Rapidly Progressive Renal Failure in Type 2 Diabetic versus Non-diabetic Patients: Changing Trends, Natural History, and Outcome in an Indian Tertiary Care Center.

Rapidly progressive renal failure (RPRF) is not typical of diabetic nephropathy and suggests non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD). We conducted an analysis of the data of RPRF patients (28 diabetic and 88 non-diabetic patients) with doubled creatinine over 2 weeks to 3 months and/or presented with >4 mg serum creatinine without prior renal disease to ascertain the types of lesions and compare the patients' histopathology. The primary outcome was dependence on dialysis at 1 year. Anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of RPRF in both groups. No particular lesion was more frequent in either group. Dependence on dialysis at 1 year was similar in both groups and was associated with dependence on dialysis at presentation but not diabetes. Crescentic glomerulonephritis was the most common in non-diabetic patients (57.9 vs. 25%, P = 0.002), and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was seen in diabetic patients (21.4 vs. 11.4%, P = 0.179). Both factors were associated with adverse renal outcomes. Diffuse global glomerulosclerosis at presentation suggested a poor outcome in both groups. Diabetic nephropathy was seen in 14.29%, and its presence did not affect the outcome. The etiology of RPRF in diabetic patients has changed and is similar to that in non-diabetic patients, with no specific lesions predominating. Diabetic nephropathy does not alter the outcome for those with RPRF. Diffuse global glomerulosclerosis, being on dialysis at presentation, and ATN in a diabetic patient indicate a poor outcome and need close follow-up. Diabetic retinopathy should not prevent us from investigating for NDKD.

Risk of tuberculosis among renal transplant recipients receiving rituximab therapy.

BACKGROUND: Rituximab is an anti-CD 20 agent used widely in renal transplant recipients. Its use is associated with various infections; however, its association with tuberculosis (TB) is not well established and has not been studied in post renal transplantation patients. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of 56 renal transplant recipients who received rituximab as a part of desensitization protocol or as rescue therapy for rejections and 287 post-renal transplant patients who did not receive rituximab during the study period from January 2013 to June 2017. The association between use of rituximab and occurance of TB was studied. Other factors associated with TB were also investigated. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in both the groups. Mean time for occurrence of TB was 18.4 ± 10.6 months after renal transplantation. Rituximab use was not significantly associated with TB or any other infection. Higher number of rejection episodes (60% vs. 32.72%, p = .029) was the only factor associated with greater incidence of TB. However, no specific type of rejection was associated with TB. Use of plasmapheresis in post-transplant period for treatment of humoral rejections was associated with significantly higher incidence of TB (33.33% vs. 13.41%, p = .031); however, when pre-transplant plasmapheresis was also considered, there was no significant difference. The choice of induction agent was not associated with higher incidence of TB. CONCLUSION: Use of rituximab is not associated with higher incidence of TB when compared to other immunosuppressive agents. Routine screening and prophylaxis may not be advisable, especially in a country like India with high prevalence of TB, as it will further delay transplantation and may adversely affect the outcome of the patients.