INTRODUCTION: An echocardiographic calcium score (ECS) predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Its utility in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is unknown. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed 125 patients on PD. The ECS (range 0-8) was compared between subjects with CVD and those without. RESULTS: Among the subjects, 54 had CVD and 71 did not. Subjects with CVD were older (69 years vs. 56 years, P < 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (81.5% vs. 45.1%, P < 0.001). They had lower diastolic blood pressure (72 mmHg vs. 81 mmHg, P < 0.001), lower phosphate (1.6 mmol/L vs. 1.9 mmol/L, P = 0.002), albumin (30 g/L vs. 32 g/L, P = 0.001), parathyroid hormone (34.4 pmol/L vs. 55.8 pmol/L, P = 0.002), total cholesterol (4.5 vs. 4.9, P = 0.047), LDL cholesterol (2.4 mmol/L vs. 2.8 mmol/L, P = 0.019) and HDL cholesterol (0.8 mmol/L vs. 1.1 mmol/L, P = 0.002). The ECS was found to be higher in subjects with CVD than in those without (2 vs. 1, P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, only DM and age were independently associated with CVD. CONCLUSION The ECS was significantly higher in PD patients with CVD than in those without, reflecting a higher vascular calcification burden in the former. It is a potentially useful tool to quantify vascular calcification in PD patients.
Humans ; Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnostic imaging* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Calcium ; Peritoneal Dialysis/adverse effects* ; Vascular Calcification/epidemiology* ; Echocardiography

Brain Diseases ; Humans ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ; Peritoneal Neoplasms/secondary* ; Peritoneum/pathology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome and deterioration of global and specific domains of cognitive function in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS: This was a multi-center prospective cohort study. The PD patients who met the inclusion criteria were examined with general and specific cognitive function between March 2013 and November 2013. The patients were divided into MIA0, MIA1 and MIA2 groups, according to items of "Yes" for whether or not having cardiovascular disease, serum albumin≤35 g/L or high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) ≥3 mg/L. After 2 years, the patients maintained on PD would be repeatedly measured with cognitive function. The Chi-square test, One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-wallis H rank sum test were used to compare the differences of clinical characteristics, biochemical data, and global and specific cognitive function parameters among the three groups at baseline, and two years later, respectively. The Bonferroni method was applied to adjust the significance level for further comparison between each two different groups. The change of score in each cognitive parameter of global and specific domains was used as dependent variable. Age, gender, education level, depression index, body-mass index, diabetes mellitus, serum sodium levels and MIA (MIA0 was control, MIA1 and MIA2 as dummy variables) were all included in the multivariable linear regression models to analyze the risk factors of the deterioration of cognitive function. The analysis for each cognitive domain was adjusted for the baseline score of the corresponding cognitive parameter. All the analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows, software version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Over two-year follow up, the prevalence of cognitive impairment increased from 20.0% to 24.7%, absolute decrease of 3MS scores were more significantly decreased in MIA2 (-3.9±12.0 vs. 1.1±6.7, P<0.01) and MIA1 group (-2.3±11.8 vs. 1.1±6.7, P<0.05) than those in MIA0 group respectively. Specific cognitive functions, included executive function (trail-making tests A and B, P=0.401, P=0.176), immediate memory (P=0.437), delayed memory (P=0.104), visuospatial skill (P=0.496), and language ability (P=0.171) remained unchanged. Advanced age, lower education, diabetes mellitus and depression were all correlated with the deterioration of one or more cognitive domains, and the patients having one item of MIA syndrome were prone to develop the deterioration of 3MS (P=0.022). Furthermore, the patients having two or more items of MIA syndrome were more likely to develop the deterioration of not only 3MS (P <0.001), but also delayed memory, visuospatial skill, and language ability (P=0.002, P=0.007, P=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION Patients with one item or above of MIA syndrome were at high-risk for the deterioration of global cognitive function. The more MIA syndrome items there were, the more specific cognitive domains deteriorated.
C-Reactive Protein ; Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology* ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Inflammation/etiology* ; Malnutrition/etiology* ; Peritoneal Dialysis ; Prospective Studies

Intestinal microbiota is involved in the atherosclerotic process by development of an atheromatous core with foam cells in carotid arteries. It has reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli localizes in human atherosclerotic plaque and causes inflammation via interaction with toll like receptor 4. However, there is no evidence that whether LPS-activated macrophages regulate endothelial cell (EC) function. We evaluated whether LPS-activated macrophage acts as one of the stimulants activating EC and its underlying signaling pathways. Using Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we confirmed that intraperitoneal injection with LPS increases iNOS protein and inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expressions. To determine whether LPS-mediated macrophage inflammatory condition affects EC activation and inflammation, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with isolated peritoneal macrophages from LPS-injected mice. Interestingly, p90RSK Serine 380 phosphorylation and protein expression were significantly increased by macrophage treatment in EC. Messenger RNA levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and p90RSK was increased, but endothelial nitric oxide synthase was decreased. In addition, NF-κB promoter activity, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation, was strongly enhanced by the macrophage treatment in EC. We further evaluated the effects of LPS on EC function in the mouse aorta using en face staining. In agreement with in vitro result, p90RSK expression was strongly increased in the steady laminar flow region of the mouse aorta in mice injected with LPS. Together, our study demonstrates that p90RSK might be a one of the major therapeutic candidates for the prevention of vascular diseases mediated by LPS.
Animals ; Aorta ; Atherosclerosis ; Blotting, Western ; Carotid Arteries ; Endothelial Cells ; Escherichia coli ; Foam Cells ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Inflammation ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Interleukin-6 ; Macrophage Activation* ; Macrophages* ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; Mice ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; Phosphorylation ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; RNA, Messenger ; Serine ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Vascular Diseases

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study was to quantify the risk of mortality linked to various regimens of hypertonic peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients using home-based PD was carried out. The prescribed regimen of glucose-based PD solution for all patients, determined on the basis of their individual conditions, was extracted from their medical chart records. The primary outcome was death. The treatment regimens were categorized into 3 groups according to the type of PD solution used: original PD (1.5% glucose), shuffle PD (1.5 and 2.5% glucose), and serialized PD (2.5 and 4.5% glucose). Multivariate analysis (using the Weibull model) was applied to comprehensively examine survival probabilities related to the explanatory variable, while adjusting for other potential confounders. RESULTS: Of 300 consecutive patients, 38% died over a median follow-up time of 30 months (interquartile range: 15-46 months). Multivariate analysis showed that a treatment regimen with continued higher-strength PD solution (serialized PD) resulted in a lower survival rate than when the conventional strength solution was used (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 4.6, p < 0.01). Five interrelated risk factors (age, length of time on PD, hemoglobin levels, albumin levels, and oliguria) were significant predictors contributing to the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent exposure to high levels of glucose PD solution significantly contributed to a 2-fold higher rate of death, especially when hypertonic glucose was prescribed continuously.
Cohort Studies* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glucose ; Glucose Solution, Hypertonic* ; Humans ; Kidney Diseases ; Mortality* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Peritoneal Dialysis* ; Retrospective Studies* ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; Thailand

BACKGROUND: Dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in nonuremic patients. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity and their associations with CVD risk factors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS: All eligible PD patients in Tehran peritoneal dialysis centers were included in this cross-sectional study. Skeletal muscle mass and fat mass were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength and physical performance were determined using hand grip strength and a 4-meter walk gait speed test, respectively. In addition, a 5-mL blood sample was obtained from each patient. RESULTS: The prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity were 11.4% and 3.8% in PD patients, respectively. Serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher in PD patients with dynapenic obesity than in dynapenic nonobese and nondynapenic nonobese patients. Similarly, serum concentrations of CVD risk factors in PD patients with sarcopenic obesity were higher than in nonsarcopenic nonobese patients, but these differences were statistically significant only for serum hs-CRP and triglyceride. In addition, muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass percentage were negatively associated with markers of inflammation and dyslipidemia, whereas body fat percentage was positively associated with these CVD risk factors. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that although the prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity are relatively low in PD patients, these disorders may be associated with CVD risk factors.
Adipose Tissue ; C-Reactive Protein ; Cardiovascular Diseases* ; Cholesterol ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dicloxacillin* ; Dyslipidemias ; Electric Impedance ; Gait ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lipoproteins ; Mortality ; Muscle Strength ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Obesity* ; Peritoneal Dialysis* ; Prevalence* ; Risk Factors* ; Triglycerides

The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has rapidly increased, as has the cost of dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an established treatment for ESRD patients worldwide; it has a variety of advantages, including autonomy and flexibility, as well as economic benefits in many countries compared to hemodialysis (HD). However, the long-term survival rate of PD remains poor. Although direct comparison of survival rate between the dialysis modalities by randomized controlled trials is difficult due to the ethical issues, it has always been a crucial point when deciding which dialysis modality should be recommended to patients. Recently, in many countries, including the United States, Brazil, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand, the survival rate in PD patients has significantly improved. PD patient survival in Korea has also improved, but Korean PD patients are known to have higher risk of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular, cerebrovascular events than HD patients. Herein, we further evaluate why Korean PD patients had worse outcomes; we suggest that special attention should be paid to patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, or congestive heart failure when they choose PD as the first dialysis modality in order to reduce mortality risk.
Australia ; Brazil ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Dialysis* ; Ethics ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Korea ; Mortality ; New Zealand ; Peritoneal Dialysis* ; Pliability ; Renal Dialysis ; Spain ; Survival Rate ; United States

Paragonimiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Paragnonimus species. The primary site of infection is the lung, and extrapulmonary involvement is also reported. When infected with Paragonimus westermani, which is the dominant species in Korea, the central nervous system is frequently involved along with the liver, intestine, peritoneal cavity, retroperitoneum, and abdominal wall. Ectopic paragonimiasis raises diagnostic challenge since it is uncommon and may be confused with malignancy or other inflammatory diseases. Here, we report an ectopic paragonimiasis case initially presented with recurrent abdominal pain. The patient developed abdominal pain 3 times for the previous 3 years and the computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed fluid collection with wall enhancement. Recurrent diverticulitis was initially suspected and part of the ascending colon was resected. However, the specimen showed intact colon wall without evidence of diverticulitis and multiple parasite eggs and granulomas were found instead. The size of about 70 μm, the presence of an operculum and relatively thick egg shell suggested eggs of Paragonimus species. With appropriate exposure history and a positive antibody test, the definitive diagnosis was made as peritoneal paragonimiasis.
Abdomen ; Abdominal Abscess* ; Abdominal Pain ; Abdominal Wall ; Abscess ; Animals ; Central Nervous System ; Colon ; Colon, Ascending ; Diagnosis ; Diverticulitis* ; Egg Shell ; Eggs ; Granuloma ; Humans ; Intestines ; Korea ; Liver ; Lung ; Ovum ; Paragonimiasis* ; Paragonimus ; Paragonimus westermani ; Parasites ; Parasitic Diseases ; Peritoneal Cavity

Despite the current knowledge about the risk of stroke and its related factors in general population, this issue in elderly patients receiving dialysis remains unresolved. Firstly, to compare the risk of stroke between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD), data on 13,065 incident dialysis patients (aged ≥ 65 years; 10,675 in HD and 2,390 in PD) were retrieved from the Korean Health Insurance dataset. Secondly, to identify the risk factors of stroke amongst various clinical and laboratory parameters in HD, 980 elderly patients were retrospectively analyzed using an independent prospective cohort from 31 dialysis centers. For a mean duration of 1.8 years (maximum of 5 years), the risk of all cardiovascular diseases (ischemic heart disease and stroke) did not differ between HD and PD. However, when analyses were conducted separately by subtype, the risk of stroke, not ischemic heart disease, was significantly higher in HD patients than in PD patients. When the risk factors of stroke were probed after HD for a mean duration of 2.6 years (maximum of 7 years), the absolute dependence on social support, a previous history of cardiovascular disease, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the use of a high number of anti-hypertensive drugs were identified as being significant. Based on the discrepancy of stroke risk between modalities and the HD-tailored risk factors of stroke, the monitoring and management of these factors may be a key strategy to reduce the risk of stroke in elderly patients receiving dialysis.
Aged* ; Antihypertensive Agents ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Cohort Studies ; Dataset ; Dialysis* ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Insurance, Health ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Lipoproteins ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Peritoneal Dialysis ; Prospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stroke*

Ultrasonography (US) is widely used to evaluate most body parts in pediatric patients because it is simple, noninvasive, easy to use, and applicable in a wide variety of clinical situations. US is the modality of choice for the initial evaluation of acute abdominal pain in pediatric patients because of their small body habitus and the presence of less fat tissue in the abdominal wall and peritoneal cavity. The most important factor in performing pediatric emergency US is the graded compression technique and selection of the proper transducer. The careful evaluation of bowel wall thickening combined with ancillary findings such as fluid collection, increased echogenicity of the mesenteric fat tissue, enlarged lymph nodes, hyperemic bowel changes, and abnormal bowel peristalsis can increase the diagnostic capability of US.
Abdominal Pain ; Abdominal Wall ; Child* ; Emergencies* ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Gastrointestinal Tract* ; Human Body ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Pediatrics ; Peristalsis ; Peritoneal Cavity ; Transducers ; Ultrasonography*