Kidney international
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Kidney international · May 2001
Meta AnalysisImmunosuppressive agents in childhood nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Many children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) relapse frequently and receive immunosuppressive agents. In this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the benefits and harms of these immunosuppressive agents are evaluated. ⋯ Cyclophosphamide, chorambucil, cyclosporine, and levamisole reduce the risk of relapse in children with relapsing SSNS compared with prednisone alone. Clinically important differences in efficacy among these agents are possible, and further comparative trials are still needed. Meanwhile, the choice between these agents depends on physician and patient preferences related to therapy duration and complication type and frequency.
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Kidney international · May 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA randomized trial of minidose warfarin for the prevention of late malfunction in tunneled, cuffed hemodialysis catheters.
Minidose warfarin (1 mg/day) has been associated with a 74% reduction in the thrombosis rate of central venous catheters used in oncology patients. To determine the efficacy of minidose warfarin on late malfunction caused by thrombosis or fibrin sheath formation in tunneled, cuffed catheters (TCC) used for hemodialysis (HD), we performed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. ⋯ Thrombosis prophylaxis using fixed minidose warfarin is not efficacious in TCCs used for HD. However, the present data suggest improved TCC survival in patients with an INR> 1.00. Patients with diabetes and those with a low Hgb or INR have a higher risk of late TCC malfunction.