Cataract among Patients with Renal Transplantation in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Intensive immunosuppressant therapy after renal transplantation has found to cause systemic and ocular side effects among them is cataracts. Studies on a similar topic have still remained explored in our setting. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of cataract among patients with renal transplantation in a tertiary care centre. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients of renal transplantation at tertiary care centres from 1 May 2021 to 31 October 2021. The data was collected after the ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: 397(6-11) e2077/078]. Study proforma recorded the number of patients with cataracts, duration of steroid use, mean age and other comorbidities. A convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Out of 31 renal transplant patients, 10 (32.26%) (15.80-48.72, 95% Confidence Interval) had cataract. Conclusions: The prevalence of cataract among renal transplantation patients was found to be lower than similar studies done in similar settings.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Level among Renal Transplant Recipients: A Case Report from Nepal

Globally, SARS-CoV-2 has caused significant public health burden, mainly in patients with underlying comorbidities including both communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Solid organ transplant recipients under immunesupressive medication are also amongst the high risk group. There is only sparse data on immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection among renal transplant recipients. In this case report, we present the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody of three kidney transplant recipients after vaccination against COVID-19 virus. All three cases had received two doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine AZD1222 (ChAdOx1). Serological analysis showed protective level of circulating antibodies in the blood of all three cases. Although two out of three patients in the study acquired COVID-19 infection after immunization, they recovered with mild clinical course. Hence, we conclude that despite immune-suppressed status of transplant recipients, COVID-19 vaccination could protect them against severe illness.

Health related quality of life among haemodialysis and kidney transplant recipients from Nepal: a cross sectional study using WHOQOL-BREF

Background

Very less is known about health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with kidney diseases in Nepal. This study examined HRQOL among haemodialysis and kidney transplant recipients in Nepal.

Methods

The Nepali version of World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments -(WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was administered using face to face interviews among end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, from two large national referral centers in Nepal. The differences in socio-demographic characteristics among ESRD patients were examined using the Chi-square test. The group differences in quality of life (QOL) were examined using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results

Of the 161 participants, 92 (57.1%) were renal transplant recipients and 69 (42.9%) patients were on maintenance haemodialysis. Hypertension (70.9%) was the most common co-morbidity among ESRD patients. Haemodialysis patients scored significantly lower than the transplant recipients in all four domains as well as in overall perception of quality of life and general health. Ethnicity (p = 0.020), socio-economic status (p < 0.001), educational status (p < 0.001) and employment status (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with the overall QOL in ESRD patients. Across patient groups, educational status (p = 0.012) was positively associated with QOL in dialysis patients, while urban residence (p = 0.023), higher socio-economic status (p < 0.001), higher educational status (p = 0.004) and diabetes status (p = 0.010) were significantly associated with better QOL in transplant recipients.

Conclusion

The overall QOL of the renal transplant recipients was higher than that of the patients on maintenance haemodialysis; this was true in all four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. ESRD patients with low HRQOL could benefit from targeted risk modification intervention.

Preparedness for Coronavirus Disease in Hospitals of Nepal: A Nationwide Survey

Introduction:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected large number of people globally and has continued to spread. Preparedness of individual nations and the hospitals is important to effectively deal with the surge of cases. We aimed to obtain nation wide data from Nepal, about hospital preparedness for COVID-19.

Methods:

Online questionnaire was prepared in accordance with the Center for Disease Control recommendations to assess preparedness of hospitals for COVID-19. The questionnaire was circulated to the over 800 doctors across the nation, who are the life members of six medical societies.

Results:

We obtained 131 completed responses from all seven provinces. Majority of respondents had anaesthesiology as the primary specialty. Only 52 (39.7%) participants mentioned that their hospital had policy to receive suspected or proven cases with COVID-19. Presence of isolation ward was mentioned by 83 (63.4%) respondents, with only 9 (6.9%)mentioning the presence of airborne isolation. Supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) was inadequate as per 124 (94.7%) respondents. Critical care services for COVID-19 patients were possible only in hospitals of 42 (32.1%)respondents. RT-polymerase chain reaction could be performed only in the hospital of 6 (4.6%) respondents.

Conclusions:

It is apparent that most of the hospitals are not well prepared for management of patients with COVID-19. Resource allocation and policy making should be aimed to enhance national preparedness for the pandemic.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pregnancy Outcome in Tertiary Level Hospital of Nepal

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease frequently prevalent in women starting from early childhood and towards the reproductive age. Pregnancy with SLE has always imposed great risk both to the mother and the fetus. A multidisciplinary approach with Nephrologist, neonatologist and senior obstetrician during remission leads to a favorable response, through limitation and complications with the use of drugs impose difficulties in their management.Materials and Methods: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Nephrology at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, for 2 years, from June 2015 to 2017. The study included obstetrical and related complications with outcome in pregnant patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.Results: A total of 19 cases were analyzed of which 15 (79%) had a viable pregnancy and 4 (21%) abortions. Of thirteen cases, 4 (21%) had antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, 8 (42.1%) lupus, and membranous glomerulonephritis and 1 (5.2%) lupus optic neuropathy with loss of vision. All the patients were under drug therapy, like prednisolone, azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine, aspirin, low molecular weight Heparin, tacrolimus, and cyclophosphamide. Only 2 (10.5%) of 19 developed severe pre-eclampsia. There were 12 (80%) term and 3 (20%) each of preterm and intrauterine growth retardation pregnancies with 1 (6.6%) neonatal death (NND) and 1 (5.2%) maternal mortality.Conclusions: Multidisciplinary approach and planned pregnancy reduces the risk of probable complications in the patient resulting to a decreased morbidity and mortality.

Status of vitamin D and parameters of calcium homeostasis in renal transplant recipients in Nepal: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D, apart from being an important part of the "calcium-vitamin D-parathyroid hormone" endocrine axis, has diverse range of "non-calcemic" biological actions. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been observed in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Nepalese RTRs and interrelations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] and other biochemical parameters.

METHODS

A total of 80 adult RTRs visiting a university hospital were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Serum 25(OH) D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured using Enhanced Chemiluminiscent Immunoassay. The RTR population was categorized into recent transplant recipients (≤1 year) and long term recipients (> 1 year). The vitamin D status was defined as per NKF/KDOQI guidelines. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data. Appropriate statistical tests were applied to compare variables between groups and establish correlation. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean age of the recipients was 38.11 ± 11.47 years (68 males, 85.0%). Chronic glomerulonephritis was the leading cause of CKD. The two RTR groups (recent and long term) didn't differ in demographic and biochemical characteristics. 83.75% of the recipients had PTH levels above the upper limit of the recommended range for their stage of CKD. 57.5% had hypocalcemia and none of the recipients had hypercalcemia. The median serum 25(OH) D was 24.15 ng/ml (8.00-51.50 ng/ml). Only 27.5% had sufficient vitamin D status whereas 53.8% were vitamin D insufficient and 18.8% were vitamin D deficient, the distribution almost comparable in the 2 transplant group. The serum 25(OH) D was not significantly affected by the time post-transplant, gender and sunlight avoidance. There was a significant negative correlation between serum 25(OH) D and iPTH (Pearson's r = - 0.35, P = 0.001), but not so with the graft function.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in RTRs. The deficiency status is not corrected despite of nutritional improvement and normalization of GFR post-transplantation and likely exacerbates secondary hyperparathyroidism. Vitamin D supplementation coupled with sensible sun exposure could be important strategies in optimization of the vitamin D status in this population.

Spectrum of Infections in Living Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients: An Experience From a Tertiary Center in Nepal

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplant recipients are always at risk of infections because they are on lifelong immunosuppressive medications. The spectrum of infections in this special population is not the same as in the general population. Post-transplant infections are extensively studied in the developed world. Publications about post-transplant infections from Nepal are scarce. This study was carried out to study the spectrum of infections, the trends in treatment, and the incidence of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of the patient data in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Follow-up data from the first 100 kidney transplant recipients was recorded in a Microsoft Excel worksheet and descriptive analysis was done.

RESULTS

In the first 100 transplants done until 21 September 2011, 92 patients' data were recorded and 8 patients' data were missing. The mean follow-up period was 61.03 months. The population was 76.09% male (n = 70) and 23.91% female (n = 22). A total of 641 episodes of infections were recorded. Urinary tract infections were the most common type of infection. Escherichia coli was the most common organism isolated (36% of all cultures). There were 17 (2.65%) episodes of viral and 42 (6.6%) episodes of fungal infections. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 6 (6.5%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Urinary tract infection is the most common type of infection in post-kidney transplant patients. Quinolones were the most common agents used to treat urinary tract infections. The incidence of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients is 6.5% in 5 years' follow-up.

Abnormalities in Protocol Graft Kidney Biopsy 6 Months Posttransplantation in a Tertiary Care Center Hospital of Nepal

BACKGROUND

Increasing graft survival is the prime focus of every transplantation program. Detection of subclinical abnormalities with the help of protocol renal graft biopsies performed at predetermined intervals after transplantation has been one of the approaches. The objective was to study the abnormalities in protocol renal graft biopsy specimens at 6 months posttransplantation.

METHODS

This was a hospital-based observational descriptive study. It included the recipients who underwent kidney transplantation between October 2014 and September 2015. The recipients were followed up postoperatively on an outpatient basis, as per the institution protocol. At 6 months posttransplantation, protocol graft biopsy was performed in all patients with normal functioning allograft without proteinuria after obtaining informed written consent.

RESULTS

A total of 57 patients with chronic kidney disease underwent renal transplantation during the study period. Protocol biopsy was performed in 47 recipients. Subclinical rejection was found in 4 (8.5%) recipients. Two recipients had significant tubulitis and interstitial inflammation. One of them showed features of Banff Type IA cellular rejection (t2, i2) and another showed Banff Type IB cellular rejection (t3, i2). Biopsy specimen of 1 recipient showed significant glomerulitis and peritubular capillaritis (g3, ptc1). Another recipient showed significant peritubular capillaritis (ptc2) with C4d positivity. IgA nephropathy was present in 6 (12.8%) recipients. BK virus nephropathy was found in 2 (4.3%) recipients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that abnormal histologic findings occur in protocol graft biopsy specimens at 6 months post renal transplantation in patients without any clinical or laboratory abnormalities.

Assessment of quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire: a multicenter study

Background

Assessment of quality of life (QOL) of patients with end-stage renal disease has become increasingly important, both in order to evaluate the influence of the disease on patients and the type of renal replacement therapy they require. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess QOL in patients undergoing hemodialysis and evaluated the effects of various sociodemographic factors affecting QOL of such patients in Nepal.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis at two major centers in Nepal. Demographic data including age, sex, ethnicity, educational status, marital status, employment, income, duration of illness, and duration on hemodialysis were collected. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Four domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) and two items (overall perception of QOL and health) of the WHOQOL-BREF were the primary end points of this study. Bivariate relationship between sociodemographic factors and QOL scores were analyzed using independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of QOL.

Results

Following QOL scores were recorded: environmental domain (53.17±15.59), psychological domain (51.23±18.61), social domain (49.86±21.64), and physical domain (45.93±16.90). Older age was associated with a better QOL score in the social domain (p=0.005), and employed patients scored better in the environmental domain (p=0.019). Unemployed patients and those of the Terai/Madhesi ethnic group had significantly low scores in overall perception of health (p<0.05) as compared to other groups. Low income status and increased duration on hemodialysis were found to be the only independent negative predictors of QOL in patients with hemodialysis (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis had overall low QOL scores in all four domains. Age, ethnicity, employment status, income, and duration on hemodialysis affected one or more domains of QOL in such patients. Low income status and increased duration on hemodialysis were the only independent negative predictors of QOL of patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Wasp bite in a referral hospital in Nepal

BACKGROUND

Wasp bite is an important occupational hazard in Nepal. Almost 25% of the victims die. This study aimed to identify the demographics, clinical presentation, hospital course and outcome of wasp bite victims in a referral hospital in Nepal.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu. Medical records of patients admitted for wasp bite between January 2008 and December 2012 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and their effects on outcomes in the form of death, duration of hospitalization, number of dialysis sessions and time to resolution of oliguria were analyzed.

RESULTS

All 18 patients came from rural areas, 13 (72%) were farmers, mean age was 39.6 ±16.7 years (range 7 to 69). Most bites occurred between August and November. Oliguria, vomiting, red urine and jaundice were the main presenting symptoms; oliguria developed within 48 hours of bite in 17 (94 %) cases. Nine patients (50%) required blood transfusion. All developed acute renal failure (ARF) and required dialysis, mean hemodialysis session being 7.4±5.3 (range 1 to 20). Sixteen patients (89 %) received steroid for presumed interstitial nephritis. One patient expired. Mean time to resolution of oliguria was 15.9±9.5 days (range 2 to 35). Mean hospital stay was 18.7±13.4 days (range 1 to 46), those having higher number of bites had longer stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Wasp bite mostly affects farmers of working age in rural Nepal. Hemolysis and acute renal failure are two important complications. Timely dialysis in established acute renal failure and steroid in suspects of interstitial nephritis improves survival.

Severe Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Treated with Plasma Exchange

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a hematological disorder characterized by immunologically mediated destruction of platelets and absence of other causes of thrombocytopenia. Treatment is required when the low platelet count entails risk of serious bleeding. Steroid is the first line of management. Acute refractory ITP with very low platelet count is variably treated with high dose steroid, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), anti D or emergency splenectomy. Here, we present a case of steroid resistant ITP with severe thrombocytopenia treated with plasma exchange and low dose IVIg who responded dramatically to the therapy with maintained platelet count till one month from the institution of therapy. KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL JOURNAL  VOL.10 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 37 | JAN - MAR 2012 | 85-87 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i1.6922

Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis in Adolescence with Severe Growth Retardation and Nephrocalcinosis

Chronic acidosis is an important, often overlooked cause of growth retardation. Here we present the case of a girl with distal renal tubular acidosis who had visited multiple hospitals before the diagnosis was made. She presented to us in adolescence with non anion gap metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, severe growth retardation and nephrocalcinosis. In 18 months follow up with alkali therapy, she had good weight gain and growth velocity. Keywords: growth retardation; hypokalemia; nephrocalcinosis; renal tubular acidosis.

Distal renal tubular acidosis in adolescence with severe growth retardation and nephrocalcinosis

Chronic acidosis is an important, often overlooked cause of growth retardation. Here we present the case of a girl with distal renal tubular acidosis who had visited multiple hospitals before the diagnosis was made. She presented to us in adolescence with non anion gap metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, severe growth retardation and nephrocalcinosis. In 18 months follow up with alkali therapy, she had good weight gain and growth velocity.

Urological complication after kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Renal transplantation is a regular service at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and complications have been known to occur after it. This study was conducted to assess complications after transplantation.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of urological complications after living related renal transplantation at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

METHODS

A clinical study was performed (from August 2008 to July 2010) which included 50 living-related renal transplantations at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. All the donors and recipients were evaluated preoperatively with necessary investigations and followed up postoperatively with standard hospital transplant protocol. The incidence of urological complications were documented and analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty living-related, renal transplantations were carried out during the study period. Seven doors had minor post operative complications; three had post operative fever, two had chest infections and each one had superficial surgical site infections and severe pain at incision site. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed with double J stent in all recipients. Urological complications were noted in 12 (24%) recipients. Clinical significant hematuria occurred in four cases. One patient had ureteric necrosis and urinary leak which required re-exploration post operatively. Two patients developed delayed ureteric stricture which were managed by antegrade Double J stenting and ureteric reimplantation. Peri-graft abscess occurred in two cases, which were drained percutaneously. surgical site infections was seen in one case.

CONCLUSIONS

Urological complications are inevitable in renal transplantation and our complications rate appears similar to that reported in literature.