Sinistrin clearance for determination of glomerular filtration rate: a reappraisal of various approaches using a new analytical method

Dynamic changes in renal sodium handling during sympathetic stimulation in healthy human males

The temporal response of changes in renal sodium reabsorption during increased renal sympathetic nerve activity has not been investigated. Central hypovolemia by application of lower-body negative-pressure (LBNP) elicits baroreceptor mediated sympathetic reflexes to maintain arterial blood pressure. We hypothesized, that during 90 min LBNP, the renal sodium retention would increase rapidly, remain increased during intervention, and return to baseline immediately after end of intervention.

METHODS

30 young, healthy, sodium loaded, non-obese males were exposed to -15 mmHg LBNP, -30 mmHg LBNP, -15 mmHg LBNP + renin blockade or time-control (0 mmHg LBNP) for 90 min. Urine was collected every 15 min during 90 min of intervention and 60 min of recovery to identify a possible relation between time of intervention and renal response.

RESULTS

All intervention groups exhibited a comparable reduction in distal sodium excretion at the end of the intervention (P = 0.46 between groups; -15 mmHg: -3.1 ± 0.9 %, -30 mmHg: -2.9 ± 0.6 %, -15 mmHg + aslikiren: -1.8 ± 0.6 %). -15 mmHg+Aliskiren resulted in a slower onset, but all groups exhibited a continued reduction in sodium excretion after 1 h of recovery despite return to baseline of renin, aldosterone, diuresis and cardiovascular parameters.

CONCLUSION

Sympathetic stimulation for 90 min via LBNP at -30 mmHg LBNP compared to -15 mmHg did not result in a greater response in fractional Na+ excretion, suggesting that additional baroreceptor unloading did not cause further increases in renal sodium reabsorption. Changes in distal Na+ excretion were linear with respect to time (dose) of intervention, but seem to exhibit a saturation-like effect at a level around 4 %. The lack of recovery after 1 h is also a new finding that warrants further investigation.

Tikhonov gamma variate adaptive regularization applied to technetium Tc 99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid plasma clearance, compared with three other methods, for measuring glomerular filtration rate in cats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate agreement of 4 methods (Tikhonov gamma variate adaptive regularization of plasma concentration-time curve fitting applied to technetium Tc 99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid [^99mTc-DTPA] plasma clearance [Tk-GV], plasma clearance of exogenous creatinine [CrCL], Gates gamma camera-based measurement method with ^99mTc-DTPA renal clearance and dynamic scintigraphy [GTS], and iohexol renal clearance assessed with dynamic CT with Patlak plotting [CT-Pp]) for measuring glomerular filtration rates (GFR) in healthy cats.

ANIMALS

7 healthy, laboratory-raised cats.

PROCEDURES

Each method for measuring GFR was performed twice in 7 cats at 24-day intervals. The Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test was used to compare the results obtained from the 14 studies for each method. Results from the 4 methods were assessed for agreement and correlation.

RESULTS

The median GFR values were 2.75, 2.83, 3.14, and 4.26 mL/min/kg, for Tk-GV, CT-Pp, plasma CrCL, and GTS, respectively. Analysis with Wilcoxon signed-rank sum tests identified significant pairwise differences between results obtained with the Tk-GV versus the plasma CrCL method, the Tk-GV versus the GTS method, and the plasma CrCL versus the GTS method. The least variable method was Tk-GV, with an SD of 1.27 (mL/min/kg).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Findings indicated that Tk-GV yielded GFR measurements comparable with those obtained with CT-Pp, plasma CrCL, and GTS; however, the Tk-GV method yielded the tightest range of results among the methods evaluated.

The chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation combining creatinine and cystatin C accurately assesses renal function in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Accurate measurement of renal function in cirrhotic patients is still challenging. To find the best test for the determination of the true glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in cirrhotic patients this study prospectively compared measured (m)GFR, the gold standard, with estimated (e)GFR using equations based on serum levels of creatinine and cystatin C.

METHODS

GFR was measured by sinistrin clearance using the bolus method in 50 patients with cirrhosis (Child Turcotte Pugh score A, B and C) and 24 age-matched healthy subjects as controls. Measured (m)GFR was compared to eGFR using bias, accuracy 10 % and 30 %, as well as correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Creatinine-based equations generally overestimated GFR in patients with cirrhosis and showed a bias (average difference between mGFR and eGFR) of -40 (CG), -12 (MDRD) and -9 (CKD-EPI-Cr) ml/min/1.73 m(2). Cystatin C-based equations underestimated GFR, especially in patients with Child Turcotte Pugh score C (bias 17 ml/min/1.73 m(2)for CKD-EPI-CysC). Of these equations, the CKD-EPI equation that combines creatinine and cystatin C (CKD-EPI-Cr-CysC) showed a bias of 0.12 ml/min/1.73 m(2) as compared to measured GFR.

CONCLUSIONS

The CKD-EPI equation that combines serum creatinine and cystatin C measurements shows the best performance for accurate estimation of GFR in cirrhosis, especially at advanced stages.

Determining the mechanisms underlying augmented renal drug clearance in the critically ill: use of exogenous marker compounds

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore changes in glomerular filtration (GFR) and renal tubular function in critically ill patients at risk of augmented renal clearance (ARC), using exogenous marker compounds.

Methods

This prospective, observational pharmacokinetic (PK) study was performed in a university-affiliated, tertiary-level, adult intensive care unit (ICU). Patients aged less than or equal to 60 years, manifesting a systemic inflammatory response, with an expected ICU length of stay more than 24 hours, no evidence of acute renal impairment (plasma creatinine concentration <120 μmol/L) and no history of chronic kidney disease or renal replacement therapy were eligible for inclusion. The following study markers were administered concurrently: sinistrin 2,500 mg (Inutest; Laevosan, Linz, Austria), p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) 440 mg (4% p-aminohippuric acid sodium salt; CFM Oskar Tropitzsch, Marktredwitz, Germany), rac-pindolol 5 or 15 mg (Barbloc; Alphapharm, Millers Point, NSW, Australia) and fluconazole 100 mg (Diflucan; Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd, West Ryde, NSW, Australia). Plasma concentrations were then measured at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes and 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours post-administration. Non-compartmental PK analysis was used to quantify GFR, tubular secretion and tubular reabsorption.

Results

Twenty patients were included in the study. Marker administration was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Sinistrin clearance as a marker of GFR was significantly elevated (mean, 180 (95% confidence interval (CI), 141 to 219) ml/min) and correlated well with creatinine clearance (r =0.70, P <0.01). Net tubular secretion of PAH, a marker of tubular anion secretion, was also elevated (mean, 428 (95% CI, 306 to 550) ml/min), as was net tubular reabsorption of fluconazole (mean, 135 (95% CI, 100 to 169) ml/min). Net tubular secretion of (S)- and (R)-pinodolol, a marker of tubular cation secretion, was impaired.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients at risk of ARC, significant alterations in glomerular filtration, renal tubular secretion and tubular reabsorption are apparent. This has implications for accurate dosing of renally eliminated drugs.

A Limited Sampling, Simple, and Useful Method for Determination of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Cats by Using a New Accurate HPLC Method to Measure Iohexol Plasmatic Concentrations

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is still a highly underutilized tool in cats because available methods are not easy to be performed in clinical practice. Iohexol (IOX) has been shown to be a useful and reliable marker of GFR both in animals and in humans. The aim of the present study was to develop a rapid and reliable method for measuring IOX in feline plasma and to evaluate the accuracy of limited sampling models to establish a low-cost and clinically suitable GFR test. IOX concentrations were determined by using a new HPLC-UV method. GFR was assessed as plasma clearance of IOX, which was calculated by dividing dose administered by area under the curve of plasmatic concentration versus time (AUC), and indexed to body weight (BW). Correlation and agreement analysis between the GFR values obtained by a seven-point clearance method and the GFR values determined by the application of simplified sample combinations indicated that the 3-blood sample clearance model (5, 30, and 60 min) was the best simplified method because it provided an accurate GFR value in only one hour. The reported method is a simple and accurate way of GFR determination, which may be easily used in a clinical setting.

Renal function assessment in older adults

AIMS

The Cockcroft-Gault (CG), the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and the CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) formulae are often used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The objective was to determine the best method for estimating GFR in older adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the geriatric wards of two hospitals in The Netherlands. Patients aged 70 years or above with an estimated (e)GFR below 60 ml min⁻¹  1.73 m⁻² were included. The CG, CG calculated with ideal bodyweight (IBW), MDRD and CKD-EPI formulae were compared with a criterion standard, sinistrin clearance. Renal function was classified into five stages according to the National Kidney Foundation Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative chronic kidney disease classification, as follows (in ml min⁻¹  1.73 m)⁻²: stage 1, eGFR ≥ 90; stage 2, eGFR of 60-89; stage 3, eGFR of 30-59; stage 4, eGFR of 15-29; and stage 5, eGFR < 15.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients, 50% male, with a mean age of 82 years (range 71-87 years) and mean body mass index 26 kg m⁻² (range 18-36 kg m⁻²), were included. On average, all formulae slightly overestimated GFR, as follows (in ml min⁻¹  1.73 m⁻²: CG +0.05 [95% confidence interval (CI) -28 to +28]; CG with IBW +0.03 (95% CI -20 to +20); MDRD +9 (95% CI -16 to +34); and CKD-EPI +5 (95% CI -20 to +29). They classified kidney disease correctly in 68.8% (CG), 75% (CG with IBW), 43.8% (MDRD) and 68.8% (CKD-EPI) of the participants, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The CG, CG with IBW, MDRD and CKD-EPI formulae estimate the mean GFR of a population rather well. In individual cases, all formulae may misclassify kidney disease by one stage.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determination via individual kinetics of the inulin-like polyfructosan sinistrin versus creatinine-based population-derived regression formulae

BACKGROUND

In renal patients estimation of GFR is routinely done by means of population-based formulae using serum creatinine levels. For GFR determination in the creatinine-blind regions or in cases of reno-hepatic syndrome as well as in critical cases of live kidney donors individualized measurements of GFR (mGFR) employing the kinetics of exogenous filtration markers such as the inulin-like polyfructosan sinistrin are necessary. The goal of this study is to compare mGFR values with the eGFR values gained by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD4) and Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formulae.

METHODS

In 170 subjects comprising persons with normal renal function or with various stages of kidney diseases (CKD 1-4) GFR was measured by application of intravenous bolus of sinistrin and assessment of temporal plasma concentration profiles by means of pharmacokinetic methods (mGFR). Comparisons of mGFR with MDRD4- and CKD-EPI-derived eGFR values were performed by means of linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses.

RESULTS

Reasonable agreement of mGFR and eGFR values was observed in patients with poor renal function [GFR below 60 (ml/min)/1.73 m²]. In cases of normal or mildly impaired renal function, GFR determination by MDRD4 or CKD-EPI tends to underestimate GFR. Notably, there is practically no difference between the two eGFR methods.

CONCLUSIONS

For routine purposes or for epidemiological studies in cases of poor renal function eGFR methods are generally reliable. But in creatinine-blind ranges [GFR above 60 (ml/min)/1.73 m²] eGFR values are unreliable and should be replaced by clinically and physiologically suitable methods for mGFR determination.

CONSORT

http://www.consort-statement.org/index.aspx?o=1190.

Clearance and beyond: the complementary roles of GFR measurement and injury biomarkers in acute kidney injury (AKI)

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and frequently fatal illness in critically ill patients. The reliance on daily measurements of serum creatinine as a surrogate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) not only delays diagnosis and development of successful therapies but also hinders insight into the pathophysiology of human AKI. Measurement of GFR under non-steady-state conditions remains an elusive gold standard against which biomarkers of renal injury need to be judged. Approaches to the rapid (near real-time) measurement of GFR are explored. Even if real-time GFR was available, absent baseline information will always limit diagnosis of AKI based on GFR or serum creatinine to a detection of change. Biomarkers of renal cellular injury have provided new strategies to facilitate detection and early intervention in AKI. However, the diagnostic and predictive performance of urinary biomarkers of injury vary, depending on both the time after renal injury and on the preinjury GFR. Progress in understanding the role of each novel biomarker in the causal pathways of AKI promises to enhance their diagnostic potential. We predict that combining rapid measures of GFR with biomarkers of renal injury will yield substantive progress in the treatment of AKI.

Antibiotic dosing in the 'at risk' critically ill patient: Linking pathophysiology with pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics in sepsis and trauma patients

Background

Critical illness, mediated by trauma or sepsis, can lead to physiological changes that alter the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics and may result in sub-therapeutic concentrations at the sites of infection. The first aim of this project is to identify the clinical characteristics of critically ill patients with significant trauma that have been recently admitted to ICU that may predict the dosing requirements for the antibiotic, cefazolin. The second aim of this is to identify the clinical characteristics of critically ill patients with sepsis that may predict the dosing requirements for the combination antibiotic, piperacillin-tazobactam.

Methods/Design

This is an observational pharmacokinetic study of patients with trauma (cefazolin) or with sepsis (piperacillin-tazobactam). Participants will have samples from blood and urine, collected at different intervals. Patients will also have a microdialysis catheter inserted into subcutaneous tissue to measure interstitial fluid penetration of the antibiotic. Participants will be administered sinistrin, indocyanine green and sodium bromide as well as have cardiac output monitoring performed and tetrapolar bioimpedance to determine physiological changes resulting from pathology. Analysis of samples will be performed using validated liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic analysis will be performed using non-linear mixed effects modeling to determine individual and population pharmacokinetic parameters of antibiotics.

Discussion

The study will describe cefazolin and piperacillin-tazobactam concentrations in plasma and the interstitial fluid of tissues in trauma and sepsis patients respectively. The results of this study will guide clinicians to effectively dose these antibiotics in order to maximize the concentration of antibiotics in the interstitial fluid of tissues.

Validation of plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA in adult renal transplant recipients: comparison with inulin renal clearance

Plasma clearance of (51)Cr-EDTA ((51)Cr-EDTA-Cl) is an alternative method to evaluate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This study aimed to investigate the concordance between (51)Cr-EDTA-Cl and renal inulin clearance (In-Cl) in renal transplant recipients as well to determine the repeatability of (51)Cr-EDTA-Cl in kidney donors. Forty four kidney recipients and 22 kidney donors were enrolled. Simultaneous measurements of (51)Cr-EDTA-Cl and In-Cl were performed. A single dose of 3.7MBq of (51)Cr-EDTA was injected and the plasma disappearance curve was created by taking blood samples at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after injection. Bland and Altman statistical approach was used to quantify the agreement between In-Cl and (51)Cr-EDTA-Cl and to determine the better concordance between all possibilities of measure for the (51)Cr-EDTA-Cl. The mean of In-Cl was 44.5 +/- 17.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2). There was a positive correlation between In-Cl and all possible measurements of (51)Cr-EDTA-Cl. (51)Cr-EDTA-Cl with two samples taken at 4 and 8 h or at 4 and 6 h presenting the narrow limits of agreement and a difference (bias) of 2.8 and 2.7 ml/min, respectively. Two plasma sampling for (51)Cr-EDTA-Cl was a reliable method to measure GFR compared with In-Cl and comprises a suitable method to be used in kidney transplanted patients.

Effect of dronedarone on renal function in healthy subjects

AIMS

To assess the effects of dronedarone on renal function and tubular cation handling.

METHODS

Twelve healthy males were enrolled in a randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. They received 400 mg dronedarone or placebo twice daily for 7 days. Baseline and on-treatment renal function tests were performed under strict standardization of intakes, by assessing creatinine, sinistrin, para-amino-hippurate (PAH) and N-methylnicotinamide (NMN) CLs, and electrolyte excretion.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, dronedarone significantly decreased renal creatinine CL (mean 138-119 ml min(-1) after dronedarone vs. 142-149 ml min(-1) after placebo) and NMN CL (448-368 ml min(-1)vs. 435-430 ml min(-1)), but did not alter renal sinistrin CL, PAH CL and other renal parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Dronedarone reduces renal creatinine and NMN clearance by about 18%, without evidence of an effect on GFR, renal plasma flow or electrolyte exchanges. This suggests a specific partial inhibition of tubular organic cation transporters (OCT). A limited increase in serum creatinine is therefore expected with dronedarone treatment, but does not mean there is a decline in renal function.

CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genes influence blood pressure and response to treatment, and their effect is modified by salt

The permeability-glycoprotein efflux-transporter encoded by the multidrug resistance 1 (ABCB1) gene and the cytochromes P450 3A4/5 encoded by the CYP3A4/5 genes are known to interact in the transport and metabolism of many drugs. Recent data have shown that the CYP3A5 genotypes influence blood pressure and that permeability-glycoprotein activity might influence the activity of the renin-angiotensin system. Hence, these 2 genes may contribute to blood pressure regulation in humans. We analyzed the association of variants of the ABCB1 and CYP3A5 genes with ambulatory blood pressure, plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone, endogenous lithium clearance, and blood pressure response to treatment in 72 families (373 individuals; 55% women; mean age: 46 years) of East African descent. The ABCB1 and CYP3A5 genes interact with urinary sodium excretion in their effect on ambulatory blood pressure (daytime systolic: P=0.05; nighttime systolic and diastolic: P<0.01), suggesting a gene-gene-environment interaction. The combined action of these genes is also associated with postproximal tubular sodium reabsorption, plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone, and with an altered blood pressure response to the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril (P<0.05). This is the first reported association of the ABCB1 gene with blood pressure in humans and demonstration that genes encoding for proteins metabolizing and transporting drugs and endogenous substrates contribute to blood pressure regulation.

Accurate measurement of individual glomerular filtration rate in cancer patients: an ongoing challenge

A narrow therapeutic index is a characteristic feature of cytotoxic agents. Some of these agents are almost entirely eliminated renally in unchanged active form. As a consequence, assessment of the individual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may help to predict the pharmacokinetic behaviour of cytotoxic agents in plasma more precisely. In addition, GFR-adapted individualization of cancer chemotherapy may have an enormous impact on the severity of side effects. Several methods are available to determine GFR or creatinine clearance (CrCl). GFR-measurement based on experimental methods with radiolabelled isotopes, contrast media or inulin helps to reflect the real situation very closely. In addition, 24-h urine collection is a convenient and feasible method to measure creatinine clearance. Finally, several mathematical equations exist to estimate GFR or CrCl based on serum creatinine and other parameters. Only a few of these equations have been developed in oncologic patients. However, some of these equations are routinely used in clinical practice, because they allow a rapid estimation of GFR. Based on the fact that clinically relevant differences have been assessed between calculated values and the real situation, mathematical calculation of GFR or CrCl does not seem to be appropriate to assess individual renal function precisely enough over a broad range of individual GFR or CrCl. Whether the measurement of low-molecular-weight proteins, such as cystatin C and ss-trace protein, may help to reflect the real situation more precisely is a matter of controversial debate.

Contribution of increased oral bioavailability and reduced nonglomerular renal clearance of digoxin to the digoxin-clarithromycin interaction

AIMS

A clinically important interaction between the cardiac glycoside digoxin and the antibiotic clarithromycin has been suggested in earlier reports. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of the interaction and the relative contribution of different mechanisms.

METHODS

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over design single oral doses of 0.75 mg digoxin with oral coadministration of placebo or 250 mg clarithromycin twice daily for 3 days were administered to 12 healthy men. Additionally, three of the subjects received single intravenous doses of 0.01 mg x kg(-1) digoxin with oral placebo or clarithromycin. Digoxin plasma and urine concentrations were determined by a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Oral coadministration of clarithromycin resulted in a 1.7-fold increase of the area under the digoxin plasma concentration-time curve [mean AUC(0,24) +/- SD 23 +/- 5.2 vs. 14 +/- 2.9 microg x L(-1) x h; 95% confidence interval (CI) on the difference 7.0, 12; P = 0.002] and in a reduction of the nonglomerular renal clearance of digoxin [mean ClRng(0, 24) +/- SD 34 +/- 39 vs. 57 +/- 41 mL min-1; 95% CI on the difference 7.2, 45; P = 0.03]. The ratios of mean digoxin plasma concentrations with and without clarithromycin were highest during the absorption period of clarithromycin. After intravenous administration digoxin AUC(0,24) increased only 1.2-fold during coadministration of clarithromycin.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased oral bioavailability and reduced nonglomerular renal clearance of digoxin both contribute to the interaction between digoxin and clarithromycin, probably due to inhibition of intestinal and renal P-glycoprotein.

Principles and Clinical Application of Assessing Alterations in Renal Elimination Pathways

Drugs and metabolites are eliminated from the body by metabolism and excretion. The kidney makes the major contribution to excretion of unchanged drug and also to excretion of metabolites. Net renal excretion is a combination of three processes - glomerular filtration, tubular secretion and tubular reabsorption. Renal function has traditionally been determined by measuring plasma creatinine and estimating creatinine clearance. However, estimated creatinine clearance measures only glomerular filtration with a small contribution from active secretion. There is accumulating evidence of poor correlation between estimated creatinine clearance and renal drug clearance in different clinical settings, challenging the 'intact nephron hypothesis' and suggesting that renal drug handling pathways may not decline in parallel. Furthermore, it is evident that renal drug handling is altered to a clinically significant extent in a number of disease states, necessitating dosage adjustment not just based on filtration. These observations suggest that a re-evaluation of markers of renal function is required. Methods that measure all renal handling pathways would allow informed dosage individualisation using an understanding of renal excretion pathways and patient characteristics. Methodologies have been described to determine individually each of the renal elimination pathways. However, their simultaneous assessment has only recently been investigated. A cocktail of markers to measure simultaneously the individual renal handling pathways have now been developed, and evaluated in healthy volunteers. This review outlines the different renal elimination pathways and the possible markers that can be used for their measurement. Diseases and other physiological conditions causing altered renal drug elimination are presented, and the potential application of a cocktail of markers for the simultaneous measurement of drug handling is evaluated. Further investigation of the effects of disease processes on renal drug handling should include people with HIV infection, transplant recipients (renal and liver) and people with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, changes in renal function in the elderly, the effect of sex on renal function, assessment of living kidney donors prior to transplantation and the investigation of renal drug interactions would also be potential applications. Once renal drug handling pathways are characterised in a patient population, the implications for accurate dosage individualisation can be assessed. The simultaneous measurement of renal function elimination pathways of drugs and metabolites has the potential to assist in understanding how renal function changes with different disease states or physiological conditions. In addition, it will further our understanding of fundamental aspects of the renal elimination of drugs.

Acute effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on systemic, hepatic, and renal hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis and ascites

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition has been demonstrated to correct systemic vasodilation and renal hypoperfusion in studies of patients with cirrhosis. In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, NOS blockade increases arterial pressure, but the acute effects on hepatic and renal hemodynamics are not known.

METHODS

We examined the acute systemic, hepatic, and renal hemodynamic effects of N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) in 10 patients with decompensated cirrhosis. After baseline measurements, 3 mg/kg L-NMMA was administered as an IV bolus. At 20 minutes, if mean arterial pressure did not increase by at least 10 mm Hg above the baseline value, a second injection of 6 mg/kg was administered.

RESULTS

In 5 of 10 patients, the second injection of L-NMMA 6mg/kg was necessary to achieve at least a 10 mm Hg increase in mean arterial pressure. Acute NOS inhibition increased systemic vascular resistance and decreased cardiac output, without causing changes in the hepatic venous pressure gradient. Hepatic blood flow decreased, but the indocyanine green intrinsic clearance and extraction remained unchanged. Plasma renin activity (from 9.5 +/- 2.9 to 6.7 +/- 1.6 ng/ml/h) and urinary prostaglandin E2 (from 299 +/- 40 to 112 +/- 36 pg/ml) significantly decreased. No significant changes in glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, and natriuresis occurred, however.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute L-NMMA infusion in patients with decompensated cirrhosis reduced hepatic blood flow and decreased plasma renin activity and urinary prostaglandin E2, without causing significant changes in renal hemodynamics.

Simultaneous administration of a cocktail of markers to measure renal drug elimination pathways: absence of a pharmacokinetic interaction between fluconazole and sinistrin, p-aminohippuric acid and pindolol

AIMS

Previous studies suggest that estimated creatinine clearance, the conventional measure of renal function, does not adequately reflect changes in renal drug handling in some patients, including the immunosuppressed. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a cocktail of markers, to be given in a single administration, capable of detecting alterations in the renal elimination pathways of glomerular filtration, tubular secretion and tubular reabsorption.

METHODS

Healthy male subjects (n = 12) received intravenously infused 2500 mg sinistrin (glomerular filtration) and 440 mg p-aminohippuric acid (PAH; anion secretion), and orally administered 100 mg fluconazole (reabsorption) and 15 mg rac-pindolol (cation secretion). The potential interaction between these markers was investigated in a pharmacokinetic study where markers (M) or fluconazole (F) were administered alone or together (M + F). Validated analytical methods were used to measure plasma and urine concentrations in order to quantify the renal handling of each marker. Plasma protein binding of fluconazole was measured by ultrafiltration. All subjects had an estimated creatinine clearance within the normal range. The renal clearance of each marker (mean+/- s.d.) was calculated as the ratio of the amount excreted in urine and the area-under-the-concentration-time curve. Statistical comparisons were made using a paired t-test and 95% confidence intervals were reported.

RESULTS

The renal clearances of sinistrin (M: 119 +/- 31 ml min(-1); M + F: 130 +/- 40 ml min(-1); P = 0.32), PAH (M: 469 +/- 145 ml min(-1); M + F: 467 +/- 146 ml min(-1); P = 0.95), R-pindolol (M: 204 +/- 41 ml min(-1); M + F: 190 +/- 41 ml min(-1); P = 0.39; n = 11), S-pindolol (M: 225 +/- 55 ml min(-1); M + F: 209 +/- 60 ml min(-1); P = 0.27; n = 11) and fluconazole (F: 14.9 +/- 3.8 ml min(-1); M + F: 13.6 +/- 3.4 ml min(-1); P = 0.16) were similar when the markers or fluconazole were administered alone (M or F) or as a cocktail (M + F).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no interaction between markers and fluconazole in healthy male subjects, suggesting that a single administration of this cocktail of markers of different renal processes can be used to simultaneously investigate pathways of renal drug elimination.

Variability of glomerular filtration rate estimation using single injection methods in Type 1 diabetic patients

AIM

Single-injection inulin clearance (SIIC) methods without urine collection have often been compared with classical constant-infusion inulin clearance methods. Therefore, we used repeated SIIC measurements to prove the hypothesis of a possible overestimation or variability of inulin clearance in Type 1 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Two SIIC periods, glomerular filtration rate 1 and 2 (GFR 1, GFR 2) were performed consecutively on the same day. In diabetic patients, GFR 3 was measured several days later at the same time of day as the GFR 1 had been done. The calculation used a two-compartment modelling system (TCM) which showed excellent agreement to ratio of dose over area under the curve (D/AUC) calculation.

RESULTS

Twelve normotensive Type 1 diabetic patients (mean and SD), age 39 (10.7) years, diabetes duration 20 (10.7) years, HbA1c 8.5% (0.82%), albuminuria 13.8 (15.7) mg/24 h and six controls, age 26 (2.6) years were examined. Healthy controls showed an excellent repeatability between GFR 1 111.8 (11.44) and GFR 2 110.8 (11.41) ml.min-1.1.73 m2-1. However, in diabetic patients there was a highly significant decrease between GFR 1 129.4 (11.86) and GFR 2 118.1 (13.05) ml.min-1.1.73 m2-1. GFR 1 with 129.4 (11.86) ml.min-1.1.73 m2-1 did not differ significantly from GFR 3 with 129.9 (12.40) ml.min-1.1.73 m2-1 in diabetic patients (P < 0.839).

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to normal subjects, in Type 1 diabetic patients single-injection inulin clearance technique showed a clinically relevant decrease in GFR on two repeated measurements on the same day. Overestimation of GFR by the first inulin clearance may be caused by incomplete inulin distribution in the slow compartment. Diabet. Med. 18, 464-468 (2001)

Analytical validation for a series of marker compounds used to assess renal drug elimination processes

Renal drug elimination is determined by glomerular filtration, tubular secretion, and tubular reabsorption. Changes in the integrity of these processes influence renal drug clearance, and these changes may not be detected by conventional measures of renal function such as creatinine clearance. The aim of the current study was to examine the analytic issues needed to develop a cocktail of marker drugs (fluconazole, rac-pindolol, para-aminohippuric acid, sinistrin) to measure simultaneously the mechanisms contributing to renal clearance. High-performance liquid chromatographic methods of analysis for fluconazole, pindolol, para-aminohippuric acid, and creatinine and an enzymatic assay for sinistrin were developed or modified and then validated to allow determination of each of the compounds in both plasma and urine in the presence of all other marker drugs. A pilot clinical study in one volunteer was conducted to ensure that the assays were suitable for quantitating all the marker drugs to the sensitivity and specificity needed to allow accurate determination of individual renal clearances. The performance of all assays (plasma and urine) complied with published validation criteria. All standard curves displayed linearity over the concentration ranges required, with coefficients of correlation greater than 0.99. The precision of the interday and intraday variabilities of quality controls for each marker in plasma and urine were all less than 11.9% for each marker. Recoveries of markers (and internal standards) in plasma and urine were all at least 90%. All markers investigated were shown to be stable when plasma or urine was frozen and thawed. For all the assays developed, there were no interferences from other markers or endogenous substances. In a pilot clinical study, concentrations of all markers could be accurately and reproducibly determined for a sufficient duration of time after administration to calculate accurate renal clearance for each marker. This article presents details of the analytic techniques developed for measuring concentrations of marker drugs for different renal elimination processes administered as a single dose to define the processes contributing to renal drug elimination.

Dynamic renal function testing by compartmental analysis: assessment of renal functional reserve in essential hypertension

BACKGROUND

In essential hypertension, acute haemodynamic changes due to dietary protein load cause patterns of acute changes in renal function that are fundamentally different from changes in normal controls.

METHODS

Renal clearances of sinistrin, an inulin-like polyfructosan, and p-aminohippurate were determined before and after protein ingestion. These tests were performed in healthy controls and in patients with essential hypertension (mean arterial pressure of 112+/-2 mmHg, age, 52+/-2 years; mean+/-SEM) within a washout period, and after long-term treatment with carvedilol and fosinopril, respectively.

RESULTS

In 15 healthy volunteers, protein ingestion increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from 110.3+/-3.6 to 120. 6+/-4.4 ml/min (P=0.0006; two-tailed pairwise t-test). In contrast, it led to an acute decrease in GFR in 16 hypertensive patients, from 111.8+/-2.9 to 103.6+/-3.3 ml/min (P=0.0010). The eight patients who were randomized to receive carvedilol improved in their renal response to protein (GFR increased from 101.4+/-6.4 to 107.1+/-5.4 ml/min; P=0.04), whereas the eight other patients randomized to receive fosinopril exhibited no change in GFR (final value 105+/-4.9 ml/min). In the patients, the acute shifts in renal plasma flows were not significant. Mean arterial blood pressure of the patients decreased from 112+/-2 to 100+/-3 mmHg (P=0.0015).

CONCLUSIONS

In essential hypertension an acute protein load induces a decrease in GFR that may normalize under antihypertensive treatment. The acute changes in GFR can be reliably monitored by the here-described compartmental analysis method of renal functional reserve.

Measurement of glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow in the conscious beagle dog by single intravenous bolus of iohexol and p-aminohippuric acid

The objective of this study was to validate a kinetic approach for the simultaneous measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) in the dog. Six healthy male Beagle dogs were randomly assigned in a three-period cross-over study of intravenous bolus administration of iohexol (64.7 mg/kg), PAH (10 mg/kg), and an iohexol/PAH mixture. PAH and iohexol were determined simultaneously by a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic method. The iohexol and PAH data obtained after intravenous administration were analyzed using noncompartmental and bicompartmental approaches. A simplified iohexol plasma clearance was also calculated from the terminal elimination phase of the plasma iohexol concentrations versus time profile. The total plasma clearance values for PAH and exo-iohexol were 13+/-2.3 mL/kg/min and 2.9+/-0.3 mL/kg/min, respectively. No significant (or biologically relevant) effect of coadministration of PAH and iohexol was observed on the pharmacokinetic parameters of either drug. The calculation of simplified plasma clearance led to an overestimation of the true plasma clearance. In conclusion, GFR and ERPF can easily and rapidly be measured in the dog by this approach which is relatively noninvasive.

Determination of inulin clearance by bolus intravenous injection in healthy subjects and ascitic patients: equivalence of systemic and renal clearances as glomerular filtration markers

AIMS

Determination of systemic inulin clearance by the standard technique of constant intravenous infusion has long been accepted as a reliable method for measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) without urine collection, except in oedematous patients. However, recent studies using standard clearance techniques have claimed that systemic inulin clearance is significantly greater than renal clearance and therefore overestimates GFR. The main purpose of this investigation was to re-evaluate the relationship between systemic and renal inulin clearance using a different technical approach. A reassessment was also made of inulin disposition kinetics.

METHODS

Systemic and renal inulin clearances were simultaneously evaluated, in healthy subjects and patients with oedema and ascites, by analysis of the total area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) following bolus intravenous injection. kenal clearance was calculated as the ratio of the total amount recovered in the urine to the AUC, and systemic clearance as dose/AUC.

RESULTS

Inulin disposition kinetics were best described by a tri-exponential model. In healthy subjects the volume of the central compartment (mean (s.d.) value 3.86 (1.00) 70 kg(-1)) was slightly greater than the plasma volume; steady-state volume of distribution was 11.00 (1.21) 170 kg(-1), in accordance with the tenet that the inulin space is somewhat smaller than the extracellular fluid volume. The values of systemic and renal inulin clearances were very similar (96.1 (10.0) and 94.6 (12.5) ml min(-1) 70 kg(-1), respectively, in healthy subjects; 104.6 (16.3) and 102.6 (18.5) ml min(-1) in ascitic patients). They were also highly correlated to each other in both healthy subjects (r=0.96, P<0.001) and patients with ascites (r=0.98, P

CONCLUSIONS

The method described here constitutes a simpler and more precise technique for measuring renal inulin clearance than the standard method, which is based on constant infusion and timed collections of urine samples, since it avoids errors connected with short successive urine collections. By the present method we demonstrated that renal and systemic inulin clearances are virtually identical in both healthy subjects and patients with expanded extracellular fluid volume. Determination of systemic inulin clearance by the presently described technique is therefore a method of general validity for measuring GFR without urine collection.

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Key Words

• bolus i.v. injection
• inulin clearance
• kinetic analysis

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MESH Headings

• Ascites/metabolism
• Glomerular Filtration Rate
• Humans
• Injections, Intravenous
• Inulin/administration & dosage
• Inulin/blood
• Inulin/pharmacokinetics
• Kidney/drug effects
• Kidney/metabolism
• Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism
• Male
• Metabolic Clearance Rate
• Middle Aged

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Affiliation(s)

R Orlando Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
M Floreani
R Padrini
P Palatini

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