Determinants of C-reactive protein in chronic hemodialysis patients: relevance of dialysis catheter utilization.

Biomarkers of inflammation, especially C-reactive protein (CRP), have been consistently shown to predict poor outcomes in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients. However, the determinants of CRP and the value of its monitoring in CHD patients have not been well defined. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate possible determinants of the inflammatory response in CHD patients with a focus on dialysis catheter utilization.

Breastfeeding-associated hypernatremia: are we missing the diagnosis?

Objectives: To assess the incidence and complications of breastfeeding-associated hypernatremic dehydration among hospitalized neonates.

Study Design: A retrospective study was conducted at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh over a 5-year period, to identify otherwise healthy term and near-term (> or =35 weeks of gestation) breastfed neonates (<29 days of age) who were admitted with serum sodium concentrations of > or =150 mEq/L and no explanation for hypernatremia other than inadequate milk intake.

Results: The incidence of breastfeeding-associated hypernatremic dehydration among 3718 consecutive term and near-term hospitalized neonates was 1.

Preventing neurological complications from dysnatremias in children.

Dysnatremias are among the most common electrolyte abnormalities encountered in hospitalized patients. In most cases, a dysnatremia results from improper fluid management. Dysnatremias can occasionally result in death or permanent neurological damage, a tragic complication that is usually preventable.

Cardiovascular calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease: a century-old phenomenon.

The mortality risk from cardiovascular disease is increased in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This is due to both traditional and dialysis-specific factors. Recently, a number of the dialysis-specific risk factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular calcification.