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The aim of this study was to investigate whether glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in nondiabetic patients is associated with hearing impairment in the general Korean population.Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2013 were used in the analyses. Participants were excluded from this study for the following reasons: they could not provide data regarding pure tone audiometry, they had ear disease, they had brain disorders, asymmetric sensory neural hearing loss (HL), or they were younger than 40 years or had diabetes mellitus. Finally, 7449 participants were included in this study.The mean HbA1c levels in the low, middle, and high tertiles were 5.3% ± 0.2%, 5.7% ± 0.1%, and 6.1% ± 0.2%, respectively. The numbers of participants in the low, middle, and high tertiles were 2808, 2509, and 2132, respectively. The low-frequency, mid-frequency, high-frequency, and average hearing thresholds were significantly increased with increasing HbA1c tertile. Linear regression analyses showed that HbA1c level in the nondiabetic participants was associated with components of metabolic syndrome. The mean numbers of metabolic syndrome components in the low, middle, and high HbA1c tertiles were 1.22, 1.53, and 2.02, respectively. The participants in the middle and high HbA1c tertiles had a 1.239- and 1.253-fold increased risk of HL, respectively, compared with those in the low HbA1c tertile.HbA1c level was associated with hearing impairment in the nondiabetic participants of this study. Therefore, the participants with high HbA1c levels should be closely monitored for hearing impairment.

Background The aim of the present study of the general population was to identify the best predictor of metabolic risk among the body index variables evaluated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or anthropometric indices including the waist to height ratio (WHtR). Patients and Methods Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2011 were used for the analyses. As a result, 15,965 participants were included in this study. The body mass (BM) index was calculated as the body weight divided by the height squared. The WHtR was calculated as the waist circumference divided by height. Body composition indices such as lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), trunk fat mass (TFM), and bone mineral content (BMC) were determined by using DEXA. Skeletal muscle mass (SM) was defined as the sum of the lean soft masses of both extremities. The LM, FM, BMC, TFM, and SM indices were calculated by dividing the total LM, total FM, total BMC, TFM, or SM by the height squared. Results The WHtR had the highest area under the curve (AUC) and was the best predictor of metabolic syndrome for both sexes. In addition, the WHtR had the highest AUCs for components of metabolic syndrome (male: AUC 0.823, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.814–0.832; female: AUC 0.870, 95 % CI 0.863–0.877). There was a small statistically significant difference in AUC between WHtR and the other indices. Multivariate logistic regression showed that male participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles had a 4.0 (95 % CI, 3.1–5.2), 9.6 (95 % CI, 7.5–12.3), and 36.1 (95 % CI, 28.0–46.4) times increased risk of metabolic syndrome compared with patients in the first quartile and female participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles had a 4.3 (95 % CI, 3.1–6.0), 18.0 (95 % CI, 13.3–24.5), and 58.5 (95 % CI, 42.9–79.9) times increased risk of metabolic syndrome compared with patients in the first quartile. Conclusion Among the BM, FM, LM, SM, TFM, and WHtR indices, WHtR is most useful to predict the presence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in the Korean population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12902-015-0075-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: Visceral fat area (VFA) using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) as a simple analyzer can be used to assess VFA, which may be associated with HL. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical relevance and usefulness of VFA using BIA as a predictor of HL. Patients and Methods: In total, 18,415 patients were recruited into our study. VFAs were measured using multi-frequency BIA. VFAs were normalized by body mass index (BMI). Participants were divided into 3 tertiles based on their VFA/BMI for both sexes. For both ears of each participant, the low-frequency (Low-Freq), mid-frequency (Mid-Freq), and high-frequency (High-Freq) values were obtained calculating the pure tone averages at 0.5 and 1 kHz, 2 and 3 kHz, and 4 and 6 kHz, respectively. The average hearing threshold (AHT) was calculated as the pure tone average at the 4 frequencies (i.e., 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz). HL was defined as AHT >40 dB. Results: The VFA/BMI had the greatest AUROC among VFA, BMI, and VFA/BMI in both sexes in this study. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, VFA/BMI tertiles were associated with all 4 hearing thresholds (i.e., Low-Freq, Mid-Freq, High-Freq, and AHT). The 4 hearing thresholds were positively correlated with VFA/BMI as a continuous variable. The odds ratio for HL increased as the VFA/BMI tertile increased. Conclusion: VFA/BMI was associated with hearing impairment in the Asian population. The participants with high VFA/BMI should be closely monitored for hearing impairment.

Background/Aims: Advances in bioimpedance analysis (BIA) technologies now enable visceral fat area (VFA) to be assessed using this method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance and usefulness of VFA as a predictor of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic syndrome (MS), using BIA. Methods: We identified 24,791 adults who underwent voluntary routine health checkups at Yeungnam University Hospital. In total 22,480 patients were recruited into our study. Participants were divided into 3 tertiles based on their VFA: low, middle, and high tertiles. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 2. Results: The higher tertile of VFA was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and male sex. Waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, blood pressure, lean mass, body fat %, and fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, GGT, AST, ALT, and uric acid levels all increased as the VFA tertile increased (P < 0.001 for all variables). The prevalence of CKD was 6.9% in the low tertile, 13.9% in the middle tertile, and 25.2% in the high tertile (P < 0.001). The prevalence of MS was 2.2% in the low tertile, 12.8% in the middle tertile, and 36.7% in the high tertile (P < 0.001). The AUROC values for VFA were higher than those for BMI and WHR. For VFA, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting CKD were 62.66% (95% CI, 61.0-64.3) and 64.22% (95% CI, 63.5-64.9), respectively, and 77.65% (95% CI, 76.3-79.0), and 68.81% (95% CI, 68.1-69.5), respectively for predicting MS. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the VFA, measured by BIA, is a simple method for predicting the risk of CKD and MS.

Background The aim of this study was to determine whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hearing thresholds in the general Korean population. Patients and Methods A total of 16,554 participants were included in this study. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, and CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate

A 55-year-old female was hospitalized for melena. The patient was suspected of having uremia symptoms. Use of a tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheter of the right internal jugular vein was planned. At one point, the wire could not be extracted or advanced. In addition, whenever the guide wire was manipulated, ventricular premature rhythms developed. Fluoroscopy revealed knotting of the guide wire in the right ventricle. A 7 French guiding catheter was inserted along the guide wire, which loosened the knotting of the guide wire. The present case shows that entrapment within the heart can develop due to use of a J-tip guide wire. If a guide wire cannot be removed despite several attempts with gentle pressure, this event should be ruled out by fluoroscopy and chest X-ray. Using of straight or curved guide wire and real-time surveillance using fluoroscopy or electrocardiography may be important to prevent this complication.

A 51-yr-old female was referred to our outpatient clinic for the evaluation of generalized edema. She had been diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). She had taken no medicine. Except for the ITP, she had no history of systemic disease. She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunosuppressions consisting of high-dose steroid were started. When preparing the patient for discharge, a generalized myoclonic seizure occurred at the 47th day of admission. At that time, the laboratory and neurology studies showed hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. Brain MRI and EEG showed brain atrophy without other lesion. The seizure stopped after the blood sugar and serum osmolarity declined below the upper normal limit. The patient became asymptomatic and she was discharged 10 weeks after admission under maintenance therapy with prednisolone, insulin glargine and nateglinide. The patient remained asymptomatic under maintenance therapy with deflazacort and without insulin or medication for blood sugar control.

The presence of peritoneal dialysate when performing bioimpedance analysis may affect body composition measurements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dialysate on body composition measurements in Asians. Forty-one patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis in our hospital peritoneal dialysis unit were included in this study. Dialysate was drained from the abdomen prior to measurement, and bioimpedance analysis was performed using multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis, with each subject in a standing position (D-). Dialysate was then administered and the measurement was repeated (D+). The presence of peritoneal dialysate led to an increase in intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), and total body water (D-: 20.33 ± 3.72 L for ICW and 13.53 ± 2.54 L for ECW; D+: 20.96 ± 3.78 L for ICW and 14.10 ± 2.59 L for ECW; P 0.001 for both variables). Total and trunk oedema indices were higher in the presence of peritoneal dialysate. In addition, the presence of peritoneal dialysate led to an overestimation of mineral content and free fat mass (FFM) for the total body; but led to an underestimation of body fat (D-: 45.80 ± 8.26 kg for FFM and 19.30 ± 6.27 kg for body fat; D+: 47.51 ± 8.38 kg for FFM and 17.59 ± 6.47 kg for body fat; P 0.001 for both variables). Our results demonstrate that the presence of peritoneal dialysate leads to an overestimation of FFM and an underestimation of fat mass. An empty abdomen is recommended when evaluating body composition using bioimpedance analysis.

A 60-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to nausea and poor oral intake. He had received distal pancreatectomy due to a traffic accident 15 years ago, and therefore, had a midline abdominal scar. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was selected for renal replacement therapy. PD catheter was inserted by a surgical method with left paramedian incision under local anesthesia. Initially, dialysate flow was good, but outflow failure developed on postoperative day nine. Even after the use of laxatives and a fibrinolytic agent to correct the catheter obstruction, the problem was not resolved. Therefore, we performed an open laparotomy. When PD catheter was examined during laparotomy, a single thick band (0.6 cm × 36 cm), without blood vessels was wrapped around it. One of the ends of this band originated from the jejunum and the other was attached on the most proximal side hole of the catheter. A band was removed surgically, and then the PD catheter was repositioned in the abdominal cavity. On post-revision Day 7, PD started again and dialysate flow was good. The pathologic finding was consistent with mesothelial cell lining sheet. Considering its location and the history of a major abdominal operation, the adhesive band or sheet may be the cause in this case.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate regression equations correcting estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the clinical significance of the corrected eGFRs calculated using these equations. Patients and Methods: The authors determined how well corrected eGFR values calculated using regression equations predict residual renal function (RRF). Results: RRF values were correlated with all eGFR values of nonanuric patients of both genders. Peritoneal creatinine clearance values were not correlated with eGFRs in anuric patients of either gender. In males, eGFR biases ranged from -5.66 to -3.25, and in females, from -5.96 to -3.21. However, these biases decreased when eGFR values were transformed to corrected eGFR values. The area under the curve of the corrected eGFR values was acceptable for a diagnosis of RRF loss. Conclusion: Corrected eGFR values obtained using these methods may provide an alternative means of predicting RRF without 24-hour urine collection.

Background: Preservation of residual renal function (RRF) is a major issue for patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Whether proteinuria is associated with a decline in RRF in patients on PD remains unclear. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the medical records at the Yeungnam University Hospital in Korea and identified patients who started PD between June 1995 and August 2011. A total of 147 non-diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups with respect to the tertile of initial proteinuria level: Low (n = 49; 822 mg/day). Results: The mean patient age was 50.2 ± 15.0 years in the Low tertile, 50.2 ± 15.4 years in the Middle tertile, and 49.0 ± 15.1 years in the High tertile. Decline in RRF during follow-up period was greater in the High tertile than that in the other tertiles (P = 0.001). The proportion of patients with RRF >50% of baseline at 24 months after the initiation of PD was 83% in the Low tertile, 66% in the Middle tertile, and 40% in the High tertile (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis after adjusting for initial RRF, age, gender, underlying disease of end-stage renal disease except diabetes mellitus, PD modality, use of icodextrin, PD-associated peritonitis, and tertile of the initial proteinuria level revealed that High tertile of the initial proteinuria level was associated with a decline in RRF (hazard ratios: 2.442 for the Middle tertile, P = 0.007 ; 3.713 for the Low tertile, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that proteinuria may be is associated with a rapid decline in RRF in non-diabetic patients on PD, although the potential role of additional factors should be further investigated in prospective studies.

Background The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) might be a useful screening tool for malnutrition in dialysis patients. However, data concerning the GNRI as a prognostic factor in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are scarce. Methods We reviewed the medical records at Yeungnam University Hospital in Korea to identify all adults (>18 years) who received PD; 486 patients were enrolled in the study. Results The initial low, middle, and high GNRI tertiles included 162, 166, and 158 patients respectively. Significant correlations were noted between the initial GNRI and body mass index, creatinine, albumin, arm circumference, fat mass index, and comorbidities. The cut-off value for the time-averaged GNRI over 1 year was 96.4, and the sensitivity and specificity for a diagnosis of a decline in lean mass were 77.1% and 40.0% respectively. A multivariate analysis adjusted for age, risk according to the Davies comorbidity index, and C-reactive protein showed that an low initial GNRI tertile was associated with mortality in PD patients. Conclusions The GNRI is a simple method for predicting nutrition status and clinical outcome in PD patients.

Background There are few reports on the nutritional status changes and residual renal function (RRF) according to proteinuria levels in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods A total of 388 patients on PD were enrolled. The patients were divided into 3 groups with respect to initial proteinuria: the A (n = 119; 3,500 mg/day). Results The patients with higher proteinuria levels had a higher incidence of male sex, diabetes mellitus, and icodextrin use than those with lower proteinuria levels. Although initial peritoneal albumin loss in C group was lower than that detected in the other groups, no significant difference was observed in peritoneal albumin loss among the 3 groups at the end of follow-up period. At the time of PD initiation, the Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was lower in the C group than in the other 2 groups. However, at the end of the follow-up period, there was no significant difference in GNRI between the 3 groups. The GNRI increased, and the proteinuria level or RRF decreased more in the C group than in the other 2 groups. There were no significant differences in lean mass index or fat mass index change from the time of PD initiation to the end of the follow-up period. However, fat mass index and nPNA showed greater increases in the C group. The multivariate analysis revealed that proteinuria was negatively correlated with GNRI at the time of PD initiation and at the end of the follow-up period. The initial RRF and proteinuria were negatively correlated with the RRF decline during the follow-up. Conclusion The attenuation of the nephrotic proteinuria, along with the RRF decline, was associated with the improvement of the malnutrition.

There are few reports on the incidence, aetiology, and mortality of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with hyponatraemia.We identified all adults (18-years-of-age) who received PD between May 2001 and March 2010. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of hyponatraemia (135 mmol/L) during follow-up. Total body water (TBW) was obtained from bioimpedance analysis. Appropriate water gain was defined as a more than 3.6% increase of the mean TBW during normonatraemia in the same patient. Aetiologies of hyponatraemia were divided into two classes according to TBW.Three hundred and eighty seven patients were enrolled in this study. Ninety nine had normonatraemia and 288 developed hyponatraemia during follow-up. Among 241 episodes with simultaneous bioelectrical impedance analysis measurement, there were 71 cases with appropriate water gain and 170 cases with non-appropriate water gain. Low residual renal function and long duration of PD were associated with development of hyponatraemia by appropriate water gain. On multivariate analysis, old age (≥65-years-of-age), hypoalbuminaemia (35 g/L), low residual renal function (2 mL/min per 1.73(2) ) and a high comorbid condition were associated with mortality in the PD patients. The patients with intermediate and high Davies index had an odds ratio of 3.25 for development of hyponatraemia during the follow-up period (95% confidence interval, 2.025-5.215; P 0.001).The prevalence of hyponatraemia increases along with the increased comorbidity status. The comorbidity conditions may be more important than hyponatraemia per se for predicting mortality. Additionally, the preservation of residual renal function may play a role in preventing hyponatraemia.

Changes in peritoneal membrane characteristics including epithelial-mesenchymal transition are an important problem in the maintenance of peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study reports a 3-year follow-up assessment of the effects of low-glucose degradation products (GDP) solution, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition.Adult patients who received continuous ambulatory PD between April 2001 and March 2007 were identified, and those who maintained on PD with the same solution for more than 3 years were included. Patients with an initial effluent score of 3 (fibroblastoid cells dominant in overnight effluent dialysate) were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups according to the dialysate: standard and low-GDP. The following were measured: cancer antigen-125, cell score, normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance, dialysate-plasma creatinine and sodium ratios, and residual renal function. Cell score and peritoneal equilibration test were measured at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the initiation of PD.Fifty patients were in the standard group and 76 in the low-GDP group. No significant difference in dialysate-plasma creatinine ratio was detected at baseline and at the end-point of follow-up between the two groups. Dialysate-plasma sodium ratio decreased significantly at the end-point of follow-up in the low-GDP group. Initial and follow-up cancer antigen-125 levels were higher in the low-GDP group. Multivariable analysis showed that low-GDP was associated with a higher cell score 3-free survival rate.The present study shows that a low-GDP solution may be associated with preserving the mesothelial cell and peritoneal membrane characteristics.

Background This study was performed to determine the clinical relevance of limb/trunk lean mass ratio (LTLM) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 534 CAPD patients. Body compositions were measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry apparatus. Results In males, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of sarcopenia were 70.3% and 85.9%, respectively. Respective values in females were 62.3% and 83.8%. The initial low LTLM tertile was associated with mortality in male CAPD patients and in female CAPD patients. Among patients who maintained CAPD for a year, the maintenance of low LTLM tertile was associated with mortality. Conclusions LTLM is associated with other lean mass indices, nutritional status, and mortality in CAPD patients. Therefore, LTLM is a novel marker that is useful for the prediction of the nutritional status and mortality in patients with CAPD.

The change in difference between bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) according to edema is an important issue for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We reviewed all adults who received PD. Patients had undergone two body composition measurements. 1108 cases were measured simultaneously by BIA and DEXA. Measurements were divided into four quartiles based on edema index. There were significant correlations and intraclass correlations between the two methods for lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM) and bone mineral content. On a simple linear regression analysis, non-standardized-βs of total LM decreased as the grade of edema index increased (from 1.008 to 0.949). Those of total FM were increased as the grade of edema index increased (from 1.034 to 1.162). Bias for total LM changed to negative and negative bias increased as the grade of edema index increased (from 0.406 kg to –2.276 kg). There was a positive bias for total FM in first quartile and increased as the grade of edema index increased (from 0.594 kg to 2.863 kg). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that BIA can measure normal hydrated LM in CAPD patients with edema. However, FM is overestimated in PD patients with edema. The difference between the two measurements increases as the grade of edema increases.

Numerous designs for tunneled hemodialysis catheter have been developed in an effort to improve catheter function and survival. In this prospective randomized controlled study, 97 patients were randomized into the palindrome catheter group (PC, n = 47) and step-tip catheter group (SC, n = 50). Demographic characteristics were not different between the two groups. The effective blood flow rates at different pump speeds were comparable between the two groups. The recirculation was low within acceptable range in both types of catheter, and hemodialysis adequacy was not different between the two groups. However, when arterial and venous blood lines were reversed, while the recirculation was significantly increased in SC, it was not increased at all in PC. The catheter dysfunction-free survival rate was significantly higher in PC than in SC (78.9% vs. 54.4% at 2 months, p = 0.008). The overall catheter survival rate was also higher in PC than in SC (90.6% vs. 68.8% at 2 months, p = 0.015). We conclude that both catheters are equally effective on the adequate hemodialysis and low recirculation. However, the PCs have advantages over the SCs in terms of lower catheter dysfunction rate, lower recirculation with reversed blood lines, higher short-term catheter survival rate.

Background: The mortality rates of end-stage renal disease patients have significantly declined over the past decade. However, there are few reports on the risk factors for mortality in stable peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients who survive for a considerable time. Patients and methods: We reviewed the medical records and identified all adult patients who received PD between April 2001 and March 2009 in our institution. The total cohort was 550 patients. Among these patients, 383 patients were enrolled as stable PD patients. Results: The cumulative survival of the stable PD patients was 91.6% at 3 years and 78.7% at 5 years. On univariate analysis, old age (≥65 years of age), hypoalbuminemia (

A 55-year-old female was hospitalized for melena. The patient was suspected of having uremia symptoms. Use of a tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheter of the right internal jugular vein was planned. At one point, the wire could not be extracted or advanced. In addition, whenever the guide wire was manipulated, ventricular premature rhythms developed. Fluoroscopy revealed knotting of the guide wire in the right ventricle. A 7 French guiding catheter was inserted along the guide wire, which loosened the knotting of the guide wire. The present case shows that entrapment within the heart can develop due to use of a J-tip guide wire. If a guide wire cannot be removed despite several attempts with gentle pressure, this event should be ruled out by fluoroscopy and chest X-ray. Using of straight or curved guide wire and real-time surveillance using fluoroscopy or electrocardiography may be important to prevent this complication.

Blind peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter instrumentation with a Tenckhoff trocar is performed without direct visualization of the peritoneum. This method requires the least equipment, it is safe and it can be performed mainly by nephrologists. We report here on our long-term experience with this method as performed by nephrologists.We reviewed the medical records at Yeungnam University Hospital in Korea and identified all the patients who had undergone blind PD catheter instrumentation with a Tenckhoff trocar by nephrologists. Four hundred and three patients were enrolled.Early complications occurred in 7.7% (four patients with pericatheter bleeding, one patient with pleural leakage, two patients with migration, two patients with omental wrapping, three patients with exit site/tunnel infection and 19 patients with peritonitis). The late mechanical complications included eight cases of hernia, three cases of catheter extrusion, five cases of leakage, four cases of migration and five cases of omental wrapping. Exit site/tunnel infection and peritonitis occurred at a rate of 0.067 and 0.40 episodes/year, respectively. The intervention free survival rate was 84.5% at one year and 63.3% at 5 years. The catheter survival rate was 96.5% at one year and 83.6% at 5 years.This study provides evidence that blind PD catheter placement with a Tenckhoff trocar requires the least equipments, and it is easy to perform. Therefore, if the general anesthesia is impossible or equipment, such as fluoroscopy and laparoscopy, were not available, this method may be an alternative choice for PD catheter placement.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Th17 and Treg cell infiltration into allograft tissue is associated with the severity of allograft dysfunction and tissue injury in acute T cell-mediated rejection (ATCMR). Seventy-one allograft tissues with biopsy-proven ATCMR were included. The biopsy specimens were immunostained for FOXP3 and IL-17. The allograft function was assessed at biopsy by measuring serum creatinine (Scr) concentration, and by applying the modified diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula, which provides the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The severity of allograft tissue injury was assessed by calculating tissue injury scores using the Banff classification. The average numbers of infiltrating Treg and Th17 cells were 11.6 ± 12.2 cells/mm2 and 5.6 ± 8.0 cells/mm2, respectively. The average Treg/Th17 ratio was 5.6 ± 8.2. The Treg/Th17 ratio was significantly associated with allograft function (Scr and MDRD eGFR) and with the severity of interstitial injury and tubular injury (P < 0.05, all parameters). In separate analyses of the number of infiltrating Treg and Th17 cells, Th17 cell infiltration was significantly associated with allograft function and the severity of tissue injury. By contrast, Treg cell infiltration was not significantly associated with allograft dysfunction or the severity of tissue injury. The results of this study show that higher infiltration of Th17 cell compared with Treg cell is significantly associated with the severity of allograft dysfunction and tissue injury.

Background. There is an increasing evidence that the presence of CD20 + B cells is associated with poor clinical outcomes in acute cellular rejection (ACR), but clinical significance of CD38 + B cells is undetermined. We attempted to examine the clinical significance of the CD38 + B cells alone or in combination with CD20 + B cells in renal transplant recipients with ACR. Methods. Fifty-four patients with ACR were included. Biopsy specimens were stained for CD20 and CD38. The clinical outcomes of CD20 or CD38 + B cells were evaluated with late-onset and repeated ACR, steroid resistance, incomplete recovery after rejection treatment, and allograft survival. Results. Twenty-three patients (42.6%) had CD20 + and 25 (46.3%) patients had CD38 + B cells. Of these, 15 patients (27.8%) were positive for both CD20 and CD38 (CD20 + CD38 + ). CD38 + patients had higher rates of late-onset or repeated ACR and incomplete recovery compared with CD38 - patients (P

BACKGROUND:Proper monitoring for volume overload is important to improve prognosis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The association between volume status and residual renal function (RRF) remains an unresolved issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the edema index and survival or RRF in incident PD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS:We identified all adults who underwent PD. The edema index was defined as the ratio of extracellular fluid to total body fluid. Participants with available data regarding survivorship or non-survivorship during the first year after PD initiation were included in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The cutoff value of the edema index for 1-year mortality was >0.371 in men and >0.372 in women. Participants were divided into two groups according to the cutoff value of their baseline edema indices: High (>cutoff value) and Low (≤ cutoff value). Survivors during the first year after PD initiation were divided into two groups according to the initial and 1-year edema index: Non-improvement (maintenance of criteria in the initial Low group during the year) and Other (all participants except those in the Non-improvement group). RESULTS:In total, 631 patients were enrolled in the present study. The cutoff value of the edema index for 1-year mortality was >0.371 in men and >0.372 in women. The respective mean initial RRF values (mL · min(-1) · 1.73 m(-2)) in the Low and High groups, respectively, were 4.88 ± 4.09 and 4.21 ± 3.28 in men (P = 0.108), and 3.19 ± 2.57 and 2.98 ± 2.70 in women (P = 0.531). There were no significant differences between groups in either sex. The respective mean RRF values at 1 year after PD initiation in the Low and High groups, respectively, were 3.56 ± 4.35 and 2.73 ± 2.53 in men, and 2.80 ± 2.36 and 1.85 ± 1.51 in women. RRF at 1 year after PD initiation was higher in the Low group than in the High group (men: P = 0.027; women: P = 0.001). In men, the cumulative 5-year survival rates were 78.7% and 46.2% in the Low and High groups, respectively, whereas in women, rates were 77.2% and 58.8% in the Low and High groups, respectively. For survivors during the first year after PD initiation, the Non-improvement group was associated with a poor survival rate compared with the Other group for both sexes. CONCLUSION:A high edema index was associated with mortality in incident PD patients at baseline and follow-up. The edema index may be used as a new marker for predicting mortality in PD patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The treatment efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is poor. This study examined the efficacy and toxicity of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in combination with transarterial chemolipiodolization (TACL) for a huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). METHODS From March 2001 to November 2004, 49 patients with advanced HCC with PVTT (size>8 cm, modified UICC stage IVa) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Twenty two patients underwent more than 2 cycles of TACL (adriamycin 50 mg/m(2), cisplatin 60 mg/m(2), 5-fluorouracil 200 mg/m(2) every 4-6 weeks) without 3D-CRT, while 27 patients underwent consecutive TACL with 3D-CRT (40-45 Gy for 4-5 weeks) that was started one week after the 1st TACL. The response was assessed by a computed tomography (CT) and the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level at 1-2 month intervals. RESULTS The objective response rates in the TACL group and TACL with 3D-CRT group were 18% and 48% at 3 months (P=0.051), and 10.5% and 42% at 6 months (P=0.024) respectively. The median survival time was 13 months and 13.5 months in TACL and TACL with 3D-CRT groups, respectively (P=0.502). The treatment response was better in the TACL with 3D-CRT group but there was no significant difference in survival between the two groups. Most toxicities in the two groups were mild, not exceeding grade 1 according to the WHO criteria. CONCLUSIONS For patients with a huge HCC with PVTT, TACL with 3D-CRT achieved some meaningful clinical benefit. Prospective controlled trials will be needed to confirm the real benefit of TACL combined with 3D-CRT.

Background Many studies have reported an association between glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in non-diabetes patients. Each component of MetS is in fact related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence and progression. Therefore, HbA1c in non-diabetic mellitus (DM) may be intrinsically associated with the prevalence of CKD. The hypothesis of the present study was that high HbA1c in non-DM patients is associated with CKD. Patients and Methods The total number of participants in this study was 24,594. The participants were divided into three groups according to their HbA1c levels: a Low group (6.0% or >42 mmol/mol). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Results The number of participants allocated to the Low, Middle, and High groups was 8,651, 4,634, and 1,387, respectively. Linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between variables. Standardized β ± standard error was 0.25 ± 0.22 for waist circumference, 0.44 ± 0.20 for fasting glucose, –0.14 ± 0.30 for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, 0.15 ± 2.31 for triglyceride levels, 0.21 ± 0.00 for systolic blood pressure, 0.10 ± 0.00 for diastolic blood pressure, and –0.22 ± 0.42 for eGFR (P < 0.001 for all variables). eGFR in non-diabetes participants was inversely associated with the HbA1c level, where eGFR decreased as HbA1c levels increased. Standardized βs were –0.04 ± 0.42 in multivariable analysis (P < 0.001). The proportion of participants with only MetS, only CKD, or both MetS and CKD was higher in the High group than in the Low and Middle groups. Conclusion High HbA1c in non-DM patients may be associated with CKD. Renal function in patients with high HbA1c levels may need to be monitored.

Background The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between various anthropometric measures and metabolic syndrome and hearing impairment in Asian women. Methods We identified 11,755 women who underwent voluntary routine health checkups at Yeungnam University Hospital between June 2008 and April 2014. Among these patients, 2,485 participants were

Protein energy wasting (PEW) is a common problem in dialysis patients. There have been few reports on the effects of regional lean mass distribution for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We reviewed the medical records and identified all adults who received PD between May 2001 and May 2011. Five hundred thirty four patients were enrolled. The clinical and laboratory data were collected at 1 and 12 months. Regional lean masses were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The limb/trunk lean mass ratio (LTLM) was defined as a value on dividing the sum of four limbs by the trunk lean mass. The mean age at the start of PD was 53.2±14.1 years. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was most common underlying disease of end-stage renal disease (49.6%). In males, the low LTLM tertile was associated with low body mass index, creatinine, arm muscle circumference, and high C-reactive protein. In females, the low LTLM tertile was associated with low creatinine and normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance. On both univariate and multivariate analysis adjusted for age, Davies risk index, and residual renal function, initial low LTLM tertile and maintenance of low LTLM were associated with mortality in PD patients. Distribution or change of regional lean mass may be more useful for predicting nutritional status. Initial low LTLM and maintenance of low LTLM were associated with mortality in PD patients. LTLM as a new marker would be useful for predicting the nutritional status and the mortality in patients on PD.

Arrhythmias are complications of tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheter insertion. Most complications associated with arrhythmias occur during guide-wire access, where the guide wire can cause traumatic damage to the conduction system of the heart. Conducting system injury in tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheter insertion often involves the right bundle, causing right bundle branch block (RBBB). Transient RBBB with sinus rhythm is not usually accompanied by abnormal vital signs. However if patients already have left bundle branch block (LBBB), new onset RBBB can cause complete atrioventricular block (AVB), which can lead to fatal complications requiring invasive treatment. We report on a patient with LBBB who developed complete AVB during hemodialysis catheter insertion.

Background/Aims The aim of this study is to measure the difference of ionized calcium between heparinized whole blood and serum. Methods We recruited 107 maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients from our hospital HD unit. The clinical and laboratory data included ionized calcium in serum and in whole blood (reference, 4.07 to 5.17 mg/dL). Results The level of ionized calcium in serum was higher than that in whole blood (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed that difference for ionized calcium was 0.5027. For the difference, the nonstandardized β was -0.4389 (p < 0.001) and the intercept was 2.2418 (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the distribution of categories of ionized calcium level between two methods (κ, 0.279; p < 0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates that whole blood ionized calcium is underestimated compared with serum ionized calcium. Positive difference increases as whole blood ionized calcium decreases. Therefore, significant hypocalcemia in whole blood ionized calcium should be verified by serum ionized calcium.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance and usefulness of the Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) as a prognostic and nutritional indicator in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the initial OPNI score: group A (n = 186, < 40), group B (n = 150, 40-45), and group C (n = 186, > 45). Group A was associated with a higher grade according to the Davies risk index than the other groups. Serum creatinine and albumin levels, total lymphocyte count, and fat mass increased with an increase in OPNI. According to the edema index, the correlation coefficient for OPNI was -0.284 and for serum albumin was -0.322. Similarly, according to the C-reactive protein (CRP), the correlation coefficient for OPNI was -0.117 and for serum albumin was -0.169. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, Davies risk index, CRP, and edema index revealed that the hazard ratios for low OPNI, serum albumin, and CRP were 1.672 (P = 0.003), 1.308 (P = 0.130), and 1.349 (P = 0.083), respectively. Our results demonstrate that the OPNI is a simple method that can be used for predicting the nutritional status and clinical outcome in PD patients.

A 44-year-old female was referred to our outpatient clinic with metabolic acidosis and vomiting. She had a history of toxic hepatitis, but no medications. On admission, her blood pressure was 120/70 mmHg with a pulse of 68 beats/min. The laboratory findings showed normal anion gap metabolic acidosis: Na 140 mmol/L, K 1.4 mmol/L, Cl 113 mmol/L, pH 7.192, and bicarbonate 12 mmol/L. The urine chemistry was pH 7.0, Na 55 mmol/L, K 14 mmol/L, and Cl 63 mmol/L (hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis of renal origin). Abdominal computed tomography revealed medullary nephrocalcinosis (Fig. 1). The renal pathology was non-specific. There was decreased net H+ secretion in the collecting tubules, resulting in a high urine pH. Acidification in the collecting tubules is primarily achieved via H secretion by luminal H+-ATPase. However, immunostaining for H+-ATPase was negative (Fig. 2). After alkali replacement with sodium bicarbonate, the serum bicarbonate recovered to above the lower normal limit (26.6 mmol/L). She was discharged in an improved condition. Figure 1 Non-contrast computed tomography shows medullary nephrocalcinosis (arrows). Figure 2 Immunostaining for aquaporin-2 and H+-ATPase in patient kidney (× 100). (A) Immunostaining for aquaporin-2 in principle cells of collecting tubule (arrows). (B) No immunostaining were observed in the collecting tubule (open arrows).

This study was done to observe the alteration of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in multiple myeloma patients according to type of tandem hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Forty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients underwent autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT) and 21 patients underwent allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT). The changes in eGFR after the two tandem HSCT modalities were different between the two groups, according to the donor of stem cells (P = 0.016). In the auto-HSCT group, the eGFR, recorded 12 months after secondary HSCT, was significantly decreased compared with the eGFR recorded before stem cell mobilization (P = 0.005). Although there was no significant difference, the trend showed that the eGFR after allo-HSCT decreased from the previous HSCT until a month after secondary HSCT. In addition, after 6 months of secondary HSCT, the eGFR recovered to the level recorded prior to the HSCT (P = 0.062). This difference may be due to total body irradiation, a calcineurin inhibitor, or maintemance therapy. Changes in renal function would be monitored closely for these patients. The recovery of the eGFR would be a main focus for the patients treated with the total body irradiation or the calcineurin inhibitor, a progressive decline of the eGFR would be also crucial for the patients treated with maintenance therapy.

Background: The acronym POEMS refers to polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes. Increased levels of cytokines, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), appear to play a pathogenic role. POEMS syndrome is progressive and eventually leads to death from neurological problem without therapy. Methods: We treated 3 patients affected by POEMS syndrome with front-line bortezomib treatment and the high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Results: Bortezomib reduced circulating levels of VEGF in sera. After a median follow-up of 18 months (range, 16∼20), all patients are alive with progressive improvement in neurological disease, skin changes, performance status and have no evidence of clonal plasmacytosis or organomegaly. Conclusion: ASCT following bortezomib treatment may be a potential treatment option for patients with POEMS syndrome.

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a sporadic disease that's c haracterized by polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, cafe-au-lait pigmentation of the skin, and multiple endocrinopathies, including sexual precocity, hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, and hypercortisolism. Recent evidence has shown that the clinical manifestations are caused by a postzygotic activating missense mutation in the gene coding for the α-subunit of Gs protein that stimulates c-AMP formation in the affected tissues. Substi tution of the Arg 201 residue in Gsα with cysteine or histidine have been identified in many MAS patients and Arg 201 to Gly or Leu mutations have also been recently identified. We identified the Arg 201 to His mutation in the gene encoding Gsα in the thyroid tissue from a 36-year-old man who was suffering with polyostotic fibro us dysplasia and hyperthyroidism. (J Kor Soc Endocrinol 21:158~164, 2006)ꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏKey Words: Arg