Case report of Capnocytophaga canimorsus septicemia with infective endocarditis in a hemodialysis patient: A not widely known dog pathogen.

Keeping pets as a companion is a global phenomenon. This relationship, however, is not entirely free of risk as some diseases can be transmitted to human beings. It is important to emphasize safety among pet owners, particularly in people with chronic illness as they may have increased vulnerability to infection which could arise from an intimate relationship. We report an uncommon etiology of sepsis complicated with infective endocarditis in a 63-year old dog-owner who was on hemodialysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Capnocytophaga canimorsus infective endocarditis (IE) ever reported in a patient undergoing hemodialysis.

Successful use of steroids and ureteric stents in 24 patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a chronic inflammatory disorder causing obstructive nephropathy and renal failure. We reviewed our management of this condition. METHOD: All patients with RPF treated at a single center over a 15-year period were identified. A full review of notes and computer records was undertaken. RESULTS: Data was available on 27 patients, 3 of which were excluded from later analysis. Diagnosis was based on clinical history and cross-sectional imaging. Retroperitoneal biopsy was undertaken in 3 patients. 96% had significant renal impairment at presentation with a mean serum creatinine of 688 micromol/l. 46% required emergency hemodialysis. All patients were treated with a combination of ureteric stents and/or steroids with an excellent clinical response. The mean best creatinine reached by the cohort was 136 micromol/l, and renal function remained stable in the long term. No patients required chronic dialysis. Ureteric stents were removed within 12 months and low-dose steroids were continued for a mean of 34 months. Recurrent disease was observed in 25% of patients, who all responded well to further steroid therapy. Mean duration of follow-up was 76 months. CONCLUSIONS: RPF is very effectively treated by a combination of ureteric stents and steroids, with excellent long-term results using this approach. Continued follow-up is advised because of the possibility of recurrent disease.