The effects for inflammatory responses by CPP with different colloidal properties in hemodialysis patients.

Calciprotein particles (CPPs) are colloids composed of solid-phase calcium-phosphate and serum protein fetuin-A. CPPs form a polydispersed system with different particle size and density. CPPs with specific physical properties can induce calcification and innate immune responses in cultured cells.

Sternocostoclavicular Hyperostosis: An Insufficiently Recognized Clinical Entity.

A 79-year-old male chronic hemodialysis patient with no history of central venous catheterization was referred to our hospital with progressive swelling of the left upper limb ipsilateral to a forearm arteriovenous fistula. Radiological assessments revealed marked hyperostosis in the ribs, sternum, and clavicles with well-developed ossification of the sternocostoclavicular ligaments. Such characteristic structural abnormalities and our failure to identify the left subclavian vein with contrast material despite the abundant dilated collaterals in the left shoulder area encouraged us to diagnose our patient with sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) complicated by central vein obstruction.

Serial Tc-99m MAG3 renography evaluating the recovery of acute kidney injury associated with minimal change nephrotic syndrome.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-recognized complication of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). Previous reports support the concept that AKI associated with MCNS is reversible; however, information regarding the hemodynamic basis of AKI in MCNS is insufficient. We herein describe a case of AKI in a man with MCNS.

Balloon-assisted creation and maturation of an arteriovenous fistula in a patient with small-caliber vasculature.

The major problem associated with the creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), which is the optimal form of vascular access for hemodialysis, is the fact that fistulas do not necessarily mature into a usable vascular access, requiring subsequent revision and construction of another access. The caliber of the vessels used for fistula creation is a pivotal factor predicting the presumable maturation of the constructed fistula, and veins less than 2.5 mm in diameter have poor outcomes.

Is there a link between the structural impact of thoracic outlet and the development of central venous stenosis?

Central venous stenosis (CVS) is a serious complication for chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Previous reports of CVS have focused on prior central venous catheterization, because of the higher prevalence and potential for prevention of such an event. However, recent studies have demonstrated that CVS may also develop without a history of central venous catheterization.

A case of IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis with left hydronephrosis after a remission of urinary tract tuberculosis.

IgG4-related systemic disease encompasses multi-organ disorders, including tubulointerstitial nephritis. This disease is accompanied by a high serum IgG4 concentration and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration. We herein describe a 63-year-old woman with renal failure and dryness of the eyes and mouth, who had been treated with antituberculosis agents for urinary tract tuberculosis.

Central venous stenosis among hemodialysis patients is often not associated with previous central venous catheters.

It is widely assumed that central venous stenosis (CVS) is most commonly associated with previous central venous catheterization among the chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. We evaluated the validity of this assumption in this retrospective study. The clinical records from 2,856 consecutive HD patients with vascular access failure during a 5-year period were reviewed, and a total of 26 patients with symptomatic CVS were identified.

Accelerated recovery from Candida peritonitis of enteric origin by early surgical drainage in a peritoneal dialysis patient.

A 62-year-old man on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was transferred to our hospital with recurrent abdominal pain and a cloudy peritoneal effluent. Three weeks before the transfer, his symptoms were successfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, their effectiveness was lost for his recurrent symptoms.

Serum adiponectin and markers of endothelial injury in hemodialysis patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans.

Background: Arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) in hemodialysis patients is the dominant cause of morbidity evolving from arteriosclerosis. Adiponectin is an adipose-derived cytokine which, because of its modulation of endothelial adhesion molecules, has potential anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties. However, the implications of adiponectin and endothelial function in ASO of hemodialysis patients has not been fully elucidated.

Rapid formation of Aspergillus mycetoma in a patient receiving corticosteroid treatment. Serial radiographic observation over two months.

This study presents the case of rapidly progressing pulmonary aspergillosis in a 47-year-old woman who had healed cavitations of pulmonary tuberculosis in the right upper lobe. She had been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis seven years prior to admission. The initial manifestations of the disease on admission included cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, pulmonary infiltrate, and renal failure.

A case of recurrent renal failure associated with metabolic alkalosis induced by protracted vomiting.

We describe a case of recurrent deterioration of renal function in a 54-year-old man who was found to have metabolic alkalosis, with a maximum PaCO(2) of 73.9 mmHg and a bicarbonate concentration of 55.3 mmol/l.