Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Transplantation: Foe or Common Innocent Bystander?

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation (HT) is regarded as the treatment of choice for end-stage heart failure (ESHF) patients. Severe acute kidney injury (AKI) after HT is a frequent clinical problem with devastating consequences for HT recipients. METHODS: Data from 112 ESHF patients undergoing HT in 2010-2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary end point was the development of AKI stage III, and secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 1-year mortality according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. RESULTS: In total, 81 patients (72.3%) developed AKI, of which 33 (29.4%) developed AKI stage I, 18 (16%) stage II, and 30 (26.7%) stage III; within this group, 27 recipients (24%) required renal replacement therapy (RRT). Overall hospital mortality was 14%. However, when stratifying by AKI stage, hospital mortality increased from 0% to 46% comparing recipients without AKI and those with AKI stage III, respectively (P = .001). In the same way, 1-year mortality increased from 6% to 53% for recipients without AKI compared with those who developed AKI stage III (log-rank test for trend: P = .001). Recipients that required RRT had a 1-year mortality of 59.2% compared with 5.8% in those without RRT requirement. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that AKI stage III is common after HT and adversely affects early and late mortality. Clinical variables together with perioperative hemodynamic assessment could add more powerful prognostic information to predict severe AKI before HT and therefore evaluate potential heart-kidney recipients.

Single-Center Long-Term Follow-Up of Kidney Donors in Argentina (Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires).

INTRODUCTION: Living kidney donor (LKD) transplantation is increasing due to organ shortage. Clinical studies have shown that the risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in donors is similar to that in the general population. Our goal was to evaluate postdonation renal outcomes assessed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, and blood pressure. METHODS: A total of 210 LKD transplants were performed at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 2000 and 2014. Postdonation outcomes were analyzed in 109 donors. GFR was assessed by 24-hour creatinine clearance (as 24-hour ClCr) and estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations. Additionally, we correlated the predonation renal functional reserve (RFR) with postdonation GFR. Donor results were compared to the expected GFR (adjusted to age and single kidney). Other renal outcome indicators measured were albuminuria and blood pressure, and they were compared (predonation and postdonation) using univariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were followed up for 47 ± 34 months (range, 12-168): 70% were female, age at donation was 48.58 years (range, 25-70), and predonation serum creatinine was 0.85 ± 0.17 mg/dL. Postnephrectomy GFR (24-hour ClCr) was significantly lower compared to predonation GFR (105.38 ± 21.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 90.14 ± 17.78 mL/min/1.73 m2). However, postdonation GFR was not significantly different compared to the expected GFR. No differences were found for blood pressure or albuminuria. Age >50 and an RFR (<20%) was associated with a lower GFR. CONCLUSIONS: In this population of LKD, renal outcome (24-hour CrCl, albuminuria, and blood pressure) was within the expected outcome for healthy individuals after uninephrectomy.

Comparison Between CKD-EPI Creatinine and MDRD Equations to Estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate in Kidney Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation is widely used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in kidney transplant (KT) patients. The novel Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI) could improve accuracy of GFR estimation. Our aim was to compare both equations for staging of CKD in KT patients. METHODS: In a cohort of KT patients, correlation of eGFR according to MDRD and CKD-EPI with 24-hour creatinine clearance (24h-CrCl) was evaluated. Concordance between both equations for CKD staging was performed. MDRD was used for initial CKD staging. The mean difference of GFR between 24h-CrCl and each equation was calculated and Bland-Altman analysis applied. RESULTS: A cohort of 463 KT patients were studied: 67% female, overall average age 46 ± 14 years, 41% living donor, mean time of transplantation 71 months (3-95), and mean serum creatinine 1.68 ± 1.03 mg/dL. For the whole cohort (all CKD stages), eGFR by CKD-EPI was 5.33 mL/min/1.73 m(2) higher than by MDRD (P < .01). For CKD stages 1, 2, and 3A, the mean eGFR differences (CKD-EPI - MDRD) were 13.98 ± 3.27, 8.2 ± 1.98, and 5.34 ± 1.32 mL/min/1,73 m(2), respectively. The percentage of patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) decreased from 63.8% according to MDRD to 53.9% with the use of CKD-EPI. In women and patients ≤65 years old, eGFR by CKD-EPI was 5.98 and 5.81 mL/min/1.73 m(2) higher, respectively, than by MDRD (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The novel CKD-EPI reduces the number of patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and consequently assigns lower CKD stages to our KT population.

Value of repeat biopsy in lupus nephritis flares.

OBJECTIVES: Renal flares are common in lupus nephritis (LN), and class switch is thought to be characteristic. There is no agreement on indications for performing a repeat renal biopsy. Our objective was to retrospectively review patients who had more than one renal biopsy performed on clinical indications, and analyse clinical, pathological and treatment changes after successive biopsies. METHODS: Forty-five patients with LN and one or more repeat renal biopsies were included, with a total of 116 biopsies. RESULTS: Of the 71 repeat biopsies, pathological transition occurred in 39 (54.9%). When having a previous biopsy with a proliferative lesion, class switch occurred in 55.6%, with 24.4% evolving into non-proliferative classes. When previous biopsy was class V, transition to other classes occurred in 58.3% and changes were all into proliferative classes. Conversion from one pure proliferative form to another (class III to class IV or vice versa) happened in 11.3% of the rebiopsies, with 62 rebiopsies (87.3%) leading to a change in the treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Histological transformations were common, and they occurred when the previous biopsy had non-proliferative lesions as well as when lesions were proliferative. Treatments were modified after repeat renal biopsy in the majority of patients. In this experience, kidney repeat biopsies were useful in guiding treatment of LN flares.

Paratiroidectomía en pacientes renales crónicos en Argentina: estudios prequirúrgicos, tipos de cirugía, recurrencia y persistencia / Parathyroidectomy in chronic kidney disease patients in Argentina: pre surgical studies, types of surgery, recurrence and persistence

La paratiroidectomía (PTx) es el tratamiento de elección en pacientes con HPT 2º severo, refractario al tratamiento médico. Se cuenta con muy poca información en Argentina de este procedimiento, por lo cual se realizó este estudio. Material y Métodos: Se incluyeron 255 pacientes con PTx entre el año 2003 al 2007 de un registro voluntario. Se evaluaron los estudios de localización prequirúrgicos, de laboratorio de metabolismo fosfocálcico previo y posterior a la cirugía y el tipo de técnica quirúrgica utilizada. Se analizó la persistencia y recidiva del HPT postcirugía. Resultados: La tasa de PTx fue de 2,7/1000 pacientes año. 83% de los pacientes tuvieron ecografía de cuello y 59% Sesta Mibi con Tc 99. Hubo una correlación positiva (p<0.001) entre el número de glándulas detectadas por ecografía y Sesta Mibi. La paratiroidectomía realizada fue: subtotal en 77%, total con autoimplante en 14% y total sin autoimplante en 9%. Hubo descensos significativos de Ca y P, fosfatasa alcalina y PTH (1744 ± 788 pg/ml a 247 ±450 pg/ml; p<0.0001) postcirugía. A los 2,4 ±2,5 meses de la PTx, el 72% de los pacientes tenía PTH <250 pg/ml, 19,8% tenía persistencia y 8,3% había recidivado. De acuerdo al tipo de cirugía la persistencia y recidiva fueron para PTx subtotal 22% y 8,3%, PTx total con implante 11% y 11% y PTx total sin autoimplante 13% y 4% respectivamente. La realización de Sesta Mibi no influyó en los resultados de la PTx. No se observaron diferencias entre los centros en relación con persistencia y recidiva. Conclusiones: La tasa de PTx fue muy baja, la ecografía fue el método de localización prequirúrgico preferido y la PTX subtotal la técnica quirúrgica más utilizada. La PTx fue exitosa en la mayoría de los pacientes y la persistencia y recidiva no estuvieron relacionadas con la técnica.

Parathyroidectomy (PTx) is the selecte treatment for patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism, refractory to medical treatment. There is not enough information about this procedure in Argentina, that is the reason why we performed this study. Material and Methods: 255 patients with PTx were included from the year 2003 to 2007 on a voluntary register. Studies of pre-surgical localization, phosphocalcic metabolism laboratories before and after surgery were evaluated, and the type of surgical technique used. The persistence and recurrence of post-surgical hyperparathyroidism was analyzed. Results: The PTx rate was 2,7/1000 patients year. 83% of the patients had neck echography and 59% Sestamibi scans with Tc 99. There was a positive correlation (p<0,001) between the number of detected glands by echography and Sestamibi. The parathyroidectomy performed was: subtotal in 77%, total with self-implant in 14% and total without self-implant in 9%. There were significant falls of Ca and P, Alkaline Phosphatase and PTH (1744±788 pg/ml to 247±450 pg/ml; p<0.0001) post-surgical. 2.4 ±2,5 months after the PTx, 72% of patients had PTH <250 pg/ml, 19,8% had persistence and 8,3% had recurrence. According to the type of surgery, the persistence and recurrence were for subtotal PTx 22% and 8,3%, total PTx with implant 11% and 11%, and total PTx without selfimplant 13% and 4% respectively. The performance of the Sestamibi scan did not affect the PTx results. No noticeable differences were observed among the centers for persistence and recurrence. Conclusions: The PTx rate was very low, echography was the preferred method of pre-surgical localization, and subtotal PTx was the most used surgical technique. PTx was successful in most of the patients, and persistence and recurrence were not related to the technique.

Hipovitaminosis D en pacientes hemodiálizados (HD): factores relacionados e influencia sobre la fuerza muscular / Hypovitaminosis D in patients on hemodialysis (HD): related factors and influence on muscle strength

Introducción: La deficiencia de 25 (OH) vitamina D es una alteración prevalente en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) , sin embargo en nuestro medio no es medida de manera rutinaria y por ende no suele hacerse reposición vitamínica. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia y los factores relacionados a deficiencia de 25 (OH) D en pacientes con ERC en hemodiálisis (HD), particularmente la relación con la función y masa muscular. Métodos: Efectuamos un estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico, en pacientes adultos en HD crónica que no estuvieran recibiendo ningún derivado de la vitamina D. Se midieron en sangre los niveles de 25(OH) D, Hemoglobina, PCR, Albúmina, Ca, P, FAL, PTHi. Se realizó la medición de la fuerza del puño con dinamómetro, y la prueba de sentado-parado. Se aplicó el índice de Karnofsky para clasificar el estado funcional., Se realizó una bioimpedanciometría (BCM; Frese nius Medical Care) en aquellos pacientes sin, contraindicación. Resultados: Se incluyeron 138 pacientes. La 25(OH) vitamina fue de 20.43 ± 10.5 ng/ml, la prevalencia de insuficiencia /defi ciencia 87% (37% con menos de 15 ng/ml). Las concentraciones de vitamina D/deficiencia mostraron correlación/relación significativa con la edad, la presencia de diabetes, los niveles de hemoglobina y albúmina, la fuerza y la masa muscular y la clase funcional (p<0.05) . Conclusión: Alta prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en pacientes hemodializados particularmente gerontes y diabéticos. Esto estaría relacionado con la desnutrición, anemia, clase funcional y la fuerza/masa muscular de los pacientes, estos últimos dos factores no reportados hasta ahora. Todos estos factores deben ser considerados al momento de la sustitución vitamínica y en la evaluación de la efectividad de la misma.(AU)

Background: 25 (OH) vitamin D deficiency is a prevailing alteration in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, in our environment, it is not routinely measured and, therefore, vitamin replacement is unusual. Our purpose was assessing the prevalence of and the factors related to 25 (OH) vitamin D deficiency in patientswith CKD in hemodialysis (HD), especially the relation to function and muscle mass. Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicenter study in adult patients on chronic HD who were not receiving any vitamin D derivative. Blood levels of 25 (OH) D, Hemoglobin, CRP, Albumin, Ca,P, ALP and PTHi were measured. The handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer and the sitting-rising test was carried out. A bioimpedance analysis (BCM; Fresenius Medical Care) was conducted in the patients who had no contraindications. Results: 138 patients were included. The levels of 25 (OH) vitamin D were 20.43±10.5 ng/ml; the insufficiency/deficiency had 87% prevalence (and 37% prevalence with less than 15 ng/ml). Vitamin D concentrations/ deficiency showed a significant correlation with/ relation to age, diabetes, hemoglobin and albumin levels, muscle strength and mass, and functional class (p<0.05). Conclusion: High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients on hemodialysis, particularly in the elderly and in patients with diabetes. This should be related to undernutrition, anemia, the functional class and the muscle strength/mass of patients, the latter two being unreported factors until now. All these factors should be considered when vitamin replacement is conducted and when its effectiveness is assessed.(AU)

Hipovitaminosis D en pacientes hemodiálizados (HD): factores relacionados e influencia sobre la fuerza muscular / Hypovitaminosis D in patients on hemodialysis (HD): related factors and influence on muscle strength

Introducción: La deficiencia de 25 (OH) vitamina D es una alteración prevalente en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) , sin embargo en nuestro medio no es medida de manera rutinaria y por ende no suele hacerse reposición vitamínica. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia y los factores relacionados a deficiencia de 25 (OH) D en pacientes con ERC en hemodiálisis (HD), particularmente la relación con la función y masa muscular. Métodos: Efectuamos un estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico, en pacientes adultos en HD crónica que no estuvieran recibiendo ningún derivado de la vitamina D. Se midieron en sangre los niveles de 25(OH) D, Hemoglobina, PCR, Albúmina, Ca, P, FAL, PTHi. Se realizó la medición de la fuerza del puño con dinamómetro, y la prueba de sentado-parado. Se aplicó el índice de Karnofsky para clasificar el estado funcional., Se realizó una bioimpedanciometría (BCM; Frese nius Medical Care) en aquellos pacientes sin, contraindicación. Resultados: Se incluyeron 138 pacientes. La 25(OH) vitamina fue de 20.43 ± 10.5 ng/ml, la prevalencia de insuficiencia /defi ciencia 87% (37% con menos de 15 ng/ml). Las concentraciones de vitamina D/deficiencia mostraron correlación/relación significativa con la edad, la presencia de diabetes, los niveles de hemoglobina y albúmina, la fuerza y la masa muscular y la clase funcional (p<0.05) . Conclusión: Alta prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en pacientes hemodializados particularmente gerontes y diabéticos. Esto estaría relacionado con la desnutrición, anemia, clase funcional y la fuerza/masa muscular de los pacientes, estos últimos dos factores no reportados hasta ahora. Todos estos factores deben ser considerados al momento de la sustitución vitamínica y en la evaluación de la efectividad de la misma.

Background: 25 (OH) vitamin D deficiency is a prevailing alteration in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, in our environment, it is not routinely measured and, therefore, vitamin replacement is unusual. Our purpose was assessing the prevalence of and the factors related to 25 (OH) vitamin D deficiency in patientswith CKD in hemodialysis (HD), especially the relation to function and muscle mass. Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicenter study in adult patients on chronic HD who were not receiving any vitamin D derivative. Blood levels of 25 (OH) D, Hemoglobin, CRP, Albumin, Ca,P, ALP and PTHi were measured. The handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer and the sitting-rising test was carried out. A bioimpedance analysis (BCM; Fresenius Medical Care) was conducted in the patients who had no contraindications. Results: 138 patients were included. The levels of 25 (OH) vitamin D were 20.43±10.5 ng/ml; the insufficiency/deficiency had 87% prevalence (and 37% prevalence with less than 15 ng/ml). Vitamin D concentrations/ deficiency showed a significant correlation with/ relation to age, diabetes, hemoglobin and albumin levels, muscle strength and mass, and functional class (p<0.05). Conclusion: High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients on hemodialysis, particularly in the elderly and in patients with diabetes. This should be related to undernutrition, anemia, the functional class and the muscle strength/mass of patients, the latter two being unreported factors until now. All these factors should be considered when vitamin replacement is conducted and when its effectiveness is assessed.

Proteinuria/creatininuria index and its correlation with the 24-hour proteinuria in renal transplanted patients.

BACKGROUND: Proteinuria (P) is a early sign of inflammation and renal damage. It has an important role in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of renal disease in transplanted patients. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between random urinary proteinuria/creatininuria index (P/CI) and 24-hour total protein excretion among stable renal transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained 1511 samples of 24-hour protein excretion (24-hr P) with corresponding P/CI were obtained from 197 adult patients beyond 6 months post-transplantation between 2009 and 2011. The population was divided into 2 groups: One to obtain a population of justification (755) and another, of validation (755). A scatter graft yielded was obtained by Pearson's coefficient of correlation. A "receiver operater characteristic curve" analysis was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity and specifity of PCI and 24hr-P, showing a cutoff of 0.15 for PCI. RESULTS: The PCI and 24 hr P Pearson's correlation was significant (r = 0.89; P = .0001). The sensitivities of the P/CI for the justification and the validation samples were 97% and 94%, respectively; the a cutoff was 0.15. Their negative predictive values for P/CI were 92% and 84% respectively (cutoff, 0.15). The specificity was below 50% in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant correlation between P/CI and 24 hr P. The sensitivity was slightly higher than the specificity (50%) but the negative predictive value was >92%. The use of P/CI seemed to be adequate for screening of protein excretion during renal transplant recipient follow-up.

[Measuring Kt by ionic dialysance is a useful tool for assessing dialysis dose in critical patients]. / La determinación del Kt por dialisancia iónica es una herramienta útil para la evaluación de la dosis de diálisis en pacientes críticos.

AIM: To evaluate the Kt assessed through ionic dializance (KtOCM) in UCI patients undergoing renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury, comparing the results with those obtained through the urea removal rate method determined by dialyzate collection (Kturea). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 18 adult UCI staying individuals suffering from renal replacement therapy requiring oliguric acute kidney injury were included in this study. RRT consisted in intermittent or extended hemodialysis performed through a Fresenius 4008E dialysis machine equipped with an on-line clearance monitor (OCM Fresenius). The KtOCM results were provided automatically. The Spearman correlation test was used to assess the relationship between the two exploratory methods and the Student s t test to compare the results obtained by the KtOCM and the Kturea. RESULTS: 35 treatments were analyzed. There were not statistically significant differences between the results form the KtOCM and the Kturea (34.9 +/- 10.69 vs 32.78 +/- 11.31, p = NS). A remarkable association was find between both methods (r = 0.87; 95CI, 0.76-0.94; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of Kt through ionic dialyzance is a simple method to estimate the dose of dialysis in critically ill patients and is and useful tool to monitor and adjust the RRT in real time according to a target dose.

La determinación del Kt por dialisancia iónica es una herramienta útil para la evaluación de la dosisde diálisis en pacientes críticos / Measuring Kt by ionic dialysance is a useful tool for assessing dialysis dose in critical patients

Objetivo: Evaluar la determinación de Kt (KtOCM) por dialisancia iónica en los pacientes sometidos a terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR) por insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) atendidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), comparándola con el Kt obtenido mediante el cálculo del índice de remoción de urea obtenido por recogida del dializado (Kturea). Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 18 pacientes adultos, con IRA oligúrica ingresados en la UCI, con requerimiento de TRR, tratados con hemodiálisis intermitente y/o diálisis extendida. Las TRR fueron realizadas con equipos Fresenius 4008E equipados con un monitor de aclaramiento «on-line» (OCM Fresenius). La determinación de KtOCM fue realizada automáticamente por el monitor. Se efectuaron la correlación y la comparación entre KtOCM y Kturea utilizando el análisis de correlación de Spearman y el test de la t, respectivamente. Resultados: Sobre 35 tratamientos efectuados, la media de KtOCM no fue estadísticamente diferente de la del Kturea (34,9 ± 10,69 frente a 32,78 ± 11,31; NS). Se obtuvo una importante correlación y una relación lineal significativa entre los dos métodos (r = 0,87; p <0,001; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%, 0,76-0,94%). Conclusiones: La determinación del Kt por dialisancia iónica es un método simple para estimar la dosis de diálisis en pacientes críticos y es una herramienta útil para monitorizar y ajustar las TRR en tiempo real de acuerdo con una dosis objetivo (AU)

Aim: To evaluate the Kt assessed through ionic dializance (KtOCM) in UCI patients undergoing renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury, comparing the results with those obtained through the urea removal rate method determined by dialyzate collection (Kturea). Material and methods: 18 adult UCI staying individuals suffering from renal replacement therapy requiring oliguric acute kidney injury were included in this study. RRT consisted in intermitent or extended hemodialysis performed through a Fresenius 4008E dialysis machine equiped with an on-line clearance monitor (OCM Fresenius). The KtOCM results were provided automatically. The Spearman correlation test was used to assess the relationship between the two exploratory methods and the Student´s t test to compare the results obtained by the KtOCM and the Kturea. Results: 35 treatments were analyzed. There were not statistically significant differences between the results form the KtOCM and the Kturea (34.9 ± 10.69 vs 32.78 ± 11.31, p = NS). A remarkable association was find between both methods (r = 0.87; 95CI, 0.76-0.94; p <0.001). Conclusions: The assessment of Kt through ionic dialyzance is a simple method to estimate the dose of dialysis in critically ill patients and is and useful tool to monitor and adjust the RRT in real time according to a target dose (AU)

Seroprevalencia de Helicobacter pylori en hemodializados

AIM: (a) to establish Hp infection seroprevalence among patients under chronic dialysis and to compare it with that of general population, (b) to assess the relationship between Hp prevalence and parameters associated with a higher morbidity, such as serum albumin levels, dialysis adequacy, and quality of life in this population. METHODS: Ninety-three consecutive patients of both genders (58 M/35 F), X 57.5 +/- 17.2 years old, with end-stage chronic renal failure on maintenance dialysis were included. All of them received dialysis at Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires. The presence of anti-Hp antibodies was established and its prevalence was compared with a control group. In all cases, serum albumin levels and time in dialysis were determined. In addition, dialysis adequacy was established by KT/V and quality of life was measured with Karnofsky's index. Patients and controls were matched according variables associated with Hp infection in our country, i.e., age, socioeconomic and education levels. RESULTS: Ninety-three dialysis patients were matched with 93 controls. According to the quick serological test, 44 out of 93 (47.3%) dialyzed patients and 55 out of 93 (53.6%) controls were Hp positive (ns). Forty-one out of 76 patients (53.9%) with a serum albumin level 3.5 g/dl and 3/17 (17.6%) with a serum albumin level < 3.5 g/dl were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.39; p < 0.01). Fifty-five out of 80 patients (69.2%) with Kt/V > 1.2 and 6/13 (43.8%) with Kt/V 1.2 Pounds were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02-0.65; p < 0.05). Four out of 15 patients (26.7%) with Karnofsky's index > 70, and 40/78 (51.3%) with Karnofsky's index < or = 70 were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.06-2.95, p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: According to our results, dialysis patients do no represent a high-risk group of Hp infection. Those individuals with higher morbidity and mortality rates as evidenced by low serum albumin levels or by a low Kt/V have a lower Hp prevalence, perhaps due to a poor immune response o due to the use of antibiotics. Therefore, Hp infection screening en dialysis units does not differ from the guidelines developed in Maastrich for the general population.

Seroprevalencia de Helicobacter pylori en hemodializados / xxx

AIM: (a) to establish Hp infection seroprevalence among patients under chronic dialysis and to compare it with that of general population, (b) to assess the relationship between Hp prevalence and parameters associated with a higher morbidity, such as serum albumin levels, dialysis adequacy, and quality of life in this population. METHODS: Ninety-three consecutive patients of both genders (58 M/35 F), X 57.5 +/- 17.2 years old, with end-stage chronic renal failure on maintenance dialysis were included. All of them received dialysis at Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires. The presence of anti-Hp antibodies was established and its prevalence was compared with a control group. In all cases, serum albumin levels and time in dialysis were determined. In addition, dialysis adequacy was established by KT/V and quality of life was measured with Karnofskys index. Patients and controls were matched according variables associated with Hp infection in our country, i.e., age, socioeconomic and education levels. RESULTS: Ninety-three dialysis patients were matched with 93 controls. According to the quick serological test, 44 out of 93 (47.3%) dialyzed patients and 55 out of 93 (53.6%) controls were Hp positive (ns). Forty-one out of 76 patients (53.9%) with a serum albumin level 3.5 g/dl and 3/17 (17.6%) with a serum albumin level < 3.5 g/dl were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.39; p < 0.01). Fifty-five out of 80 patients (69.2%) with Kt/V > 1.2 and 6/13 (43.8%) with Kt/V 1.2 Pounds were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02-0.65; p < 0.05). Four out of 15 patients (26.7%) with Karnofskys index > 70, and 40/78 (51.3%) with Karnofskys index < or = 70 were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.06-2.95, p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: According to our results, dialysis patients do no represent a high-risk group of Hp infection. Those individuals with higher morbidity and mortality rates as evidenced by low serum albumin levels or by a low Kt/V have a lower Hp prevalence, perhaps due to a poor immune response o due to the use of antibiotics. Therefore, Hp infection screening en dialysis units does not differ from the guidelines developed in Maastrich for the general population. (AU)

[Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in dialysis patients]. / Seroprevalencia de Helicobacter pylori en hemodializados.

AIM: (a) to establish Hp infection seroprevalence among patients under chronic dialysis and to compare it with that of general population, (b) to assess the relationship between Hp prevalence and parameters associated with a higher morbidity, such as serum albumin levels, dialysis adequacy, and quality of life in this population. METHODS: Ninety-three consecutive patients of both genders (58 M/35 F), X 57.5 +/- 17.2 years old, with end-stage chronic renal failure on maintenance dialysis were included. All of them received dialysis at Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires. The presence of anti-Hp antibodies was established and its prevalence was compared with a control group. In all cases, serum albumin levels and time in dialysis were determined. In addition, dialysis adequacy was established by KT/V and quality of life was measured with Karnofsky's index. Patients and controls were matched according variables associated with Hp infection in our country, i.e., age, socioeconomic and education levels. RESULTS: Ninety-three dialysis patients were matched with 93 controls. According to the quick serological test, 44 out of 93 (47.3%) dialyzed patients and 55 out of 93 (53.6%) controls were Hp positive (ns). Forty-one out of 76 patients (53.9%) with a serum albumin level 3.5 g/dl and 3/17 (17.6%) with a serum albumin level < 3.5 g/dl were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.39; p < 0.01). Fifty-five out of 80 patients (69.2%) with Kt/V > 1.2 and 6/13 (43.8%) with Kt/V 1.2 Pounds were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02-0.65; p < 0.05). Four out of 15 patients (26.7%) with Karnofsky's index > 70, and 40/78 (51.3%) with Karnofsky's index < or = 70 were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.06-2.95, p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: According to our results, dialysis patients do no represent a high-risk group of Hp infection. Those individuals with higher morbidity and mortality rates as evidenced by low serum albumin levels or by a low Kt/V have a lower Hp prevalence, perhaps due to a poor immune response o due to the use of antibiotics. Therefore, Hp infection screening en dialysis units does not differ from the guidelines developed in Maastrich for the general population.

Seroprevalencia de Helicobacter pylori en hemodializados. / [Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in dialysis patients]

AIM: (a) to establish Hp infection seroprevalence among patients under chronic dialysis and to compare it with that of general population, (b) to assess the relationship between Hp prevalence and parameters associated with a higher morbidity, such as serum albumin levels, dialysis adequacy, and quality of life in this population. METHODS: Ninety-three consecutive patients of both genders (58 M/35 F), X 57.5 +/- 17.2 years old, with end-stage chronic renal failure on maintenance dialysis were included. All of them received dialysis at Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires. The presence of anti-Hp antibodies was established and its prevalence was compared with a control group. In all cases, serum albumin levels and time in dialysis were determined. In addition, dialysis adequacy was established by KT/V and quality of life was measured with Karnofskys index. Patients and controls were matched according variables associated with Hp infection in our country, i.e., age, socioeconomic and education levels. RESULTS: Ninety-three dialysis patients were matched with 93 controls. According to the quick serological test, 44 out of 93 (47.3

) dialyzed patients and 55 out of 93 (53.6

) controls were Hp positive (ns). Forty-one out of 76 patients (53.9

) with a serum albumin level 3.5 g/dl and 3/17 (17.6

) with a serum albumin level < 3.5 g/dl were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.06; 95

CI, 0.01-0.39; p < 0.01). Fifty-five out of 80 patients (69.2

) with Kt/V > 1.2 and 6/13 (43.8

) with Kt/V 1.2 Pounds were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.10; 95

CI, 0.02-0.65; p < 0.05). Four out of 15 patients (26.7

) with Karnofskys index > 70, and 40/78 (51.3

) with Karnofskys index < or = 70 were anti-Hp positive (odds ratio, 0.37; 95

CI, 0.06-2.95, p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: According to our results, dialysis patients do no represent a high-risk group of Hp infection. Those individuals with higher morbidity and mortality rates as evidenced by low serum albumin levels or by a low Kt/V have a lower Hp prevalence, perhaps due to a poor immune response o due to the use of antibiotics. Therefore, Hp infection screening en dialysis units does not differ from the guidelines developed in Maastrich for the general population.

Polyacrylonitrile membrane interposition between a xenograft and a patient in fulminant liver failure: the concept of xenohemodiafiltration in clinical practice.

Fulminant hepatic failure is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. Conventional therapies are not sufficiently effective. Liver transplantation may be life saving, but a "bridge therapy" is needed until transplantation is performed. Hepatic extracorporeal xenohemodiafiltration (XHDF) is aimed at the transitory support of a patient with fulminant hepatic failure. The first clinical case of XHDF is presented. The system consisted of cross-circulation between a porcine liver and a patient with fulminant liver failure through a polyacrylonitrile membrane. The procedure lasted for 5 hours and produced hemodynamic, biochemical, and metabolic improvements. Intracranial pressure decreased from 34 to 5 cm H2O, serum ammonia fell from 673 to 370 ng/dl, lactic acid from 11 to 5.3 mmol/L, and bilirubin from 7.4 to 2.5 mg/dl. Hemodynamic values were maintained stable throughout the procedure. The patient was able to undergo transplantation and remains alive 11 months later. XHDF is a clinical experimental method that can constitute an alternative clinical therapy to support patients with fulminant hepatic failure until an organ is available for transplantation.