A closer look at radiocontrast-induced nephropathy

Article Abstract:

Body imaging is an important tool used in diagnosing disease. Radioactive material is often injected into the patient to aid in visualizing internal structures. Hospital induced kidney failure has been linked to the use of radiographic contrast material (radiocontrast-induced nephropathy) during body imaging in some patients. Two studies had different results with respect to who was at risk for kidney failure after the use of contrast material. This may be attributed to the different populations studied and the researchers' differing definitions of kidney failure. One study reported a decrease in the incidence of contrast material-induced kidney failure. This may be because physicians are less inclined to order tests requiring contrast material on high risk patients. The studies suggested that changing the type of material used during body imaging did not affect the incidence of contrast material-induced kidney failure. Physicians are cautioned to identify patients with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and any illness associated with poor blood flow to the kidneys before offering radiocontrast body imaging. Patients should be prepared prior to these procedures to increase the amount of circulating body fluids and discontinue all medications which may contribute to kidney failure.

Analysis, Prevention, Health risk assessment, Contrast media, Contrast media (Chemicals), Acute renal failure, Acute kidney failure, editorial

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The physiology of parathyroid hormone-related protein

Article Abstract:

Parathyroid hormone-related hormone was first discovered in the 1980s as the primary cause of elevated calcium levels in patients with cancer. It is closely related to parathyroid hormone but instead of traveling through the blood as parathyroid hormone does, it acts mostly on local tissues. Also unlike parathyroid hormone, it is produced in many tissues, including epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, endocrine glands and the central nervous system. It has different actions depending on what tissue it is found in. It also seems to affect the nucleus of the cell that produces it.

Physiological aspects, Peptide hormones, Parathyroid hormone, Parathyroid hormones

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Pregnancy and renal disease

Article Abstract:

Kidney disease can worsen significantly during pregnancy. A 1996 study of 82 pregnancies in 67 women with moderate or severe kidney disease found that almost half experienced a decline in their kidney disease and this worsening continued after delivery. In those with the most severe kidney disease, worsening kidney disease continued in all after delivery and 35% developed end-stage kidney failure. These women have a greater risk of delivering premature babies or babies small for their gestational age. However, only 7% of the babies died.

Editorial, Causes of, Development and progression, Pregnant women, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, Kidney diseases

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