Renal failure
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A workforce crisis for many pediatric specialties, particularly nephrology, is due to growing retirement rates, attrition during training, and retention difficulties. To obtain specific information regarding pediatric nephrology trainee shortages, we administered two cross-sectional surveys to non-renal pediatric subspecialty fellows and pediatric nephrology program directors. We characterized the fellows' experiences with nephrology and the program directors' experiences with their fellows as well as their outcomes in the last 10 years. ⋯ While these are national samples, we were unable to contact non-nephrology fellows directly and program directors from larger programs were underrepresented. Difficulties in attracting/retaining trainees (particularly women) to nephrology must be addressed systematically, identifying incentives to practice in this field. Bold concerted efforts are required and we propose seven steps to achieve this goal.
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Comparative Study
The utility of the phosphate binder, ferric citrate hydrate (JTT-751), about phosphorus absorption-reducing effect in normal rats.
Hyperphosphatemia is a risk factor for arterial calcification contributing to the high-cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ferric citrate hydrate (JTT-751) is being developed as a treatment for hyperphosphatemia with chronic renal failure and has shown a serum phosphorus-lowering effect in CKD patients. In this study, we evaluated the combination effect of JTT-751 with the phosphorus absorption-reducing effect of calcium carbonate and compared phosphorus absorption-reducing efficacy between three phosphate binders including JTT-751. ⋯ Either 3% lanthanum carbonate or 2.3% JTT-751 reduced urinary phosphorus excretion. Finally, we compared the reduced amount of urinary phosphorus excretion per dose of compound, of which JTT-751 is comparable to that of calcium carbonate and is greater than that of the lanthanum carbonate. In conclusion, JTT-751 showed an additive effect on the phosphorus absorption-reducing effect of calcium carbonate without influencing calcium- and iron-metabolism, and had a phosphorus absorption-reducing efficacy comparable to or greater than other existing phosphate binders.
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Case Reports
Calcific uremic arteriolopathy ameliorated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy in high-altitude area.
Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), previously called calciphylaxis, is a devastating complication of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with an annual incidence of 1-4% in dialysis patients and the mortality is as high as 80%. The rarity of the disease and the multifactorial nature of its causes have compromised good evidences that could determine the best therapy for the condition. For inhabitants in high-altitude area, the content of oxygen in the air is significantly lower than that in sea level area, which leads to the differences in the clinical manifestations and treatments to CUA. ⋯ As the dialysis population in high-altitude area increasing rapidly in recent years, this management strategy of improving focal oxygen supply by HBO might act as a reference for the treatment of CUA patients in similar conditions.
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Mannitol is commonly used to lower intracranial and intraocular pressures. Large doses/massive infusions of mannitol have been found to be associated with acute renal failure (MI-ARF), that is, osmotic nephrosis. While many researchers have reported individual experiences with this pathology, we felt that there is need of an updated comprehensive review of all reported cases with elaboration of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management plan for MI-ARF. The purpose of the present communication is to share our own experience with MI-ARF, to review the effect of mannitol on kidney function and to highlight the dynamics of MI-ARF with considerations for the cautious use of mannitol in patients with risk factors for kidney diseases.
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Previous studies have found significant stressors experienced by nurses working in hemodialysis units. The purpose of this study was to determine the burnout levels of hemodialysis nurses working in hemodialysis units and their relation with some sociodemographic variables. ⋯ The results of the study revealed that nurses working in hemodialysis units experience a medium-level burnout in terms of subscales of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a high-level burnout in terms of the subscale of personal accomplishment.