Chronic kidney diseases: A realm for preventive nephrology.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is emerging as a major public health priority worldwide. It is a chronic condition influenced by lifestyle and behavior. The risk factors for CKD are highly prevalent among the Indian population, and the number of Indians at risk is increasing. Preventive measures focusing on reducing the prevalence of CKD by limiting exposure to risk factors could be cost effective in a country like India. Kidney diseases disproportionally affect disadvantaged populations and reduce the number of productive years of life. Furthermore, the prospect of financial burden discourages many patients from undergoing treatment, thereby leading to preventable morbidity and death. The management of patients with CKD is focused on early detection or prevention, treatment of the underlying cause (if possible) to curb progression and attention to secondary processes that contribute to ongoing nephron loss. Blood pressure control, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system and disease-specific interventions are the cornerstones of therapy. Health literacy and self-management are critical to improving the outcomes of chronic conditions such as chronic kidney disease. Primary Care and Family physicians act as a bridge between the nephrologist specialist and the CKD patients; which will help in improving the quality of life, reduce physical and psychologic limitations and complications associated with CRF, and help patients return to their families, jobs, and social lives.

Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection Associated Acute Kidney Injury - A Study from a Tertiary Care Center in South India.

Influenza A (H1N1) infection in 2009 spread rapidly all over the world. Mortality was high in patients with H1N1-associated acute kidney injury (AKI). We estimated the incidence, risk factors of AKI and mortality associated with H1N1 infection. This is a prospective observational study, including 158 adult patients with H1N1 infection confirmed with real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction conducted between August 2016 and September 2017. AKIN criteria were used to define AKI. Of 158 patients in this study, 112 were male and the mean age was 46.4. Fifteen patients (9.5%) were found to have AKI. The mean age was higher (56.13 ± 10.02) in the AKI group compared to non-AKI (45.48 ± 16.26) (P = 0.007). Presence of shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), ventilatory support were observed more in the AKI group (P = 0.000). Among AKI patients, the requirement of dialysis was more than 50% (n = 8/15, 53.3%). Eighteen patients died following H1N1 infection (11.4%).Shock (n = 8/18, 44.4%, P = 0.000), MODS (n = 13/18, 72.2%, P = 0.000), intensive care unit (ICU) care (n = 17/18, 94.4%, P = 0.000), ventilatory support (n = 18/18, 100% P = 0.000), AKI (n = 11/18, 61.1%, P = 0.000), and requiring dialysis (n = 7/18, 38.9%, P = 0.000) were significantly associated with mortality compared to patients who survived. The incidence of H1N1 AKI was 9.5%, with > 50% requiring dialysis. Risk factors for AKI included older age, underlying chronic kidney disease, presentation with sepsis, shock, MODS, ICU care, and mechanical ventilation. Mortality was high in patients with AKI compared to non-AKI patients.

Acute Kidney Injury Secondary to Necrotizing Sarcoid Granulomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease characterized by noncaseating lesions involving any organ and tissue in the body. Hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury is a common renal presentation of sarcoidosis. Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis (NSG) is a granulomatous disease entity which presents with nodular masses of sarcoid like granuloma which primarily effects the lungs. It is a rare necrotizing variant of sarcoidosis. Extra pulmonary presentation of NSG is very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 36-year-old female with hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury refractory to treatment. Whole body Flourine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) showed increased metabolic uptake with ill-defined lesions in the liver, spleen, and pelvic lymph nodes. Biopsy of the ill-defined lesions in the liver showed necrotizing granulomatous lesions without angiitis. All the markers of tuberculosis were negative and angiotensin converting enzyme levels were elevated. Patient improved with 1 mg/kg/day oral steroid therapy and is on regular follow-up with minimal dose of steroids. CONCLUSION: Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis (NSG) is a rare systemic granulomatous disease. Due to its rarity and diagnostic difficulty, treatment is challenging for clinicians, pathologists and radiologists. Treatment of choice for symptomatic patients is steroid therapy. Prognosis is good with complete recovery.

A rare case of pancake kidney with glomerulonephritis.

Developmental anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract occur in 3-6 per 1000 live births. Pancake kidney is one of the rarest types of renal ectopia. Urinary system anomalies often coexist with malformations of other organs and systems. We report a case of pancake kidney which was detected incidentally while treating a patient with renal failure and nephrotic syndrome.