Risk Factors and Outcomes of Vancomycin-Resistant Colonization in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: A Single-Center Study in Hong Kong.

Background: Vancomycin-resistant (VRE) colonization is common among patients with chronic kidney disease. However, data concerning VRE colonization among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors and various clinical outcomes for VRE colonization among PD patients.

Prevalence and impact of anxiety and depression in Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients: A single centre study.

Aim: Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with end stage renal failure. However, data concerning their role in the subsequent peritonitis and hospitalization was scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of psychological problems in our Chinese peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and its association with subsequent clinical outcome.

Optimal body mass index that can predict long-term graft outcome in Asian renal transplant recipients.

Aim: There is limited data concerning the impact of recipient body mass index (BMI) on graft outcome in Asian renal transplant recipients. The aim of this study is to identify whether obesity (BMI > or =25 kg/m(2)) and overweight (BMI > or =23 kg/m(2)) can predict graft outcome.

Methods: This is a single-centre retrospective study.

Prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism in Chinese renal transplant recipients: a single centre study.

Background: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) after renal transplantation is associated with adverse outcome on patient and graft survival. Fasting blood glucose alone will underestimate diabetes and also ignores diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). IGT has a strong correlation with diabetes and cardiovascular risk.

Can daclizumab reduce acute rejection and improve long-term renal function in tacrolimus-based primary renal transplant recipients?

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen with and without induction therapy using daclizumab in first cadaveric renal transplant recipients.

Methods: Since January 2001, we studied the effect of daclizumab in a non-randomized and prospective study of 36 sequential first cadaveric renal transplant recipients. They were compared with a historical control group of 21 sequential first cadaveric renal transplant recipients without induction therapy.

Dried blood spot measurement: application in tacrolimus monitoring using limited sampling strategy and abbreviated AUC estimation.

Dried blood spot (DBS) sampling and high-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry have been developed in monitoring tacrolimus levels. Our center favors the use of limited sampling strategy and abbreviated formula to estimate the area under concentration-time curve (AUC(0-12)). However, it is inconvenient for patients because they have to wait in the center for blood sampling.

A veno-caliceal fistula related to ureteric stricture in a kidney allograft masquerading as renal failure.

We report an unusual case of veno-caliceal fistula that developed because of high ureteric pressure caused by graft ureteric stricture after kidney transplantation in a 60-year-old patient. We further confirmed its presence with radiological images. Recirculation of creatinine and other uremic toxins resulted in a biochemical picture of renal failure in the presence of normal kidney function, confirmed by normal scintigraphy findings.

Paired kidney analysis of tacrolimus and cyclosporine microemulsion-based therapy in Chinese cadaveric renal transplant recipients.

Few studies used paired kidneys for comparison between tacrolimus and cyclosporine in renal transplantation. Most of the published data used whole blood trough levels for drug monitoring. However, the use of limited sampling strategy and abbreviated formula to estimate the 12-h area under concentration-time curve (AUC(0-12)) allowed better prediction of drug exposure.

Efficacy and side effects of intradermal hepatitis B vaccination in CAPD patients: a comparison with the intramuscular vaccination.

Background: This prospective randomized study aims to assess the effectiveness of intradermal (ID) hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy.

Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The ID group was treated with 5 microg of recombinant HBV vaccine intradermally every week for a total of 10 doses, and the intramuscular (IM) group, with 20 microg intramuscularly at 0, 1, and 6 months.

Left ventricular performance in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome: a 30-day echocardiographic follow-up study.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is characterized by an overaggressive immune response. Myocardial performance may be impaired in cytokine-mediated immune reactions.

Methods And Results: Forty-six patients with established clinical diagnosis of SARS were studied prospectively.