Pathophysiology of bone disease in chronic kidney disease: from basics to renal osteodystrophy and osteoporosis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a highly prevalent disease that has become a public health problem. Progression of CKD is associated with serious complications, including the CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Laboratory, bone and vascular abnormalities define this condition, and all have been independently related to cardiovascular disease and high mortality rates.

Optimization of dialysate flow in on-line hemodiafiltration.

Introduction: Currently, on-line hemodiafiltration (HDF-OL) is the most effective technique. Several randomized studies and meta-analyses have shown a reduced mortality and a direct association with convective volume has been reported. At present, it has not been established if an increased dialysate flow (Qd) results in improved results in terms of convective and depurative efficiency.

Assessment of dialyzer surface in online hemodiafiltration; objective choice of dialyzer surface area.

Introduction: Online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) is currently the most effective technique. Several randomized studies and meta-analyses have observed a reduction in mortality as well as a direct association with convective volume. Currently, it has not been well established whether a larger dialyzer surface area could provide better results in terms of convective and depurative effectiveness.

On-line haemodiafiltration with auto-substitution: assessment of blood flow changes on convective volume and efficiency.

Introduction: On-line haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) is currently the most effective technique and several randomised studies and meta-analyses have seen a reduction in mortality and an association directly related with convective volume is observed. Blood flow (Qb) limits the infusion rate to 25-33 % and is the main limiting factor for reaching an optimum substitution volume. With the recent incorporation of monitors with auto-substitution systems, the aim of the study was to assess the effect of Qb variations on convective volume and purifying capacity.

Practical utility of thermodilution versus doppler ultrasound to measure hemodialysis blood access flow.

Introduction: The current clinical guidelines recommend indirect access blood flow (Qa) measurement as one of the most important components in vascular access maintenance programs. The best-know methods are doppler ultrasound (DU) and saline dilution method.

Objective: This study evaluates the efficiency of Qa measurement with thermodilution method (TD) in comparison with the DU.

Urgent pneumococcal urinary antigen, importance in the diagnosis of acquired pneumonia in HIV-1 patients.

The aim of our study was to determine the usefulness of pneumococcal urinary antigen (UA) collected in the emergency department (ED) for the microbiologic diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in HIV patients and to compare it with other diagnostic tests. Prospective study from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2008 included HIV-infected patients admitted at the ED with respiratory symptoms and who were diagnosed of CAP. UA, two blood cultures and sputum sample for culture determination were collected from every patient.