Leave events among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Leave events are a public health concern resulting in poorer health outcomes. In Australia, leave events disproportionally impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A systematic review was conducted to explore the causes of leave events among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strategies to reduce them.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Informit, a database with a strong focus on relevant Australian content. Additionally, we examined the references of the records included, and performed a manual search using Google, Google scholar and the Australia's National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research. Two independent reviewers screened the records. One author extracted the data and a second author reviewed it. To appraise the quality of the studies the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used as well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis was used to report quantitative findings and an inductive thematic analysis for qualitative studies and reports.

RESULTS

We located 421 records. Ten records met eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. From those, four were quantitative studies, three were qualitative studies and three reports. Five records studied data from the Northern Territory, two from Western Australia, two from New South Whales and one from Queensland. The quantitative studies focused on the characteristics of the patients and found associations between leave events and male gender, age younger than 45 years and town camp residency. Qualitative findings yielded more in depth causes of leave events evidencing that they are associated with health care quality gaps. There were multiple strategies suggested to reduce leave events through adapting health care service delivery. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation is needed in a variety of roles within health care provision and during decision-making.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review found that multiple gaps within Australian health care delivery are associated with leave events among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The findings suggest that reducing leave events requires better representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the health workforce. In addition, partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is needed during the decision-making process in providing health services that meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural needs.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Quantifying Argonaute 2 (Ago2) expression to stratify breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Argonaute-2 (Ago2) is an essential component of microRNA biogenesis implicated in tumourigenesis. However Ago2 expression and localisation in breast cancer remains undetermined. The aim was to define Ago2 expression (mRNA and protein) and localisation in breast cancer, and investigate associations with clinicopathological details.

METHODS

Ago2 protein was stained in breast cancer cell lines and tissue microarrays (TMAs), with intensity and localization assessed. Staining intensity was correlated with clinicopathological details. Using independent databases, Ago2 mRNA expression and gene alterations in breast cancer were investigated.

RESULTS

In the breast cancer TMAs, 4 distinct staining intensities were observed (Negative, Weak, Moderate, Strong), with 64.2% of samples stained weak or negatively for Ago2 protein. An association was found between strong Ago2 staining and, the Her2 positive or basal subtypes, and between Ago2 intensity and receptor status (Estrogen or Progesterone). In tumours Ago2 mRNA expression correlated with reduced relapse free survival. Conversely, Ago2 mRNA was expressed significantly lower in SK-BR-3 (HER2 positive) and BT-20 (Basal/Triple negative) cell lines. Interestingly, high levels of Ago2 gene amplification (10-27%) were observed in breast cancer across multiple patient datasets. Importantly, knowledge of Ago2 expression improves predictions of breast cancer subtype by 20%, ER status by 15.7% and PR status by 17.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantification of Ago2 improves the stratification of breast cancer and suggests a differential role for Ago2 in breast cancer subtypes, based on levels and cellular localisation. Further investigation of the mechanisms affecting Ago2 dysregulation will reveal insights into the molecular differences underpinning breast cancer subtypes.

Mycosis fungoides ? a review of the management of 28 patients and of the recent literature

BACKGROUND

Mycosis fungoides is an uncommon cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by malignant monoclonal proliferation of T-helper lymphocytes. Its course is variable with a potential for lymphatic and hematogenous involvement. We report the investigations, staging, treatment, follow-up, and outcome of 28 patients. This is the first such study reported from Ireland.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with mycosis fungoides (14 women, 14 men; average age, 52.5 years) were reviewed over 12 years in the dermatology clinic which assesses an average of 4500 patients per year. All mycosis fungoides patients were referred from their family physicians. The diagnosis was made in all cases from a combination of clinical findings, histology, and immunohistochemistry. TNM staging revealed 11 patients at diagnosis stage IA (T1), 12 at stage IB (T2), four at stage IIB (T3), and one at stage III (T4).

RESULTS

The usual male preponderance was not found. Eight patients needed multiple biopsies to establish the diagnosis. Detailed investigations were not useful in the early stages. Patients were followed up over a 12-year period. Thirteen patients died as a result of cutaneous lymphoma. Two patients with stage IA disease progressed rapidly and died, a feature reported in only 10% of patients at this stage. Five patients showed unusual features, including a long history prior to presentation, the development of the rarely reported bullous mycosis fungoides, and aggressive disease beginning at a young age.

CONCLUSIONS

Mycosis fungoides is rare; we reviewed 28 patients over 12 years. The prognosis is poor at the later stages; 13 patients died. Two patients who died were unusual in that they rapidly progressed from stage IA disease; however, in the majority of patients with this stage, the prognosis is excellent. Detailed investigations were unhelpful in early stage disease. Close clinical follow-up is essential to identify disease progression.

Loss of Ikappa B-beta is associated with prolonged NF-kappa B activity in human glial cells

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is an inducible transcription factor central in the regulation of expression of a wide variety of genes and synthesis of several proteins involved in the generation of the immune response and inflammatory processes. In resting cells, NF-kappaB is maintained in an inactive state through cytoplasmic retention by IkappaB inhibitors. Stimulation of cells with a wide variety of inducers results in proteolytic degradation of these IkappaB proteins, leading to activation of NF-kappaB. The present study shows that interleukin-1 (IL-1) causes persistent activation of NF-kappaB in glial cells. Stimulation with IL-1 also causes rapid but transient degradation of IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-epsilon. However, NF-kappaB remains active even after these IkappaB isoforms have returned to control levels. In contrast, the IkappaB-beta isoform fails to reappear following its initial degradation by IL-1, coincident with sustained activation of NF-kappaB. In addition, in vivo overexpression of the various IkappaB isoforms revealed that IkappaB-beta is the only isoform that has the ability to inhibit IL-1-induced NF-kappaB-driven transcription. The findings also suggest that the inability of IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-epsilon to modulate NF-kappaB activity is due to their modification in vivo. These findings indicate that IkappaB-beta is the key regulator of the activity of NF-kappaB in human glial cells.

Antiinflammatory effects of glucocorticoids in brain cells, independent of NF-kappa B

Glucocorticoids are potent antiinflammatory drugs. They inhibit the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. It has recently been proposed that the underlying basis to such inhibition is the induction of the protein I kappa B, which inhibits the transcription factor NF-kappa B. The latter is a key activator of the genes encoding cytokines and adhesion molecules. The present study shows that the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, inhibits the induction of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 and the adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in human 1321N1 astrocytoma and SK.N.SH neuroblastoma cells. However, dexamethasone failed to induce I kappa B or inhibit activation of NF-kappa B by IL-1 in the two cell types. EMSA confirmed the identity of the activated NF-kappa B by demonstrating that an oligonucleotide, containing the wild-type NF-kappa B-binding motif, inhibited formation of the NF-kappa B-DNA complexes whereas a mutated form of the NF-kappa B-binding motif was ineffective. In addition, supershift analysis showed that the protein subunits p50 and p65 were prevalent components in the activated NF-kappa B complexes. The lack of effect of dexamethasone on the capacity of IL-1 to activate NF-kappa B correlated with its inability to induce I kappa B and the ability of IL-1 to cause degradation of I kappa B, even in the presence of dexamethasone. The results presented in this paper strongly suggest that glucocorticoids may exert antiinflammatory effects in cells of neural origin by a mechanism(s) independent of NF-kappa B.

Interlaboratory study of the analysis of ampicillin by liquid chromatography

A liquid chromatographic method for the analysis of ampicillin was examined in a collaborative study involving seven laboratories. The method included an isocratic part, which is used in the assay. The isocratic part is similar to the assay method for ampicillin of the US Pharmacopeia XXIII Revision. When the isocratic part is combined with gradient elution, the method is suitable for purity control. Six samples of ampicillin (anhydrous, trihydrate and sodium salt) with varying purity were analysed. The main component and related substances were determined. An analysis of variance proved the absence of consistent laboratory bias. The laboratory-sample interaction was significant. Estimates of the repeatability and reproducibility of the method, expressed as standard deviations of the result of the determination of ampicillin, were calculated to be about 0.9 and 1.1 respectively.

Prevention of hypokalemia caused by diuretics

Hypokalemia induced by the use of diuretics is common. Those at risk include the elderly, women, patients with edematous states, and patients in whom higher doses and/or the more potent agents are used. Prevention should include a low-salt diet rich in potassium, magnesium, and chloride (either through foods enriched with these elements or through potassium chloride supplements) and use of low doses of short-acting diuretics in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. The subgroup of hypertensive patients in whom hypokalemia develops despite these recommendations may benefit from a change to the potassium-sparing diuretic spironolactone or substitution of diuretics with alternative first-line drugs.

Assessment of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia

Methodologic aspects including causes of factitious hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia are summarized. The differential diagnosis of hypocalcemia is reviewed under three main headings: hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia with decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) action or activity, and hypocalcemia with normal PTH action and activity. The differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia is subdivided into three broad categories: hyperproteinemia, PTH-mediated hypercalcemia, and non-PTH-mediated hypercalcemia. The causes of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia are outlined with a focus on pathophysiology and clinicochemical sequelae. A laboratory perspective is emphasized in outlining management strategies.

Assessment of hyperphosphatemia and hypophosphatemia

Methodologic aspects including causes of factitious hyperphosphatemia and hypophosphatemia are summarized. The differential diagnosis of hyperphosphatemia is reviewed under its three broad causes: decreased glomerular filtration rate, increased exogenous or endogenous phosphate load, and increased renal tubular phosphate reabsorption. The differential diagnosis of hypophosphatemia is reviewed under its three broad causes: inadequate gastrointestinal input, excess phosphate losses, and transcellular shifts. The consequences of hyperphosphatemia and hypophosphatemia are outlined with a focus on pathophysiologic and clinicochemical sequelae. A laboratory perspective is emphasized in outlining management strategies.

Effects of maleic acid on renal phosphorus transport: role of dietary phosphorus

The effects of maleic acid on renal phosphate (Pi) transport were examined by clearance and brush-border membrane vesicle (BBMV) transport studies. In normal rats, maleic acid 50 mg.kg body wt-1.h-1 increased the phosphaturia (P less than 0.001). Intraperitoneal administration of a similar dose of maleic acid decreased the BBMV uptake of Pi but not glucose. In rats fed a low-phosphate diet (0.03%), the maleic acid-induced phosphaturia was blunted, but the inhibitory effect on the BBMV transport of Pi persisted. In chronic parathyroidectomized rats fed a low-phosphate diet, where the filtered load of Pi was higher than in the previous groups, the phosphaturia was abolished, but the inhibition of the BBMV transport of Pi was sustained. Both the in vitro incubation of BBMVV and in vivo administration of maleic acid were associated with a competitive inhibition of Pi transport. These studies indicate that the maleic acid-induced phosphaturia is expressed at the apical membrane entry step of Pi, and the enhanced distal tubular reabsorption accounts for the lack of phosphaturia in dietary Pi deprivation.

Cord care: too much or too little

This research project was undertaken at a teaching hospital to determine whether no treatment of newborns' umbilical cords was more effective than the current treatment employed. One hundred and three babies were included in the study. The cords of babies nursed in one postnatal ward were not treated (trial group); babies nursed in another postnatal ward became the control group whose cords were treated with spirit (alcohol 70%) and ties. Cords separated earlier for the trial group (mean 6.4 days) than the control group (mean 8.04 days) and mothers of trial group babies reported fewer problems with umbilical cords than those of control group babies.

Naproxen-induced nephropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus

A 34-year-old female with an 8-month history of systemic lupus erythematosus and intermittent naproxen use presented with acute oliguric renal failure, hypoalbuminemia, 4+ proteinuria, and an active urinary sediment. The clinical picture suggested a rapidly progressive lupus glomerulonephritis. Renal biopsy, however, demonstrated chronic, active interstitial nephritis without evidence of immune deposits by immunofluorescence or electron microscopy. Nonsclerotic glomeruli revealed diffuse foot process fusion without cellular proliferation. These findings were consistent with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced nephropathy. Discontinuation of naproxen and institution of corticosteroid therapy was followed by improvement in renal function and remission of nephrotic syndrome. This case represents the first report of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug nephropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Effects of malonate administration on renal ammoniagenesis in intact dogs

In the dog kidney in vivo, malonate augmented ammoniagenesis from both amide and nonamide nitrogen sources, similar to previous in vitro investigations using incubating canine renal tubules. This was highly significant in alkalotic dogs, where it was accompanied by decreased renal tissue concentrations of glutamate. Changes in renal ammonia metabolism were less evident in acidotic dogs where a markedly decreased glomerular filtration rate was noted following malonate administration. Under conditions of complete ureteric obstruction which effectively abolished glomerular filtration, malonate significantly augmented ammoniagenesis above baseline in acidotic dogs. These in vivo results with malonate have similarities to those seen in dogs subjected to an acid challenge alone and suggest that the adaptation in renal ammoniagenesis under both circumstances occurs via enhanced deamination of glutamate pools.

The effect of local anaesthetics on epinephrine absorption following rectal mucosal infiltration

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of lidocaine and bupivacaine on epinephrine absorption following rectal mucosal infiltration, to assess the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of the absorbed epinephrine and to compare the systemic absorption of the local anaesthetics employed. Three groups of five greyhounds received 1.5 micrograms.kg-1 of epinephrine 1:200,000 in lidocaine 0.5 per cent, bupivacaine 0.5 per cent or 0.9 per cent saline. Plasma epinephrine, lidocaine, bupivacaine, lactate, glucose and potassium concentrations were measured at 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes following infiltration. Plasma epinephrine concentrations were significantly higher in the lidocaine group at one and two minutes following infiltration. Plasma bupivacaine concentrations were significantly higher than plasma lidocaine concentrations throughout the study period. There were no significant differences in metabolic or biochemical indices within or between the three groups. A local vasodilatory action of lidocaine may enhance epinephrine absorption. Differences in hepatic uptake and rate of metabolism may explain the increased plasma bupivacaine measured. Lidocaine may be the local anaesthetic of choice for ano-rectal procedures, especially when large volumes of local anaesthetic are being infiltrated.

Hypocomplementemic proliferative glomerulonephritis with C3 nephritic-factor-like activity in multiple myeloma

Advanced renal failure, nephrotic-range proteinuria due to proliferative glomerulonephritis and multiple myeloma with circulating IgG2 lambda and free lambda light-chain paraproteins occurred in a 31-year-old male. Commonly established causes of renal failure in multiple myeloma were excluded. Immunofluorescence revealed heavy granular glomerular deposition of C3. Serum C3 was decreased, and C3c was increased. C3 nephritic-factor (C3 NeF)-like activity was demonstrated in the serum. Plasmapheresis and chemotherapy resulted in a decrease in paraprotein concentration up to 90%, a decrease in C3 NeF-like activity to negligible, normal serum complement levels and a marked improvement in both renal function and proteinuria. With reference to the literature, the possibility of a syndrome of paraproteinemia, C3 NeF-like activity and glomerulonephritis is forwarded.

Effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on renal function in sickle cell anemia

Renal hemodynamics and solute and water handling were evaluated in 19 sickle cell patients and 8 matched normal subjects during water diuresis, before and after acute oral administration of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Baseline GFR and RPF were higher in the patients compared to the normals. In contrast to normals, indomethacin and sulindac induced a 16% and 14% decrease in GFR, respectively. Indomethacin resulted in a slight increase in UOsm in normals, but a substantially greater rise in the patients. Following indomethacin a greater fall in FENa, fractional solute delivery to the diluting segment of the nephron [(CH2O + CNa + K)/GFR], fractional solute reabsorption in the diluting segment [CH2O/GFR] and the fraction of distally delivered solute reabsorbed [CH2O/(CH2O + CNa + K)] was observed in the sickle cell patients than in the normal subjects. A similar trend, but of significantly lesser magnitude than that induced by indomethacin, was observed following sulindac in the sickle cell patient. The data imply that the supranormal GFR observed in the sickle cell patients was prostaglandin-mediated. The effects of NSAID's on renal solute and water handling in the sickle cell patients are compatible with a prostaglandin-dependent decreased salt reabsorption in the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle, together with a hyperfunctioning proximal tubule. The data also imply an additional indomethacin-sensitive antinatriuretic effect in the diluting segment in these patients. Moreover, the results suggest that in sickle cell anemia sulindac may not have a "renal sparing" advantage over other NSAID's.

Minimal change glomerulonephropathy and interstitial infiltration with mycosis fungoides

The nephrotic syndrome developed in a patient with mycosis fungoides shortly after systemic involvement by his tumor occurred. Renal biopsy examination revealed atypical lymphocytic interstitial infiltration and changes consistent with minimal change glomerulonephropathy. The patient's proteinuria decreased following steroid therapy. This is the first report of an association between minimal change glomerulonephropathy and a proven T-cell malignant lymphoma. The implications are discussed with reference to the literature.

Acidotic alterations in oxidative metabolism influencing rat renal slice ammoniagenesis

We believe that two findings are interconnected and help to comprehend a major mechanism behind the regulation of renal ammonia production during acidosis. First, slices from acidotic compared to control and alkalotic rats produce more ammonia from glutamine. Second, inhibition of renal oxidative metabolism at various points by metabolic inhibitors augments slice ammoniagenesis. Based on this, our purpose was to determine whether enhanced renal ammoniagenesis during acidosis could occur through the same mechanism as the metabolic inhibitors. However, metabolic inhibitors (malonate; arsenite; 2,4-dinitrophenol) usually decrease while acidosis increases slice gluconeogenesis. There is one known exception. Fluorocitrate, which blocks citrate metabolism, simulates the acidotic condition by enhancing both ammonia and glucose production. Accordingly, a block of oxidative metabolism if located prior to citrate oxidation in the tricarboxylic acid cycle could theoretically augment ammoniagenesis during acidosis. Lactate, is a major renal fuel whose oxidative metabolism would be blocked by fluorocitrate. There, we concentrated on the effects of acidosis on lactate as well as glutamine metabolism. Lactate decarboxylation decreases in the face of increased glucose production during acidosis, and lactate inhibition of glutamine decarboxylation decreases in slices from acidotic rats. Also, we found lesser oxygen consumption in the presence of lactate by kidney slices from acidotic rats compared to control and alkalotic rats. We postulate that relatively less incorporation of lactate into the TCA cycle, causing decreased citrate formation and citrate oxidation during acidosis, contributes, at least in part, to acidotic adaptation of ammoniagenesis.

Effect of acute hypercapnia on PTH-stimulated phosphaturia in dietary Pi-deprived rat

The effects of respiratory acidosis on renal inorganic phosphate (Pi) handling are controversial. Clearance experiments, therefore, were performed in fasted, chronically parathyroidectomized (PTX), dietary Pi-deprived rats. The objectives were twofold: to study the effects of compensated and uncompensated hypercapnia per se on renal Pi excretion and to examine the interaction between acute hypercapnia, dietary Pi, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the renal handling of Pi. Acute hypercapnia increased the plasma Pi (delta 2.82 +/- 0.65 mg/dl, P less than 0.05) without altering the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The FEPi increased (delta 7.26 +/- 0.48%, P less than 0.001) but the TRPi/GFR also increased. PTH (3 U X kg-1 X h-1) superimposed on hypercapnia resulted in a plasma Pi comparable to hypercapnia alone. The FEPi (7.56 +/- 0.78 vs. 24.43 +/- 2.20%; P less than 0.001) was higher and the TRPi/GFR (117 +/- 4 vs. 80 +/- 2 micrograms/min, P less than 0.01) lower, in the former group. PTH infusion during normocapnia resulted in a lower FEPi (0.20 +/- 0.10 vs. 24.43 +/- 2.20%, P less than 0.001) and a higher TRPi/GFR (106 +/- 2 vs. 80 +/- 2 micrograms/min, P less than 0.01) compared with PTH infusion during hypercapnia. Urinary adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) excretion was similar between the groups. During hypercapnia, when the extracellular acidemia was neutralized, the phosphaturic action of PTH persisted. These studies offer direct evidence that in chronically PTX, dietary Pi-deprived rats, the phosphaturic action of PTH is restored by hypercapnia per se. This effect appears to be independent of extracellular acidemia, changes in the plasma Pi and calcium, urinary pH and Na and cAMP excretion.

Metabolic aspects of the regulation of systemic pH

Catabolism of protein produces CO2, NH4+, and HCO3-. Mammals readily lose CO2 through the lungs, but the bicarbonate produced in metabolism of a typical diet (in humans, approximately 1 mol/day from approximately 100 g of protein) would cause alkalosis if not disposed of. Air-breathing animals solve this problem by incorporating NH4+ into organic compounds in which N is not protonated; thus each NH4+ ion loses a proton in the course of the synthesis. These protons serve to titrate HCO3-. In mammals, ureagenesis is the pathway by which protons are liberated from NH4+. The rate of ureagenesis therefore determines the rate of disposal of bicarbonate, and must be an important factor in the maintenance of pH homeostasis. Ammonium ion that is not needed for urea synthesis is packaged into glutamine by the liver. Hepatic glutamine synthetase is localized in the last rank of cells around the pericentral venule; thus glutamine synthetase cannot compete for NH4+ or interfere with the control of pH by urea synthesis. Ammonium excretion in the urine does not represent excretion of acid, and is not stoichiometrically related to renal generation of bicarbonate. The quantitatively major processes by which the HCO3-/CO2 ratio, and hence the pH, is regulated in blood and interstitial fluid are excretion of CO2 through the lungs and disposal of HCO3- as a consequence of ureagenesis in the liver.

Light chain cast nephropathy and acute renal failure associated with rifampin therapy. Renal disease akin to myeloma kidney

Acute renal failure developed in a patient with a normal serum creatinine level, after treatment with rifampin was begun for tuberculosis. Renal biopsy revealed an obstructive nephropathy due to tubular casts. Immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence studies demonstrated the presence of heterogeneous light chains within these casts. This unique drug-induced renal disease is discussed with reference to the literature and to possible analogies with myeloma kidney.

Indomethacin in streptozocin-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

A 14-year-old female patient with metastatic carcinoid developed streptozocin-induced glomerular, proximal, and distal tubular dysfunction. The latter was in the form of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, with urine volumes in excess of 11 L/24 h. The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, indomethacin, rapidly corrected the polyuria both initially and on rechallenge, independent of change in glomerular filtration rate.

MR imaging of renal transplants

Fifty-six MR studies were obtained in 32 renal transplant patients, by using T1-weighted, spin-echo, and inversion-recovery pulse sequences. The findings, particularly the loss of corticomedullary differentiation, and the extent of vascular penetration into the renal parenchyma, were compared with the clinical and histologic diagnosis of transplant rejection. Thirteen MR studies on 11 patients with clinically normal renal transplants demonstrated normal corticomedullary differentiation. Renal vessels extended into the parenchyma in all 11 patients and to the cortex in 38%. In 37 MR studies on 22 patients with a clinical or histologic diagnosis of acute and/or chronic transplant rejection, the corticomedullary differentiation was normal in 8%, faint in 24%, and absent in 68%. Renal parenchymal vessels were visualized in 32%, but extended to the level of the cortex in only 8%. In 68% of the studies with transplant rejection, no parenchymal vessels were seen. When the corticomedullary differentiation was either faint or absent, the vascular pattern was normal in 6%; in 68% of cases no parenchymal vessels could be identified. We conclude the corticomedullary differentiation and the renal vascular pattern are useful parameters in the evaluation of renal transplant rejection.

Bartter's syndrome and the atrial natriuretic factor gene

We investigated whether the gene for atrial natriuretic factor, a recently discovered peptide hormone with potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant properties, was pathogenetically linked to an uncommon but well-defined fluid and electrolyte disorder, Bartter's syndrome. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the atrial natriuretic factor gene were sought in a large kindred with six of 23 family members being affected. A Bgl II polymorphism, identified in two of 40 (5%) apparently normal subjects, was found in one of two first-generation family members. This polymorphism was also present in five of seven unaffected second-generation siblings but in only three of six affected siblings. The failure of the absence or the presence of the polymorphism to cosegregate with the disease clearly indicates that in this kindred, the gene for atrial natriuretic factor is not linked to Bartter's syndrome.

Mesangial glomerulonephropathy with decreased circulating C4 and predominant mesangial C4 deposition in association with one null gene at the C4B locus

We report a case of mesangial glomerulonephropathy associated with decreased circulating C4 in a young man with recurrent microscopic hematuria and one null gene at the C4B locus. Mesangial deposits moderately reactive with anti-C4 and weakly reactive with anti-C3 and anti-IgA were found on renal biopsy. No evidence was found to support a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy or any other of the recently described mesangial glomerulonephropathies with immunoglobulin and complement deposition. This case apparently represents a unique, heretofore undescribed variant of mesangial glomerulonephropathy associated with mesangial C4 deposition and C4 hypocomplementemia.

Effect of insulin on renal phosphorus handling in the rat: interaction with PTH and nicotinamide

Previous studies suggested an antiphosphaturic action of insulin. However, effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH), anti-natriuresis, or other variables were not vigorously controlled. Recently it has been suggested that nicotinamide restores phosphaturia in several antiphosphaturic states. Clearance studies were therefore performed in acutely parathyroidectomized rats to test the hypothesis that insulin abolishes the phosphaturic action of PTH and that this effect is prevented by nicotinamide. Superimposition of euglycemic hyperinsulinemia on PTH infusion (plasma insulin 19.1 +/- 2.7 vs. 9.8 +/- 1.1 microU/ml, P less than 0.05) during steady-state Pi excretion decreased fractional excretion (FE) of Pi compared with PTH-infused controls (3.16 +/- 0.61 vs. 18.02 +/- 0.81%, P less than 0.001). Renal cortical NAD+ was lower in the former than the latter group (455 +/- 22 vs. 689 +/- 30 pmol/mg, P less than 0.01). Nicotinamide pretreatment prevented the antiphosphaturic action of insulin and the decrease in cortical NAD+ in both the presence and absence of exogenous PTH. These studies offer direct evidence that in acutely parathyroidectomized rats insulin can abolish the phosphaturic action of PTH, independent of glomerular filtration rate, the filtered loads of Pi and glucose, FENa+, and cAMP excretion, an effect that is prevented by nicotinamide pretreatment. In the absence of nicotinamide pretreatment, superimposition of insulin on PTH infusion was associated with a decrease in renal cortical NAD+. A role for intracellular NAD+, probably indirect, in the antiphosphaturic action of insulin is suggested.

HLA typing in bartter syndrome

The mode of inheritance of Bartter syndrome is unclear; however, autosomal recessive inheritance seems likely. A consistent genetic marker of the carrier state likewise remains elusive. HLA typing was done in a family in whom six of 12 sibs have the syndrome. No significant HLA-syndrome linkage was found. This is in contrast to another familial hypokalemic syndrome in which a significant HLA association was found.

T and B lymphocyte subsets in fenoprofen nephropathy

Renal failure due to combined acute interstitial nephritis and minimal-change glomerulopathy is reported in two patients after fenoprofen therapy. In the interstitial infiltrates, T lymphocytes predominated over B lymphocytes in a ratio of four to one. The majority of B lymphocytes present were IgE-bearing cells. Among the T cells, the ratio of cytotoxic/suppressor cells to helper-inducer cells was three to one. Repeated renal biopsy in one patient after steroid-induced clinical remission demonstrated resolution of the inflammatory infiltrate and restoration of normal glomerular foot processes. The theoretic and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in Hodgkin's disease

Development of Nil disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FGS) in sequential renal biopsies is reported in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although steroid resistance was demonstrated, a complete and sustained clinical remission of the renal lesion followed anti-Hodgkin's chemotherapy. These findings support the hypothesis that Nil disease and FGS are manifestations of the same clinical entity.

Fenoprofen nephropathy: lipoid nephrosis and interstitial nephritis. A possible T-lymphocyte disorder

Five patients are presented, each of whom had an acute idiosyncratic reaction to fenoprofen calcium (Nalfon) characterized by acute renal failure and marked proteinuria. Renal pathology was similar in all patients. Light microscopy revealed marked lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates and normal glomeruli. Immunofluorescent staining was minimal or absent. Electron microscopy showed fusion of podocytes in otherwise normal glomeruli. Two patients were studied using T-cell and B-cell specific fluorescent staining, which revealed that the interstitial infiltrates were composed exclusively of T-lymphocytes. This finding is considered in relation to prior experimental and theoretic work. It is suggested that the various clinical and pathologic findings in fenoprofen nephropathy are all manifestations of a disordered cell-mediated immunity.

Management of chronic peritoneal catheter malfunction

This paper presents a modification of Tenckhoff's insertion procedure for chronic peritoneal dialysis catheters and reviews the results of a technique of management of catheter malfunction by manipulation which obviates the need for catheter replacement. 43 catheters in 33 patients were observed for no less than 1 year. Catheters which malfunctioned within 3 weeks benefited only marginally from manipulation. In those catheters which functioned for more than 3 weeks, manipulation extended mean survival time by 103% (8.5-17.3 months) and overall survival did not differ statistically from catheters not requiring manipulation. The technique is safe and simple and contributes to the effective management of patients undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis.

Bartter's syndrome - a dilemma of cause and effect

Six interrelated abnormalities of Bartter's syndrome are analyzed-juxtaglomerular hyperplasia, angiotensin resistance, altered kallikrein-kinin system, hyperprostaglandinuria, hypokalemia, and chloride-losing nephropathy. Arguments are advanced that any one of these could be the proximate cause and result in all the others. By the same token, each abnormality could be a consequence of any of the others and, furthermore, modulate the others by negative or positive feedback. Despite many recent insights, available data do not permit a definitive conclusion as to the locus of the primary abnormality. Rather, the syndrome presents as a remarkable biological counterpart to an electronic integrated circuit. The altered physiology of Bartter's syndrome is reviewed and the pathogenesis of the syndrome analyzed in the light of recent literature.

Complement deficiency and nephritis. A report of a family

A family is described in which three children had homozygous deficiency of C3 and in which both parents and two other children were heterozygous for the C3 null gene. One child with heterozygous C3 deficiency was found to have membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis; proteinuria and/or microscopical haematuria was present in all three homozygous C3-deficient children. All children with homozygous or heterozygous C3 deficiency were, to a varying degree, susceptible to infection. The only child of the family with normal complement had no increased risk of infection and no renal disease. This family study provides further support for the proposal that C3 deficiency predisposes to nephritis.

Effect of megadoses of ascorbic acid on serum and urinary oxalate

Serum and urinary oxalate was determined in 9 normal subjects, ingesting 8 g of ascorbic acid daily. Serum oxalate levels increased to 310% of control values during supplementation. Plasma ascrobate levels reached a mean value of 3.6 mg% far exceeding the previously reported plateau level of 1.8 mg%. Urinary oxalate gradually increased during ascorbate intake and 7 days post cessation of ascorbate, rose unexpectedly for all subjects into the hyperoxaluric range.

Effects of fluorocitrate on renal ammoniagenesis and glutamine metabolism in the intact dog kidney

Renal glutamine metabolism was studied in vivo following infusions of fluorocitrate into chronically acidotic and alkalotic dogs. Coincident with a dramatic rise in renal cortical citrate concentrations, there was a significant fall in tissue glutamate in both acid-base states. This was accompanied by a significant increase in total renal ammonia production. Glutamine metabolism and ammoningenesis in alkalotic dogs receiving fluorocitrate simulated that achieved in acidotic dogs. The simultaneous administration of alpha-ketoglutarate and fluorocitrate significantly diminished the fall in tissue glutamate and the rise in ammoniagenesis induced by fluorocitrate alone. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that ammonia production from glutamine is enhanced secondary to increased glutamate deamination. We postulate that this chain of events may be the consequence of impaired alpha-ketoglutarate production from citrate.