Hemolysis induced by Left Ventricular Assist Device is associated with proximal tubulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subclinical hemolysis is frequent in patients implanted with Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and is associated with adverse outcomes. Consequences of LVADs-induced subclinical hemolysis on kidney structure and function is currently unknown. METHODS: Thirty-three patients implanted with a Heartmate II LVAD (Abbott, Inc, Chicago IL) were retrospectively studied. Hemolysis, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and the evolution of estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate were analyzed. Proximal Tubulopathy (PT) groups were defined according to proteinuria, normoglycemic glycosuria, and electrolytic disorders. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze threshold of LDH values associated with PT. RESULTS: Median LDH between PT groups were statistically different, 688 IU/L [642-703] and 356 IU/L [320-494] in the "PT" and "no PT" groups, respectively p = 0.006. To determine PT group, LDH threshold > 600 IU/L was associated with a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1-99.6) and a specificity of 84.6% (95% CI, 65.1-95.6). The ROC's Area Under Curve was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68-0.98). In the "PT" group, patients had 4.2 [2.5-5.0] AKI episodes per year of exposure, versus 1.6 [0.4-3.7] in the "no PT" group, p = 0.03. A higher occurrence of AKI was associated with subsequent development of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (p = 0.02) and death (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LVADs-induced subclinical hemolysis is associated with proximal tubular functional alterations, which in turn contribute to the occurrence of AKI and subsequent CKD. Owing to renal toxicity of hemolysis, measures to reduce subclinical hemolysis intensity as canula position or pump parameters should be systematically considered, as well as specific nephroprotective therapies.

A case of entecavir-induced Fanconi syndrome.

Acquired Fanconi syndrome has been associated with the long-term ingestion of several nucleoside analogs used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus infection. However, the nucleoside analog entecavir has not been found to cause nephrotoxicity. We report a case of entecavir-induced Fanconi syndrome. Our patient was a 73-year-old man admitted to our hospital because of renal dysfunction. He also presented with hyperaminoaciduria, renal diabetes, phosphaturia, hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypouricemia, and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, supporting a diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome. In this case, the cause of Fanconi syndrome was most likely entecavir, which had been administered as needed depending on his renal function for 5 years. After drug discontinuation and replacement with tenofovir alafenamide fumarate therapy once a week, the patient's kidney function recovered and electrolyte anomalies partially improved. We highlight the fact that entecavir may induce severe renal dysfunction, which can cause the development of Fanconi syndrome; therefore, close monitoring of proximal tubular function is recommended during entecavir therapy.

C-Terminal Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Levels in Non-Nutritional Hypophosphatemic Rickets.

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is central to phosphate homeostasis. The author examined if blood levels of FGF23 allow discrimination of classic hypophosphatemic rickets from other causes of non-nutritional rickets with hypophosphatemia. Forty-two children (median age: 102 mo) with non-nutritional rickets and hypophosphatemia were clinically classified as having distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA, n = 12), Fanconi syndrome (n = 8), classic hypophosphatemic rickets (n = 11), vitamin D dependent rickets (n = 7) and Dent disease (n = 4). Median blood FGF23 (measured by C-terminal ELISA) concentrations were similar in all groups (P = 0.24). These levels did not correlate with phosphate, tubular maximum for phosphate, calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, creatinine, and parathormone levels. Patients with distal RTA showed variable degree of proximal tubular dysfunction that resolved following alkali supplements. Blood FGF23 levels did not satisfactorily differentiate classic hypophosphatemic rickets from other causes of hypophosphatemic rickets.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and Fanconi syndrome in a patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome accompanied by antimitochondrial antibodies: A case report and review of the literature.

We describe a 53-year-old woman with primary Sjögren's syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis showing distal renal tubular acidosis and Fanconi syndrome. The patient showed high serum IgM levels and positivity for antimitochondrial antibodies, although her liver function was in normal range. According to our literature review, 75% of patients with tubulointerstitial nephritis who were positive for antimitochondrial antibodies showed Fanconi syndrome, suggesting that these antibodies may directly be associated with the pathophysiology of Fanconi syndrome.

Proximal Renal Tubular Acidosis (Fanconi Syndrome) Induced by Apremilast: A Case Report.

Apremilast is a recently developed phosphodiesterase 4-inhibitory medication approved for use to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We report a case of Fanconi syndrome and proximal renal tubular acidosis that was associated with this medication. Our patient was started on treatment with apremilast 2 weeks before his admission. On arrival, laboratory test results were significant for hypokalemia, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, low uric acid concentration, positive urine anion gap, and proteinuria, which resolved on discontinuation of the drug. Two months after the hospitalization, he was restarted on apremilast therapy; 17 days after resumption, the patient was admitted for similar laboratory values, which again improved when apremilast treatment was discontinued. After discharge, laboratory values remained normal without long-term electrolyte repletion. Proximal renal tubular acidosis (Fanconi syndrome) with quick correction of electrolyte concentrations on discontinuation of the drug was diagnosed. Our patient lacked evidence of other causes. Our patient fulfilled criteria associated with this disease and responded well off treatment with the offending agent. Literature review did not reveal prior cases associated with this medication.

Fanconi Syndrome Associated with Hyponatremia in Two Patients with Legionella Pneumonia.

Legionella pneumophila is a cause of community-acquired pneumonia that is reported to induce electrolyte disorders, including hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia. We herein report two Japanese men with Legionella pneumonia and hyponatremia and hypophosphatemia. These findings were associated with an elevation of urinary low-molecular-weight tubular protein, including urinary ß2-microglobulin, N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase, the fractional excretion of phosphate and uric acid, and the presence of glycosuria and panaminoaciduria, suggesting that their electrolyte disorders had been caused by Fanconi syndrome. In these two cases, hyponatremia was probably due to salt wasting. Electrolyte disorders caused by Legionella pneumonia are corrected by treatment of the primary disease and fluid administration.

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4 Alfa Mutation Associated with Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia and Atypical Renal Fanconi Syndrome: Expanding the Clinical Phenotype.

BACKGROUND: The p.R63W mutation in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 alpha (HNF4A) results in macrosomia and atypical Fanconi syndrome, in addition to hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HI). We describe 2 infants carrying this mutation, presenting with additional features. Cases Series: Patient 1, a male born with a birth weight of 1.7 SDS, was diagnosed with HI on day 2 of life. He responded to 3-10 mg/kg/day of diazoxide. Raised serum creatinine led to the investigation of renal tubular function, showing leaking of electrolytes and protein. The patient also had conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia with liver steatosis. Patient 2 was a male born with a weight of 0.36 SDS. His mother had renal Fanconi syndrome. He received parenteral nutrition and presented with HI at 1 month of age, while establishing enteral feeds. Biochemistry workup showed renal tubular leaking of calcium, sodium, and phosphate. A hypoglycaemia screen documented HI, and the patient was commenced on 2 mg/kg/day of diazoxide. Continuous glucose monitoring was performed in his mother, revealing overnight hypoglycaemia. CONCLUSION: Renal Fanconi syndrome represents the only HNF4A feature showing complete penetrance. Our cases suggest that the p.R63W HNF4A mutation must be considered in subjects with a normal birth weight and postulate the possibility of liver involvement as a part of this condition.

Ailing bones and failing kidneys: a case of chronic cadmium toxicity.

Heavy metal toxicity is often caused by occupational exposure. Chronic cadmium toxicity is a significant health concern among workers engaged in zinc smelting, battery production and silver jewellery industries, particularly in developing countries. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with severe osteoporosis, impaired renal function and acquired Fanconi syndrome. He was finally diagnosed with chronic cadmium toxicity resulting from long-term occupational exposure. Cadmium has a long biological half-life and there is no effective treatment for people who are exposed to it. Therefore, an early diagnosis and prevention of further exposure are important.

Treatment of cystinosis with delayed-release cysteamine: 6-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Patients with nephropathic cystinosis are required to take 6-hourly immediate-release cysteamine (Cystagon®) to reduce disease progression. This arduous regimen affects quality of life, disrupts sleep, and may result in non-compliance with therapy. Enteric-coated cysteamine bitartrate (EC-cysteamine) was developed as a "proof-of-concept" formulation for twice-daily ingestion. Previous reports have shown this therapy to be effective up to a mean of 14 months. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: Two subjects (aged 13 and 15 years) received EC-cysteamine for 5-6 years at 60-65 % of their previous total daily dose of immediate-release cysteamine given at 6-h intervals. White blood cell (WBC) cystine levels were monitored every 1-3 months. CONCLUSION: The administration of EC-cysteamine did not result in any change in mean trough WBC cystine levels or any deterioration in the estimated glomerular filtration rate, thyroid, or liver function, suggesting that delayed-release, twice-daily EC-cysteamine is an effective long-term treatment alternative to immediate-release cysteamine given at 6-h intervals.

Downregulation of oxidative and nitrosative apoptotic signaling by L-carnitine in Ifosfamide-induced Fanconi syndrome rat model.

It is well documented that ifosfamide (IFO) therapy is associated with sever nephropathy in the form of Fanconi syndrome. Although oxidative stress has been reported as a major player in IFO-induced Fanconi syndrome, no mechanism for this effect has been ascertained. Therefore, this study has been initiated to investigate, on gene expression level, the mechanism of IFO-induce nephrotoxicity and those whereby carnitine supplementation attenuates this serious side effect of IFO. To achieve the ultimate goals of this study, adult male rats were assigned to one of four treatment groups, namely, control, L-carnitine, IFO, and IFO plus L-carnitine. Administration of IFO for 5 days significantly increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and total nitrate/nitrite (NOx) production in kidney tissues. In addition, IFO significantly increased mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), caspase-9, and caspase-3 and significantly decreased expression of glutathione peroxides (GPx), catalase (CAT), and Bcl2 in kidney tissues. Administration of L-carnitine to IFO-treated rats resulted in a complete reversal of the all biochemical and gene expression changes, induced by IFO, to the control values. Data from this study suggest that L-carnitine prevents the development of IFO-induced nephrotoxicity via downregulation of oxidative and nitrosative apoptotic signaling in kidney tissues.

Fanconi-Bickel syndrome: report of life history and successful pregnancy in an affected patient.

Fanconi­Bickel syndrome (FBS, OMIM #227810) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of carbohydrate transport originally described in 1949 [Fanconi and Bickel(1949);Helv Paediatr Acta 4: 359­396]. FBS is caused by mutations in the glucose and galactose transporter gene SLC2A2 (HGNC ID11006) [Santeret al.(1997); Nat Genet 17: 324­326] and is characterized by hepatic glycogen accumulation with hepatomegaly, fasting hypoglycemia, short stature, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipidemia, and tubular nephropathy. Although the described complications would not seem to preclude fertility in FBS patients, there has been no report of reproduction in affected individuals to date. We have followed a female with FBS for at least 20 years. She received a clinical diagnosis in adolescence, with recent molecular confirmation of two mutations in trans in the SLC2A2 gene. She has had glucosuria, proteinuria, impaired tubular reabsorption of phosphate, osteopenia, and hypercholesterolemia throughout her life, without any documented episodes of hypoglycemia. Hepatomegaly was initially noticed in infancy and resolved in late adolescence. She became pregnant at 31 years of age, had gestational diabetes treated with diet, and delivered a healthy boy. She had impaired glucose tolerance after her pregnancy.Her adult height was at the lower end of her target height range, and she had evidence of localized osteopenia at the left distal radius on DXA scan. This report describes the clinical history of an affected individual and highlights the importance of continued follow-up in order to extend our understanding of the history of this rare metabolic disorder.

[Usefulness of gray platelets observation in ARC syndrome]. / ARC syndrome et observation de plaquettes grises: utilité diagnostique.

Arthrogryposis Renal Fanconi syndrome and Cholestasis (ARC syndrome) is an extremely rare disease (62 cases) and is uneasy to diagnose. This congenital multisystem disorder affects newborns who usually die in the first year of life. The three cases here report the main clinical and biological features of this unknown disease and show how careful platelets morphology examination on blood smear can help for diagnosis. The three cases were observed at Robert Debré hospital in Paris over a twenty years period. In the first case, ARC syndrome was diagnosed after death. For the two following newborns, gray platelets detection in association with clinical symptoms allowed an earlier diagnosis.

Hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia in patients with Fanconi-Bickel syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Fanconi-Bickel syndrome (FBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the combination of hepatorenal glycogen accumulation and Fanconi-type nephropathy. Mutations in GLUT2, the gene for facilitative glucose transporter protein 2 (GLUT2), cause FBS. AIM: To evaluate glucose and insulin responses to oral glucose load in patients with FBS. METHODS: Ten children (7.3 +/- 4.8 years) diagnosed with FBS in early infancy underwent a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); plasma glucose (PG) and serum insulin concentrations were measured at 30-min intervals for 2 hours. HbA1c, insulin-like growth factor-I, and fasting lipid profiles were also measured. RESULTS: Mean fasting and 2-h PG concentrations were 3.8 +/- 0.9 mmol/l and 8.6 +/- 3.0 mmol/1, respectively. 2-hour PG levels were above 11.1 mmol/l in two patients (20%) and between 7.75 and 11.1 mmol/ in four patients (40%). HbA1c was normal in all the patients with a mean of 5.4 +/- 0.3%. Mean fasting and peak serum insulin levels were 8.7 +/- 0.8 pmol/ and 98.6 +/- 43.0 pmol/l, respectively, and did not differ between the patients with normal and abnormal OGTT. Patients with abnormal OGTT were younger (4.8 +/- 3.2 vs 11.0 +/- 4.8 yr; p = 0.04). Fasting PG increased with age (r = 0.80, p < 0.01). Total and LDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride concentrations were elevated. CONCLUSIONS: Most but not all patients with FBS have impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes range hyperglycemia after OGTT while maintaining normal HbA1c. Patients with FBS are relatively hypoinsulinemic. Both fasting hypoglycemia and post-OGTT hyperglycemia seem to improve with age.

Aminoglycoside-associated Fanconi syndrome.

The objective is to describe a case of probable aminoglycoside-induced Fanconi syndrome and make clinicians aware of the existence of this underrecognized and underdiagnosed complication in patients treated with a prolonged course of high-dose aminoglycosides. A 53-year-old man admitted for recurrent infective exacerbations of chronic bronchiectasis already colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was treated intermittently with intravenous gentamicin (320 to 560 mg/d) for a total of 4 months to a total cumulative dose of 9.4 g. The patient developed profound hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphaturia, and aminoaciduria. Electrolyte disturbances persisted until gentamicin therapy was stopped, recurred with rechallenge, and did not correct with calcium and phosphate supplementation. This case shows that prolonged exposure to high-dose aminoglycoside therapy can be associated with Fanconi syndrome, which is a manifestation of proximal tubular dysfunction. There are only a few case reports to date of Fanconi syndrome as a probable complication of high-dose aminoglycoside therapy. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction probability scale score indicated that this was a probable adverse reaction associated with administration of high-dose aminoglycosides. The differential diagnosis of electrolyte disturbances as a manifestation of proximal tubule dysfunction and type 2 renal tubular acidosis is vast; however, Fanconi syndrome needs to be considered in patients treated with high doses of aminoglycosides for longer than 6 days, after more common causes of hypophosphatemia are excluded.

[Role of bone gammagraphy in the diagnosis of secondary osteomalacia in a patient treated with tenofovir]. / Utilidad de la gammagrafía ósea en el diagnóstico de osteomalacia secundaria en un paciente en tratamiento con tenofovir.

It is reported a HIV infected patient under antiretroviral therapy including tenofovir therapy who was referred to the Nuclear Medicine Department to complete bone pain study. A bone scan was performed at 3 hours after the injection of 740 MBq of 99mTc-MDP, revealing an abnormal distribution with characteristic changes compatible with osteomalacia. In further analysis, a secondary hyperparathyroidism and osteomalacia were diagnosed in the context of Fanconi syndrome, an infrequent complication described in patients under treatment with tenofovir.

Utilidad de la gammagrafía ósea en el diagnóstico de osteomalacia secundaria en un paciente en tratamiento con tenofovir / Role of bone gammagraphy in the diagnosis of osteomalacy secondary to tenofovir treatment

Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente infectado por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) que recibía tratamiento antirretrovírico, incluyendo el análogo de nucleótido tenofovir, y que acudió al servicio de Medicina Nuclear para completar un estudio por dolor óseo. En la gammagrafía ósea, realizada a las tres horas de la administración de 740 MBq de 99mTc-MDP, se observó un patrón anómalo de captación del trazador, con características compatibles con osteomalacia. En estudios analíticos realizados con posterioridad fue diagnosticado de osteomalacia e hiperparatiroidismo secundario a síndrome de Fanconi, que es una complicación infrecuente descrita en los pacientes tratados con tenofovir

It is reported a HIV infected patient under antiretroviral therapy including tenofovir therapy who was referred to the Nuclear Medicine Department to complete bone pain study. A bone scan was performed at 3 hours after the injection of 740 MBq of 99mTc-MDP, revealing an abnormal distribution with characteristic changes compatible with osteomalacia. In further analysis, a secondary hyperparathyroidism and osteomalacia were diagnosed in the context of Fanconi syndrome, an infrequent complication described in patients under treatment with tenofovir

High cystine in platelets from patients with nephropathic cystinosis: a chemical, ultrastructural, and functional evaluation.

AIM: To investigate the morphology and function of platelets in nephropathic cystinosis (NC). METHODS: Seven patients (mean age, 6.5 years; SD, 20 months) with NC were investigated. Their platelets were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the characteristics of the dense granules (DGs) were determined by mepacrine labelling and the uranaffin reaction. Bleeding time, turbidometric aggregation, and luminescence aggregation were studied and intraplatelet cystine was measured. RESULTS: Increased intraplatelet cystine, primary and secondary aggregation defects, and the absence of ATP release were demonstrated. TEM revealed DGs of various shapes and sizes and lamellary or amorphous cytoplasmic inclusions. Viscous material had been released into the vacuolar spaces and enlarged open canalicular system. Mepacrine labelling revealed that the numbers of DGs/platelet were comparable between the patients and the controls (mean, 2.9 (SD, 0.22) v 3.32 (0.18); p = 0.34). The uranaffin reaction revealed that the numbers of type 1, 3, and 4 DGs were comparable between the patients and the controls, but that there were fewer type 2 DGs in the patients (mean, 8.5 (SD, 1.95) v 17.22 (1.58); p = 0.01). TEM for platelet aggregation revealed a lack of induction and/or defective execution and/or delayed transmission. The patients' intraplatelet cystine concentrations were higher than the controls (mean, 1.56 (SD, 0.84) v 0.08 (0.01) nmol/mg protein; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to demonstrate raised intraplatelet cystine, abnormal platelet ultrastructural findings, and defective aggregation in NC.