IgA nephropathy pathogenesis and therapy: Review & updates.

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most frequent type of primary glomerulonephritis since the first type was described more than four decades ago. It is the prevalent cause of primary glomerular disease that causes end-stage renal disease. In most patients with IgAN, hematuria is the most common reported symptom, particularly in those with a preceding upper respiratory tract infection.

Hepatitis Virus C-associated Nephropathy: A Review and Update.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes hepatic and extrahepatic organ involvement. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent non-communicable disorder, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute kidney injury and CKD are not uncommon sequels of acute or chronic HCV infection.

Fasting Ramadan in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Kidney Transplant and Dialysis Patients: Review and Update.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disease in the Islamic regions. Dehydration occurs after prolonged fasting, particularly in hot and humid climates. In the Arabic months' calendar, Ramadan is a month of maximum given deeds, where Muslims are required to fast from dawn till sunset.

Blood Pressure and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression: An Updated Review.

Hypertension (HTN) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it may aggravate CKD progression. The optimal blood pressure (BP) value in CKD patients is not established yet, although systolic BP ≤130 mmHg is acceptable as a target. Continuous BP monitoring is essential to detect the different variants of high BP and monitor the treatment response.

Predictors of Short-Term Mortality Following First Episode of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Hospitalized Cirrhotic Patients.

Background and aims Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. This study aimed to identify the factors impacting morbidity and short-term mortality in a cohort of patients with cirrhosis following an index episode of SBP. Methods In a retrospective study of hospitalized cirrhotic cohort, 333 patient records were reviewed.

Diagnostic value of pleural fluid interferon-gamma and adenosine deaminase in patients with pleural tuberculosis in Qatar.

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic utility of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in tuberculous pleural effusions by determining the best cutoff levels of these two markers for pleural tuberculosis, in the context of the local epidemiological settings in Qatar.

Methods: We prospectively studied IFN-γ and ADA levels in the pleural fluid of patients presenting to Hamad General Hospital between June 1, 2009 and May 31, 2010.

Results: We studied 103 patients with pleural effusions, 72 (69.

Epidemiology of bacteraemia in Hamad general hospital, Qatar: a one year hospital-based study.

We conducted a one-year observational study from July 2007 to June 2008 to describe the epidemiology of bacteraemia at Hamad general hospital. During this period, a total of 452 episodes of bacteraemia occurred, which corresponds to a rate of 19/1000 hospital admissions. Most patients 58.

Cerebral venous thrombosis as the initial presentation of Behcet's disease.

Neurological symptoms are rare manifestations of Behcet's disease. In this paper, we report cerebral venous thrombosis as the initial presentation of Behcet's disease in a 40 yearold man. Our patient presented with a six-week history of headache, progressive loss of vision in the right eye and recurrent oral ulcers.

Rhino-orbital zygomycosis secondary to Rhizopus oryzae in a renal transplant recipient successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B.

Rhino-orbital zygomycosis is usually an aggressive, fulminant and, at times, fatal disease that requires urgent medical and surgical treatment. We report a case of rhino-orbital zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae that developed in a 41-year-old male renal transplant recipient. He was diagnosed in the early post transplant period after anti-rejection therapy.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis admitted to the medical department in Qatar.

Objectives: In this study we describe the clinical presentation and electrolyte disturbances of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) in patients admitted to the Department of Medicine at Hamad General Hospital.

Methods: Retrospective descriptive study involving patients admitted to the medical department of Hamad General Hospital with paralysis and hyperthyroidism.

Results: Eighteen patients with TPP were identified over a three-year period (2004-2007).

Stroke in Qatar: a first prospective hospital-based study of acute stroke.

Background: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Qatar.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine types of strokes, the associated risk factors, clinical presentation, outcome, and time to hospital admission among Qatari and non-Qatari patients as well as young and nonyoung patients.

Methods: We conducted a hospital-based prospective observational study including all patients admitted to Hamad Medical Corporation with first-ever stroke from September 15, 2004, to September 14, 2005.