Unique X-linked familial FSGS with co-segregating heart block disorder is associated with a mutation in the NXF5 gene.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the consequence of a disease process that attacks the kidney's filtering system, causing serious scarring. More than half of FSGS patients develop chronic kidney failure within 10 years, ultimately requiring dialysis or renal transplantation. There are currently several genes known to cause the hereditary forms of FSGS (ACTN4, TRPC6, CD2AP, INF2, MYO1E and NPHS2).

Factors associated with chronic kidney disease progression in Australian nephrology practices.

Background/aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health issue worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with CKD progression in Australian nephrology practices.

Methods: This was a retrospective study utilising an electronic medical record (EMR), Audit4 (Software for Specialists, Australia).

The effect of obesity on renal transplant outcomes.

Background: Although obesity has been associated with improved survival on dialysis, its effects on renal transplant outcomes remain unclear. Previous studies have reported conflicting findings and have been limited by the use of outdated patient data, univariate analyses, and liberal transplant selection criteria. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of obesity on renal transplant outcomes in a rigorously screened population.

A randomized controlled trial of topical exit site mupirocin application in patients with tunnelled, cuffed haemodialysis catheters.

Background: Central venous catheters are frequently needed for the provision of haemodialysis, but their clinical usefulness is severely limited by infectious complications. The risk of such infections can be reduced by topical application of mupirocin to the exit sites of non-cuffed catheters or by the use of tunnelled, cuffed catheters. Whether mupirocin offers any additional protection against infection in patients with tunnelled, cuffed haemodialysis catheters has not been studied.

Severe chronic renal failure in association with oxycodone addiction: a new form of fibrillary glomerulopathy.

A number of well-documented renal lesions have been associated with intravenous drug use. Recently, investigators reported three cases of granulomatous glomerulonephritis in association with intravenous injection of oxycodone suppositories. We report 2 patients with similar glomerular pathology who presented with chronic renal failure.

Neutrophil dysplasia characterised by a pseudo-Pelger-Huet anomaly occurring with the use of mycophenolate mofetil and ganciclovir following renal transplantation: a report of five cases.

Aim: The pseudo-Pelger-Huet (PH) anomaly has been associated with a variety of primary haematological disorders, infections and drugs. Recently, the development of dysgranulopoiesis characterised by a pseudo-PH anomaly has been reported in two patients with the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the setting of heart and/or lung transplantation. We present a further five cases of MMF-related dysgranulopoiesis characterised by a pseudo-PH anomaly occurring after renal transplantation.