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Biomedical subjects

K F Fairley

Publications and source records attributed to K F Fairley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Immunocytologic dissection of the urine sediment using monoclonal antibodies.

A method to identify nucleated nonsquamous cells in urine using monoclonal antibodies and immunoperoxidase stain is described. Cells from washed deposits of midstream urine samples were transferred to gelatinized slides in a cytocentrifuge, air-dried, acetone fixed, and subjected to microwave irradiation. Slide preparations were then treated with monoclonal antibodies with the use of a four-layer peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. It was possible to identify granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, and renal epithelial and urothelial cells. This method was found to be helpful in determining the profiles of cells in urine in acute tubular necrosis, drug-related acute interstitial nephritis, and crescentic glomerulonephritis.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis in the urinary tract.

Midstream urine samples from 106 patients presenting to the Casualty Department of The Royal Melbourne Hospital with frequency or dysuria were cultured for Gardnerella vaginalis and conventional uropathogens. Urine samples collected via an open-end catheter from 70 healthy pregnant women were examined similarly. Midstream urine and other samples, including the seminal fluids and swabs of the mouths, throats, rectums, and vaginas of 33 healthy subjects, were cultured for G. vaginalis. Another 15 female patients with proven G. vaginalis bacteriuria were given a bladder washout localization test to determine the site of infection in the urinary tract. G. vaginalis in counts greater than 10(3) CFU/ml was recovered from the midstream urine of 27 of 106 patients (25%), 7 of whom also harbored conventional pathogens in counts greater than 10(4) CFU/ml. Another 11 patients with cultures negative for G. vaginalis yielded greater than 10(4) CFU of conventional pathogens per ml. G. vaginalis was cultured (greater than 10(3) CFU/ml) from catheter samples of 19 of 70 healthy pregnant women (27%), 6 of whom also harbored greater than 10(3) CFU of conventional uropathogens per ml. Two women yielded growths of conventional pathogens only. Midstream urine samples from 13 of 13 healthy males were free of G. vaginalis, whereas 5 of 20 healthy nonpregnant females yielded greater than 10(3) CFU of G. vaginalis per ml from midstream urine samples. G. vaginalis was recovered from 4 of 12 semen samples and from urethral samples from four of seven males and four of eight females. All four culture-positive females also harbored G. vaginalis in their vaginas. There was no evidence of oral or rectal carriage of G. vaginalis in 15 healthy subjects. Localization studies with 15 female patients having underlying renal disease showed that 11 patients harbored G. vaginalis in their kidneys. The result suggest that colonization or infection of the bladder and upper urinary tract by G. vaginalis is very largely a phenomenon of females, with the highest frequency in pregnant women. The prevalence of G. vaginalis in the urinary tracts of healthy females is similar to that of symptomatic subjects. However, G. vaginalis in counts greater than 10(5) CFU/ml is more likely to be associated with urinary tract symptoms. In males, this bacterial species infects the genital tract rather than the urinary tract.

Female↗

Monoclonal antibodies: use in urine sediment examination.

Accurate identification of nucleated cells in urine can be difficult with conventional methods of microscopic urinalysis. Monoclonal antibodies were used with an immunoperoxidase technique to identify nucleated cells in urine. This new development in urinalysis is in its early stages, but it has helped to circumvent the difficulties associated with standard microscopy. The monoclonal antibody technique allowed for the identification of granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, glomerular epithelial, proximal tubular, loop of Henle, distal tubule/collecting duct, and urothelial cells in urine, and by quantifying these cells it was possible to determine the urine cell profiles in various renal diseases as well as in allograft rejection and early post-transplant acute tubular necrosis in renal allograft recipients. The cell profiles are useful in aiding the diagnosis of these conditions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Lupus anticoagulant associated with renal thrombotic microangiopathy and pregnancy-related renal failure.

The clinical features in 12 women with a circulating coagulation inhibitor (lupus 'anticoagulant') were studied and correlated with findings in 22 renal biopsies in these patients. Four of 12 women had serological evidence of systemic lupus. Only two of 23 pregnancies in these women were successful. Lesions in all biopsies were remarkably similar. Seven biopsies taken during or soon after pregnancy showed acute fibrinoid lesions. 'Acute' lesions consisted of fibrin thrombi in glomeruli arterioles and arteries and double contours in glomerular capillary walls. Biopsies carried out remote from pregnancy in these seven patients showed persisting double contours in glomeruli together with narrowing of arteries due to recanalizing thrombi and cellular intimal proliferation. All other biopsies showed similar lesions. The lesions were essentially the same as those of thrombotic microangiopathy and those described previously in post-partum renal failure. Renal function was severely impaired in four patients and showed moderate impairment in two patients at the time that acute thrombotic lesions were demonstrated in glomeruli. Renal function in two patients improved during plasma exchange therapy. Because all biopsies showed either acute, healing or healed, thrombotic lesions, it is proposed that these lesions are characteristic of the renal findings in patients with a lupus 'anticoagulant'. In all but two cases the acute lesions were seen during or soon after pregnancy.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Pregnancy in women with primary focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis.

Thirty-one pregnancies and post partum clinical course of 21 women with a diagnosis of primary focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis have been analyzed. Forty-five percent (14) of pregnancies resulted in fetal loss, 39% (12) in premature delivery and 16% (5) in a term infant. Of 17 fetuses for whom birthweight was recorded, 29% (5) were small for gestational age. Maternal renal function deteriorated in 49% (15) of pregnancies, in 13% (4) irreversibly. Three of these patients (15%) subsequently progressed to end-stage renal failure, and one to progressive chronic renal impairment, by the end of follow-up (median 4 years, range 1-25 years). In 74% (23) of pregnancies hypertension was recorded and this frequently developed early (61%) and was severe (45%). Nephrotic range proteinuria developed in 42% (13) of pregnancies. Increased proteinuria was recorded in 22 (17%) pregnancies. It is concluded that pregnancy in women with primary focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis is associated with increased fetal loss and maternal complications.

Adult↗

IgA glomerulonephritis and pregnancy.

One hundred and sixteen pregnancies in 70 women with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of IgA glomerulonephritis have been analysed. Thirty percent (35) of the fetuses died, 22% (26) were premature and 44% (52) were full term. Maternal renal function declined during pregnancy in 26% (30) and in 2% (2) this was irreversible post-partum. Hypertension developed in 52% (61) of the pregnancies and in 13% (15) this was irreversible. Increased proteinuria was recorded in 62% (74) of the pregnancies. Fetal loss in pregnancies taking place after biopsy diagnosis was lower (16%) than those in which biopsy was performed either during or following the pregnancy (36%).

Abortion, Habitual↗

Histological features of IgA glomerulonephritis as predictors of pregnancy outcome.

116 pregnancies undertaken by 70 women with IgA glomerulonephritis and their diagnostic renal biopsies have been reviewed. An IgA diffuse mesangial proliferative lesion with superimposed focal and segmental proliferative lesions (IgA FSP) on diagnostic renal biopsy was associated with a greater incidence of maternal complications than IgA diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with no superimposed lesions (IgA DMP) and IgA diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with superimposed focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis (IgA FSHS) (p less than 0.025). Patients with severe vessel lesions had a significantly greater incidence of fetal loss than those with only mild to moderate lesions (p less than 0.025).

Abortion, Habitual↗

Idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis: long-term follow-up in 139 cases.

The clinical course of 139 patients (77 male, 62 female) with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis is reviewed. The median duration of follow-up was 52 months; 45% and 25% were followed for more than 5 and 10 years respectively. The median age at presentation was 36. Fifty-four percent of patients had the nephrotic syndrome at presentation. Half of the patients were treated at some stage with cyclophosphamide or corticosteroids. During the course of follow-up some deterioration in renal function occurred in only 20% of patients. The patients who suffered deterioration in renal function were mainly male and had significantly worse renal function and a higher incidence of the nephrotic syndrome than the other patients at presentation. Only 7 male patients (5%) developed terminal renal failure during follow-up and one female presented in terminal renal failure. Survival was 88% and 81% at 5 and 10 years. The median predicted (or actual) time for development of terminal renal failure in patients with progressive deterioration was 7.3 years. These data are in accord with other recently published series which have described a relatively benign prognosis for idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis.

Adolescent↗

Pregnancy in women with diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.

The clinical course of 168 pregnancies in 91 women with non-IgA diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis has been analyzed. Twenty percent (33) of pregnancies resulted in fetal loss, 18% (31) in premature delivery and 62% (105) in a term infant. Maternal renal function declined, reversibly, in 3% (5) of pregnancies and in 48% (80) hypertension developed. In 53% (89) a significant increase in proteinuria occurred in pregnancy. Fetal and maternal complications of pregnancy occurred more frequently in patients with pre-existing hypertension although differences failed to reach statistical significance (p greater than 0.01). The presence of severe vessel lesions on the diagnostic renal biopsy was associated with a significantly higher fetal loss and prematurity rate (p less than 0.0005 and p less than 0.005, respectively).

Female↗

Renal disease in pregnancy. Three controversial areas: mesangial IgA nephropathy, focal glomerular sclerosis (focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis), and reflux nephropathy.

Whether gestation has adverse effects on the course of renal disease is controversial. Three diseases regarding which conflicting opinions are especially noteworthy are IgA nephropathy, focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis, and reflux nephropathy. We analyzed 102 pregnancies in 65 women with IgA nephropathy, noting hypertension in 63% of the gestations (severe in 18%), decreases in renal function in 22%, and biopsy evidence demonstrating a significantly greater amount of glomerular proliferation and crescents as well as focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis when the renal histology from women who were pregnant and those who had never conceived were compared. Our experience with glomerular sclerosis is limited to 28 gestations in 15 patients, but the clinical findings resemble those of women with IgA nephropathy who conceived. Finally, we analyzed 227 pregnancies in 95 women with normal renal function and reflux nephropathy comparing results to 118 gestations in 42 patients with evidence of dysfunction (serum creatinine SCr greater than 1.25 mg/dL). Women with preserved function had good outcomes in general, whereas hypertension (36%) and an accelerated decline in function (8%) were observed in the groups that had moderate renal insufficiency in the initial stage of pregnancy. Increased proteinuria was the best predictor of progression of reflux nephropathy in both groups.

Biopsy↗

Renal biopsy: indications and complications in pregnancy.

A series of 111 renal biopsies performed in 104 pregnant women during the past 20 years at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne were reviewed. The indications for biopsy and the histological findings are detailed. The complication rate was very low (4.5%). It is concluded that the procedure is safe and that renal biopsy during pregnancy yields a definitive histological diagnosis in almost all cases. The indications for renal biopsy in pregnancy are discussed.

Biopsy↗

Membranous glomerulonephritis and pregnancy.

The clinical courses of 33 pregnancies in 24 patients with biopsy proven membranous glomerulonephritis have been analyzed. Twenty-four percent (8) of pregnancies resulted in fetal loss, 43% (14) in premature delivery and 33% (11) in a live birth after 36 weeks gestation. Maternal renal function declined during pregnancy in 9% (3) of the pregnancies and in 46% (15) hypertension developed. In 55% (18) proteinuria increased significantly during pregnancy. In 30% (10) nephrotic range proteinuria was recorded in the first trimester. Presence of nephrotic range proteinuria during the first trimester correlated with both poor fetal and poor maternal outcome (p less than 0.0004 and p less than 0.0002, respectively). It is concluded that pregnancy in patients with membranous glomerulonephritis is associated with increased fetal loss and, in some instances, a worsening in maternal renal function. The literature on this topic is reviewed in relation to these findings.

Female↗

Lupus nephritis: clinical and pathological correlation.

The clinical course of 135 patients with lupus nephritis was examined long-term as part of a prospective study. Biopsies were classified according to modified WHO criteria and showed 17 per cent of patients had mild mesangial lesions, 10 per cent focal lesions, 21 per cent mild diffuse proliferative lesions, 37 per cent severe diffuse proliferative lesions and 15 per cent membranous lesions. Overall patient survival of 83 and 65 per cent at five and 10 years respectively from onset of nephritis was similar to other recently published series. In contrast to the latter, the severe proliferative group had a significantly worse outcome than the other proliferative groups (p less than 0.01) and only patients in this group progressed to end-stage renal failure. Haematuria was more common (p less than 0.05) in the severe group and there was a striking correlation between histologic activity assessed semiquantitatively (Table 1) and urinary red cell count (p less than 0.001). There was no correlation between serum creatinine, proteinuria or chronic lesions with urinary red cell count. In contrast to a previous study there was no correlation between the presence of hyaline thrombi on initial biopsy and subsequent development of glomerular sclerosis. Although the value of renal biopsy has been questioned, we suggest that it remains a most important investigation in the management of lupus nephritis. Determination of urinary red cell count provides a most useful monitor of disease activity and response to treatment.

Adult↗

Effect of pregnancy on moderate renal failure in reflux nephropathy.

During a 10 year study of women with reflux nephropathy 20 women had plasma creatinine concentrations in the range 0.2-0.4 mmol/l (2.3-4.5 mg/100 ml). Six experienced pregnancies exceeding 12 weeks' gestation. Pregnancy was associated with rapid deterioration in function in all six, resulting in end stage renal failure in four women within two years after delivery despite adequate control of blood pressure. Of the 14 women who did not have a prolonged pregnancy, four had periods of uncontrolled hypertension, all of which were related to non-compliance or loss from follow up, or both. Uncontrolled hypertension was also associated with accelerated renal failure, and all four women progressed quickly to end stage renal failure. The remaining 10 women were observed for from five to 10 years; in all 10 renal function deteriorated slowly, and none reached end stage renal failure within seven years. It is concluded that pregnancy in patients with reflux nephropathy and moderately severe renal failure has a deleterious effect on renal function.

Adult↗

Membranous glomerulonephritis and Landry-Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Two cases of idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis associated with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (Landry-Guillian-Barre syndrome) are described. In both of the patients, the onset of the nephrotic syndrome coincided with the development of severe ascending sensorimotor neuropathy. Although this association has previously been reported in four other isolated cases, it is not generally recognized by nephrologists and may be of significance in the future understanding of the immunopathogenesis of both diseases.

Aged↗

Ureaplasma urealyticum serotypes in urinary tract disease.

Ureaplasma urealyticum cultures from 124 patients with urinary tract disease were serotyped by indirect immunofluorescence, using antisera to serotypes I to VIII. A similar range of serotypes was recovered from first-voided, midstream, and bladder-aspiration (SPA) urine, upper urinary tract samples, and vaginal swabs. Serotype VI was predominant (44/124) among the samples, whereas serotypes V (1/124 samples) and VII (0/124 samples) were uncommon. Twenty of 124 cultures contained more than one serotype, and three cultures were untypeable. Serotypes cultured from bladder urine were also present in vaginal and urethral samples, although these samples often carried additional serotypes. Consecutive SPA samples from the same patient invariably contained the same serotype, whereas some consecutive midstream urine samples showed a loss or gain of serotypes with time. One patient carried the same serotype in SPA urine over a period of 13 months. The pattern of serotypes recovered from the urinary tract was similar irrespective of the sampling site, the site of infection, the clinical diagnosis and renal function of the patient, and the presence or absence of other microorganisms. Colonization above the urethra and association with urinary tract disease appeared to be serotype independent.

Bacteriuria↗

Triamterene-induced crystalluria and cylinduria: clinical and experimental studies.

We examined the occurrence of crystals and casts in the urine of healthy subjects after administration of triamterene and the site of crystal formation in experimental animals. Twenty out of twenty healthy subjects had abundant triamterene crystals and casts in acid urine after receiving a single 100 mg dose. Casts were present in the urine from 2-11 hours after administration of the diuretic. Cast formation occurred in acidic urine and was prevented by alkalinization of the urine with potassium citrate. Animal studies showed that crystallization and cast formation occurred in the medullary and papillary collecting ducts of the rat kidney. These findings provide a possible explanation for the reported nephrotoxicity of triamterene, particularly when given to patients who are receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Adult↗