Current opinion in nephrology and hypertension
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Curr. Opin. Nephrol. Hypertens. · May 2012
ReviewThe pathogenesis of membranous nephropathy: evolution and revolution.
The morphological features of membranous nephropathy have been recognized for over five decades, but the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this lesion in humans have only recently been elucidated. This review analyzes the recent developments in understanding the pathogenesis of the primary and secondary forms of membranous nephropathy. ⋯ The identification of target antigens provides new tools for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of therapy in human membranous nephropathy.
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Curr. Opin. Nephrol. Hypertens. · May 2012
ReviewRecent advances in acute kidney injury epidemiology.
Expanding rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) coupled with increasing awareness of its short-term and long-term sequelae have focused efforts to identify patients at risk for this disease and its complications. This review details the recent attempts to identify novel risk factors for AKI, describes further refinements in the diagnostic and prognostic approach using biological markers of injury, and highlights the features of AKI that independently predict poor long-term outcomes. ⋯ Although the pathophysiologic link is unclear, proteinuria is an easily measurable risk factor for AKI worth considering before anticipated procedures or medication exposures carrying nephrologic risk. Investigation extending beyond agreement with serum creatinine is needed to fully understand the diagnostic and prognostic value of AKI biomarkers. Severity and duration are components of AKI that can help risk-stratify survivors in need of monitoring or nephrology referral.