Effect of pelvic drain displacement on anastomotic leakage-related morbidity after rectal cancer surgery.

Purpose: Drain insertion after proctectomy is common in clinical practice, although the effectiveness of drains has been questioned. However, drains are commonly displaced after surgery. We hypothesized that drain displacement is associated with clinical outcomes and aimed to assess differences in clinical outcomes, such as overall morbidity, including anastomotic leakage (AL), reintervention rates, length of hospital stay, and mortality rates, between patients who experienced displaced drains and those who did not. Methods: Rectal cancer patients who underwent proctectomy at a single institution between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients who experienced displaced drains and those who did not. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of reintervention in patients with AL. The secondary endpoints were overall morbidity rates, AL rates, length of hospital stay, and mortality within 30 days. Results: Among 248 patients who underwent proctectomy, 93 (37.5%) experienced displaced drains. A higher proportion of patients who experienced displaced drains required reintervention due to AL than those who did not experience displaced drains (odds ratio, 3.61; 95% confidential interval, 1.20-10.93; p = 0.016). However, no significant difference was found in the overall morbidity rate, mortality, and length of hospital stay between the groups. Conclusion: Drain displacement does not worsen outcomes such as overall morbidity rate, mortality, and length of hospital stay after proctectomy but is associated with an increase in the need for reintervention in patients with AL.

Is the new GFR equation using inulin clearance a more accurate method for Asian patients?

Recently, a new glomerular filtration rate (GFR) equation for the Japanese population was proposed using measured inulin clearance. To expand its applicability to other Asian populations, we performed a comparative study in the Korean population. Inulin clearance was measured in 166 patients from seven participating medical centers in Korea. Patient's sera and urine were collected, and baseline clinical characteristics were measured to provide an estimated GFR (eGFR) by the Japanese GFR equation using inulin clearance (Japanese-GFR equation), the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation, and the Chronic Kidney Disease - Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. We compared the results to determine which equation best estimated the measured GFR (mGFR). Accuracy (95% CI) within 30% of mGFR by the Japanese-GFR equation, the CKD-EPI equation and the MDRD study equation were 66 (58 - 72), 51 (43 - 58), and 55 (47 - 62)%, respectively. Bias (mGFR minus eGFR) were 3.4 ± 22.4, -12.0 ± 22.1, and -9.7 ± 23.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The accuracy of the Japanese-GFR equation was significantly better than MDRD study equation in subjects with mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and in total subjects. The bias of the Japanese-GFR equation was significantly smaller compared with other two equations in total subjects. The Japanese-GFR equation has a higher accuracy with less bias than the other equations in estimating GFR in Korean populations. Further studies are required to determine if the current Japanese-GFR equation could represent the standard eGFR for other Asian populations.

Effect of lanthanum carbonate on phosphate control in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients in Korea: a randomized prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperphosphatemia is a common complication in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Reducing the serum phosphate level is crucial in management of ESRD. METHODS: This study was a randomized prospective study, designed to compare patients with hyperphosphatemia undergoing peritoneal dialysis while taking lanthanum carbonate or calcium carbonate. We divided 72 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients whose serum phosphate levels were over 5.6 mg/dl into two groups to receive either lanthanum carbonate or calcium carbonate. Serum calcium, phosphate and PTH levels were examined serially for 24 weeks. RESULTS: Both lanthanum carbonate and calcium carbonate reduced serum phosphate levels, from 6.79 ± 1.05 to 5.44 ± 1.44 and from 6.31 ± 1.13 to 4.74 ± 0.78 mg/dl, respectively. The calcium × phosphate product level was reduced in the lanthanum carbonate and calcium carbonate groups from 60.23 ± 10.23 to 46.97 ± 16.42 and from 57.92 ± 11.05 to 44.50 ± 7.74 mg2/dl2, respectively. The serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level in the lanthanum carbonate group did not change significantly compared to baseline during the study, but in the calcium carbonate group, the serum PTH level decreased significantly. Gastrointestinal complications were the main adverse effects of lanthanum carbonate and 11 out of 35 patients dropped out of the study due to this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Lanthanum carbonate was as effective as calcium carbonate in reducing serum phosphate level, and serum PTH level tended to be steadier in the lanthanum carbonate group compared to the calcium carbonate group. Though the ifference was not significant, lanthanum carbonate tended not to elevate serum calcium level in CAPD patients compared to calcium carbonate. The high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effect in the lanthanum carbonate group will need further evaluation.

Effects of neutral pH and low-glucose degradation product-containing peritoneal dialysis fluid on systemic markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction: a randomized controlled 1-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The local peritoneal effects of low-glucose degradation product (GDP)-containing peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) have been extensively described. However, the systemic effects of prolonged prescription of these solutions are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of neutral pH and low-GDP PDF on systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction markers in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS: This is a multicenter, open labeled, randomized controlled trial including one hundred fifty-two patients initiating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease from seven centers in Korea. Participants were randomly allocated to conventional PDF (Stay safe®; Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) or low-GDP PDF (Balance®; Fresenius Medical Care) and were followed for 1 year. Primary outcome variable was the inflammation and endothelial dysfunction index (IEDI), a composite score derived from serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, residual renal function (RRF), peritoneal membrane transport characteristics, ultrafiltration volume and nutritional parameters were measured as secondary outcome variables. RESULTS: Of 152 patients randomized, 146 (low-GDP: conventional PDF, 79:67) patients entered the trial (46% male, 53% with diabetes mellitus). At 12-month follow-up, the low-GDP group had significantly lower levels of IEDI, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 compared to the conventional group; hs-CRP was not different between groups. Peritoneal transport characteristics, RRF, nutritional parameters, incidence of peritonitis and death-censored technique survival were not different between groups. CONCLUSION: Neutral pH and low-GDP PDF likely produce fewer changes in markers of endothelial dysfunction compared to conventional PDF in incident PD patients.

C.E.R.A. once every 4 weeks corrects anaemia and maintains haemoglobin in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.

BACKGROUND: No previous randomized controlled studies have been reported examining de novo, once every 4 weeks (Q4W) administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We report results from a randomized multinational study that compared continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (C.E.R.A.) Q4W with darbepoetin alfa once weekly (QW) or every 2 weeks (Q2W) for the correction of anaemia in non-dialysis CKD patients. METHODS: Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either 1.2 µg/kg C.E.R.A. Q4W or darbepoetin alfa QW/Q2W during a 20-week correction period and an 8-week evaluation period. Two primary end points were assessed: the haemoglobin (Hb) response rate and the change in average Hb concentration between baseline and evaluation. RESULTS: The Hb response rate for C.E.R.A. was 94.1%, significantly higher than the protocol-specified 60% response rate [95% confidence interval (CI): 89.1, 97.3; P < 0.0001] and comparable with darbepoetin alfa (93.5%; 95% CI: 88.4, 96.8; P < 0.0001). C.E.R.A. Q4W was non-inferior to darbepoetin alfa QW/Q2W, with similar mean Hb changes from baseline of 1.62 g/dL and 1.66 g/dL, respectively. Patients receiving C.E.R.A. showed a steady rise in Hb, with fewer patients above the target range during the first 8 weeks compared with darbepoetin alfa [39 patients (25.8%) versus 72 patients (47.7%); P < 0.0001]. Adverse event rates were comparable between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: C.E.R.A. Q4W successfully corrects anaemia and maintains stable Hb levels within the recommended target range in non-dialysis CKD patients.

High peritoneal transport status is not an independent risk factor for high mortality in patients treated with automated peritoneal dialysis.

We undertook this study to elucidate whether baseline peritoneal membrane transport characteristics are associated with high mortality in incident automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) patients. This retrospective study includes 117 patients who started APD at Yonsei University Health System from 1996 to 2008 and had a PET within 3 months of APD initiation. High transporters were significantly older and had a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. Patient survival for years 1, 3, and 5 were 85%, 64%, and 35% for high transporter and 94%, 81%, and 68% for non-high transporter group (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, serum albumin level, and residual renal function were independently associated with high mortality in APD patients. In contrast, high transport status was not a significant predictor for mortality in this population when the other covariates were included. Even though high transport was significantly associated with mortality in the univariate analysis, its role seemed to be influenced by other comorbid conditions. These findings suggest that the proper management of these comorbid conditions, as well as appropriate ultrafiltration by use of APD and/or icodextrin, must be considered as protective strategies to improve survival in peritoneal dialysis patients with high transport.

Predictors of mortality in patients returning to dialysis after allograft loss.

BACKGROUND: Although patients requiring dialysis after graft loss are increasing, data regarding the outcomes of patients on dialysis after graft loss are limited. We investigated the characteristics and risk factors for mortality in patients reinitiating dialysis after graft loss. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done for 292 patients who reinitiated dialysis after graft loss between 1985 and 2006. RESULTS: The mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at dialysis reinitiation was 9.1 +/- 4.6 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death during the 67.4 +/- 50.6 months of follow-up. History of diabetes (HR 4.11, p = 0.02), new-onset diabetes after transplantation (HR 1.96, p = 0.03), Charlson comorbidity index score (HR 1.66, p = 0.03), and low serum albumin levels (HR 0.42, p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for mortality. However, GFR at dialysis reinitiation was not. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid conditions, new-onset diabetes after transplantation, and hypoalbuminemia predicted mortality in patients who returned to dialysis after graft failure.

Correlates of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in long-term kidney transplant patients.

Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of early death and graft loss in renal transplant patients. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters independently associated with the angiographically-determined severity of coronary atherosclerosis in long-term kidney transplant patients. Fifty-two kidney transplant recipients who underwent elective coronary angiography were reviewed retrospectively. Angiographic severity was evaluated using the modified Gensini index (MGI). The mean age at coronary angiography was 52.5+/-7.9 yr with a mean prior transplant duration of 118.1+/-58.8 months. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation of MGI with transplant duration before coronary angiography and chronic allograft nephropathy, whereas an inverse correlation was demonstrated with ejection fraction and statin use. On subsequent multivariate linear regression analysis, transplant duration before coronary angiography, statin use, and ejection fraction were independently associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in long-term kidney transplant patients. In summary, our study demonstrates that statin use, ejection fraction, and transplant duration before coronary angiography are independent parameters associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in long-term kidney transplant patients. Further investigation is required to reduce the atherosclerotic burden in kidney transplant patients.

Effect of baseline glomerular filtration rate on renal function following stenting for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty and stenting (PTRAS) is one treatment option for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS). However, factors predicting the outcome remain controversial. This study investigated the effect of the baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on renal function after PTRAS in patients with ARAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent PTRAS due to significant ARAS (luminal narrowing > or = 60%) were enrolled. The patients were divided into control (n = 57; estimated GFR (eGFR) > or = 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and chronic renal failure (CRF) groups (n = 53; eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), according to the baseline eGFR. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of PTRAS was 62 +/- 9 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 50 +/- 26 months. There was a significant decrease in eGFR after PTRAS in the control group, whereas the CRF group showed no significant change in eGFR. The percentage change in eGFR was negatively correlated with the baseline eGFR (r = -0.274, p = 0.004). Multivariate linear regression revealed that only baseline eGFR predicted the change in eGFR (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: PTRAS was more effective at preserving renal function in patients with moderately impaired renal function. Thus, baseline GFR may indicate the expected renal function outcome after PTRAS.

Association of inflammation and protein-energy wasting with endothelial dysfunction in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Recent studies have indicated that non-traditional risk factors such as endothelial dysfunction (ED), chronic inflammation and protein-energy wasting (PEW) may contribute significantly to the increased cardiovascular mortality among dialysis patients. To further ascertain this association, we carried out a cross-sectional assessment of nutritional status, inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS: We measured ED functionally by flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) using doppler ultrasonography and biochemically by soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in 105 stable PD patients and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We also simultaneously measured inflammatory markers and performed a subjective global assessment (SGA) of their nutritional status using a seven-point scoring scale. Subjects were subgrouped according to their nutritional and inflammatory status. RESULTS: In PD patients, FMD was markedly lower (9.9 +/- 4.8% vs. 16.4 +/- 4.8%, P < 0.05), and sICAM-1 was significantly higher than those in controls. The malnourished patients had significantly lower FMD (8.4+/-4.6% vs. 10.8+/-4.7%, P <0.05) and higher sICAM-1 than the nourished patients. The inflamed group had significantly lower FMD (7.1 +/- 3.8 vs.11.1 +/- 4.6%, P < 0.05) and higher sICAM-1 than the non-inflamed group. In all PD patients, lean body mass/body weight %, albumin and SGA correlated positively with FMD (r = +0.207, r = +0.224, r = +0.285, P < 0.05). However, age, log high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), log IL-6 and sICAM-1 were negatively correlated with FMD (r = -0.275, r = -0.361, r = -0.360, r = -0.271, P < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis showed that log hsCRP was an independent factor affecting FMD. Endothelial function, demonstrated as FMD and sICAM-1 in the nourished PD patients without inflammation, was well preserved compared to other subgroups. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that chronic inflammation and PEW are closely linked to ED in PD patients.

Influence of ketoanalogs supplementation on the progression in chronic kidney disease patients who had training on low-protein diet.

AIM: A low-protein diet (LPD) is a conservative treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to improve uremic symptoms and slow the progression of renal dysfunction. However, the deleterious effects of protein restriction on nutritional status have raised concern. We investigated whether ketoanalogs supplementation in CKD patients who had training on LPD retards the progression of CKD and maintains nutritional status. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from 120 consecutive patients in the CKD stages III and IV. Firstly all patients were restricted to LPD alone for 6 months (LPD alone), and then ketoanalogs of essential amino acids (KA) were supplemented for 6 months. RESULTS: The adequate LPD had not achieved in both periods. The declining slopes of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during the LPD + KA period were significantly lower than those during the LPD alone period. This improvement in GFR was apparent in both subjects with diabetics and non-diabetic patients. Mean serum total cholesterol levels decreased in LPD + KA compared with LPD alone period. However, serum albumin levels did not change. Responders showed a higher prevalence of diabetes and higher serum albumin levels during the LPD alone period. Multivariate analysis revealed that responsiveness to LPD + KA was independently related to diabetes (p = 0.006) and high serum albumin levels (p = 0.011) in the LPD alone period. CONCLUSION: KA supplementation on over LPD delayed the progression of CKD without deteriorating nutritional status, and initial serum albumin levels could be an independent factor.

Changing prevalence of glomerular diseases in Korean adults: a review of 20 years of experience.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of glomerular diseases differs according to geographic area, race, age and indications for a renal biopsy. This study was conducted to evaluate the distribution and changing patterns of renal diseases during the past 20 years in a large patient population in Korea. METHODS: Patients aged 16 years or older who underwent a renal biopsy at Severance Hospital in the Yonsei University Health System from 1987 to 2006 were enrolled. All medical records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In total, 1818 patients (M:F = 1.02:1) were reviewed. Glomerulonephritis (GN) comprised 85.9% of the total biopsied cases. The most common primary GN was IgA nephropathy (IgAN) (28.3%), which was followed by minimal change disease (MCD) (15.5%), membranous nephropathy (MN) (12.3%), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (5.6%) and membranoproliferative GN (MPGN) (4.0%). The most common secondary GN was lupus nephritis (8.7%). The most common idiopathic nephrotic syndrome was MCD (38.5%), which was followed by MN and IgAN. Among 128 (7.4%) patients who were HBsAg-positive, MN (30.5%) and MPGN (21.1%) were the most common GN. When the incidence rates between 1987-91 and 2002-06 were compared, IgAN increased from 25.6 to 34.5%, while MCD (from 23.2 to 7.0%) and MPGN (from 6.7 to 1.7%) decreased significantly (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: IgAN was the most common primary GN, and MCD was the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome. In the 5-year quartile comparison, the relative frequency of IgAN increased, while the relative frequency of MCD and MPGN decreased significantly during the past 20 years.

Cancer in patients on chronic dialysis in Korea.

The study of cancer in patients treated with dialysis in Korea has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and mortality of cancer among patients on dialysis in Korea. The study subjects were 106 cancer patients (2.3%) out of 4,562 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients maintained on hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) at Yonsei University Health System from 1996 to 2005. We excluded patients in whom the diagnosis of cancer preceded dialysis or those who received renal allograft or started dialysis after renal allograft. Seventy-three (69%) of our subjects were male and 33 (31%) were female. The mean age at the time of cancer diagnosis was 57.9+/-11.7 yr. The mean time from the start of dialysis to the diagnosis of cancer was 75.2+/-63.9 months. The most common cancer site was gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (51%) followed by urinary tract (20%), lung (8%), and thyroid (7%). Sixty nine percent of the total mortality was due to cancer. The mean time from diagnosis to death was 2.9+/-2.5 yr. In ESRD patients with cancer, there were no significant differences in mortality rates by dialysis modality. In ESRD patients, the most common cancer was GIT cancer followed by urinary tract cancer. Therefore, careful surveillance of these cancers in ESRD patients is highly recommended.

Prognostic value of elevated cardiac troponin I in ESRD patients with sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) levels have been reported to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in asymptomatic ESRD patients. However, the prognostic value of elevated cTn levels associated with sepsis in ESRD patients is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the clinical implications of elevated cTnI levels in ESRD patients with sepsis. METHODS: Of the 305 ESRD patients in whom cTnI was measured between January 2003 and December 2005, sepsis developed in 121 patients during follow-up. Based on cTnI levels at the onset of sepsis, patients were classified as elevated cTnI group (ET, n = 50, >0.2 ng/ml) and lower cTnI group (LT, n = 71, < or =0.2 ng/ml). Study endpoints were short- and long-term mortality. Short-term mortality was defined as death occurring within 90 days after sepsis, and patients who survived during this period were followed till death after 90 days. RESULTS: Before sepsis, the median concentration of cTnI was 0.05 (0.01-3.59) ng/ml and it was significantly increased to 0.11 (0.01-22.0) ng/ml when sepsis supervened (P < 0.01). Compared to the LT group, the short-term mortality rate was significantly higher in the ET group (P < 0.05). After adjustment for age, diabetes, serum albumin and CRP levels, presence of shock and previous cardiovascular disease history, the ET group had a greater odds ratio of short-term mortality (OR 5.13, P < 0.01). In addition, the Kaplan-Meier plot for long-term survival revealed a significantly higher mortality rate in the ET group. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the elevation of cTnI levels was an independent determinant for long-term mortality (HR 5.90, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study showed that elevated cTnI levels were significantly associated with short- and long-term mortality in ESRD patients with sepsis. Therefore, elevated cTnI levels in these patients should not be overlooked and be followed for adverse outcomes.

Elevated cardiac troponin T predicts cardiovascular events in asymptomatic continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients without a history of cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies revealed that elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) could predict all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases in end-stage renal disease patients. This study aimed to evaluate cTnT as a prognostic value in asymptomatic continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study with 107 prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients. cTnT, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and IL-6 were measured at baseline. Based on cTnT level, patients were classified as higher cTnT group (HT, n = 21, cTnT > or =0.1 ng/ml) and lower cTnT group (LT, n = 86, cTnT <0.1 ng/ml), and were followed for 3 years. Primary endpoint was cardiovascular events. RESULTS: The HT group had a significantly higher level of log hsCRP and log IL-6 than the LT group (p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival demonstrated worse cardiovascular event-free survival for the HT group. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, cTnT, IL-6 and hsCRP level revealed that age (per 1-year increase, HR 1.07, p < 0.05), elevated cTnT (vs. <0.1 ng/ml, HR 5.89, p < 0.05) and hsCRP (vs. <3.0 mg/l, HR 4.15, p < 0.05) were identified as significant determinants of cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that cTnT may be an aid in risk stratification of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

Icodextrin improves the serum potassium profile with the enhancement of nutritional status in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

The impact of glucose-free icodextrin (ID) for overnight dwell as compared to conventional glucose-containing dialysate (GD) on potassium (K(+)) metabolism in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients has not yet been investigated. Serum K(+) in a total of 255 stable patients (116 on GD and 139 on ID) on CAPD for more than 6 months and in 139 patients on ID before and after ID use (Pre-ID and Post-ID) were observed along with nutritional markers in a 2-year study period (Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2007). The prevalence of hypokalemia was similar between patients on GD and ID (16.7% vs 17.3%), but was lower on Post-ID than Pre-ID (17.3% vs 20.5%) without statistic significance. The mean serum K(+) level was higher on ID than on GD (P<0.05) as well as Post-ID than Pre-ID (P<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, serum K(+) levels were positively correlated with serum albumin, and creatinine in all patients (P<0.05), and ID-use in younger patients (age≤56, P<0.001). Serum albumin, creatinine, total CO(2), and body mass index were significantly higher on Post-ID than Pre-ID. Icodextrin dialysate for chronic overnight dwell could increase serum K(+) levels and lower the prevalence of hypokalemia compared to conventional glucose-containing dialysate. The improved chronic K(+) balance in CAPD patients on icodextrin could be related to enhanced nutritional status rather than its impact on acute intracellular K(+) redistribution.

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in an old-aged man.

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRPF) is a rare disease characterized by a retroperitoneal inflammatory proliferative fibrosing process. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland; and is a frequently-occurring autoimmune disorder manifesting predominantly in middle-aged women. We report a rare association of IRPF with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in a 67-year-old man demonstrating good response to steroid therapy.

Long-term clinical outcomes of peritoneal dialysis patients: single center experience from Korea.

Of a large body of literature reporting clinical outcomes for patients maintained on peritoneal dialysis (PD), most publications have focused on relatively short-term results. Few reports have focused on long-term survival in PD patients. Here, we present our experience with long-term patient outcomes and further analyses of the trends in demographics and clinical outcomes of 2301 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) during a 25-year period (1981 - 2005) at our institute. Outcomes were analyzed for 1656 patients, excluding those younger than 15 years of age at initiation of CAPD, those having less than 3 months' follow-up, or those who had been on hemodialysis or who received a kidney graft before starting CAPD. In the study patients, technique survival at 5 and 10 years was 71.9% and 48.1% respectively. Patient survival was 69.8% and 51.8%. Mean age at the start of PD (50.4 +/- 13.9 years vs. 44.2 +/- 13.9 years, p < 0.01), ESRD incidence as a result of diabetic nephropathy (30.5% vs. 19.5%, p < 0.01), and incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities (26.6% vs. 20.5%, p < 0.01) were all significantly greater in patients who started PD during the second half of the study period (1993 - 2005) as compared with the first half (1981 - 1992). A multivariate analysis adjusting for these changes in demographics and comorbid conditions revealed that PD therapy starting in 1993 - 2005 was associated with a significant reduction in technique failure [hazard ratio (HR): 0.65; p < 0.01] and mortality (HR: 0.68; p < 0.01) as compared with the earlier period. However, in subgroup analyses, technique survival was not observed to be significantly improved in patients with diabetes. In summary, technique and patient survival have significantly improved despite increases in patient age, cardiovascular comorbidity, and ESRD caused by diabetes. Although diabetes, older age, and cardiovascular comorbidities are not factors that are easily modifiable to improve PD outcomes, results at our institution are encouraging in an era of declining PD utilization.