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Karakitsos DN, Patrianakos AP, Paraskevopoulos A, Parthenakis FI, Tzenakis N, Fourtounas C, Daphnis EK, Vardas PE. Impedance Cardiography Derived Cardiac Output in Hemodialysis Patients: A Study of Reproducibility and Comparison with Echocardiography. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 29:564-72. [PMID: 16841284 DOI: 10.1177/039139880602900604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Hemodialysis patients experience a variety of hemodynamic abnormalities that contribute to cardiovascular disease mortality which is the leading cause of death in these patients. Impedance cardiography has been utilized in order to monitor cardiac hemodynamics with lower cost and inconvenience, but it has not been appropriately validated in the hemodialysis population. Aim We repeatedly used impedance cardiography to assess short- (48 hours) and long-term (15 days) reproducibility of cardiac output measurements and we compared baseline impedance cardiography measurements with echocardiographic measurements. Patients and Methods We studied 109 stable hemodialysis patients, aged 59.70 ± 11.97 years being on hemodialysis for 67.59 ± 40.15 months, on a non-dialysis day. Cardiac output was obtained with the BioZ impedance cardiography system (Cardiodynamics, San Diego, Ca, USA). Baseline echocardiography was performed using a Hewlett-Packard Sonos 2500 (Andover, Mass., USA). Results The values of impedance cardiography derived cardiac output were 5.28 ± 0.79, 5.27 ± 0.75 and 5.25 ± 0.74 l/min at baseline (107 patients), 48 hours (107 patients) and 15 days (98 patients) respectively, showing high reproducibility. Bland and Altman analysis estimated that bias at 48 hours and at 15 days were: −0.013 (95% confidence intervals = −0.045 to 0.019) and 0.028, (95% confidence intervals = −0.044 to 0.101), respectively. In addition baseline impedance cardiography derived cardiac output was significantly correlated with the echocardiographic derived cardiac output (r = 0.9, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Impedance cardiography is a simple non invasive technique for cardiac output estimation in hemodialysis patients which has high reproducibility when performed under controlled conditions, and is closely correlated with echocardiographic measurements of cardiac output.
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Park WY, Kim SH, Kim YO, Jin DC, Song HC, Choi EJ, Kim YL, Kim YS, Kang SW, Kim NH, Yang CW, Kim YK. Serum Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Levels Predict Mortality in Patients With Peritoneal Dialysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e1249. [PMID: 26252286 PMCID: PMC4616583 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000001249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) level has been considered marker of oxidative stress as well as liver function. Serum GGT level has been reported to be associated with the mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, it is not well established whether serum GGT level is associated with all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the association between serum GGT levels and all-cause mortality in PD patients.PD patients were included from the Clinical Research Center registry for end-stage renal disease cohort, a multicenter prospective observational cohort study in Korea. Patients were categorized into 3 groups by tertile of serum GGT levels as follows: tertile 1, GGT < 16 IU/L; tertile 2, GGT = 16 to 27 IU/L; and tertile 3, GGT > 27 IU/L. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality.A total of 820 PD patients were included. The median follow-up period was 34 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the all-cause mortality rate was significantly different according to tertiles of GGT (P = 0.001, log-rank). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that higher tertiles significantly associated with higher risk for all-cause mortality (tertile 2: hazard ratio [HR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-3.72, P = 0.013; tertile 3: HR 1.83, 95% CI, 1.04-3.22, P = 0.035) in using tertile 1 as the reference group after adjusting for clinical variables.Our study demonstrated that high serum GGT levels were an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in PD patients. Our findings suggest that serum GGT levels might be a useful biomarker to predict all-cause mortality in PD patients.
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Dousdampanis P, Trigka K, Giannopoulos A, Fourtounas C. Pathogenesis and Management of Intradialytic Hypertension. Curr Hypertens Rev 2015; 10:171-6. [PMID: 25563732 DOI: 10.2174/1573402111666150102111334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Dousdampanis P, Trigka K, Musso CG, Fourtounas C. Hyperuricemia and chronic kidney disease: an enigma yet to be solved. Ren Fail 2014; 36:1351-9. [PMID: 25112538 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2014.947516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of uric acid (UA) on the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. Experimental and clinical studies indicate that UA is associated with several risk factors of CKD including diabetes, hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation and hyperuricemia could be considered as a common dominator linking CKD and cardiovascular disease. Notably, the impact of serum UA levels on the survival of CKD, dialysis patients, and renal transplant recipients is also a matter of debate, as there are conflicting results from clinical studies. At present, there is no definite data whether UA is causal, compensatory, coincidental or it is only an epiphenomenon in these patients. In this article, we attempt to review and elucidate the dark side of this old molecule in CKD and renal transplantation.
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Dousdampanis P, Trigka K, Fourtounas C. Prevalence of anemia in patients with type II diabetes and mild to moderate chronic kidney disease and the impact of anti-RAS medications. SAUDI JOURNAL OF KIDNEY DISEASES AND TRANSPLANTATION 2014; 25:552-7. [PMID: 24821151 DOI: 10.4103/1319-2442.132178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia is a common feature of diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) mainly due to erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency and uremic toxicity. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been established as first-choice medications for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. However, there are conflicting data regarding their impact on hemoglobin levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy. We evaluated the prevalence of anemia in 101 patients with diabetes mellitus type II and CKD at stage III-IV (group A) compared with 101 non-diabetic patients with similar renal function (group B). Moreover, we evaluated the impact of ACE inhibitors and ARBs on patients' anemia. Anemia was observed in 60 patients in group A and in 47 patients in group B (P < 0.01). Thirty-one (31) patients in group A and 19 patients in group B were receiving exogenous EPO for correction of renal anemia (P <0.05). Mean values of hemoglobin did not show significant differences (12.5 ± 1.8 vs 12.6 ± 1.7 g/dL) between the two groups. Seventy-five patients in group A and 52 patients in group B were receiving ACE inhibitors and/or ARBs (P <0.01), but, after multivariate analysis, we could not detect any association between anemia and the prescription of these medications. Anemia is more common in diabetic patients with CKD stage III-IV than in non-diabetic patients with similar renal function. Our results indicate that ACE inhibitors and ARBs are not a significant cause of anemia for both populations.
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Fourtounas C. Transplant options for patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. World J Transplant 2014; 4:102-110. [PMID: 25032099 PMCID: PMC4094945 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v4.i2.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a real epidemic around the world, mainly due to ageing and diabetic nephropathy. Although diabetic nephropathy due to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been studied more extensively, the vast majority of the diabetic CKD patients suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Renal transplantation has been established as a first line treatment for diabetic nephropathy unless there are major contraindications and provides not only a better quality of life, but also a significant survival advantage over dialysis. However, T2DM patients are less likely to be referred for renal transplantation as they are usually older, obese and present significant comorbidities. As pre-emptive renal transplantation presents a clear survival advantage over dialysis, all T2DM patients with CKD should be referred for early evaluation by a transplant center. The transplant center should have enough time in order to examine their eligibility focusing on special issues related with diabetic nephropathy and explore the best options for each patient. Living donor kidney transplantation should always be considered as the first line treatment. Otherwise, the patient should be listed for deceased donor kidney transplantation. Recent progress in transplantation medicine has improved the “transplant menu” for T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy and there is an ongoing discussion about the place of simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplantation in well selected patients. The initial hesitations about the different pathophysiology of T2DM have been forgotten due to the almost similar short- and long-term results with T1DM patients. However, there is still a long way and a lot of ethical and logistical issues before establishing SPK transplantation as an ordinary treatment for T2DM patients. In addition recent advances in bariatric surgery may offer new options for severely obese T2DM patients with CKD. Nevertheless, the existing data for T2DM patients with advanced CKD are rather scarce and bariatric surgery should not be considered as a cure for diabetic nephropathy, but only as a bridge for renal transplantation.
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Dousdampanis P, Trigka K, Fourtounas C. Hypomagnesemia, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular mortality: Pronounced association but unproven causation. Hemodial Int 2014; 18:730-9. [PMID: 24641780 DOI: 10.1111/hdi.12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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The thyroid and the kidney: a complex interplay in health and disease. Int J Artif Organs 2014; 37:1-12. [PMID: 24634329 DOI: 10.5301/ijao.5000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones may directly affect the kidney and altered kidney function may also contribute to thyroid disorders. The renal manifestations of thyroid disorders are based on hemodynamic alterations or/and to direct effects of thyroid hormones. The renin-angiotensin system plays a crucial role in the cross-talk between the thyroid and the kidney. Hypothyroidism may be accompanied by an increase of serum creatinine and reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), whereas hyperthyroidism may increase GFR. Treatment of thyroid disorders may lead to normalization of GFR. Primary and subclinical hypothyroidism and low triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome are common features in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition low levels of thyroid hormones may predict a higher risk of cardiovascular and overall mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. The causal nature of this correlation remains uncertain. In this review, special emphasis is given to the thyroid pathophysiology, its impact on kidney function and CKD and the interpretation of laboratorial findings of thyroid dysfunction in CKD.
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Fourtunas C. Perceptions of gout (podagra) during the Byzantine era, with a special focus on a poem by Michael Psellus. J Nephrol 2013; 26:110-112. [PMID: 24375353 DOI: 10.5301/jn.5000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Dousdampanis P, Trigka K, Fourtounas C, Bargman JM. Role of testosterone in the pathogenesis, progression, prognosis and comorbidity of men with chronic kidney disease. Ther Apher Dial 2013; 18:220-30. [PMID: 24119223 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.12101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone deficiency and hypogonadism are common conditions in men with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A disturbed hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis due to CKD is thought to contribute to androgen deficiency. Data from experimental studies support the hypothesis that exogenous administration of testosterone may induce the activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), the production of endothelin and the regulation of anti- or/and proinflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and kidney damage. On the other hand, low testosterone levels in male patients with CKD are paradoxically associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, possibly explained by anemia, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. In this article, we present an overview of clinical and experimental studies of the impact of testosterone on the progression and prognosis of male patients with CKD; even today, this remains a controversial issue.
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Fourtounas C, Dousdampanis P, Hardalias A, Vlachojannis JG. Sodium removal and peritoneal dialysis modalities: no differences with optimal prescription of icodextrin. Artif Organs 2013; 37:E107-13. [PMID: 23461737 DOI: 10.1111/aor.12061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been considered as a more efficient modality for sodium removal than automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), due to the longer dwell times and the sodium sieving phenomenon. However, because studies regarding sodium removal in peritoneal dialysis (PD) report rather controversial results and carry various methodological flaws, it remains uncertain whether they offer enough significant information regarding PD prescription and therapy. The aim of the present observational cross-sectional study was to evaluate the impact of the optimal prescription of CAPD and APD, regarding solute clearances and daily ultrafiltrate, on daily sodium removal. Forty-six (46) patients aged 52.3 ± 14 years were studied. Twenty-six (26) patients were subjected to CAPD, and 20 patients were subjected to APD. Ten (10) patients per group were prescribed icodextrin for the long dwell to achieve optimal adequacy and ultrafiltration (UF) targets. CAPD patients removed a higher, albeit not statistically significant, daily amount of sodium (131.7 ± 98.2 mmol) compared with APD patients (79.4 ± 129.2 mmol). Their Kt/V urea was lower (1.48 ± 0.3 vs. 2.17 ± 0.33, P < 0.05), and there were no differences on daily UF (1119 ± 533 vs. 1005 ± 517 mL). In both groups, icodextrin use for the long dwell resulted in equal sodium removal with that of patients not prescribed icodextrin. Our results, derived from an unselected PD population, indicate that although classic CAPD may be more efficient for sodium removal than APD, the use of icodextrin as an adjuvant for higher daily UF not only increases solute clearance but also removes more sodium for both modalities. In addition, calculations of sodium removal in PD do not seem to benefit the everyday clinical practice, provided that PD patients can achieve the adequacy targets and present optimal daily UF without signs of volume overload.
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Fourtounas C, Maroulis I, Karnabatidis D, Hardalias A, Vlachojannis JG. Salvage of a totally occluded peritoneal dialysis catheter by laparoscopic milking. Semin Dial 2012; 26:E8-E10. [PMID: 23013545 DOI: 10.1111/sdi.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical problems of the Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) catheter remain a significant cause of temporary or even permanent transfer to hemodialysis. Until recently, the most popular approach was to remove the problematic PD catheter than to try to salvage it. We report a case of severe (two-way) PD catheter obstruction that appeared after spontaneous hemoperitoneum and did not resolve with multiple conservative measures. However, it was successfully salvaged by laparoscopic surgery and milking of a big intraluminal clot.
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Management of hypertension after kidney transplantation: a possible role for spironolactone? J Hypertens 2012; 30:830-1; author reply 831-2. [PMID: 22418913 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e328350e5c7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Fourtounas C. Vitamin D therapy and cardiac function in chronic kidney disease. JAMA 2012; 307:2253; author reply 2254. [PMID: 22706819 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2012.4168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Fourtounas C. Peritonitis rates with biocompatible and conventional peritoneal dialysis solutions. Kidney Int 2012; 81:1150; author reply 1150-1. [PMID: 22584596 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2012.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Delusional Parasitosis: A Rare Cause of Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients. Int J Artif Organs 2012; 35:400-3. [PMID: 22476880 DOI: 10.5301/ijao.5000072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Uremic pruritus is a common symptom in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis, but its exact pathogenesis remains rather unclear. However, severe or “intractable” pruritus may be the manifestation of another underlying disease or disorder other than uremia. Delusional parasitosis, or Ekbom syndrome, is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by the false conviction of being infested with parasites, and it can be primary, or secondary to several medical and psychiatric disorders. We report 2 elderly HD patients who presented one after another, with delusional parasitosis. At some point in time, the delusional beliefs of the first patient were adopted by the second patient who was waiting to start his HD session on the same bed and HD machine, on a subsequent shift. They were both diagnosed with Ekbom syndrome and described as having monosymptomatic hypochondriac delusion. They were both prescribed antipsychotic medications. During follow-up they admitted feeling better than before; however, they remained concerned about the “insects/parasites.”
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Fourtounas C. Should all adult patients with diarrhoea-associated HUS receive plasma exchange? Lancet 2012; 379:516; author reply 516-7. [PMID: 22325654 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(12)60224-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Alexopoulos D, Xanthopoulou I, Panagiotou A, Komninakis D, Germanos N, Goudas P, Koutroulia E, Fourtounas C. Prevalence of inadequate platelet inhibition by clopidogrel in patients receiving hemodialysis. Am J Kidney Dis 2011; 59:469-71. [PMID: 22154328 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2011.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Alexopoulos D, Panagiotou A, Xanthopoulou I, Komninakis D, Kassimis G, Davlouros P, Fourtounas C, Goumenos D. Antiplatelet effects of prasugrel vs. double clopidogrel in patients on hemodialysis and with high on-treatment platelet reactivity. J Thromb Haemost 2011; 9:2379-85. [PMID: 21985070 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2011.04531.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) is frequent in patients on hemodialysis (HD) receiving clopidrogel. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this study was to determine the antiplatelet effects of prasugrel vs. high-dose clopidogrel in patients on HD with HTPR. PATIENTS/METHODS We performed a prospective, single-center, single-blind, investigator-initiated, randomized, crossover study to compare platelet inhibition by prasugrel 10 mg day(-1) with that by high-dose 150 mg day(-1) clopidogrel in 21 patients on chronic HD with HTPR. Platelet function was assessed with the VerifyNow assay, and genotyping was performed for CYP2C19*2 carriage. RESULTS The primary endpoint of platelet reactivity (PR, measured in P2Y12 reaction units [PRU]) was lower in patients receiving prasugrel (least squares [LS] estimate 156.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 132.2-181.1) than in those receiving high-dose clopidogrel (LS 279.9, 95% CI 255.4-304.3), P < 0.001). The LS mean differences between the two treatments were - 113.4 PRU (95% CI - 152.9 to - 73.8, P < 0.001) and - 163.8 PRU (95% CI - 218.1 to - 109.2, P < 0.001) in non-carriers and carriers of at least one CYP2C19*2 allele, respectively. HTPR rates were lower for prasugrel than clopidogrel, in all patients (19% vs. 85.7%, P < 0.001) and in non-carriers (25.7% vs. 80%, P = 0.003). All carriers continued to show HTPR while receiving high-dose clopidogrel, but none showed it while receiving prasugrel. CONCLUSIONS In HD patients exhibiting HTPR following standard clopidogrel treatment, prasugrel 10 mg day(-1) is significantly more efficient than doubling the clopidogrel dosage in achieving adequate platelet inhibition. Neither effect seems to be influenced by carriage of the loss-of-function CYP2C19*2 allele.
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Ezetimibe is effective in the treatment of persistent hyperlipidemia of renal allograft recipients. Clin Nephrol 2011; 75:107-12. [PMID: 21255539 DOI: 10.5414/cnp75107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ezetimibe is a hypolipidemic agent acting via inhibition of cholesterol absorption from the small intestine. The effectiveness and safety of long-term administration of ezetimibe was evaluated in renal allograft recipients with persistent hyperlipidemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS 67 renal allograft recipients with post-transplantation hyperlipidemia resistant to statins were included in the study; 11 were treated with ezetimibe (10 mg/day) alone and 56 with ezetimibe and statin. The effectiveness of ezetimibe was assessed by determination of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TR). Its safety was determined by liver enzymes (ALT, AST), LDH, CPK, serum creatinine and blood levels of immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, everolimus, sirolimus) over the follow-up period of 18±6 months. RESULTS A significant reduction of TC and LDL-C blood levels by 25% and 34% respectively, was observed during the first month of treatment with ezetimibe (p<0.001). This reduction was maintained for the whole period of ezetimibe administration. Renal function remained stable over the follow-up period, while no changes of the blood levels of immunosuppressive drugs were observed. Liver enzymes, LDH and CPK remained normal in all patients except for one diabetic patient who developed rhabdomyolysis. Apart from gastrointestinal symptoms in 2 patients, no other side effects were observed. CONCLUSION Combination of ezetimibe with statins represents an effective and safe regimen for treatment of persistent hyperlipidemia in renal allograft recipients.
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Fourtounas C. Methylene blue and peritoneal dialysis. Kidney Int 2010; 79:136; author reply 136. [PMID: 21157463 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2010.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Fourtounas C. Potential bone effects of thiazolidinediones in diabetic dialysis patients. Semin Dial 2010; 23:526; author reply 526. [PMID: 21039879 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-139x.2010.00772_1.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Fourtounas C. "Malignant" intradialytic hypertension: a severe form of intradialytic hypertension. Am J Kidney Dis 2010; 56:418; author reply 418-9. [PMID: 20659627 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2010.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
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Fourtounas C, Dousdampanis P, Sakellaraki P, Rodi M, Georgakopoulos T, Vlachojannis JG, Mouzaki A. Different immunosuppressive combinations on T-cell regulation in renal transplant recipients. Am J Nephrol 2010; 32:1-9. [PMID: 20484893 DOI: 10.1159/000313940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] [Imported: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Recent studies indicate that regulatory T-cells (Tregs) promote transplant tolerance. We studied Treg levels in 39 stable renal transplant recipients to determine the sizes of the Treg populations and the effects of treatment regimens thereof. METHODS All patients (19 with good graft function and 20 with chronic allograft nephropathy) received induction therapy (basiliximab) and were on triple immunosuppressive regimens with calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or everolimus and steroids. Twenty healthy subjects served as controls. Whole blood samples were stained with anti-CD4, CD25, CD127, and FoxP3 antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry to determine CD4+CD25(high)FoxP3+/- and CD4+ CD25(high)CD127(-/low) Treg levels. RESULTS All patients had significantly reduced CD4+CD25(high)FoxP3+/- but no CD4+ CD25(high)CD127(-/low) Treg levels compared to controls. Renal allograft function did not correlate with Treg levels. Statistically significant correlations between CD4+CD25(high)Foxp3+ Tregs and tacrolimus levels and CD4+CD25(high)Foxp3- Tregs and HLA-DR mismatching were detected. Patients receiving MMF had significantly higher CD4+CD25(high)Foxp3+ Tregs compared to patients on everolimus who were also receiving lower doses of calcineurin inhibitors. CONCLUSION Overall, immunosuppression lowers CD4+CD25(high)FoxP3+/- Treg levels significantly in the periphery in renal transplant recipients. In addition, different immunosuppressive regimens have different impacts on CD4+CD25(high)FoxP3+ Tregs, a fact that may influence long-term allograft survival.
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