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Background Hypertensive emergency is a critical disease that causes multifaceted sequelae, including end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Although the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAA) system is enormously activated in this disease, there are few reports that attempt to characterize the effect of early use of RAA inhibitors (RASi) on the temporal course of kidney function. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted to clarify whether the early use of RASi during hospitalization offered more favorable benefits on short-term renal function and long-term renal outcomes in patients with hypertensive emergencies. We enrolled a total of 49 patients who visited our medical center with acute severe hypertension and multiple organ dysfunction between April 2012 and August 2020. Upon admission, the patients were treated with intravenous followed by oral antihypertensive drugs, including RASi and Ca channel blockers (CCB). Kidney function as well as other laboratory and clinical parameters were compared between RASi-treated and CCB- treated group over 2 years. Results Antihypertensive treatment effectively reduced blood pressure from 222 ± 28/142 ± 21 to 141 ± 18/87 ± 14 mmHg at 2 weeks and eGFR was gradually restored from 33.2 ± 23.3 to 40.4 ± 22.5 mL/min/1.73m2 at 1 year. The renal effect of antihypertensive drugs was particularly conspicuous when RASi was started in combination with other conventional antihypertensive drugs at the early period of hospitalization (2nd day [IQR: 1–5.5]) and even in patients with moderately to severely diminished eGFR (2) on admission. In contrast, CCB modestly restored eGFR during the observation period. Furthermore, renal survival probabilities were progressively deteriorated in patients who had manifested reduced eGFR (2) or massive proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ≥ 3.5 g/gCr) on admission. Early use of RASi was associated with a favorable 2-year renal survival probability (0.90 [95%CI: 0.77–1.0] vs. 0.63 [95%CI: 0.34–0.92] for RASi ( +) and RASi (-), respectively, p = 0.036) whereas no apparent difference in renal survival was noted for CCB. Conclusions Early use of RASi contributes to the renal functional recovery from acute reduction in eGFR among patients with hypertensive emergencies. Furthermore, RASi offers more favorable effect on 2-year renal survival, compared with CCB.

Background Hypertensive emergency is a critical disease that causes multifaceted sequelae, including end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Although the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system is enormously activated in this disease, there are few reports that attempt to characterize the effect of early use of RAA inhibitors (RASi) on the temporal course of kidney function. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted to clarify whether the early use of RASi during hospitalization offered more favorable benefits on short-term renal function and long-term renal prognosis in patients with hypertensive emergencies. We enrolled a total of 49 patients who visited our medical center with acute severe hypertension and multiple organ dysfunction between April 2012 and August 2020. Upon admission, the patients were treated with intravenous followed by oral antihypertensive drugs, including RASi and Ca channel blockers (CCB). Kidney function as well as other laboratory and clinical parameters were compared between RASi-treated and other antihypertensive drugs-treated group over 2 years. Results Antihypertensive treatment effectively reduced blood pressure from 222 ± 4/142 ± 3 to 140 ± 3/87 ± 2 mmHg at 2 weeks and eGFR was gradually restored from 33.2 ± 3.3 to 41.1 ± 4.1mL/min/1.73m2 at 1 year. The renal effect of antihypertensive drugs was particularly conspicuous when RASi was started in combination with other conventional antihypertensive drugs at the early period of hospitalization (2nd day [IQR: 1-5.5]) and even in patients with moderately to severely diminished eGFR (2) on admission. In contrast, CCB modestly restored eGFR during the observation period. Furthermore, renal survival probabilities were progressively deteriorated in patients who had manifested reduced eGFR (2) or massive proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ≥ 3.5 g/gCr) on admission. Early use of RASi was associated with a favorable 2-year renal survival probability (0.90 [95%CI: 0.77-1.0] vs. 0.63 [95%CI: 0.34–0.92] for RASi(+) and RASi(-), respectively, p = 0.036) whereas no apparent difference in renal survival was noted for CCB, β-blocker, α-blockers, or diuretics. Conclusions Early use of RASi contributes to the renal functional recovery from acute reduction in eGFR among patients with hypertensive emergencies. Furthermore, RASi offers more favorable effect on 2-year renal survival, compared with other antihypertensive drugs.

The number of new dialysis patients, particularly among the elderly population, has been globally increasing. In Japan, patients aged ≥65 years and ≥75 years comprised 72% and 45% of patients on dialysis in 2018, respectively. Few studies have reported seasonal variations in the initiation of dialysis. We investigated the seasonal prevalence of the emergent hemodialysis initiation in the elderly.We reviewed 479 elderly patients who initiated hemodialysis between January 2006 and December 2018. Early elderly patients were defined as patients aged between 65 and 74 years, and late elderly patients were defined as those aged ≥75 years. Emergent hemodialysis initiation was defined as initiation with a temporary vascular catheter without elective permanent vascular access or unplanned hemodialysis initiation due to patients requiring critical care regardless of elective permanent vascular access. The information collected included age, sex, and details of the initiation of hemodialysis.The early elderly group consisted of 199 patients, and the late elderly group consisted of 279 patients. In the late elderly group, hemodialysis initiation was most frequent in winter, followed by spring, autumn, and summer (p = 0.018). Moreover, emergent hemodialysis initiation was most frequent in winter, followed by spring, autumn, and summer (p = 0.009). Emergent hemodialysis initiation due to fluid overload was most frequent in winter, followed by autumn, spring, and summer (p 0.001). Among late elderly patients who initiated hemodialysis, 78% did not have permanent hemodialysis access at the time of the initiation of hemodialysis.In the late elderly group, hemodialysis initiation and emergent hemodialysis initiation were significantly more frequent in the winter than in the remaining seasons. In addition, emergent hemodialysis initiation due to fluid overload was most frequent in winter in the late elderly group.

Hypouricemia in kidney transplant (KT) recipients is rare since they usually have subnormal kidney function which raises serum uric acid level. Recently, interests in pathogenesis of hypouricemia have been increasing due to the understanding of the role of uric acid transporter in renal hypouricemia (RHUC). We herein report the case of RHUC consequently developed in a KT recipient from a living donor with RHUC diagnosed by the detailed urinary and genetic test. A 73-year-old Japanese man underwent KT, and the donor was his wife who had hypouricemia [serum uric acid (S-UA) 0.6 mg/dL]. Nine months after KT, the recipient’s S-UA was low (1.5 mg/dL) with serum creatinine (S-Cr) of 1.56 mg/dL, and fractional excretion of UA (FEUA) was high (59.7%; normal

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is one of the vascular complications after allograft biopsy, and their reported incidence rates range widely. Transcatheter embolization (TE) is a common AVF treatment in kidney allografts. However, information on AVF incidence and features and TE outcomes in Japanese kidney transplant (KT) recipients is lacking. This study investigated 270 protocol or clinically indicated kidney allograft biopsies in 129 KT recipients during 2010–2016 at a single-center using standardized methods (16-gauge needle and ultrasound guidance). We recorded the incidence and clinical features of AVF using currently recommended standardized methods of allograft biopsy and TE outcomes regarding allograft function up to 12 months after the procedure in Japanese KT recipients. AVF incidence was 2.6% (seven cases). The time from biopsy to AVF diagnosis was 7 (median, interquartile range: 5–117, range: 1–318) days. The time from biopsy to AVF diagnosis was significantly shorter in symptomatic cases (gross hematuria) than in asymptomatic cases (median 6 vs. 117 days, p = 0.034). Symptomatic patients underwent TE within a shorter time (0–6 days) than asymptomatic patients (25–104 days). There were no complications, and allograft function was stable up to 12 months after TE despite using contrast media and partial renal infarction. AVF does occur in certain probabilities. AVF formation can occur without apparent bleeding and exist for a long time after allograft biopsy. TE is a safe and immediate treatment for AVF in kidney allograft.

Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities. Overcorrection of severe hyponatremia can result in serious neurological complications such as osmotic demyelination syndrome, but the incidence and risk factors of overcorrection and osmotic demyelination have not been thoroughly investigated.This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of 50 patients admitted through the emergency department with initial serum sodium (serum Na) 125 mEq/L between January 2015 and December 2017. Incidence and risk factors of overcorrection and osmotic demyelination were examined. Overcorrection was defined as an increase in serum sodium concentration 10 mEq/L at 24 h and/or 18 mEq/L at 48 h, respectively.Six patients (12%) and one patient (2%) had overcorrection at 24 h and 48 h, respectively. A total of 5 (10%) patients had a brain MRI completed after overcorrection, and no patient showed radiologic evidence of osmotic demyelination. Symptomatic hyponatremia at presentation and 3% saline use were associated with the risk of overcorrection in univariable analysis (p 0.001; p = 0.006, respectively).Among patients admitted with severe hyponatremia, overcorrection occurred in 14%. Symptomatic hyponatremia at presentation and 3% saline use were associated with the risk of overcorrection.

application/pdf, Nephrology. 2019, 24 (1), P.50-55

High daily pill burden affects quality of life and mortality. High interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) is associated with increased mortality. We examined the association between pill burden and IDWG in hemodialysis patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in six dialysis centers in Japan in June 2017. The exposure was the number of daily tablets, and outcome was defined as 1 day of relative IDWG divided by post-dialysis weight from the previous session. Among 188 outpatients (mean age, 68.7 [SD, 10.3] years; men, 67.0%; median dialysis vintage, 76.0 [interquartile range, 36.5, 131.5] months), the mean number of daily tablets was 19.7 ± 9.9, and mean relative weight gain was 3.5 ± 1.2%. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a regression coefficient of 0.021 (95% confidence interval: 0.004-0.039), indicating that one additional tablet prescription increased the IDWG by 0.021%. In hemodialysis patients, the daily pill burden was a significant, independent risk for increased relative IDWG.

Background: Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte disorder frequently encountered in the emergency department. There are few studies on seasonal variation in the prevalence of hyperkalemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes in the prevalence of hyperkalemia in the emergency department. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 24,085 patients presented to the emergency department between January 2012 and December 2020. Age, gender, serum potassium level, and serum creatinine level were recorded. The definition used for hyperkalemia was a serum potassium level of ≥ 5.5 mEq/L. Renal function was divided into two categories: preserved (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or reduced (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Results: The prevalence of hyperkalemia was 2.1% in patients with preserved renal function and was 11.9% in patients with reduced renal function (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hyperkalemia was highest in winter, followed by spring, autumn, and summer in patients with preserved renal function (p < 0.001) and those with reduced renal function (p < 0.001). There was a linear correlation between monthly weather temperature and the prevalence of hyperkalemia in patients with preserved renal function (r = −0.392; p < 0.001) and those with reduced renal function (r = −0.487; p < 0.001). Conclusions: we found that the prevalence of hyperkalemia was significantly higher in winter for both patients with preserved renal function and those with reduced renal function.

Background: Obesity is an important problem associated with worsening cardiovascular disease and the progression of proteinuria in kidney transplant recipients. We describe a case of de novo focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) associated with progressive obesity after kidney transplantation (KTx). Case Presentation: A 41-year-old male patient underwent an allograft kidney biopsy because of nephrotic range proteinuria. The donor was his father who was aged 70 years at transplantation. In addition, there was a substantial difference in body weight (BW) between the recipient and donor. At 56 months after kidney transplantation, the patient’s BW increased from 83.1 kg (BMI, 29.3 kg/m2 ) before kidney transplantation to 93.9 kg (BMI, 33.1 kg/m2 ). An allograft biopsy showed glomerular hypertrophy and focal segmental sclerotic lesions with partial epithelial cell hyperplasia. The histologic diagnosis was FSGS, not otherwise specified (NOS) variant. A comparison between the kidney volume before and after kidney transplantation, evaluated using volumetric computed tomography, revealed prominent kidney hypertrophy (1.77 times). Conclusions: Our case demonstrated that de novo FSGS after kidney transplantation is induced by progressive obesity, as manifested by glomerular hypertrophy as well as kidney hypertrophy. This is a hyperdynamic state contributed to the pathogenesis of de novo FSGS. Our report is important to understand the pathogenesis of FSGS.

Background Hypernatremia is one of the most commonly encountered electrolyte disorders in the emergency department (ED). Few studies have reported the seasonal fluctuations of the prevalence of hypernatremia with conflicting results. We investigated the seasonal prevalence of hypernatremia in an emergency department in Japan. Methods A total of 12,598 patients presented to the ED between January 2015 and December 2017 were reviewed. The adult group aged between 18 and 64 years old consisted of 5427 patients and the elderly group aged over 65 years consisted of 7171 patients. Information collected included age, sex, serum sodium, and serum creatinine. Hypernatremia was defined as a serum sodium leve1 > 145 mEq/L, and moderate to severe hypernatremia was defined as a serum sodium level ≥ 150 mEq/L. Results The prevalence of hypernatremia was significantly higher in the elderly group than in the adult group (2.6% vs. 0.7%; p p r = − 0.34, p = 0.04). Conclusions Hypernatremia is prevalent in the elderly and the prevalence is highest during the winter. Special attention should be paid in the elderly patients to prevent hypernatremia especially in the winter.

Dysnatremia is one of the most commonly encountered electrolyte disorders in the emergency department (ED). Few studies have reported the prevalence of dysnatremia in elderly patients without chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the prevalence of dysnatremia in elderly patients without CKD in an emergency department in Japan.We reviewed 10,558 patients presenting to the ED between July 2015 and December 2017. The adult group consisted of 4562 patients aged between 18 and 64 years old, and the elderly group consisted of 5996 patients aged over 65 years. Information collected included age, gender, serum sodium and serum creatinine. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium level 135 mEq/L, and severe hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium level 125 mEq/L. Hypernatremia was defined as a serum sodium level 145 mEq/L, and moderate to severe hypernatremia was defined as a serum sodium level ≧ 150 mEq/L.In the adult group, the prevalence of hyponatremia was 2.8% in patients without CKD and 10.3% in patients with CKD (P 0.001). On the other hand, in the elderly group, the prevalence of hyponatremia was 14.8% in patients without CKD and 12.9% in patients with CKD (P = 0.034). In the adult group, the prevalence of hypernatremia was 0.7% in patients without CKD and 2.0% in patients with CKD (P = 0.003). Similarly, in the elderly group, the prevalence of hypernatremia was 1.5% in patients without CKD and 3.5% in patients with CKD (P 0.001).In elderly patients, the prevalence of hyponatremia was higher in patients without CKD than in patients with CKD. Special attention should be paid to elderly patients without CKD in order to prevent severe hyponatremia.

Background Hyponatremia is one of the most commonly encountered electrolyte disorders in emergency department (ED). Seasonal fluctuations of the prevalence of hyponatremia has been reported. We investigated the impact of age on the seasonal prevalence of hyponatremia in the emergency department in Japan. Methods Total of 8377 patients presented to the ED between January 2015 and December 2016 were reviewed. The adult group aged between 18 and 64 years old consisted of 3656 patients and the elderly group aged over 65 years consisted of 4721 patients. Information collected included age, sex, serum sodium, and serum creatinine. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium leve1

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is recognized as an excellent method of dialysis because the therapy is gentle, continuous, and cost-effective. However, a large number of patients must unfortunately transfer from PD to hemodialysis because of peritonitis or fluid overload in the early phase after PD initiation. In the present study, we reviewed clinical indicators before PD initiation to try to identify predictive factors for early withdrawal from PD.For this retrospective cohort study at two hospitals between March 2003 and October 2016, we defined withdrawal from PD as the induction of combination therapy, transfer to hemodialysis, or death. Data about clinical indicators before PD induction-namely age, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus, past history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), body mass index, primary kidney disease, and blood biochemistry-were collected from medical records. The primary outcome was duration of PD until withdrawal.We analyzed 151 PD patients (median age: 62.5 years; 94 men; 74 with diabetes mellitus; median duration of PD: 30.2 months). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the hazard ratio (HR) for withdrawal was 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04 to 1.12; p0.001] per 1 mg/L increase in β

Rationale & Objective Epidemiologic and clinical studies have suggested that urate-lowering therapy may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, definitive evidence is lacking. Study Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting & Participants 467 patients with stage 3 CKD and asymptomatic hyperuricemia at 55 medical institutions in Japan. Intervention Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive febuxostat or placebo for 108 weeks. Outcomes The primary end point was the slope (in mL/min/1.73 m2 per year) of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Secondary end points included changes in eGFRs and serum uric acid levels at 24, 48, 72, and 108 weeks of follow-up and the event of doubling of serum creatinine level or initiation of dialysis therapy. Results Of 443 patients who were randomly assigned, 219 and 222 assigned to febuxostat and placebo, respectively, were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in mean eGFR slope between the febuxostat (0.23 ± 5.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year) and placebo (−0.47 ± 4.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year) groups (difference, 0.70; 95% CI, −0.21 to 1.62; P = 0.1). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant benefit from febuxostat in patients without proteinuria (P = 0.005) and for whom serum creatinine concentration was lower than the median (P = 0.009). The incidence of gouty arthritis was significantly lower (P = 0.007) in the febuxostat group (0.91%) than in the placebo group (5.86%). Adverse events specific to febuxostat were not observed. Limitations GFR was estimated rather than measured, and patients with stages 4 and 5 CKD were excluded. Conclusions Compared to placebo, febuxostat did not mitigate the decline in kidney function among patients with stage 3 CKD and asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Funding Funded by Teijin Pharma Limited. Trial Registration Registered at the UMIN (University Hospital Medical Information Network) Clinical Trials Registry with study number UMIN000008343.

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a risk factor of mortality in kidney transplant recipients. However, information on the risk of HBV reactivation in kidney recipients with prior resolved HBV infection is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of simply monitoring viral and liver markers in living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) recipients with prior resolved HBV infection. Methods We retrospectively examined the clinical records of LDKT recipients. Changes in the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag), surface antibody, core antibody, and HBV-DNA after transplantation were evaluated, and the occurrence of de novo HBV-related hepatitis and allograft function were monitored. Results Of 61 consecutive LDKT patients, seven had prior resolved HBV infection. Four patients underwent ABO-compatible LDKT, whereas two underwent ABO-incompatible LDKT. The median age was 64 years (range, 61–69 years), and two patients were women. The causes of end-stage kidney disease were diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and chronic glomerulonephritis. Five patients were referred to hepatologists. The history of HBV vaccination was not confirmed in all patients. Prophylaxis with entecavir was administered to two patients with ABO-incompatible LDKT before transplantation. All patients tested negative for HBs Ag and HBV-DNA throughout observation, and none developed de novo HBV-related hepatitis or graft loss. Conclusions Patients with HBV infection without HBV DNA positivity are eligible for kidney transplants without antiviral therapy, even those on rituximab therapy. Monitoring viral and liver markers combined with hepatologist consultations may ensure safe follow-up in LDKT recipients with prior resolved HBV infection.

Background: Sall1 is a transcription factor that best identifies stem cells present in the mouse embryonic kidney. Mutations in Sall1 gene in mice can lead to dysgenesis of kidney, while in humans it results in the Townes-Brocks syndrome, which is associated with the kidney agenesis. Unlike the embryonic kidney, Sall1 expression in the adult kidney is largely unknown. We hypothesized that similar to the embryonic kidney, Sall1 expression can identify stem cells present in the adult kidney. Accordingly in this study, we identified Sall1-expressing cells in the adult mouse kidney, determined their role in kidney regeneration following ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and sought the effect of age on Sall1 expression. Methods and Results: By immunofluorescence Sall1-expressing cells were identified in the proximal tubule at the cortico-medullary junction and constituted 0.5% of all tubular cells. Rare Sall1-positive cells were also identified in the outer cortex and distal tubules. Sall1 expression was not seen in the glomerular, interstitial, or vascular compartments. Following IRI, 90% of Sall1-expressing cells proliferated and 5% of Sall1-positive cells showed asymmetrical cell division with one of the two adjacent Sall1-positive cells incorporating chlorodeoxyuridine (CldU). Following IRI, there was an increase in Sall1 expression at 4 and 12 h, a decrease at 5 and 10 days, and baseline expression at day 30 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. There was no age-related change in Sall1 expression as determined by qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence. Conclusions: We conclude that Sall1-expressing cells are present in the adult mouse kidney, predominantly in the proximal tubules. Sall1-expressing cells proliferate following IRI and some of the Sall1-positive cells undergo asymmetrical cell division. Therefore, Sall1 is a promising marker for identification of stem cells present in the adult mouse kidney.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a neoplastic complication with a potentially fatal outcome that develops as a consequence of immunosuppression, and is mainly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. A 70-year-old woman underwent a live unrelated, ABO-incompatible renal transplant for end-stage renal disease. One year after transplantation, protocol biopsy revealed pathological changes indicative of the histological subtype of 'early lesions of PTLD' according to the World Health Organization classification, while the patient showed no clinical signs or symptoms. The patient was finally diagnosed with EBV-positive PTLD by in situ hybridization for EBER (EBV-encoded RNA), and was successfully treated based on the reduction of immunosuppression. Protocol biopsy within the first post-transplant year is the only diagnostic measure to detect asymptomatic early PTLD, which allows for early intervention and leads to better outcomes.

Infusion of renal side population (SP) cells, enriched with adult stem-like cells, can ameliorate acute renal failure. We investigated the effects of an angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor antagonist, valsartan on SP cell changes in renal injury by ureteral obstruction. Renal SP fraction was reduced by 38%, and the number of cells expressing CD45, a marker of hematopoietic system, in renal SP cells was increased in obstructed kidneys. Valsartan attenuated renal injury and the associated SP profile changes. Angiotensin AT(1) receptor blockade may exert regenerative effect by preserving adult stem-like cells such as SP cells in the kidney.

To improve outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is important to identify prognostic factors for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as well as cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study assessed urinary concentrations of albumin, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), as predictors of ESRD and CVD. A prospective, observational, multicenter study, comprising 244 Japanese outpatients with CKD who had a follow-up period of at least 3 months. The primary endpoint was the first onset of a nonfatal or fatal CVD event and progression to ESRD, defined as myocardial infarction, stroke, or artery revascularization (coronary, carotid or peripheral), and initiation of dialysis. During a median follow-up of 3.8 years, the primary endpoint occurred in 39 (15.8 %) patients. Irrespective of diabetes, high urinary L-FABP correlated with the development of ESRD and CVD. The areas under the receiver-operator characteristic curves (AUCs) for predicting the primary endpoint for urinary concentrations of L-FABP, albumin, and NAG were 0.825, 0.797, and 0.722, respectively. Cox regression analyses, which were adjusted for factors known to influence the primary endpoint, including patient characteristics, and serum and urinary parameters, demonstrated that the primary outcome was associated with high urinary L-FABP and low eGFR [p = 0.049, hazard ratio = 1.341 (95 % CI 1.005–1.790); and p

Background In kidney transplant recipients, the most widely used method for the reconstruction of the urinary pathway is ureteroneocystostomy, which may be difficult in cases with disused atrophic bladder. In this study, we evaluated kidney transplant recipients who underwent uretero-ureteral end-to-side anastomosis (UUA) in urinary reconstruction due to disused atrophic bladder. Methods To clarify the effectiveness of this method, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of kidney transplant recipients in our hospital. Results A total of 9 recipients with urinary reconstruction using UUA were evaluated. All of these patients had a history of long-term hemodialysis before transplantation, accompanied by complete anuria and small capacity of the bladder. In 4 patients, cranial native ureter was ligated, whereas it was not ligated in the remaining 5 patients. In 2 of 4 patients with cranial ligation, hydronephrosis developed in the native kidney with no further treatment being required. No patients experienced urinary tract complications including hydronephrosis in the graft, urine extravasation, or urinary tract infection in the follow-up period (757.6 ± 491.3 days). Allograft function was maintained well in all patients (serum creatinine level, 1.08 ± 0.23 mg/dL). Conclusions Although UUA is not a routine method of urinary reconstruction in kidney transplantation, it can be safely performed and should be a surgical option, especially for recipients with disused atrophic bladder. The ligation of cranial native ureter may lead to hydronephrosis of the native kidney, and it is tentatively concluded that UUA without native ureteral ligation is clinically feasible.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a neoplastic complication with a potentially fatal outcome that develops as a consequence of immunosuppression, and is mainly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. A 70-year-old woman underwent a live unrelated, ABO-incompatible renal transplant for end-stage renal disease. One year after transplantation, protocol biopsy revealed pathological changes indicative of the histological subtype of 'early lesions of PTLD' according to the World Health Organization classification, while the patient showed no clinical signs or symptoms. The patient was finally diagnosed with EBV-positive PTLD by in situ hybridization for EBER (EBV-encoded RNA), and was successfully treated based on the reduction of immunosuppression. Protocol biopsy within the first post-transplant year is the only diagnostic measure to detect asymptomatic early PTLD, which allows for early intervention and leads to better outcomes.

The incidence of metabolic syndrome is about 50% in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The positive association of metabolic syndrome with lower physical activity (PA) has been reported in the general population, but the effect of PA in PD patients has not been clarified. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate PA in PD patients and to clarify the correlations between PA and various clinical parameters in PD patients. We assessed 38 PD patients (22 men; age: 63.9 +/- 10.8 years; body mass index: 24.0 +/- 3.9; 15 with diabetes) who had been treated with PD at least for 3 months. We defined PA as the average number of steps per day measured using a pedometer for 1 month. Blood biochemical findings and dialysis adequacy were measured as clinical parameters. Of the 38 patients, only 11 (29%) reached the steps per day of healthy individuals. In addition, steps per day were significantly correlated with serum albumin (r = 0.45, p = 0.01), C-reactive protein (r = -0.33, p = 0.04), and age (r = -0.34, p = 0.04). Multiple regression analysis showed that serum albumin was the only variable that significantly correlated with steps per day (beta = 0.42, p = 0.01). Our study showed that PA declines significantly in PD patients, which might correlate with malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome.

Long-term follow-up of kidney donors is needed not only for the individual donor′s benefit but also to establish analyzable databases to improve the selection criteria for future donors. We collected data including the date of transplantation, the date of the last follow-up, donor′s age, sex, their relationship to the recipient, renal function, proteinuria, and the prevalence of hypertension. Of 124 donors, 52 donors were not being followed up. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.3 ± 3.6 years. Follow-up rates were 83.9%, 74.6%, and 59.2% at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years postdonation, respectively. Of those not being followed up, 75% dropped out. Follow-up rates did not differ between parent and spouse donors 5 years (57.1% vs. 71.4%; P = 0.4) postdonation. Similarly, follow-up rates at 5 years did not differ between donors aged 60 years or older and those younger than 60 (57.5% vs. 61.3%; P = 0.6). Of 72 donors being followed up, 75.0% had estimated glomerular filtration rate of

IgA nephropathy is the most common cause of idiopathic glomerulonephritis in the developed world. Although this disorder was initially thought to follow a benign course, it is now recognized that slow progression to end-stage renal disease occurs in up to 50% of affected patients. The two major clinical presentations of IgA nephropathy are gross hematuria and persistent asymptomatic microscopic hematuria with or without mild to moderate proteinuria, which can also be seen in nutcracker syndrome caused by nutcracker phenomenon. The nutcracker phenomenon refers to the compression of the left renal vein between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery with impaired blood outflow accompanied by distention of the distal portion of the vein. Nutcracker syndrome is the clinical manifestation of nutcracker phenomenon characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms, such as hematuria, orthostatic proteinuria, pain or gonadal vein syndrome, and varicoceles.

The understanding of cellular sources of kidney regeneration has rapidly evolved in the last decade. It is now believed that regeneration occurs predominantly from cells that reside within the injured kidney, with minimal contribution from extra-renal cells. We now know that improved kidney regeneration seen following exogenous administration of stem cells occur predominantly by noncellular paracrine mechanisms. Of all extra-renal stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are the most promising stem cell type for treating kidney diseases. There is an ongoing clinical trial evaluating safety and efficacy of MSC in treating acute kidney injury (AKI). Results of this trial are expected to bring use of MSC closer to the clinical realm. An improved understanding of the small molecules that facilitate kidney regeneration and are secreted by MSC will likely result in the development of new therapies for treating AKI. Identification of adult stem cell markers will result in improved understanding of pathophysiology of kidney diseases and could lead to the development of new cellular therapies. Directed differentiation of stem cells into desired cell types such as erythropoietin producing cells will allow selective replacement of lost kidney function. Cell-based therapies for patients with chronic kidney disease are presently in proof-of-principle stage and are expected to evolve in the coming years with improved understanding of stem cell biology. Technological advancement in cellular therapy is expected to provide improved therapeutic options for patients with kidney diseases in the near future.

Bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-7 is expressed in the adult kidney and reverses chronic renal injury when given exogenously. Here, we report that a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), attenuates chronic renal injury, in part, by augmenting the expression of BMP-7 in kidney side population (SP) cells. We induced accelerated nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTN) in C57BL/6 mice and treated them with TSA for 3 weeks. Compared with vehicle-treated NTN mice, treatment with TSA prevented the progression of proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and loss of kidney SP cells. Basal gene expression of renoprotective factors such as BMP-7, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor was significantly higher in kidney SP cells as compared with non-SP cells. Treatment with TSA significantly upregulated the expression of BMP-7 in SP cells but not in non-SP cells. Moreover, initiation of treatment with TSA after 3 weeks of NTN (for 3 weeks, until 6 weeks) partially but significantly reversed renal dysfunction. Our results indicate an important role of SP cells in the kidney as one of the possible generator cells of BMP-7 and TSA as a stimulator of the cells in reversing chronic renal disease. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.