Impact of Serum Bicarbonate Levels on Muscle Mass and Kidney Function in Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

Background: Treatment of metabolic acidosis to target the higher serum bicarbonate level than guideline recommendation may downregulate muscle protein degradation and improve renal function among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We conducted a study to test the effects of increased serum bicarbonate level on muscle parameters, nutrition, and renal function in pre-dialysis CKD patients.

Methods: This was a randomized, controlled study.

Reliability of blood pressure parameters for dry weight estimation in hemodialysis patients.

Chronic volume overload resulting from interdialytic weight gain and inadequate fluid removal plays a significant role in poorly controlled high blood pressure. Although bioimpedance has been introduced as an accurate method for assessing hydration status, the instrument is not available in general hemodialysis (HEMO) centers. This study was conducted to explore the correlation between hydration status measured by bioimpedance and blood pressure parameters in chronic HEMO patients.

Comparisons between validated estimated glomerular filtration rate equations and isotopic glomerular filtration rate in HIV patients.

Objective: Understanding how best to measure renal function in HIV-infected patients is critical because estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in HIV-infected patients can be affected by ethnicity and body composition. We validated the available eGFR equations and compared them to the plasma Tc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Tc-DTPA) clearance in HIV-infected patients.

Design: Test of diagnostic accuracy.

Management and outcome of severe acute pancreatitis.

Background: The treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) varies among several institutes. It has been evolving from routine surgical management to conservative management in the early stages. The surgical management has a role in the later stages of the disease.