Renato A. Caires

Conhecimento e opinião de estudantes de medicina sobre doação e transplante de órgãos

We analyzed the opinion and understanding of medical students about organ donation and transplantation. METHODS: 347 students voluntarily completed a questionnaire with 17 queries concerning organ donation and transplantation. They were analyzed to identify general tendencies and divided into five groups, according to their year of study (first through sixth year), to assess differences among the years. Students of the fifth and sixth years were placed in the same group. RESULTS:were analyzed by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The intention to become a post mortem or living donor was of 89% and 90% respectively; however, only 62% were aware of living donation risks. 70% of the 347 students admitted regular or little knowledge of the subject, 90.2% considered organ transplantation an important issue for a medical graduation program, 76.9% considered informed/expressed consent the best organ donation criterion and 64.3% of them chose severity of patient disease as the best allocation condition. As students progressed in their studies their understanding about transplantation improved. Students of the fourth, fifth and sixth year manifested a negative attitude about organ donation to alcohol addicts, non donors, drug users, law offenders and foreigners. CONCLUSION: This data show the great interest and positive attitude of medical students toward organ donation and transplantation, despite the fact that most of them admitted having insufficient knowledge on the subject. A negative attitude by students of the fourth, fifth and sixth year on organ donation to alcohol addicts, non donors, drug users, law offenders and foreigners was also observed.

Characteristics of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Infected with the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There have been few studies investigating acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients infected with the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with AKI in H1N1-infected patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This was a study of 47 consecutive critically ill adult patients with reverse transcriptase-PCR-confirmed H1N1 infection in Brazil. Outcome measures were AKI (as defined by the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage renal failure [RIFLE] criteria) and in-hospital death. RESULTS AKI was identified in 25 (53%) of the 47 H1N1-infected patients. AKI was associated with vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation, high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, and severe acidosis as well as with higher levels of C-reactive protein and lactic dehydrogenase upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A nephrology consultation was requested for 16 patients (64%), and 8 (50%) required dialysis. At ICU admission, 7 (15%) of the 25 AKI patients had not yet progressed to AKI. However, by 72 hours after ICU admission, no difference in RIFLE score was found between AKI survivors and nonsurvivors. Of the 47 patients, 9 (19%) died, all with AKI. Mortality was associated with mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, dialysis, high APACHE II score, high bilirubin levels, and a low RIFLE score at ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS Among critically ill H1N1-infected patients, the incidence of AKI is high. In such patients, AKI is mainly attributable to shock.

De novo thrombotic microangiopathy after kidney transplantation: clinical features, treatment, and long-term patient and graft survival.

INTRODUCTION Posttransplant thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)/hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur as a recurrent or de novo disease. METHODS A retrospective single-center observational study was applied in order to examine the incidence and outcomes of de novo TMA/HUS among transplantations performed between 2000 and 2010. Recurrent HUS or antibody-mediated rejections were excluded. RESULTS Seventeen (1.1%) among 1549 kidney transplant recipients fulfilled criteria for de novo TMA. The mean follow-up was 572 days (range, 69-1769). Maintenance immunosuppression was prednisone, tacrolimus (TAC), and mycophenolic acid in 14 (82%) patients. Mean age at onset was 40 ± 15 years, and serum creatinine was 6.1 ± 4.1 mg/dL. TMA occurred at a median of 25 days (range, 1-1755) after transplantation. Nine (53%) patients developed TMA within 1 month of transplantation and only 12% after 1 year. Clinical features were anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) in 9 (53%) patients, thrombocytopenia in 7 (41%), and increased lactate dehydrogenase in 12 (70%). Decreased haptoglobin was observed in 64% and schistocytes in 35%. Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal or reduction was the first step in the management of 10/15 (66%) patients, and 6 (35%) received fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and/or plasmapheresis. TAC was successfully reintroduced in six patients after a median of 17 days. Eight (47%) patients needed dialytic support after TMA diagnosis and 75% remained on dialysis. At 4 years of follow-up, death-censored graft survival was worse for TMA group (43.0% versus 85.6%, log-rank = 0.001; hazard ratio = 3.74) and there was no difference in patient survival (53.1% versus 82.2%, log-rank = 0.24). CONCLUSION De novo TMA after kidney transplantation is a rare but severe condition with poor graft outcomes. This syndrome may not be fully manifested, and clinical suspicion is essential for early diagnosis and treatment, based mainly in CNI withdrawal and FFP infusions and/or plasmapheresis.

Clinical features and outcomes of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients in Brazil: a report of the last decade

Among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), tuberculosis is one of the most common opportunistic infections and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical features, and prognosis of tuberculosis in KTRs.

Prostatic surgery associated acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with extended hospital stays, high risks of in-hospital and long-term mortality, and increased risk of incident and progressive chronic kidney disease. Patients with urological diseases are a high-risk group for AKI owing to the coexistence of obstructive uropathy, older age, and preexistent chronic kidney disease. Nonetheless, precise data on the incidence and outcomes of postoperative AKI in urological procedures are lacking. Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are common diagnoses in older men and are frequently treated with surgical procedures. Whereas severe AKI after prostate surgery in general appears to be unusual, AKI associated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) syndrome and with rhabdomyolysis (RM) after radical prostatectomy have been frequently described. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, risk factors, outcomes, prevention, and treatment of AKI associated with prostatic surgery. The mechanisms of TURP syndrome and RM following prostatic surgeries will be emphasized.

Evaluation of Intermittent Hemodialysis in Critically Ill Cancer Patients with Acute Kidney Injury Using Single-Pass Batch Equipment

Background Data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in cancer patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and the adequacy of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) in critically ill cancer patients with AKI. Methods and Findings In this observational prospective cohort study, 149 ICU cancer patients with AKI were treated with 448 single-pass batch IHD procedures and evaluated from June 2010 to June 2012. Primary outcomes were IHD complications (hypotension and clotting) and adequacy. A multiple logistic regression was performed in order to identify factors associated with IHD complications (hypotension and clotting). Patients were 62.2 ± 14.3 years old, 86.6% had a solid cancer, sepsis was the main AKI cause (51%) and in-hospital mortality was 59.7%. RRT session time was 240 (180–300) min, blood/dialysate flow was 250 (200–300) mL/min and UF was 1000 (0–2000) ml. Hypotension occurred in 25% of the sessions. Independent risk factors (RF) for hypotension were dialysate conductivity (each ms/cm, OR 0.81, CI 0.69–0.95), initial mean arterial pressure (each 10 mmHg, OR 0.49, CI 0.40–0.61) and SOFA score (OR 1.16, CI 1.03–1.30). Clotting and malfunctioning catheters (MC) occurred in 23.8% and 29.2% of the procedures, respectively. Independent RF for clotting were heparin use (OR 0.57, CI 0.33–0.99), MC (OR 3.59, CI 2.24–5.77) and RRT system pressure increase over 25% (OR 2.15, CI 1.61–4.17). Post RRT blood tests were urea 71 (49–104) mg/dL, creatinine 2.71 (2.10–3.8) mg/dL, bicarbonate 24.1 (22.5–25.5) mEq/L and K 3.8 (3.5–4.1) mEq/L. Conclusion IHD for critically ill patients with cancer and AKI offered acceptable hemodynamic stability and provided adequate metabolic control.

Rejection-triggered haemophagocytic syndrome in renal transplantation successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin

Haemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a rare and potentially lethal condition characterized by pancytopoenia, fever, organomegaly and widespread proliferation of macrophages phagocytosing blood elements. Among the triggers of this syndrome, excessive immunosuppression in a context of acute rejection has been rarely reported, although it might be underdiagnosed. Here, we report the case of a kidney transplant recipient with allograft dysfunction due to chronic antibody-mediated rejection treated with antithymocyte globulin and plasmapheresis. The patient developed high fever, pancytopoenia, diarrhoea and respiratory symptoms with no apparent infectious or neoplastic cause, despite an extensive work-up. Haemophagocytosis was found in bone marrow examination, along with hyperferritinaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. The clinical profile improved after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and reduction of the basal immunosuppression.

Assessment of Kidney Function in Patients With Cancer

Cancer patients are living longer. The sequelae of cancer treatment and the role of comorbid conditions present before the diagnosis, such as CKD, have been increasingly recognized. The interface between CKD and cancer is multifaceted. CKD is frequently observed in patients with cancer, and cancer treatment contributes to CKD development and progression. In addition, CKD has been recognized as an important risk factor for cancer development and reduced specific cancer survival. In this context, an accurate evaluation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during oncologic treatment is pivotal and is used to define surgery strategies, program prophylactic management of contrasted examinations, make decisions on cisplatin eligibility, and adjust drug prescriptions, particularly chemotherapy agents. Although the most commonly used equations to estimate GFR based on serum creatinine levels in clinical practice (Cockcroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study, and CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equations) have not been validated in patients with cancer in large prospective studies, there is increasingly evidence supporting the use of CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation to assess the GFR in patients with cancer, including for the use of chemotherapy prescriptions. Many patients with cancer may have changes in nutrition status and clearance measurements such as exogenous filtration markers might be extremely useful when clinical decisions differ depending on the GFR level. Future perspectives include the advent of new serum GFR biomarkers such as cystatin C, beta-trace protein, and beta-2 microglobulin as well as the GFR assessment by measuring total kidney parenchymal volume through image examinations.

Drug-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract The epidemiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) has changed remarkably over the last few decades. Currently a majority of affected patients are critically ill older individuals hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU) with comorbidities and multiple organ failure. In the ICU, either nephrotoxicity alone or, most commonly, associated with ischemia, has been a relevant related factor in the pathogenesis of AKI in almost half of the cases. Virtually all mechanisms or processes potentially leading to renal injury have been associated with drug nephrotoxicity: acute tubular cell injury, changes in renal hemodynamics, intratubular obstruction, acute interstitial nephritis, hypersensitivity vasculitis, thrombotic microangiopathy, osmotic nephrosis, and rhabdomyolysis. Measurement of serum creatinine always should be performed before administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs, and even small increments in creatinine are an independent risk factor for increased mortality in hospitalized patients. The use of a nonnephrotoxic drug must be considered for patients at higher risk for renal injury. Patients must be adequately hydrated and sodium repleted before receiving a nephrotoxic drug. The concomitant use of two or more different nephrotoxic drugs must be avoided. Drug dosage should be adjusted in accordance with organ functional status, distribution volume, and drug pharmacokinetics. It always should be checked if a nephrotoxic drug had specific measures to prevent or attenuate its potential for renal damage. Currently, numerous drugs have been related to development of AKI. Of the vast array of drugs with potential for nephrotoxicity, those more frequently prescribed for patients in the ICU are discussed in this chapter: antiinfective agents (aminoglycosides, vancomycin, amphotericin B, polymyxins, highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART]), contrast agents, NSAIDs, and drugs blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (ACEI, ARB, and renin inhibitors).

Use of regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous venovenous hemodialysis in critically ill cancer patients with acute kidney injury

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) protocol for continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) in cancer patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Material and methods: One hundred twenty two consecutive ICU cancer patients with AKI treated with citrate‐based CVVHD were prospectively evaluated in this prospective observational study. Results: A total of 7198 h of CVVHD therapy (250 filters) were performed. Patients were 61.3 ± 15.7 years old, 78% had solid cancer and the main AKI cause was sepsis (50%). The in‐hospital mortality was 78.7%. Systemic ionized calcium (SCai) was 4.35 (4.10–4.60) mg/dL, severe hypocalcemia (SCai <3.6 mg/dL) was observed in 4.3% of procedures and post‐filter ionized calcium was 1.60 (1.40–1.80) mg/dL. Median filter patency was 24.8 (11–43) hours. Factors related to filter clotting were: no tumor evidence (OR 0.44, CI 0.18–0.99); genitourinary tumor (OR 1.83, CI 1.18–2.81); platelets number (each 10,000/mm3) (OR 1.02, CI 1.00–1.04); International Normatized Ratio (INR) (OR 0.59, CI 0.41–0.85) and citrate dose (each 10 mL/h) (OR 0.88, CI 0.82–0.95). Conclusion: Filter patency was relatively short and clotting was associated with active cancer disease, genitourinary tumor, lower citrate dose and lower INR. HighlightsRegional citrate anticoagulation was safe and associated with adequated metabolic control.The incidence of electrolytic and acid‐base disorders was similar to that observed in non cancer patients.Filter patency was relatively short 24.8 (11 – 43) hours.Factors related to filter clotting were, genitourinary tumor, platelets number and citrate dose.