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Kulkarni M, Prabhu AR, Rao IR, Nagaraju SP. Interventions for preventing haemodialysis dysequilibrium syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 5:CD015526. [PMID: 38775299 PMCID: PMC11110491 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015526.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dialysis dysequilibrium syndrome (DDS) refers to neurological symptoms usually seen during or after new initiation or following reinitiation of haemodialysis (HD) after missing multiple sessions. DDS is associated with death and morbidity. We studied interventions aimed at preventing DDS. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits and harms of different types of interventions for preventing DDS. SEARCH METHODS We contacted the information specialist and searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 8 May 2024 using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register were identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any intervention against standard care, including individuals initiated on HD, regardless of age. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently determined study eligibility, assessed quality and extracted data. Data were collected on methods, interventions, participants, and outcomes (DDS incidence, severe DDS, death, adverse events). Risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) tool. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. MAIN RESULTS We included two RCTs, enrolling 32 adult participants. Interventions included were slow dialysis, sodium modelling, standard sodium dialysate, and high sodium dialysate. The risk of bias was of some concern to high risk of bias in both studies. Slow dialysis compared to sodium modelling (1 study, 15 participants) may result in little to no difference in DDS, severe DDS, and death (low certainty evidence) and has uncertain effects on adverse events (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.15 to 11.64; very low certainty evidence). Standard sodium dialysate compared to high sodium dialysate (1 study, 17 participants) has uncertain effects on the incidence of DDS (RR 0.07, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.12), severe DDS (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.02 to 10.32), and adverse events (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.02) (very low certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In HD patients, sodium modelling, compared to slow dialysis, may result in little to no difference in DDS and death (low certainty evidence) and has uncertain effects on adverse events (very low certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain for the effect of high-sodium dialysate and standard sodium dialysate on DDS, death and adverse events (very low certainty evidence).
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjunath Kulkarni
- Department of Nephrology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru, India
| | - Attur Ravindra Prabhu
- Department of Nephrology, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Indu Ramachandra Rao
- Department of Nephrology, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shankar Prasad Nagaraju
- Department of Nephrology, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Raina R, Davenport A, Warady B, Vasistha P, Sethi SK, Chakraborty R, Khooblall P, Agarwal N, Vij M, Schaefer F, Malhotra K, Misra M. Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) in pediatric patients on dialysis: systematic review and clinical practice recommendations. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:263-274. [PMID: 34609583 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-05242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is a rare neurological complication, most commonly affecting patients undergoing new initiation of hemodialysis (HD), but can also be seen in patients receiving chronic dialysis who miss regular treatments, patients having acute kidney injury (AKI), and in those treated with continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although the pathogenesis is not well understood, DDS is likely a result of multiple physiological abnormalities. In this systematic review, we provide a synopsis of the data available on DDS that allow for a clear picture of its pathogenesis, preventive measures, and focus on effective management strategies. METHODS We conducted a literature search on PubMed/Medline and Embase from January 1960 to January 2021. Studies were included if the patient developed DDS irrespective of age and gender. A summary table was used to summarize the data from individual studies and included study type, population group, age group, sample size, patient characteristics, blood and dialysate flow rate, and overall outcome. A descriptive analysis calculating the frequency of population size, symptoms, and various treatments was performed using R software version 3.1.0. RESULTS A total of 49 studies (321 samples) were identified and analyzed. Out of the included 49 studies, a total of 48 studies reported the presence of DSS among patients (1 study reported based on number of dialysis and therefore was not considered for analysis). Among these 48 studies, 74.3% (226/304) patients were reported to have DSS. The most common symptoms were nausea (25.2%), headache (24.8%), vomiting (23.9%), muscle cramps (18.1%), affected level of consciousness (8.8%), confusion (4.4%), and seizure (4.9%) among the 226 DDS patients. Furthermore, 12 studies decided to switch from HD to alternative dialysis modalities including continuous venovenous hemofiltration/hemodiafiltration (CVVH/CVVHDF) or PD which reported no DDS symptoms. CONCLUSION Early recognition and timely prevention are crucial for DDS patients. We have provided comprehensive clinical practice points for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult populations. However, it is essential to recognize that DDS was reported more frequently in the early dialysis era, as there was a lack of advanced dialysis technology and limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Raina
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH, USA. .,Department of Nephrology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA. .,School of Medicine Cleveland Ohio, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Andrew Davenport
- University College London Centre for Nephrology, Division of Medicine, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bradley Warady
- Division of Nephrology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Prabhav Vasistha
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Sidharth Kumar Sethi
- Pediatric Nephrology & Pediatric Kidney Transplantation, Kidney and Urology Institute, MedantaThe Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon, India
| | - Ronith Chakraborty
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH, USA.,Department of Nephrology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Prajit Khooblall
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Nirav Agarwal
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Manan Vij
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Franz Schaefer
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kunal Malhotra
- Division of Nephrology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Madhukar Misra
- Division of Nephrology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
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Bhowmick SS, Lang AE. Movement Disorders and Renal Diseases. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2020; 7:763-779. [PMID: 33043074 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Movement disorders often emerge from the interplay of complex pathophysiological processes involving the kidneys and the nervous system. Tremor, myoclonus, ataxia, chorea, and parkinsonism can occur in the context of renal dysfunction (azotemia and electrolyte abnormalities) or they can be part of complications of its management (dialysis and renal transplantation). On the other hand, myoglobinuria from rhabdomyolysis in status dystonicus and certain drugs used in the management of movement disorders can cause nephrotoxicity. Distinct from these well-recognized associations, it is important to appreciate that there are several inherited and acquired disorders in which movement abnormalities do not occur as a consequence of renal dysfunction or vice versa but are manifestations of common pathophysiological processes affecting the nervous system and the kidneys. These disorders are the emphasis of this review. Increasing awareness of these conditions among neurologists may help them to identify renal involvement earlier, take timely intervention by anticipating complications and focus on therapies targeting common mechanisms in addition to symptomatic management of movement disorders. Recognition of renal impairment in a patient with complex neurological presentation may narrow down the differentials and aid in reaching a definite diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvorit S Bhowmick
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic and the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Toronto Western Hospital University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic and the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Toronto Western Hospital University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
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Chou MC, Ko CH, Chang JM, Hsieh TJ. Disruptions of brain structural network in end-stage renal disease patients with long-term hemodialysis and normal-appearing brain tissues. J Neuroradiol 2019; 46:256-262. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Chou MC, Ko CH, Hsieh TJ, Chang JM, Chung WS. A preliminary report of longitudinal white matter alterations in patients with end-stage renal disease: A three-year diffusion tensor imaging study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215942. [PMID: 31039171 PMCID: PMC6490894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients exhibit silent white-matter alterations after long-term hemodialysis, which may be due to ESRD itself or the hemodialysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal white-matter alterations in the ESRD patients under 3-year long-term hemodialysis using voxel-wise analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS 15 ESRD patients and 15 age-matched healthy controls participated in this study. Due to the development of abnormal brain lesions in some cases, 13 ESRD patients and 13 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled and underwent cognitive function assessment and DTI acquisition at two-time points separated by 3 years. Voxel-based analysis was performed to globally detect white-matter alterations between the two groups as well as between the two scans within the two groups. RESULTS In the ESRD patients, diffusivity indices were significantly increased and the fractional anisotropy was significantly decreased in both scans, as compared with healthy controls. Longitudinal comparisons showed significant white-matter alterations in healthy controls in three years, but little or no significant alterations were noted in the ESRD patients after additional 3-year hemodialysis. CONCLUSION Poorer white matter integrity and cognitive function are noted in ESRD patients and the toxic effect of ESRD may be the major factor of white matter alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chung Chou
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hung Ko
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsyh-Jyi Hsieh
- Department of Medical imaging, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Jer-Ming Chang
- Department of Renal Care, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Shiuan Chung
- Department of Medical Imaging, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Yoowannakul S, Tangvoraphonkchai K, Davenport A. Patient-reported intra-dialytic symptoms and post-dialysis recovery times are influenced by psychological distress rather than dialysis prescription. RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s41100-019-0211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Fushihara G, Kamide T, Kimura T, Takeda R, Ikeda T, Kikkawa Y, Araki R, Kurita H. Factors associated with early seizures after surgery of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2019; 178:93-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Hamed SA. Neurologic conditions and disorders of uremic syndrome of chronic kidney disease: presentations, causes, and treatment strategies. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:61-90. [PMID: 30501441 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1555468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sherifa A. Hamed
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt
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Advances in dialysis encephalopathy research: a review. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:1151-1159. [PMID: 29721635 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Dialysis encephalopathy (DE) is a progressive, fatal disease with a high mortality rate. Understanding the causes of this disease and the efforts to prevent and treat it would help improve the prognosis and quality of life of affected patients. This paper reviews the etiology, clinical features, methods of examining accessory features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of DE. We found that DE is likely to be related to aluminum poisoning. The clinical manifestations of DE include language disorders, mental and behavioral disorders, cognitive decline, and movement disorders. Electroencephalogram (EEG) findings mainly consist of an abundance of low waves, intermittent bilateral synchronous high-amplitude spikes, and ridge waves. Assessing the clinical features and obtaining an EEG are of great value in diagnosis, and DE is treated by both reducing aluminum intake and increasing aluminum excretion. Deferoxamine (DFO) is an effective treatment for DE.
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Abstract
Neurological symptoms commonly occur in chronic kidney disease and may result from its treatments and complications. Impaired renal function also influences treatments for other neurological conditions, requiring various cautions, dose adjustments and timing considerations, particularly in the context of renal replacement therapy. In this review, we present six illustrative clinical vignettes to highlight these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dearbhla M Kelly
- Department of Neurology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Renal Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Simon Cronin
- Department of Neurology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Bansal VK, Bansal S. Nervous system disorders in dialysis patients. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2014; 119:395-404. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-4086-3.00025-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Swarnalatha G, Ram R, Prasad N, Dakshinamurty KV. End-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis: a study from a tertiary care center in a developing country. Hemodial Int 2011; 15:312-9. [PMID: 21518245 DOI: 10.1111/j.1542-4758.2011.00546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The exact number of patients with chronic renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy in developing world is not known. Unlike the developed world, most developing countries lack renal registries. This study was initiated to know demographic and clinical data of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients presenting to maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) at a government funded tertiary care centre in a developing country. A prospective analysis of all new ESRD patients attending to hemodialysis at our centre from 2004 to 2007 had been done. There were 237 new hemodialysis patients during a three-year period. Males were 153 and females were 84, with the mean age 44.92 years. Diabetes mellitus (31.22%) was the most common cause of ESRD. Only 29.95% of patients had education on renal replacement therapy. 65.40% patients had emergency hemodialysis. Internal jugular catheter was the most common form of vascular access at initiation of hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula was secured in 29.95% of patients at presentation. Catheter-related infection appeared in 13.55% of patients on catheter. The most common infection in dialysis patients was urinary tract infection (37.14%). Renal transplantation was opted by 9.7% patients and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in 20.25% and 103 (43.45%) were lost to follow up. The rest (8.86%) continued on MHD. There were 42 (17.72%) deaths over a three-year period. The present study provided the information of the practice of hemodialysis, its population characteristics and outcomes from a developing country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudithi Swarnalatha
- Department of Nephrology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderbad 082, India
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Abstract
A majority of the children presented for evaluation of headache complaints, will have one of the primary headache disorder such as tension-type or migraine. During the course of the evaluation, consideration must be given to the diverse collection of other medical and systemic disorders which may also cause headache in children and adolescents. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of secondary headaches. In majority of the instances, a thorough medical and headache history coupled with physical and neurologic examination will uncover clues to the presence of these other disorders. This will also guide clinical decision making regarding the need for further diagnostic testing, including neuroimaging, electrophysiological testing, or specific laboratory testing.
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Abstract
Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS) is characterized by neurological symptoms caused by rapid removal of urea during hemodialysis. It develops primarily from an osmotic gradient that develops between the brain and the plasma as a result of rapid hemodialysis. This results in brain edema that manifests as neurological symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, disturbed consciousness, and convulsions. In severe cases, patients can die from advanced cerebral edema. Recent advancements in cell biology implicate the role of urea disequilibrium (with a smaller contribution from organic osmolytes) as the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for this syndrome. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, clinical features and prevention of DDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilang Patel
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erie County Medical Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14215, USA
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Abstract
Headache may be considered primary or secondary, and secondary headaches may be caused by intracranial disorders or medical/systemic disorders. In many cases, headache may be a presenting symptom of the medical disorder, and accurate diagnosis will lead to specific treatment. In other cases, the headache may be a known complication of the disorder, but the underlying disorder must be considered in management plans. Medical causes of headache are so diverse that uniform screening tests are not useful. History and examination must guide the differential diagnosis, and management plans must be individualized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Abend
- Department of Neurology, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Abuelo JG, Shemin D, Chazan JA. Acute Symptoms Produced by Hemodialysis: A Review of Their Causes and Associations. Semin Dial 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-139x.1993.tb00257.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Singh AK, Bhatia R. Neurological Manifestations of Renal Disease. Neurobiol Dis 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-012088592-3/50062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Brouns R, De Deyn PP. Neurological complications in renal failure: a review. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2005; 107:1-16. [PMID: 15567546 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2004.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2004] [Revised: 07/27/2004] [Accepted: 07/27/2004] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurological complications whether due to the uremic state or its treatment, contribute largely to the morbidity and mortality in patients with renal failure. Despite continuous therapeutic advances, many neurological complications of uremia, like uremic encephalopathy, atherosclerosis, neuropathy and myopathy fail to fully respond to dialysis. Moreover, dialytic therapy or kidney transplantation may even induce neurological complications. Dialysis can directly or indirectly be associated with dialysis dementia, dysequilibrium syndrome, aggravation of atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular accidents due to ultrafiltration-related arterial hypotension, hypertensive encephalopathy, Wernicke's encephalopathy, hemorrhagic stroke, subdural hematoma, osmotic myelinolysis, opportunistic infections, intracranial hypertension and mononeuropathy. Renal transplantation itself can give rise to acute femoral neuropathy, rejection encephalopathy and neuropathy in graft versus host disease. The use of immunosuppressive drugs after renal transplantation can cause encephalopathy, movement disorders, opportunistic infections, neoplasms, myopathy and progression of atherosclerosis. We address the clinical, pathophysiological and therapeutical aspects of both central and peripheral nervous system complications in uremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Brouns
- Department of Neurology and Memory Clinic, Middelheim General Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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Abstract
Hemodialysis (HD) patients often have low serum concentrations of free L-carnitine and decreased skeletal muscle stores. As L-carnitine is an essential cofactor in fatty acid and energy metabolism, it is possible that abnormal carnitine metabolism in dialysis patients may be associated with clinical problems such as skeletal myopathies, intradialytic symptoms, reduced cardiac function, and anemia. Studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation in HD patients improves several complications seen in dialysis patients, including cardiac complications (arrhythmias, reduced output, low cardiothoracic ratio), limitation of exercise capacity, increased intradialytic hypotension, and muscle symptoms. The most promising results have been noted in the treatment of erythropoietin-resistant anemia. Routine administration of L-carnitine to all dialysis patients is not recommended at this time; however, a therapeutic trial of L-carnitine can be useful in symptomatic patients with certain clinical features unresponsive to the usual measures. These include intradialytic muscle cramps and hypotension, asthenia, cardiomyopathy, lowered ejection fraction, muscle weakness or myopathy, reduced oxygen consumption, and anemia requiring large doses of EPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ahmad
- Scribner Kidney Center and the Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98133, USA
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