Cystatin C and serum creatinine in estimating acute kidney injury of shock patients

BACKGROUND： Serum creatinine （SCr） is the most commonly used parameter to estimate renal function impairement, but there are some shortcomings. Many factors including age, gender, drug, diet, muscle mass and metabolic rate can in？ uence SCr, leading to an inaccurate estimation of kidney impairment. Studies have shown that cystatin C （CysC） is not affected by factors such as muscle mass, age, gender, diet, in？ ammation or tumor. The present study was undertaken to compare the sensitivity of CysC and SCr in evaluating renal function impairment at early stage of shock.METHODS： Seventy-one patients aged 38.3±21.4 years, who had been treated at the Emergency Medicine Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University between February 2006 and June 2007, were studied. They were divided into groups A, B, C, and D according to the shock time. Serum sample was drawn from each patient at 1, 2, 3, 4 hours after shock to determine SCr and CysC. CysC and SCr were determined again at 72 hours and 7 days after shock.RESULTS： CysC increased earlier than SCr in the 71 patients, and CysC decreased slower than SCr when shock was corrected. CysC increased at 1 hour after shock. There was a negative correlationship between CysC, SCr and glomerular filtration rate （GFR）, especially at early stage of shock.CONCLUSIONS： There is renal injury at early stage of shock. CysC is more sensitive than SCr in assessing renal function at the early stage of shock.

Predictors of time-to-nadir serum creatinine after drainage of bilaterally obstructed kidneys due to bladder cancer

Background:There are persistent controversies about the outcomes and benefits of drainage of malignant ureteral obstruction by percutaneous nephrostomy(PCN).This study aimed to assess the predictors of the time-to-nadir(TTN)of serum creatinine(SCr)levels after drainage of bilaterally obstructed kidneys(BOKs)due to bladder cancer(BC)by PCN.Materials and methods:This prospective nonrandomized study included patients with BOKs due to BC treated by PCN between April 2019 and March 2022.The primary outcome measure was TTN.Results:Of the 55 patients with a median age(range)of 66 years(47-86 years),32(58.2%)had a normal nadir SCr and 23(41.8%)had a high nadir SCr within 21 days after drainage of BOKs due to BC.High nadir SCr was associated with a higher mean age(p=0.011)and lower body mass index(BMI,p=0.043).However,patients with normal nadir SCr had a significantly shorter TTN(p=0.023)and an increased mean SCr trajectory(p<0.001)during TTN.In multivariate analysis,low urine output at presentation(p=0.021)and high BMI(p=0.006)were associated with longer TTN.However,the mean parenchymal thickness(p=0.428)and laterality of drainage(p=0.466)were not associated with the mean TTN and SCr normalization rates.According to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification,8 cases of hematuria were managed conservatively(grade 2),and 2 cases of PCN slippage were repositioned using local anesthesia(grade 3).Conclusions:Despite the safety of PCN for drainage of BOKs due to BC,more than 41%of the patients failed to have a normal nadir SCr.Predrainage low urine output and high BMI were associated with longer TTN.Laterality of drainage had no significant effects on the TTN and SCr trajectory.

Exploring the Role of Serum Cystatin C in Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury among On-Pump Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Single-Center Investigation in Bangladesh

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) stands as a prominent postoperative complication in on-pump cardiac surgery, with repercussions on morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization duration. Current diagnostic criteria relying on serum creatinine levels exhibit a delayed identification of AKI, prompting an exploration of alternative biomarkers. Aims and Objectives: This study is designed to overcome diagnostic constraints and explore the viability of serum Cystatin C as an early predictor of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in individuals undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery. The investigation aims to establish the relationship between serum Cystatin C levels and the onset of AKI in patients subjected to on-pump cardiac surgery. Primary objectives involve the assessment of the diagnostic effectiveness of serum Cystatin C, its comparison with serum creatinine, and the exploration of its potential for the early identification and treatment of AKI. Methodology: Conducted as a single-center study at the cardiac surgery department of BSMMU in Bangladesh from September 2020 to August 2022, a comparative cross-sectional analysis involved 31 participants categorized into No AKI and AKI groups based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Data collection encompassed preoperative, post-CBP (cardiopulmonary bypass) conclusion at 2 hours, postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2 intervals. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared tests, independent Student’s t-tests, and one-sample t-tests. Significance was set at P Results: The study revealed no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the No AKI and AKI groups, except for CPB time and cross-clamp time. Serum Cystatin C levels in the AKI group exhibited statistical significance at various time points, highlighting its potential as an early detector. Conversely, Serum Creatinine levels in the AKI group showed no statistical significance. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further supported the efficacy of serum Cystatin C, with an Area under the ROC Curve of 0.864 and a cut-off value of 0.55 (p Conclusion: This study supports the superior utility of serum Cystatin C as an early detector of AKI in on-pump cardiac surgery patients compared to serum creatinine. Its ability to identify AKI several hours earlier may contribute to reduced morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The findings underscore the significance of exploring novel biomarkers for improved post-cardiac surgery renal function assessment.

Values of Donor Serum Lipids and Calcium in Predicting Graft Function after Kidney Transplantation:A Retrospective Study

Objective Delayed graft function(DGF)and early graft loss of renal grafts are determined by the quality of the kidneys from the deceased donor.As“non-traditional”risk factors,serum biomarkers of donors,such as lipids and electrolytes,have drawn increasing attention due to their effects on the postoperative outcomes of renal grafts.This study aimed to examine the value of these serum biomarkers for prediction of renal graft function.Methods The present study consecutively collected 306 patients who underwent their first single kidney transplantation(KT)from adult deceased donors in our center from January 1,2018 to December 31,2019.The correlation between postoperative outcomes[DGF and abnormal serum creatinine(SCr)after 6 and 12 months]and risk factors of donors,including gender,age,body mass index(BMI),past histories,serum lipid biomarkers[cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein(HDL)and low-density lipoprotein(DL)],and serum electrolytes(calcium and sodium)were analyzed and evaluated.Results(1)Donor age and pre-existing hypertension were significantly correlated with the incidence rate of DGF and high SCr level(≥2 mg/dL)at 6 and 12 months after KT(P<0.05);(2)The donor’s BMI was significantly correlated with the incidence rate of DGF after KT(P<0.05);(3)For serum lipids,merely the low level of serum HDL of the donor was correlated with the reduced incidence rate of high SCr level at 12 months after KT[P<0.05,OR(95%CI):0.425(0.202–0.97)];(4)The serum calcium of the donor was associated with the reduced incidence rate of high SCr level at 6 and 12 months after KT[P<0.05,OR(95%CI):0.184(0.045–0.747)and P<0.05,OR(95%CI):0.114(0.014–0.948),respectively].Conclusion The serum HDL and calcium of the donor may serve as predictive factors for the postoperative outcomes of renal grafts after KT,in addition to the donor’s age,BMI and pre-existing hypertension.

The prognostic role of postoperative serum creatinine(within 24 hours)for in-hospital and one-year mortality in middle-aged and aged patients with rheumatic heart disease

Background Increased serum creatinine(SCr)was common after cardiac surgery and associated with poor outcomes.However,the prognostic role of postoperative SCr level measured on the morning of the first day was unclear in middle-aged and aged patients with rheumatic heart disease(RHD)undergoing valve replacement surgery(VRS).Methods Consecutive middle-aged and aged patients(age≥45 years)diagnosed with RHD undergoing at least one valve replacement were enrolled.Patients were routinely taken into the intensive care unit(ICU)for special care within 1 hour after VRS.SCr was measured at ICU admission and on the first day morning(within 24 hours).Association of postoperative SCr level with in-hospital and one-year mortality was analyzed.Results 3919 patients were finally included and divided into 4 groups according to the quartiles of postoperative SCr level on the first day morning:<1.0 mg/d L(n=1064),1.0-1.2 mg/d L(n=892),1.2-1.5 mg/d L(n=956)and≥1.5 mg/d L(n=1007).SCr level measured on the first day morning following surgery was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality(adjusted OR:3.42,95%CI:2.52-4.63,P<0.001)and 1-year mortality(adjusted HR:2.99,95%CI:2.32-3.86,P<0.001).SCr level measured at this time had a greater predictive power for inhospital mortality than that measured at the time of ICU admission after surgery(P<0.001).Cumulative one-year mortality was significantly higher in patients with upper postoperative SCr quartiles on the first day morning(Logrank:125.75,P<0.001).Conclusions Postoperative SCr level measured on the first day morning could serve as an early and powerful prognostic marker for in-hospital and one-year mortality in middle-aged and aged RHD patients undergoing VRS.Attention should be paid to RHD patients with increased postoperative SCr level within24 hours after surgery.

The prognostic value of early postoperative serum creatinine in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background Acute kidney injury(AKI)was a risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Whether postoperative serum creatinine(SCr)level measured at early time(24 hours)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)had prognostic role in elderly patients with STEMI was unclear.Methods SCr was measured within 24 hours after PCI.A total of 883 elderly patients(≥60 years)with STEMI were finally included and divided into three group according to the tertiles of postoperative SCr level(umol/L):<81(n=283),81-107(n=302)and≥107(n=298).The relationship between postoperative Scr and in-hospital and 1-year adverse events was evaluated.Results In-hospital mortality was 5.4%(48/883),which was significantly higher in patients with a high postoperative SCr level(1.8%vs.3.0%vs.11.4%,P<0.001).Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis indicated that postoperative SCr>120 umol/L had a sensitivity of 66.7%and specificity of 79.2%for predicting in-hospital death[area under the curve(AUC)=0.768,95%CI:0.697-838,P<0.001].Multivariate analysis showed that postoperative Scr>120 umol/L was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality even after adjusting for the baseline renal dysfunction[estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR)<60 m L/(min·1.73 m2)].Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with postoperative SCr>120 umol/L had a higher one-year mortality than those without(Log-rank test:57.8,P<0.001).Conclusions SCr level measured within 24 hours after PCI could serve as an early and powerful marker for predicting in-hospital and one-year mortality in elderly patients with STEMI.

Clinical course and outcome of adult patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with kidney function loss on presentation

BACKGROUND Kidney function loss or renal insufficiency indicated by elevated creatinine levels and/or an estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)<60 mL/minute/1.73 m²at presentation in patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS)is commonly seen as a poor prognostic marker for kidney survival.However,a pre>vious study from our center suggested this may be due to hemodynamic factors.AIM To observe the clinical and biochemical parameters,treatment response,kidney survival,and overall outcomes of adult patients with primary FSGS presenting with kidney function insufficiency.METHODS This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology,Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation,Karachi,Pakistan,from January 1995 to December 2017.During this period,401 biopsy-proven primary FSGS patients were identified,of which 98(24.4%)presented with kidney function loss or renal insufficiency defined as eGFR<60 mL/minute/1.73 m²at presentation and were studied in detail.RESULTS Among the 98 patients with renal function loss on presentation,the mean age was 30.9 years±13.6 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1.The mean serum creatinine level was 2.2 mg/dL±1.3 mg/dL and mean eGFR 37.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2±12.8 mL/minute/1.73 m2.The mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion was 5.9 g/day±4.0 g/day,and the mean serum albumin was 2.1 g/dL±1.0 g/dL(median:1.5 g/dL).The mean systolic blood pressure(BP)was 132.7 mmHg±19.8 mmHg,and the mean diastolic BP was 87.4 mmHg±12.7 mmHg.Steroid treatment was given to 81(82.6%)of 98 patients for an average duration of 19.9 weeks±14.4 weeks,with a mean total steroid dose of 4.4 g±1.5 g.Treatment response showed that 20(24.6%)patients achieved complete remission,9(11.1%)achieved partial remission,and 52(64.1%)did not respond.The baseline eGFR was significantly lower in the non-responsive group(P=0.006).The distribution of FSGS variants was also significantly different among steroid-responsive and non-responsive groups(P=0.012).CONCLUSION Renal function loss in FSGS patients at presentation does not necessarily indicate irreversible kidney function loss and a significant number of patients respond to appropriate treatment of the underlying disease.

Effect of Rituximab Versus Mycophenolate Mofetil or Cyclophosphamide as Control in Lupus Nephritis:A Meta-Analysis

Objective:To evaluate the effects of rituximab versus mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide as control in lupus nephritis by meta-analysis.Methods:A systematic search was carried out up to January 2022,obtaining 7 studies involving 645 participants with lupus nephritis at the commencement of the investigation;198 of them were treated with rituximab,while 447 were treated with mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide.We determined the odds ratio(OR)and mean difference(MD)with 95%confidence index(CI)to compare rituximab’s efficacy to that of mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide as control in lupus nephritis using random-or fixed-effects model by dichotomous or continuous techniques.Results:The rituximab group showed significantly higher complete renal remission rate(OR=2.52;95%CI 1.30-4.91,P=0.006)and total renal remission rates(OR=2.22;95%CI 1.36-3.63,P=0.001)than the control group.However,there was no significant difference in terms of end Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index(SLEDAI)score(MD-1.16;95%CI-2.88-0.57,P=0.19),proteinuria(MD-0.31;95%CI-0.70-0.09,P=0.013),and serum creatinine(MD 0.01;95%CI-0.04-0.07,P=0.64)between the rituximab group and the control.Conclusion:Rituximab exhibited significantly greater complete renal remission rate and total renal remission rates,with no significant difference in terms of shorter-end SLEDAI,proteinuria,and serum creatinine,compared with the control in individuals with lupus nephritis.

EFFECTS OF PROSTAGLANDIN E1 ON THE PROGRESSION OF ARISTOLOCHIC ACID NEPHROPATHY

Objective To investigate the effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the progression of aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Methods Twenty-four patients diagnosed as AAN with serum creatinine (Scr) between 1.5 mg/dL and 4 mg/dL during September 2001 to August 2003 were randomly divided into 2 groups. All patients had ingested long dan xie gan wan con-taining aristolochic acid (0.219 mg/g) for at least 3 months. Twelve patients were injected with Alprostadil (10 μg/d for 10 days in one month, summing up to 6 months). Except for PGE1, the other therapy was same in both groups. Renal function was assessed using reciprocal serum creatinine levels (1/Scr). Results The level of Scr and serum hemoglobin (Hgb) was similar in both groups prior to therapy. During follow-up, 1/Scr levels in PGE1 group were significantly higher than control group (P < 0.01), and Hgb levels in PGE1 group were sig-nificantly increased compared with control (P < 0.05).Conclusion PGE1 can slow the progression of renal failure and increase Hgb level of AAN patient.

Acute kidney injury in patients with chronic liver disease

Acute kidney injury(AKI) is a frequent clinical event in patients with liver disease, compounding their prognosis. Furthermore, it is likely that the occurrence of AKI has a detrimental impact on the subsequent renal function and the long-term survival of these patients. Recently, some authors advocated the use of new diagnostic criteria for detecting acute kidney injury in patients with cirrhosis. These criteria are based on the rapidity and extent of the creatinine increase comparing to the basal creatinine and also on the kinetics of diuresis decrease. Although their validity in this population requires further studies to be clearly established, these new criteria could have two advantages:(1) to allow earlier diagnosis of AKI and, thus, hepatorenal syndromefor which earlier intervention could improve patients' survival; and(2) to promote more intensive monitoring of renal function in these patients with high risk of AKI. Finally, recent practice guidelines about the prevention and treatment of general AKI have been published which should be useful in optimising the management of AKI in cirrhotic patients.

Establishing the presence or absence of chronic kidney disease:Uses and limitations of formulas estimating the glomerular filtration rate

The development of formulas estimating glomerular filtration rate(eG FR) from serum creatinine and cystatin C and accounting for certain variables affecting the production rate of these biomarkers, including ethnicity, gender and age, has led to the current scheme of diagnosing and staging chronic kidney disease(CKD),which is based on e GFR values and albuminuria.This scheme has been applied extensively in various populations and has led to the current estimates of prevalence of CKD. In addition, this scheme is applied in clinical studies evaluating the risks of CKD and the efficacy of various interventions directed towards improving its course. Disagreements between creatinine-based and cystatin-based e GFR values and between e GFR values and measured GFR have been reported in various cohorts. These disagreements are the consequence of variations in the rate of production and in factors, other than GFR, affecting the rate of removal of creatinine and cystatin C. The disagreements create limitations for all e GFR formulas developed so far. The main limitations are low sensitivity in detecting early CKD in several subjects, e.g., those with hyperfiltration, and poor prediction of the course of CKD. Research efforts in CKD are currently directed towards identification of biomarkers that are better indices of GFR than the current biomarkers and,particularly, biomarkers of early renal tissue injury.

Chronic kidney disease prediction is an inexact science: The concept of “progressors” and “nonprogressors”

In 2002,the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative(NKF KDOQI)instituted new guidelines that established a novel chronic kidney disease(CKD)staging paradigm.This set of guidelines,since updated,is now very widely accepted around the world.Nevertheless,the authoritative United States Preventative Task Force had in August 2012acknowledged that we know surprisingly little about whether screening adults with no signs or symptoms of CKD improve health outcomes and that we deserve better information on CKD.More recently,the American Society of Nephrology and the American College of Physicians,two very well respected United States professional physician organizations were strongly at odds coming out with exactly opposite recommendations regarding the need or otherwise for"CKD screening"among the asymptomatic population.In this review,we revisit the various angles and perspectives of these conflicting arguments,raise unanswered questionsregarding the validity and veracity of the NKF KDOQI CKD staging model,and raise even more questions about the soundness of its evidence-base.We show clinical evidence,from a Mayo Clinic Health System Renal Unit in Northwestern Wisconsin,United States,of the pitfalls of the current CKD staging model,show the inexactitude and unpredictable vagaries of current CKD prediction models and call for a more cautious and guarded application of CKD staging paradigms in clinical practice.The impacts of acute kidney injury on CKD initiation and CKD propagation and progression,the effects of such phenomenon as the syndrome of late onset renal failure from angiotensin blockade and the syndrome of rapid onset end stage renal disease on CKD initiation,CKD propagation and CKD progression to end stage renal disease all demand further study and analysis.Yet more research on CKD staging,CKD prognostication and CKD predictions are warranted.Finally and most importantly,cognizant of the very serious limitations and drawbacks of the NKF K/DOQI CKD staging model,the need to individualize CKD care,both in terms of patient care and prognostication,cannot be overemphasized.

Relationship of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Arginase-1 Levels with Long-term Survival after Kidney Transplantation

In this study, we compared the serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, interleukin-10 （IL-10）, and arginase-1 in long-term survival kidney transplant recipients （LTSKTRs） with those in short-term survival kidney transplant recipients （STSKTRs）. We then evaluated the relationship between these levels and graft function. Blood samples were collected from 50 adult LTSKTRs and 20 STSKTRs （graft survival approximately 1-3 years post-transplantation）. All patients had stable kidney function. The samples were collected at our institution during the patients＇ follow-up examinations between March 2017 and September 2017. The plasma levels of TGF-β1, IL- 10, and arginase- 1 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays （ELISA）. The levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 were significantly higher in the LTSKTRs than in the STSKTRs. The time elapsed since transplantation was positively correlated with the levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 in the LTSKTRs. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was positively correlated with the TGF-β1 level, and the serum creatinine level was negatively correlated with the TGF-β1 level. Higher serum levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 were found in LTSKTRs than in STSKTRs, and we found that TGF-β1 was positively correlated with long-term graft survival and function. Additionally, TGF-β1 and arginase-1 levels were positively correlated with the time elapsed since transplantation. On the basis of these findings, TGF-β1 and arginase- 1 may play important roles in determining long-term graft survival. Thus, we propose that TGF-β1 and arginase-1 may potentially be used as predictive markers for evaluating long-term graft survival.

Target serum concentration of vancomycin may be reached earlier with a loading dose

Background:Vancomycin treatment failure against vancomycin-susceptible gram-positive cocci is not rare in the intensive care unit(ICU).One of the reasons for this is the substandard drug trough concentration.We aimed to examine the hypothesis that the target serum concentration could be reached earlier with a loading dose of vancomycin.Methods:This retrospective cohort study was conducted at our ICU between June 2018 and June 2020 and involved patients who were suspected of having,or confirmed to have,gram-positive cocci infection and treated with vancomycin.One group of the patients was administered a loading dose of vancomycin(loading group)and compared with the group that did not receive a loading dose(control group).The baseline characteristics,vancomycin serum concentrations,and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed.Results:Fifty-five patients were finally included,of which 29 received a loading dose of vancomycin.The serum concentration of vancomycin before the second dose was significantly higher for the loading group than for the control group(10.3±6.1 mg/Lvs.5.7±4.4 mg/L,P=0.002).The results for both groups were similar before the fifth dose(12.4±7.3 mg/Lvs.10.3±6.3 mg/L in the loading and the control groups,respectively;P=0.251).The 28-day mortality was lower for the loading group than for the control group(6.7%vs.34.6%in the loading and control groups,respectively;P=0.026).No significant differences were observed in serum creatinine(Cr)concentrations of the two groups.Conclusion:With the loading dose of vancomycin,the target serum concentration of vancomycin may be reached earlier without increasing the risk of acute kidney injury.

Value of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Urine Output Criteria in Critically III Patients： A Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Background： Urine output （UO） is an essential criterion of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes （KD1GO） definition and classification system tbr acute kidney injury （AKI）, of which the diagnostic value has not been extensively studied. We aimed to determine whether AKI based on KDIGO UO criteria （KDtGOLro） could improve the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, compared with KDIGO serum creatinine criteria （KDIGOscr）.Methods： We conducted a secondary analysis of the database of a previous study conducted by China Critical Care Clinical Trial Group （CCCCTG）, which was a 2-month prospective cohort study （July 1,2009 to August 31,2009） involving 3063 patients in 22 tertiary Intensive Care Units in Mainland of China. AKI was diagnosed and classified separately based on KDIGOt,o and KDlGOsc,. Hospital mortality of patients with more severe AKI classification based on KDIGOvo was compared with other patients by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results： The prevalence of AKl increased from 52.4% based on KDIGOscr to 55.4% based on KD1GOsc~ combined with KDIGOuo. KDIGOv~~ also restllted in an upgrade of AKI classification in 7.3% of patients, representing those with more severe AK1 classification based on KDIGOvo. Compared with non-AKI patients or those with maximum AKI classification by KDIGOscr, those with maximum AKI classification by KDIGOuo had a significantly higher hospital mortality of 58.4% （odds ratio [OR]： 7.580, 95% confidence interval [CI]： 4.141-13.873, P 〈 0.001）. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, AKI based on KDIGOuo （OR： 2.891, 95% CI： 1.964-4.254, P 〈 0.001）, but not based on KDIGOscr （OR： 1.322, 95% CI： 0.902-1.939, P = 0.152）, was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. Conclusion： UO was a criterion with additional value beyond creatinine criterion for AKI diagnosis and classification, which can help identify a group of patients with high risk of death.

Prophylaxis and Therapy of Isaria felina on Acute Renal Failure Induced by Glycerin in Rats

Objective To evaluate the prophylaxis and therapy of Isaria felina(IF) on glycerin-induced acute renal failure(ARF) in rats.Methods Forty male Wistar rats were divided into control,model,Uremic Clearance Granule(UCG,positive control),high-and low-dose IF groups.Rats in the high-and low-dose IF groups were ig administered with 200 and 100 mg/kg IF,respectively,while rats were ig administered with 3.6 g/kg UCG successively for 7 d to establish UCG group.The rats in model,control,and drug-treated groups were im injected with 8 mL/kg 50% glycerin after drinking was quitted for 24 h to induce ARF in rats.The drugs were continued to give thereafter.The level of blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and serum creatinine(SCr) were determined 24 and 72 h after the injection of glycerin,also the kidney was dissected for pathology examination.Results Im injection with 8 mL/kg 50% glycerin could successfully induce ARF in rats.The dose of 200 mg/kg IF could reduce the high levels of BUN and SCr,and ameliorate the pathological damage of the kidney.Conclusion IF has good protective and therapeutic effects on ARF and it is a potential and valuable Chinese herb for ARF.

Instructions for Authors

Chinese Medical Journal （ CMJ） is published semimonthly in English by the Chinese Medical Association, and is a peer reviewed general medical journal for all physicians, doctors, medical researchers, and health workers. The journal reports the advances and progress in current medical sciences and technology. It also serves the objective of international academic exchange.

Estimation of Burden of Kidney Dysfunction in HIV-Infected Pediatrics and Adolescents by Use of Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin: A Single Center Experience in Kenya

Background:About 75%of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)live in sub-Saharan Africa.In Kenya,about 1.5 million Kenyans are living with HIV,of whom almost 100,000 are children and adolescents.Highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART)has converted HIV infection to a chronic illness with its attendant complications.Kidney disease is a common complication of HIV infection and its treatment.Kidney disease in HIV-infected persons can be asymptomatic,insidious onset and may lack specific clinical features.It can only be detected on active screening.The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)using serum creatinine are not sensitive in identification of early kidney injury.Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(uNGAL)has been used as marker of early kidney injury.Methods:This cross-sectional study used uNGAL and serum creatinine to determine the prevalence of kidney dysfunction in HIVinfected children and adolescents with HAART at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital,Nairobi,Kenya,from March 2016 to February 2017.Urine samples were assayed for uNGAL using the Bio Porto®enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Serum creatinine was assayed using the Jaffe reaction in the Cobas®6000 biochemistry analyzer and eGFR calculated using the Schwartz formula.Scatter plot of eGFR against log uNGAL levles was performed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Pearson correlation coefficeint between log uNGAL levles and eGFR was analyzed.Results:Ninety-three patients were recruited.Their mean age was 11.8±3.6 years and the median duration on HAART was 72.6 months.Males were 47(50.5%).The prevalence of kidney dysfunction using uNGAL was 15.1%(95%CI 7.6%–22.5%)and 5.4%(95%CI 1.8%–12.1%)by eGFR.The mean eGFR was 131±25mL·min1·1.73m2 and median uNGAL was 10 ng/mL.For every one ng/mL increase in uNGAL value above the normal value,eGFR decreases by 4.8mL·min1·1.73m2(P=0.038).Patients with elevated uNGAL were older when compared with those with normal uNGAL(13.5 vs.11.5 years).Conclusion:Urinary NGAL picked up to three times more patients with kidney dysfunction than eGFR derived from serum creatinine.All the patients were asymptomatic.Older children and adolescents were more likely to manifest with kidney dysfunction.Further studies are necessary to evaluate if uNGAL can be utilized routinely to evaluate for early kidney disease in HIV-infected patients.