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To evaluate total Th1/Th2 cytokines in CD3+ cells (immunocompetent T-lymphocytes) and peripheral blood lymphocytes, mostly CD4+ (T helper cells) and CD8+ (T-cytotoxic cells) subpopulations in preeclampsia. Total blood leukocytes and lymphocytes counts, percent cells: CD3+, INF-g+/CD3+, IL-4+/CD3+, and IL-10+/CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ were determined by flow-cytometry. Preeclampsia (n= 26) and normal pregnancy (n= 25) participants were age and gestational age matched. CD4+ lymphocytes count was higher in preeclampsia, compared with normal pregnancy (43.6 ± 5.8 vs 37.6 ± 5.6%; P

Aim Fatigue in haemodialysis (HD) patients can be captured in quality of life questionnaires and by the dialysis recovery time (DRT) question. The associations between fatigue and measured physical activity has not been explored until the present. We tested our hypothesis that the patient perception of chronic and post dialysis fatigue would be associated with lower physical activity. Methods This study was a cross sectional evaluation of baseline data from HD patients recruited in the HDFIT trial. Vitality scores from the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) and the dialysis recovery time (DRT) question were used as indicators of chronic and post dialysis fatigue, respectively. Granular physical activity was measured by accelerometers as part of the study protocol. Results Among 176 patients, Vitality score was 63 ± 21 and the DRT was ≤30 minutes in 57% of patients. The mean number of steps was 5288 ± 3540 in 24 hours after HD and 953 ± 617 in the 2-hour post-HD period. The multivariable analysis confirmed Vitality scores were associated with physical activity in the 24-hour post-HD period. In contrast, DRT was not associated with physical activity captured by the accelerometer in the period immediately (2 hours) after the HD session. Conclusion Chronic fatigue was negatively associated with step counts, while patient perception of post-dialysis fatigue was not associated with physical activity. These patterns indicate limitations in interpretation of DRT. Since physical activity is an important component of a healthy life, our results may partially explain the associations between fatigue and poor outcomes in HD patients.

INTRODUCTION Hypertension is multifactorial, highly prevalent in the hemodialysis (HD) population and its adequate control requires, in addition to adequate volume management, often the use of multiple antihypertensive drugs. We aimed to describe the use of antihypertensive agents in a group of HD patients and to evaluate the factors associated with the use of multiple classes (≥3) of antihypertensives. METHODS We analyzed the baseline data from the HDFit study. Clinically stable patients with HD vintage between 3 and 24 months without any severe mobility limitation were recruited from sites throughout southern Brazil. Fluid status was measured pre-dialysis with the Body Composition Monitor (BCM; Fresenius, Germany). Fluid overload (FO) was considered when the overhydration index (OH) was greater than 7% of extracellular water (OH/ECW > 7%) and overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2 . Prescriptions of antihypertensive drugs were obtained from participants' reports and medical records. Logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with excessive use of antihypertensive medication (≥3 classes). FINDINGS Of 195 studied patients, 171 with complete data were included (70% male, 53 ± 15 years old, 57% of them with FO). Pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 150 ± 24 mmHg and patients used a median of 2 (1-3) antihypertensive drugs. Vasodilators (20%) were of lowest prevalence, use of other classes varied from 40% to 53%. Sixty-two (36%) subjects used ≥3 classes and presented a higher prevalence of diabetes and FO, lower prevalence of overweight, and higher SBP. In a logistic regression model age, BMI 7% were associated with excessive drug use. DISCUSSION More than one-third of participants used ≥3 classes of antihypertensive drugs, and it was associated with older age, BMI

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:29:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-02-01 Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Aims: To compare the blood pressure (BP)-lowering efficacy of a chlorthalidone/amiloride combination pill with losartan, during initial management of JNC 7 Stage I hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: In an a priori subgroup analysis of a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, volunteers aged 30–70 years, with stage I hypertension and diabetes mellitus, were randomized to 12.5/2.5 mg of chlorthalidone/amiloride (N = 47) or 50 mg of losartan (N = 50), and followed for 18 months in 21 clinical centers. If BP remained uncontrolled after three months, study medication dose was doubled, and if uncontrolled after six months, amlodipine (5 and 10 mg) and propranolol (40 and 80 mg BID) were added as open label drugs in a progressive fashion. Results: Systolic BP decreased to a greater extent in participants allocated to diuretics compared to losartan (P < 0.001). After 18 months of follow-up, systolic BP was 128.4 ± 10.3 mmHg in the diuretic group versus 133.5 ± 8.0 in the losartan group (P < 0.01). In the diuretic group, 36 out of 43 participants (83.7%) had a JNC 7 normal BP, compared to 31/47 (66%) in the losartan group (P = 0.089). Serum cholesterol was higher in the diuretic arm at the end of the trial. Other biochemical parameters and reports of adverse events did not differ by treatment. Conclusions: Treatment of hypertension based on a combination of chlorthalidone and amiloride is more effective for BP lowering compared to losartan in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Trial registration: Clinical trials registration number: NCT00971165 Division of Cardiology Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul INCT PREVER, CPC, 5º. and Ramiro Barcelos, 2350 Hospital Universitário Júlio Müller Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Faculdade de Medicina São José Do Rio Preto Department of Epidemiology School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Tulane University Faculdade de Medicina Hospital São Lucas PUCRS Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio Universidade Federal do Ceará Faculdade de Medicina Instituto do Coração Universidade de São Paulo Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas USP Ribeirão Preto Instituto de Cardiologia, Av. Princesa Isabel Hospital Universitário Universidade Federal do Maranhão Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Universidade Federal de Pelotas Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof Fernando Figueira Universidade Do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Hospital das Clínicas de Goiânia Universidade Federal de Goiás Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Hospital do Coração de Alagoas Anis Rassi Hospital Hospital Universitário Procape Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro UFF Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto USP Ribeirão Preto Instituto de Pesquisa Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre: GPPG: 08-621

Background and Aims An inadequate response to the treatment of anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with chronic kidney disease is a challenging and common clinical condition previously associated with signs of inflammation and episodic clinical events. The associations between different immune response pathways and ESA hyporesponsiveness remain poorly understood. Here we describe the associations between a comprehensive panel of inflammatory biomarkers and ESA resistance in a group of stable HD patients. Method This is post-hoc analysis of the baseline evaluation of patients enrolled in the HDFIT, a randomized controlled trial. A panel comprising a more general (CRP), innate (IL-1β and IL-6), adaptive (IFNγ, IFNα2) biomarkers of immune response, and also a specific vascular inflammation (MCP-1) biomarkers were simultaneously measured with the same serum sample through turbidimetry and Milliplex Human Cytokine Magnetic Bead Panel - EMD Milipore Corporation, USA. Multivariable analysis was used to assess the association of their concentrations with the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI), defined as the weekly ESA dose divided by hemoglobin level. Results A total of 155 patients were included in this analysis (mean age 52 ± 6; 70% male; 32% with diabetes; mean hemoglobin 11.7 ± 1.5; median ESA dose/week 8000 IU IQR: 4000-12.000). Patients in the highest ERI tercile were mostly female, younger, more diabetic and with slightly higher proportion of iron prescription compared to those in the lowest tercile of ERI. The multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, diabetes and vascular access demonstrated that higher serum levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ were associated with higher ESA resistance, while there were no detectable associations of serum levels of IL-6 or CRP and ERI. Conclusion Among the biomarkers included in this comprehensive panel of biomarkers representing the multilevel nature of immune dysfunction in CKD, we observed associations between higher concentrations of innate (IL-1β) and adaptive (IFN) immune response and ESA hyporesponsiveness. Our results support the role of immune dysfunction in the pathophysiology of CKD anemia.

Background: Finerenone, a nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, reduced albuminuria in short-term trials involving patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes. However, its long-term effects on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes are unknown. Methods: In this double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 5734 patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes in a 1:1 ratio to receive finerenone or placebo. Eligible patients had a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (with albumin measured in milligrams and creatinine measured in grams) of 30 to less than 300, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25 to less than 60 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area, and diabetic retinopathy, or they had a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 300 to 5000 and an eGFR of 25 to less than 75 ml per minute per 1.73 m2. All the patients were treated with renin-angiotensin system blockade that had been adjusted before randomization to the maximum dose on the manufacturer's label that did not cause unacceptable side effects. The primary composite outcome, assessed in a time-to-event analysis, was kidney failure, a sustained decrease of at least 40% in the eGFR from baseline, or death from renal causes. The key secondary composite outcome, also assessed in a time-to-event analysis, was death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Results: During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, a primary outcome event occurred in 504 of 2833 patients (17.8%) in the finerenone group and 600 of 2841 patients (21.1%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 0.93; P = 0.001). A key secondary outcome event occurred in 367 patients (13.0%) and 420 patients (14.8%) in the respective groups (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99; P = 0.03). Overall, the frequency of adverse events was similar in the two groups. The incidence of hyperkalemia-related discontinuation of the trial regimen was higher with finerenone than with placebo (2.3% and 0.9%, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes, treatment with finerenone resulted in lower risks of CKD progression and cardiovascular events than placebo. Bayer; FIDELIO-DKD ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02540993. 91.253 JCR (2020) Q1, 1/167 Medicine, General & Internal 19.889 SJR (2020) Q1, 3/2447 Medicine (miscellaneous) No data IDR 2020 UEM

To analyze endocan-1, a biomarker of vascular endothelial related pathologies, and the placental growth factor (PlGF), an angiogenic factor and a placental dysfunction marker in patients with preeclampsia (PE). Case-control study conducted at Hospital São Lucas, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Endocan-1 and PlGF levels were quantified in the maternal plasma using the MagPlexTH-C microsphere system (MAGPIX System, Luminex, Austin, Texas, US) and evaluated through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and adjusted by body mass index (BMI), gestational age and maternal age. To estimate the difference between the groups, the mean ratio (MR) and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. The Pearson correlation test was used to establish any association between endocan-1 and PlGF levels. The null hypothesis was rejected when The group of patients was composed by normotensive ( Endocan-1 levels are increased in patients with PE, and are inversely correlated with PlGF levels. We suggest that it is important to analyze angiogenic and proinflammatory molecules concomitantly in women with PE to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease. Both molecules are strong candidates for PE biomarkers, and future studies will examine any mechanisms connecting these factors in PE. Analisar o endocan-1, um biomarcador de patologias vasculares endoteliais, e o fator de crescimento placentário (FCPl), um fator angiogênico, marcador de disfunção placentária em pacientes com pré-eclâmpsia (PE). MéTODOS: Estudo de caso-controle realizado no Hospital São Lucas, em Porto Alegre. Os níveis de endocan-1 e FCPl foram quantificados no plasma materno usando o sistema de microesferas MagPlexTH-C (MAGPIX System, Luminex, Austin, Texas, US) e analisados por análise de covariância (ANCOVA) e ajustados por índice de massa corporal (IMC), idade gestacional e idade materna. Para calcular a diferença entre os grupos, utilizou-se a razão das médias (RM) e o intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). O teste de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para estabelecer a associação entre os níveis de endocan-1 e FCPl. A hipótese nula foi rejeitada quando O grupo de pacientes foi composto por pacientes normotensas (

Antagonizing vasodilation has been considered one of the potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Phosphodiesterases hydrolyze cGMP, interfering with the action of nitric oxide on vascular smooth muscle, thus causing vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that the phosphodiesterases in maternal plasma, phosphodiesterase-5 in particular, may be linked to clinical manifestations in preeclampsia syndrome.

Introduction: Dialysis patients suffer from poor sleep duration and quality. We examined the self-reported sleep duration in patients randomized to either high-volume hemodiafiltration (HDF) or high flux hemodialysis (HD). Methods: Patients from 13 Brazilian dialysis clinics were enrolled in the HDFIT randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the impact of HDF on physical activity and self-reported outcomes. Self-reported sleep duration was taken from patient diaries recording sleep start and end time over a week during baseline, months 3 and 6, respectively. Sleep duration was analyzed by shift and nights relative to dialysis. Results: The HDFIT study enrolled 197 patients; sleep data were available in 173 patients (87 HD; 86 HDF). Patients’ age was 53 ± 15 years, 57% were white, 72% were male, 34% had diabetes, Kt/V was 1.54 ± 0.40, and albumin 3.97 ± 0.36 g/dL. Most patients reported sleeping 510–530 min/night. At 3 months, HDF patients slept 513 ± 71 min/night, HD patients 518 ± 76 min/night. At 6 months, HDF patients slept 532 ± 74 min/night, HD patients 519 ± 80 min/night. At baseline, 1st shift patients slept 406 ± 86 min the night before HD, 534 ± 64 min the night after HD, and 496 ± 99 min the night between 2 non-HD days. Compared to patients in the 2nd and 3rd shifts, patients dialyzed in the 1st shift slept less in the night before dialysis. Similar patterns were seen after 3 and 6 months. Conclusion: In our RCT, the dialysis modality (HDF vs. HD) had no effect on self-reported sleep duration. In both groups, dialysis in the 1st shift adversely affected self reported sleep duration.

Introduction Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinicoradiologic entity with typical MR imaging showing a white matter vasogenic edema predominantly affecting the occipital and parietal lobes of the brain. The aim of this article is evaluated the importance of DWI as a prognosis factor in patients with PRES. Materials and methods We reviewed data from 70 patients with PRES (35 with restricted DWI and 35 with no DWI abnormalities), that were admitted to Hospital Sao Lucas-PUCRS. These two groups were evaluated in age, sex, previous diseases and past medical history, use of medications, the neurologic manifestations, the highest blood pressure during the neurologic presentation and the highest creatinine during the period of observation. Results Evaluating 70 patients with PRES with a mean age of 25.4 years old (range from 2 to 74 years old; 55 female and 15 male) we identified 35 cases were brain MRI presents with restricted DWI. Restricted DWI was associated with higher mortality in 90 days (14.2% vs 0.0%; p: 0.027). Conclusions Few articles present new data that will help clinicians in therapeutic decisions or that modify the knowledge of this syndrome. We suggested that restricted DWI is associated with a worst prognosis in PRES.

Background: Among diabetics, those with kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and progression of their underlying disease. Finerenone is a novel, non-steroidal, selective mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist which has shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), while revealing only a low risk of hyperkalemia. However, the effect of finerenone on renal and CV outcomes has not been investigated in long-term trials yet. Methods: The Finerenone in Reducing Kidney Failure and Disease Progression in Diabetic Kidney Disease ­(FIDELIO-DKD) trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of finerenone compared to placebo at reducing clinically important renal and CV outcomes in T2D patients with CKD. FIDELIO-DKD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, event-driven trial running in 47 countries with an expected duration of approximately 5.5 years. FIDELIO-DKD randomized 5,734 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥25–2 and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30–≤5,000 mg/g). The study has at least 90% power to detect a 20% reduction in the risk of primary outcome (overall two-sided significance level α = 0.05), the composite of time to first occurrence of kidney failure, a sustained decrease of eGFR ≥40% from baseline over at least 4 weeks, or renal death. Conclusion: FIDELIO-DKD will determine whether an optimally treated cohort of T2D patients with CKD at high risk of renal and CV events will experience cardiorenal benefits with the addition of finerenone to their treatment regimen.

The Nephrology Unit at São Lucas Hospital, a University Hospital in Southern Brazil, has recently reached 35 years since its first kidney transplant. Few centers in the area have made a longitudinal analysis of processes, problems, grafts, and patient survival changes along this time.A single-center, retrospective study was performed. Data were separated into different eras, based on the nature of immunosuppression used: pre-cyclosporine (1978-1986), cyclosporine (1987-1997), mycophenolate introduction (1998-2002), new immunosuppressant drugs (2003-2007), and the current period (2008-2013).Between April 27, 1978, and April 30, 2013, 1231 transplants were performed. Significant differences were detected among different eras. The number of transplants has been progressively increasing, to include significantly older recipients (and donors), at a longer waiting list time, receiving organs that underwent longer cold ischemia time (P .001). Yet, fewer acute rejection episodes and lower incidence of myocardial infarction and post-transplant diabetes mellitus (P .001) were detected. In the present era, patient survival at 1, 3, and 5 years is 98.3%, 94.6%, and 90.5% respectively, for living donors, and 92.4%, 87.2%, and 80.7% for deceased donors, respectively. Living donor graft survival is 92.2%, 88.7%, and 82.4%, respectively, whereas deceased donor survival is 80.4%, 71.1%, and 63.7%, respectively.This retrospective analysis has significant historical value. It assembles and depicts a long follow-up period of a transplant series at a single Brazilian center. Throughout the eras, organ and patient survival increased, with fewer rejection episodes or complications, yet with overall decreased graft function.

Background One of the main postoperative complications of kidney transplant is delayed graft function (DGF), which means absence of graft function after transplant or the need for dialysis during the first week post procedure. The occurrence of DGF currently in our hospital is high and has been attributed to a combination of many factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated to DGF and their influence in the outcome of kidney transplants. Methods Historical cohort of 150 patients transplanted with live or deceased donor kidneys from 2011 to 2013. Results DGF was associated to time in dialysis and the number of recipient pre-transplant transfusions, donors age, serum creatinine level, use of vasoactive drugs in the donor, distance from place of organ retrieval and transplant center, and duration of cold ischemia time. DGF influenced post-transplantation outcome in regard to length of stay in intensive care, length of hospital stay, acute rejection episodes, and higher creatinine levels at discharge. Patients and graft survival were shorter in the DGF group. Conclusions There are multiple factors related to DGF, the most important being those related to donors, and organ storage. The most important factor related to the recipient was the dialysis vintage. We did not find a correlation between DGF and HLA-compatibility. DGF consequences are important, including worse graft function and survival, as well as impact in recipient morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: To compare nitric oxide (NO) serum levels in women with and without preeclampsia. Methods: 106 women were classified into preeclampsia group (n = 40) and normotensive group (n = 66). NO content was measured in the serum. Clinical and laboratorial data were recorded for comparison. Results: Preeclampsia presented a significant increase in nitrate and NOx levels compared to the control group. Uric acid, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and creatinine showed correlation with nitrates and NOx. Conclusion: Increase of NO was observed in preeclampsia women. Failure in the mechanism of action, dependent on cyclic GMP, may justify this finding.

Patients with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis (PD) are susceptible to infections, with peritonitis being the primary cause of dropout. Peritoneal fluid culture is one of the essential elements for proper diagnosis and peritonitis treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the time required to obtain a positive culture using different laboratory methods. An in vitro cross-sectional study was conducted comparing different techniques for preparation and culture of bacteria in peritoneal fluid. The research was carried out with 21 sterile dialysis bags and 21 PD bags containing peritoneal fluid drained from patients without peritonitis. Fluids from the 42 PD bags were contaminated by injecting a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus suspension and then prepared for culture using 4 distinct techniques: A - direct culture; B - post-centrifugation culture; C - direct culture after 4 h sedimentation; and D - culture after 4 h sedimentation and centrifugation. This was followed by seeding. In the 21 contaminated sterile bags, mean times to obtain a positive culture with techniques D (19.6 h ± 2.6) and C (19.1 h ± 2.3) were longer than with technique A (15.8 h ± 3.0; p < 0.01), but not statistically different from group B (19.0 h ± 3.2). The same occurred in the 21 bags drained from patients, with mean times for techniques D (14.0 h ± 1.9) and C (14.5 h ± 1.7) being longer than technique A (12.22 h ± 1.94; p < 0.05) but not statistically different from technique B (13.2 h ± 1.3). The sedimentation and centrifugation steps seem to be unnecessary and may delay antibiotic sensitivity test results by approximately 8 hours.

The present study intends to review the possibility of using phosphodiesterase inhibitors as a treatment option for preeclampsia, addressing potential risks and benefits. Preeclampsia is the most common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, often responsible for severe maternal and fetal complications, which can lead to early pregnancy termination and death. Despite the numerous studies, its pathophysiology is still unclear, although it seems to involve a multiplicity of complex factors related to angiogenesis, ineffective vasodilation, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and endothelial dysfunction. It has been hypothetically suggested that the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors is capable of improving placental and fetal perfusion, contributing to gestational scenario, by decreasing the symptomatology and severity of this syndrome. In this literature review, it has been found that most of the studies were conducted in animal models, and there is still lack of evidence supporting its use in clinical practice. Research in human indicates conflicting findings; randomized controlled trials were scarce and did not demonstrate any benefit in morbidity or mortality. Data regarding to pathophysiological and interventional research are described and commented in this review. The use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of preeclampsia is controversial and should not be encouraged taking into account recent data.

Introduction Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1) main function is to recruit monocytes and other leukocytes into sites of inflammation. Inflammatory mediators, such as TNFα, regulate its expression. Objectives/hypothesis To analyze MCP1 levels in maternal, fetal plasma and placental in women with pre-eclampsia (PE) and correlate with TNFα. We hypothesized a positive correlation between both molecules. Methods Case-control study, 117 pregnant women consented to participate, PE (50)/controls (67). MCP1 and TNFα were quantified using MagPlexTH-C microsphere system and were analyzed using ANCOVA method, adjusted by BMI, gestational age at delivery (GA) and maternal age. To estimate the difference between groups, the mean ratio (MR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The analysis between MCP1 and TNFα was made by Pearson’s correlation. p Results Increased MCP1 were observed in fetal plasma of preterm (GA Discussion We observed a strong direct correlation between MCP-1 vs. TNFα in placenta PE groups, which suggests a possible regulation of TNFα molecule by MCP-1. Also, we observed that higher the levels of MCP-1 in fetal plasma, the lower the GA, FW and PW, which might indicate the involvement of MCP-1 in preterm delivery.

IntroductionEndocan-1 has been proposed as a possible biomarker and predictor of vascular endothelial related pathologies. Thus, we hypothesised that Endocan-1 levels would be up-regulated in maternal plasma and placentae from women with pre-eclampsia. The aim of our study was to compare Endocan-1 concentrations in maternal/fetal plasma and placentae from normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.MethodsObservational and case-controlled study, at the São Lucas Hospital, Brazil. Placental biopsies, maternal/umbilical venous (fetal) plasma were taken from 67 normotensive and 50 pre-eclamptic women. Endocan-1 levels were quantified using MagPlexTH-C and analysed by Analysis of Covariance and Pearson correlation. The null hypothesis was rejected at p

Caveolae regulate many cardiovascular functions and thus could be of interest in relation to pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy specific disorder characterised by hypertension and proteinuria. We examined placental mRNA and protein expression/localisation of the caveolae components Caveolin 1-3, Cavin 1-4 as well as eNOS/iNOS in normotensive control (n = 24) and pre-eclamptic pregnancies (n = 19). Placental mRNA expression of caveolin-1, cavin 1-3, was lower and eNOS expression was increased in pre-eclampsia (P

Acute graft pyelonephritis is a very common infection in renal transplantation. The impact of acute graft pyelonephritis (AGPN) on graft and patient outcome has not yet been established. Eight hundred seventy kidney and kidney-pancreas transplants were retrospectively studied, over last 13 years, to verify occurrence of AGPN in the first 30 days post-transplantation. We found that 112 patients (15.8%) presented post-transplantatiom AGPN up to 30 days after a kidney transplantation. The occurrence was higher in older patients (P = .005) and in those with ureteral stents (P = .06). Escherichia coli was the most frequent microorganism in urine cultures (32%). Ureteral stent (relative risk = 1.7; confidence interval [CI], 1.1–2.5; P = .018) was a major risk factor for AGPN as well as older ages (RR = 1.02; CI 1.01–1.04; P = .001), length of hospitalization stay (RR = 1.01; CI, 1.01–1.02; P < .001), and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction (RR = 1.6; CI, 1.022–2.561; P = .04). Long-term graft and patient survival was significantly lower in patients with pyelonephritis in the first 30 days after transplantation (OR 1.43; 95% CI, 0.95–2.16; P = .024 and OR 1.77; 95% CI, 1.12–2.80; P = .006, respectively). Acute pyelonephritis in the first 30 days after transplantation is therefore associated with a lower long-term graft and patient survival.

Objectives Eclampsia results in high morbidity and mortality, so it is important to identify clinical and laboratorial aspects that may be useful as potential markers to differentiate women at higher risk. Thus, we aim to identify, among women with preeclampsia, aspects that may increase the risk to develop eclampsia. Study design Retrospective cohort study. The records of patients delivered at Hospital Sao Lucas/PUCRS were reviewed retrospectively; 733 pregnant women with hypertension were analyzed; 329 had preeclampsia, and 45 eclampsia. Main outcome measures Serum uric acid levels and protein excretion in women that develop eclampsia. Results Patients with eclampsia had higher serum uric acid levels and protein excretion, systolic and diastolic blood pressure; were more likely to have cesarean section and had worst perinatal outcomes. The combination of uric acid above 5.9 mg/dL and protein/creatinine ratio over 4.9 had a striking association with eclampsia (p ≤ 0.001). The occurrence of HELLP syndrome was significantly different between groups, with a higher incidence among women who developed eclampsia (OR 6.5; 95%CI, 3.2–13.2; p Conclusion Our data suggest that the combination of high levels of maternal serum uric acid and proteinuria are strongly associated with the development of eclamptic crises.

Mean platelet volume (MPV), measured using automated blood analysers, has been appraised as a potential biomarker in cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. The test, a useful tool in differentiation of thrombocytopenic states, has now been carried out for autoimmune disorders, but data are yet scarce. Controversial results have been obtained in systemic and organ-specific autoimmune disorders. Another test, the immature platelet fraction (IPF) reflects the amount of young, reticulated platelets. IPF is calculated by automated hematology analysis or flow cytometry, and it is usually high in patients with rapid platelet destruction. For both MPV and IPF, standardization of cutoff is a major need. In this review, we focus the current applicability of MPV and IPF as biomarkers in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Preeclampsia (PE), one of the leading gestational hypertensive diseases, is characterized by increased blood pressure (⩾140/90 mm Hg) and pathological proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation. It is a complex, multifactorial syndrome with an unestablished etiology and cure. The search continues for a biomarker that could assist in the early prediction or diagnosis of PE, reducing the rate of maternal and fetal mortality. Based on the findings of Casarini et al. that suggest the 90 kDa isoform of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) as a possible marker of hypertension, we hypothesized that this isoform may be present in pregnant women with PE, since they present a transient and spontaneous model of systemic arterial hypertension in pregnancy. We believe, therefore, that pregnant women with pure PE (PPE) express the ACE 90 kDa isoform in urine, as well as having elevated isoform enzymatic activity, during pregnancy only. Postpartum, with the normalization of blood pressure, the protein isoform would no longer be expressed. Pregnant women with superimposed preeclampsia (SPE) would present the ACE 90 kDa isoform both during and after the gestation period, and its enzymatic activity would remain high as they are chronically hypertensive. It is expected that normotensive pregnant women do not present this isoform in their urine as elevated blood pressure levels do not occur. Both normotensive and PPE affected pregnant women with a family history of hypertension, will possibly express the ACE 90 kDa isoform before pregnancy and may become hypertensive, only after some years, through the influence of environmental factors and/or other diseases. If our hypothesis is confirmed, it will allow differentiation of PPE and SPE sooner than 12 weeks postpartum, which is currently the estimated period for confirmation of the specific diagnosis. Furthermore, it could be an early biomarker for predicting the disease, enabling the physician to choose the best clinical management. In addition, it would minimize the use of other methods as the biological sample for obtaining the marker is urine, a practical and effective test with good reproducibility. Finally, test results would enable a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in gestational hypertension.

Approximately 30% of the chronic kidney disease patients using recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) have an increase in blood pressure (BP). Its mechanism and whether it depends on renal function remain unclear. There is early evidence that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prevents the rhuEPO-induced increase in BP. This study aims to verify whether very high doses of rhuEPO can increase BP in nonuremic rats and whether the co-administration of ASA can prevent it.Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: placebo/placebo; placebo/rhuEPO 200 UI/kg thrice weekly; placebo/ASA 50 mg/kg daily; rhuEPO 200 UI/kg thrice weekly/ASA 50 mg/kg daily. Hematocrit was measured before and after and systolic BP was measured weekly by tail-cuff technique. Direct measurement of the BP was obtained at the end.The rhuEPO groups had higher final hematocrit (rhuEPO/placebo 56.7 ± 7.6, rhuEPO/ASA 56.7 ± 7.7; p0.001 versus placebo/placebo, 42.2 ± 4.7 and ASA/placebo 41.2 ± 4.2); and also increase in systolic BP (rhuEPO/placebo 135.1 ± 15.0, p = 0.01 and rhuEPO/ASA 127.2 ± 6.8, p = 0.02), whereas BP in rats from placebo/placebo (120.9 ± 5.0, p = 0.18) and placebo/ASA (124.6 ± 13.3, p = 0.12) groups remained unchanged. By direct measurement, the final BP was higher in rhuEPO/placebo (DBP 123.1 ± 12.0; SBP 157.4 ± 12.5; MBP 139.8 ± 11.9) than placebo/placebo (DBP 105.1 ± 11.5; SBP 141.0 ± 12.6; MBP 122.1 ± 12.1) and placebo/ASA groups (DBP 106.6 ± 8.1; SBP 141.5 ± 8.4, MBP 122.1 ± 7.2) (p0.05 by post hoc Bonferroni test ANOVA). The rhuEPO/ASA group (PAD 115.1 ± 11.4, PAS 147.4 ± 9.1, MBP 130.1 ± 10.3) was not different from other groups.The administration of very high doses of rhuEPO is associated with an increase in hematocrit and BP in nonuremic rats. The concomitant use of ASA mitigates the rhuEPO-associated BP increase.

Ideal training methods that could ensure best peritoneal dialysis (PD) outcome have not been defined in previous reports. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of training characteristics on peritonitis rates in a large Brazilian cohort.Incident patients with valid data on training recruited in the Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Study (BRAZPD II) from January 2008 to January 2011 were included. Peritonitis was diagnosed according to International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines; incidence rate of peritonitis (episodes/patient-months) and time to the first peritonitis were used as end points.Two thousand two hundred and forty-three adult patients were included in the analysis: 59 ± 16 years old, 51.8% female, 64.7% with ≤4 years of education. The median training time was 15 h (IQI 10-20 h). Patients were followed for a median of 11.2 months (range 3-36.5). The overall peritonitis rate was 0.29 per year at risk (1 episode/41 patient-months). The mean number of hours of training per day was 1.8 ± 2.4. Less than 1 h of training/day was associated with higher incidence rate when compared with the intervals of 1-2 h/day (P = 0.03) and2 h/day (P = 0.02). Patients who received a cumulative training of15 h had significantly lower incidence of peritonitis compared with15 h (0.26 per year at risk versus 0.32 per year at risk, P = 0.01). The presence of a caregiver and the number of people trained were not significantly associated with peritonitis incidence rate. Training in the immediate 10 days after implantation of the catheter was associated with the highest peritonitis rate (0.32 per year), compared with training prior to catheter implantation (0.28 per year) or10 days after implantation (0.23 per year). More experienced centers had a lower risk for the first peritonitis (P = 0.003).This is the first study to analyze the association between training characteristics and outcomes in a large cohort of PD patients. Low training time (particularly15 h), smaller center size and the timing of training in relation to catheter implantation were associated with a higher incidence of peritonitis. These results support the recommendation of a minimum amount of training hours to reduce peritonitis incidence regardless of the number of hours trained per day.

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical entity characterized by headaches, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances and is associated with white matter vasogenic edema. There are no experimental models to study PRES brain changes.Methods: Twenty-eight pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 7: (1) pregnant-control; (2) reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP); (3) invasive blood pressure (IBP); and (4) reduced uterine perfusion pressure plus invasive blood pressure (RUPP-IBP). The RUPP and RUPP-IBP groups were submitted to a reduction of uterine perfusion pressure at pregnancy days 13 to 15. The invasive mean arterial pressure of the IBP and RUPP-IBP groups was measured on day 20. The blood–brain barriers (BBBs) of all groups were analyzed using 2% Evans Blue dye on day 21. Results: RUPP rats had higher blood pressures and increased BBB permeability to Evans Blue dye compared with the control animals. Brain staining occurred in 11 of 14 RUPP rats and in none of the control groups (P , .0001). Conclusions: The physiopathology of PRES remains unclear. Here, we described the use of RUPP rats as a potential model to better comprehend this syndrome. Key Words: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome—blood–brain barrier—experimental model—reduction of uterine blood pressure—hypertension. 2014 by National Stroke Association

Solid organ transplant recipients are susceptible to antibiotic-resistant infections and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has recently been recognized as a serious complication in solid organ recipients. High mortality rates have been described.We retrospectively analyzed 807 transplantations and detected 10 patients who died 24 hours after the diagnosis of septicemia, all with CRAB-positive blood cultures. Recipients were followed up for at least 1 year and were stratified into the following groups: Group 1, patients alive; Group 2, patients that died due to other causes except Acinetobacter infection; and Group 3, patients who died within 24 hours of CRAB diagnosis.CRAB-positive patients died a median of 3.17 (range, 1.81-18.7) months after transplantation. In these patients, expanded criteria donors (ECDs) were more frequent (P .001), as were the use of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction (P = .02) and delayed graft function (P = .01). For ECD recipients, death rate from any cause, whether induced with ATG or not, was 25% and 20.6%, respectively (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; confidence interval [CI] 95%, 0.56-2.91; P = .68). The death rate from CRAB-related sepsis was 10.3% and 0% whether receiving ATG or not, respectively (OR, 15.49; CI 95%, 0.87-277.16; P = .014). There was a 25.75-fold increase in the death rate in ECD kidney recipients induced with thymoglobulin and with CRAB-related sepsis.Transplants from ECDs and induced with thymoglobulin may be at increased risk of CRAB death in 24 hours when compared with patients with standard donors and induced with thymoglobulin.

Introduction: Endocan-1 is a soluble proteoglican specifically expressed in endothelial cells, a biomarker/predictor of vascular endothelial related pathologies, as pre-eclampsia (PE). PlGF is an angiogenic factor, and a marker of placental dysfunction, which is down regulated in women with PE. We hypothesized that Endocan-1 and PlGF levels would be negatively correlated in pregnant women with PE.\ud Objectives: To analyse Endocan-1 and PlGF levels in maternal plasma in normotensive and women with PE and test the correlation between the findings in the third trimester of pregnancy.\ud Methods: Endocan-1 and PlGF levels were measured in maternal plasma from normotensive (n= 67) and PE (n= 50) women using MagPlexTH-C microspheres system. Data was analysed by ANCOVA, adjusted for BMI, gestational age and maternal age. To estimate the difference between groups, mean ratio (MR) and confidence interval (CI) of 95% was calculated. Analysis between Endocan-1 levels and PlGF were made by Pearson correlation. The null hypothesis was rejected when p < 0.05.\ud Results: Higher concentrations of Endocan-1 were found in maternal plasma in PE (MR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19–1.85,p= 0.001), with a moderate effect size (Cohen’s D = 0.84). When women with superimposed PE and HELLP syndrome were excluded, lower levels of PlGF were found in the PE group (MR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.15–0.95 p = 0.041). A strong negative correlation between Endocan-1 e PlGF in the entire group (r=-0.605; p < 0.001); as well as in PE group (r=-0.545; p < 0.001) was observed.\ud Conclusion: Endocan-1 levels are increased in patients with PE and are negatively correlated with PlGF levels. These data could be related to hypoxemia and fetal growth restriction (seen by lower PlGF levels), leading to a systemic response in order to find a volumetric compensation; leading to endothelial lesions (seen as the upregulation of Endocan-1). Thus, it is important to analyse angiogenic and proinflamatory molecules concomitantly in women with PE, in order to better understand the disease pathophysiology. In this case, both molecules are strong potentials as specific PE biomarkers.

Background Prehypertension is associated with higher cardiovascular risk, target organ damage, and incidence of hypertension. The Prevention of Hypertension in Patients with PreHypertension (PREVER‐Prevention) trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a low‐dose diuretic for the prevention of hypertension and end‐organ damage. Methods and Results This randomized, parallel, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted in 21 Brazilian academic medical centers. Participants with prehypertension who were aged 30 to 70 years and who did not reach optimal blood pressure after 3 months of lifestyle intervention were randomized to a chlorthalidone/amiloride combination pill or placebo and were evaluated every 3 months during 18 months of treatment. The primary outcome was incidence of hypertension. Development or worsening of microalbuminuria, new‐onset diabetes mellitus, and reduction of left ventricular mass were secondary outcomes. Participant characteristics were evenly distributed by trial arms. The incidence of hypertension was significantly lower in 372 study participants allocated to diuretics compared with 358 allocated to placebo (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.82), resulting in a cumulative incidence of 11.7% in the diuretic arm versus 19.5% in the placebo arm (P=0.004). Adverse events; levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, creatinine, and microalbuminuria; and incidence of diabetes mellitus were no different between the 2 arms. Left ventricular mass assessed through Sokolow‐Lyon voltage and voltage‐duration product decreased to a greater extent in participants allocated to diuretic therapy compared with placebo (P=0.02). Conclusions A combination of low‐dose chlorthalidone and amiloride effectively reduces the risk of incident hypertension and beneficially affects left ventricular mass in patients with prehypertension. Fundo A pré-hipertensão está associada a maior risco cardiovascular, lesão de órgãos-alvo e incidência de hipertensão. O estudo Prevention of Hypertension in Patients with PreHypertension (PREVER-Prevention) teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia e a segurança de um diurético de baixa dosagem para a prevenção da hipertensão e danos aos órgãos-alvo. Métodos e Resultados Este estudo randomizado, paralelo, duplo-cego e controlado por placebo foi conduzido em 21 centros médicos acadêmicos brasileiros. Os participantes com pré-hipertensão com idades entre 30 e 70 anos e que não atingiram a pressão arterial ideal após 3 meses de intervenção no estilo de vida foram randomizados para uma pílula combinada de clortalidona/amilorida ou placebo e foram avaliados a cada 3 meses durante 18 meses de tratamento. O desfecho primário foi a incidência de hipertensão. Desenvolvimento ou agravamento de microalbuminúria, diabetes mellitus de início recente e redução da massa ventricular esquerda foram desfechos secundários. As características dos participantes foram distribuídas uniformemente pelos braços do ensaio. A incidência de hipertensão foi significativamente menor em 372 participantes do estudo alocados para diuréticos em comparação com 358 alocados para placebo (taxa de risco 0,56, IC 95% 0,38–0,82), resultando em uma incidência cumulativa de 11,7% no braço diurético versus 19,5% no braço braço placebo (P = 0,004). Eventos adversos; níveis de glicose no sangue, hemoglobina glicosilada, creatinina e microalbuminúria; e incidência de diabetes mellitus não foram diferentes entre os 2 braços. A massa ventricular esquerda avaliada por meio da voltagem de Sokolow-Lyon e do produto voltagem-duração diminuiu em maior extensão em participantes alocados para terapia diurética em comparação com placebo (P = 0,02). Conclusões Uma combinação de baixa dose de clortalidona e amilorida reduz efetivamente o risco de hipertensão incidente e afeta beneficamente a massa ventricular esquerda em pacientes com pré-hipertensão.

Introduction - Singling out high-risk patients from the diverse hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and not only preeclampsia, is a challenge for clinicians. The fullPIERS model is a simple and low-cost evaluation instrument using clinical variables to stratify the adverse outcomes probability of pregnant women with high-risk preeclampsia. Placental growth factor (PlGF) levels are reduced in preeclampsia and are increasingly being used as a biomarker in the assessment of this disease. Objectives - The aim of the study is to evaluate the performance of the fullPIERS model and PlGF to predict adverse outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods - A prospective cohort study carried out at a teaching hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil enrolling pregnant women admitted with a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg from the 20th week of gestation. First 48 hours of admission worst clinical and laboratory data were recorded and the development of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes scrutinised up to 14 days. Admission maternal plasma PlGF concentrations were measured. Results – A total of 405 women were enrolled. From the 351 women included in the fullPIERS model analysis, 20 (5%) developed at least one of the combined maternal adverse outcomes. The fullPIERS model had poor outcomes discrimination at 48h [AUC 0.639 (95% CI 0.458-0.819)]. At the seventh admission day, the model’s accuracy was even lower [AUC 0.612 (95% CI 0.440-0.783)]; the model’s discriminative ability remained similar [AUC 0.637 (95% CI 0.491-0.783)] at 14 days. Calibration of the fullPIERS model was poor: slope - 0.35 (95% CI 0.08-0.62), intercept -1.13 (95%CI -2.4-0.14). PlGF analysis included 392 women. PlGF < 5th percentile predicted maternal adverse outcomes within 48h in women with gestation < 35 weeks with sensitivity of 0.80, NPV of 0.98 and AUC ROC of 0.672 (CI 95%0.5-0.9). The threshold of

Cisplatin is one of the most active cytotoxic agents in the treatment of cancer, but its clinical use is frequently limited by nephrotoxicity. The study presented here attempted to evaluate the effect of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate in the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The drugs were administered intraperitoneally as a single dose: sodium chloride 0.9%, cisplatin (6 mg/kg), fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (500 mg/kg), and cisplatin plus fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (6 and 500 mg/kg, respectively). The use of cisplatin resulted in significant elevation of serum creatinine and urea. The group that received cisplatin plus fructose-1,6-bisphosphate presented a significantly lower level of creatinine and urea compared to the cisplatin group. Acute tubular necrosis was demonstrated in the animals that received cisplatin and a less severe one in the cisplatin plus fructose-1,6-bisphosphate group. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate has a protective effect over renal function and renal parenchyma in a rat experimental model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The anti-inflammatory effect of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate confirms its protective effect in cases of cellular injury.

Patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) undergoing haemodialysis (HD) are repeatedly exposed to stress and pain from approximately 300 punctures per year to their arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Repeated AVF punctures lead to a considerable degree of pain, due to the calibre and length of the bevel of fistula needles. Pain is a sensitive, emotional and subjective experience. The objective of this study was to measure pain associated with AVF needling. The analogue visual scale (AVS) divided into 10 equal parts (0 indicating lack of pain, and 10 unbearable pain) was used. Patients(7) perceptions were measured in three different HD sessions. Pain was considered mild during AVF needling. The buttonhole technique caused a mean degree of pain of 2.4 (+/-1.7), compared to 3.1 (+/-2.3) using the conventional ropeladder technique. Although without reaching a statistically significant difference, diminished pain was associated with the buttonhole technique.

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is currently the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease. As the successful transplantation improves the physical and mental quality of life, it is expected that the transplant recipient should play a productive role in the society. The present study evaluates the occurrence and predictors of employment after kidney transplantation. Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study in which 272 adult kidney recipients assisted in a Brazilian Southern state were evaluated. Results: At the moment of the interview, 29% of the patients were employed. After analysis with logistic regression, the predictors of employment were male sex (OR 4.04; 95% CI 1.99–8.23), pre-transplant employment for non-diabetic (OR 4.35; 95% CI 3.79–4.99), diabetes for individuals who worked while on dialysis (OR 0.06; 95% CI 0.008–0.5), high educational level for individuals with mental quality of life scores above the 25th percentile (OR 3.06; 95% CI 2.98–3.14 for 50th percentile of mental quality of life). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test was of 3.33 (p = 0.91). Conclusion: The participation of the kidney transplant recipients with functioning graft into the work force in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul is low, being predicted mainly by sociodemographic factors. It was not detected any influence of patient perception of his/her physical conditions or other clinical variables, except for the presence of diabetes.

Imbalance in hemostatic mechanisms can occur during pregnancy with a tendency for hypercoagulability and increased thrombosis risk. Pregnant women with hypertensive disorder, especially preeclampsia, show alterations in platelet indexes. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) has been suggested as a sensitive index for monitoring changes in platelet production and destruction.To evaluate the IPF in patients diagnosed with a gestational hypertensive disorder (GHD).A cross-sectional study was conducted at an University Hospital to estimate maternal blood IPF index in 99 pregnant women, divided into three groups: normotensive pregnancy (NP), preeclampsia syndrome (PES), and non-proteinuric hypertensive pregnancy (nPHP). Following ethical approval and written informed consent, samples were collected from 33 NP, 34 PES, and 32 nPHP women. Platelet indexes were measured by fluorescent flow cytometry.IPF and mean platelet volume (MPV) counts in GHD were significantly higher than in NP (IPF: 3.8, 2.4-5.1%; 8.6, 5.8-10.6%; 7.3, 4.2-10.2%; p0.001 and MPV: 10.6 ± 0.9 fL; 12.1 ± 1.0 fL; 11.6 ± 1.0 fL; p0.001 for NP, PES, and nPHP, respectively). No difference was detected between PES and nPHP groups. The distribution of patients with an IPF above 6.1%for NP, PES, and nPHP was 9%, 65%, and 43.8%, respectively (p0.001). IPF as a test to differentiate GHD from the controls achieved an area under the curve of 0.83 on a receiver operating characteristics curve.A distinct profile in platelet indexes was detected in hypertensive pregnancies. It suggests that these markers could be used in daily routine as an additional tool in the management of pregnant women.

Objectives: To describe a case of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome diagnosed in pregnant women with late-eclampsia, as well as its clinical management. Case description: A 34 years old patient in her third pregnancy had started with high blood pressure levels during labor; after eleven days postpartum, she presented a decreased right visual acuity; subsequently one episode of seizure followed by partial loss of vision in the right eye. After conducting tests and ruled out stroke, the patient was diagnosed as Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Established the clinical management of seizures and hypertensive crisis, there was complete remission of symptoms and reversal of the initial clinical picture. Conclusion: Once properly diagnosed and treated, the Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome can present satisfactory progress, especially when associated with an acutely triggered factor, as eclampsia.

OS080. Maternal and fetal lipoprotein concentrations and expression of placental lipoprotein transporters in preeclampsia and normotensive controls M.R. Hentschke , C.E. Poli-de-Figueiredo , L.O. Kurlak , P.J. Williams , H.D. Mistry 2 (Nephrology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Women’s Health, King’s College London, United Kingdom, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom, Human Genetics Research Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom)

Background Estimating kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is of utmost importance in many clinical conditions. However, very few studies have evaluated the performance of GFR estimating equations over all ages and degrees of kidney impairment. We evaluated the reliability of two major equations for GFR estimation, the CKD-EPI and Schwartz equations, with urinary clearance of inulin as gold standard. Methods and Findings The study included 10,610 participants referred to the Renal and Metabolic Function Exploration Unit of Edouard Herriot Hospital (Lyon, France). GFR was measured by urinary inulin clearance (only first measurement kept for analysis) then estimated with isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)–traceable CKD-EPI and Schwartz equations. The participants’ ages ranged from 3 to 90 y, and the measured GFRs from 3 to 160 ml/min/1.73 m2. A linear mixed-effects model was used to model the bias (mean ratio of estimated GFR to measured GFR). Equation reliability was also assessed using precision (interquartile range [IQR] of the ratio) and accuracy (percentage of estimated GFRs within the 10% [P10] and 30% [P30] limits above and below the measured GFR). In the whole sample, the mean ratio with the CKD-EPI equation was significantly higher than that with the Schwartz equation (1.17 [95% CI 1.16; 1.18] versus 1.08 [95% CI 1.07; 1.09], p < 0.001, t-test). At GFR values of 60–89 ml/min/1.73 m2, the mean ratios with the Schwartz equation were closer to 1 than the mean ratios with the CKD-EPI equation whatever the age class (1.02 [95% CI 1.01; 1.03] versus 1.15 [95% CI 1.13; 1.16], p < 0.001, t-test). In young adults (18–40 y), the Schwartz equation had a better precision and was also more accurate than the CKD-EPI equation at GFR values under 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR: 0.32 [95% CI 0.28; 0.33] versus 0.40 [95% CI 0.36; 0.44]; P30: 81.4 [95% CI 78.1; 84.7] versus 63.8 [95% CI 59.7; 68.0]) and also at GFR values of 60–89 ml/min/1.73 m2. In all patients aged ≥65 y, the CKD-EPI equation performed better than the Schwartz equation (IQR: 0.33 [95% CI 0.31; 0.34] versus 0.40 [95% CI 0.38; 0.41]; P30: 77.6 [95% CI 75.7; 79.5] versus 67.5 [95% CI 65.4; 69.7], respectively). In children and adolescents (2–17 y), the Schwartz equation was superior to the CKD-EPI equation (IQR: 0.23 [95% CI 0.21; 0.24] versus 0.33 [95% CI 0.31; 0.34]; P30: 88.6 [95% CI 86.7; 90.4] versus 29.4 [95% CI 26.8; 32.0]). This study is limited by its retrospective design, single-center setting with few non-white patients, and small number of patients with severe chronic kidney disease. Conclusions The results from this study suggest that the Schwartz equation may be more reliable than the CKD-EPI equation for estimating GFR in children and adolescents and in adults with mild to moderate kidney impairment up to age 40 y., In this retrospective cross-sectional study, Luciano da Silva Selistre and colleagues compare Schwartz and CDK-EPI equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate in patients of different ages and degrees of renal impairment., Editors' Summary Background Throughout life, our kidneys filter waste products (from food and from the normal breakdown of tissues) and excess water from our blood to make urine. If our kidneys stop working for any reason, the rate at which they filter the blood (the glomerular filtration rate, or GFR) decreases, and dangerous amounts of creatinine and other waste products build up in the blood. Kidneys can stop working suddenly, but in chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that affects more than 10% of the world’s population, kidney function declines gradually over many years. The symptoms of CKD, which rarely occur until the disease is very advanced, include tiredness, swollen feet, and frequent urination, especially at night. CKD cannot be cured, but its progression can be slowed by controlling high blood pressure and diabetes and by adopting a healthy lifestyle; the same interventions also reduce the chance of CKD developing in the first place. Why Was This Study Done? CKD is linked with an increased risk of end-stage renal (kidney) disease and cardiovascular disease. Early identification of CKD can prevent these life-threatening complications, so clinical practice guidelines have been proposed for the diagnosis and management of CKD in the general population. The assessment of GFR is central to these guidelines. GFR can be measured by infusing inulin, a compound that is eliminated from the body by glomerular filtration, into the blood and measuring its rate of appearance in the urine. However, in routine clinical practice, GFR is usually estimated from blood creatinine levels using a GFR estimating equation (creatinine levels vary considerably within and between individuals, so an equation is needed to convert measured creatinine levels into GFR estimates). Examples of creatinine-based GFR estimation equations include the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation and the Schwartz equation, which were developed in middle-aged adults and children, respectively. Few studies have evaluated the performance of such equations over all ages and levels of kidney impairment, so here the researchers assess the reliability of the CKD-EPI and Schwartz equations for estimating GFR in children, adolescents, and adults. What Did the Researchers Do and Find? In 10,610 individuals referred to a single French hospital because of suspected or established kidney disease or before kidney donation, the researchers compared GFR measured by inulin clearance with GFR estimated using the CKD-EPI and Schwartz equations. They evaluated the reliability of each equation by calculating the average (mean) ratio of estimated GFR to measured GFR (a ratio of 1 indicates that the equation yielded GFR values identical to those from the gold-standard inulin clearance test) and by assessing the precision and accuracy of the estimated GFR values: the precision of a measurement indicates its reproducibility and reliability; the accuracy of a measurement indicates its closeness to the true value of a quantity. Across all the participants, the mean ratio of estimated GFR to measured GFR with the Schwartz equation was nearer to 1 than the mean ratio for the CKD-EPI equation. Among participants of all ages with measured GFR values indicating mild loss of kidney function, the mean ratio obtained with Schwartz equation was also nearer to 1 than that obtained with the CKD-EPI equation. Among young adults (18–40 years old) with measured GFR values indicating mild to moderate loss of kidney function, the Schwartz equation had better precision and was more accurate than the CKD-EPI equation, but, in all patients aged ≥65 years, the CKD-EPI equation performed better than the Schwartz equation. Finally, in children and adolescents, the Schwartz equation performed better than the CKD-EPI equation. What Do These Findings Mean? Several aspects of this study (for example, its single-site setting and the low numbers of participants with severe CKD) may limit the accuracy and generalizability of its findings. However, these findings suggest that the Schwartz equation may be more reliable than the CKD-EPI equation for estimating GFR in children and adolescents and in adults up to 40 years old with mild to moderate kidney impairment. Up to now, there has been no consensus about when physicians should switch from using the Schwartz equation (which was developed in children) to using the CKD-EPI equation (which was developed in middle-aged adults) to estimate GFR in their patients. The findings of this study might therefore help physicians decide when to make this switch, thereby improving clinical decision-making and possibly helping to reduce the global burden of CKD. Additional Information This list of resources contains links that can be accessed when viewing the PDF on a device or via the online version of the article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001979. The UK National Health Service Choices website provides information for patients on chronic kidney disease, including information on screening for and diagnosing CKD and some personal stories about the disease The US National Kidney Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, provides information about chronic kidney disease and about the estimation of glomerular filtration rates (in English and Spanish) The US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases provides links to information about all aspects of kidney disease and information on creatinine-based GFR estimation equations; the US National Kidney Disease Education Program provides resources to help improve the understanding, detection, and management of kidney disease (in English and Spanish) World Kidney Day, a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations, aims to raise awareness about kidneys and kidney disease Clinical guidelines for the evaluation and management of CKD produced by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes not-for-profit foundation are available MedlinePlus provides links to additional resources about kidney diseases

Objective This study was undertaken to evaluate erythrocyte membrane transport of L-arginine in pregnancy and immediately postpartum. Study design The study comprised 103 women with normal pregnancy, initially evaluated at the second trimester (II), followed into the third trimester (III), and immediately postpartum (PP). Total erythrocyte L-arginine uptake was measured with 14 C-L-arginine, at 37°C, for 3 minutes. The maximal transport capacity (V max ) and half-saturation constant (K m ) were obtained with the use of Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Results are expressed as mean±SD. Analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test, was used in statistical analysis (α≤.05). Results V max (μmol/L cells per hour) progressively increased at each consecutive time period: 779±283, 946±289, and 1349±390, at II, III, and PP, respectively ( P m (μmol/L) values increased from 56±20 at time II, to 62±18 at time III, and 69±24 at PP ( P Conclusion Total erythrocyte L-arginine uptake (V max and K m ) increases progressively along normal pregnancy, with a further increase immediately postpartum.

Introduction The fullPIERS model is an instrument of simple evaluation and low-cost that uses clinical variables to stratify pregnant women with preeclampsia at high risk for adverse outcomes. However, differentiating high-risk patients amongst the variety presentations of hypertension disorders of pregnancy (HDP), not only preeclampsia, represents a daily challenge for obstetricians. Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of the fullPIERS model as a predictor of maternal and fetal adverse outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods This is a prospective cohort ongoing at the obstetric unit of a teaching hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Pregnant women, after 20 weeks of gestation, admitted to the hospital with systolic blood pressure ⩾ 140 and/or diastolic blood pressure ⩾ 90 mmHg were enrolled. Women in active labor at the moment of hospital admission were excluded. The worst clinical and laboratory data from the first 48 hours after admission were recorded. Development of maternal and perinatal outcomes was observed for 14 days. Classification into HDP categories (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, chronic hypertension and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia) was completed after delivery. Results • Until this moment, seventy-nine women were included to the study. Thirteen (16.5%) with gestational hypertension, 44 (55.5%) with preeclampsia, 11 (14%) with superimposed preeclampsia and 11 (14%) with chronic hypertension. • Thirty three (42%) women had at least one adverse outcome. Elevated liver enzymes was the most common adverse outcome, occurring in 28 (35%) women. • The group with gestational hypertension had a significant lower incidence of adverse maternal outcomes (2 cases, 15%) when compared to preeclampsia (20 cases, 45.5%) (p 0.05) and superimposed preeclampsia patients (6 cases, 54.5%) (p 0.05). There were no differences comparing development of adverse outcomes between preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia groups, or comparing the chronic hypertensive group (5 cases, 45.5%) with any of the other groups. • Twelve (15%) newborns were admitted to intensive care unit and four (5%) neonatal deaths occurred. Women with preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia had more perinatal adverse outcomes when compared to other groups (p 0.009). • The fullPIERS model did not demonstrate association with the development of maternal adverse outcomes during the 14 days of follow-up. On the other hand, fullPIERS model predicted adverse fetal outcomes within 14 day of eligibility (AUC ROC 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.89). The classification accuracy of fullPIERS was fair. Using a predicted probability of 0.16 as a threshold, fullPIERS obtained a specificity of 80% and a negative predictive value of 90%, whereas correctly classified 54% of women who subsequently had events as being at high risk. Conclusions In our study, fullPIERS model could not predict maternal adverse outcomes within 14 days of hospital admission in women with different categories of HDP. However, we demonstrated that fullPIERS had a reasonable discrimination predicting fetal adverse outcomes in the same period. The main limitation of this study is the small sample size, especially in view of the broad spectrum of pregnant women with elevated blood pressure included. Nonetheless, the elevated rate of adverse outcomes in our sample corroborates to the need for studies that can be generalized to the women with HDP presenting with different features at obstetric units.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in chronic renal failure in patients on hemodialysis (HD). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of oral sildenafil (50 mg) administered as required in HD patients with ED was designed. Patients on HD for at least 6 mo and who had a stable relationship with a female sexual partner were included. Patients older than 70 yr with penile anatomic abnormalities, cirrhosis, diabetes, angina, severe anemia, and those who were on nitrate treatment or with a recent history of stroke or myocardial infarction were not included. The International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) was employed to evaluate ED and treatment response. Forty-one patients were evaluated (21 received placebo, and 20 sildenafil). Baseline clinical and demographic parameters were similar in both groups. Sildenafil was associated with improvement in the score of all questions and domains of the IIEF, except those related to sexual desire. Using the erectile function domain to evaluate primary efficacy, improvement was observed in 85% of the sildenafil patients compared with 9.5% of placebo patients. Sildenafil use resulted in normal EF scores in 35% of sildenafil patients. Sildenafil was well tolerated. Headaches and flushing occurred in both groups. Dyspepsia was reported by two patients in the sildenafil group. In conclusion, oral sildenafil seems to be an effective and safe treatment for ED in selected patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis.

To determine the correlation between protein-to-creatinine ratio and 24-h urinary protein, proteinuria was measured in 45 patients attending a public HIV clinic in Porto Alegre, Brazil, using 24-h urinary protein excretion (24hUP) and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio. Spearman’s correlation test was done to evaluate the association between spot protein-to-creatinine ratio and 24hUP. The limits of agreement between the two methods were analysed by the Bland–Altman method. For protein excretion

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between pre-eclampsia and blood groups in a group of pregnant women hospitalized in a University Hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil -Hospital São Lucas (HSL)/PUCRS. \ud Study design: Our sample consisted of 10.040 pregnant women admitted to the maternity department of HSL between 2005 and 2010. The patients were reviewed retrospectively for inclusion. Medical records of 414 women were diagnosed as preeclampsia/eclampsia and were identified 9611 women to the control group. The patients were divided into two groups: the group with preeclampsia/eclampsia and the control group, and their blood groups were considered. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 17.0. Categorical data were summarized by counts and percentages, with the statistical significance evaluated by the Chi-square test. The null hypothesis was rejected when p0.05). \ud Conclusions: When we adopted stricter criteria for pre-eclampsia and a large sample from the same region we noted that the results did not show any association between blood groups and the development of pre-eclampsia.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiologic entity not yet understood, that presents with transient neurologic symptoms and particular radiological findings. Few papers show the differences between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. We review the cases of 38 women diagnosed with PRES, in order to find significant differences between pregnant (18) and non-pregnant (20) patients. We found differences among the age of patients (25.83 years old in pregnant and 29.31 years old in non pregnant; P=0.001); in the mean of highest systolic blood pressure, that was higher in non-pregnant group (185:162 mmHg; P=0.121); and in creatinine levels that was higher in non-pregnant group (3.47:1.04 mg/dL; P=0.001). To our knowledge, just a few papers analyzed whether PRES syndrome presented in the same way in pregnant and non-pregnant patients. The differences and the possible pathophisiology of this syndrome still remain enigmatic.

Objectives Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be one of the mechanism involving in pre-eclampsia manifestation. Likewise, one of the inflammatory mediators involved in this process is interleukin (IL)-6, a mediator synthesized by mononuclear phagocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts in response to inflammatory stimuli. IL-6 has been described increased in women with pre-eclampsia. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between endothelial dysfunction (by flow-mediated dilatation) and IL-6 levels in women with pre-eclampsia. Methods Following ethical approval, a written consent was obtained from 21 women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. Endothelial function was evaluated by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation. IL-6 was quantified using MagPlexTH-C - microspheres system, in maternal plasma. Pre-eclamptic groups was divided into altered (n = 9) and normal (n = 12) endothelial function, considering a cutoff point of 10%, below or above, respectively. The Mann–Whitney U-tests was carried out to compare the IL-6 values between pre-eclamptic groups. Correlations between the parameters were tested with a Spearman’s Rank correlation tests. The null hypothesis was rejected when p Results Higher levels of IL-6 was observed in altered flow-mediated dilatation test group in relation to normal endothelial group (median [IQR]): 4.34 pg/mL [3.38; 6.22] and 2.56 pg/mL [1.57; 3.67]; p = 0.028, respectively. When an analysis was made between flow-mediated dilatation levels and IL-6, a negative correlation was found (r = −0.514, p = 0.017). Conclusions As expected in patients with pre-eclampsia, a high inflammatory response showed a low flow-mediated dilatation. The significant correlation between a potential clinical prediction method and a well-known inflammatory cytokine support the importance of working not only with one potential biomarker to predict pre-eclampsia, but also, with a group of molecules and/or techniques, in order to increase the chance to diagnose the disease as early in pregnancy as possible – before signals and symptoms. Disclosures M.R. Hentschke: None. M.C. Vieira: None. E.V. da Cunha Filho: None. J. Guaragna: None. C.E. Poli de Figueiredo: None. B.E. Pinheiro da Costa: None.

Objectives To analyze Endocan-1 levels (biomarker/predictor of vascular endothelial related pathologies) in maternal/fetal plasma and placentae in women with pre-eclampsia compared to normotensive controls, in the third trimester of pregnancy; and correlate de results with maternal and fetal data. Methods Endocan-1 levels were measured in maternal/fetal plasma and placentae from normotensive (n = 67) and pre-eclamptic (n = 50) women. It was quantified using MagPlexTH-C microspheres system and analyzed by ANCOVA adjusted by BMI, gestational age and maternal age. Finner-Bonferroni multiple testing was applied when pre-eclamptic group was stratified. To estimate the difference between groups, mean ratio (MR) and confidence interval (CI) of 95% was calculated. Analysis between Endocan-1 levels and maternal/fetal variables were made by Pearson correlation. The null hypothesis was rejected when p Results Higher levels of Endocan-1 were found in maternal plasma in pre-eclamptic group (MR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19–1.85, p = 0.001), with a moderate effect size (Cohen’s D = 0.84). No difference was found for fetal plasma and placenta. When pre-eclamptic group was stratified, maternal Endocan-1 levels were increased in all subgroups: gestational age, cutoff: 37 and 34 weeks (p = 0.002; p = 0.001); systolic blood pressure, cutoff: 160 mmHg (p = 0.002) and proteinuria, cutoff: 0.5 and 2.0 (p = 0.002, for both). Also, as higher Endocan-1 levels in maternal and fetal plasma, lower the newborn weights (pre-eclampsia: r = −0.42; normotensive: r = −0.281), placental weight (pre-eclampsia: r = −0.34; normotensive: r = −0.289) and gestational age at birth (pre-eclampsia: r = −0.382; normotensive: r = −0.260), p Conclusions Endocan-1 is a cytokine that reveals an endothelial activation. It was shown increased in patients with pre-eclampsia for all subgroups, which highlight the importance of the studying of this molecule throughout the gestational period, as a possible biomarker. The negative correlations between Endocan-1 and clinical data suggest that this molecule may also be involved with prematurity and low birth weight. Disclosures M.R. Hentschke: None. L.S. Lucas: None. H.D. D. Mistry: None. B.E. Pinheiro da Costa: None. C.E. Poli-de-Figueiredo: None.

Objectives A hypoxic placenta may release factors that result in maternal endothelial dysfunction, among which, leptin seems to participate. The aim of this study was evaluate the association of leptin levels in placenta, maternal and umbilical cord plasma between normotensive controls and pre-eclamptic women. Methods Placental biopsies, maternal and umbilical cord plasma were taken from 67 normotensive and 50 pre-eclamptic women. Leptin levels were quantified using MagPlexTH-C – microspheres system. The leptin concentration was analyzed by ANCOVA adjusted by BMI, gestational age and maternal age. To estimate the difference between groups, mean ratio (MR) and confidence interval (CI) of 95% was calculated. Analysis between leptin levels and maternal/fetal variables were made by Pearson correlation. The null hypothesis was rejected when p Results Higher levels of leptin were found in maternal plasma (MR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.00–1.97, p = 0.049) and placenta (MR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.11–2.98, p = 0.019) in patients with pre-eclampsia. A positive correlation between gestational age, birth weight vs. fetal leptin levels in pre-eclamptic group was found ( r = 0.416, r = 0.618; p r = 0.36, p r = 0.344, p = 0.021). No correlation was found between placenta vs. fetal plasma or fetal plasma vs. maternal plasma. Conclusions Leptin values in patients with pre-eclampsia were significantly increased in maternal plasma and placental tissue. Besides that, the positive correlation not observed between placentae and maternal leptin levels in pre-eclamptic group may be due to a loose of this regulation in pre-eclampsia, and should be considered for future work. Finally, a strong positive correlation in relation to clinical data and fetal leptin concentration, in pre-eclamptic group, intensify the possibility of leptin being also involved in preterm birth and birth weight, when pre-eclampsia is presented. Disclosures M.R. Hentschke: None. A.B. Comparsi: None. L.S. Lucas: None. F. Sontag: None. G. Gadonski: None. L.G. Paula: None. C.E. Poli-de-Figueiredo: None. B.E. Pinheiro da Costa: None.

INTRODUCAO: A peritonite continua sendo a maior complicacao para os pacientes em dialise peritoneal (DP). OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as taxas de peritonite por episodio/ano (ep./ ano), ep./ano por microrganismo causador e pela mediana do numero de peritonites nos pacientes em dialise peritoneal do Servico de Nefrologia do Hospital Sao Lucas da PUCRS. METODOS: Estudo retrospectivo e descritivo, no qual a amostra foi composta de pacientes que fizeram dialise peritoneal no Servico de Nefrologia do HSL no periodo de 1984 a agosto de 2012; foram considerados somente os que possuiam dados completos. RESULTADOS: Dos 427 pacientes analisados, 53,2% eram do sexo feminino, com idade media de 48,0 ± 19,9 anos, 13% (56) de diabeticos e 71,5% (303) dos pacientes realizavam seu proprio tratamento. Ocorreram 503 episodios de peritonite e 255 pacientes tiveram pelo menos uma peritonite. Staphylococcus coagulase negativo foi o microrganismo mais prevalente. As causas de saida de tratamento foram obito, transplante renal e peritonite, com 34,4, 25,8 e 19,2%, respectivamente. A taxa de peritonite foi de 0,63 ep./ano e ep./ ano por microrganismo foi de 0,18 ep./ ano para Staphylococcus coagulase negativo, e de 0,12 ep./ano para Staphilococcus aureus e Gram negativos. A mediana da unidade foi de 0,41. CONCLUSAO: A taxa de peritonite ep./ano, e a mediana dos pacientes estudados encontram-se dentro do minimo preconizado, mas abaixo das metas sugeridas, assim como a caracterizacao de ep./ano por microrganismo.

Objective:Characterize a group of women that developed eclampsia and to compare it with a group that had preeclampsia focusing in maternal serum uric acid and proteinuria-to-creatininuria ratio.Design and method:The records of patients delivered at Hospital Sao Lucas/Pontificia Universidade Catolica

Introduction Many markers have been studied to improve the understanding of preeclampsia (PE) pathophysiology. PlGF stands out as an important marker to predict PE. We hypothesized that PlGF could be associated with the severity of the disease. Objectives To analyze PlGF levels in maternal plasma in normotensive and preeclamptic women, in the third trimester of pregnancy, and evaluate severity parameters in PE group with levels of PlGF, and correlate PlGF levels with maternal and fetal variables. Methods Case-control study that included 117 pregnant women (50 with PE and 67 in the control group). After consent of the patients, maternal plasma samples were collected and stocked at −80°C until the time of the analysis. The PlGF was quantified using MagPlexTH-C microspheres system and analyzed using ANCOVA adjusted by body mass index, gestational age (GA) and maternal age. PE group was stratified in relation to GA (cut point in 34wks) and proteinuria levels (proteinuria/creatininuria ratio – P/C, cut point in 0.5). Variables as newborn and placental weight; systolic and diastolic blood pressure were correlated to PlGF levels. To estimate the difference between groups, mean ratio (MR) and confidence interval (CI) of 95% was calculated. Analysis between PlGF levels were made by Pearson correlation. The null hypothesis was rejected when p Results There was a 62% reduction of PlGF levels in pregnant women with PE (excluding superimposed PE and HELLP Syndrome) in relation to the control group (MR=0,38; CI 95%: 0.15–0.95; p =0.041). When the PE group was stratified, PlGF levels were significantly lower in the group with PE with GA p =0.018), and those with P/C⩾0.5 vs. P/C p =0.027). It was also observed a correlation between PlGF levels and the newborn and placenta weight ( r =0.510, p r =0.331, p r =−0.352, p r =−0.360, p Conclusion It was found that the PlGF levels were significantly reduced in maternal plasma when GA 0.5. Also, it was observed a direct correlation between PlGF and weight of placenta and the newborn, and a negative correlation with blood pressure. Thus, in view of the findings presented, the question is if PlGF besides being studied with focus on the prediction of PE, could also be inserted in the context of the disease severity.