Nephrology
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Review Case Reports
Aortic dissection in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a series of two cases and a review of the literature.
Aortic dissection (AD) is the most common life-threatening disease involving the aorta. It is rarely associated with systemic disorders such as Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), a genetic syndrome characterized by cystic degeneration of kidneys, possible presence of cysts in other organs and extra-renal manifestations, including cardiovascular disorders. We performed a systematic literature search focused on the occurrence of AD associated with ADPKD (25 cases identified), and reported two cases from our experience. ⋯ Of note, our analysis shows a remarkably higher frequency of hypertension (90%) compared to the overall AD population (75%), although not significantly (P = 0.133). AD should be always ruled out in ADPKD subjects with chest and back pain symptoms, despite them being young and at lower risk. A careful preventive monitoring as well as an optimal blood pressure control may reduce the risk of AD and improve the outcome of these patients.
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Optimal timing for acute renal replacement therapy (ARRT) initiation in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate outcomes in patients who initiated ARRT for traditional indications versus those who met Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria without traditional indications. ⋯ Presence of traditional indications at ARRT initiation was associated with greater mortality. Initiating dialysis at earlier AKIN stage did not improve survival in patients without traditional indications.
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Comparative Study
Implementation of renal key performance indicators: promoting improved clinical practice.
In the Australian state of Victoria, the Renal Health Clinical Network (RHCN) of the Department of Health Victoria established a Renal Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Working Group in 2011. The group developed four KPIs related to chronic kidney disease and dialysis. A transplant working group of the RHCN developed two additional KPIs. The aim was to develop clinical indicators to measure performance of renal services to drive service improvement. ⋯ KPI implementation has been established in Victoria for 2 years, providing performance data without additional funding. The six Victorian KPIs are measurable, relevant and modifiable, and implementation relies on enthusiasm and goodwill of physicians and nurses involved in collecting data. The KPIs require further evaluation, but adoption of a similar programme by other jurisdictions could lead to improved national outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine for prevention of acute kidney injury in high risk patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of perioperative N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration, a known antioxidant, on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after off-pump coronary bypass surgery (OPCAB) in patients with known risk factors of AKI. ⋯ Perioperative administration of NAC did not prevent the development of postoperative AKI after OPCAB in highly susceptible patients to AKI.
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The kidney is an organ highly susceptible to injury by regional tissue oxygen desaturation during hypoxic episodes. Transcutaneous monitoring of renal tissue oxygen saturation is therefore of increasing interest. The aim of the present study was to compare renal tissue oxygen saturation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during acute hypoxia in neonates directly on the kidney and transcutaneously. ⋯ There were pronounced and lower renaldirect rSO₂ readings when compared with those of renalskin rSO₂ with significant differences from 25 to 55 s after initiation of hypoxia. Changes of cerebralskin rSO₂ and renalskin rSO₂ were similar. Transcutaneous monitoring of renal tissue oxygen saturation may underestimate acute oxygen desaturation of the kidney during hypoxia in neonates.