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The quality of life and patient survival rate in terminal chronic renal insufficiency depends on the duration of vascular approaches. Dialysis catheters are used to establish an adequate vascular approach when emergency hemodialysis is indicated and when all approaches are exhausted. Complications of CVC can be classified into three categories: mechanical (hematoma, arterial puncture, pneumothorax, hemothorax, catheter misplacement, and stenosis), infectious (insertion site infection, CVC colonization, and bloodstream infection) and thrombotic (deep vein thrombosis). Despite the increasing prevalence of haemodialysis patients with complex access issues, there remains no consensus on the definition of vascular access failure or end-stage vascular access. The dilema in these cases remains whether the generalized vascular insufficiency is the cause or a complication of exhausted vascular accesses. This case report is one of the examples of combined complications with generalized vascular access insufficiency. During the year and a half of the chronic dialysis program, the patient had several changes of vascular approaches, and each approach became dysfunctional in certain time due to various causes. After six months of successful hemodialysis, the patient was admitted with signs of infection and during hospitalization was again subjected to multiple changes of the vascular approach due to infection, thrombosis, and vascular access failure.

Objective: In the available literature data, there is not much information about problems of patients with end stage kidney disease in relation to oral health. Our objective was to show the importance of oral diseases for patients on hemodialysis. Data sources: In this review article, the sources of data are review articles and scientific articles in the English language published in MEDLINE database. The choice of studies was based on keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Hemodialysis, Oral health, Periodontal diseases. Results: It is assumed that almost 90% patients with chronic kidney disease manifest some symptoms of oral disease. Therefore, it is important to determine the impact of periodontal disease on the progression of kidney failure in these individuals, to evaluate inflammatory parameters in this patient population, to assess the degree of bone loss and periodontal disease index, to determine the presence of bacterial strains, paradontopathy of gingival fluid and antibody titers, to examine correlations of proinflammatory cytokines in the gingival sulcus and serum, as well as to determine the relationship between periodontal tissue and inflammatory mediators. Periodontal diseases can increase the possibility of developing chronic kidney disease by 1.5 to 2 times. These oral diseases include gingival hyperplasia, periodontitis, xerostomia, unpleasant breath, changes in the oral mucosa, malignancies, oral infections, dental abnormalities and bone lesions. Conclusion: This requires serious cooperation between nephrologists and dentists to make proper communication possible, in order to provide quality dental care for this growing patient population in accordance with new treatment strategies.

Objective: Many studies have reported insufficient support from surgical services, resulting in nephrologists creating arteriovenous fistulas in many centers. The aim of this study was to compare risk factors of arteriovenous fistula dysfunction in patients whose fistulas were created by nephrologists versus vascular surgeons. Methods: This was a retrospective, analytical study of interventions by nephrologists and vascular surgeons during a period of 15 years. Out of a total of 1,048 fistulas, 764 (72.9%) were created by nephrologists patients, while vascular surgeons were responsible for 284 (27.1%) fistulae. Laboratory, demographic, and clinical parameters which might affect functioning of these arteriovenous fistulae were analyzed. Results: Patients whose arteriovenous fistula was formed by nephrologists differed significantly from those created by vascular surgeons in relation to the preventive character of the arteriovenous fistula (p = 0.011), lumen of the vein (p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.047). Multivariate logistic regression of arteriovenous fistula dysfunction showed that risk factors were female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% CI 1.16–2.07), whether the fistulae were created by vascular surgeons or nephrologists (OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.01–1.89) and the site of the arteriovenous fistula (OR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.48–0.85). Conclusions: Arteriovenous fistulae created by vascular surgeons, female gender, and the location are risk factors of dysfunction.

Elderly patients with end stage kidney disease represent a challenge for surgeons to create a vascular access. Determine predictive parameters functionality of the arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis in the elderly. The study was organized as a retrospective study at the Center for Dialysis, Clinic for Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center Kragujevac. The study included patients older than 65 years with arteriovenous fistula thrombosis, in the period of four years, in which there is information on the length of the functioning fistula. The study included 48 patients, mean age 71.3±5.2 years, 29 (60%) men and 19 (40%) women. The data were analyzed according to gender and demographic structure, type of anastomosis, positioning, length of functioning fistulas, and the lumen diameter of the arteries and veins that are used to create a fistula. The median length of functioning arteriovenous fistula, based on Kaplan-Meier model, is 16 months (95% CI 6.9-25.1). Median functioning for proximaly located fistulas was 24 months (range, 1-259), while median functioning in patient with distally located fistulas was 8 months (range, 1-96). The difference in relation to the positioning of the fistula was statistically significant (p=0.006). In univariate Cox regression model, a statistically significant predictor of the functioning of arteriovenous fistulae is fistula positioning (B=0.700; p=0.022). The predictive parameter of survival of arteriovenous fistulas in elderly is proximally located fistula.

Although physical activity is an important factor in prevention of many chronic, non-infectious diseases, it is rarely used as a regular procedure in dialysis patients. Despite the guidelines on good clinical practice, recommended physical exercise as a part of routine activities is implemented in a very small number of centers. Factors that contribute to sustainable exercise programs are the professional commitment of a multidisciplinary team consisting of physiotherapist, nephrologist, geriatrist, social worker, nurse, the incentive and encouragement of the entire dialysis staff for carrying out active exercise, as well as adequate physical space and equipment, with individualization for each patient in turn. Patients with end-stage kidney disease who are in the physical treatment program show significant functional improvements, especially those associated with the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular system, as well as with the quality of life. There are no reports on serious injuries as a result of participation in the exercise program. This indicates that it is time for physical therapy to be included in the regular routine care procedure in hemodialysis patients. However, it is necessary to identify an optimal training regimen in accordance with the individual characteristics of each patient, in order to make it easier to apply the exercise program.

Introduction: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred form vascular access for hemodialysis (HD), as they have a low rate of complications and durable function. The aim of our investigation was to analyze the factors that might influence the function of AVFs. Methods: Data were taken from the computerized patient record system in the Clinic of Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia, for a 2-year period. We analyzed patients who had requested re-creation of AVFs as a secondary procedure. During this period 112 patients, 73 (65%) men and 39 (35%) women, had AVF thromboses. All relevant clinical and laboratory parameters that could affect the function and survival of AVF were evaluated. Findings: In univariate logistic regression analysis, statistically significant predictors influencing the duration of the fistula were magnesium (P

One of the main problems related to inadequate planning of vascular access is dysfunction during maturation. Arteriovenous fistula dysfunction is most often a consequence of neointimal hyperplasia. Important causes for initial dysfunction of the fistula include narrow lumens of the arteries and veins used for anastomosis, damage to the vascular endothelium during fistula creation, previous venipuncture, postoperative development of venous collaterals, the impact force of friction on the arteriovenous anastomosis, a genetic predisposition for development of vascular stenosis, neointimal hyperplasia and previously persistent venous neointimal hyperplasia. Any damage to the endothelium is a stimulus for neointimal hyperplasia. During surgery for creating the fistula, endothelial cells separate on the intima, edema appears, fibrin is deposited, leukocytes and platelets infiltrate. Spotted edema and necrosis of smooth muscle cells appear in the media. In order to determine an adequate therapeutic strategy, the pathogenesis of intimal hyperplasia has been widely considered from different aspects. It is currently based on preoperative preservation of veins and careful selection of blood vessels, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or surgical revision. Nevertheless, no current therapeutic strategies provide appropriate recommendations to improve maturation of the arteriovenous fistula. Notwithstanding considerable knowledge about the pathogenesis of venous neointimal hyperplasia, currently no prophylactic treatments would reduce its progression.

The number of elderly patients with end-stage kidney disease is on the rise. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by parenchymal fat accumulation in patients without information about alcohol abuse. The aim of our study was to determine correlation between NAFLD and cardiovascular diseases in elderly hemodialysis patients. The examination was organized as observational and cross-sectional study in elderly patients on hemodialysis. An abdominal ultrasound examination was made in order to define NAFLD. Intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries was quantified by Doppler ultrasound. Biochemical parameters, gender, anthropometric characteristics, duration, adequacy of hemodialysis, blood pressure, smoking and cardiovascular disease were determined. Respondents were divided into a group with NAFLD (37/72 patients, 51 %) and group without NAFLD (35/72 patients, 49 %). Patients with NAFLD have significantly more cardiovascular disease (p = 0.017) as well as significantly higher values of intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries (p = 0.03) in correlation with patients without NAFLD. Patients without NAFLD have a statistically lower triglyceride (p = 0.04), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.006), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.013) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (p = 0.029) compared to patients with NAFLD. Patients with cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of NAFLD; likewise, patients with NAFLD have a three times higher chance for developing cardiovascular diseases (OR 3.01). Elderly patients on hemodialysis with cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of NAFLD; likewise, patients with NAFLD have a three times higher chance for developing cardiovascular diseases.

Background.Increased lactate production is frequent in unregulated/complicated diabetes mellitus.Methods.Three groups, each consisting of 40 patients (type 2 diabetics with myocardial infarction, DM+AMI, nondiabetics suffering myocardial infarction, MI, and diabetics with no apparent cardiovascular pathology, DM group), were tested for pH, serum bicarbonate and electrolytes, blood lactate, and CK-MB.Results. Blood lactate levels were markedly higher in AMI+DM compared to MI group (4.54±1.44versus3.19±1.005 mmol/L,p<0.05); they correlated with the incidence of heart failure(ρ=0.66), cardiac rhythm disorders(ρ=0.54), oxygen saturation(ρ=0.72), CK-MB levels(ρ=0.62), and poor short-term outcome. Lactic acidosis in DM+AMI group was not always related to lethal outcome.Discussion. The lactate cutoff value associated with grave prognosis depends on the specific disease. While some authors proposed cutoff values ranging from 0.76 to 4 mmol/L, others argued that only occurrence of lactic acidosis may be truly predictive of lethal outcome.Conclusion. Both defective glucose metabolism and low tissue oxygenation may contribute to the lactate production in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction; high lactate levels indicate increased risk for poor outcome in this population comparing to nondiabetic patients. The rise in blood lactate concentration in diabetics with AMI was associated with increased incidence of heart failure, severe arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and high mortality rate.

Cannulation technique has the potential to impact arteriovenous fistula (AVF) function. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of cannulation technique on the length of the functioning AVFs in older adult patients on hemodialysis. The study included 110 participants with fistula thrombosis who had used area technique or rope ladder technique. Biochemical parameters, gender, demographic, and clinical variables were determined. Patients who used the area cannulation technique differed significantly from patients using the rope ladder technique with regard to duration of hemodialysis (p0.001), outcome of the AVF revision (p = 0.045), and positioning of the anastomosis (p = 0.013). The group that used the area cannulation technique had a longer duration of hemodialysis, proximal anastomoses, and more successful revisions of AVFs.

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred form vascular access for hemodialysis (HD), as they have a low rate of complications and durable function. The aim of our investigation was to analyze the factors that might influence the function of AVFs.Data were taken from the computerized patient record system in the Clinic of Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia, for a 2-year period. We analyzed patients who had requested re-creation of AVFs as a secondary procedure. During this period 112 patients, 73 (65%) men and 39 (35%) women, had AVF thromboses. All relevant clinical and laboratory parameters that could affect the function and survival of AVF were evaluated.In univariate logistic regression analysis, statistically significant predictors influencing the duration of the fistula were magnesium (P 0.001), triglycerides (P = 0.041), smoking (P = 0.001), antiplatelet therapy (P 0.001), and type of HD (bicarbonate vs. hemodiafiltration) (P 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression model, high concentrations of magnesium (B = 7.434; P 0.001) and antiplatelet therapy (B - 1.042; P = 0.04) were significantly associated with the length of AVF function.After successful establishment of an AVF, there is a compelling need to maintain fistula patency. Factors that affect functioning of the AVFs are presently under intense scrutiny. According to our results, some clinical factors may determine long term fistula duration, such as concentration of the magnesium and antiplatelet therapy.

Damaged glucose tolerance, prediabetes is a step ahead of the development and the development of diabetes type 2 can occur up to 10 years before overt forms of diabetes, and it's more common in the younger population. Finish line is to point to physical activity as an important risk factor for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Trated 80 patients in the endocrine clinic, Clinical Hospital Centre in Gracanica-in Lapje vilage. Respondents processed curriculum guide from the National Programme for the Prevention of type 2 diabetes, the Republic of Serbia. Respondents were performed anthropometric measurements: body weight, height, BMI. They are also used for laboratory test-glucose, OGTT. All data were analyzed statistically relevant tests. Of 80 patients, 33 (41.25%) were male and 47 (58.75%) were females. No statistical significance Hi 2 test the distribution of respondents by familial history (= 0.007, p> 0.05). Physical inactivity is registered in 16 patients (20%), while the other 64 patients are physically active. Normal fasting glucose in physically inactive respondents was 56.25% (9), and glucose greater than 7 mmol / l had 18.75% of the respondents. Positive OGTT findings in physically inactive subjects was confirmed in 62.5%, a positive OGTT findings in physically active is registered in only 5 patients (11.36%). Those with risk of type 2 diabetes (score 12 or more) of 60% were physically inactive. Moderate physical activity can significantly 'postpone' development of diabetes mellitus type 2, especially correcting weight.

Magnesium insufficiency is a pro-atherogenic factor involved in endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and vascular calcification. Our aim was to examine the role of magnesium in the development of arteriovenous fistula complications in hemodialysis. This was a retrospective clinical investigation of data from 88 patients who were divided into two groups: those with and without arteriovenous fistula complications. We examined the influence of sex, demographics, and clinical and laboratory parameters. The existence of fistula stenosis was determined by measuring Doppler flow, while B-mode ultrasound was used to detect plaques and evaluate the carotid artery intima–media thickness. Patients with arteriovenous fistula complications had significantly higher leukocyte counts (p = 0.03), platelet counts (p = 0.03), phosphate concentrations (p = 0.044), and alkaline phosphatase concentrations (p = 0.04). Patients without complications had significantly greater blood flow through the arteriovenous fistula (p

Introduction: The use of β-blockers in the treatment of patients with coronary heart disease is associated with a decrease in the frequency of angina pectoris and mortality of patients. Due to the severity of the disease and previous cardiovascular interventions, many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) use dual antiplatelet therapy to achieve greater inhibition of platelet aggregation. The influence of β-blockers on platelet aggregation in patients using antiplatelet therapy is not well understood. Objective: To examine the effect of different β-blockers on platelet aggregation in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy. Methodology: The study included 331 patients who were treated at the Department of Cardiology, Clinical Center Kragujevac during 2011. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on the type of β-blockers that were used (bisoprolol, nebivolol, metoprolol, and carvedilol). Platelet aggregation was measured using the multiplate analyzer and expressed through the value of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) test (to assess the effect of clopidogrel), ASPI test (to assess the effect of acetyl salicylic acid), TRAP test (to assess baseline platelet aggregation), and the ratio of ADP/TRAP and ASPI/TRAP ASPI/TRAP (ASPI - aranchidonic acid induced aggregation, TRAP - thrombin receptor activating peptide) representing the degree of inhibition of platelet aggregation compared to the basal value. In consideration were taken the representation of demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and cardiovascular medications between the groups. Results: Patients who used nebivolol had a significantly lower value of the ratio of ADP/TRAP (0.39 ± 0.30) compared to patients who used bisoprolol (0.48 ± 0.26; P = .038), and trend toward the lower values of ADP test (328.0 ± 197.3 vs 403.7 ± 213.2; P = .059), while there was no statistically significant difference in values of other laboratory parameters of platelet function between other groups. Conclusion: Patients with CAD on dual antiplatelet therapy who used nebivolol had significantly lower levels of residual ADP-induced platelet aggregation compared to baseline than patients who used bisoprolol.

Myeloperoxidase is a proinflammatory protein that appears as a result of increased oxidative stress. It plays an important role in the promotion and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of MPO as a predictive parameter for thrombosis of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The study involved monitoring patients with AVFs for hemodialysis over a period of 2 years. There were 41 patients, 19 (46%) men and 22 (54%) women, with mean age of 65 ± 12.7 years. Routine laboratory analyses were carried out in all respondents, including determination of MPO concentration. Gender, demographic and anthropometrical characteristics, smoking, alcohol consumption, as well as the presence of diabetic nephropathy, as an etiological factor of kidney disease, were recorded. The group of patients who developed initial thrombosis of the AVFs had significantly different values for leukocytes (8.5 ± 3.8 vs. 7.3 ± 2.1, P = 0.024), erythrocytes (2.8 ± 0.27 vs. 3.2 ± 0.65; P = 0.019), hemoglobin (88.5 ± 81 vs. 99.1 ± 6.02; P = 0.041), and myeloperoxidase (19.3 ± 4.67 vs. 11.1 ± 4.43; P = 0.007) when compared with the group without fistula thrombosis. Diabetic nephropathy (P = 0.02) characterized the group of patients with thrombosis of the fistula. Diabetic nephropathy (B = 2.53, P = 0.049) and MPO (B = 0.03, P = 0.029) were statistically significant predictors of fistula thrombosis. In our study, MPO and diabetic nephropathy were predictors of thrombosis of the AVF.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is considered a predominantly acute type 1 diabetic complica‐ tion, although it may occur in type 2 diabetes as well, particularly in patients who already have a decreased insulin secretion capacity. Stress –induced burst in catecholamine and ACTH secretion in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) promotes release of free fatty acids and their hepatic and muscular tissue utilization. The impairment in insulin-mediated intra‐ cellular glucose influx owing to the absent or insufficient pancreatic insulin secretion is the prerequisite for the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis.

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in hemodialysis (HD) is extremely high. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the intima-media thickness of carotid arteries and ED in HD patients. The survey was organized as a cross-sectional study in men aged up to 65 years, in the HD. All respondents voluntarily completed the questionnaire of the International Index of Erectile Function-5, adjusted for the Serbian language, verified routine laboratory analysis, calculated body mass index, demographic structure, duration of dialysis, the presence of hepatotropic viruses and erythropoietin therapy, smoking and drinking alcohol, determined the quality of HD, verified significantly comorbidities and measured the intima-media thickness of carotid artery using the Doppler method. The prevalence of ED in our study was 82.2%. Erectile dysfunction significantly more prevalent in older (P = 0.001) and obese patients (P = 0.047). It is significantly represented in patients with cardiovascular disease (P = 0.006), in those who consume alcohol (P = 0.04) and patients with higher values of intima-media thickness of carotid arteries (P = 0.007). Spearman's coefficient of linear correlation (ρ=-0.34, P=0.006) and linear regression (b=-2.02, P0.001) indicated a negative association between intima-media thickness and the International Index of Erectile Function score. The prevalence of ED in our patients was 82.2%, more common in older and obese patients, a significant determinant of alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease. Increased thickness of the intima media of the carotid arteries was associated with a higher incidence of ED.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) affects the quality of life and survival in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and survival parameters in patients on HD with RLS. This study was a non-randomized clinical study involving 204 patients on HD, of whom 71 were female and 133 were male. Symptoms of RLS were defined as positive responses to four questions comprising the criteria of RLS. We recorded the outcome of treatment, biochemical analyses, demographic, sexual, anthropometric and clinical characteristics in all study patients. Patients with RLS who completed the study had a significantly higher body mass index and lower intima-media thickness and flow through the arteriovenous fistula. Among patients with RLS who died, there were more smokers as well as higher incidences of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Among patients with RLS who survived, there were a greater number of patients with preserved diuresis and receiving erythropoietin therapy. Patients who completed the study had significantly higher levels of hemoglobin, creatinine, serum iron and transferrin satura-tion. Diabetes mellitus (B = 1.802; P = 0.002) and low Kt/V (B = -5.218; P = 0.001) were major predictive parameters for survival.