Assessment of the relationship between serum soluble Klotho and carotid intima-media thickness and left ventricular dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between soluble Klotho (s-Klotho) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 88 patients with end-stage renal disease on regular HD. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and C-reactive protein were measured.

Evaluation of different sodium bicarbonate regimens for the prevention of contrast medium-induced nephropathy.

Introduction: The rapid decline in renal function caused by radiographic contrast agents usually is transient, but it can result in chronic kidney disease. The pathophysiology of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is poorly understood, but it may include acute hypoxia-induced oxidative stress and free radicals generated within the acid environment of the renal medulla. Thus, the alkalization of urine by sodium bicarbonate has been regarded as resulting in the reduction of CIN.

Association between serum visfatin and carotid atherosclerosis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Introduction: Adipose tissue releases bioactive factors termed adipokines. Visfatin is an adipokine that plays an active role promoting vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between serum visfatin levels and carotid atherosclerosis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) in order to clarify the role of serum visfatinas, a risk factor for cardiovascular complications in HD patients.

Comparison between the effects of intraoperative human albumin and normal saline on early graft function in renal transplantation.

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of intraoperative infusion of 20 % human albumin versus 0.9 % normal saline on early and late graft function in renal transplantation.

Methods: This prospective, randomized study was conducted on 44 patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing kidney transplantation.