H. Zeki Tonbul

Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio better predicts inflammation than neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in end-stage renal disease patients.

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was introduced as a potential marker to determine inflammation in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Recently, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and NLR were found to positively correlated with inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐6 in cardiac and noncardiac patients. Data regarding PLR and its association with inflammation are lacking in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Hence, we aimed to determine the relationship between PLR, NLR, and inflammation in ESRD patients. This was a cross‐sectional study involving 62 ESRD patients (29 females, 33 males; mean age, 49.6 ± 14.6 years) receiving PD or HD for ≥6 months in the Dialysis Unit of Necmettin Erbakan University. PLR, NLR, C‐reactive protein, TNF‐α, IL‐6 levels were measured. PLR, NLR, serum high sensitive C‐reactive protein, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels were significantly higher in PD patients when compared with HD patients. ESRD patients with PLR ≥ 140 had significantly higher NLR, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels when compared to patients with PLR < 139. In the bivariate correlation analysis, PLR was positively correlated with NLR, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in this population. When we compared the association of PLR and NLR with IL‐6 (r = 0.371, P = 0.003 vs. r = 0.263, P = 0.04, respectively) and TNF‐α (r = 0.334, P = 0.008 vs. r = 0.273, P = 0.032, respectively), PLR was found to be superior to NLR in terms of inflammation in ESRD patients. Simple calculation of PLR can predict inflammation better than NLR in ESRD patients.

OUTCOME OF PREGNANCIES WITH HELLP SYNDROME COMPLICATED BY ACUTE RENAL FAILURE (1989–1999)

HELLP syndrome, a syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets may occur in pregnancy with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, and its a significant complication is acute renal failure (ARF). The aim of study was to determine frequency and outcome of HELLP syndrome complicated by ARF. Thirty-nine patients with pregnancy-related ARF were treated between Jan 1, 1989 and Jan 1, 1999. In these patients, the most frequent causes were HELLP syndrome (n = 14; 36%), postpartum hemorrhage (n = 10; 26%), pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (n = 6;15%) and abruptio placenta (n = 4;10%). Seven of the patients with HELLP syndrome had impairment of consciousness during hospitalization. Of these patients, coma in 5, stupor in 1, confusion in 1 were diagnosed. Twelve of the patients with HELLP syndrome and 14 of the other patients were treated by dialysis. Mann-Whitney U test and X2 test(corrected by Yates and Fisher exact) were used for statistical analysis. Although serious clinical findings, with supportive treatment, 12 patients with HELLP syndrome and 21 other patients were fully recovered. One patient both with and without HELLP syndrome could not recovered due to diffus cortical necrosis. Moreover, one patient with HELLP syndrome and 3 other patients were died. Mortality rate of the patients with HELLP syndrome was not found different from those of the other patients (p = 0.544). The causes of death were cerebral hemorrhage in patient with HELLP syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation (n = 1), cerebral emboli (n = 1), adult respiratory distress syndrome (n = 1). Fetal death occured in 4 patients with HELLP syndrome (28.5%) and 7 other patients (28%), and rates were similar(p > 0.5). Finally, HELLP syndrome was the most frequent cause leading to ARF in pregnancy and their prognosis was not different from those of the other patients.

Results of the pregnancies with HELLP syndrome.

In this study, clinical features, developing complications, and results of thirty-six patients, which were followed up in our Obstetrics and Gynecology and Nephrology departments between 1997 and 2001, with the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome were searched retrospectively. The mean age of the cases followed up with diagnosis of HELLP syndrome were 30.2 ± 5.9 (17–46) years. HELLP syndrome was diagnosed on average in the 32.6 ± 4.8th (23–41) week of gestations. Seventy percent of the cases were with severe preeclampsia and 30% of the cases were with mild preeclampsia. Eleven cases (30%) were nullipara and twenty-five cases (70%) multipara. The average of arterial systolic blood pressure of the cases were 161.6 ± 26 mmHg, and that of diastolic blood pressure was 98.5 ± 16.8 mmHg. In thirteen cases (36%) acute renal failure (ARF), six cases (17%) placenta detachment, two cases disseminate intravascular coagulation (DIC), one case Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) were developed. In seven cases (19%) intrauterine dead fetuses were detected. In twenty-three cases by cesarian section (64%), in thirteen cases by induction (36%) the pregnancies were terminated in 72 h after diagnosing HELLP syndrome. Birth weights of eleven babies (30%) were below 1500 g. Five of the eleven babies were dead in the neonatal period. Six of the thirteen patients who had ARF were given hemodialysis. Two patients died because of the development of ARF + DIC and ARDS. No predicting factors for the development of HELLP syndrome could be detected, but severe preeclampsia. Therefore we think that preeclamptic pregnancies must be followed up very closely and if HELLP syndrome develops, termination of the pregnancy would be proper as soon as possible.

Malnutrition-Inflammation-Atherosclerosis (MIA) Syndrome Components in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background. Malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis (MIA syndrome) are common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Each component of MIA syndrome is the predictor of outcomes in ESRD patients. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to compare both dialysis modalities for MIA syndrome components. Material and Methods. Thirty hemodialysis (HD) (mean age 44 ± 11 years, 14 male and 16 female, mean time on dialysis: 31.0 ± 19.0 months) and 30 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients (41 ± 9 years, 12 male and 18 female, mean time on dialysis: 25.5 ± 21.5 months) were included. In order to determine malnutrition in ESRD patients, serum albumin level and anthropometric measurements were used. For inflammation, serum C-reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen levels were measured. Mean-carotid artery intima media thickness (m-CIMT), presence of carotid plaque and serum homocysteine level were used to determine atherosclerosis. Results. Five CAPD patients (16%) and one HD patient (3%) was hypoalbuminemic. HD and CAPD groups were similar for inflammation. Mean-CIMT and serum homocysteine level were higher in HD patients than CAPD patients. There was a positive correlation between homocysteine and m-CIMT. Conclusion. Before choosing renal replacement therapy, malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis parameters must be investigated in ESRD patients. Hemodialysis seems to be more advantageous for malnutrition components than CAPD. Both dialysis modalities seem to be similar for inflammation, and CAPD modality has superiority for atherosclerosis. Before choosing the type of renal replacement therapy, assessment of MIA syndrome components could be useful for individualization of the decision on which dialytic modality is appropriate in ESRD patients.

Sleep Quality and Depression in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background. Sleep quality (SQ) is a significant problem in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, yet the underlying factors are not well known. In addition, depression and impaired quality of life (QOL) are main problems in PD patients. We measured the SQ and investigated the effect of depression, QOL, and some other factors on SQ in PD patients. Methods. Data were collected from 124 PD patients (59 male, 65 female) in our center. Demographic data and laboratory values were analyzed. All patients were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Index (BDI), and SF-36. Results. Mean age of the patients was 52.6 ± 14.3 year. The prevalence of poor SQ was 43.5%, defined as global PSQI score >5. The prevalence of depression was 25.8%, defined as BDI scores >17. The poor sleepers had higher BDI scores, poor QOL, older age, and lower duration of PD compared to the good sleepers. There was not a difference in hemoglobin, albumin, C-reactive protein, Kt/V, urea, creatinine, lipid parameters, gender, marital status, cigarette smoking, mode of PD, and comorbidity between poor and good sleepers. The global PSQI score was correlated negatively with both PCS and MCS (r = −0.414, r = −0.392, respectively; p < 0.001) and correlated positively with BDI scores and age (r = 0.422, p < 0.001 and r = 0.213, p = 0.018, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only BDI scores were found to be factors that could predict the patients being poor sleepers. Conclusion. Poor SQ is a significant problem in PD patients, and we found an association with depression, QOL, and age. Regular assessment and management of SQ may be important especially with PD patients who are depressive and elderly to increase QOL.

Urinary tuberculosis: ten years' experience.

In this study of 26 patients, clinical features diagnosed as urinary tuberculosis in our nephrology and urology clinics between 1993 and 2002 were investigated retrospectively. Fifteen patients (52%) were male, and mean age was 43.5 (18–71). Twenty percent of the patients were asymptomatic. Frequency-dysuria (46%), flank pain (33%), and macroscopic hematuria (12%) were presenting symptoms. Physical examination was not diagnostically helpful in most patients. Hematuria and/or pyuria were detected in 80% of the patients. Eleven patients had positive urine cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (42%), and 7 patients had positive smears (25%). Definitive diagnosis of urinary tuberculosis was established microbiologically in 15 patients (58%) and histopathologically in 11 patients (42%). Tuberculin skin test was positive in 60% of the patients. Eight patients had an abnormal chest roentgenogram. Hydronephrosis (majority bilateral) in 11 patients (42%), contracted bladder in 9 patients (34.6%), and renal calcification in 6 patients (23%) were detected. Two patients also had genital tuberculosis (epididymoorchitis). Although only medical treatment was applied in 13 patients for 9 months, in the rest of the patients medical therapy plus surgical intervention was carried out. End-stage renal failure developed in one patient who died on hemodialysis. Renal functions had decreased moderately in two other patients. In conclusion, the diagnosis of urinary tuberculosis was able to be established after the obstructive complications and functional losses were developed in a fair number of cases. Surgical treatment was carried out in half the patients. Urinary tuberculosis should be taken into consideration because early diagnosis and treatment is very important for the presenting of irreversible sequelae.

Female Sexual Dysfunction in Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis Patients

Background. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common problem in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In contrast to basic and clinical research in the field of male SD, the sexual problems of women have received relatively little attention and are often under-treated. We evaluated sexual function in female ESRD patients using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and relation with QOL, depression, and some laboratory parameters. Methods. 117 ESRD patients (85 peritoneal dialysis [PD], 32 hemodialysis [HD], mean age 48.5 ± 13.9 years) were enrolled. All patients had been dialyzed (PD or HD) for more than three months. In addition, an age-matched married control group of 48 subjects (mean age 47.1 ± 12.7 years) were enrolled in the study. All patients were asked to complete three questionnaires of the FSFI, Beck Depression Index (BDI) and SF-36. Results. Female sexual dysfunction was found in 80 of the 85 peritoneal dialysis patients (94.1%) and all of the HD patients (100%), but in only 22 subjects of the control group (45.8%). A significant negative correlation was found between total FSFI score and age (r = −0.288, p = 0.002), BDI score (r = −0.471, p < 0.001), mental-physical component score of QOL (r = −0.463, p < 0.001 and r = −0.491, p < 0.001, respectively) in PD and HD patients. The rates of depression were 75.3, 43.8, and 4.2% in the PD and HD patients and control subjects, respectively. Conclusion. Female sexual dysfunction is common problem ESRD. This problem especially related with depression and QOL. Thus, sexual function should be evaluated in female subjects to determine its impact on quality of life.

SP382FGF-23 AND KLOTHO LEVELS IN RENAL TRANSPLANT PATIENTS AND COMPARISON WITH HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

FGF-23(Fibroblast growth factor-23) is a key peptide hormone for serum phosphorus regulation (1). Klotho, produced in osteocysts, is an essential cofactor for FGF23 receptor activation (2). Renal transplantation(RTx) is a gold standard treatment modality for end stage renal disease patients. The aim of this study was to measure FGF-23, klotho, calcium, phosphorus, parathormon and 25-OH vitamin D levels in RTx patients, and to compare with hemodialysis patients and healthy controls.