Effects of MAFLD defined by fatty liver index or ultrasonography on kidney function decline in the general population.

This study aimed to investigate whether metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) defined by the fatty liver index (FLI) affects the decline in kidney function and whether this relationship is still observed in MAFLD defined by ultrasonography (USG). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using de-identified data from participants who received health checkups at Samsung Changwon Hospital between 2002 and 2018. The primary and secondary exposures were the presence of FLI- and USG-defined MAFLD, respectively.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a Possible Predictor of Decline in Kidney Function in Older People.

Background: The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is associated with morbidity and mortality in older individuals. Our study explored the relationship between GNRI, decline in kidney function, and all-cause mortality in older individuals.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from participants aged ≥60 years who underwent a general health checkup between 2002 and 2018.

Greater Severity of Steatosis Is Associated with a Higher Risk of Incident Diabetes: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study.

Backgruound: Fatty liver is associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We aimed to evaluate whether the severity of hepatic steatosis is associated with incident diabetes.

Methods: We conducted a longitudinal analysis using data from 1,798 participants who underwent a comprehensive health checkup and abdominal computed tomography (CT).

Effect of Orthostatic Hypotension on Kidney Function.

Background: The association between orthostatic hypotension (OH) and long-term changes in kidney function in the general population is not yet well known.

Methods: We performed a population-based cohort study based on data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). The primary exposure was the presence of classic OH, defined as a postural drop in blood pressure (systolic blood pressure ≥20 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥10 mm Hg) at 2 min of standing after 5 min of supine rest.

Depression is a main determinant of health-related quality of life in patients with diabetic kidney disease.

Low health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is associated with adverse outcomes in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients. We examined the modifiable factors associated with low HRQOL in these patients. We enrolled 141 DKD patients.

Clinical characteristics and the diagnostic role of molecular tests in musculoskeletal infections caused by nontuberculous Mycobacterium: a single-center experience.

Purpose: We retrospectively investigated NTM musculoskeletal infections to understand the clinical characteristics as well as the diagnostic performance of molecular tests as a useful supplementary test.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2019. Intraoperative specimens for culture and pathological analysis were obtained during surgery under sterile conditions.

Serum Phosphorus Levels are Associated with Intradialytic Hypotension in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common serious complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Hyperphosphatemia is also common in HD patients and promotes vascular calcification. Given the association between vascular calcification and IDH, we investigated the association between IDH and serum phosphorus in HD patients.

Effect of alcohol consumption on kidney function: population-based cohort study.

The association between alcohol consumption and kidney function is intriguing, but study results are mixed and controversial. We examined the association of alcohol consumption with the overall change in kidney function over 12 years. We analyzed data from a population-based cohort that was part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

Potassium intake, skeletal muscle mass, and effect modification by sex: data from the 2008-2011 KNHANES.

Background: A loss of muscle mass may be influenced by multiple factors. Insulin sensitivity and metabolic acidosis are associated with muscle wasting and may be improved with potassium intake. This study evaluated the association between dietary potassium intake and skeletal muscle mass.

Differing Associations between Fatty Liver and Dyslipidemia According to the Degree of Hepatic Steatosis in Korea.

Objective: Fatty liver is associated with insulin resistance-related diseases, such as dyslipidemia, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of dyslipidemia with fatty liver and assess the differences in these associations according to the degree of hepatic steatosis.

Methods: A total of 2,462 subjects (1,679 men and 783 women) who underwent a comprehensive health check-up (including abdominal computed tomography) from January 2010 to December 2013 were enrolled at Samsung Changwon Hospital Healthcare Center.

Association between Ultrafiltration Rate and Clinical Outcome Is Modified by Muscle Mass in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: The association between ultrafiltration rate (UFR) and mortality may be affected by the muscle mass or volume status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, there is an absence of data regarding this association.

Methods: We performed an observational study on patients (≥18 years old) who had been on HD for at least 3 months.

Ultrafiltration Rate, Residual Kidney Function, and Survival Among Patients Treated With Reduced-Frequency Hemodialysis.

Rationale & Objective: Patients receiving twice-weekly or less-frequent hemodialysis (HD) may need to undergo higher ultrafiltration rates (UFRs) to maintain acceptable fluid balance. We hypothesized that higher UFRs are associated with faster decline in residual kidney function (RKF) and a higher rate of mortality.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Functional Haplotype and eQTL Analyses of Genes Affecting Cadmium Content in Cultivated Rice.

Background: Rice is a major food resource for Asian countries including Korea. However, most Asian countries are facing food safety problems due to cropland contamination by heavy metals. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate genetic factors affecting the expression of cadmium (Cd) gene, and to confirm differences in Cd translocation among cultivars because the current molecular understanding of Cd uptake-transport mechanisms remains insufficient.

The association of dialysis adequacy, body mass index, and mortality among hemodialysis patients.

Background: Although hemodialysis (HD) adequacy, single-pool Kt/V (spKt/V), is inversely correlated with body size, each is known to affect patient survival in the same direction. Therefore, we sought to examine the relationship between HD adequacy and mortality according to body mass index (BMI) in HD patients and explore a combination effect of BMI and HD adequacy on mortality risk.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patient data from the Korean Society of Nephrology registry, a nationwide database of medical records of HD patients, from January 2001 to June 2017.

Association of Mineral Bone Disorder With Decline in Residual Kidney Function in Incident Hemodialysis Patients.

Abnormalities of mineral bone disorder (MBD) parameters have been suggested to be associated with poor renal outcome in predialysis patients. However, the impact of those parameters on decline in residual kidney function (RKF) is uncertain among incident hemodialysis (HD) patients. We performed a retrospective cohort study in 13,772 patients who initiated conventional HD during 2007 to 2011 and survived 6 months of dialysis.

Metronidazole therapy as initial treatment of infection in patients with chronic kidney disease in Korea.

The risk of metronidazole treatment failure in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease in Korea has not been established. We evaluated 481 patients who had been admitted to two secondary hospitals with a diagnosis of, and treatment for, CDI during 2010-2016. CDI patients were divided into three groups according to CKD status: non-CKD (n = 363), CKD (n = 55) and those requiring dialysis (n = 63).

Independent Contributions of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Metabolic Syndrome to the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Study Objectives: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the associations and interactions among obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods: This study included 1,732 subjects (1,482 male and 250 female) in whom OSA was diagnosed by polysomnography. The severity of OSA was defined as mild, moderate, or severe with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score of 5 to < 15, 15 to < 30, and ≥ 30 events/h, respectively.

Value of Doppler evaluation of physically abnormal fistula: hemodynamic guidelines and access outcomes.

Background/aims: The strategy of access care at out center involves the use of ultrasound (USG) in case of physical examination (PE) abnormality. USG determines the need of angiography. This study investigated the possible association between the need for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and hemodynamic parameters of USG.

Clinical experience with ultrasound guided angioplasty for vascular access.

Background: The use of ultrasound guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (UG-PTA), which use ultrasound as an imaging modality, is an evolving strategy. But, in Korea, this method is rarely used. We report our experiences with UG-PTA with respect to technical success rates and complication rates compared to conventional PTA (C-PTA), performed between 2010 and 2015 at Samsung Changwon Hospital, Korea.

Acute Peritoneal Dialysis in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, complications, and mortality rate associated with acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods: A total of 75 patients who were treated at Samsung Changwon Hospital between February 2005 and March 2016 were included in the study sample. The outcomes included in-hospital survival, renal recovery, metabolic and fluid control rates, and technical success rates.

Predictors of mortality in patients with extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia receiving colistin therapy.

The ratio of the area under the free (unbound) concentration-time curve to minimum inhibitory concentration (fAUC/MIC) was proposed to be the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic index most strongly linked to the antibacterial effect of colistin against Acinetobacter baumannii. A retrospective study of patients who received colistin to treat pneumonia caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) A. baumannii over a 4-year period was performed to assess the impact of the colistin MIC on mortality.

The intracavitary ECG method for insertion of a tunneled dialysis catheter without using fluoroscopy.

Purpose: Recently, there have been many reports that exact central vein catheter tip positioning was possible using intracardiac electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Ultrasonic guidance in combination with intracardiac ECG monitoring may allow for a tunneled dialysis catheter to be inserted at the bedside without using fluoroscopy. Therefore we report on the intracavitary ECG method for insertion of a tunneled dialysis catheter with ultrasound guidance and the feasibility, safety, effectiveness, complications and limitations of this method.

Association between colistin dose and development of nephrotoxicity.

Objective: To investigate the development of nephrotoxicity associated with colistin dose, and whether this relationship differs depending on renal function.

Design: A retrospective cohort study of patients who received intravenous colistin to treat infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative microorganisms. Adult patients receiving colistin for 72 hours or longer were included in this study.