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Renal Protection (renal + protection)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

The role of renin,angiotensin,aldosterone system-based therapy in diabetes prevention and cardiovascular and renal protection

DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 12 2008
Hussam Abuissa
Hypertension increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. In addition to lowering blood pressure, blockade of the renin,angiotensin,aldosterone system (RAAS) reduces the risk of new-onset T2DM and offers renal protection. Using a MEDLINE search, we identified multiple trials that reported the incidence of T2DM in patients taking inhibitors of RAAS. In this review, we will discuss the RAAS as a potential target in diabetes prevention and the mechanisms through which inhibitors of this system achieve such an important effect. We will also shed light on the beneficial cardiovascular and renal effects of RAAS blockade. Although multiple studies have demonstrated that inhibitors of RAAS, especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, can reduce the incidence of T2DM, randomized controlled studies are still needed to further elucidate their exact role in diabetes prevention. [source]

Obesity, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue S2 2009
Michael Charlton
Key Points 1. Obesity is increasingly common among liver transplantation (LT) recipients and donors. Outcomes following LT for selected patients with class I-III obesity are similar to those for nonobese recipients. In patients who are otherwise satisfactory candidates for LT, a high body mass index, as long as it does not present a technical barrier, should not be considered to be an absolute contraindication to LT. 2. The most common causes of death beyond the first year of LT are, in descending order of frequency, graft failure (especially secondary to hepatitis C virus recurrence), malignancy, cardiovascular disease, infections, and renal failure. Metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor for each of these etiologies of posttransplant death. Posttransplant diabetes, posttransplant hypertension, and an original diagnosis of cryptogenic cirrhosis, which is commonly associated with metabolic syndrome, are all associated with an increased risk of post-LT mortality. Features of metabolic syndrome should be screened for and treated in LT recipients. 3. Because of the physiological mechanism of post-LT hypertension, which includes renal arteriolar constriction secondary to calcineurin inhibition, calcium channel blocking agents are a good pharmacological treatment modality and have been shown to be effective in renal protection in randomized controlled trials of posttransplant hypertension. 4. It is rare for dietary changes and weight reduction to result in normalization of the lipid profile. Statins should thus be initiated early in the course of management of post-LT dyslipidemia. Forty milligrams of simvastatin per day, 40 mg of atorvastatin per day, and 20 mg of pravastatin per day are reasonable starting doses for post-LT hypercholesterolemia. It is important to remember that the effects of statin therapy are additive to those of a controlled diet (eg, a Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber). 5. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, an increasingly common etiology of cirrhosis and liver failure, recurs commonly after LT and may also arise de novo. Treatment should be directed at managing obesity and complications of metabolic syndrome. Optimal immunosuppression in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is still evolving but should include steroid minimization. Liver Transpl 15:S83,S89, 2009. © 2009 AASLD. [source]

Aortic aneurysm repair with a functioning renal transplant: therapeutic options

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2004
Denise M. Roach
Background: Aortic aneurysm repair in the presence of a functioning renal transplant carries significant risks of renal ischaemia. We describe the management of patients undergoing this treatment by using a temporary, externally sited axillofemoral bypass and discuss other treatment options. Methods: Three patients underwent a temporary, externally sited axillary artery to common femoral artery bypass. The aneurysm was then dissected via a transperitoneal incision. When the aneurysm was clamped, the axillofemoral graft was opened allowing retrograde perfusion to the renal transplant. Results: All three patients made a good recovery without postoperative deterioration of renal function. Conclusion: Numerous methods of protecting the transplanted kidney have been described, including expeditious surgery with no renal protection or some form of temporary shunt to perfuse the donor iliac artery. Temporary insertion of an axillofemoral bypass adds 45,60 min of extra operating time if two surgeons are present. However, this technique should completely avoid transplant ischaemia and is an excellent technique for dealing with abdominal aneurysms in patients with functioning transplants. [source]

Target-organ protection with combination renin-angiotensin-system blockade

CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
L. Michael PrisantMD FACC
Abstract Pharmacologic blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) has antihypertensive, anti-atherogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been demonstrated to prevent atrial fibrillation and new-onset diabetes, and provide cardiac, cerebral, and renal protection. Combination therapy with ACEIs and ARBs, compared with monotherapy, provides enhanced reno- and cardioprotection, although available data indicate that combination RAS blockade may be beneficial only in select patient groups, such as those with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure (HF). In certain high-risk patients, the use of ARBs provides comparable efficacy to that observed with ACEIs. The efficacy of these agents may stem from pleiotropic effects beyond blood pressure (BP) reduction. Several studies demonstrate achievement of clinical endpoints without significant effects on BP. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]