Deterioration in Renal Function after Beta-blockade in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure and Hypertension

Treatment of hypertension with beta-blocking agents in three patients with moderately severe chronic renal failure was followed by rapid deterioration of renal function. In two of the patients the need for maintenance haemodialysis was accelerated but renal function in the third reverted to pretreatment levels after the drug was stopped. These findings suggest that until more is known about the effects of beta-blocking drugs they should not be given to patients with moderately severe renal failure.     

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Proposed guidelines for monitoring toxicity.

The most common toxicities of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are gastropathy, renal dysfunction, and liver function abnormalities. We outline an approach to monitoring patients on long-term NSAID therapy, focusing on the early detection of complications. Gastropathy caused by NSAID use is more common in elderly patients or those with a history of dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, or alcohol abuse. Fecal occult blood testing and hemograms are less accurate in detecting gastropathy than direct visualization but are convenient and relatively inexpensive. We recommend the periodic use of these tests to detect NSAID-induced acute or chronic blood loss. Renal toxicity is seen in patients with preexisting renal disease or functional volume depletion and in the elderly. Complications include renal insufficiency, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and protein-uria. Renal function should be monitored during the first few weeks of NSAID therapy, especially in high-risk patients, with periodic testing thereafter. Hepatic toxicity is less common but warrants occasional determinations of alanine aminotransferase levels. Elderly patients and those with renal insufficiency or alcohol abuse have a higher risk of complications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used cautiously in those patients at high risk for complications. Strategies can be used to limit toxicity. Patients taking these drugs long term should be monitored periodically for signs of blood loss, renal dysfunction, and hepatic dysfunction.     

Use of 5-Fluorocytosine in Patients with Impaired Renal Function

The plasma level and elimination of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) was measured in normal subjects and patients with impaired renal function. Prolongation of the half-life of the drug in renal failure has been confirmed. Renal clearance of 5-FC was about 75% of the creatinine clearance and a corresponding modification of drug dosage should be made in patients with renal insufficiency.     

Héparine de Bas Poids Moléculaire et insuffisance rénale: <Emphasis Type="Bold">quelle surveillance biologique ?</Emphasis>

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) preparations contain different proportions of high and low molecular weigh molecules and thus differ to some extent in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Since LMWH are mainly eliminated by the kidneys, there is a risk of accumulation in patients with renal failure and elderly patients treated with LMWH. Unfortunately, these patients are often excluded from clinical trials with LMWH. In France, LMWH are contraindicated in case of severe renal impairment estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault formulae, which is the only formulae that should be used to calculate the creatinine clearance, especially in elderly patients > 75 years. The use of MDRD formulae in these later patients may lead to an overestimation of the renal function. In patients with renal impaired function treated with prophylactic doses of LMWH, anti-Xa monitoring does not allow to detect patients at high risk of bleeding and thus, is not warranted. When treated with curative doses of LMWH, patients with renal insufficiency compared to non renal insufficiency patients are at high risk of bleeding and of accumulation. In these patients, anti-Xa monitoring may be performed in order to detect an overdosage, however it is still debated whether such an approach improves outcomes in these patients. Blood sampling for anti-Xa measurement should be performed at peak level and the expected anti-Xa activities vary according to the LMWH preparations. In case of accumulation, no recommendations on dose adjustment are available.     

Oxalate nephropathy due to gastrointestinal disorders.

Renal failure secondary to oxalate interstitial nephritis developed in three patients with malabsorption and steatorrhea following a jejunoileal bypass, extensive small intestine resection and a partial gastrectomy. Hyperoxaluria was documented in two of the cases. The possibility that this complication can occur in patients after a jejunoileal bypass operation is now recognized. This report shows that it can also occur in patients with other bowel disorders that cause malabsorption and steatorrhea. Since the prognosis for patients with oxalate nephropathy is poor, renal function should be closely monitored in patients who are at risk because of these disorders. Therapy should be directed at correcting malabsorption, steatorrhea and hyperoxaluria. When the renal function of patients with a jejunoileal bypass continues to decline despite intensive medical therapy, restoration of bowel continuity is strongly recommended.     

La toxicité rénale du lithium: une réévaluation

Lithium salts are a well-established prophylactic treatment of relapses in bipolar disorder. Their most common renal side-effect is nephrogenic diabetes insipidus leading to polyuria. Only recently has their undesirable effect on renal function been recognized. This effect is due to the development of renal tubulo-interstitial lesions. The rate of progression is slow, with an annual loss of glomerular filtration estimated to be 2.2 ml/min. End-stage renal disease has been reported in some patients. In France, a recent survey showed that 0.2% of dialysed patients had lithium-induced renal disease. This complication occurs in a small percentage of lithium-treated patients, after 1 or 2 decades of treatment. However, its exact prevalence in the long-term is unknown. Lithium-treated patients should be regularly monitored. This monitoring should include annual measurements of serum creatinine and estimated creatinine clearance, as well as measurements of serum calcium (because hyperparathyroidism may develop). In early renal toxicity, discontinuation of lithium should be discussed with the patient by both the treating psychiatrist and the nephrologist.     

Recovery of renal function after prolonged dialysis and transplantation.

Out of 250 patients with renal failure, seven (2.8%) treated by regular haemodialysis alone (four) or given cadaveric allografts (three) later showed recovery of function of their own kidneys lasting from one to four years. In the patients receiving haemodialysis alone recovery was easily recognised from their serum creatinine concentrations, but in those with transplants recovery was discovered unexpectedly during radionuclide scanning. These findings suggest that recovery of renal function may be more common than generally recognised, which should be borne in mind when beginning renal replacement treatment and particularly when contemplating bilateral nephrectomy.     

Incidence, risk factors and prevention of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with lung cancer

High-dose (75 mg/m2) cisplatin is baseline chemotherapy in lung cancer. To prevent nephrotoxicity, patients generally receive saline infusion on the day of chemotherapy prior to and following cisplatin (total of 3.5-4.0 liters during 3-4 hours). Despite these measures nephrotoxicity has remained frequent, especially among patients also suffering from cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. Since 2005 several international recommendations have been formed about prevention of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. According to these recommendations: 1) renal function should not be evaluated by serum creatinine concentration; 2) evaluation of renal function should be based on calculated creatinine clearance (e.g. by the Cockcroft-Gault equation); 3) patients to be treated by high-dose cisplatin should be euvolemic and should have saline diuresis (urine NaCl concentration ~1%) of at least 100 ml/hour prior to, during and several days following the administration of cisplatin. Keeping these recommendations ensures prolonged cisplatin treatability of lung cancer patients. Moreover, decreased renal function will not limit the full dose administration of several other cytotoxic agents. Losonczy G, Máthé C, Müller V, Szondy K, Moldvay J. Incidence, risk factors and prevention of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with lung cancer.     

Changes in renal function during bisphosphonate treatment of breast cancer patients

Renal function aberrations during bisphosphonate treatment is a well-known phenomenon. In our retrospective study we examined renal functions of 97 breast cancer patients with bone metastasis during their first year of bisphosphonate treatment i.e. (1) frequency of initial renal function alterations; (2) frequency of decreasing renal function during bisphosphonate treatment; (3) the connection between the laboratory findings and the renal function parameters measured at the beginning of bisphosphonate treatment. At the beginning of bisphosphonate treatment we found a surprisingly high rate (26.80%) of decreased creatinine clearance calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula. Decreased creatinine clearance at least once during bisphosphonate treatment has been found in 32.99% of the patients, and in 13.4% of the patients with decreased renal function parameters before bisphosphonates it remained decreased during the one-year period. Expected normal renal function is prognosticated by the renal function parameters and serum calcium level measured before starting bisphosphonate treatment. However, we could not demonstrate any connection between decreasing renal function and either the route of administration or the generation or type of bisphosphonates or the previous use of platinum compounds. Our analysis confirms the necessity of monitoring renal function before and during bisphosphonate treatment, and it is advisable to calculate the creatinine clearance in the upper quarter of the normal range of creatinine levels. In case of decreased renal function, change to a less nephrotoxic bisphosphonate or discontinuing the treatment is suggested. While our results are at variance with the published literature, the above-mentioned questions should be examined in a prospective trial.     

Nephrotoxicity of gentamycin used in hepatic and biliary diseases]

Authors discuss nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides in patients with hepatic and biliary disorders. It may be concluded that hepatic and biliary diseases should be considered as an additional gentamycin nephrotoxicity risk factor. Administration of gentamycin to such patients require dose adjustments to renal function and--if possible--to gentamycin serum level.     

Limited-protein diet: a means of delaying the progression of chronic renal disease?

Recent studies suggest that restricting the dietary protein intake of patients with progressive renal disease slows their loss of renal function. Studies in animals have shown that an increase in the filtration rates of individual nephrons (hyper-filtration), an adaptive response to loss of renal mass, appears to induce progressive renal damage and that such damage may be prevented by dietary protein restriction. Preliminary evidence suggests that restriction of protein intake to less than 50 g/d in man has a similar beneficial effect in slowing the progression of chronic renal disease. Dietary therapy appears to be particularly effective for patients with early renal disease, allowing a doubling in the time until dialysis is required in many cases. Although large-scale clinical studies are planned, there is now sufficient evidence to warrant the use of moderate protein restriction (to less than 50 g/d) in most patients suffering from progressive renal disease. Such therapy should only be instituted with expert dietary and nephrologic consultation.     

Tetracycline Poisoning in Renal Failure

Seven cases are reported in which drugs of the tetracycline group produced a fall in the glomerular filtration rate. In six patients there was a primary underlying renal disease and renal impairment. All seven patients were made seriously ill by the antibiotic. Two patients required immediate haemodialysis; one died and the other continued on dialysis until transplanted. Another patient initially responded to intravenous fluids and protein restriction but his renal function deteriorated and four months later he began maintenance haemodialysis. Three patients required peritoneal dialysis. The seventh patient responded satisfactorily to conservative management. The medical and medicolegal complications arising from the use of tetracycline in patients with renal disease are discussed. Yet another plea is made that drugs of the tetracycline group other than doxycycline should not be given to patients with chronic renal failure.     

重症急性肾损伤患者经连续性肾脏替代治疗后肾功能恢复的影响因素

目的：通过研究重症急性肾损伤患者经连续性’肾脏替代治疗后肾功能恢复的影响因素,为重症急性肾损伤患者的诊治及预后提供科学依据。方法：选取2009年7月至2013年10月本院住院且采用CRRT治疗的284例重症急性肾损伤患者,记录患者的一般资料、APACHEII评分、血液生化指标、伴随症状及肾功能预后情况,将预后情况和各影响因素进行Logistic回归分析得出影响。肾功能恢复的影响因素。结果：284例重症急性肾损伤患者中,肾功能恢复有89例（31．33％）;肾功能恢复组的年龄、衰竭器官数、APACHEⅡ评分、动脉血二氧化碳分压、合并慢性肾脏病率及合并严重基础疾病率均低于肾功能未恢复组,而平均动脉压和血小板计数高于肾功能未恢复组（P〈0．05）,两组间合并机械通气率和合并少／无尿率无统计学差异（P〉0．05）;衰竭器官数、APAC—HEⅡ评分、合并严重基础疾病及AKl分期为CRRT治疗重症急性肾损伤患者肾功能恢复的危险因素。结论：CRRT治疗重症急性肾损伤的主要危险因素为衰竭器官数、APACHEⅡ评分、合并严重基础疾病及AKl分期。在临床治疗中,应正确评估病情,早期及时采取CRRT治疗,以提高生存率,促进肾脏功能恢复。     

Differential Renal Function Study—An Aid in Preoperative Evaluation of Hypertensive Patients

Non-occlusive ureteral catheters were placed bilaterally in the renal pelves of 30 patients known to have hypertension. Samples of urine were collected under conditions of normal hydration, of urea-PAH-saline diuresis and, in some cases, mannitol diuresis. The samples were analyzed for indications of impaired flow of blood to the kidneys. Aortograms were obtained in all cases.This placement of non-occlusive catheters up into the renal pelves was felt to have caused only minimal disturbance of renal function, and was not accompanied by ureteral edema with the concomitant complications caused by occlusive catheters. Under conditions of normal hydration, leakage was insignificant.Of the 20 patients in whom urea-PAH-saline infusion revealed an ischemic pattern, 19 had an ischemic pattern under conditions of normal hydration. Since in the one exception an aortographic examination did not show a surgically reparable renal lesion, it may be inferred that the use of urea-PAH-saline diuresis is not essential in the preoperative evaluation of hypertensive renal disease.Correlation of the results of differential renal function studies and aortographic findings was possible in 19 of the 30 patients. Lack of correlation in the remaining 11 patients emphasized the importance of obtaining both types of study.Aortographic examination combined with differential renal function studies, using small ureteral catheters under conditions of normal hydration, should give the urologist a practical and yet accurate method of determining differential renal blood flow. If desired, further verification could be obtained by administering contrast medium and performing serial measurements of urine density.     

Changes in leucocyte migration after renal transplantation

The leucocyte migration test, an in-vitro measure of cellular immunity, has been used to follow the changes in cell-mediated hypersensitivity to kidney and histocompatibility antigens in three patients after renal transplantation.Inhibition of leucocyte migration, indicating strong sensitization to the antigens used, occurred in each patient, starting five to seven days after transplantation. Satisfactory renal function had not been established in any of the patients at this time. In one case inhibition of leucocyte migration persisted almost continuously until the 24th day and was associated with poor renal function proved histologically to be due to rejection. Treatment with increased dosage of prednisone was associated with a rapid reversion to normal of the migration index and improvement in renal function. Later, inhibition of migration occurred again, and shortly afterwards the graft ceased to function. In the other two cases the migration index became normal without alteration in immunosuppressive therapy and a satisfactory diuresis followed. It is suggested that this simple test should prove useful in the specific diagnosis of rejection and in control of immunosuppressive therapy.     

The Effects of Peritoneal Dialysis on the Physiological Disposition of Oxacillin,Ampicillin and Tetracycline in Patients with Renal Disease

Seven patients with acute or chronic renal failure who were receiving intermittent peritoneal dialysis and who required parenteral oxacillin, ampicillin or tetracycline were studied to determine the disposition of these antibiotics in severe renal disease and the effects of peritoneal dialysis. While severe renal impairment markedly prolongs persistence in the serum of ampicillin and tetracycline, there is little effect on oxacillin. Whereas required doses of ampicillin and tetracycline are lower in the presence of severe renal disease, oxacillin should be given in doses equivalent to those used for patients with normal renal function. Peritoneal dialysis does not alter these dosage requirements.Four patients receiving ampicillin or tetracycline in the infusing solution during peritoneal dialysis were studied to determine the amount of systemic absorption. Local prophylaxis alone is not achieved with this method of administration, since small amounts of both antibiotics are absorbed systemically from the infusing solution. The serum concentration of tetracycline attained is inadequate for treatment of systemic infections but is probably significant, with repeated use in intermittent dialysis, in causing adverse effects. Tetracycline should be abandoned in the local prophylaxis of peritonitis during peritoneal dialysis.     

术中超声在复杂性肾结石手术的临床应用

目的：探讨术中超声在复杂性肾结石手术中的作用。方法：将56例复杂性肾结石手术患者分成实验组和对照组,前者术中使用超声检查,后者术中不使用超声检查,比较两组术后结石残存率、术中手术时间、出血量和肾功能。结果：实验组术后结石残存率、术中手术时间、出血量少于对照组（P〈0．05）,两组肾功能变化差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：术中超声对肾切开取石有简便、精确、迅速、易掌握的优点,值得临床推广。     

Follow up study of 70 patients with renal artery stenosis treated by percutaneous transluminal dilatation.

Between April 1978 and April 1981, 70 patients with hypertension and renal artery stenosis were treated by percutaneous transluminal arterial dilatation. Selection of the patients was based solely on arteriographic criteria. Arteriography after dilatation showed considerable widening of the stenosed area in all patients. In 65 patients the effect of treatment on the blood pressure was assessed during follow up periods of one to four years. In 14 of these patients the hypertension was cured, in 29 it was improved, and in 22 there was no change. Patients with fibromuscular lesions benefited distinctly more than did those with atheromatous stenosis, only one of the 21 patients with fibromuscular lesions showing no change as compared with 21 of the 44 patients with atheromatous lesions. The only serious complication encountered was microcholesterol emboli, which developed in two patients with severe atheromatous lesions of the aorta. In the atheromatous group age and overall renal function had no influence on the blood pressure response. In the subgroup of patients with a unilateral lesion the renal vein renin ratios and asymmetrical curves obtained by renography had only a very limited predictive value. In experienced hands percutaneous transluminal arterial dilatation is relatively safe, and this study suggests that it should be attempted in all patients with renal artery stenosis. Only in patients with severe atheromatosis of the aorta should the risk associated with the catheterisation be weighed against the 50% or so chance of benefit from the procedure.     

The dyslipidemia of chronic renal disease: effects of statin therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Dyslipidemia is a prevalent condition in patients with chronic renal disease, but is often left untreated. Statin treatment constitutes an effective way to improve lipid abnormalities. This review summarizes present studies on dyslipidemia and its treatment in patients with chronic renal disease. RECENT FINDINGS: The specific dyslipidemia in renal disease is associated with the presence of proteinuria and decreased creatinine clearance, and may even adversely affect the progression of chronic renal disease. Statin therapy may have renoprotective effects due to a combination of lipid lowering and pleiotropic effects. Statins exert several anti-inflammatory properties and lead to a decrease of proteinuria. Post-hoc analyses of large-scale lipid lowering trials have shown that the reduction of cardiovascular risk was equivalent to the reduction achieved in patients without chronic renal failure. We feel, however, that if intervention with statins is postponed until patients reach end-stage renal disease, statins have limited benefit. SUMMARY: Present studies suggest that patients with renal disease should be screened early for dyslipidemia and that statins have to be considered as the lipid lowering therapy of choice. These drugs reduce cardiovascular risk. Further studies are needed to firmly establish whether statins preserve renal function.     

Aluminium bone disease in patients receiving plasma exchange with contaminated albumin.

Aluminium balance studies were carried out on eight patients with various immunological disorders who were receiving plasma exchange with albumin solutions known to be contaminated with aluminium. Four patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance less than 50 ml/min) retained between 60% and 74% of the aluminium infused during a single plasma exchange. Transiliac bone biopsy specimens from three patients in this group had a high content of aluminium and showed histological evidence of current or previous bone disease related to aluminium. Two of these patients suffered intermittent bone pain. The main route of excretion of injected aluminium was in urine, only a small proportion of the total input being removed in the "plasma bag" during plasma exchange. The extent of aluminium retention and bone deposition was not reflected by the plasma aluminium concentration before or after plasma exchange. Treatment of five patients with intravenous desferrioxamine increased the plasma aluminium concentration and urinary output of aluminium in those with evidence of aluminium retention. These studies show that patients with poor renal function receiving treatment with albumin contaminated with aluminium retain the metal and deposit it in bone, where it may eventually cause aluminium bone disease. Plasma exchange should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment.