Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to W C Waltzer.
The cancer family syndrome is an unusual hereditary disease rarely associated with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract. We describe the occurrence of this syndrome in a patient with bilateral transitional cell malignancies.
Cyclosporine (CsA) dose adjustment after renal transplantation is generally based on serum, plasma, or whole-blood trough level values. In the face of increased levels, the dosage is reduced in order to prevent CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. There is a paucity of data, however, on the kinetics of CsA in association with dysfunction of the transplanted kidney. This study documents dramatic rises in serum cyclosporine trough levels at the time of rejection crises, as well as following periods of nonimmunological allograft oliguria. Decreases in CsA dosage in such patients failed to result in a significant lowering in trough levels. Therapeutic CsA trough levels were generally at the 70-140 ng/ml level; at the time of rejection, the same doses of CsA resulted in a rise of trough levels to 300-500 ng/ml. As the rejection crises resolved and kidney function improved, the CsA serum trough levels returned to their lower levels. These results suggest that the urinary elimination of CsA and its metabolites may be a key determinant of CsA trough levels, and that the status of renal function at the time of testing must be considered in the interpretation of the data. In support of this observation, the CsA concentrations in 4-6 hr post-CsA-administration urine samples ranged from 400 ng/ml to 4500 ng/ml, as measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. The data suggest that rising CsA trough levels in a previously stable recipient may serve as a valuable early warning index of impending allograft dysfunction (rejection, infection, and obstruction). This appears particularly true during the first 30 days after renal transplantation, when the incidence of rejection is the greatest in this patient population.
A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of anatomic variants in living-related donor kidneys, when used in renal transplantation. 301 arteriograms were performed in the evaluation of such potential living donors over an 8-year period. 51 (16.9%) were found to have one or more radiographic abnormalities. 20 of the 51 patients (39%) were judged as not suitable for transplantation because of radiographic abnormalities. 7 of 31 patients who were accepted as organ donors declined for personal reasons. The remaining 24 patients underwent donor nephrectomy with the abnormal kidney utilized as the donor organ. In follow-up, none of the kidneys were lost because of their primary radiographic abnormality, and allograft survival of abnormal kidneys was the same as for normal kidneys transplanted under parallel circumstances. We conclude, in properly selected living donors, kidneys with anatomic variants without pathological significance can be used safely in renal allotransplantation. We do not recommend, however, transplanting kidneys with the potential for the development of progressive disease.
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Parameters of cell-mediated immune function were determined in 76 patients with end-stage renal disease. Lymphocyte subpopulations (OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, OKIa1, OKM1, OKT9, OKT10), natural killer (NK)-cell activity (percentage 51Cr release from K562 targets), and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity were measured and correlated with other variables. The results indicate that (1) uremic patients have a significant diminution in the OKT4-lymphocyte subpopulation and OKT4/OKT8 (helper/suppressor) ratio compared to normal controls; (2 blood transfusions do not induce significant alterations in the helper/suppressor-cell ratio; (3) uremic patients have a significant increase in OKM1 cells compared to normal controls; (4) the majority of uremic patients in this series developed delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity responses to recall antigens and could be de novo sensitized to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB); (5) skin-test reactivity could not be correlated with total circulating T cells or levels of any lymphocyte subpopulations; and (6) NK-cell activity in uremic patients is not significantly different from that in normal controls. These results highlight the varying levels and function of different lymphocyte subsets in patients with end-stage renal disease when they are treated with chronic maintenance hemodialysis.
A case of replacement of a damaged ureter with ileum, in a previously constructed transverse colon conduits, is reported. This is an attractive surgical alternative that deserves a place as a reconstructive procedure in the management of ureteral complications following urinary diversion.
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Ureteroceles are commonly associated with duplicated collecting systems and most often involve the ureteral orifice draining the upper pole. Obstruction, infection and parenchymal damage may result in such circumstances. Operative intervention is indicated for the preservation of renal parenchyma and the maintenance of renal function. While numerous surgical options are available in managing such situations, ureteroureterostomy is an excellent choice as it (1) avoids ureteral reimplantation and trigonal reconstruction; (2) does not require a technically difficult anastomosis; (3) avoids injury to the ipsilateral normal ureter and (4) does not risk renal injury.
Megaureter and ureteropelvic junction obstruction are not uncommon urinary tract congenital abnormalities. While each has been known to be associated with other urogenital anomalies, their association together is rarely reported. This report will describe the diagnosis and management of such a case.
Percutaneous renal biopsy is used frequently in the investigation of renal disease. While the usual complications include flank pain, hematuria and retroperitoneal hematoma, collecting system injuries rarely are reported. The diagnosis and treatment of such an injury are discussed.