SEM-EDX linear scanning: a new tool for morpho-compositional analysis of growth bands in urinary stones.

The genesis and growth of calculi are imprinted in their structure, so the pathogenesis of lithiasis could potentially be read via proper analytical techniques. In this study, electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) is used to obtain a description of the morphology and compositional structure of a single bladder stone. This technique establishes the chemical and crystalline architecture of the urolith to assess the effect of the chemical environment on its growth.

Prediabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease following renal transplantation.

Prediabetes and post-transplant diabetes mellitus affect about 20-30% of renal transplant patients. The latter is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, no clear evidence linking prediabetes and cardiovascular disease is available.

Prognostic utility of preimplantation kidney biopsy from deceased older donors in first year post-transplant renal function.

Background: Preimplantation renal biopsy provides potentially valuable information about post-transplant renal function.

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of preimplantation kidney biopsy from older donors in determining 1-year post-transplant estimated glomerular filtration rate MDRD-4 (eGFR).

Methods: We evaluated a cohort of 124 renal transplant recipients from deceased donors ≥60 years old, performed at our center between March 2008 and May 2012.

Risk factors for graft loss and mortality after renal transplantation according to recipient age: a prospective multicentre study.

Background: To describe the causes of graft loss, patient death and survival figures in kidney transplant patients in Spain based on the recipient's age.

Methods: The results at 5 years of post-transplant cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, taken from a database on CVD, were prospectively analysed, i.e.

Role of prostacyclin (epoprostenol) as anticoagulant in continuous renal replacement therapies: efficacy, security and cost analysis.

Background: Heparin remains the drug most commonly used for anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRTs). However, in patients with hypercoagulability, heparin is insufficient or, in cases with an increased risk of bleeding or thrombocytopenia, it may be contraindicated. Epoprostenol, a potent vasodilator, antithrombotic and antiplatelet agent, could be an alternative.