Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) by definition is a disease characterized by irreversible elimination of renal function, which keeps propagating as corroborated by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of < 60 ml/min/1.73m2, the constant existence of presentation which pointed to Kidney injury (proteinuria, active sediments of urine, histological injury, structural aberrations or prior history with regards to Kidney transplantation) or both that are persistent for greaterthan 3 mths [1].

Background: Hyponatremia associated with COVID-19 is considered an independent risk factor for a prolonged hospital stay, intensive care admission, and death, but its causes and treatment are not yet well known. Many workers attribute hyponatremia associated with COVID-19 to acute kidney injury and nephropathy associated with the disease. Others suggest that it is related to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, sepsis, or hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. We report a case of persistent acute hyponatremia in a COVID-19 patient with multifactorial etiology. Case presentation: A managed 77 years with known hypertension, type II DM, ischemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease (stage 3B and on treatment) presented with post-COVID-19 pneumonia, confusion, fever, generalized fatigability, dizziness, and lower limb edema. COVID-19 ad has been diagnosed two weeks earlier with a positive nasopharyngeal swab and was managed with dexamethasone, 10 mg oral for 10 days, azithromycin, 500 mg once orally, and levofloxacin, 500 mg once orally. At presentation, laboratory investigation showed hyponatremia (127.7 mg/dl). Conclusion: The etiology of hyponatremia associated with COVID-19 is different from that in other cases of hyponatremia and its management should be individualized according to patient history and clinical assessment, and effort is needed to determine the exact cause.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the burden of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized HIV-infected patients in Sub-Saharan Africa in the “test and treat” era.Objectives: To study the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of AKI among HIV-positive medical admissions in a secondary hospital.Materials and methods: We prospectively screened adult HIV-positive patients who gave their informed consent and were admitted to the Bamenda Regional Hospital for AKI from February to June 2020. We excluded participants with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5 and those with confounders of serum creatinine. On admission and after 2-7 days, we extracted a venous blood sample from each participant to evaluate serum creatinine and diagnose AKI. The participants were then followed up on until they were discharged or died. We measured the need for dialysis, access to dialysis, and renal recovery at three months for patients with AKI. The amended KDIGO 2012 criteria were used to define and classify AKI. The University of Bamenda’s institutional review board provided ethical approval.Results: A total of 206 participants (39.8% men) were enrolled, with a mean (SD) age of 45.71(13.13) years. On enrolment, 89.8% (n = 185) of the participants were on combination antiretroviral therapy (c-ART), with 81.6% (n = 151) on tenofovir-containing regimens. The WHO HIV clinical stages 3 and 4 were present in 81.5% (n = 168) of the individuals. The most common reason for hospitalization was opportunistic infections (69.8%; n = 142). AKI was found in 30.6% (n = 63) of the patients, with 58.7% (n = 37) of them being classified as KDIGO stage 3. A total of 12 (42.9%) participants out of the 28 in need, were dialyzed. AKI was independently associated with use of traditional medicines (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.4-6.3; p = 0.006), WHO HIV stages 3 and 4 (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI 1.1-15.7; p = 0.038), hypotension (aOR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.4-7.8; p = 0.008) and low haemoglobin level ≤ 8.0 g/dl (aOR = 3.5; 95% CI 1.7-7.4; p = 0.001). The AKI group used to have a significantly higher mortality rate (42.9% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001). Renal recovery was complete in 66.7% of the 30 survivors at three months, partial in 13.3%, and no recovery in 20% of the survivors.Conclusion: Despite the growing use of combination antiretroviral medication, significant immunosuppression is still common in hospitalized HIV-positive patients, increasing the risk of AKI and worsening prognosis. In this high-risk population, early detection of AKI with renal function monitoring may improve results.

Introduction and aim: The most accurate way of measuring kidney function in GFR. Clinical formulas based on creatinine measurement may be inaccurate mainly in elderly patients (over 80 years of age). In this study we evaluated the accuracy of commonly used clinical formulas by comparing them with a direct measurement with [99mTc]-DTPA ([99mTc]-diethylene-triamine-peracetic acid) in a population of patients aged eighty and older.Material and methods: 47 patients (27 males and 20 females) with an average age of 81.9 ± 1.7 years, 80% already diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), were investigated. Two plasma samples were collected between 60-90 and 165-190 minutes after the injection of [99mTc]-DTPA and GFR were calculated. Results: When comparing the GFR values obtained from the various formulae by creatinine levels with the GFR value obtained by measuring [99mTc]-DTPA residue, the following concordance values emerged: (1) MDRD: 55.3%, (2) Cockroft-Gault 55.3% (3) CKD-EPI 57.5% (4) BIS-1 51.1%Conclusion: Our data show a poor correlation between all clinical methods and [99mTc]-DTPA, which remains a gold standard for the direct measurement of GFR.

Renal impairment is one of the most severe non-communicable diseases around the world. Especially patients with diagnosed/newly diagnosed renal impairment who needed surgery are more focused on preoperative and postoperative preparation. Serum creatinine is the prime biochemical marker for assessing renal function and the level of impairment is widely measured by this marker as well as Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Objective: Factors responsible for fluctuating serum creatinine during preoperative and postoperative periods and minimizing the process of serum creatinine is the ultimate goal of this study. Method: 37 patients participated in this cross-sectional study who were previously diagnosed/newly diagnosed. They were admitted to different tertiary-level hospitals for emergency or elective surgery. 15 patients were admitted in the renal function impairment stage and 22 were admitted as normal patients’. Values of creatinine at the pre-admission stage and 2nd/3rd post-admission follow-up were compared. Results: 0.41 was the average of 22 patients’ creatinine between pre-admission and 2nd/3rd follow-up. The responsible factor like prolonged staying, immobilization, co-morbidities, different preoperative antibiotics and NSAIDs were also inducers for creatinine elevation. After postoperative hemodialysis rapid decrease of creatinine is seen in normal patients but this decrease is very much minor in CKD-diagnosed patients. 

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a progressive loss in renal function that is more accepted as global public health importance and its magnitude is overgrowing in the least developed countries like Ethiopia. No data was found in Debre Birhan Central Ethiopia on the magnitude of chronic kidney disease among type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital from March to June 2019 in Adult (≥ 18 years) type 2 diabetes follow-up patients who volunteered to give informed written consent were included in the study. Systematic random sampling was used. Data were collected by interviews using structured and pre-tested questionnaires. Descriptive statistics of the continuous and categorical variables were done. The bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression was done to show the net effect of explanatory variables on chronic renal disease. Results: A total of 327 study participants were involved in the final analysis. The Prevalence of CKD among type 2 diabetic patients was 15.9%. A significant association was found with age > 60 years [AOR 3.5 (95% CI 1.8-6.8)], alcoholic patients [AOR 2.4 (95% CI 1.2-5.1)], glycated hemoglobin levels above 7% [AOR 2.5 (95 CI 1.5-4.1)], higher level of LDL greater than 100 g/dl [AOR 2.7 (95% CI 1.9-4)] and lower level of HDL [AOR 2.9 (95% CI 1.4-6)].Conclusion: The magnitude of chronic kidney disease among type 2 diabetic follow-up patients was 15.9%. Estimated GFR should be determined for diabetic patients at regular intervals of time for earlier diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

Background/Aim: There has been a progressive rise in the incidence and prevalence of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It has also been observed that the most important reasons for a rapid increase in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients are the rapidly increasing worldwide incidence of diabetes and hypertension. The present study evaluates the effect of diabetes, hypertension, and comorbid state of hypertension and diabetes (hypertensive-diabetic) on renal function using serum creatinine and urea as markers. Method: A total number of 120 persons were recruited for the research; 30 controls, 30 hypertensive, 30 diabetic, and 30 hypertensive-diabetic persons. Of the 30 control persons, 18 were females and 12 were males; of the 30 hypertensive subjects, 17 were females and 13 were males; of the 30 diabetics subjects, 20 were females and 10 were males, whereas of the 30 hypertensive-diabetic subjects, 21 were females and 9 were males. In total, there were seventy-six (76) females and 44 males. The respondents were pulled from Central Hospital (Auchi) Diabetic and General Clinic and Auchi Polytechnic Cottage Hospital. Verbal consent was sort and questionnaires were used to extract information regarding biodata and patients’ history of diabetes and hypertension. Height and weight were measured, and blood pressure was determined taken. Blood samples were collected into fluoride oxalate and lithium heparin bottle for the assessment of FBS and (serum urea and creatinine) respectively. Results: The mean (±SD) serum creatinine was higher in the hypertensive-diabetic group (2.08 ± 1.06) and declined as follows: diabetic group (1.75 ± 1.01), hypertensive group (1.34 ± 0.96) and control group (0.70 ± 0.14). The mean (±SD) serum urea was also found to be higher in the hypertensive-diabetic group (17.5 ± 9.06) and declined as follows: diabetic group (14.5 ± 6.13), hypertensive group (12.7 ± 6.23) and control group (7.18 ± 5.06). There was a positive correlation between serum creatinine and fasting blood sugar The study also established a positive correlation between serum creatinine and blood pressure but not between serum urea and blood pressure with r values of 0.31 and 0.16 respectively. Conclusion: Good control of blood glucose and blood pressure levels reduces the likelihood of the development of renal impairment which is usually associated with both diabetes and hypertension. Co-morbidity of diabetes and hypertension poses a higher risk of developing renal disease than individual problems of diabetes and hypertension. Serum creatinine and serum urea are important biomarkers for renal impairment hence the two should be monitored on a regular basis for diabetic and hypertensive patients and much more frequently for hypertensive-diabetic patients.

“A 40-year-old woman with melanoma, under treatment with Dabrafenib and Trametinib, was evaluated in our hospital for rapidly progressive deterioration of renal function”. 8 months before the current admission, the patient had been diagnosed with melanoma, and underwent radical surgery and subsequent therapy with Dabrafenib and Trametinib.After 5 months of therapy, the patient was brought to this hospital for precordial pain, with a diagnosis of myopericarditis, therapy was started for heart failure with a good response. However, the patient developed a progressive impairment of renal function, associated with hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The peripheral smear showed the presence of schistocytes.The suspicion of atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) was confirmed by the assay of C5B-9 induced by serum on endothelial cells, which showed a deposition of 331%, treatment with Eculizumab was initiated.After 3 administrations the patient did not improve, with further worsening of the hemolytic condition, and progression of renal damage.Due to the failure of Eculizumab, we considered the use of Ravulizumab. However, in Italy only can be administered to patients in Eculizumab stable treatment for at least three months. Nevertheless, faced with the catastrophic condition, it was decided to shift the therapy and use off-label Ravulizumab. After 10 days of the first administration, the laboratory tests showed a continuous rise in the values of haptoglobin, platelets, and hemoglobin, and a decrease in LDH. The renal function failed to return to normal values but after 20 days of therapy with Ravulizumab, there was complete resolution of the hemolytic condition.

Cognitive impairment (CI) can be defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by a decline in at least two of several domains of cognitive function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for cognitive decline, and the prevalence in patients with end-stage renal disease is estimated at 50% - 80%. However, it appears that CI in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) may be underdiagnosed. In this cross-sectional study, 33 patients on Peritoneal Dialysis from the AOU Federico II were recruited, and matched by sex, age, and dialysis age to 33 patients on Hemodialysis and 33 controls belonging to healthy volunteers. The total 66 patients and their 33 controls were assessed for cognitive function using the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq) test. Between PD and HD patients, a statistically significant difference emerged in all subscores and in the total CRI. Between PD patients and controls, a statistically significant difference emerged in education, CRI- CRI-leisure time, and the total CRI. Therefore, CI may occur in patients undergoing PD earlier and with a greater frequency than in the general population, but with a lower incidence than in patients on HD. These considerations should be communicated to patients when they are educated about different replacement methods.

Background: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) results in a reduction in patients’ life expectancy. Different risk factors affect the risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE). Although the role of kidney dysfunction in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in cardiac events has been identified, many patients with AMI are unaware of their underlying kidney disease. This study aimed to compare the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and identify predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events in the medium term among patients with and without renal dysfunction following AMI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1039 patients who were hospitalized for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) between 2018 and 2019. The patient cohort comprised 314 women (mean age: 69.8 ± 13.2 years) and 725 men (mean age: 60.5 ± 13.8 years). Patient data were obtained from the registry of patients with acute myocardial infarction and the participants were followed up for a minimum of one year following hospital discharge to assess the incidence of MACE.Results: The study found that patients with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) level below 60 had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with a GFR level of 60 or above (15.7% vs. 3.5%,p < 0.0001). The multivariate analysis showed that Diabetes Mellitus (DM), GFR, and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) are significant risk factors for cardiovascular events. (p = 0.016, p = 0.015, p = 0.006 respectively), while variables such as sex, age, and Hypertension (HTN) were not significant risk factors. There was a negative correlation between GFR and death (0.241 - = r, p < 0.0001)Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of detecting kidney disease during an AMI and managing risk factors for cardiovascular disease to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of mortality.

Background: Long-term care for patients with chronic kidney disease, whether in the pre or post-dialysis period, has a destructive impact on patients and their caregivers that can significantly worsen their quality of life. Objectives: To assess the quality of life (QOL) among caregivers of children suffering from chronic kidney disease and to identify the possible factors affecting their quality of life. Subjects and methods: Between March 2023 and May 2023, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at King Saud Medical City for caregivers of all pediatric patients aged from 6 months to 14 years with CKD stage-3B and beyond who have been followed up for at least three months in the pre or post-dialysis period since 2015. The study applied the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) to evaluate the caregivers’ quality of life. Result: A total of 95 caregivers were involved in the study. The age ranged between 24 and 53 years, with an arithmetic mean of 39.3 and a standard deviation of (± 6.6) years, and almost two-thirds (65.3%) were Saudi nationals. Most pediatric patients were on peritoneal renal dialysis (41%), whereas 29.5% were on hemodialysis. The mean and SD of the overall score was 56.10 ± 17.40 out of a possible range of 0-100. Regarding its domains, the highest score was observed regarding the social domain (62.11 ± 21.12), whereas the lowest was the physical domain (49.55 ± 18.42). After controlling for confounding, married, high socio-economic, and more educated caregivers have higher QOL scores than singles, low socio-economic, and lower knowledgeable caregivers, and the three factors together were responsible for approximately 41% variability of the QOL score (r – square = 0.406). Bivariate Pearson correlation showed significant correlations among different quality-of-life domains (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant association between quality-of-life scores and demographic characteristics of chronic kidney disease caregivers; they need the highest support to cope with their delicate patients.