN and pulmonary tuberculosis successfully treated with high-dose steroids and antituberculosis medications, excluding rifampin.