Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
-
Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Jan 2014
ReviewAcetaminophen toxicity and 5-oxoproline (pyroglutamic acid): a tale of two cycles, one an ATP-depleting futile cycle and the other a useful cycle.
The acquired form of 5-oxoproline (pyroglutamic acid) metabolic acidosis was first described in 1989 and its relationship to chronic acetaminophen ingestion was proposed the next year. Since then, this cause of chronic anion gap metabolic acidosis has been increasingly recognized. Many cases go unrecognized because an assay for 5-oxoproline is not widely available. ⋯ This cycle is activated by the depletion of both glutathione and cysteine. This explanation contributes to our understanding of acetaminophen-induced 5-oxoproline metabolic acidosis and the beneficial role of N-acetyl cysteine therapy. The ATP-depleting futile 5-oxoproline cycle may also play a role in the energy depletions that occur in other acetaminophen-related toxic syndromes.
-
Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyIncidence, outcomes, and comparisons across definitions of AKI in hospitalized individuals.
At least four definitions of AKI have recently been proposed. This study sought to characterize the epidemiology of AKI according to the most recent consensus definition proposed by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Work Group, and to compare it with three other definitions. ⋯ The incidence of AKI in hospitalized individuals varies depending on the definition used. AKI according to all definitions is associated with higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilization. AKI may be inappropriately diagnosed in those with low baseline serum creatinine using definitions that incorporate percentage increases over baseline.
-
Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Jan 2014
Case ReportsDying on dialysis: the case for a dignified withdrawal.
Acceleration of comorbid illness in patients undergoing long-term maintenance hemodialysis may be manifested by clinical deterioration that is subtle and not immediately life-threatening. Nonetheless, it is emotionally debilitating for patients and families in addition to being medically and ethically challenging for treating nephrologists. A marked decline in clinical status warrants review of the balance of benefits to burdens dialysis is providing to a given patient and should trigger conversation about the option of withdrawal using an individualized patient-centered, rather than disease-oriented, approach. This paper presents a rationale for and an objective approach to initiating and managing dialysis withdrawal for patients who wish to withdraw because of unsatisfactory quality of life and those (many with significant cognitive impairment) for whom withdrawal is deemed appropriate because the burdens of continuing treatment substantially outweigh the benefits.