Analysis of Ag-DP25/PET plasmonic nano-composites as a visible-light photocatalyst for wastewater treatment: Experimental/theoretical studies, and the DFT-MB degradation mechanism.

The development of polymeric-composites Agx%DP25-PET (x = 0,1,2,3) may significantly boost the potential application of Agx%DP25 (x = 0,1,2,3) photocatalytic powders. Producing large-scale nano-composites with hybrid-surfaces, that are also flexible materials and easy to employ in a variety of environments. A set of photocatalytic nan-composites embedded with the polymeric binder poly (acrylonitrile-co-butadiene)-dicarboxy terminated (C7H9N) were performed and evaluated for wastewater treatment applications. The results reveal that the flexible polymeric composites (Agx%DP25-PET, x = 0,1,2,3) have photocatalytic activity in aqua media to degrade methylene blue (MB) under visible-light. The addition of C7H9N to immobilize photocatalytic powders on the PET surface reduces photo-generated electron-hole recombination. The materials were characterized by HR-TEM, SEM/EDX, XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis DRS and PL. The Agx%DP25-PET (x = 0,1,2,3) photocatalytic reactions exhibited productive discoloration/degradation rates, in both aerobic (AE) and anaerobic (AN) environments. The superior photodegradation of Ag2%DP25-PET was attributed to a combination of two effects: LSPR (localized surface plasmon resonance) and Ag-TiO2/environment affinities. The findings of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and Fukui Function (FF) based on density functional theory (DFT) provide significant insight into the photocatalytic requirements for MB discoloration/degradation. The experimental/theoretical analysis aimed to offer an in-depth understanding of medium/surface interactions on decorated TiO2 materials, as well as how these interactions affect overall degradation behavior.

Predictors of mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and diabetes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the entire world, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have been particularly affected. We aimed to evaluate predictors of mortality during the first 30 days of hospitalization in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and comorbid DM. This prospective study included 110 critically ill patients admitted with COVID-19 infection. Thirty-two (29%) patients had a previous diagnosis of DM. Clinical variables, laboratory tests, and vascular biomarkers, such as VCAM-1, syndecan-1, ICAM-1, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoeitin-2, were evaluated after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A comparison was made between patients with and without DM. No difference in mortality was observed between the groups (48.7 vs 46.9%, P=0.861). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, VCAM-1 levels at ICU admission (HR: 1 [1-1.001], P<0.006) were associated with death in patients with DM. Among patients with DM, advanced age (HR 1.063 [1.031-1.096], P<0.001), increased Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio (HR: 4.515 [1.803-11.308] P=0.001), and need for dialysis (HR: 3.489 [1.409-8.642], P=0.007) were independent predictors of death. Higher levels of VCAM-1 in patients with DM was better at predicting death of patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbid DM, and their cut-off values were useful for stratifying patients with a worse prognosis. Vascular biomarkers VCAM-1 and Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio were predictors of death in patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbid DM and those without DM. Additionally, kidney injury was associated with an increased risk of death.

Predictors of mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and diabetes

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the entire world, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have been particularly affected. We aimed to evaluate predictors of mortality during the first 30 days of hospitalization in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and comorbid DM. This prospective study included 110 critically ill patients admitted with COVID-19 infection. Thirty-two (29%) patients had a previous diagnosis of DM. Clinical variables, laboratory tests, and vascular biomarkers, such as VCAM-1, syndecan-1, ICAM-1, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoeitin-2, were evaluated after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A comparison was made between patients with and without DM. No difference in mortality was observed between the groups (48.7 vs 46.9%, P=0.861). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, VCAM-1 levels at ICU admission (HR: 1 [1-1.001], P<0.006) were associated with death in patients with DM. Among patients with DM, advanced age (HR 1.063 [1.031-1.096], P<0.001), increased Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio (HR: 4.515 [1.803-11.308] P=0.001), and need for dialysis (HR: 3.489 [1.409-8.642], P=0.007) were independent predictors of death. Higher levels of VCAM-1 in patients with DM was better at predicting death of patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbid DM, and their cut-off values were useful for stratifying patients with a worse prognosis. Vascular biomarkers VCAM-1 and Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio were predictors of death in patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbid DM and those without DM. Additionally, kidney injury was associated with an increased risk of death.

Interleukin-6 and adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 as biomarkers of post-acute myocardial infarction heart failure.

Acute coronary syndromes are associated with a high prevalence of complications including heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of novel biomarkers with the occurrence of post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) HF. A prospective study was conducted with patients admitted to the emergency department with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Blood and urine samples were collected for analysis of traditional and novel biomarkers, including interleukin-6, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). We compared the levels of these biomarkers between patients with and without post-STEMI HF. A total of 48 patients were assessed, with a prevalence of males. Fifteen patients (31.2%) had post-STEMI HF. Patients with HF had higher mean values of IL-6, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 compared to those who did not develop HF (57.06 vs 14.03 pg/mL, P=0.001; 1719.58 vs 1304.34 ng/mL, P=0.001; and 1594.20 vs 1158.74 ng/mL, P<0.001, respectively). The three biomarkers were shown to be good predictors of post-STEMI HF (IL-6: AUC 0.786, P=0.002; VCAM-1: AUC 0.797, P=0.001; and ICAM-1: AUC 0.825, P<0.0001), with the respective cutoff points being calculated based on the best sensitivity and specificity indexes (IL-6: 8.67 pg/mL; VCAM-1: 1501.42 ng/mL; and ICAM-1: 1262.38 ng/mL). Of the three biomarkers, only VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 had a direct linear association between them (r=0.470, P<0.0001). IL-6, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were associated with the development of new post-AMI HF symptoms, but only VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 correlated with each other, possibly because they have the same pathophysiological mechanism of action.

Interleukin-6 and adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 as biomarkers of post-acute myocardial infarction heart failure

Acute coronary syndromes are associated with a high prevalence of complications including heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of novel biomarkers with the occurrence of post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) HF. A prospective study was conducted with patients admitted to the emergency department with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Blood and urine samples were collected for analysis of traditional and novel biomarkers, including interleukin-6, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). We compared the levels of these biomarkers between patients with and without post-STEMI HF. A total of 48 patients were assessed, with a prevalence of males. Fifteen patients (31.2%) had post-STEMI HF. Patients with HF had higher mean values of IL-6, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 compared to those who did not develop HF (57.06 vs 14.03 pg/mL, P=0.001; 1719.58 vs 1304.34 ng/mL, P=0.001; and 1594.20 vs 1158.74 ng/mL, P<0.001, respectively). The three biomarkers were shown to be good predictors of post-STEMI HF (IL-6: AUC 0.786, P=0.002; VCAM-1: AUC 0.797, P=0.001; and ICAM-1: AUC 0.825, P<0.0001), with the respective cutoff points being calculated based on the best sensitivity and specificity indexes (IL-6: 8.67 pg/mL; VCAM-1: 1501.42 ng/mL; and ICAM-1: 1262.38 ng/mL). Of the three biomarkers, only VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 had a direct linear association between them (r=0.470, P<0.0001). IL-6, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were associated with the development of new post-AMI HF symptoms, but only VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 correlated with each other, possibly because they have the same pathophysiological mechanism of action.

Association between syndecan-1 and renal function in adolescents with excess weight: evidence of subclinical kidney disease and endothelial dysfunction.

Excess weight (overweight and obesity) is associated with kidney and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between syndecan-1 and renal function among adolescents with excess weight. A total of 56 students from a public school at Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, were investigated. The adolescents were submitted to anthropometric evaluation, including weight, height, blood pressure and body mass index. Blood and urine samples were collected for the determination of serum lipids (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides), and the endothelial injury biomarker syndecan-1. Participants' mean age was 16±1 years (range 14-19 years), and 68% were females. Overweight was observed in 4 cases (7.1%) and obesity in 7 (12.5%). Changes in serum lipid levels were more frequent in the overweight group. A positive correlation between syndecan-1 and serum creatinine (r=0.5, P=0.001) and triglycerides (r=0.37, P=0.004), and a negative correlation with glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.33, P=0.02) were found. These findings suggest that adolescents with excess weight present incipient changes at the cellular level that make them more vulnerable to the development of kidney and cardiovascular diseases.

Artery Stenosis of the Renal Graft: Experience of a Center of Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS), the most common vascular complication after transplant (Tx), leads to resistant hypertension, impaired renal function, and even loss of the graft. The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with TRAS in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: The study was conducted as a retrospective case-control study in a population of Tx recipients in a renal Tx center in northeastern Brazil. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the recipients and donors, data related to the surgery, laboratory data, and number of anti-hypertensive drugs were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with the use of SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: A total of 494 of 529 recipients were assessed, of which 24 had TRAS. The prevalence of TRAS was 4.8%. Twelve patients (50%) were men with a mean age of 46.7 ± 13.5 years. The mean time of diagnosis was 89.9 days after Tx. The risk factors associated with TRAS were number of anti-hypertensive drugs ≥2 (odds ratio, 17.0; confidence interval, 4.1 to 70.4; P = .001) and grafting with 2 or more arteries (odds ratio, 8.9; confidence interval, 1.4 to 56.6; P = .021). There was a significant reduction in mean systolic blood pressure (147.1 ± 23.7 to 127.8 ± 15.2 mm Hg, P = .001) and diastolic blood pressure (86.6 ± 13.0 to 77.6 ± 9.4 mm Hg, P = .001) after TRAS repair and in serum creatinine (2.8 ± 2.4 to 1.9 ± 1.8 mg/dL, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Grafts with 2 or more arteries are associated with TRAS, as well as patients who use a higher number of anti-hypertensive drugs. TRAS repair was associated with improved blood pressure control and renal function.

Exercise capacity impairment in COPD patients with comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: Comorbidities are common in COPD and have been associated with reduced health status, increased health care utilization, all-cause hospitalization, and mortality. There is a scarcity of data on the relationship between comorbidities and functional capacity. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the impact of comorbidities on functional capacity of COPD patients. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted at two teaching hospitals in Fortaleza, Brazil. The functional capacity was assessed by spirometry and the 6-min walking test (6MWT). The health status was assessed by the St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and the COPD assessment test (CAT). The sample was stratified as having "none", "one" and "two or three" comorbidities groups. One-way ANOVA was used to compare means of the three groups and a multiple linear regression was run to predict the impact of comorbidities on 6MWT. RESULTS: Comorbidities (hypertension, coronary disease and diabetes) were found in 54% of the studied patients. The mean age of the 79 patients was 67±8 years and 55% were male. CAT scores increased from "no comorbidity" (17.9±7.7) to "one comorbidity" (22.8±6.8) and "two or three comorbidities" groups (24.2±10.2). A post hoc test showed a significant difference in the "no comorbidity" compared to the "two or three comorbidities" groups (p=0.01). The distance walked by the patients decreased from "no comorbidity" (386.1±83.2m) to "one comorbidity" (350±98m) and "two or three comorbidities" groups (312.6±91m). A post hoc test showed significant difference in the "no comorbidity" compared to "two or three comorbidities" groups (p=0.007). Numbers of comorbidities were independently associated with the 6MWT adjusting for age, severity of COPD and CAT scores. CONCLUSION: in the studied sample, the presence of comorbidities contributed to impair exercise capacity in patients with COPD.

Pathophysiological, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine changes in hypertensive patients during the hemodialysis session.

The pathophysiological mechanisms of arterial hypertension during hemodialysis (HD) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are still poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate physiological, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine changes in patients with ESRD and its correlation with changes in blood pressure (BP) during the HD session. The present study included 21 patients with ESRD undergoing chronic HD treatment. Group A (study) consisted of patients who had BP increase and group B (control) consisted of those who had BP reduction during HD session. Echocardiograms were performed during the HD session to evaluate cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Before and after the HD session, blood samples were collected to measure brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), catecholamines, endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), electrolytes, hematocrit, albumin and nitrogen substances. The mean age of the studied patients was 43 ± 4.9 years, and 54.6% were males. SVR significantly increased in group A (P<0.001). There were no differences in the values of BNP, NO, adrenalin, dopamin and noradrenalin, before and after dialysis, between the two groups. The mean value of ET-1, post HD, was 25.9 pg ml(-1) in group A and 13.3 pg ml(-1) in group B (P = < 0.001). Patients with ESRD showed different hemodynamic patterns during the HD session, with significant BP increase in group A, caused by an increase in SVR possibly due to endothelial dysfunction, evidenced by an increase in serum ET-1 levels.

Differences among children, adolescents and adults with severe leptospirosis: A comparative analysis.

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of global importance caused by Leptospira interrogans. The aim of this study was to compare the data between children, adolescents and adults with leptospirosis. This is a retrospective study including a total of 373 consecutive patients with leptospirosis, admitted to tertiary hospitals in Northeast of Brazil, from May 1985 to August 2010. The patients were divided into two groups (age ≤21 years and >21 years). The adults were 304 (81.5%) of the population, with a mean ge of 41 ± 13 (range 22-84) years. The pediatric group was 16 ± 3 (range 9-21) years. Signs and symptoms where similar between the groups, excepting arrhythmia, which was more frequent in adults and vomiting, more common in children (16% vs. 0%, P = 0.04 and 65% vs. 79%, P = 0.02), respectively. Adult group presented with higher serum urea (137 vs. 97 mg/dl, P = 0.002) and creatinine (4.3 vs. 3.0 mg/dl, P = 0.007). Acute kidney injury (AKI) was observed in 80%, mainly in adults (83% vs. 70% P < 0.005). Adults required renal replacement therapy more frequently than children (38% vs. 11%, P < 0.0001). Mortality was higher in adults (14.8% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.005) and in adults with AKI (93% vs. 7%, P < 0.05). There are important differences between the adults and children with leptospirosis. AKI was more frequent in adults and it was associated with increased mortality.

Historical cohort with diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation and associated factors of its development in adult patients of a transplantation reference center in the State of Ceará, Brazil.

Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is an important complication related to kidney transplantation (KT), and its occurrence is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, KT is considered to be the most effective treatment option that offers better quality of life for patients with end-stage kidney disease. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of PTDM and the risk factors associated with its development in kidney transplant patients of a transplantation reference center in the State of Ceará (Brazil). This historical cohort study, based on medical records data, included adult patients undergoing KT from January 2006 to December 2010 in a public tertiary hospital. Multivariate analysis was performed with the use of a logistic regression model, with PTDM presence as dependent variable and the possible risk factors under study as independent variables. Throughout the evaluated period, 430 KTs were performed; 92 patients were excluded. Diabetes mellitus was already present in 9.2% of patients before KT. Hyperglycemia during the 1st month after transplantation occurred in 34.5% of recipients, and the occurrence of PTDM to the end of study was 19.9%. Factors associated with PTDM development were: fasting plasma glucose 1 month after KT (P < .001; odds ratio [OR] 1.05), deceased-donor KT (P = .015; OR 3.53), impaired fasting glucose before transplantation (P = .014; OR 4.10), and acute rejection occurrence (P = .003; OR 6.43). High PTDM occurrence was found, in accordance with the literature. Identification of factors associated with PTDM development, as well as its early diagnosis, could result in long-term improvement in patient and graft survivals.

Evaluation of renal function in sickle cell disease patients in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to investigate renal function in a cohort of 98 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) followed up at a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Clinical and laboratory characteristics at the time of the most recent medical examination were analyzed. Renal function was evaluated by the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by the criteria of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI). We compared patients with normal GFR to patients with decreased GFR (<60 mL·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)) and hyperfiltration (>120 mL·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)). Comparison between patients according to the use of hydroxyurea and comparison of clinical and laboratory parameters according to GFR were also carried out. Average patient age was 33.8 ± 13.3 years (range 19-67 years), and 57 (58.1%) patients were females. The comparison of patients according to GFR showed that patients with decreased GFR (<60 mL·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)) were older, had lower levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets and higher levels of urea and creatinine. Independent risk factors for decreased GFR were advanced age (OR = 21.6, P < 0.0001) and anemia (OR = 39.6, P < 0.0001). Patients with glomerular hyperfiltration tended to be younger, had higher levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets and lower levels of urea and creatinine, with less frequent urinary abnormalities. Hydroxyurea, at the dosage of 500-1000 mg/day, was being administered to 28.5% of the patients, and there was no significant difference regarding renal function between the two groups. Further studies are required to establish the best therapeutic approach to renal abnormalities in SCD.

Leptospirosis-associated acute kidney injury: penicillin at the late stage is still controversial.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Some antimicrobial agents are active in vitro against Leptospiras. The use of penicillins at the late stage of leptospirosis is still controversial. We aimed to evaluate the use of penicillin in patients with leptospirosis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of patients with leptospirosis admitted to two hospitals in Fortaleza city, Brazil, between 1985 and 2008. AKI was defined according to the RIFLE and AKIN classifications. Patients were divided in two groups according to whether they were treated with a penicillin or not. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-seven patients were included, with an average age of 36·8±15·6 years and mostly male (80·8%). One hundred and twelve patients (39%) received a penicillin. Patients treated with a penicillin were younger (32±14 years vs. 39±16 years, P=0·0002) and had a shorter hospital stay (8·4±5·0 vs. 11±7·7 days, P<0·0001). There was no difference in the onset of symptoms before hospital admission between the two groups (6·5±3·0 vs. 7·7±4·7, P=0·33). Systolic blood pressure was lower in the penicillin group (111±21 vs. 119±22 mmHg, P=0·04). AKI, need of dialysis and renal recovery at the time of hospital discharge were more frequent in patients who did not use a penicillin (P<0·05). Mortality was similar in both groups (11·6% vs. 13·7%, P=0·60). CONCLUSION: Treatment of leptospirosis with antibiotics, including the penicillin, remains controversial. The main benefit of using penicillin in the present study was a reduction in the length of hospital stay and fewer complications, such as AKI, but its use was not associated with a decrease in mortality. On balance of risks and benefits, we recommend the use of penicillin in late-stage leptospirosis.

Creatinine-based equations predicting chronic kidney disease after kidney donation.

BACKGROUND: Kidney donation is associated with few adverse outcomes in living donors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of living kidney donors and the utility of creatinine-based equations to predict chronic kidney disease. METHODS: The study population was selected among 154 living kidney donors from 2001 to 2009. Seventy-eight patients underwent medical consultation to review demographic data and perform laboratory evaluations. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values were obtained by three equations: Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), Cockcroft-Gault (C-G) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the area under the curve of each equation to predict evolution to chronic kidney disease. RESULTS: The overall median age was 39 years including 64% of women subjects. The mean follow-up after kidney donation was 65 ± 34 months. During follow-up, 20.5% of patients developed hypertension. Serum creatinine values above 1.5 mg/dL were detected in 14.1% of cases. Dyslipidemia was present in 33.3% of donors at the last follow-up. According to measured creatinine clearance and the C-G equation, only four and six donors had renal failure (defined as GFR < 60 mL/min), a number that increased to 23 (29.4%) when considering the MDRD or CKD-EPI equations (P < .05). ROC curves performed to explore the GFR measurements to predict renal failure occurrence after donation showed the CKD-EPI to be the only one with a significant area under the curve (0.7442, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Living kidney donors should receive careful long-term follow-up. Assessment of renal function before donation using CKD-EPI creatinine-based equations must be performed preferentially. A careful approach should be adopted for the detection and treatment of other complications such as hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Delayed diagnosis of pheochromocytoma associated with chronic kidney disease.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare disease charactrized by excessive production of catecholamines, manifestating mainly with hypertension. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman with history of sudden onset dyspnea, headache, palpitations and sudoresis. An abdominal ultrasound was suggestive of chronic kidney disease (CKD). An abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance was performed and showed a mass in the topography of left adrenal. The patient underwent a surgery for the removal of the mass and became stable with normal blood pressure levels, but remained with CKD. The dalayed diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in the present case has contributed to the development of CKD.

Acute kidney injury in AIDS: frequency, RIFLE classification and outcome

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) in AIDS patients and the value of RIFLE classification for predicting outcome. The study was conducted on AIDS patients admitted to an infectious diseases hospital inBrazil. The patients with AKI were classified according to the RIFLE classification: R (risk), I (injury), F (failure), L (loss), and E (end-stage renal disease). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the factors associated with AKI. A total of 532 patients with a mean age of 35 ± 8.5 years were included in this study. AKI was observed in 37 percent of the cases. Patients were classified as "R" (18 percent), "I" (7.7 percent) and "F" (11 percent). Independent risk factors for AKI were thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.9, 95 percentCI = 1.5-5.6, P < 0.001) and elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR = 3.5, 95 percentCI = 1.8-6.6, P < 0.001). General mortality was 25.7 percent and was higher among patients with AKI (40.2 vs17 percent, P < 0.001). AKI was associated with death and mortality increased according to RIFLE classification - "R" (OR 2.4), "I" (OR 3.0) and "F" (OR 5.1), P < 0.001. AKI is a frequent complication in AIDS patients, which is associated with increased mortality. RIFLE classification is an important indicator of poor outcome for AIDS patients.

Acute kidney injury in AIDS: frequency, RIFLE classification and outcome.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) in AIDS patients and the value of RIFLE classification for predicting outcome. The study was conducted on AIDS patients admitted to an infectious diseases hospital inBrazil. The patients with AKI were classified according to the RIFLE classification: R (risk), I (injury), F (failure), L (loss), and E (end-stage renal disease). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the factors associated with AKI. A total of 532 patients with a mean age of 35 ± 8.5 years were included in this study. AKI was observed in 37% of the cases. Patients were classified as "R" (18%), "I" (7.7%) and "F" (11%). Independent risk factors for AKI were thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.9, 95%CI = 1.5-5.6, P < 0.001) and elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR = 3.5, 95%CI = 1.8-6.6, P < 0.001). General mortality was 25.7% and was higher among patients with AKI (40.2 vs17%, P < 0.001). AKI was associated with death and mortality increased according to RIFLE classification - "R" (OR 2.4), "I" (OR 3.0) and "F" (OR 5.1), P < 0.001. AKI is a frequent complication in AIDS patients, which is associated with increased mortality. RIFLE classification is an important indicator of poor outcome for AIDS patients.

Effect of chloride dialysate concentration on metabolic acidosis in aintenance hemodialysis patients

Hyperchloremia is one of the multiple etiologies of metabolic acidosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of chloride dialysate on metabolic acidosis control in this population. We enrolled 30 patients in maintenance HD program with a standard base excess (SBE) ≤2 mEq/L and urine output of less than 100 mL/24 h. The patients underwent dialysis three times per week with a chloride dialysate concentration of 111 mEq/L for 4 weeks, and thereafter with a chloride dialysate concentration of 107 mEq/L for the next 4 weeks. Arterial blood was drawn immediately before the second dialysis session of the week at the end of each phase, and the Stewart physicochemical approach was applied. The strong ion gap (SIG) decreased (from 7.5 ± 2.0 to 6.2 ± 1.9 mEq/L, P = 0.006) and the standard base excess (SBE) increased after the use of 107 mEq/L chloride dialysate (from -6.64 ± 1.7 to -4.73 ± 1.9 mEq/L, P < 0.0001). ∆SBE was inversely correlated with ∆SIG during the phases of the study (Pearson r = -0.684, P < 0.0001) and there was no correlation with ∆chloride. When we applied the Stewart model, we demonstrated that the lower concentration of chloride dialysate interfered with the control of metabolic acidosis in HD patients, surprisingly, through the effect on unmeasured anions.

Effect of chloride dialysate concentration on metabolic acidosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Hyperchloremia is one of the multiple etiologies of metabolic acidosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of chloride dialysate on metabolic acidosis control in this population. We enrolled 30 patients in maintenance HD program with a standard base excess (SBE) ≤2 mEq/L and urine output of less than 100 mL/24 h. The patients underwent dialysis three times per week with a chloride dialysate concentration of 111 mEq/L for 4 weeks, and thereafter with a chloride dialysate concentration of 107 mEq/L for the next 4 weeks. Arterial blood was drawn immediately before the second dialysis session of the week at the end of each phase, and the Stewart physicochemical approach was applied. The strong ion gap (SIG) decreased (from 7.5 ± 2.0 to 6.2 ± 1.9 mEq/L, P = 0.006) and the standard base excess (SBE) increased after the use of 107 mEq/L chloride dialysate (from -6.64 ± 1.7 to -4.73 ± 1.9 mEq/L, P < 0.0001). ∆SBE was inversely correlated with ∆SIG during the phases of the study (Pearson r = -0.684, P < 0.0001) and there was no correlation with ∆chloride. When we applied the Stewart model, we demonstrated that the lower concentration of chloride dialysate interfered with the control of metabolic acidosis in HD patients, surprisingly, through the effect on unmeasured anions.