Article in press
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2020, October
observational study
Accuracy of Bioimpedance Modalities for Fluid Assessment in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Observational Study
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Abstract [+]
Aim
Fluid overload is a major contributor to mortality in critically ill patients but is difficult to estimate clinically. Bioimpedance has been used to estimate fluid volumes with three different methods of analysis:1. single-frequency; 2. multi-frequency; 3. bioimpedance spectroscopy. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of different types of bioimpedance analysis in detecting changes in fluid volumes.
Methods
Prospective observational study, in end-stage renal disease patients requiring dialysis, in a tertiary care center. During hemodialysis, we assessed the correlation between change in estimated total body water volumes, as measured by all three methods of bioimpedance, and fluid volumes removed, as measured by changes in body weight.
Results
Twenty-four pediatric and adult patients were included in the study (median age 42.4 years) with a total of 30 study assessments performed. There was a weak correlation between change in body weight and change in estimated total body water volumes (R=0.15, 0.41, and 0.38, respectively). In the Bland-Altman analysis, the mean biases along with their associated 95% confidence limits of agreement were -0.23 L (-4.1 to 3.5 L) for single-frequency; -1.1 L (-4.1 to 1.9 L) for multi-frequency; and -0.6 L (-6.1 to 4.8 L) for bioimpedance spectroscopy.
Conclusion
In this study of end-stage renal disease patients requiring dialysis, the accuracy of bioimpedance measurement to evaluate fluid changes was poor, regardless of bioimpedance modality.
Keywords
Body composition/physiology; Body fluid/physiology; Electric impedance; Extracellular fluid/metabolism; Renal dialysis.
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2021, February
original research
Treatment of Acute Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Children Post-Kidney Transplantation: A Single Center’s Experience
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Abstract [+]
Introduction
Acute antibody-mediated rejection (aAMR) can negatively impact renal allografts outcomes. To date, there has not been a consistent therapeutic approach to manage aAMR. The aim of the study is to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of an institutional protocol of methylprednisolone, intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG), rituximab, and bortezomib used to treat aAMR in pediatric renal transplant recipients (pRTRs).
Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed on 10 pediatric renal transplant recipients (pRTRs) who were diagnosed with aAMR on a renal biopsy performed between January 2014 and November 2015.
Results
Over the study period, 9.5% of pRTRs had aAMR. Sixty percent of whom had concurrent acute cellular rejection (ACR). Renal allografts survival was 100% during the the first post-aAMR. At the time of diagnosis of aAMR, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) had decreased by 42% (mean at baseline eGFR=67.2±19.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs mean at aAMR eGFR=38.9±14.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; p=0.002). At 1-year post rejection, eGFR had increased by 26% as compared eGFR at the time of rejection (mean eGFR=49.0±13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; p=0.006). Immuno-dominant donor-specific anti-HLA antibody titers (iDSAs) class I and class II decreased by 69% and 15% at 6-month follow-up visit. No serious opportunistic infections nor malignancy were reported in our subjects.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that our protocol improved kidney function with 100% graft survival at 1-year post aAMR episode. The percentage decline in iDSAs class I titers was more significant than class II. Furthermore, our treatment protocol was well-tolerated with no life threatening complications.
Keywords
Acute antibody-mediated rejection (aAMR); Intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG); Pediatric renal transplant recipients (pRTRs).
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2021, April
editorial
Living Well with Kidney Disease by Patient and Care-Partner Empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere
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Current Issue
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2019, March
mini review
Burden, Access, and Disparities in Kidney Disease
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2019, June
original research
Changes in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Biochemical and Hematological Profile of Workers in Spray Painting Industry: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract [+]
Introduction
There is a global increase in occupational exposure to solvents, some of which are suspected to cause acute or chronic toxic nephropathies in humans. However, limited studies have been done to evaluate the systemic effects of exposure to some of the commonly used solvents such as paints.
Aim
The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of chronic exposure to paint fumes on renal and hepatic functions of industrial spray painters. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, 49 occupationally exposed male industrial spray painters who had served for greater than 5 years were evaluated for changes in renal, hepatic and hematological indices using standard instruments and results were compared with levels in the unexposed (sex and age-matched) participants.
Results
Significant changes in markers of renal, hepatic and hematological functions were observed in the exposed compared with unexposed participants including significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum levels of potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-), and significant increases in serum levels of creatinine (Cr), sodium (Na+), urea (Ur) and uric acid (UA) in the exposed compared to levels in the unexposed group. Abnormal serum levels of hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and hematological indices (PCV, total-RBC, nuetrophils, basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes) were also observed in the exposed compared to levels in the unexposed participants.
Conclusion
Prolonged exposure to paint fumes may be associated with a significant risk for hepato-renal dysfunction and hematotoxicity. Preventive measures should include limiting exposure and using antioxidant medications.
Keywords
Spray painting; Toxicity; Workers; Kidney; Liver; Blood cells.
Abbreviations ALT: Alanine transaminase; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase; AST: Aspartate transaminase; eGFR: Estimated glomerular fitration rate; C-G: Cockroft-Gault; MDRD: Modification of diet in renal disease; Na+/K+/ATPase: Sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase; PH: Hydrogen Concentration; PCV: Packed cell volume; RBC: Red blood cells; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; UA: Uric acid; Ur: Urea.
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2019, August
review
The Use of Single-Cell Transcriptomics’ to Detect Cellular Transition through Notch Signaling and Receptor Expression in Differentiated Kidney Collecting Tubule Cells in Adult Mice: A Review
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Abstract [+]
Transcriptomics has allowed for a better understanding of disease, and the sequencing of individual genes is becoming a leading approach to discovering novel germ lines. A newly defined cell type, described as transitional cells, was characterized based on their expression of key marker genes that define principle cells (PC) and intercalated cells (IC). Gene expression patterns suggested that a Notch signaling pathway was activated during the transition from IC to PC. An experimental model studying the transition in an inducible transgenic mouse demonstrated that Notch signaling and receptor expression is sufficient to drive cell transition in differentiated adult kidney collecting tubule. The identification of novel cell lines allows for a more accurate diagnosis of kidney disease and precise staging of disease. Molecular profiling and precision therapy will continue to revolutionize the field of medicine and warrants further exploration.
Keywords
Transcriptomics; Kidney disease; Principle cell; Intercalated cell; Notch signaling; Gene sequencing.
Abbreviations
PC: Principle cell; IC: Intercalated cell, DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; RNA: Ribonucleic acid; mRNA: Messenger ribonucleic acid.
Previous Issue
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2018, March
editorial
What we do and do not know About Women and Kidney Diseases; Questions Unanswered and Answers Unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Woman’s Day
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571.69 KB
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2018, November
review
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 as a Therapeutic Target
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327.37 KB
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2018, December
review
Review of the REPRISE Trial: Tolvaptan in Later-Stage Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
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374.05 KB
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2018, December
review
Current Trends in Chronic Kidney Disease
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555.99 KB
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Editor-in-Chief

Rujun Gong, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension Rhode Island Hospital Brown University School of Medicine Middle House Suite 301 593 Eddy Street Providence, RI 02903, USA
Associate Editors

Soundarapandian (Vijay) Vijayakumar, PhD
Assistant Professor Department of Pediatrics Adjunct Associate Research Scientist Columbia University USA

Rudolf Fluckiger, PhD
Instructor Harvard Medical School Boston Brigham & Womens Hospital Orthopaedic Research (Retired) Founder: NOVACULE, LLC 2587 Albany Street, West Hartford CT 06117, USA

Zhousheng Xiao, MD, PhD
Associate Professor Department of Nephrology- Medicine University of Tennesse- Health Science Center 19S Manassas Street, CRB362; Memphis TN 38103, USA

Ying-Yong Zhao, PhD, MD
Professor Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine The School of Life Sciences Northwest University No. 229 Taibai North Road Xian, Shaanxi 710069, China