[A case of hypercalcemia in hemodialysis].

We report a case of hypercalcemia in a female patient who was restarted on hemodialysis 22 years after renal transplantation. Graft biopsy showed chronic post-transplant nephropathy. Treatment with immunosuppressants and steroids was maintained owing to residual graft function.

Dermatan sulfate: an alternative to unfractionated heparin for anticoagulation in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the standard anticoagulant in regular dialysis treatments (RDTs), despite the fact that it may induce thrombocytopenia, dyslipidemia, allergy and osteoporosis. Dermatan sulfate (DS) selectively inhibits thrombin, does not inhibit F-Xa and does not interfere with platelets (PLTS). Here we described an original protocol for the use of DS as anticoagulant in RDT and compared its effects with those of UFH.

Use of drugs for nephrolithiasis.

Renal stone disease often begins by renal colic. In order to manage this event adequately, several goals should be pursued: first, attenuate pain; second, favour progression and spontaneous expulsion of stones; third, prevent from obstructive and infectious complications. All of the aforementioned points pertain to medical management of this disease.

Effects of dermatan sulfate for anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy.

Background: Dermatan sulfate (DS) is a natural glycosaminoglycan with a unique mechanism of action on the coagulation system. Unlike unfractionated heparin (UFH), DS selectively inhibits thrombin, does not inhibit factor Xa, is effective on both free and fibrin-bound thrombin and does not interfere with platelets. This study represents the first experience using DS as anticoagulant in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Computer program to prescribe acetate-free biofiltration as a continuous renal replacement therapy: theoretical description and in vivo validation.

We describe the theoretical features and in vivo assay of an original computer-based program, which describes Na and HCO3 kinetics with acetate-free biofiltration performed as a continuous veno-venous renal replacement therapy (CVVAFB). In 14 patients, CVVAFB sessions were performed as follows. Machine Hospal Prisma, membrane AN69 0.

Crystallization inhibitors in the pathophysiology and treatment of nephrolithiasis.

It is currently agreed that stone formation in the urinary tract requires supersaturation with respect to a given solid phase. However, this principle fully applies only to stones other than calcium-containing stones, in which case compounds acting as inhibitors are postulated to naturally occur in urine. Stone formation would therefore ensue from an imbalance between promoters and inhibitors.

Cost analysis of blood purification in intensive care units: continuous versus intermittent hemodiafiltration.

Background: We implemented a program for continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT) in intensive care units (ICU) based on the cooperative work of dialysis and ICU personnel. Our aim was to report the main details of this program and compare its cost with that of intermittent hemodiafiltration (IHDF).

Methods: The study referred to 181 ICU patients with renal failure.