Kidney international
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Kidney international · Jun 2001
Endotoxemic renal failure in mice: Role of tumor necrosis factor independent of inducible nitric oxide synthase.
Renal failure is a frequent complication of sepsis with a high mortality. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been suggested to be a factor in the acute renal failure in sepsis or endotoxemia. Recent studies also suggest involvement of nitric oxide (NO), generated by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), in the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced renal failure. The present study tested the hypothesis that the role of TNF in endotoxic renal failure is mediated by iNOS-derived NO. ⋯ These results demonstrate a role of TNF in the early renal dysfunction (16 h) in a septic mouse model independent of iNOS, hypotension, apoptosis, leukocyte accumulation, and morphological alterations, thus suggesting renal hypoperfusion secondary to an imbalance between, as yet to be defined, renal vasoconstrictors and vasodilators.
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Kidney international · May 2001
Meta AnalysisImmunosuppressive agents in childhood nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Many children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) relapse frequently and receive immunosuppressive agents. In this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the benefits and harms of these immunosuppressive agents are evaluated. ⋯ Cyclophosphamide, chorambucil, cyclosporine, and levamisole reduce the risk of relapse in children with relapsing SSNS compared with prednisone alone. Clinically important differences in efficacy among these agents are possible, and further comparative trials are still needed. Meanwhile, the choice between these agents depends on physician and patient preferences related to therapy duration and complication type and frequency.
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Kidney international · May 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA randomized trial of minidose warfarin for the prevention of late malfunction in tunneled, cuffed hemodialysis catheters.
Minidose warfarin (1 mg/day) has been associated with a 74% reduction in the thrombosis rate of central venous catheters used in oncology patients. To determine the efficacy of minidose warfarin on late malfunction caused by thrombosis or fibrin sheath formation in tunneled, cuffed catheters (TCC) used for hemodialysis (HD), we performed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. ⋯ Thrombosis prophylaxis using fixed minidose warfarin is not efficacious in TCCs used for HD. However, the present data suggest improved TCC survival in patients with an INR> 1.00. Patients with diabetes and those with a low Hgb or INR have a higher risk of late TCC malfunction.
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Kidney international · Mar 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialPreventing dialysis hypotension: a comparison of usual protective maneuvers.
Intradialytic hypotension (IH) is a common adverse event. Currently, there are several commonly utilized therapies of IH, but they have not been compared directly in the same group of patients. We performed the present study in order to learn which of these techniques is most effective so that a rational approach to treating IH could then be formulated. ⋯ This study supports the use of sodium modeling as a first step in combating IH. Also effective were the use of cool-temperature dialysate and a high-sodium dialysate. All three test protocols were well tolerated. As applied in this study, isolated ultrafiltration followed by isovolemic dialysis was notably less effective in reducing IH.
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Kidney international · Feb 2001
ReviewIntervention of the Renal Disaster Relief Task Force in the 1999 Marmara, Turkey earthquake.
Major earthquakes are followed by a substantial number of crush syndromes and pigment-induced acute renal failures (ARFs). The natural evolution of this problem rapidly leads to death. Today's possibilities of dialysis therapy enable saving numerous lives that otherwise would be lost. Currently, the primary problem is organizational, if huge catastrophes occur and complex therapeutic options need to be offered to a large number of victims. ⋯ We demonstrate how previously anticipated international support may offer moral, financial, as well as logistical help to local nephrological communities confronted with serious disasters.