Nephrology
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B cell activating factor belonging to the tumour necrosis factor family (BAFF) and a proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) are two tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-like cytokines that were found to be elevated in many autoimmune diseases. Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease is a typical severe autoimmune disease characterized by raised serum anti-GBM antibodies. In this study we aimed to detect the serum levels of BAFF and APRIL in patients with anti-GBM disease, and their clinical significance was further analyzed. ⋯ The levels of serum BAFF and APRIL were raised in patients with anti-GBM disease and might be associated with disease activity and kidney damage.
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Comparative Study
Characteristics and outcomes in community-acquired versus hospital-acquired acute kidney injury.
Relatively little is known about the prevalence of acute kidney injury developing outside a hospital setting (CA-AKI) or the impact of CA-AKI on short-term or long-term clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence, causes, severity and outcomes of patients with CA-AKI and hospital-acquired (HA)-AKI. ⋯ We conclude that CA-AKI is a common cause of AKI that is as severe as that seen in HA-AKI. CA-AKI has a significant impact on length of hospital stay, mortality, and the development and/or progression of chronic kidney disease. Strategies to limit the risk of CA-AKI are likely to have a significant impact on healthcare costs and patient care.