[Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in chronic kidney disease - pros and cons].

Aldosterone takes part in the regulation of body fluid volume, blood pressure and kalemia. In a number of pathological conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), secondary hyperaldosteronism occurs, leading to development of edema, hypervolemia and hypertension. Aldosterone has also a proinflammatory action, leading to heart and blood vessels damage, and is an independent risk factor of death.

[Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury].

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in obstetrics may be caused by the same disorders that are observed in the general population or may be specific for a pregnancy such as: preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome or acute fatty liver of pregnancy. The renal changes may be only temporary, and resolve within a few weeks postpartum, or may become irreversible leading to a progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the article the most important pregnancy related syndromes associated with AKI have been shortly reviewed.

[HELLP syndrome].

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) is a relatively rare complication of pregnancy. It usually develops in the IIId trimester or after delivery. HELLP syndrome is associated with increased maternal (placental abruption, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hepatic hematomas and rupture, and acute kidney injury) and neonatal (prematurity, low birth weight) risk complications.

[Diuretics].

Diuretics are an important class of medicine used to treat a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions, like: heart failure, hypertension and renal diseases. They act by increasing urinary excretion of water, sodium, and some others electrolytes, at different sites in the nephron. In this paper the mechanisms of action, use, dosing and adverse effects of the commonly used diuretics are reviewed.

Renal amyloidosis in Whipple disease: a case report.

Introduction: Whipple disease is a rare systemic infection caused by Tropheryma whippelii that usually manifests with joint pain, weight loss, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. However, in some cases the infection may involve other organs and tissues.

Case Presentation: We report on a 44-year-old man with Whipple disease which led to renal amyloidosis and end-stage renal failure.