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    7 ± 20.9%; p = 0.03). ACEI reduced endogenous thrombin potential significantly from before to 3 months after ACEI (ETP 1527 ± 437 nM × min vs. 1088 ± 631 nM × min; p = 0.025). Platelet thrombin receptor (PAR1) expression increased from 37.38 ± 10.97% before to 49.53 ± 6.04% after ACEI treatment (p = 0.036). Conclusion ACEI enhanced platelet reactivity. This can be reversed by changing to ARB. The mechanism behind RAAS influencing platelet function seems to be associated with PAR-1 expression.Purpose To compare Lipiodol uptake and tumor response in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with and without pre-embolization vascular lake phenomenon (VLP) and to identify the incidence and predictive factors of this phenomenon, in patients treated by conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE). Materials and methods This retrospective study included 151 consecutive patients with intermediate HCC totaling 232 nodules, who underwent cTACE from June 2015 to October 2018. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of VLP before embolization. Initial Lipiodol uptake was assessed using post-cTACE computed tomography (CT) within 1-1.5 months after cTACE. Enhanced CT or magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 6 months after the procedure to assess local recurrence and distant metastasis. Results The VLP was demonstrated in 21.85% (33/151) patients and 16.81% (39/232) nodules on the super-selective angiography. On nodule-based analysis, significantly better Lipiodol uptake (p less then 0.001) and higher ORR (60.61% vs. 26.49%, p less then 0.001) and DCR (87.88% vs. 51.66%, p less then 0.001) were observed in the VLP group compared to the non-VLP group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of VLP (OR 6.431, 95% CI 2.495-16.579) might be a predictive factor for better Lipiodol uptake. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that poor differentiation of tumor (OR 6.397, 95% CI 2.804-19.635) remained predictive for the VLP. Conclusion The incidence of VLP before embolization is 21.19%. The presence of VLP is well correlated with tumor Lipiodol uptake after cTACE and may be a new predictive factor for evaluation of cTACE efficacy and prognosis of intermediate HCC.The liver is the only organ which can regenerate and, thus, potentially negate the need for transplantation in acute liver failure (ALF). Cerebral edema and sepsis are leading causes of mortality in ALF. Both water-soluble and protein-bound toxins have been implicated in pathogenesis of various ALF complications. Ammonia is a surrogate marker of water-soluble toxin accumulation in ALF and high levels are associated with higher grades of hepatic encephalopathy, raised intracranial pressure, and mortality. Therefore, extracorporeal therapies aim to lower ammonia and maintain fluid balance and cytokine homeostasis. The most common and easily available modality is continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT). Early initiation of high-volume CKRT utilizing an anticoagulation regimen minimizing treatment downtime and delivering the prescribed dose is highly desirable. Ideally, extracorporeal liver-assist devices (ECLAD) should perform both synthetic and detoxification functions of the liver. ECLAD may temporarily replace lost liver function and serve as a bridge, either to spontaneous recovery or liver transplantation. Various bioartificial and biologic liver-assist devices are described in specialty literature, including molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS), single pass albumin dialysis (SPAD), and total plasma exchange (TPE); however, clinicians commonly use modalities easily available in intensive care units. There is a lack of standardization of indications for ECLAD, availability of different extracorporeal devices with varied technical approaches, and, of note, the differences in doses of ECLAD provided in clinical practice. We review the practicalities and evidence regarding these four artificial liver support devices in pediatric ALF.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health challenge, affecting as much as 8 to 18% of the world population. Identifying childhood risk factors for future CKD may help clinicians make early diagnoses and initiation of preventive interventions for CKD and its attendant comorbidities as well as monitoring for complications. Abraxane Microtubule Associat inhibitor The purpose of this review is to describe childhood risk factors that may predict development of overt kidney disease later in life. Currently, there are multiple childhood risk factors associated with future onset and progression of CKD. These risk factors can be grouped into five categories genetic factors (e.g., monogenic or risk alleles), perinatal factors (e.g., low birth weight and prematurity), childhood kidney diseases (e.g., congenital anomalies, glomerular diseases, and renal cystic ciliopathies), childhood onset of chronic conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity), and different lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, diet, and factors related to socioeconomic status). The available published information suggests that the lifelong risk for CKD can be attributed to multiple factors that appear already during childhood. However, results are conflicting on the effects of childhood physical activity, diet, and dyslipidemia on future renal function. On the other hand, there is consistent evidence to support follow-up of high-risk groups.Background With advances in care, neonates undergoing cardiac repairs are surviving more frequently. Our objectives were to 1) estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension 6 years after neonatal congenital heart surgery and 2) determine if cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) is associated with these outcomes. Methods Two-center prospective, longitudinal single-visit cohort study including children with congenital heart disease surgery as neonates between January 2005 and December 2012. CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate less then 90 mL/min/1.73m2 or albumin/creatinine ≥3 mg/mmol) and hypertension (systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95th percentile for age, sex, and height) prevalence 6 years after surgery was estimated. The association of CS-AKI (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes definition) with CKD and hypertension was determined using multiple regression. Results Fifty-eight children with median follow-up of 6 years were evaluated. CS-AKI occurred in 58%.