Urine and serum midkine levels in an Australian chronic kidney disease clinic population: an observational study.

Background And Objectives: The cytokine midkine (MK) is pathologically implicated in progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its systemic consequences and has potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target. To date, there are no published data on MK levels in patients with different stages of CKD. This study aims to quantify MK levels in patients with CKD and to identify any correlation with CKD stage, cause, progression, comorbid disease or prescribed medication.

Atypical fractures associated with bisphosphonate use post-renal transplantation.

Bone disease is a major cause of morbidity post renal transplantation. The authors present a case of adynamic bone disease and atypical fractures associated with the use of bisphosphonates following renal transplantation. The uncertain role of parathyroidectomy and bone mineral density scans is also reviewed.

Impact of non-traditional phosphate binders and cinacalcet on haemodialysis patient biochemistry, pill burden and cost.

Aim: The Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) commenced cost subsidization for haemodialysis patients of sevelamer in December 2007, cinacalcet in July 2008 and lanthanum in May 2009. To determine the impact of PBS listing of these medications, we performed a single centre cross-sectional, longitudinal study.

Methods: Dialysis parameters and biochemistry were prospectively collected at 6 monthly intervals for all prevalent haemodialysis patients from October 2007 to April 2010.