Correction of metabolic acidosis with potassium citrate in renal transplant patients and its effect on bone quality.

Background: Acidosis and transplantation are associated with increased risk of bone disturbances. This study aimed to assess bone morphology and metabolism in acidotic patients with a renal graft, and to ameliorate bone characteristics by restoration of acid/base homeostasis with potassium citrate.

Methods: This was a 12-month controlled, randomized, interventional trial that included 30 renal transplant patients with metabolic acidosis (S-[HCO(3)(-)] <24 mmol/L) undergoing treatment with either potassium citrate to maintain S-[HCO(3)(-)] >24 mmol/L, or potassium chloride (control group).

Finding the right position: a three-year, single-center experience with the "self-locating" catheter.

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter displacement is a major cause of dysfunction. Various catheter forms have been designed to improve outcome. One of them is based on the classical Tenckhoff catheter, but includes a small tungsten cylinder at the distal end to optimize location and to prevent dislocations.

Posttransplant acidosis and associated disorders of mineral metabolism in patients with a renal graft.

Background: Persisting disturbances in acid/base homeostasis may have an impact on several metabolic aspects of individuals with a kidney graft, specifically with regard to mineral metabolism and bone.

Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional analysis among 823 unselected patients being transplanted with a functioning renal allograft who had at least one measurement of venous serum bicarbonate available within a 4-year period before May 1, 2005. As a determinate of metabolic acidosis bicarbonate was measured along with serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and other routine serological and epidemiological parameters.