Effectiveness of Switch to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA) Biosimilars versus Maintenance of ESA Originators in the Real-Life Setting: Matched-Control Study in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: In hemodialysis (HD), switching from erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) originators to biosimilars is associated with the need for doses approximately 10% higher, according to industry-driven studies.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy on anemia control of switching from ESA originators to biosimilars in daily clinical practice.

Methods: We retrospectively selected consecutive HD patients receiving stable intravenous ESA doses, and who had not been transfused in the previous 6 months, from 12 non-profit Italian centers.

Acetate-free biofiltration to remove fibroblast growth factor 23 in hemodialysis patients: a pilot study.

Aim: Serum levels of 32 kDa-phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) rise early in renal failure in order to keep phosphatemia within the normal range; however, this compensatory mechanism itself contributes to chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder. High FGF23 is also associated to left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcifications and thus increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this pilot pre-post study was to evaluate the effects of a single hemodiafiltration session with acetate-free biofiltration (AFB) on FGF23 serum levels.

Socio-Economic Factors, Food Habits and Phosphorus Levels in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Background: Hyperphosphoremia is one of the most important risk factors for morbidity and mortality for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and also, for the general population. Excessive dietary intake of phosphate (P) is one of the key factors. In particular, P in its inorganic form, which is contained in food additives, is more readily absorbed.

Unexpected hypercalcemia in a diabetic patient with kidney disease.

We report a case of a diabetic patient with progressive chronic kidney disease and unexplained hypercalcemia. This unusual presentation and the investigation of all possible causes led us to perform a renal biopsy. The systemic sarcoidosis diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of interstitial multiple granulomas composed of epithelioid and multinucleated giant cells delimited by a thin fibrous reaction, and by pulmonary computed tomography finding of numerous lumps with ground-glass appearance.

[Lupus Nephritis and Enteritis, a dual simultaneous involvement with Arteriolar Thrombosis].

Arteriolar thrombosis is a complication that may occur during systemic lupus erithematosus. The pathophysiology could be related to abnormal endothelial function secondary to immune dysregulation. In particular renal and intestinal vessels may be target of thrombosis.

[Jakairá project: the adolescent parents as authors and actors of their own future].

The purpose of the following paper is to present a project developed within the framework of collaboration between two foundations, Fundación Kaleidos (Argentina) and Children Action (Switzerland). The aim of this project is to developed diverse programs to support and empower adolescent mothers and fathers as well as their children. Adolescents whose rights are very often not respected and who find themselves alone having to confront the negative prejudices of the adults around them regarding the parenthood, which they now face.