Serum alkaline phosphatase is a strong predictor of mortality in ESKD patients: analysis of the RISCAVID cohort.

Background: Mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients remains unacceptably high compared with that of the general population and despite the continuous improvement of dialysis techniques. This study aimed to assess the role of alkaline phosphatase serum levels on cardiovascular and overall mortality in the RISCAVID study cohort through a long follow-up period, looking for associations with known risk factors for poor outcome.

Methods: In June 2004, a prospective observational study was started focusing on the cardiovascular risk in hemodialysis patients who lived in the north-west area of Tuscany (RISCAVID, "RISchio CArdiovascolare nei pazienti afferenti all'Area Vasta In Dialisi").

ABCs of hemodiafiltration prescription: The Pisa style.

In end-stage kidney disease patients, hemodiafiltration, a mixed diffusive-convective technique, has shown beneficial effects in terms of improvement of anemia, inflammation, mineral bone disorders, malnutrition and cardiovascular stability. Greater convective volume exchange was also associated with improved overall and cardiovascular survival. However, absolute target threshold volume would be difficult to define and achieve in daily clinical practice, mainly because of differences in patient size.

Low-dose synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone-analog therapy for nephrotic patients: results from a single-center pilot study.

Introduction: This report describes our experience using a low-dose synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analog for patients affected by nephrotic syndrome who had not responded to or had relapsed after steroid and immunosuppressive treatments.

Patients And Methods: Eighteen adult nephrotic patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >30 mL/min were recruited. Histological pictures included ten of membranous nephropathy, three of membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis, three of minimal change, and two of focal segmental glomerular sclerosis.

Long-term (5 years) efficacy and safety of pancreas transplantation alone in type 1 diabetic patients.

Background: Although combined pancreas and kidney transplantation is an established procedure for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in patients with end-stage renal disease, the role of pancreas transplant alone (PTA) in the therapy of T1D subjects with preserved kidney function is still matter of debate.

Methods: We report our single-center experience of PTA in 71 consecutive T1D patients all with a posttransplant follow-up of 5 years. Patient and pancreas (normoglycemia in the absence of any antidiabetic therapy) survivals were determined, and several clinical parameters (including risk factors for cardiovascular diseases) were assessed.

Results of pancreas transplantation alone with special attention to native kidney function and proteinuria in type 1 diabetes patients.

We report on our single-center experience with pancreas transplantation alone (PTA) in 71 patients with type 1 diabetes, and a 4-year follow-up. Portal insulin delivery was used in 73.2% of cases and enteric drainage of exocrine secretion in 100%.