Sodium thiosulfate pharmacokinetics in hemodialysis patients and healthy volunteers

Vascular calcification is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Human and animal studies indicate that sodium thiosulfate (STS) may prevent the progression of vascular calcifications. The pharmacokinetics of STS in hemodialysis patients has not been investigated yet.

Eculizumab in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: long-term clinical course and histological findings

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy associated with defective regulation of the alternative complement pathway. The prognosis for patients with aHUS is poor, and plasma exchange represents the first-line therapy. Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-C5 antibody that prevents the activation of the terminal complement pathway. Here, we report the case of a 9-year-old girl with frequent relapsing aHUS due to heterozygous factor H mutation who was initially treated with plasma exchange three times per week with 150% plasma exchange volume. This treatment frequently caused allergic reactions and school absences. Because any reduction in the frequency of plasma exchange immediately induced relapses of the aHUS, treatment with eculizumab, 600 mg every 2 weeks, was started and plasma exchange completely stopped. On this drug regimen the patient showed no evidence of disease activity during a period of more than 24 months. Renal function improved, proteinuria disappeared, the number of antihypertensive medications could be decreased, and the quality of life increased substantially. The inhibition of the terminal complement pathway by eculizumab was also confirmed by renal biopsy, which showed the absence of thrombotic microangiopathy 2 months after the initiation of eculizumab therapy. This case illustrates the long-term favorable outcome of aHUS with eculizumab treatment.

Protein level expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 4 and 9 in renal disease

Toll-like receptors (TLR) recognize a variety of ligands, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns and link innate and adaptive immunity. Individual receptors can be up-regulated during infection and inflammation. We examined the expression of selected TLRs at the protein level in various types of renal disease.

Irrigation of continent catheterizable ileal pouches: tap water can replace sterile solutions because it is safe, easy, and economical

Continent catheterizable ileal pouches require regular irrigations to reduce the risk of bacteriuria and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Acid-sensing channels in human bladder: expression, function and alterations during bladder pain syndrome

We examined the possible role of H(+) activated acid-sensing ion channels in pain perception. We characterized expression in bladder dome biopsies from patients with bladder pain syndrome and controls, in cultured human urothelium and in urothelial TEU-2 cells.

Prognostic value of microvascular invasion in predicting the cancer specific survival and risk of metastatic disease in renal cell carcinoma: a multicenter investigation

While microvascular invasion is an accepted risk factor in various cancers, its prognostic role in renal cell carcinoma is still unclear. Therefore, a large multicenter study examining the experience of 5 international institutions was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of microvascular invasion in the occurrence of metastases and cancer specific survival.

Concurrent and predictive validation of a novel robotic surgery simulator: a prospective, randomized study

We evaluated the concurrent and predictive validity of a novel robotic surgery simulator in a prospective, randomized study.

Robotic and laparoscopic high extended pelvic lymph node dissection during radical cystectomy: technique and outcomes

With the increasing use of laparoscopic and robotic radical cystectomy (RC), there are perceived concerns about the adequacy of lymph node dissection (LND).

Cost-effectiveness of open versus laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy and urinary diversion

To provide insight into the recently published cost comparisons in the context of open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy and to demonstrate the complexity of such economic analyses.

Face, content and construct validity of a novel robotic surgery simulator

We evaluated the face, content and construct validity of the novel da Vinci® Skills Simulator™ using the da Vinci Si™ Surgeon Console as the surgeon interface.

Potential and limitations of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in kidney, prostate, and bladder cancer including pelvic lymph node staging: a critical analysis of the literature

Diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring are still suboptimal for most genitourinary tumours. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) has already shown promise as a noninvasive imaging modality in the early detection of microstructural and functional changes in several pathologies of various organs.

CHD1L: a new candidate gene for congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT)

Recently, we identified a microduplication in chromosomal band 1q21.1 encompassing the CHD1L/ALC1 gene encoding a chromatin-remodelling enzyme in congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) patient.

Renal vein obstruction and orthostatic proteinuria: a review

The cause of orthostatic proteinuria is not clear but may often relate to obstruction of the left renal vein in the fork between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (=renal nutcracker). However, reports dealing with proteinuria only marginally refer to this possible cause of orthostatic proteinuria. We analysed the corresponding literature.

Geriatric urolithiasis in the emergency department: risk factors for hospitalisation and emergency management patterns of acute urolithiasis

Urolithiasis is one of the most common conditions seen in emergency departments (ED) worldwide, with an increasing frequency in geriatric patients (>65 years). Given the high costs of emergency medical urolithiasis treatment, the need to optimise management is obvious. We aimed to determine risk factors for hospitalisation and evaluate diagnostic and emergency treatment patterns by ED physicians in geriatric urolithiasis patients to assist in optimising treatment.

A comparison of measured and estimated glomerular filtration rate in successfully treated HIV-patients with preserved renal function

Monitoring of renal function becomes increasingly important in the aging population of HIV-1 infected patients. We compared Cockroft & Gault (C&G), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), Cystatin C- and 24 h urine-based estimated GFR (eGFR) with the gold standard, measured GFR (mGFR) using [125I]-iothalamate.