Predictors of outcome in idiopathic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (IRPGN).

Background: Small vessel vasculitides are known to follow a devastating course towards end-stage renal disease, unless treated with immunosuppressive regiments. We investigated the value of clinical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters as predictors of outcome at diagnosis in patients with pauci immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis.

Methods: In 34 patients the percentage and evolution stage of crescents, the presence of glomerular necrosis, the degree or severity of arteriosclerosis, as well as the extent of tubulointerstitial infiltration, interstial fibrosis and tubular atrophy were assessed.

Early referral and planned initiation of dialysis: what impact on quality of life?

Background: Early patient referral correlates with improved patient survival on dialysis. We examine whether early referral and a planned first dialysis affect quality of life (QoL).

Methods: All patients commencing dialysis in nine centres in seven European countries between 1 July 1998 and 31 October 1999 were recruited.

Fungal peritonitis complicating peritoneal dialysis during an 11-year period: report of 46 cases.

The incidence of fungal peritonitis (FP) and the fungi that caused FP were evaluated in 422 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. During an 11-year period, 804 episodes of peritonitis occurred, 46 (5.7%) of which were caused by fungi.