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Biomedical subjects

P M ter Wee

Publications and source records attributed to P M ter Wee.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[New study evaluating online haemodiafiltration for the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis].

Removal of uraemic toxins can be increased by online haemodiafiltration. At present, it is unclear whether online haemodia-filtration ultimately improves clinical outcomes in chronic haemodialysis patients. The Dutch 'Convective transport study' (CONTRAST) is an ongoing trial comparing standard haemodialysis with online haemodiafiltration. This randomised controlled trial will provide substantial clinical evidence on the effects of haemodiafiltration on fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, compared with standard haemodialysis.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

Risk factors determining active urinary stone formation in patients with urolithiasis.

AIMS: The goal of clinical and metabolic evaluation of patients with urinary stones is to identify patients at high risk for recurrent stone formation and as such, to allow the practitioner to suggest preventive therapies. However, knowledge about risk factors for active stone formation in patients with urolithiasis is limited. This study was initiated to assess the significance of several metabolic and clinical parameters for the determination of the risk of active stone formation. METHODS: Study in 320 consecutive outpatients referred to our clinic for metabolic analysis. Clinical and metabolic parameters were determined by standardized procedures of questionnaires, serum biochemical profiles and urinalysis. RESULTS: In 21.5% of 284 patients with complete data stone formation was active. Hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia and urinary tract infections had odds ratios for active stone formation above 2.5, whereas the odds ratio of a positive family history was 0.38. Hyperuricosuria, hyperoxaluria and a low urinary volume did not influence the risk for active stone formation. CONCLUSION: The risk profile for active stone formation differs from the risk profile for urolithiasis in general. Metabolic evaluation and determination of those risk factors in patients with urolithiasis might improve the estimation of the risk of future stone formation.

Adult↗

[Chronic renal insufficiency: refer in time].

Three patients reaching end-stage renal failure were referred to an internist-nephrologist. A 53-year old woman was referred late, with several late complications of chronic renal failure such as secondary hyperparathyroidism and signs of left ventricular hypertrophy. In addition she suffered from complications of a temporary vascular access required for intermittent haemodialysis prior to commencing peritoneal dialysis. A 52-year old man was referred early, resulting in reduced late complications of chronic renal failure and the timely start of peritoneal dialysis. An 84-year old man was referred for optimization of metabolic control and to be informed about the possibilities and consequences of renal replacement therapy, which he subsequently refused. With early consultation or referral to a nephrologist (i.e. when the creatinine clearance is < 30 ml/min) complications associated with chronic renal insufficiency can be identified and treated early, with the intention of preventing or reducing their impact, resulting in reduced morbidity and death, even after starting dialysis treatment.

Aged↗

[Treatment of patients with chronic renal insufficiency; a guideline for internists].

Early optimalization of the treatment of patients with chronic renal insufficiency can reduce morbidity and deaths. For each patient with a raised serum creatinine concentration, the creatinine clearance should be measured or calculated. When this is abnormal, the cause thereof should be investigated. Chronic renal insufficiency is often progressive, even when the initiating factors are no longer present. Progression can be delayed by treating the high blood pressure, proteinuria and hyperlipidemia by means of a restricted protein diet and advice not to smoke. Acute deterioration of an existing chronic renal dysfunction through dehydration and underfill or through the use of certain medications or toxic substances such as radio-opaque media should be avoided. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency specific attention should be paid not only to hypertension, lipid disturbances, smoking and weight, but also to the calcium-phosphate balance, anaemia and homocysteine levels. The blood pressure, oedema and weight of patients with a clearance between 30-59 ml/min should be checked 2-3 times a year, in addition to laboratory tests for Hb, Ht, creatinine, urea, potassium, calcium, phosphate, pH, bicarbonate and lipid spectrum. It is recommended that when creatinine clearance (< 50 ml/min) falls a nephrologist should be consulted at least once with respect to the strategy to be followed. Symptoms of chronic renal insufficiency can occur when the creatinine clearance is < 30 ml/min. This relates to: sodium retention, imbalances in the calcium and phosphate levels, anaemia, uraemia, water retention, potassium retention and metabolic acidosis. Referral should take place at a creatinine clearance of < or = 30 ml/min.

Creatinine↗

The application of animal models to study the biocompatibility of bicarbonate-buffered peritoneal dialysis solutions.

The application of animal models to study the biocompatibility of bicarbonate-buffered peritoneal dialysis solutions. Patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) are at risk for development of ultrafiltration failure and peritonitis. These two significant complications can result in the termination of PD treatment. The relative unphysiologic composition of the currently used standard peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF) is considered to be a major cause for the development of morphologic changes of the peritoneal membrane, ultimately resulting in ultrafiltration failure and probably contributing to changes in local defense mechanisms with the associated increased risk of peritonitis. In recent years, a major research focus has become the development of new and improved PD solutions. This has resulted in the development of an amino-acid-based PDF, a glucose polymer-based PDF, and several bicarbonate-buffered PDF. Typically, the first phase of biocompatibility testing of new PD solutions involves in vitro testing, employing isolated cells such as peritoneal macrophages or cell culture systems using human peritoneal mesothelial cells. The results of such evaluations are useful in providing insights into the biocompatibility performance of any given formulation, but suffer from several disadvantages, which can be better addressed using animal models. In vivo studies using animals permit the analysis of biocompatibility under conditions that allow for cell-to-cell interactions and dynamic changes in solution composition that more closely mimic the clinical situation. In this paper, we will review the use of animal models for the study of PDF biocompatibility and their application to the assessment of bicarbonate-buffered PDF.

Animals↗

Clinical experience with two physiologic bicarbonate/lactate peritoneal dialysis solutions in automated peritoneal dialysis.

UNLABELLED: Clinical experience with two physiologic bicarbonate/lactate peritoneal dialysis solutions in automated peritoneal dialysis. BACKGROUND: Patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) usually receive larger volumes of dialysis solution and more frequent, shorter exchanges than patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and therefore are likely to derive greater benefit from more physiologic solutions. METHODS: Peritoneal dialysis solutions containing 25 mmol/L bicarbonate and either 10 or 15 mmol/L lactate were compared with standard lactate solutions (35 or 40 mmol/L) in two prospective, open-label studies of patients on APD. Each study included a 2-week baseline period (lactate solution), a 6-week treatment period (bicarbonate/lactate solution), and a 2-week follow-up period (same lactate solution as baseline). Biochemical analyses and assessments of vital signs and safety parameters were conducted at baseline, every 2 weeks during treatment, and at the end of the follow-up period. A product use questionnaire was administered in one study at the end of treatment. RESULTS: A statistically significant rise in plasma bicarbonate (approximately 2 mmol/L) occurred when patients switched from a lactate solution to the bicarbonate/lactate solution with equimolar buffer concentration (P < 0.001 for each solution). Plasma bicarbonate decreased by 1.16 mmol/L after a switch from lactate 40 mmol/L to bicarbonate/lactate 35 mmol/L (P < 0.001). When patients switched to bicarbonate/lactate 35, the majority of individual venous plasma bicarbonate values were in the normal range. A switch from a lower calcium (1.25 mmol/ L) lactate solution to a higher calcium (1.75 mmol/L) lactate/bicarbonate solution resulted in a statistically significant rise in serum calcium (0.06 mmol/L, P < 0.018). The product use questionnaire revealed improvements in symptoms, including reduced pain on infusion. CONCLUSION: Bicarbonate/lactate solutions may be used safely and effectively in patients on APD. The availability of 2 formulations with different buffer and calcium content provides flexibility for the control of acidosis as well as calcium balance.

Automation↗

The effect of profiled hemodialysis on intradialytic hemodynamics when a proper sodium balance is applied.

BACKGROUND: Profiled hemodialysis (HD) has been claimed to ameliorate intradialytic complications such as hypotension. Frequently, these profiles are based on providing the patient with an accumulating sodium load. This increases the risk of interdialytic complications, such as hypertension and increased weight gain. The present study investigated the effect of profiled HD, without an accompanying sodium loading, on intradialytic hemodynamics in stable HD patients. METHODS: In eight stable HD patients a standard hemodialysis (S-HD) was compared to a decreasing Na(+)-profiled hemodialysis (Na-HD), and an ultrafiltration profiled hemodialysis (UF-HD). Care was taken to have the sodium balances similar during these sessions. The patients were monitored non-invasively during dialysis with respect to their cardiac performance by means of electrical impedance cardiography, their variation in blood volume by means of an on-line optical measurement, and their hydration state by means of body impedance analysis. RESULTS: Sodium balance and mean arterial sodium concentrations were similar in the three treatments. Intradialytic hemodynamics during UF-HD were similar to those of S-HD. However, Na-HD improved blood pressure preservation, remarkably without significant blood volume preservation, due to a better stroke volume preservation in the first hour of dialysis. CONCLUSION: Sodium-balanced, Na-profiled HD improves blood pressure preservation in stable HD patients without providing the patients with a sodium load. This effect is due to a better stroke volume preservation early in dialysis, without a significant reduction in blood volume decrease. UF-HD, as mono-therapy, has no beneficial effect on intradialytic hemodynamics in stable patients.

Aged↗

Capillary recruitment is impaired in essential hypertension and relates to insulin's metabolic and vascular actions.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with essential hypertension, defects in both the metabolic and vascular actions of insulin have been described. Impaired microvascular function, a well-established abnormality in essential hypertension, may explain part of these defects. In the present study we investigated whether microvascular function is impaired in essential hypertension and relates to insulin's metabolic and vasodilatatory actions. METHODS: We measured 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, capillary recruitment after arterial occlusion, and skin blood flow responses to iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside in 18 subjects with untreated essential hypertension and in 18 control subjects. Whole body insulin sensitivity and leg insulin-mediated vasodilatation were assessed with the hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique and plethysmography. RESULTS: Hypertensive, as compared to normotensive, subjects had a decreased insulin sensitivity (0.8+/-0.3 vs. 1.7+/-0. 6 mgkg(-1)min(-1) per pmoll(-1); P<0.001), capillary recruitment after arterial occlusion (21.5+/-5.8 vs. 45.9+/-10.4%; P<0.001), acetylcholine-mediated vasodilatation (331+/-84 vs. 688+/-192%; P<0. 001), and insulin-mediated vasodilatation (median 29.3 vs. 47.2%; P<0.05). Correlation analyses with adjustment for sex, age, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio showed significant relationships of capillary recruitment after arterial occlusion with blood pressure (r=-0.68; P<0.01), insulin sensitivity (r=+0.55; P<0.01) and insulin-mediated vasodilatation (r=+0.51; P<0.05), which extended from the normotensive to the hypertensive range. CONCLUSION: Skin microvascular function is associated with blood pressure and insulin's metabolic and vasodilatatory actions, both in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. These findings offer a potential mechanistic explanation of the links among insulin resistance, impaired insulin-mediated vasodilatation and hypertension.

Adult↗

A scanning electron microscopy analysis of a spontaneous hemodialysis catheter fracture.

Central venous catheters have become increasingly important in hemodialysis treatment. With their increased use, catheter-related problems will be seen more frequently, and more rare complications may be observed. We describe the first case of asymptomatic spontaneous breakdown of a tunneled cuffed silicone catheter used for long-term hemodialysis treatment. This was discovered on removal of the catheter, leaving behind a catheter fragment in the left lower pulmonary lobe. An extensive scanning electron microscopy study showed accumulation of lumps of nonsilicone material at the place of the fracture, leading to severe disruption of the original cross-linked elastomer structure. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectral analysis, which shows all elements with an atomic number of 11 or greater in a material, we found the lumps were aggregates of barium sulfate particles used to visualize the catheter on fluoroscopy. We suggest that the use of too small or too many barium sulfate particles led to high viscosity of the raw silicone before polymerization, causing improper mixing of barium sulfate particles in the silicone matrix. This resulted in insufficient removal of admixed air bubbles and unequal dispersion of barium sulfate, with the potential for weak spots after extrusion of the silicone into its definitive shape. With the increasing use of hemodialysis catheters for prolonged periods, catheter-related complications related to materials or manufacturing errors can be expected to occur more often.

Barium Sulfate↗

Accumulation of omental mast cells during peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: New vessel formation has been reported in various tissues during peritoneal dialysis (PD). In that line, mast cells can produce factors such as tryptase, chymase, or basic fibroblast growth factor that might contribute to the formation of new vessels. In the present study, the association of mast cells with neovascularization during PD was investigated. METHODS: Rats received daily 10 mL infusions of conventional 3.86% glucose-containing PD fluid over a 10-week period. The infusions were delivered through a subcutaneously implanted mini access port that was connected by catheter to the peritoneal cavity. Untreated rats served as a control group. The number of blood vessels and of mast cells in the omentum were counted. Also, the number of peritoneal mast cells was determined. RESULTS: Chronic exposure to PD fluid resulted in an increased number of mast cells in the omentum. However, no clear correlation was found between the elevated number of omental blood vessels and the number of mast cells in the omentum or in the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Omental mast cells accumulated dramatically upon exposure to PD fluid. The actual role of accumulated omental mast cells in the induction of angiogenesis during PD should, however, be further investigated.

Animals↗

Birth weight relates to blood pressure and microvascular function in normal subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between low birth weight and elevated blood pressure in adult life is well established but presently unexplained. Both microvascular dysfunction and insulin resistance have been proposed as a possible explanation. We have examined the relation between birth weight and blood pressure in 30 healthy subjects exhibiting a wide range of insulin sensitivity, and assessed whether microvascular function and/or insulin resistance may underlie this relationship. METHODS: Birth weight data were obtained from birth announcements. Blood pressure was measured with an ambulatory blood pressure monitor and insulin sensitivity was assessed by the hyperinsulinaemic, euglycaemic clamp technique. Microvascular function, i.e. capillary recruitment and endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatation in the skin, was evaluated by videomicroscopy and iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. RESULTS: Birth weight was significantly associated with blood pressure (r= -0.50; P< 0.05), capillary recruitment (r= +0.52; P< 0.05), acetylcholine-mediated vasodilatation (r= +0.40; P< 0.05), insulin sensitivity (r= +0.62; P< 0.01) and waist-to-hip ratio (r= -0.42; P< 0.05). Regression analysis showed a significant association of birth weight with 24 h systolic blood pressure (regression coefficient: -7.6 mmHg/kg; 95% confidence interval: -13.0 to -1.0). Adjustment for capillary recruitment and waist-to-hip ratio decreased the regression coefficient by 39 and 41%, respectively. The results were similar after adjustment for age, sex or body mass index. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that capillary recruitment and body fat distribution may partly explain the relationship between birth weight and blood pressure.

Adult↗

Effects of insulin and atrial natriuretic peptide on renal tubular sodium handling in sickle cell disease.

We assessed the effect of insulin and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on renal sodium handling in eight patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), who are characterized by loss of vasa recta and long loops of Henle, and matched control subjects. During insulin infusion (50 mU. kg(-1). h(-1)), fractional sodium excretion decreased by 0.44 +/- 0.72% (P = 0.13) in patients with SCD and by 0. 57 +/- 0.34% (P = 0.002) in control subjects, whereas fractional distal sodium reabsorption increased by 4.1 +/- 1.5% (P < 0.001) and 3.0 +/- 1.5% (P < 0.001), respectively. Low-dose (0.3 pmol. kg(-1). h(-1)) ANP infusion did not affect renal sodium handling in patients with SCD but increased fractional sodium excretion by 0.34 +/- 0.22% (P = 0.003) in control subjects. High-dose (2 microg/min) ANP increased natriuresis to a similar extent in both groups. Insulin's antinatriuretic effects predominated over the natriuretic effects of low-dose, but not high-dose, ANP. These data suggest that insulin's antinatriuretic effect is localized at a distal tubular site other than the long loops of Henle and that the long loops are involved in the natriuretic effect of low-dose ANP, possibly mediated by changes in medullary blood flow.

Absorption↗

Carotid artery stiffness in patients with end-stage renal disease: no effect of long-term homocysteine-lowering therapy.

BACKGROUND: The excess of cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is unexplained, but could relate to altered intrinsic vascular wall properties, such as increased arterial stiffness, which could be mediated by hyperhomocysteinemia. We investigated potential determinants of carotid artery stiffness in ESRD patients and the effect of long-term homocysteine-lowering treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients on maintenance dialysis treatment were studied at baseline. Fourty-one patients completed the treatment protocol, which consisted of a 12-week treatment with folic acid 5 mg daily with or without betaine 4 g per day, and of 1 or 5 mg of folic acid thereafter for 40 weeks. Both phases were randomized. Compliance and distensibility coefficients (CC and DC) and the stiffness index (beta) of the common carotid artery were determined at baseline and after 52 weeks of treatment using a non-invasive vessel wall movement detector system. RESULTS: At baseline, plasma total homocysteine was elevated (44.1+/-33.7 micromol/l), but showed no relationship with CC, DC or beta. Age and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were the only independent determinants of CC and DC, whereas beta was associated with age only. Plasma homocysteine showed a sustained decrease after therapy (20.7+/-9.0 micromol/l at week 52). No significant changes occurred in CC (from 0.59+/-0.21 to 0.60+/-0.22 mm2/kPa; p = 0.47), in DC (from 14.9+/-6.1 to 15.3+/-6.2 10(-3)/kPa; p = 0.55), or in beta (from 10.9+/-4.7 to 11.2+/-4.4; p = 0.64). No independent determinants were detected for the change in CC, whereas the change in DC was inversely related to the change in MAP (stand. r = -0.58; p<0.0002). The decrease in MAP after therapy was significant (p = 0.003) and was related to the dialysis mode (p = 0.003) and smoking status (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Folic acid treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia has no major effect on carotid artery stiffness in chronic dialysis patients. The results do, however, emphasize the importance of tight blood pressure control in these patients.

Age Factors↗

Assessment of the effectiveness, safety, and biocompatibility of icodextrin in automated peritoneal dialysis. The Dextrin in APD in Amsterdam (DIANA) Group.

OBJECTIVE: Our study assessed the efficacy, safety, and biocompatibility of icodextrin (I) solution compared to glucose (G) solution as the daytime dwell in continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). DESIGN: In a randomized, open, prospective, parallel group study of two year's duration, either I or G was used for the long daytime dwell in CCPD patients. METHOD: The study was carried out in a university hospital and teaching hospital. Established CCPD patients and patients new to the modality were both included. Clinic visits were made at three-month intervals. In all patients, clinical data were gathered; ultrafiltration (UF) was recorded; and serum, urine, and dialysate samples and effluents were collected. Peritoneal defense characteristics and mesothelial markers were determined. Every six months, peritoneal kinetics studies were performed, and serum samples for icodextrin metabolites were taken. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (19 G, 19 I) started the study. The median follow-up was 16 months and 17 months respectively (range: 0.5 - 26 months and 3 - 26 months, respectively). Daytime UF volumes increased significantly (p < 0.001), and 24-hour UF tended to increase from baseline in the I group. Dialysate creatinine clearance increased non significantly in both groups over time. In I patients, serum disaccharides (maltose) concentration increased from 0.05+/-0.01 mg/mL [mean+/- standard error of mean (SEM)] at baseline, to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 1.15+/- 0.04 mg/mL (p <0.001). At the same time, serum sodium levels decreased from 138.1 +/- 0.7 mmol/L to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 135.9 +/- 0.8 mmol/L (p < 0.050). At 12 months, the serum sodium concentration increased to a non significant difference from baseline. Serum osmolality increased, but did not differ significantly from G users at any visit. During peritonitis (P), daytime dwell UF decreased significantly compared to non peritonitis (NP) episodes in G patients (p < 0.0 01), but remained stable in I patients. Total 24-hour UF also decreased in G patients (p < 0.001), but not in I patients. In these I patients, serum disaccharides increased from 0.05 +/- 0.01 mg/mL to 1.26 +/- 0.2 mg/mL during follow-up. During peritonitis, serum disaccharides concentration did not increase further (1.47 +/- 0.2 mg/mL, p= 0.56). Thirty P episodes occurred during follow-up: 16 in G patients and 14 in I patients (1 per 17.6 months and 1 per 21.9 months, respectively.) After one year, absolute number and percentage of effluent peritoneal macrophages (PM phi s) were significantly higher in I patients than in G patients. The difference in percentage persisted after two years. The phagocytic capacity of PM phi s decreased over time, resulting in a borderline significant difference for coagulase-negative staphylococci phagocytosis (p=0.005) and a significant difference for E. coli phagocytosis (p <0.05) in favor of I patients. PM phi oxidative metabolism, PM phi cytokine production, and effluent opsonic capacity remained stable over time with no difference between the groups. Mass transfer area coefficients (MTACs) and clearances were stable and appeared unaffected by G or I treatment. Effluent cancer antigen 125 (CA125) was stable in G users and tended to decrease in I users. Effluent interleukin-8 (IL-8), carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP ), and amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) did not change over time and did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of I for the long daytime dwell in CCPD led to an increase in total UF of at least 261 mL per day, which was maintained over at least 24 months. During I treatment, serum I metabolites increased significantly and serum sodium concentrations decreased initially. As a result, serum osmolality increased slightly. Clinical adverse effects did not accompany these findings. The UF gain in the I patients was even higher during P, without a

Adult↗

Microvascular function relates to insulin sensitivity and blood pressure in normal subjects.

BACKGROUND: A strong but presently unexplained inverse association between blood pressure and insulin sensitivity has been reported. Microvascular vasodilator capacity may be a common antecedent linking insulin sensitivity to blood pressure. To test this hypothesis, we studied 18 normotensive and glucose-tolerant subjects showing a wide range in insulin sensitivity as assessed with the hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp technique. METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood pressure was measured by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Videomicroscopy was used to measure skin capillary density and capillary recruitment after arterial occlusion. Skin blood flow responses after iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry. Insulin sensitivity correlated with 24-hour systolic blood pressure (24-hour SBP; r=-0.50, P<0.05). Capillary recruitment and acetylcholine-mediated vasodilatation were strongly and positively related to insulin sensitivity (r=0.84, P<0.001; r=0.78, P<0.001, respectively), and capillary recruitment was inversely related to 24-hour SBP (r=-0.53, P<0.05). Waist-to-hip ratio showed strong associations with insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and the measures of microvascular function but did not confound the associations between these variables. Subsequent regression analysis showed that the association between insulin sensitivity and blood pressure was not independent of the estimates of microvascular function, and part of the variation in both blood pressure (R2=38%) and insulin sensitivity (R2=71%) could be explained by microvascular function. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin sensitivity and blood pressure are associated well within the physiological range. Microvascular function strongly relates to both, consistent with a central role in linking these variables.

Adult↗