Browsing by Author "Ležaić, Višnja (55904881900)"

Introduction/Objective Heart failure (HF) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this cross-sectional single-center study was to examine the following: 1. frequency and characteristics of HF phenotypes in prevalent HD patients, 2. association of HF with traditional and non-traditional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Methods We included all 96 maintenance HD patients from Special Hospital for Internal Diseases, Lazarevac, Serbia, and determined the prevalence of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (per the 2016 criteria of the European Society of Cardiology) and HF with reduced and moderately reduced EF – HFrEF + HFmrEF – together in a group HFrEF (EF < 50%) using standardized post-HD transthoracic echocardiography. Clinical, routine laboratory and volume status parameters (by bioimpedance spectroscopy) was assessed. Results Sixty-three out of 96 examined patients (65.6%) had HF, among them 42 had HFpEF (66.7%), and 21 had HFrEF (33.3%). HFrEF was more common in older males, with diabetic nephropathy as underlying kidney disease, with a longer dialysis vintage and in those with a previous history of ischemic heart disease. HFpEF was more common in males, with lower HD quality (kT/V) and higher pre-dialytic systolic blood pressure. In multivariable regression analysis, HFrEF was associated with diabetic nephropathy, hypervolemia (positively) and triglycerides (negatively), while HFpEF was associated negatively with hemoglobin, iron, and triglycerides. Conclusion In order to control patients on maintenance HD with HF, in addition to appropriate drug therapy, it is advice to control of volemia and maintaining triglyceride, hemoglobin, and iron concentration approximately within normal limits. © 2022, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Background. Diagnostic criteria for Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) have not been precisely established. In the present study the predictive value of variables previously proposed as diagnostic criteria for BEN was examined. Methods. The study involved 182 patients: 98 patients with BEN, 57 patients with other kidney diseases (20 with glomerulonephritis, 17 with tubulointerstitial diseases and 20 with hypertensive nephrosclerosis) and 27 healthy subjects. The BEN group comprised patients who fulfilled criteria for BEN and suspected BEN, together with patients with proteinuria and at least two tubular abnormalities or one tubular abnormality and a history of urothelial tumour. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and ultrasound variables of examined groups were combined in univariate/multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. Out of 28 analysed variables only urine alpha1-microglobulin (MG) and kidney length were selected as significant predictors in differentiating BEN from other kidney diseases and healthy controls. Using ROC curves the cutoff values of these variables and proteinuria and kidney volume, variables collinear with them, were found. Moderate sensitivity and specificity characterized all these cutoff values except for proteinuria, which provided high sensitivity and specificity in combination of BEN and healthy persons. The predictive value of different combinations of selected variables was not significantly different from the predictive value of each variable individually. Conclusions. Proteinuria, urine alpha1-MG, kidney length and volume were selected as significant predictors of BEN. Variables related to kidney failure as well as several tubular disorders (urine specific gravity, FENa and TRP) had an insignificant predictive value and could not be used for differential diagnosis of BEN. © The Author [2008]. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Background Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in dialysis (HD) patients, and its mechanism is multifactorial. Most likely that systemic or local inhibitory factor is overwhelmed by promoters of VC in these patients. VC increased arterial stiffness, and left ventricular hypertrophy. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association of VC and myocardial remodeling and to analyze their relationship with VC promoters (fibroblast growth factor 23-FGF23, Klotho, intact parathormon-iPTH, Vitamin D) in 56 prevalent HD patients (median values: Age 54 yrs, HD vintage 82 months). Methods Besides routine laboratory analyzes, serum levels of FGF 23, soluble Klotho, iPTH, 1,25-dihydroxyVitamin D3; pulse wave velocity (PWV); left ventricular (LV) mass by ultrasound; and VCs score by Adragao method were measured. Results VC was found in 60% and LV concentric or eccentric hypertrophy in 50% patients. Dialysis vintage (OR 1.025, 95%CI 1.007-1.044, p=0.006) FGF23 (OR 1.006, 95% CI 0.992-1.012, p=0.029) and serum magnesium (OR 0.000, 95%CI 0.000-0.214, p=0.04) were associated with VC. Changes in myocardial geometry was associated with male sex (beta=-0.273, 95% CI -23.967 1.513, p=0.027), iPTH (beta 0.029, 95%CI -0.059-0.001, p=0.027) and Vitamin D treatment (beta 25.49, 95%CI 11.325-39.667, p=0.001). Also, patients with the more widespread VC had the highest LV remodeling categories. PWV was associated patient's age, cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, LV mass (positively) and serum calcium (negatively), indicating potential link with atherosclerotic risk. Conclusions Despite to different risk factors for VC and myocardial remodeling, obtained results could indicate that risk factors intertwine in long-term treatment of HD patients and therefore careful and continuous correction of mineral metabolism disorders is undoubtedly of the utmost importance. © 2019 Marko Baralić, Voin Brković, Vesna Stojanov, Sanja Stanković, Nataša Lalić, Petar Durić, Ljubica Dukanović, Milorad Kašiković, Milan Petrović, Marko Petrović, Milan Stošović, Višnja Ležaić, published by sciendo.

Background Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in dialysis (HD) patients, and its mechanism is multifactorial. Most likely that systemic or local inhibitory factor is overwhelmed by promoters of VC in these patients. VC increased arterial stiffness, and left ventricular hypertrophy. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association of VC and myocardial remodeling and to analyze their relationship with VC promoters (fibroblast growth factor 23-FGF23, Klotho, intact parathormon-iPTH, Vitamin D) in 56 prevalent HD patients (median values: Age 54 yrs, HD vintage 82 months). Methods Besides routine laboratory analyzes, serum levels of FGF 23, soluble Klotho, iPTH, 1,25-dihydroxyVitamin D3; pulse wave velocity (PWV); left ventricular (LV) mass by ultrasound; and VCs score by Adragao method were measured. Results VC was found in 60% and LV concentric or eccentric hypertrophy in 50% patients. Dialysis vintage (OR 1.025, 95%CI 1.007-1.044, p=0.006) FGF23 (OR 1.006, 95% CI 0.992-1.012, p=0.029) and serum magnesium (OR 0.000, 95%CI 0.000-0.214, p=0.04) were associated with VC. Changes in myocardial geometry was associated with male sex (beta=-0.273, 95% CI -23.967 1.513, p=0.027), iPTH (beta 0.029, 95%CI -0.059-0.001, p=0.027) and Vitamin D treatment (beta 25.49, 95%CI 11.325-39.667, p=0.001). Also, patients with the more widespread VC had the highest LV remodeling categories. PWV was associated patient's age, cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, LV mass (positively) and serum calcium (negatively), indicating potential link with atherosclerotic risk. Conclusions Despite to different risk factors for VC and myocardial remodeling, obtained results could indicate that risk factors intertwine in long-term treatment of HD patients and therefore careful and continuous correction of mineral metabolism disorders is undoubtedly of the utmost importance. © 2019 Marko Baralić, Voin Brković, Vesna Stojanov, Sanja Stanković, Nataša Lalić, Petar Durić, Ljubica Dukanović, Milorad Kašiković, Milan Petrović, Marko Petrović, Milan Stošović, Višnja Ležaić, published by sciendo.

Background: Belgrade screening study was undertaken in order to detect persons with CKD markers in at risk populations and to educate primary care physicians how to carry out CKD screening. Methods: The study was performed by primary care physicians from thirteen Belgrade health centers in collaboration with nephrologists from clinical centers. Subjects without previously known kidney disease were enrolled: 1316 patients with hypertension without diabetes, 208 patients with type 2 diabetes and 93 subjects older than 60 years without hypertension or diabetes. The survey consisted of an interview, estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR-MDRD), single urine dipstick detection of proteinuria, hematuria, glucosuria, microalbuminuria. Results: Microalbuminuria with or without proteinuria in combination with eGFR>60ml/min/1.73m 2 was detected in 17%, 41% and 24% of patients with hypertension, diabetes and those above 60 years, respectively. Reduced eGFR (<60ml/min/1.73m 2) was found in 23%, 12% and 22% of the same patient groups. The prevalence of CKD markers increased with increasing number of risk factors. Conclusion: High prevalence of CKD markers in at risk population detected by primary care physicians in this collaborative study seems to be the best way to encourage primary care physicians to carry out regular CKD screening. © 2012 Revista Nefrología.

Introduction/Objective This retrospective longitudinal study aimed to analyze survival factors in prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients with different heart failure (HF) phenotypes. Methods Over 36 months, 96 patients were monitored, with 51 deaths recorded. Patients were categorized into HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and non-HF (no HF) groups. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were analyzed to identify survival predictors within each subgroup. Results Survival curves did not differ among HF subgroups, and mortality was as follows: 42.9% for HFrEF, 52.4% for HFpEF, and 60.6% for no-HF patients. The main causes of death were COVID-19 infection (70%), followed by de novo cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular insult) (25%). Some demographic (age, male sex, HD vintage) and laboratory differences (anemia, lipids) between the surviving and deceased subgroups of patients have been found. Multivariate analysis identified distinct survival predictors: in HFrEF: pulse rate and interventricular septum thickness; in HFpEF: primary renal disease, cardiac history, and diuretic use; in no-HF: BMI, serum sodium, and HDL/LDL ratios. Conclusion Our results led us to suspect that COVID-19 infection might have masked the expected impact of HF phenotype on patients’ survival. Obtained findings contribute to the evolving understanding of HF in prevalent HD patients in the pandemic era. As HF, dialysis, and COVID-19 intertwine, further investigation is crucial to navigate this intricate finding and optimize patient care. © 2024, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Purpose: The study was undertaken with the aim to determine gender-specific differences in incident hemodialysis (HD) patient and their changes over time. Methods: The retrospective longitudinal closed cohort study involved 441 incident patients starting HD in 2014 and followed for 1–59 (median 43, IQR 40) months. Demographic, clinical data, treatment characteristics, laboratory findings and outcome were abstracted from the patients’ medical records. Results: The relative number of males on HD was about twice that of females throughout the five years investigated. At the beginning of the study, no significant differences were found in the main demographic and clinical characteristics except that diabetes was more often the underlying disease in men than in women. Systolic blood pressure decreased over time significantly more in females than in males. Throughout the study spKt/V was significantly higher in females than in males, but it increased in patients of both genders. There were no gender differences for comorbidities, vascular access and the majority of laboratory findings except for higher serum levels of creatinine and CRP in men than in women. Relatively more females were treated with erythropoiesis stimulating agents and phosphate binders than males. Age and malignancy were selected as significant predictors of mortality for both genders, and, in addition, polycystic kidney disease, serum level of albumin and CRP for men, but spKt/V for women. Conclusion: Some significant gender differences were observed throughout, while others appeared during the study but none of them were due to gender inequalities in the applied treatment. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.

Purpose: In the early 1970s, a number of authors described the development of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) in immigrants in endemic regions. The aim of this study was to examine whether immigrants in endemic regions are suffering from BEN today. Methods: The study involved 193 residents of two endemic regions divided into three groups: two groups of native residents—(1) members of BEN families, (2) members of non-BEN families, and (3) immigrants, who had moved from non-affected settlements to the endemic regions of Kolubara (38 years ago) or Semberia (20 years ago). All persons were subjected to an interview, objective examination, kidney ultrasound, and laboratory analysis to detect the presence of BEN consensus diagnostic criteria. Results: The number of immigrants with BEN biomarkers outside cutoff values was significantly lower than for BEN family members. Five BEN family members met diagnostic criteria for BEN and four for suspected BEN. Although five non-BEN family members had different combinations of BEN biomarkers, all of them had diseases other than BEN in which these biomarkers also occurred. None of the immigrants met the criteria for BEN. Nevertheless, one descendant of an immigrant, a 78-year-old male, whose mother was from a non-BEN family in the Kolubara district, exhibited all the criteria for BEN: alpha1-microglobulinuria, chronic renal failure, and anemia. Conclusion: While 30 years ago, BEN was reported equally among immigrants and natives, currently it is diagnosed in some BEN family members in the eighth decade of life, but extremely rarely in immigrants also in old age. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media B.V., part of Springer Nature.

Background: A previous study indicated that Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) patients in the early stage of the disease had significantly higher creatinine clearance (Ccr) than healthy persons. The aim of the study was to assess whether tubular creatinine secretion affects Ccr in early stages of BEN and to check the applicability of serum creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate (GFR) equations in these patients. Methods: The study involved 21 BEN patients with estimated GFR (eGFR) above 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, excluding any conditions that could affect GFR or tubular creatinine secretion, and 15 healthy controls. In all participants Ccr with and without cimetidine and iohexol clearance (mGFR) were measured and eGFR calculated using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equations. Glomerular hyperfiltration cutoff (GFR-HF) was calculated. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in Ccr before and after cimetidine or for eGFR, but mGFR was significantly higher in BEN patients than in controls (122.02 ± 28.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 101.15 ± 27.32 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.032). Cimetidine administration reduced Ccr by 10% in both groups. The ratio of Ccr to mGFR was significantly above one in seven BEN patients and five controls and their mGFR values were similar. Seven other patients and eight controls had this ratio equal to one, while values below one were recorded for seven more patients and two controls. mGFR of all these 14 patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (129.88 ± 27.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 107.43 ± 19.51 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.009). Mean GFR-HF was significantly higher than mGFR in controls, but these two values were similar in BEN patients. eGFR underestimated mGFR in both BEN patients and controls. Conclusion: The ratio of Ccr to mGFR and mGFR to GFR-HF indicated that elevated mGFR in early stages of BEN could be explained by increased glomerular filtration, but tubular creatinine secretion augmented Ccr in a smaller proportion of patients, who did not differ from healthy subjects. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Introduction: Proteinuria is the most frequent marker of kidney damage. Although 24-hour urinary proteinuria is the gold standard, the measurement of proteinuria from albumin urinary creatinine ratio is proposed as much useful metod. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of urine protein-to-creatinine (P/Cr) ratio in morning urine specimens as compared with 24-hour total protein excretion for the measurement of proteinuria in patients with different kidney diseases and different renal function levels. Methods: Proteinuria in the studied patients was assessed by 24-hour protein excretion (24-hour PRT) and spot urine P/Cr ratio. The analysis of concordance between 24-hour PRT and P/ Cr was carried out using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), paired t-test and Bland-Altman plots. The discriminant cutoff values for spot urine P/Cr ratio in predicting 24-hour protein "threshold" excretion were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), as well as sensitivity and specificity. Results: A total of 303 patients were included in the study. The concordance between 24-hour PRT and P/Cr ratio was excellent (ICC 0.931). Systematic overestimation of PRT by urinary P/ Cr ratio was disclosed (mean difference 0.138, p=0.011). The P/ Cr of 0.25 (sensitivity 0.90; specificity 0.96), 0.66 (1.00; 0.91) and 2.55 (1.0; 0.97) g/g reliably predicted 24-hour urine total protein equivalent "thresholds" at 0.2, 1.0 and 3.5 g/day. The chronic renal failure group independently positively influenced the difference between 24-hour PRT and P/Cr. It means the lower the kidney function the higher is the difference between the two proteinuria measurements. Conclusion: This study supports the recommendation of using spot urine P/Cr ratio in proteinuria screening in patients with different kidney diseases. The obtained results indicated better agreement between morning P/Cr and 24-hour PRT in patients with lower proteinuria and better kidney function.

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is interesting renal disease, because of its unique clinical, epidemiological and morphological characteristics: intensive interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy without any inflammation. In the present paper we evaluate the incidence of BEN from the morphological point of view for the last decade. Therefore we analyzed material obtained from autopsies, kidney biopsies and nephrectomy due to upper urothelial cancer (UUC) from the patients which were divided into two groups: those with permanent residence in BEN areas and those from nonendemic areas. At the Institute of Pathology, University of Belgrade for the last 15 years we had only 1 autopsy due to BEN out of 6,825. More than 30 years ago there were over 50 autopsy cases of BEN at the same institute. For the last decade we had only 2 kidney biopsies suspected for BEN out of 2,182, but morphologically not confirmed as BEN. However, previously we had over 40 kidney biopsies diagnosed as early or late stage of BEN. At the Clinical Center of Serbia 180 nephrectomies were performed due to UUC. The incidence of UUC for the last five years in BEN regions has significantly decreased, whereas at the same time in non-BEN regions it has remained on the same level. There was no morphological difference of the renal tissue adjacent to tumor between patients from BEN and non-BEN regions. According to our study based on routine pathological work, we could clearly conclude that BEN today is more clinical and epidemiological than a morphological entity. © 2012 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections occur in persons with morphologically and functionally normal lower and upper urinary tract, normal kidney function, and a competent immune system. They are one of the leading reasons of antibiotics misuse. There is much controversy regarding the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary tract infection. This article summarizes the most common urinary tract infections and those that cause the most doubts in daily clinical practice. The goal is to stimulate physicians in using the latest recommendations of the national guidelines that may help them in daily clinical practice. © 2024, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a granulomatous small-vessel vasculitis. Asthma is seen in the majority of patients with CSS, but atypical nonasthmatic forms of CSS are also being recognized. We herein describe a 67-year-old woman with a history of chronic pyelonephritis and drug allergy reactions who was admitted to our hospital because of worsening renal function preceded by fever, purpura, sinusitis, and a positive urine culture that confirmed a urinary infection. She was initially treated with pipemidic acid for 7 days, followed by clarithromycin for sinusitis. Laboratory tests on admission showed an absolute eosinophil count of 1750 cells/µL and serum creatinine concentration of 4.72 mg/dL. Urine and blood cultures showed no growth. Kidney biopsy revealed crescent formations with diffuse interstitial fibrosis and foci of eosinophil infiltration. An atypical form of CSS was diagnosed based on tissue eosinophilia, peripheral eosinophilia, and sinusitis. Intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy together with hemodialysis treatment improved the patient’s clinical condition but did not resolve the kidney damage. The onset of an atypical form of CSS in our patient manifested as symptoms and signs mimicking those of chronic pyelonephritis and drug allergy reactions. The patient’s chronic kidney disease finally progressed to dialysis dependence. © The Author(s) 2021.

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a granulomatous small-vessel vasculitis. Asthma is seen in the majority of patients with CSS, but atypical nonasthmatic forms of CSS are also being recognized. We herein describe a 67-year-old woman with a history of chronic pyelonephritis and drug allergy reactions who was admitted to our hospital because of worsening renal function preceded by fever, purpura, sinusitis, and a positive urine culture that confirmed a urinary infection. She was initially treated with pipemidic acid for 7 days, followed by clarithromycin for sinusitis. Laboratory tests on admission showed an absolute eosinophil count of 1750 cells/µL and serum creatinine concentration of 4.72 mg/dL. Urine and blood cultures showed no growth. Kidney biopsy revealed crescent formations with diffuse interstitial fibrosis and foci of eosinophil infiltration. An atypical form of CSS was diagnosed based on tissue eosinophilia, peripheral eosinophilia, and sinusitis. Intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy together with hemodialysis treatment improved the patient’s clinical condition but did not resolve the kidney damage. The onset of an atypical form of CSS in our patient manifested as symptoms and signs mimicking those of chronic pyelonephritis and drug allergy reactions. The patient’s chronic kidney disease finally progressed to dialysis dependence. © The Author(s) 2021.

Background: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Velika Hočd Orahovac, two rural communities in Kosovo and Metohia, with the aim of assessing the prevalence of chronic diseases and associated risk factors. ethods: The study involved 423 (180 male) adult inhabitants aged 51±16 years and included an interview, medical documentation, physical, ultrasound, laboratory examinations and ECG. Results: Hyperlipidemia was the most frequent (70%) risk factor followed by alcohol consumption (47%), hypertension (42%), smoking (36%) and obesity (32%). Ischemic heart disease was diagnosed in 25 patients, hypertensive cardiomyopathy in 17, other cardiomyopathies in 5 and arrhythmia in 20 patients. Nine persons had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Previously diagnosed liver cirrhosis occurred in 5 and chronic hepatitis in 8 subjects, while liver steatosis with elevated serum transaminases (22 persons), elevated transaminases with normal ultrasound (20 persons), tumor or suspected tumor (7 persons) were detected in the survey. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most prevalent but peptic ulcer and gastritis had been previously diagnosed in 64 and 47 patients. Kidney and urinary tract diseases were known for 52 patients (12 with chronic renal failure and 4 on hemodialysis) and 46 more were detected in the study. Among them in 22 patients with markers of kidney disease and unclear diagnosis 12 had a positive family history, 8 low-grade proteinuria, 14 tubular dysfunctions and 7 eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: In the Serbian enclave of Velika Hoča and Orahovac the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases was similar to that of gastrointestinal, liver and kidney diseases. This differs from other parts of Serbia where cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of disease burden.

Background and Aims: The frequency of chronic kidney disease (CKD) markers was assessed in two groups of patients over 60 years-one without and the other with hypertension. Methods: The cross-sectional study involved 585 asymptomatic elderly patients (227 males), 93 without and 492 with hypertension. Data on patients were obtained by interview, analysis of medical records and physical examinations. Serum and urine creatinine, proteinuria, microalbuminuria (MAU, turbidimetry), and urinary sediment were analyzed. Results: Among the 585 patients, there were 54.5% with a positive family history for hypertension and 14% for kidney diseases. MAU was significantly more frequent (30 vs. 11%) and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) higher (71 ± 14 vs. 64 ± 14 ml/min/1.73 m) in patients without hypertension than in those with hypertension. The majority of patients with stage 3 CKD had eGFR >45 ml/min/1.73 m2 with normal urinary findings. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found age and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to be associated with reduced eGFR, MAU and proteinuria. In addition, smoking was associated with eGFR, but a family history for kidney disease and belonging to the group without hypertension were associated with MAU. Conclusion: The high prevalence of markers for CKD in symptomless elderly without hypertension confirmed that the elderly, as a high-risk population, should be screened based on increased age alone. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in women than in men was reported all over the world. This difference could be partly explained by longer life expectancy and slower CKD progression rate in women. Potential factors associated with sex differences in CKD progression are as follows: difference in glomerular hemodynamic and the response to angiotensin II; sex hormones – estrogen has protective and testosterone deleterious effects on CKD progression; lifestyle. In most countries, the percentage of men is higher than that of women among incident and prevalent patients on hemodialysis (HD). In HD patients, the Kt/V index overestimates HD adequacy, secondary hyperparathyroidism is more common in women, and women require higher doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for achieving and maintaining the hemoglobin target level. The survival of HD patients is equal for both sexes. In earlier years, an equal percentage of women and men started peritoneal dialysis, but in recent years, a higher percentage of women, especially at younger ages, start peritoneal dialysis. Initial peritoneal transport properties differ between men and women. A smaller percentage of women than men receive deceased donor kidneys, but women are more likely to be living kidney donors. Kidney allograft outcome depends on the sex and age of both the recipient and the donor. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death for renal replacement therapy patients of both sexes. Although sex-specific differences have been described in CKD patients, the inequality of patients in access to medical care has not been found in most regions of the world. © 2023, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Background: Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) hemodialysis patients require a higher dose of recombinant human erythropoietin for maintaining target hemoglobin level than patients with other kidney diseases. Objectives: Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of betaerythropoietin given subcutaneously to hemodialysis patients with BEN or other kidney diseases (non-BEN). Methods: Recombinant human erythropoietin (75U/kg) was administered subcutaneously to 10 BEN and 14 non-BEN hemodialysis patients. The predose plasma level of erythropoietin (Epo) was subtracted from all postdose levels. The relevant pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated after noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis using Kinetica software (Thermo Scientific, ver.5.0). Results: Although basal plasma Epo concentration was similar in BEN (20.1±10.3U/L) and non-BEN (15.1±8.1U/L; p=.1964) patients, there were significant differences between the groups for elimination rate constant (0.016±0.006 vs 0.026±0.011 hr-1; p=.020) and elimination half-life (50.24±19.12 vs 33.79±18.91 hr, p=.048). These differences remained significant after adjustment for patient characteristics (age, sex, hemodialysis duration, ferritin, PTH and ACEI use). No significant differences between groups were found in maximal Epo concentration, time to maximum Epo concentration, area under the curve from time of dosing extrapolated to infinity, clearance, mean residence time of Epo between groups both before and after adjustment. Conclusion: Pharmacokinetic analysis of betaerythropoietin detected a significantly longer elimination half-life in BEN than in non BEN patients. This finding needs to be confirmed in a well-controlled study with a larger sample size © 2013 Revista Nefrología. Official Publication of the Spanish Nephrology Society.

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to compare plasma and urine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in patients with different stages of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) with those in patients with primary glomerulonephritis (GN) and healthy controls. Methods: The study involved 47 patients with BEN (30 with manifest BEN and 17 in the early stage of BEN), 12 patients with GN and 10 healthy controls. Plasma and urine TGF-β1 was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The median plasma TGF-β1 levels differed nonsignificantly between the groups (4,908-6,442 pg/ml), but individual plasma TGF-β1 levels in BEN patients exhibited the highest dispersion. Median urinary TGF-β1 excretion (pg/mg creatinine) was significantly higher in patient groups (manifest BEN: 203, early-stage BEN: 341, GN: 775) than in healthy controls (42). No correlation was found between plasma and urine TGF-β1 levels or between plasma TGF- β1 levels and creatinine clearance for any of the examined groups. Conclusion: Plasma TGF-β1 levels in BEN patients extended over the widest range, but no significant differences were found between the median values for the groups. Median urinary TGF-β1 excretion was significantly higher in patients with BEN and GN than in healthy controls. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG.

Purpose: Urinary excretion of beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and protein was examined in patients with Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), glomerulonephritis (GN) and healthy controls. Methods: The proteins were measured in morning urine samples from 74 patients with BEN, 50 healthy persons and 22 patients with GN. Results: In BEN patients, median values for albumin, beta2-MG and protein were above upper normal limits, but median IgG was inside normal range. All patients with GN had microalbuminuria (MAU) and half of them had increased urinary beta2-MG, which was also found in eleven patients with increased urinary IgG. In BEN patients, there were significant negative correlations between eGFR and all measured urinary proteins, the composition of which changed during the course of BEN. In patients with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 isolated beta2-MG was the most frequent finding (10/12 patients), but MAU was present in 4/12 patients. In BEN patients with eGFR between 30 and 59 ml/min/1.73 m2, beta2-MG appeared as often as the combination of beta2-MG and albumin and isolated MAU. Out of 49 BEN patients with eGFR > 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 15 had increased urinary IgG either alone (1) or together with beta2-MG (3) or albumin (3) or beta2-MG and albumin (8). In BEN patients with GFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 only 1/25 had isolated beta2-MG but increased urinary IgG with increased beta2-MG, and albumin was the most frequent. Conclusion: Although low-molecular weight proteinuria was the most frequent urinary finding in BEN patients, MAU was frequently detected in advanced stages of BEN but also in some patients with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. IgG was increasingly found as eGFR decreased. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.