American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of vitamin K2 supplementation on functional vitamin K deficiency in hemodialysis patients: a randomized trial.
Vascular calcification is a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hemodialysis patients experience severe vascular calcifications. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a central calcification inhibitor of the arterial wall; its activity depends on vitamin K-dependent γ-glutamate carboxylation. Uncarboxylated MGP, formed as a result of vitamin K deficiency, is associated with cardiovascular disease. Recent studies suggest poor vitamin K status in hemodialysis patients. We therefore aimed to investigate whether daily vitamin K supplementation improves the bioactivity of vitamin K-dependent proteins in hemodialysis patients, assessed by circulating dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated MGP, uncarboxylated osteocalcin, and uncarboxylated prothrombin (PIVKA-II [protein induced by vitamin K absence II]). ⋯ This study confirms that most hemodialysis patients have a functional vitamin K deficiency. More importantly, it is the first study showing that inactive MGP levels can be decreased markedly by daily vitamin K(2) supplementation. Our study provides the rationale for intervention trials aimed at decreasing vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients by vitamin K supplementation.
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After heart surgery, acute kidney injury (AKI) confers substantial long-term risk of death and chronic kidney disease. We hypothesized that small changes in serum creatinine (SCr) levels measured within a few hours of exit from the operating room could help discriminate those at low versus high risk of AKI. ⋯ In elective cardiac surgery patients, measurement of immediate postoperative ΔSCr improves prediction of AKI.
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Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality in clinical practice, yet little is known about its frequency in patients with cancer or its impact on their clinical outcomes. ⋯ Hyponatremia in patients with cancer is associated with longer hospital stay and higher mortality. Whether long-term correction of hyponatremia would improve these outcomes remains to be determined.
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"Bath salts" are becoming recognized as a frequently abused and highly addictive substance that can be obtained legally in some areas. These agents contain stimulant compounds, such as methylenedioxopyrrovalerone and mephedrone, that have been associated with sympathomimetic effects and psychotic features, such as paranoia, delusions, agitation, and confusion. ⋯ The patient, who presented with neurologic and cardiovascular symptoms and signs, also developed rhabdomyolysis, hyperuricemia, and metabolic acidosis as part of the clinical presentation. Bath salts intoxication should be included on the list of substances that can cause acute kidney injury and other metabolic abnormalities.