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Biomedical subjects

Christopher W McIntyre

Publications and source records attributed to Christopher W McIntyre.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The haemodynamic and metabolic effects of hypertonic-glucose and amino-acid-based peritoneal dialysis fluids.

BACKGROUND: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) may exert significant effects on systemic haemodynamics. We have previously demonstrated that hypertonic glucose solutions are associated with higher blood pressure (BP) due to a rise in stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). However, the mechanisms underlying these changes have not been established. METHODS: Ten non-diabetic CAPD patients entered a randomized crossover study (eight completed) to compare conventional glucose-based fluid, biocompatible pH-neutral glucose-based fluid and 1.1% amino acid solution (lactate-buffered but completely free of glucose degradation products). BP and haemodynamic variables were measured using continuous arterial pulse wave analysis, and serial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were collected. Left ventricular (LV) diameters were measured at the start and end of each dwell period using M-mode echocardiography. RESULTS: BP was similar during 1.36% glucose and 1.1% amino acid dwells, but was significantly higher during 3.86% glucose dwells with both conventional and biocompatible fluids (P < 0.001). This was associated with a significantly higher SV and CO (P < 0.001), although the haemodynamic response differed between conventional and biocompatible 3.86% solutions. Plasma glucose and insulin levels did not differ from baseline during 1.36% and amino acid dwells, but increased significantly during 3.86% glucose dwells. Despite a significantly higher ultrafiltration volume with 3.86% glucose, LV diameters were similar throughout. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we have confirmed our previous findings demonstrating higher BP and adverse haemodynamics during 3.86% glucose dwells. These changes are associated with hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, but are not related to differences in cardiac filling.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A systematic review of the clinical effects of reducing dialysate fluid temperature.

BACKGROUND: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent complication of haemodialysis. Reducing the temperature of the dialysis fluid is a simple therapeutic strategy but is relatively underused. This may be due to concerns regarding its effects on symptoms and dialysis adequacy. We performed a systematic review of the literature to examine the effects of cool dialysis on intradialytic blood pressure, and to assess its safety in terms of thermal symptoms and small solute clearance. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, databases of ongoing trials, the contents of four major renal journals as well as hand-searching reference lists. We included all prospective randomized studies that compared any technique of reducing dialysate temperature with standard bicarbonate dialysis. These techniques included an empirical, fixed reduction of dialysate temperature or use of a biofeedback temperature-control device (BTM) to deliver isothermic dialysis or programmed patient cooling. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies comprising 408 patients were included (16 studies examined a fixed empirical temperature reduction and six examined BTM). All studies were of crossover design and relatively short duration. IDH occurred 7.1 (95% CI, 5.3-8.9) times less frequently with cool dialysis (both fixed reduction and BTM). Post-dialysis mean arterial pressure was higher with cool-temperature dialysis by 11.3 mmHg (95% CI, 7.7-15.0). No studies reported that cool dialysis led to a reduction in dialysis adequacy as assessed by urea clearance. The frequency and severity of thermal-related symptoms were generally reported inadequately. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the temperature of the dialysate is an effective intervention to reduce the frequency of IDH and does not adversely affect dialysis adequacy. This applies to the fixed reduction of dialysate temperature and BTM. It remains unclear as to what extent cool-temperature dialysis causes intolerable cold symptoms during dialysis. There are no trials comparing fixed empirical temperature reduction with BTM, and no trials examining the long-term effects of cool dialysis on patient outcomes.

Blood↗
PubMed2006

Patients receiving maintenance dialysis have more severe functionally significant skeletal muscle wasting than patients with dialysis-independent chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic renal replacement therapy patients exhibit reduction in skeletal muscle function as a result of a combination of metabolic effects and muscle fibre size reduction. The aim of this study was to compare muscle mass with function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at stages 4 and 5 on haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD), and investigate the associations of muscle wasting in a cross-sectional cohort. METHODS: We studied 134 patients (60 HD, 28 PD and 46 CKD 4). The three groups were well matched for age, sex, diabetes and dialysis vintage. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle and fat was measured from a standardized multi-slice CT scan of a 6 cm long section of thigh. CSA of soft tissue was taken from appropriate fat and muscle densities. Functional assessment was by the sit-to-stand 60 test, assessing both the number of sit-to-stands possible under controlled conditions in 60 s (STS 60), and the time taken to perform five sit-to-stand movements (STS 5). Data were collected on a wide range of potential determinants of muscle CSA. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in haemoglobin between males or females or between any of the groups studied. Serum phosphate and calcium-phosphate product were higher in HD patients as compared to CKD4 patients, but there were no differences in these variables when comparing PD patients with either CKD4 or HD patients. Muscle CSA correlated well with objective functional assessments in males (STS 60 R = 0.52, P<0.0001) and females (R = 0.41, P = 0.004), and STS performance was reduced in dialysed patients as compared with CKD 4. Univariate analysis demonstrated that muscle CSA was associated with serum albumin concentration (R = 0.49, P<0.0001), age (R = -0.35, P = 0.005) and C-reactive protein (R = -0.34, P = 0.004). Creatinine clearance, dialysis adequacy, dialysis vintage and time-averaged serum bicarbonate, calcium and phosphate concentrations were not correlated with muscle CSA. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, patients with dialysis-treated CKD 5 exhibited more functionally significant muscle wasting than patients with CKD 4. This may be amenable to modification with targeted exercise or amelioration of factors associated with observed differences in muscle mass.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2006

Occurrence of regional left ventricular dysfunction in patients undergoing standard and biofeedback dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac failure and cardiovascular death are extremely prevalent in dialysis patients. Recurrent subclinical myocardial ischemia is important in the genesis of heart failure in nondialysis patients. We examined whether this phenomenon occurs in response to the stress of hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Eight patients prone to intradialytic hypotension were recruited for a randomized crossover study to compare the development of left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities during standard (HD) and biofeedback dialysis. Patients underwent serial echocardiography with quantitative analysis to assess ejection fraction and regional left ventricular systolic function during both types of dialysis. Blood pressure and hemodynamic variables also were measured by using continuous pulse wave analysis. RESULTS: Forty-two new regional wall motion abnormalities developed in all 8 patients during HD compared with 23 regional wall motion abnormalities that developed in 7 patients during biofeedback dialysis (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.0). The majority of regional wall motion abnormalities showed improvement in function by 30 minutes postdialysis. Overall mean regional function was significantly more impaired during HD (P = 0.022). At peak stress, ejection fraction (measured by percentage of change from baseline) was significantly lower during HD (P = 0.043). Blood pressure was higher during biofeedback dialysis, with significantly fewer episodes of hypotension (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 4.4). Significantly smaller decreases in stroke volume and cardiac output and a greater increment in pulse rate were observed during biofeedback dialysis. CONCLUSION: This study shows that reversible left ventricular wall motion abnormalities develop during dialysis with ultrafiltration. We also show that this phenomenon can be ameliorated by the improved hemodynamic stability of biofeedback dialysis and therefore is a potential target for intervention.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Calcium exposure and removal in chronic hemodialysis patients.

The risks associated with calcium exposure in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients are becoming increasingly apparent. Current K/DOQI guidelines recommend an absolute maximum elemental calcium load of 2,000 mg/d, including calcium-containing medication and a maximum dialysate calcium concentration of 1.25 mmol/L (to avoid intradialytic calcium loading). The goal of this study was to characterize the total exposure to calcium from all sources that chronic HD patients are exposed to. We studied 52 patients. Each was requested to complete a 3-day food diary for analysis of daily calcium intake; 24-hour urine collections were taken and analyzed for calcium content. All patients underwent HD using Hospal Integra (Lyon, France) dialysis monitors, bicarbonate buffering, and dialysate sodium and calcium concentrations of 134 mmol/L and 1.25 mmol/L, respectively. Blood was sampled before and after HD for total serum calcium, albumin, bicarbonate, and phosphate, in addition to ionized calcium level measured at the bedside using a portable electrolyte analyzer. Calcium flux was determined from measurements of ionized calcium levels in dialyzer inlet samples and those in continuous partial waste dialysis collection (with reference to total waste dialysate and ultrafiltration volumes). There was marked interpatient variability of total calcium exposure; the mean was 2,346 +/- 293 mg (range, 230 to 7,309 mg) per day. The majority of enteral calcium exposure was from calcium-containing phosphate binders, with diet providing only a mean load of 581 +/- 34 mg (range, 230 to 1,309 mg). Calcium removal was evident in 83% of patients. Mean calcium flux was -187 +/- 232 mg (range, -486 to 784 mg). There was a linear correlation observed between the amount of calcium removed during dialysis and the predialysis ionized plasma calcium concentration, r2 = 0.42, P < .001 (calculated from actual measured dialysate ionized calcium concentration). This shows that calcium flux across the dialysis membrane is determined by the diffusion gradient. The amount of calcium removed during dialysis was found to be independent of exogenous calcium load. These results support previous reported data showing that the majority of HD patients are continually experiencing calcium overload. This may have a contributory role in the development of vascular calcification. In contrast to recent K/DOQI recommendations, an upper dialysate concentration of 1.25 mmol/L may not be ideal for every patient. To minimize the effects of exogenous calcium overload, dialysate concentrations should be prescribed with reference to plasma calcium levels.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Continuous online monitoring of ionic dialysance allows modification of delivered hemodialysis treatment time.

Considerable intrinsic intrapatient variability influences the actual delivery of Kt/V. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of using continuous online assessment of ionic dialysance measurements (Kt/V(ID)) to allow dialysis sessions to be altered on an individual basis. Ten well-established chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients without significant residual renal function were studied (mean age 65+/-4.3 [38-81] years, mean length of time on dialysis 66+/-18 [14-189] months). These patients had all been receiving thrice-weekly 4-hr dialysis using Integra dialysis monitors. Dialysis monitors were equipped with Diascan modules permitting measurement of Kt/V(ID). Predicted treatment time required to achieve a Kt/V(ID) > or = 1.1 (equivalent to a urea-based method of 1.2) was calculated from the delivered Kt/V(ID) at 60 and 120 min. Treatment time was reprogrammed at 2 hr (ensuring all planned ultrafiltration would be accommodated into the new modified session duration). Owing to practical issues, and to avoid excessively short dialysis times, these changes were censored at no more than+/-10% of the usual 240-min treatment time (210-265 min). Data were collected from a total of 50 dialysis sessions. Almost all sessions (47/50) required modification of the standard treatment time: 13/50 sessions were lengthened and 34/50 shortened (mean length of session 232.2+/-2.5 [210-265] min). A Kt/V(ID) of > or = 1.1 was achieved in 39/50 sessions. The difference in mean urea-based Kt/V poststudy (1.3+/-0.05 [1.1-1.6]) and mean achieved Kt/V(ID) (1.16+/-0.02 [0.7-1.37]) was significant (p = 0.002). The use of individualized variable dialysis treatment time using online ionic dialysance measurements of Kt/V(ID) appears both practicable and effective at ensuring consistently delivered adequate dialysis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Vascular calcification and cardiovascular function in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification and arterial stiffening are independent predictors of all causes and cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Few data are currently available comparing vascular calcification and its attendant functional cardiovascular consequences between CKD stage 4 patients and both peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD) (CKD stage 5) patients. METHOD: We studied 134 subjects (60 HD, 28 PD and 46 CKD 4). Vascular calcification was quantified using multi-slice spiral CT scanning of a 5 cm standardized segment of superficial femoral artery. Pulse wave analysis and pulse wave velocity were assessed using applanation tonometry, to determine arterial compliance. Further digital arterial pulse wave analysis was used to measure systemic haemodynamic variables. All medications were recorded and biochemical variables were time averaged for the 6 months prior to entering the study. RESULTS: Forty-seven percent of CKD 4 patients demonstrated vascular calcification as compared with CKD 5 (71% PD and 73% HD, P = 0.02). HD patients had higher calcification scores (median 121) than either PD (median 21) or CKD 4 (median 0) (P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. Comparing tertiles of patients (based on calcification score), increased calcification score was associated with a reduction in arterial compliance (mean PWV 8.9 +/- 1.1, 11 +/- 3.6, 11.3 +/- 3.7 m/s, P = 0.005). The degree of calcification did not influence systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP or heart rate. However, more heavily calcified patients demonstrated significantly higher mean pulse pressures (58 +/- 19, 74 +/- 22 and 72 +/- 25 mmHg, P = 0.001), lower total peripheral resistance (1.5 +/- 1, 1.3 +/- 0.8, 0.9 +/- 0.4, P = 0.01) and higher stroke volume (84 +/- 25, 95 +/- 29, 106 +/- 39 ml, P = 0.01). More heavily calcified patients were significantly older and predominantly male. CONCLUSION: This study has successfully utilized a novel technique for the quantification of calcification. We have demonstrated vascular calcification and associated cardiovascular dysfunction in CKD 4, PD and HD with significant differences between the groups. Thirty percent of individuals show no calcification, even those established on renal replacement therapy for a prolonged period of time. Further work is required to identify factors which promote progression of arterial calcification in those who are susceptible.

Calcinosis↗
PubMed2005

Online measurement of haemoglobin concentration.

BACKGROUND: Regular monitoring of haemoglobin in chronic haemodialysis patients is essential to ensure that targets for anaemia management are consistently achieved. Repeated blood sampling can be time consuming, invasive and, for pragmatic reasons, only infrequently performed, often delaying therapeutic change. On-line optical continuous monitoring of the haemoglobin concentration would allow non-invasive assessment of haemoglobin, and immediate therapeutic changes could be implemented, thereby improving the efficiency of anaemia management. This study aimed to evaluate the use of on-line haemoglobin concentration measurement. METHODS: Eleven dialysis monitors (Integra Hospal) were calibrated using at least five haemoglobin samples spread over at least 4 g/dl. Optical measurement of haemoglobin concentration is already incorporated into the dialysis monitor to allow the study of relative blood volume. Fifteen patients were studied with paired haemoglobin measurements (i.e. dialysis monitor value and conventional laboratory assessment) taken at intervals over 7 months (mean 11.0+/-0.28 g/dl, range 7.5-14.8). RESULTS: Haemoglobin measured by Hemoscan correlated well with the laboratory measurements (r2 = 0.83, P<0.0001), indicating that the machine values are broadly comparable with laboratory figures. There was a mean underestimate of haemoglobin by Hemoscan of 0.34%. There was no significant deterioration in the quality of this correlation over the study period (r2>0.8). CONCLUSION: The ability of the dialysis monitor to measure the optical concentration of haemoglobin compared with conventional laboratory assessment is both precise and accurate. Regular on-line assessment of haemoglobin may allow more proactive micromanagement of renal anaemia, with a reduction in the time taken to achieve clinically important targets and give early warning of suboptimal response to treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Hypertonic glucose-based peritoneal dialysate is associated with higher blood pressure and adverse haemodynamics as compared with icodextrin.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the haemodynamic effects of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) despite its widespread use in the management of end-stage renal failure. We undertook a study to delineate the haemodynamic effects of CAPD using glucose-containing fluids (1.36 and 3.86% glucose) and icodextrin. METHODS: Eight CAPD patients were recruited for a prospective crossover study. Patients attended for two investigatory days (in random order). CAPD was carried out using 1.36% followed by 3.86% glucose (buffered with lactate/bicarbonate, Physioneal) on one study day and 1.36% glucose followed by 7.5% icodextrin (Extraneal) on the other day. Dwell times were 150 min. Blood pressure (BP) and a full range of haemodynamic variables including pulse (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured non-invasively using continuous arterial pulse wave analysis. RESULTS: BP was significantly higher during 3.86% glucose dwells as compared with 1.36% glucose or icodextrin dwells (P<0.0001). TPR during all three dwells was similar; the higher blood pressure was due to an increased HR, SV and, therefore, CO during 3.86% glucose dwells. The higher blood pressure during the 3.86% glucose dwells was present despite the highest ultrafiltration volume and sodium removal. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates large magnitude haemodynamic changes in response to CAPD. In addition to the well-recognized adverse effects on blood glucose and long-term peritoneal membrane viability, CAPD fluids containing high glucose concentrations may also exert undesirable effects on systemic haemodynamics, with potential long-term consequences for patient outcomes.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Length of interdialytic interval influences serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Higher levels of serum phosphorus and calcium are associated with increased haemodialysis (HD) patient mortality. Both of these factors act synergistically to promote vascular smooth muscle differentiation to an osteoblast-like phenotype and subsequent vascular calcification. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of interdialytic interval on serum levels, as well as the influence of oral calcium-based phosphate binder load on the magnitude of the observed differences. METHODS: We studied 100 patients undergoing HD three times per week, over a 2 week period. Haemoglobin, albumin, calcium and phosphate were measured pre-dialysis before each HD session. Oral phosphate binder usage was recorded. All patients were treated with dialysate containing 1.25 mEq/l calcium. RESULTS: Both mean serum phosphate and calcium were higher after the long interdialytic interval (1.59+/-0.05 vs 1.45+/-0.04 mmol/l, P = 0.0005, and 2.46+/-0.03 vs 2.4+/-0.02 mmol/l, P = 0.001, for serum phosphate and uncorrected calcium, respectively). There were no significant differences in haemoglobin or serum albumin, indicating that variable dilution from an increased hydration status in the long interdialytic interval was unlikely to contribute to these observed differences. A total of 74 patients were treated with calcium-containing binders and 26 patients with sevelamer. Patients on sevelamer did not exhibit the observed cyclical increase in serum calcium seen in patients on calcium-containing binders (mean difference in serum calcium 0.09+/-0.01 mmol/l in the calcium-treated group vs 0.01+/-0.01 mmol/l in the sevelamer-treated patients, P = 0.0004). The increase in serum calcium after the long interval as compared with the short interval was proportional to the daily amount of the oral calcium-containing binder load ingested (r = 0.63, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Cyclical differences in interdialytic interval and overall exposure to both dietary phosphate and oral calcium load influence serum levels. This may have consequences for registry reporting, therapy modulation and potentially the pathogenesis of accelerated vascular calcification seen in HD patients.

Calcium↗
PubMed2005

Reduced baroreflex sensitivity is associated with increased vascular calcification and arterial stiffness.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular calcification is a critical determinant of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients. The pathophysiology underlying this observation remains obscure. Baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) is important in the maintenance of an appropriate cardiovascular status both at rest and under the physiological stress of HD. BRS is determined by both the mechanical properties of the vascular wall, mediating the transfer of transmural pressure, and afferent and efferent autonomic function. We aimed to study the association between arterial structure, function and BRS in chronic HD patients. METHODS: We studied 40 chronic HD patients mean age 62+/-2 (26-86) years who had received HD for a mean 40+/-4 (9-101) months. Spontaneous BRS was assessed using software studying the relationship between inter-beat variability and beat to beat changes in systolic blood pressure. Functional characteristics of conduit arteries (pulse wave analysis) were studied with applanation tonometry at the radial artery. Arterial calcification was assessed in lower limbs using reconstructed multi-slice computed tomography and quantified with volume-corrected calcification scores within the superficial femoral artery. RESULTS: Mean BRS was 4.43+/-0.44 ms/mmHg, with a wide range from 1.0 to 11.5 ms/mmHg. This correlated with arterial stiffness as measured by time to shoulder calculated from the central pulse wave analysis (r = 0.4, P = 0.01). BRS was also associated with vascular calcification (P = 0.01) but not by other factors such as dialysis vintage, age or pre-dialysis systolic/diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION: The reduction in BRS and the resulting aberrant blood pressure response to the physiological stress and volume changes of HD may be important in the further understanding of the pathophysiology of the increased mortality in HD patients with vascular calcification.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The assessment of baroreflex sensitivity in patients with chronic kidney disease: implications for vasomotor instability.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Autonomic dysfunction is well recognized in chronic kidney disease. The baroreflex arc is an important component of the autonomic nervous system and influences vasodilatation and heart rate in response to information derived from baroreceptors located in the aorta and common carotid arteries. Appropriate regulation of systemic blood pressure is therefore dependent upon the integrity and normal function of the baroreflex arc. Vasomotor instability during haemodialysis has traditionally been identified as a pathophysiological state largely due to the failure of compensatory mechanisms during ultrafiltration. This review article discusses autonomic dysfunction as a key factor contributing to the systemic haemodynamic instability that may occur during dialysis. RECENT FINDINGS: Relationships have begun to be established between markers of reduced baroreflex sensitivity and abnormal cardiovascular structure, such as left ventricular dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy and arterial stiffness. SUMMARY: Pathological relationships between cardiovascular structure and function remain important in the understanding of both haemodynamic instability and cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. Understanding the associations between conventional markers of haemodynamic instability and autonomic function will allow early identification of patients likely to benefit from individualizing dialysis therapy.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗
PubMed2004

Impaired release of interleukin-6 from human osteoblastic cells in the uraemic milieu.

BACKGROUND: Osteoblast-derived interleukin-6 (IL-6) affects bone metabolism and is linked with a number of pathological states characterized by increased bone resorption, including osteoporosis and renal osteodystrophy. To examine the possibility that uraemia directly influences the release of this cytokine in bone, we have investigated the effect of human uraemic serum on the release of IL-6 from human osteoblast-like cells. METHODS: Individual serum samples collected from healthy male volunteers or male haemodialysis patients prior to and during a dialysis treatment were assayed for IL-6, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. MG-63 and SaOS-2 cells were cultured in media containing pooled sera from both groups and alongside matching charcoal-stripped sera. IL-6 concentrations were determined in harvested cell supernatants after 24 h. In further experiments, media containing individual sera obtained from five patients at regular intervals during their haemodialysis treatment were incubated with MG-63 cells to determine the effects of the dialysis process on IL-6 secretion. RESULTS: Haemodialysis patients had significantly higher (n = 10, P < 0.001) circulating concentrations of IL-6 (7.0 +/- 1.6 pg/ml) than normal subjects (0.4 +/- 0.1 pg/ml), but there were no significant differences in the concentrations of either IL-1beta or sIL-6R. These serum concentrations did not change significantly during 80 min of dialysis. IL-6 release by MG-63 cells incubated with charcoal-stripped serum from normal or from uraemic subjects was similar. Incubation with untreated sera from normal subjects increased IL-6 release by approximately 6-fold above the charcoal-stripped control, whereas sera from uraemic subjects increased IL-6 release by only approximately 2- to 3-fold (normal vs uraemic of 6878 +/- 595 and 2579 +/- 169 pg/ml, respectively, P < 0.001). Similar results were seen with SaOS-2 cells. Haemodialysis did not restore the capacity of uraemic serum to augment IL-6 release to the same degree as normal serum. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the augmentation of IL-6 release from human osteoblastic cells after incubation with normal serum is greater than after uraemic serum. This may indicate the presence of an inhibitor of IL-6 release in uraemic serum that is involved in the deranged bone turnover of uraemic patients.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2004

Venography at insertion of tunnelled internal jugular vein dialysis catheters reveals significant occult stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Tunnelled catheters are widely used to provide vascular access for haemodialysis. Percutaneous insertion of these catheters requires large calibre tissue dilators with the potential to cause trauma to central veins, particularly if anatomical abnormalities are present. METHODS: We evaluated the use of venography to identify central vein anatomical abnormalities in 69 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous placement of tunnelled right internal jugular vein catheters. The internal jugular vein was entered under ultrasound guidance and venography was performed prior to insertion of a guide-wire. Images were evaluated on-screen by the operator and a decision made regarding the need for additional fluoroscopy during insertion of the catheter. RESULTS: In 29 cases (42%), venography showed evidence of unexpected stenosis and/or angulation of the central veins of sufficient severity to warrant additional fluoroscopy during insertion of the dilators, or abandonment of the procedure. Patients who had previously had tunnelled internal jugular catheters had more than double the incidence of such abnormalities than those who had not [15/23 (65%) vs 14/46 (30%); P = 0.009]. In two patients the procedure was abandoned due to severe stenosis. No patient suffered central vein trauma or pneumothorax. There were no adverse reactions to contrast injection. CONCLUSIONS: Venography performed immediately prior to tunnelled internal jugular dialysis catheter insertion detects unexpected, clinically significant anatomical abnormalities of the central veins in a substantial proportion of patients, particularly those with a history of previous tunnelled catheter insertion. We suggest that the use of venography may help to minimize the risk of complications from this procedure.

Aged↗