Podocytopathies related to either COVID-19 infection or its vaccination, our experience and literature review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects several organs including the kidney resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI) and variants of podocytopathies. From the beginning to the middle period of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have collected eight renal biopsies with various renal diseases including 4 podocytopathies. In addition, from the middle period to the near end of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen two of the patients who developed nephrotic syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination.

Primary cilia metaplasia in renal transplant biopsies with acute tubular injury.

Primary cilia are hair-like organelles singly distributed along the apical surface of proximal and distal nephron tubules as mechanosensors. The goal of this study was to use electron microscopy to systemically evaluate cilia changes in acute tubular injury (ATI) from both transplant and native renal biopsies. Three groups of cases were included: control group 1-native biopsies without major changes in renal tubules; study group 2-native biopsies with prominent ATI; and study group 3-renal transplant biopsies with prominent ATI (delayed renal function group).

Increasing trend in infection-related death-censored graft failure in renal transplantation.

Background: Advances in kidney transplantation have significantly improved early outcomes but failed to improve long-term graft survival. Despite many causes, the contribution of infection to death-censored graft failure (DCGF) is unknown. The aim of our study is to assess the impact of infections on DCGF using United Network for Organ Sharing data.

Primary nonfunction of renal allograft secondary to acute oxalate nephropathy.

Primary nonfunction (PNF) accounts for 0.6 to 8% of renal allograft failure, and the focus on causes of PNF has changed from rejection to other causes. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition is common in early allograft biopsies, and it contributes in moderate intensity to higher incidence of acute tubular necrosis and poor graft survival.

Adjuvant role of p53 immunostaining in detecting BK viral infection in renal allograft biopsies.

BK virus infection is a significant threat to renal transplant outcome. Detecting viral infection in renal transplant biopsies using SV40 staining is less than ideal. SV40 antibody reacts with the large T-antigen of BK virus only at the early phases of infection and can miss cells in later stages of infection.

Exit-site care in peritoneal dialysis.

Exit-site infection (ESI), tunnel infection and associated peritonitis are major causes of morbidity and catheter loss in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients. Meticulous exit-site care is vital in preventing ESI. Avoiding trauma to the exit-site and daily cleaning of the exit-site with a dedicated antimicrobial soap is essential for the longevity of the peritoneal dialysis catheter.