[Vascular ultrasonography in the preparation and surveillance of arteriovenous fistula: a monocentric experience].

Creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is complicated by the gradual increase in the average age of patients initiating chronic haemodialysis treatment and by the greater prevalence of pathologies that impact the cardiovascular system. In the past, the choice of which vessels to use for the creation of the AVF was essentially based on the physical examination of the upper limbs. Current international guidelines suggest that a colour doppler ultrasound (DUS) should be performed to complete the physical examination.

Survival and complications of arteriovenous fistula dialysis access in an elderly population.

Purpose: In recent years, the number of elderly uremic patients who commence renal replacement therapy has increased. A retrospective review assessed the survival rate and incidence of complications in elderly patients with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) created between January 2000 and August 2008.

Methods: A total of 78 patients, 48 men and 30 women aged ≥75 with a mean age of 82.

Residual renal function and nutrition in young patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Residual renal function (RRF) has been associated with a better nutritional status in adult patients on chronic dialysis, but there is as yet no data available for young patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). We have retrospectively analyzed 3-day dietary reports and simultaneous urea kinetic monitoring data (n = 179) of 30 children, adolescents and young adults on chronic HD. The protein catabolic rate (PCR) was calculated and normalized by body weight (nPCR).

[The role of intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay in the surgical management of hyperparathyroidism].

Background: Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (iPTH) assay (QPTH) in combination with preoperative localization, permits a less invasive operative approach in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism. A 50% reduction of the intraoperative PTH level, mesured within 15 minutes with an immunochemestry system of III generation (ICMA), shows the completeness of the hypersecretive tissues surgical removal.

Patients And Methods: From June 2003 to December 2005 a series of 39 patients underwent target parathyroidectomy with intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay for parathyroid disease.