ABSTRACT
The aetiology of destructive non-infectious spondylo-arthropathy has not been completely elucidated. Deposition of various crystals and of amyloid (beta-2-microglobulin) is a possible cause of this condition which has not been considered previously. The appearances of destructive non-infectious spondylo-arthropathy are illustrated by seven patients with renal insufficiency and on chronic haemodialysis; these were examined by conventional radiographs and by CT. It is possible to distinguish between the complete condition (five patients) and an early form (two patients). The differential diagnosis of the changes in the vertebral end-plates are discussed with reference to three further patients with chronic renal disease and on dialysis.
Subject(s)
Joint Diseases/etiology , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Spinal Diseases/etiology , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Joint Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Failure, Chronic/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Spinal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Plasma dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity was studied in control patients (n = 70), in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (n = 79) and in patients on maintenance hemofiltration (n = 19). DBH activity was significantly lower in patients on hemodialysis (32.4 +/- 20.6 IU) and hemofiltration (32.8 +/- 29.7 IU) than in control individuals (50.0 +/- 29.3 IU). Sequential measurements of DBH in patients on maintenance hemofiltration failed to show a fall of plasma DBH with time. 7 patients were studied during one session of hemodialysis and one session of hemofiltration. External fluid balance was identical. The change of DBH during hemodialysis and hemofiltration was not significantly different. Such rise of DBH as occurs may entirely be accounted for by hemoconcentration.
Subject(s)
Blood , Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase/blood , Renal Dialysis , Ultrafiltration , Adult , Aged , Blood Pressure , Female , Hematocrit , Humans , Hypertension/blood , Hypertension/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Norepinephrine/blood , Uremia/complications , Uremia/physiopathology , Uremia/therapyABSTRACT
Membranes for hemofiltration were manufactured from blood-compatible polyamides in the form of capillaries. Hemofiltration units containing these capillaries were tested in vitro with aqueous solutions of salts and metabolites and with whole human blood. The results show that the capillary membranes fulfill the requirements for a membrane suitable for hemofiltration.
