Epoetin-alpha: preserving kidney function via attenuation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte priming.

Background: Polymorphonuclear leukocyte priming and low grade inflammation are related to severity of kidney disease. Erythropoietin-receptor is present on PMNLs. OBJECTIVESxi: To evaluate the effect of 20 weeks of epoetin-alpha treatment on PMNL characteristics in relation to the rate of kidney function deterioration in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Polymorphonuclear leucocyte priming in long intermittent nocturnal haemodialysis patients--is melatonin a player?

Background: The relationships between sleep quality, melatonin circadian rhythm and polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) priming during the night of dialysis treatment compared with a night without dialysis were studied in a group of nocturnal haemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods: Twenty-eight long intermittent nocturnal HD patients were included. Sleep quality was assessed by a questionnaire and wrist actigraphy.