Search

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction may play an important role in the multifactorial pathogenesis of hypertension. Endocan is also thought to play a role in cell adhesion and inflammatory disorders. The aim of the study was to compare endocan concentrations in patients with primary hypertension and healthy volunteers. There were 104 patients with hypertension (study group) and 21 healthy volunteers (control group). The correlation between endocan, catecholamines, and blood pressure control in patients with primary hypertension and the control group was analyzed. The median endocan concentration in the study group (2.03 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in the control group (1.09 ng/mL, P = .0001). Endocan concentration was correlated positively with renalase (r = .2, P = .047) and norepinephrine (r = .25, P = .02). Negative correlation was observed between endocan and body mass index (r = −.25, P = .016) and leukocyte count (r = −.36, P = .0004). The present study reports higher plasma endocan concentration in patients with treated, well-controlled primary hypertension compared with healthy volunteers. The higher endocan concentration in the study group may reflect endothelial dysfunction in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiocephalic (RC) fistulae remain the first choice access for hemodialysis. The antecubital fossa is recommended as the next site. However, for some patients a basilic vein can be used to create an arteriovenous (av) fistula. We report a series of patients where the forearm basilic vein served as an alternative conduit for secondary procedures. Over an 8-year period, 30 patients who had a failed RC fistula underwent a basilic vein transposition. The immediate results were satisfactory. All fistulas were successfully cannulated. Cumulative patency was 93% after 1 year, 78% after 2 years, and 55% after 3 years. No ischemic or infectious complications were noted during the study period. The use of the forearm basilic vein to create a native av fistula appears to be a good alternative to procedures in the antecubital fossa or upper arm, thus preserving more proximal veins for future use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]