Retrograde catheterization of haemodialysis fistulae and grafts: angiographic depiction of the entire vascular access tree and stenosis treatment.

Background: The European Best Practice Guidelines on Vascular Access propose magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of dysfunctional dialysis fistulae and grafts if visualization of the complete arterial inflow and outflow vessels is needed. In a prospective multi-centre study we determined the technical success rate of complete vascular access tree depiction by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as an alternative to MRA. Instead of a more invasive brachial artery of femoral artery approach, we performed a retrograde catheterization of the venous outflow or graft, and stenoses were treated in connection with DSA.

Newborn hearing screening: tobramycin and vancomycin are not risk factors for hearing loss.

Objective: To investigate the chance of detecting hearing loss with neonatal hearing screening in relation to exposure to tobramycin and vancomycin.

Study Design: Automated auditory brainstem response (A-ABR) hearing screening was performed in all neonates with at least one risk factor. Data on drug administration were abstracted from patient files.

Severe atherosclerotic changes, including aortic occlusion, associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Three patients are described with severe systemic atherosclerosis, including aortic occlusion, in the presence of a spectrum of risk factors, including hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, a positive family history of cardiovascular problems, and hyperhomocysteinaemia. In all three patients high levels of anticardiolipin antibodies were found. The possible pathogenic role of antiphospholipid antibodies in atherosclerosis in the context of hyperhomocysteinaemia in these patients is discussed.