Plasma adiponectin levels for prediction of cardiovascular risk among hemodialysis patients.

Adiponectin (ADPN) is an endogenous insulin sensitizing and anti-inflammatory hormone, released by the adipose tissue. We investigated the clinical and biochemical correlates of plasma ADPN levels and the predictive value of ADPN with respect to survival rates and cardiovascular (CV) events was tested prospectively in a cohort of hemodialysis (HD) patients. We measured baseline ADPN in 110 HD patients, in addition to, 34 healthy subjects to serve as reference group.

Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein access: comparison between short axis and long axis techniques.

The use of real-time ultrasound (US) is advantageous in the insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) in adults, especially in whom difficulties are anticipated for various reasons. The aim of the present study was to compare two different real-time 2-dimensional US-guided techniques [short axis view/out-of-plane approach (SAX OOP approach) versus long axis view/in-plane approach (LAX IP approach)] for internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation. In this prospective study, 90 critical care and hemodialysis patients were assigned for insertion of CVCs using either the real-time US-guided (SAX OOP approach or LAX IP approach) or landmark technique (control group).

Cinacalcet hydrochloride therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients.

This study compared the efficacy of a cinacalcet-based regimen with unrestricted conventional therapy (vitamin D and phosphate binders) for achieving Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) targets for dialysis patients. In this multicenter, prospective study, hemodialysis patients with poorly controlled secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) were randomized to receive a cinacalcet-based regimen (n=55) or a conventional therapy (n=27). Doses of cinacalcet, vitamin D sterols, and phosphate binders were adjusted during a 12-week dose-titration phase to achieve intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels ≤ 31.

Intravenous alfacalcidol once weekly pulse therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients.

Background: This study was carried out to assess the efficacy of intravenous administration of alfacalcidol once weekly versus thrice weekly in patients with poorly controlled secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods: Thirty-six hemodialysis patients with intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) > 31.8 pmol/L were divided into two groups.

Is mycophenolate mofetil superior to pulse intravenous cyclophosphamide for induction therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis in Egyptian patients?

Background: Recent studies have suggested that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may offer advantages over intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVC) for the treatment of lupus nephritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MMF compared with IVC in the induction therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis.

Methods: We randomly assigned 47 patients with newly diagnosed active proliferative lupus nephritis class III or IV to open-label oral MMF 2 g/day for 6 months or intravenous cyclophosphamide 0.

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction: This study aimed at determination of circulating soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2 R) alpha in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and correlating the level of expression of these receptors with the SLE disease activity.

Materials And Methods: The study included 55 patients with SLE and 20 healthy volunteers as controls. The following investigations were done: serum complement component 3, complement 4, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, complete blood count, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, 24-hour urinary protein, urinalysis, and serum soluble IL-2R alpha level.