Rare and unusual case of anti-factor XI antibodies in patient with plasma cell leukemia

Background

The acquired inhibitors of coagulation have been observed in very rare cases of monoclonal gammopathies. We report a very rare case of anti-factor XI antibodies in patient with plasma cell leukemia (PCL).

Case presentation

This is a 59-year-old male patient without pathological history, admitted to the nephrology department for management of renal insufficiency and anemia syndrome. The history and physical examination revealed stigmata of hemorrhagic syndrome including hemothorax and hemoptysis. The hemostasis assessment showed an isolated prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) with APTT ratio = 2.0.The index of circulating anticoagulant (37.2%) revealed the presence of circulating anticoagulants. The normalized dilute Russell viper venom time ratio of 0.99 has highlighted the absence of lupus anticoagulants. The coagulation factors assay objectified the decrease of the factor XI activity corrected by the addition of the control plasma confirming the presence of anti-factor XI autoantibodies. In addition, the blood count showed bicytopenia with non-regenerative normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The blood smear demonstrated a plasma cell count of 49% (2842/mm3) evoking PCL. The bone marrow was invaded up to 90% by dystrophic plasma cells. The biochemical assessment suggested downstream renal and electrolyte disturbances from exuberant light chain production with abnormalities including hyperuricemia, hypercalcemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, non nephrotic-range proteinuria and high level of C reactive protein. The serum protein electrophoresis showed the presence of a monoclonal peak. The serum immunofixation test detects the presence of monoclonal free lambda light chains. He was treated with velcade, thalidomide and dexamethasone. The patient died after 2 weeks despite treatment.

Conclusion

Both PCL and anti-factor XI inhibitors are two very rare entities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a factor XI inhibitor arising in the setting of PCL. Factor inhibitors should be suspected in patients whose monoclonal gammopathies are accompanied by bleeding manifestations.

Pycnodysostose: à propos d’un cas

La pycnodysostose est une maladie osseuse génétique très rare associant une ostéocondensation, un syndrome dysmorphique et un retard de croissance. Rappeler les anomalies phénotypiques, les signes radiologiques, la prise en charge thérapeutiques et évolutifs de la Pycnodysostose chez un enfant de 11 ans. Enfant de 11 ans, a été réferé par son dentiste pour évaluation de son état clinique. Il est de parents consanguin de premier degré, qui présentait depuis l'âge de 3 ans des fractures spontanées à répétition. L'examen trouvait un syndrome dysmorphique fait de bosse frontale, fontanelle antérieure persistante, micrognathie, malformations des doigts, malposition dentaire, ongles incurvées, thorax asymétrique, attitude scoliotique du rachis dorsal, avec retard statural important (-4DS). Les radiographies du squelette montraient une densification des os de la base du crâne, une persistance de la fontanelle antérieure, une malposition dentaire, une densification diaphysaire et métaphysaire des os longs prédominants au niveau des membres inférieurs avec présence des cals vicieux et des phalanges grêles des mains. L'ostéodensitométrie était normale. Devant les signes cliniques et les manifestations radiologiques, le diagnostic retenu est une pycnodysostose. Un conseil génétique a été proposé pour la famille ainsi qu'une prise en charge dentaire et orthopédiques. La pycnodysostose est une entité rare de diagnostic parfois difficile et tardif, elle pose un problème du diagnostic avec l'ostéoporose. Le traitement est essentiellement préventif des fractures et des caries dentaires.

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to angiodysplasia in patients on hemodialysis: A single-center study

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to angiodysplastic lesions is a common problem among patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). We studied 22 HD patients (5 females and 17 males) who had GI bleeding due to angiodysplasia; the mean age of whom was 54 ± 10 years. All patients had upper and lower GI endoscopy. The most common site for the lesion was the right colon in seven cases (31.8%), followed by stomach in 4 cases (18.1%). In eight (36.3%) patients, there were multiple lesions located in the stomach, duodenum, and the right colon. All patients were treated with coagulation; with argon plasma in 14 (63.6%) patients, bipolar coagulation in five (22.7%) patients, and hot clip in three (13.6%) patients. One patient who presented with persistent bleeding despite endoscopic therapy was well-benefited of a complementary treatment, thalidomide. Hemostasis was obtained in all patients after an average of 6.8 sessions of endoscopic coagulation procedure. We conclude that angiodysplasia is a frequent cause of hemorrhage in chronic renal failure that can be managed in most patients by argon plasma and bipolar coagulation.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a hypertensive patient with renal failure

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and neuroimaging entity characterized by headache, visual field deficits, changes in mentation and seizures, and by typical neuro-imaging features such as areas of sub-cortical edema, occasionally cortical, involving predominantly the occipital and parietal lobes of both hemispheres. Hypertension, uremia, immunosuppressive drugs neurotoxicity, preeclampsia or eclampsia, renal disease, and sepsis are the most common etiologies of PRES. Less common, it has been described in the setting of autoimmune disease. We report a case of PRES which was associated with hypertensive crisis in a patient with renal failure. Antihypertensive therapy and hemodialysis resulted in complete recovery.

Angio-embolization of a renal pseudoaneurysm complicating a percutaneous renal biopsy: a case report

We report the treatment of a bleeding renal pseudoaneurysm by angio-embolization. A 21 years old woman developed macroscopic haematuria following renal biopsy. Renal angio-scan showed a 1.4 cm renal pseudoaneurysm in the left kidney. The presence of pseudoaneurysm was confirmed by selective renal angiography. Successful embolization was performed using gelatine sponge particles.

[Screening and risk factors of cardiac calcification in hemodialysis: contribution of ultra-fast multi-slice scanner and transthoracic echocardiography]

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease is the first leading cause of death in hemodialysis patients. In this population, cardiovascular calcifications occur at an earlier age and progress faster than in general population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In order to determine the prevalence and risk factors of cardiac calcifications, 49 patients on chronic hemodialysis were screened in the coronary arteries and cardiac valves by the 64 multi-slice ultra-fast CT and the transthoracic echocardiography. Different clinical and biological parameters were studied by the SPSS 10.0 statistical software to determine risk factors.

RESULT

Cardiac calcifications were identified in 81.6% of cases in at least one of the two studied sites. The coronary artery involvement was more common than valvular and concerned 69.4% of cases. The mean Agatston coronary artery calcium score (ACACS) was 331.1 and 522.2 in coronary patients and was correlated to alteration of systolic function of LV (r=-0.287, P=0.045). The severity of CACS was positively correlated with age (r=0.332, P=0.02). Coronary calcifications were associated with cardiovascular risk common to those of the general population (age, male sex, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, history of ischemic heart disease), but also to a lesser quality of dialysis. Valvular calcifications were present in 49% of cases and were correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy (P=0.006). The exclusive involvement of the aortic valve was the most common valvular abnormality. Phosphocalcic and lipid parameters, levels of hemoglobin, CRP and uric acid did not predisposed to cardiac calcifications in our patients.

DISCUSSION

In hemodialysis patients, the pathogenesis of cardiovascular calcification is complex and cannot be attributed to a passive process. This process involves several factors that can promote or inhibit calcification. The new multi-slice ultra-fast scanner is a very sensitive method for topographic and quantitative assessment of coronary calcification and is a better alternative to invasive techniques.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms the high prevalence of cardiac calcification in hemodialysis, and highlights the importance of early screening and treatment of predisposing factors.

Effects of lowering dialysate calcium concentration on mineral metabolism and hemodynamic parameters in hemodialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

It has been suggested that a dialysate calcium concentration of 1.5 mmol/L is a compromise between bone protection and cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate the effect of reducing dialysate calcium concentration to 1.5 mmol/L on mineral metabolism and hemodynamic parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dialysate calcium concentration was changed from 1.75 mmol/L to 1.5 mmol/L for 9 months and observed the effects on mineral metabolism and dialysis outcome parameters in 52 hemodialysis patients.

RESULTS

The results at 9 months demonstrated that postdialytic serum calcium level decreased significantly from 109 ± 7 mg/L to 102 ± 6 mg/L, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased from 372 ± 52 pg/mL to 606 ± 80 pg/mL, and the oral alfacalcidol increased from 1.4 ± 0.3 µg/w to 3.3 ± 0.4 µg/w. In patients with low PTH levels, continuous increase of PTH was observed. There were no significant variation in the oral calcium carbonate dose and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, predialytic calcium, and pre- and postdialytic phosphorus. The ultrafiltration rate and postdialysis systolic blood pressure were significantly lower after reducing the dialysate calcium concentration to 1.5 mmol/L. Intradialytic hypotension and cramps were more frequent with this dialysate calcium concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrated that a decrease in dialysate calcium concentration from 1.75 mmol/L to 1.5 mmol/L improved mineral metabolism by prevention of postdialytic hypercalcemia and releasing oversuppression of PTH, but it was associated with more use of oral alfacalcidol and more hemodynamic impairment.

[Late pneumomediastinum revealed by acute pulmonary edema in hemodialysis]

Central venous catheterization occupies an important place in the treatment of end stage renal disease pending the creation of an arteriovenous fistula. However, this procedure is not devoid of complications. We report a case of late pneumomediastinum revealed by an acute pulmonary edema in a young patient on hemodialysis, and we discuss its characteristics.

Experience in using thermal disinfection to remove viable bacteria and endotoxins in centraly distributed reverse osmosis water

INTRODUCTION

The water used for dilution of hemodialysis concentrates has to meet official quality recommendations regarding microbiology and chemical parameters. To avoid chemical use and to simplify treatments, hot water has been used to control microbial contamination of water distribution systems. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of heat disinfection in maintaining the quality of dialysis water generated by reverse osmosis (RO).

METHODS

During the first part of the study, we consecutively used (1) continuous water circulation, (2) daily heat disinfection and (3) a combination of daily heat disinfection and weekly chemical disinfection while checking bacterial count and endotoxin level every 4-5 weeks. During the second part of the study, we continued using daily heat disinfection while checking bacterial count and endotoxin level on weekly basis.

RESULTS

The endotoxin levels at all sampling points of the water treatment system were lower than 0.005/ ml throughout the study. The application of heat disinfection alone reduced bacterial levels but an escape phenomenon occurred. After an interval of 21 days, an exponential increase of bacterial count was noted and cultures from the RO unit revealed growth of Pseudomonas fluorescence. The addition of chemical disinfection was successful in eliminating micro-organisms. Throughout this study, micro-organisms and endotoxins were not detectable in dialysate fluid and substitution fluid in dialysis monitors.

CONCLUSION

The isolation of a thermo-sensitive organism from the RO unit after a period of relying on thermal disinfection suggests the existence of dead space in the RO unit that is not adequately exposed to heat but is accessible to chemical disinfection. .

[Profile of chronic renal failure in diabetes at initiation of hemodialysis in the nephrology and dialysis service of the military hospital in Rabat, Morocco]

Le diabète constitue une cause fréquente d'insuffisance rénale chronique terminale (IRCT) dans le monde. Ce travail présente une étude clinique rétrospective dont le but est de décrire le profil clinico-biologique des patients diabétiques en IRCT, de le comparer aux patients non-diabétiques au stade d'IRCT, et de suivre l’évolution de leurs abords vasculaires, afin d'en déduire des conclusions sur une prise en charge particulière des patients diabétiques. Les paramètres cliniques et biologiques concernant les patients mis en hémodialyse dans notre formation entre le 01 janvier 2006 et le 31 décembre 2011, ont été recueilli et analysés. Nous avons procédé à l’étude comparative des patients en fonction de l'existence ou non d'une néphropathie diabétique, et nous nous sommes intéressés à l’évolution de leurs abords vasculaires. Il s'agit de 207 patients insuffisants rénaux chroniques, dont 86 diabétiques. Le groupe des patients diabétiques était moins suivi avant la mise en hémodialyse (3,66 mois vs. 6,32 mois), avec une prise beaucoup plus importante d'antihypertenseurs (1,87 vs. 1,14, p<0,001). L’échec des abords vasculaires était plus important chez les patients diabétiques (45% vs. 27%, p=0,006), avec une survie moyenne plus faible de leurs abords vasculaires (509 vs 753 jours, p=0,003). L’étude comparative des taux d'hémoglobine, de parathormone intacte, d'albuminémie et de C-réactive protéine, entre le groupe de patients diabétiques et non diabétiques était non significative. Notre étude soulève le problème du suivi néphrologique chez les diabétiques, pourtant censés être mieux suivis, et son retentissement sur l'avenir de leurs abords vasculaires.

[Diagnosis and evaluation of hepatitis C virus among haemodialysis patients]

Hepatitis C is a health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 3% of world's population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). In haemodialysis patients, the prevalence reaches 80% in some countries. In Morocco, HCV prevalence is 32% according to the Moroccan register of dialysis. The natural history of hepatitis C infection in chronic haemodialysis patients is characterized by a silent evolution. There are different methods to diagnose HCV and they are becoming increasingly sensitive. There are indirect tests for antibodies to HCV: these are reproducible but false negatives are common and there is direct testing of viral RNA: this is more sensitive but not always available and is more expensive. The use of these tests has been categorized through new recommendations from learned societies. However, the evaluation of liver disease is still controversial and liver biopsy remains the gold standard. This paper reviews the approaches for diagnosing and evaluating hepatitis C in haemodialysis patients.

The Kt/V by ionic dialysance: Interpretation limits

The availability of hemodialysis machines equipped with online clearance monitoring (OCM) allows frequent assessment of dialysis efficiency and adequacy without the need for blood samples. Accurate estimation of the urea distribution volume (V) is required for Kt/V calculated from OCM to be consistent with conventional blood sample-based methods. A total of 35 patients were studied. Ionic dialysance was measured by conductivity monitoring. The second-generation Daugirdas formula was used to calculate the Kt/V single-pool (Kt/VD). Values of V to allow comparison between OCM and blood-based Kt/V were determined using Watson formula (VWa), bioimpedance spectroscopy (Vimp), and blood-based kinetic data (Vukm). Comparison of Kt/Vw ocm calculated by the ionic dialysance and Vw (Kt/Vw ocm) with Kt/VD shows that using VW leads to significant systematic underestimation of dialysis dose by 24%. Better agreement between Kt/V ocm and Kt/VD was observed when using Vimp and Vukm. Bio-impedancemetry and the indirect method using the second-generation Daugirdas equation are two methods of clinical interest for estimating V to ensure greater agreement between OCM and blood-based Kt/V.

Glomerular diseases in the Military Hospital of Morocco: Review of a single centre renal biopsy database on adults

Epidemiological studies provide useful information for clinical practice and investigations. This report aimed to determine glomerular diseases frequencies in a region of Morocco. All native renal biopsies (January 2000 to December 2007) on adults were reviewed, but only glomerular diseases were analyzed. The diagnosis of each case was based on histological, immunopathological and clinical features. We have performed 171 renal biopsies in 161 patients (101 males and 60 females), the mean age was (range) 40.4 ±15 years (16-72). Clinical indications that lead to renal biopsy were: nephrotic syndrome (60.3%), renal failure of unknown aetiology (31.6%), asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (6.2%) and nephritic syndrome(1.9%). Primary glomerular diseases were reported in 84 patients (52%). The most common histological lesion was minimal change disease (26%). Idiopathic membranous glomerulopathy was the second most common lesion (23%) followed by membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (17%), IgA nephropathy (12%), focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (9.4%) and crescentic glomerulonephritis (6%). Secondary glomerular diseases were reported in 53 patients (33%). Lupus nephritis was the secondary glomerular disease most frequent (45%) followed by amyloïdosis (19%), diabetic nephropathy (15%), and Good pasture's syndrome (7.6%). The most common complications of the procedure were pain at biopsy site in 4%, gross hematuria in 11.1%, perirenal hematoma in 5% and hematuria requiring nephrectomy in 0.6% patients. Minimal change disease was the most frequent primary glomerulopathy and lupus nephritis was the most frequent secondary glomerulopathy in our group. The reasons for these findings are unclear. This information is an important contribution to the understanding the prevalence of renal diseases in North Africa.

Scleroderma renal crisis precipitated by steroid treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma overlap syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Connective tissue disorders can overlap in various ways. Patients may present with features of more than one specific disease without satisfying the diagnostic criteria and thereafter evolve into a specific disease entity. Occasionally, patients may fulfil simultaneously the diagnostic criteria of two or more diseases. Several cases of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) overlap syndrome have been reported. SLE patients often develop lupus nephritis, the treatment of which is based on immunosuppression with corticosteroids (CS) and cytotoxic drugs. However, the use of high dose of CS has been associated with scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) in patient with SSc.

CASE REPORT

a 43-year-old woman presented to the nephrology department of the Military hospital in Rabat, Morocco, in August 2011 with progressive dyspnea and oliguria. She was diagnosed as SLE and scleroderma overlap syndrome based on clinical and serological markers. Renal biopsy showed lupus nephritis. Immunosuppression consisting of high-dose steroid and cyclophosphamide pulses was given. There was response to treatment but 15 days later the course of the disease was complicated by scleroderma renal crisis evidenced by elevated blood pressure, deteriorating kidney function, hemolysis and thrombocytopenia. The patient was treated with perindopril and rapid reduction of steroid doses. This was followed by correction of hemolysis and thrombocytopenia. Two months later, the patient was off dialysis, but had chronic renal insufficiency with an estimated GFR of 25 ml/minute.

CONCLUSION

This report describes the occurrence of SRC in a patient with lupus nephritis and SSc/ SLE overlap syndrome who was treated by CS and cyclophosphamide.

A model to calculate cardiac output in hemodialysis patients by thermodilution

The Blood Temperature Monitor module (BTM) is used to measure recirculation by thermodilution in dialysis. Numerous studies have confirmed its interest in the measuring of the vascular access flow. In this letter we describe a model to calculate cardiac output in dialysis by the BTM.

[Non-diabetic renal disease in type II diabetes mellitus patients in Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco]

The distinction between diabetic nephropathy lesions and non-diabetic renal lesions is not always obvious and is often based on renal biopsy. This study evaluated the prevalence and predictors of nondiabetic renal disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted between January 2008 and October 2010 in the nephrology department of the military hospital in Rabat. The study included 16 patients with type 2 diabetes in whom renal biopsy was indicated. Non-diabetic renal disease was found in 6 of the patients (37.5%); IgA nephropathy was the most frequent non-diabetic renal disease (half of non-diabetic renal diseases). Hypertension was significantly less frequent in the non-diabetic renal disease group than the diabetic nephropathy group (16.7% versus 80.0%, P = 0024), duration of diabetes was a shorter (4.5 versus 15.5 years, P = 0.022) and diabetic retinopathy was absent (100% versus 40%, P = 0.026). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in relation to age, sex, creatinine level, 24-hour proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome and microscopic haematuria.

A model to predict optimal dialysate flow

Diffusive clearance depends on blood (Qb) and dialysate flow (Qd) rates and the overall mass transfer area coefficient (KoA) of the dialyzer. In this article we describe a model to predict an appropriated AutoFlow (AF) factor (AF factor = Ratio Qd/Qb), that is able to provide adequate Kt/V for hemodialysis patients (HDP), while consuming lower amounts of dialysate, water and energy during the treatment. We studied in vivo the effects of three various Qd on the delivered dose of dialysis in 33 stable HDP. Hemodialysis was performed at Qd of 700 mL/mn, 500 mL/mn, and with AF, whereas specific dialysis prescriptions (treatment time, blood flow rate [Qb], and type and size of dialyzer) were kept constant. The results showed that increasing the dialysate flow rate more than the model of AF predicted had a small effect on the delivered dose of dialysis. The Kt/V (mean ± SD) was 1.52 ± 0.16 at Qd 700, 1.50 ± 0.16 at Qd 500, and 1.49 ± 0.15 with AF. The use of the AF function leads to a significant saving of dialysate fluid. The model predicts the appropriate AF factor that automatically adjusts the dialysate flow rate according to the effective blood flow rate of the patient to achieve an appreciable increase in dialysis dose at the lowest additional cost.

Predictors of early vascular-access failure in patients on hemodialysis

Vascular access management is key and critical in the successful management of hemodialysis patients, and an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the access of choice. This study was conducted between January 2007 and October 2009 at the Military Hospital in Rabat. Data on 115 patients who underwent 138 AVFs were retrospectively studied. Wrist AVF was the most common site of use. The primary course was uncomplicated in 63% of the patients, while primary failure occurred in 23.9% of the patients. Presence of diabetes was the most important risk factor for primary failure.

Myelodysplastic syndrome and extracapillary glomerulonephritis: is there a link?

Introduction: The association of myelodysplastic syndrome and extracapillary glomerulonephritis is exceptional. Only two other cases have been reported. Reported case: A 52-year-old patient with a history of myelodysplastic syndrome developed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Renal biopsy identified extracapillary glomerulonephritis.Discussion: The association of myelodysplastic syndrome with glomerulopathy is rare and often regarded as fortuitous. Only a few cases are described in literature on the subject. A relationship between the two diseases is possible but the causal link between these two diseases remains unknown. Conclusion: The notion that myelodysplastic syndrome may be associated with various glomerular nephropathies involves looking for renal disease in this haematologic disorder.