Long term follow up of biomarkers of podocyte damage and renal function in patients with and without preeclampsia.

Introduction: preeclampsia can be associated with future renal disease.

Objectives: To measure changes in renal function overtime in patients with preeclampsia.

Methods: urine and serum samples from eleven patients with preeclampsia and eight patients with a normal pregnancy were obtained during pregnancy, postpartum, and 3 years after delivery.

Systolic blood pressure values might further risk-stratify the adverse outcomes of LVH in older patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: LVH is highly prevalent in patients with CKD and is independently associated with subsequent cardiovascular events. We hypothesized that adding systolic blood pressure values to LVH might differentiate different subgroups of patients at higher risk of cardiovascular events (CVE) and other adverse outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 243 patients older than 60 years with stages 1-5 pre-dialysis CKD.

Clinical outcomes with a systolic blood pressure lower than 120 mmHg in older patients with high disease burden.

Background: The target blood pressure in older patients is controversial. Recent studies provided clinical evidence supporting a target systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg in patients >50 years at high risk of cardiovascular events.

Methods: Retrospective study of 380 consecutive patients ≥60 years with stages 1-5 pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease seen between January 2013 and November 2015.

A Case of Hypophosphatemia with Increased Urinary Excretion of Phosphorus Associated with Ibrutinib.

Ibrutinib, an irreversible oral inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, has been used in the treatment of patients with multiple hematologic malignancies. A 59-year-old male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia was treated with 420 mg/day of ibrutinib. No evidence of bruising or diarrhea was noted.

Enterococcus faecalis Septicemia and Vertebral Osteomyelitis after Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy of the Prostate.

Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUS) has rarely been associated with disseminated infection, yet the occurrence appears to be increasing. Resistance to fluoroquinolones, the most commonly used prophylaxis, is one of the likely causes, with Escherichia coli being the most commonly reported cause of these infections. Herein we present what is, to our knowledge, the first case of Enterococcus faecalis septicemia and vertebral osteomyelitis after TRUS.

Sleep, death, and the heart.

Obstructive and central sleep apnea have been associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. Sympathetic dysregulation occurring as a result of the respiratory disturbance is thought to play a role in this increased risk. Sleep apnea increases the risk of arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia/infarction, stroke, and heart failure, all of which may increase mortality risk.

Avoidance of polypharmacy and excessive blood pressure control is associated with improved renal function in older patients.

Background: Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to polypharmacy. The present study evaluated the renal effects of optimizing potentially nephrotoxic medications in an older population.

Methods: Retrospective study of patients' ≥ 60 years treated between January of 2013 and February of 2015 in a Nephrology Clinic.

The association between sleep disturbances and alcohol relapse: A 12-month observational cohort study.

Background: Sleep disturbances are extremely common in alcohol recovery. Systematic research into the relationship between alcohol relapse and sleep disturbances using validated scales and accounting for potential confounders is lacking.

Methods: Patients admitted to a 1-month residential addiction treatment program were administered the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at admission/discharge.

Urinary podocalyxin as a marker of preeclampsia in a Hispanic population.

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with significant materno-fetal morbidity and mortality. Podocyturia due to podocyte damage seems to be associated with the disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of urinary podocalyxin as a marker of preeclampsia in a Hispanic population.