Mechanisms of hypertension during and after orthotopic liver transplantation in children

The aim of this study was to assess the hormonal alterations that may mediate the systemic hypertension that develops in patients during the perioperative period of orthotopic liver transplantation. We studied nine pediatric patients without previous hypertension or renal disease during six time points, starting before transplantation and ending at 48 hours after surgery. Hypertension developed in all patients in association with central venous pressures <10 mm Hg. Free water clearance was negative in all nine patients. Vasopressin levels increased intraoperatively but fell as hypertension developed. Atrial natriuretic factor levels increased as systemic blood pressure rose. A high level of plasma renin activity was observed in four patients with renal insufficiency. In six patients, postoperative 24-hour urinary norepinephrine excretion was within the normal age-adjusted range. These findings suggest that the combination of cyclosporine, corticosteroids, and, in some patients, an elevated plasma renin activity prevents the kidney from responding to the acute volume and salt overload with an appropriate diuresis and natriuresis, thus leading to systemic hypertension. The treatment of hypertension after liver transplantation may include salt restriction, diuretics, and, in those patients with a low creatinine excretion index, anglotensin coverting enzyme inhibitors. © 1989 The C. V. Mosby Company

Acute kidney disease and renal recovery : consensus report of the Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) 16 Workgroup

Consensus definitions have been reached for both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and these definitions are now routinely used in research and clinical practice. The KDIGO guideline defines AKI as an abrupt decrease in kidney function occurring over 7 days or less, whereas CKD is defined by the persistence of kidney disease for a period of > 90 days. AKI and CKD are increasingly recognized as related entities and in some instances probably represent a continuum of the disease process. For patients in whom pathophysiologic processes are ongoing, the term acute kidney disease (AKD) has been proposed to define the course of disease after AKI; however, definitions of AKD and strategies for the management of patients with AKD are not currently available. In this consensus statement, the Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) proposes definitions, staging criteria for AKD, and strategies for the management of affected patients. We also make recommendations for areas of future research, which aim to improve understanding of the underlying processes and improve outcomes for patients with AKD

Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Managed Telephone Lipid Clinic at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

BACKGROUND Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the US, with dyslipidemia being a significant risk factor. Pharmacist-managed lipid clinics have been shown to be effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values in the veteran population. In addition, telephone-managed clinics are known to be an effective method to manage anticoagulation therapy. This type of appointment is very convenient; it reduces travel and waiting times, costs, and potential no-show rates. OBJECTIVE To assess changes in LDL-C levels from baseline to follow-up and number of patients attaining LDL-C goals during enrollment in the pharmacist-managed telephone lipid clinic (PMTLC). METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients enrolled in the clinic who had follow-up laboratory data available. Baseline LDL-C values were compared with values obtained at follow-up. Patients' total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) values were also collected and analyzed for improvement. The agents used, number of antidyslipidemic medications, and the incidence of adverse drug reactions prior to and during clinic enrollment were also collected. RESULTS Patients in the PMTLC had a mean ± SD reduction in LDL-C of 44.3 ± 45.2 mg/dL (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, 10 (28%) patients achieved the LDL-C goal (p = 0.002). Mean reductions in TC and TG levels were 44 mg/dL (18%) and 14.6 mg/dL (8%), respectively. There was no significant change in HDL-C levels. CONCLUSIONS The PMTLC at the Erie, PA, Veterans Affairs Medical Center demonstrated statistically significant reduction in patients' LDL-C levels and increase in the number of patients attaining LDL-C goal. </jats:sec