Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (continuous + ambulatory_peritoneal_dialysis)
Selected AbstractsCD4/CD8 T-Cell Ratio in Peritoneal Dialysis Effluents Predicts the Outcome of Peritonitis in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal DialysisARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 12 2009Ioannis Griveas Abstract This study aimed to clarify the role of peritoneal T-lymphocytes in peritoneal immune defense mechanisms. This study was designed to examine the changes in T-cell subpopulations during peritonitis in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Our observations were correlated to responses to treatment and with outcomes. The present study was carried out in 20 patients (8 males, 12 females) under CAPD. Peritonitis was diagnosed according to the criteria defined by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Peritonitis Management. Peritoneal dialysate effluent (PDE) samples were collected from our patients, and lymphocyte subsets (CD2+, CD3+, CD3+/4+, CD3+/8+, CD3,/16+56+, CD4/CD8 ratio) were quantitated by using monoclonal antibodies. CD4/CD8 ratio was measured every day during peritonitis until the patients had completely recovered. The serial measurements of the CD4/CD8 ratio made in the PDE during peritonitis followed two patterns: the first pattern was characterized by a progressive increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio. The CD4/CD8 ratios on days 5, 6, and 7 were significantly higher than those on day 1 (P < 0.05). Overall, the patients who exhibited pattern 1 had favorable clinical courses. The second pattern was characterized by high initial CD4/CD8 ratios, which progressively decreased significantly (P < 0.05). This second pattern was associated with a delayed clinical response to treatment. Symptoms and signs of peritonitis persisted beyond 72 h. The pattern of the CD4/CD8 ratio in PDE may determine the outcome of peritonitis in CAPD patients. [source] An Animal Study of a Newly Developed Skin-Penetrating Pad and Covering Material for Catheters to Prevent Exit-Site Infection in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal DialysisARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 12 2009Masato Aoyama Abstract Because currently available peritoneal dialysis catheters are not sufficiently biocompatible with the skin and subcutaneous tissue at the site of penetration, exit-site infection due to pericatheter pocket formation caused by epidermal downgrowth over a long period of time has increasingly become a problem. We developed a new, biocompatible, segmented polyurethane porous material and devised a novel skin-penetrating pad, the form and material of which we optimized for application in peritoneal dialysis catheters. For the extent of tissue ingrowth into this porous material to be examined, test materials with different pore diameters were inserted into hollow silicone tubes and implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of a goat. Four weeks later, the tubes were extracted, and, after the extent of granulation tissue ingrowth was measured, histopathological evaluation was made. Our novel skin-penetrating pad has three disklike layers of the segmented polyurethane material with different pore sizes, into the center of which a polyurethane catheter is inserted. These pads were implanted in the skin of a goat and clinically observed over a 2-year period, after which they were extracted and histopathologically analyzed. In accordance with actual clinical procedures, a commercial CAPD catheter equipped with our skin-penetrating pad was left indwelling in a goat for 4 months, and the performance of the pad was evaluated after repeated periodic infusion and drainage of the dialysate in and out of the abdominal cavity. There was no inflammation of the ingrown tissue in the pores of the segmented polyurethane material as well as the surrounding tissue, which indicated favorable tissue biocompatibility. The extent of tissue ingrowth was greater as the pore size of the material was larger, and the tissue tended to be mature, mainly consisting of collagenous fibers. The skin-penetrating pad using the porous material, of which tissue ingrowth was thus optimized, tightly adhered to the goat skin throughout the 2-year experimental period without any special wound care such as cleansing or disinfection. The performance of the skin-penetrating pad was similarly favorable when attached to a commercial continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter. The newly developed segmented polyurethane porous material had excellent tissue biocompatibility and tissue ingrowth. The skin-penetrating pad devised by using this porous material did not cause epidermal downgrowth, suggesting that it may be effective for the prevention of exit-site infection. [source] Peritoneal mesothelial cells and the extracellular matrixNEPHROLOGY, Issue 6 2001Susan Yung SUMMARY: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is an important treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure. Long-term success is dependent on the functional and structural integrity of the peritoneal membrane. Conventional peritoneal dialysis fluids are non-physiological. They contain glucose at high concentrations to provide the osmotic drive for ultrafiltration, lactate to correct the metabolic acidosis of renal failure, and a low pH to prevent caramelization of glucose during heat sterilization. These components, in isolation or acting together, exert adverse influences on both the resident cellular and extracellular elements of the peritoneal membrane, as well as phagocytic cells which infiltrate the peritoneum during inflammation, culminating in detrimental structural and functional effects, compromising the viability of the peritoneum during dialysis. Peritoneal biopsy studies of patients on long-term CAPD have demonstrated an intercellular space between adjacent mesothelial cells which allows the penetration of peritoneal dialysis fluid into the underlying submesothelium. This, together with episodes of peritonitis, can initiate a chronic inflammatory reaction within the peritoneum characterized by increased synthesis of matrix proteins. Perturbation of the regulatory mechanisms which govern the balance of synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix can lead to progressive fibrosis. Human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) have been shown to synthesize fibronectin, laminin, collagens, proteoglycans and hyaluronan in vitro, and thus play a role in the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis. This review will give an overview of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis by HPMC, how changes in the synthesis are affected by CAPD and postulate how these changes can compromise the dialytic properties of the peritoneum. [source] Quality of life in chronic kidney disease: effects of treatment modality, depression, malnutrition and inflammationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2007B. Kalender Summary In the present study, our aim is to investigate the effects of the treatment modality, depression, malnutrition and inflammation on quality of life (QoL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Twenty-six patients with CKD on conservative management, 68 patients on haemodialysis (HD), 47 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 66 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. QoL was measured by means of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and subscale scores were calculated. All patients were evaluated for the presence of depression using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Axis I Disorders , Clinician Version. The severity of depression was evaluated by means of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, albumin, haemoglobin and haematocrit (Hct) levels were measured. All the SF-36 subscale scores were lower in the patient groups compared with control group. The SF-36 scores were higher and BDI scores were lower in the CAPD group than CKD and HD groups. In patients with depression, all SF-36 subscale scores were lower than that of the patients without depression. There was a significant negative correlation between all the SF-36 subscale scores and the BDI scores. There was a significant positive correlation between the SF-36 physical and total summary scores and the Hct value and serum albumin levels, but an inverse correlation between the SF-36 physical, mental and total summary scores and the serum CRP level in the HD patients. The authors suggest that the treatment modality, depression, malnutrition and inflammation have an important role on QoL in CKD. [source] Renal cell carcinoma in dialysis patients: A single center experienceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 8 2006YASUYUKI KOJIMA Aim: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a life-threatening complication of end-stage renal disease with an unclear pathogenesis. We evaluated RCC developing in patients undergoing dialysis. Methods: In 2624 patients undergoing hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis at our hospital between July 1993 and March 2004, we performed annual screening for RCC using abdominal computed tomography and ultrasonography. Patients diagnosed with RCC underwent radical nephrectomy as well as clinical and pathologic evaluation. Results: RCC was detected in 44 patients (1.68%; 31 males and 13 females). The age of RCC patients was 55.5 ± 11.1 years. Dialysis duration before RCC diagnosis was 11.2 ± 7.2 years. Most RCC were early stage and low stage by TNM classification, 43 patients had N0M0 RCC, whereas one had N1M0. Tumor size was 2.9 ± 1.9 cm. The predominant histological type of RCC was common or conventional cell-type carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma and granular cell carcinoma). Of patients, 5(11.4%) had bilateral RCC, and satellite tumor lesions in RCC were detected in 13 (29.5%). In 36 patients (81.8%) RCC was accompanied by acquired cystic disease of the kidney. These patients had longer dialysis durations (P = 0.01) and smaller tumors (P = 0.048). RCC metastasized postoperatively in 4 patients (9.1%), while one (2.3%) died of cancer. Conclusions: Our dialysis patients showed a higher incidence of RCC than the general population. Prognosis was favorable because tumors were detected by screening when they were small. Therefore, periodical screening for RCC seems very important in dialysis patients. [source] Coping strategies and health-related quality of life among spouses of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis, and transplant patientsJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2000Ragny Lindqvist RN PhD Coping strategies and health-related quality of life among spouses of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis and transplant patients In the study reported here 55 spouses of patients living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were investigated with respect to coping strategies and health-related quality of life. Findings from the study were compared to two random samples of the Swedish general population (n = 454, and n = 1200). The study design was correlational and comparative. Coping was measured by the Jalowiec Coping Scale, and quality of life (QoL) by the Swedish Health-Related Quality of Life Survey (SWED-QUAL). Data were analysed using a number of statistical tests including Pearson's product moment correlations, Student's t -test and two way ANOVAs. The combined sample of spouses used significantly more optimistic and palliative coping than the general population, but less confrontative, self-reliant, evasive and emotive coping. In the study fatalistic, evasive and emotive coping was associated with low perceived efficiency in handling various aspects of the partners' situation. The male spouses used significantly less optimistic, supportive and palliative coping than did the female spouses. The spouses of transplant patients had better overall quality of life than the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis spouse groups, most likely due to the lower age of the former group. The study findings suggest that emotive, evasive and fatalistic coping are less than optimal ways to deal with problems occasioned by the partner's treatment. [source] Biofilm formation and changes in bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity during growth in a CAPD model systemJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 7 2004G. W. Hanlon Peritonitis is a frequent complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), with patients suffering recurrent attacks. The microorganisms most frequently implicated in the infection are the skin microflora, in particular, the coagulase-negative staphylococci such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. These microorganisms gain access to the peritoneal cavity via the in-dwelling silicone rubber catheter in the abdominal wall and often persist as biofilms on the surface of the catheter. The surface characteristics of S. epidermidis were monitored during growth in a CAPD in-vitro model together with their ability to adhere to silicone rubber substrata. Fresh dialysis fluid exerted an injurious effect on the cells leading to a decrease in cell numbers but during the simulated dialysis period the cells adapted to the applied stresses. Over a 96-h period in the model both a clinical isolate and a skin isolate of S. epidermidis adopted a more hydrophobic phenotype. The data presented here show that the bacteria grown in this in-vivo reflective CAPD model continually adapt to their environment and become more tolerant to the stresses imposed. The adapted cells were seen to colonise silicone rubber substrata. [source] Two daytime icodextrin exchanges decrease brain natriuretic peptide levels and improve cardiac functions in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patientsNEPHROLOGY, Issue 3 2010TANSU SAV ABSTRACT Aim: Peritoneal dialysis patients with ultrafiltration failure frequently have fluid overload. It is known that the increase in the ultrafiltration is associated with decrease in the left ventricle (LV) dysfunction. This study was designed to examine the potential effects of serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on cardiac functions and to determine the relationship between BNP and cardiac parameters in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with ultrafiltration failure. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with high or high-average membrane permeability as indicated by the peritoneal equilibration test were enrolled and randomized to receive either once or twice daily icodextrin. Serum BNP levels and echocardiographic measurements were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the eighth week. The correlations between the percentage changes of parameters from baseline were also studied. Results: In both groups there was a significant decrease in serum BNP, LV mass, heart rate (HR) and cardiothoracic index (CTI) and an improvement in ejection fraction (all P < 0.05). However, the percentage of change in all these parameters was significantly better in the twice daily compared with once daily group (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage decrease in BNP was positively correlated with the percentage decrease in HR, LV mass and BP. Conclusion: Twice daily icodextrin treatment might be useful in hypervolaemic CAPD patients for the improvement of cardiac functions. BNP monitoring may be useful to follow up these patients. [source] Cost of renal replacement therapy in TurkeyNEPHROLOGY, Issue 1 2004EKREM EREK SUMMARY: Background and Results: By the end 2000, 22 224 patients were on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Turkey. We investigated the cost of RRT in three medical faculties and one private dialysis centre. Yearly expenses were US$22 759 for haemodialysis (HD), US$22 350 for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and US$23 393 and US$10 028, respectively, for the first and second years of transplantation (Tx). In the first year, renal Tx was significantly more expensive than CAPD. However, after the first year of renal transplantation, Tx became significantly more economical than both CAPD and HD. The sum of all yearly RRT expenses for the country was US$488 958 709, which corresponds to nearly 5.5% of Turkey's total health expenditure. Conclusion: Measures such as early construction of vascular access, promoting home dialysis and the reuse of the dialysers, strict control of the use of some expensive drugs like erythropoietin and active vitamin D, and also increasing the number of transplantations, especially if pre-emptive transplantation is possible, should be taken into account in order to reduce these expenses. [source] Management of bacterial peritonitis and exit-site infections in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis,NEPHROLOGY, Issue 6 2002Merlin C THOMAS SUMMARY: Peritonitis and exit-site infections remain the most important limitations to the delivery of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Contamination of the peritoneum, from endogenous or exogenous sources, is responsible for most peritonitis episodes. Patients usually present with a cloudy bag, although other causes should be distinguished. Clinical suspicion of peritonitis should be followed rapidly by microbiological examination and empirical treatment. Microbiological confirmation allows for subsequent treatment based on sensitivities. Other interventions such as catheter removal may be appropriate in some patients. Exit-site infections should also be identified and treated early. Peritonitis may be further prevented by adequate exit-site care, hygienic methods, and techniques to minimise early contamination of the exit site. Mupirocin may also have a role in preventing infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. [source] Increase of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in dialysate of rat sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis modelNEPHROLOGY, Issue 4 2002Ichiro HIRAHARA SUMMARY: Sclerosing peritonitis (SP) and sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) are serious complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). the mortality rate of SP/SEP is extremely high. It is important to clarify the mechanism of progression of SP/SEP, and to prevent this complication. We prepared an animal model of SEP by intraperitoneal administration of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) using male Sprague-Dawley rats. Dialysate drained from these animals was analysed by gelatin zymography. In this animal model of SEP, fibrous peritoneal thickening accompanied by cellular infiltration and peritoneal adhesion, were observed. Four of six rats presented with a so-called abdominal cocoon. an increase of peritoneal absorption of glucose was also confirmed. Zymographic analysis revealed that the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) level was high in the dialysate from the animal model, although MMP-9 was hardly detected. From these results, the MMP-2 level in drained dialysate was considered to increase in SP/SEP. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 might be associated with the progression of SP/SEP. [source] Peritonitis rates and common microorganisms in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysisPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2009Sema Akman Abstract Background:, The aim of the present study was to perform a multicenter investigation in Turkish children on chronic peritoneal dialysis by examining the rates of peritonitis as well as causative organisms according to year. Methods:, Twelve pediatric renal units participated in this study and data were obtained by review of the medical records. Results:, One hundred and thirty-two patients were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), 21 were on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and 59 were on CAPD and APD at different times. Mean durations of CAPD and APD were 24.2 ± 21.1 months and 22.9 ± 12.8 months, respectively. Seventy-one (33%) out of 212 patients had no peritonitis episode. Overall peritonitis rate was one episode per 15.5 patient-months. The peritonitis rate was one episode per 15.4 patient-months for APD and one episode per 15.6 patient-months for CAPD. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was the most common cause of peritonitis among patients with positive culture (20.6%). While the incidence of Gram-negative infection remained unchanged according to year in patients on CAPD (P = 0.68), the rate of Gram-negative peritonitis in children on APD was significantly higher (P = 0.03). Conclusions:, Peritonitis rate was similar in CAPD and APD, but the risk of Gram-negative peritonitis in APD was higher than that of CAPD. [source] CD4/CD8 T-Cell Ratio in Peritoneal Dialysis Effluents Predicts the Outcome of Peritonitis in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal DialysisARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 12 2009Ioannis Griveas Abstract This study aimed to clarify the role of peritoneal T-lymphocytes in peritoneal immune defense mechanisms. This study was designed to examine the changes in T-cell subpopulations during peritonitis in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Our observations were correlated to responses to treatment and with outcomes. The present study was carried out in 20 patients (8 males, 12 females) under CAPD. Peritonitis was diagnosed according to the criteria defined by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Peritonitis Management. Peritoneal dialysate effluent (PDE) samples were collected from our patients, and lymphocyte subsets (CD2+, CD3+, CD3+/4+, CD3+/8+, CD3,/16+56+, CD4/CD8 ratio) were quantitated by using monoclonal antibodies. CD4/CD8 ratio was measured every day during peritonitis until the patients had completely recovered. The serial measurements of the CD4/CD8 ratio made in the PDE during peritonitis followed two patterns: the first pattern was characterized by a progressive increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio. The CD4/CD8 ratios on days 5, 6, and 7 were significantly higher than those on day 1 (P < 0.05). Overall, the patients who exhibited pattern 1 had favorable clinical courses. The second pattern was characterized by high initial CD4/CD8 ratios, which progressively decreased significantly (P < 0.05). This second pattern was associated with a delayed clinical response to treatment. Symptoms and signs of peritonitis persisted beyond 72 h. The pattern of the CD4/CD8 ratio in PDE may determine the outcome of peritonitis in CAPD patients. [source] Erythrocyte Susceptibility to Oxidative Stress in Chronic Renal Failure Patients Under Different Substitutive TreatmentsARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 1 2005Leonardo Lucchi Abstract:, An increased oxidative stress is now considered one of the major risk factors in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients that may be exacerbated by dialysis. It has been postulated that this increased oxidative stress might cause an augmented red blood cell (RBC) membrane lipid peroxidation with the consequent alteration in membrane deformability. The aim of this study was to evaluate RBC susceptibility to an in vitro induced oxidative stress and RBC antioxidant potential in different groups of CRF patients undergoing different substitutive treatment modalities. Fifteen end-stage CRF patients were evaluated in conservative treatment, 23 hemodialysis (HD) patients, 15 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, 15 kidney transplanted patients, and 16 controls. Their RBCs were incubated with the oxidative stress-inducing agent tert-butylhydroperoxide both in the presence and in the absence of the catalase inhibitor sodium azide, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (a product of lipid peroxidation), was measured at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min of incubation. In addition, the RBC content of reduced glutathione (GSH) was measured by HPLC. As opposed to the controls, RBCs from end-stage CRF patients exhibited an increased sensitivity to oxidative stress induced in vitro, both in the absence and presence of a catalase inhibitor, as demonstrated by a significantly higher level of MDA production at all the incubation times (P < 0.05). Different substitutive treatments had different impacts on this phenomenon; CAPD and kidney transplantation were able to normalize this alteration while HD was not. GSH appeared to be related to the increase in RBC susceptibility to oxidative stress; its content being significantly elevated in end-stage CRF and HD patients as compared with CAPD and transplanted patients and controls (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the RBC glutathione content during the HD session. The increase of GSH in RBCs of end-stage CRF and HD patients seems to indicate the existence of an adaptive mechanism under increased oxidative stress occurring in vivo. Unlike HD, the beneficial effect of CAPD on the anemia of dialysis patients might partly be due to a condition of lower oxidative stress that might in addition counterbalance the cardiovascular negative effects of dislipidemia ,of, CAPD, patients. [source] Natural Changes in Peritoneal Equilibration Test Results in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Retrospective, Seven Year Cohort SurveyARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 4 2000Kuan-Yu Hung Abstract: We conducted a retrospective, 7 year cohort survey to examine the natural changes in peritoneal equilibration test (PET) results in patients with long-term uneventful continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Thirty-two (17 males, 15 females) patients on CAPD with two or more standard PETs performed more than 6 months apart, in the absence of peritoneal insult, were included. Changes and pattern of PET results were evaluated by the dialysate to plasma ratio of creatinine (D:P-cre), the fourth h dialysate to instilled glucose ratio (D4:Do) and ultrafiltration volume (UF, ml). The subgroups included high (H), high-average (HA), low-average (LA), or low (L) transporters with the dividing ratios (D:P-cre) of >0.81, >0.65 to 0.81, >0.5 to 0.65, and <0.5, respectively. The median D:P-cre significantly decreased (p = 0.04), but neither the D4:Do nor the final median UF significantly decreased. The change in D:P-cre was strongly and inversely correlated with the initial D:P-cre value (r = ,0.68; p < 0.05). A similar relationship was found between the change in the final D4:Do and the initial D4:Do (r = ,0.752; p < 0.01) and between the change in the final UF and the initial UF (r = ,0.875; p < 0.01). No correlation was found between the change in D:P-cre and the age of the patient, the time interval between PETs, monthly dialysate glucose exposure, or underlying diabetes/non-diabetes. The final peritoneal transport pattern was altered with 5 (15.6%) patients remaining in the extreme subgroups (H or L) and, by contrast, 84.4% (27/32) of the patients now in the averaged (HA or LA) groups (p < 0.01, ,2 test). We demonstrated a natural "centralization" migration of PET results after long-term uneventful CAPD, which may help to explain why patients with extreme PET characteristics, that is, H or L, continued to do well on CAPD. [source] Is cyclic AMP formation desensitized in patients with end-stage renal failure?AUTONOMIC & AUTACOID PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2005K. Leineweber Summary 1 Cyclic AMP formation has consistently been reported to be desensitized in various tissues including heart of animal models of end-stage renal failure (ESRF). In contrast, reports on desensitization of cAMP formation in ESRF patients remain contradictory. Whether this discrepancy results from a difference between human ESRF and its animal models or from the use of circulating blood cells in the human and various solid tissues in the animal studies, remains unclear. Therefore, we performed three studies with heart and platelets of ESRF patients undergoing haemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and age- and gender-matched controls with normal renal function (n = 11,13 each). 2 In platelets from haemodialysis patients adenylyl cyclase activity in response to receptor-dependent and -independent agonists was reduced by ,30%, and this could be explained by an alteration at the level of adenylyl cyclase itself. However, no such desensitization was seen in platelets from peritoneal dialysis patients. 3 In hearts from ESRF patients undergoing haemodialysis, , -adrenoceptor density and subtype distribution, cAMP formation in response to the , -adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline or various receptor-independent stimuli, were very similar to those in control patients but activity of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase was increased by ,20%. 4 We conclude that conflicting reports on the desensitization of cAMP formation between ESRF patients and ESRF animal models are not explained by the use of solid tissues in animal studies vs. circulating blood cells in patient studies. Rather desensitization of cAMP formation seems to be a less consistent feature of human ESRF than of its animal models. [source] Peritonitis due to the dermatiaceous mold Exophiala dermatitidis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysisCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 7 2003J. Greig Exophiala (Wangiella) dermatitidis is a dermatiaceous mold that is an occasional cause of infection in the immunocompromised. We report a case of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis probably due to environmental contamination with this organism. Prompt catheter removal and aggressive treatment with amphotericin B allowed an eventual return to peritoneal dialysis. [source] | ||||||||||