Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor use soon after renal transplantation: a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled safety study.

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) followed by increased inflammatory cytokines may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic allograft dysfunction. As many renal transplant recipients show chronic changes on biopsy within the first year, early RAS blockade with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) could be beneficial. However, it remains unclear that early ACEI use is safe.

Urinary cytokines and steroid responsiveness in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome of childhood.

Background/aim: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) has been associated with activation of TGF-beta(1) and progression to chronic kidney disease. Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) has been associated with activation of T-cells and favorable outcome. Our objective was to distinguish SRNS from SSNS and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) from minimal change disease (MCD) on the basis of urinary cytokine profile.

Stages of change and transitioning for adolescent patients with obesity and hypertension.

When exploring an adolescent patient's readiness to transition his/her health care to adult practice, it is important to understand the processes that allow for change and which promote self-efficacy and self-care. The large numbers of adolescents with hypertension and obesity, possible antecedents to adult kidney disease, require attention be paid to promoting lifestyle changes and adherence to treatment regimens as these patients enter adulthood. Transitioning to adult care is in many cases an externally imposed change, but a young patient's readiness for this change may be amenable to intervention based on the Stages of Change Model.