Plant-Based Diets Improve Maternal-Fetal Outcomes in CKD Pregnancies.

Reducing protein intake in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) limits glomerular stress induced by hyperfiltration and can prevent the progression of kidney disease; data in pregnancy are limited. The aim of this study is to analyze the results obtained in CKD patients who followed a plant-based moderately protein-restricted diet during pregnancy in comparison with a propensity-score-matched cohort of CKD pregnancies on unrestricted diets. A total of 52 CKD pregnancies followed up with a protein-restricted plant-based diet (Torino, Italy) were matched with a propensity score based on kidney function and proteinuria with CKD pregnancies with unrestricted protein intake (Cagliari Italy).

Determining an energy threshold for optimal volume reduction of benign thyroid nodules treated by radiofrequency ablation.

Objectives: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective in reducing the volume of benign thyroid nodules. However, what parameters can influence the response to RFA is still unclear. The present study aimed to (1) investigate which ultrasound and technical parameters are potential determinants of the volumetric reduction; (2) develop a dose-response model, and (3) analyze the effects of RFA on ultrasound features.