[Change of diagnosis and diagnostic category in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis within 7 years of follow-up].

Introduction: At least 50% of pediatric patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) will require continued fo llow-up in adult rheumatology. The present International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) classification, currently under revision, differs from its classification of inflammatory arthritis in adults. Category changes have been reported in 10.

In Vitro Effects of Thymoglobulin in Human Embryonic Kidney Cell Line (HEK293) in Culture.

Background: Anti-thymocyte globulins are polyclonal T-cell-depleting immunoglobulins used in induction of immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients. Thymoglobulin is purified rabbit immunoglobulin (Ig)G, obtained by immunization of rabbits with fetal human thymus, which depletes T lymphocytes by complement-dependent lysis and apoptosis, reduces production of cytokines, and decreases expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells.

Methods: To determine possible direct effects of Thymoglobulin on kidney cells during transplantation, we used the Human Embryonic Kidney cell line (HEK293) in culture.

Tunnelled haemodialysis catheter and haemodialysis outcomes: a retrospective cohort study in Zagreb, Croatia.

Objectives: Studies have reported that the tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) is associated with inferior haemodialysis (HD) patient survival, in comparison with arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Since many cofactors may also affect survival of HD patients, it is unclear whether the greater risk for survival arises from TDC per se, or from associated conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine, in a multivariate analysis, the long-term outcome of HD patients, with respect to vascular access (VA).

[INFECTION IN DIALYSIS AND AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION].

Almost 4500 patients are being treated with renal replacement therapies in Croatia. Infections are frequent in the population treated with dialysis and kidney transplantation, being one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients. In dialysis patients, infections are usually related to dialysis access (usually central venous dialysis catheter or peritoneal catheter).