ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a frequent manifestation in COVID-19, can compromise kidney function in the long term. We evaluated renal function after hospital discharge of patients who developed AKI associated with COVID-19. Methods: This is an ambidirectional cohort. eGFR and microalbuminuria were reassessed after hospital discharge (T1) in patients who developed AKI due to COVID-19, comparing the values with hospitalization data (T0). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After an average of 16.3 ± 3.5 months, 20 patients were reassessed. There was a median reduction of 11.5 (IQR: –21; –2.1) mL/min/1.73m2 per year in eGFR. Forty-five percent of patients had CKD at T1, were older, and had been hospitalized longer; this correlated negatively with eGFR at T1. Microalbuminuria was positively correlated with CRP at T0 and with a drop in eGFR, as well as eGFR at admission with eGFR at T1. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in eGFR after AKI due to COVID-19, being associated with age, length of hospital stay, CRP, and need for hemodialysis.

RESUMO Introdução: A Injúria Renal Aguda (IRA), uma manifestação frequente na COVID-19, pode comprometer a função renal em longo prazo. Avaliamos a função renal após a alta hospitalar de pacientes que desenvolveram IRA associada à COVID-19. Métodos: Esta é uma coorte ambidirecional. A TFGe e a microalbuminúria foram reavaliadas após a alta hospitalar (T1) em pacientes que desenvolveram IRA devido à COVID-19, comparando os valores com dados de hospitalização (T0). P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Após uma média de 16,3 ± 3,5 meses, 20 pacientes foram reavaliados. Houve uma redução média de 11,5 (IIQ: –21; –2,1) mL/min/1,73m2 por ano na TFGe. Quarenta e cinco por cento dos pacientes apresentaram DRC no T1, eram mais velhos e haviam sido hospitalizados por mais tempo; isso se correlacionou negativamente com a TFGe no T1. A microalbuminúria foi positivamente correlacionada com a PCR no T0 e com uma queda na TFGe, assim como a TFGe na admissão com a TFGe no T1. Conclusão: Houve uma redução significativa na TFGe após IRA devido à COVID-19, sendo associada à idade, tempo de internação, PCR e necessidade de hemodiálise.

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the relationship between the presence of proteinuria as a renal injury marker in elderly without history of systemic arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. A cross-sectional study was developed from January 2014 to December 2019, through kidney disease prevention campaigns promoted by the Federal University of Ceará in the city of Fortaleza. Methods: The sample consisted of 417 elderlies. A questionnaire was used to characterize individuals and assess previous diseases, and urinalysis reagent strips were used to assess proteinuria. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) and moderate effect sizes were found for blood pressure levels (CI 0.53-0.93), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (CI 0.21-0.61). Significant differences in capillary glycemia were also found between groups (p = 0.033), but with a low effect size (0.02–0.42). The group with comorbidities was 2.94 times more likely to have proteinuria than those without comorbidities (OR 2.94, CI 1.55-4.01; p < 0.05). In the group without cardiovascular disease/high blood pressure, a statistically significant association was found for previous diabetes and proteinuria (p = 0.037), presenting 2.68 times higher risk of proteinuria in those with diabetes mellitus (OR 2.68, CI 1.05-6.85). Significant association was also found between age groups, with the older group having 2.69 times higher risk of developing proteinuria (75 to 90 compared to 60 to 74 years) (CI 1.01-7.16; p = 0.045). Conclusion: Even without systemic arterial hypertension or cardiovascular disease, diabetes and older age can be considered high risk factors for proteinuria.

Resumo Objetivo: Verificar a relação entre a presença de proteinúria como marcador de lesão renal em idosos sem histórico de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e doenças cardiovasculares. Um estudo transversal foi desenvolvido de Janeiro de 2014 a Dezembro de 2019, por meio de campanhas de prevenção a doenças renais promovidas pela Universidade Federal do Ceará, na cidade de Fortaleza. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 417 idosos. Um questionário foi usado para caracterizar indivíduos e avaliar doenças prévias, e foram utilizadas tiras reagentes de urinálise para avaliar proteinúria. Resultados: Diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05) e tamanhos de efeito moderados foram encontrados para níveis de pressão arterial (IC 0,53-0,93), pressão arterial sistólica e pressão arterial diastólica (IC 0,21-0,61). Também foram encontradas diferenças significativas na glicemia capilar entre grupos (p = 0,033), mas com um tamanho de efeito baixo (0,02–0,42). O grupo com comorbidades apresentou 2,94 vezes mais probabilidade de ter proteinúria do que aqueles sem comorbidades (OR 2,94; IC 1,55-4,01; p < 0,05). No grupo sem doença cardiovascular/hipertensão, foi encontrada uma associação estatisticamente significativa para diabetes anterior e proteinúria (p = 0,037), apresentando risco 2,68 vezes maior de proteinúria naqueles com diabetes mellitus (OR 2,68; IC 1,05-6,85). Também foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre faixas etárias, com o grupo mais velho apresentando risco 2,69 vezes maior de desenvolver proteinúria (75 a 90 em comparação com 60 a 74 anos) (IC 1,01-7,16; p = 0,045). Conclusão: Mesmo sem hipertensão arterial sistêmica ou doença cardiovascular, o diabetes e a idade avançada podem ser considerados fatores de alto risco para proteinúria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Supplementation with probiotics for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with decreased systemic inflammation. Objective: To assess the impact of oral supplementation with probiotics for patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Method: This double-blind randomized clinical trial included 70 patients on hemodialysis; 32 were given oral supplementation with probiotics and 38 were in the placebo group. Blood samples were collected at the start of the study and patients were given oral supplementation with probiotics or placebo for three months. The probiotic supplement comprised four strains of encapsulated Gram-positive bacteria: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 and Bifidobacterium longum A101. Patients were given one capsule per day for 3 months. Blood samples were taken throughout the study to check for inflammatory biomarkers. Non-traditional biomarkers Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL, and cystatin C were measured using an ELISA kit, along with biochemical parameters CRP, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, PTH, GPT, hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, and urea. Results: Patients given supplementation with probiotics had significant decreases in serum levels of syndecan-1 (239 ± 113 to 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0.005); blood glucose levels also decreased significantly (162 ± 112 to 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Administration of probiotics to patients with advanced CKD was associated with decreases in syndecan-1 and blood glucose levels, indicating potential improvements in metabolism and decreased systemic inflammation.

Resumo Introdução: A suplementação com probióticos na doença renal crônica (DRC) pode estar associada à redução do processo inflamatório sistêmico. Objetivo: Avaliar a suplementação oral com probióticos em pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise. Método: Ensaio clínico, duplo cego, randomizado com 70 pacientes em hemodiálise, sendo 32 do grupo que recebeu o suplemento de probióticos e 38 do grupo placebo. Inicialmente ocorreu a coleta de sangue e suplementação oral com probióticos ou placebo durante três meses. O suplemento probiótico foi composto pela combinação de 4 cepas de bactérias Gram-positivas encapsuladas: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 e Bifidobacterium longum A101, sendo 1 cápsula do suplemento ao dia, durante 3 meses. Após esse período foram feitas novas coletas de sangue para dosagem dos biomarcadores inflamatórios. Foram analisados os biomarcadores não tradicionais: Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL e cistatina C pelo método ELISA, e os seguintes parâmetros bioquímicos: PCR, cálcio, fósforo, potássio, PTH, TGP, hematócrito, hemoglobina, glicose e ureia. Resultados: Os pacientes que receberam suplemento tiveram diminuição significativa dos níveis séricos de syndecan-1 (de 239 ± 113 para 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0,005). Outro parâmetro que diminuiu significativamente nos pacientes que receberam suplemento foi a glicemia (de 162 ± 112 para 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0,02). Conclusão: O uso de probióticos na DRC avançada esteve associado à redução dos níveis de syndecan-1 e glicemia, sinalizando possível melhora no metabolismo e redução do processo inflamatório sistêmico.

RESUMO Introdução: A Injúria Renal Aguda (IRA), uma manifestação frequente na COVID-19, pode comprometer a função renal em longo prazo. Avaliamos a função renal após a alta hospitalar de pacientes que desenvolveram IRA associada à COVID-19. Métodos: Esta é uma coorte ambidirecional. A TFGe e a microalbuminúria foram reavaliadas após a alta hospitalar (T1) em pacientes que desenvolveram IRA devido à COVID-19, comparando os valores com dados de hospitalização (T0). P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Após uma média de 16,3 ± 3,5 meses, 20 pacientes foram reavaliados. Houve uma redução média de 11,5 (IIQ: –21; –2,1) mL/min/1,73m2 por ano na TFGe. Quarenta e cinco por cento dos pacientes apresentaram DRC no T1, eram mais velhos e haviam sido hospitalizados por mais tempo; isso se correlacionou negativamente com a TFGe no T1. A microalbuminúria foi positivamente correlacionada com a PCR no T0 e com uma queda na TFGe, assim como a TFGe na admissão com a TFGe no T1. Conclusão: Houve uma redução significativa na TFGe após IRA devido à COVID-19, sendo associada à idade, tempo de internação, PCR e necessidade de hemodiálise.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a frequent manifestation in COVID-19, can compromise kidney function in the long term. We evaluated renal function after hospital discharge of patients who developed AKI associated with COVID-19. Methods: This is an ambidirectional cohort. eGFR and microalbuminuria were reassessed after hospital discharge (T1) in patients who developed AKI due to COVID-19, comparing the values with hospitalization data (T0). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After an average of 16.3 ± 3.5 months, 20 patients were reassessed. There was a median reduction of 11.5 (IQR: –21; –2.1) mL/min/1.73m2 per year in eGFR. Forty-five percent of patients had CKD at T1, were older, and had been hospitalized longer; this correlated negatively with eGFR at T1. Microalbuminuria was positively correlated with CRP at T0 and with a drop in eGFR, as well as eGFR at admission with eGFR at T1. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in eGFR after AKI due to COVID-19, being associated with age, length of hospital stay, CRP, and need for hemodialysis.

ABSTRACT Background: The long-term effects of schistosomiasis on the glomerulus may contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate baseline Schistosoma mansoni-Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) levels and their association with kidney biomarkers related to podocyte injury and inflammation in long-term follow-up after praziquantel (PZQ) treatment. Methods: Schistosoma infection was diagnosed by detecting CAA in urine using a quantitative assay based on lateral flow using luminescent up-converting phosphor reporter particles. A cutoff threshold of 0.1 pg/mL CAA was used to diagnose Schistosoma infection (baseline) in a low-prevalence area in Ceará, Northeast, Brazil. Two groups were included: CAA-positive and CAA-negative individuals, both of which received a single dose of PZQ at baseline. Urinary samples from 55 individuals were evaluated before (baseline) and at 1, 2, and 3 years after PZQ treatment. At all time points, kidney biomarkers were quantified in urine and adjusted for urinary creatinine levels. Results: CAA-positive patients had increased baseline albuminuria and proteinuria and showed greater associations between kidney biomarkers. CAA levels correlated only with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) (podocyte injury) levels. Increasing trends were observed for malondialdehyde (oxidative stress), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (inflammation marker), and VEGF. In the follow-up analysis, no relevant differences were observed in kidney biomarkers between the groups and different periods. Conclusions: S. mansoni-infected individuals presented subclinical signs of glomerular damage that may reflect podocyte injury. However, no causal effect on long-term renal function was observed after PZQ treatment.

Resumo A lesão renal aguda (LRA) é comum na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (nUTI) e a sepse é uma de suas principais causas, especialmente em prematuros. Apresenta altas taxas de mortalidade e sua detecção precoce é o primeiro passo para a prevenção dessa condição, pois permite o tratamento adequado e melhora o desfecho, diminui o tempo de internação, os custos não médicos e a morbimortalidade. Destaca-se ainda que a LRA pode evoluir para doença renal crônica (DRC), havendo a necessidade de diálise, com maior risco de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares. Este artigo de revisão tem como objetivo discutir a LRA em recém-nascidos (RNs) prematuros com sepse, abordando biomarcadores utilizados na rotina laboratorial e principalmente a utilização de biomarcadores não tradicionais para identificação precoce de LRA.

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common finding in Neotatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Sepsis is one the main causes of AKI in preterm newborns. AKI has been associated with significant death rates. Early detection of the condition is the first step to improving prevention, treatment, and outcomes, while decreasing length of hospitalization, care costs, and morbimortality. AKI may progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition linked with dialysis and greater risk of cardiovascular disease. This review article aims to discuss cases of AKI in preterm newborns with sepsis, the use of biomarkers in lab workup, and the use of non-conventional biomarkers for the early identification of AKI.

Resumo Objetivo: Verificar a relação entre a presença de proteinúria como marcador de lesão renal em idosos sem histórico de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e doenças cardiovasculares. Um estudo transversal foi desenvolvido de Janeiro de 2014 a Dezembro de 2019, por meio de campanhas de prevenção a doenças renais promovidas pela Universidade Federal do Ceará, na cidade de Fortaleza. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 417 idosos. Um questionário foi usado para caracterizar indivíduos e avaliar doenças prévias, e foram utilizadas tiras reagentes de urinálise para avaliar proteinúria. Resultados: Diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05) e tamanhos de efeito moderados foram encontrados para níveis de pressão arterial (IC 0,53-0,93), pressão arterial sistólica e pressão arterial diastólica (IC 0,21-0,61). Também foram encontradas diferenças significativas na glicemia capilar entre grupos (p = 0,033), mas com um tamanho de efeito baixo (0,02–0,42). O grupo com comorbidades apresentou 2,94 vezes mais probabilidade de ter proteinúria do que aqueles sem comorbidades (OR 2,94; IC 1,55-4,01; p < 0,05). No grupo sem doença cardiovascular/hipertensão, foi encontrada uma associação estatisticamente significativa para diabetes anterior e proteinúria (p = 0,037), apresentando risco 2,68 vezes maior de proteinúria naqueles com diabetes mellitus (OR 2,68; IC 1,05-6,85). Também foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre faixas etárias, com o grupo mais velho apresentando risco 2,69 vezes maior de desenvolver proteinúria (75 a 90 em comparação com 60 a 74 anos) (IC 1,01-7,16; p = 0,045). Conclusão: Mesmo sem hipertensão arterial sistêmica ou doença cardiovascular, o diabetes e a idade avançada podem ser considerados fatores de alto risco para proteinúria.

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the relationship between the presence of proteinuria as a renal injury marker in elderly without history of systemic arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. A cross-sectional study was developed from January 2014 to December 2019, through kidney disease prevention campaigns promoted by the Federal University of Ceará in the city of Fortaleza. Methods: The sample consisted of 417 elderlies. A questionnaire was used to characterize individuals and assess previous diseases, and urinalysis reagent strips were used to assess proteinuria. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) and moderate effect sizes were found for blood pressure levels (CI 0.53-0.93), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (CI 0.21-0.61). Significant differences in capillary glycemia were also found between groups (p = 0.033), but with a low effect size (0.02–0.42). The group with comorbidities was 2.94 times more likely to have proteinuria than those without comorbidities (OR 2.94, CI 1.55-4.01; p < 0.05). In the group without cardiovascular disease/high blood pressure, a statistically significant association was found for previous diabetes and proteinuria (p = 0.037), presenting 2.68 times higher risk of proteinuria in those with diabetes mellitus (OR 2.68, CI 1.05-6.85). Significant association was also found between age groups, with the older group having 2.69 times higher risk of developing proteinuria (75 to 90 compared to 60 to 74 years) (CI 1.01-7.16; p = 0.045). Conclusion: Even without systemic arterial hypertension or cardiovascular disease, diabetes and older age can be considered high risk factors for proteinuria.

Resumo Introdução: A suplementação com probióticos na doença renal crônica (DRC) pode estar associada à redução do processo inflamatório sistêmico. Objetivo: Avaliar a suplementação oral com probióticos em pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise. Método: Ensaio clínico, duplo cego, randomizado com 70 pacientes em hemodiálise, sendo 32 do grupo que recebeu o suplemento de probióticos e 38 do grupo placebo. Inicialmente ocorreu a coleta de sangue e suplementação oral com probióticos ou placebo durante três meses. O suplemento probiótico foi composto pela combinação de 4 cepas de bactérias Gram-positivas encapsuladas: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 e Bifidobacterium longum A101, sendo 1 cápsula do suplemento ao dia, durante 3 meses. Após esse período foram feitas novas coletas de sangue para dosagem dos biomarcadores inflamatórios. Foram analisados os biomarcadores não tradicionais: Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL e cistatina C pelo método ELISA, e os seguintes parâmetros bioquímicos: PCR, cálcio, fósforo, potássio, PTH, TGP, hematócrito, hemoglobina, glicose e ureia. Resultados: Os pacientes que receberam suplemento tiveram diminuição significativa dos níveis séricos de syndecan-1 (de 239 ± 113 para 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0,005). Outro parâmetro que diminuiu significativamente nos pacientes que receberam suplemento foi a glicemia (de 162 ± 112 para 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0,02). Conclusão: O uso de probióticos na DRC avançada esteve associado à redução dos níveis de syndecan-1 e glicemia, sinalizando possível melhora no metabolismo e redução do processo inflamatório sistêmico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Supplementation with probiotics for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with decreased systemic inflammation. Objective: To assess the impact of oral supplementation with probiotics for patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Method: This double-blind randomized clinical trial included 70 patients on hemodialysis; 32 were given oral supplementation with probiotics and 38 were in the placebo group. Blood samples were collected at the start of the study and patients were given oral supplementation with probiotics or placebo for three months. The probiotic supplement comprised four strains of encapsulated Gram-positive bacteria: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 and Bifidobacterium longum A101. Patients were given one capsule per day for 3 months. Blood samples were taken throughout the study to check for inflammatory biomarkers. Non-traditional biomarkers Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL, and cystatin C were measured using an ELISA kit, along with biochemical parameters CRP, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, PTH, GPT, hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, and urea. Results: Patients given supplementation with probiotics had significant decreases in serum levels of syndecan-1 (239 ± 113 to 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0.005); blood glucose levels also decreased significantly (162 ± 112 to 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Administration of probiotics to patients with advanced CKD was associated with decreases in syndecan-1 and blood glucose levels, indicating potential improvements in metabolism and decreased systemic inflammation.

RESUMO Um amplo espectro de complicações renais pode ocorrer com o uso agudo e crônico de cocaína. A maioria dos casos está relacionada à rabdomiólise, mas outros mecanismos são hipertensão maligna, isquemia renal e glomerulonefrite rapidamente progressiva (GNRP) associada à vasculite por ANCA. Nos últimos anos, o uso de cocaína adulterada com levamisol tem sido associado à vasculite por ANCA e GNRP pauci-imune. A GNRP se manifesta clinicamente como uma síndrome nefrítica, com um declínio rápido e progressivo da função renal, e seu achado histopatológico é a presença de crescentes em mais de 50% dos glomérulos. Relatamos um caso de um homem de 38 anos, usuário crônico de cocaína, álcool e cigarros que apresentava urina vermelha, oligúria, pernas e pálpebras inchadas, além dos sintomas urêmicos, anorexia, êmese e confusão mental. Foi internado com lesão renal aguda e realizou seis sessões de hemodiálise durante os primeiros 16 dias de internação, e depois foi transferido para um hospital terciário para investigação diagnóstica. Os testes de ANF (fator antinuclear), ANCA, anti-DNA, sorologia para vírus da hepatite B, C e HIV foram negativos. Uma biópsia percutânea renal revelou glomerulonefrite crescente, com leve atrofia tubular. O paciente foi submetido à pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona (por 3 dias) e ciclofosfamida. Em seguida, ele manteve a prednisona diária e a ciclofosfamida intravenosa mensal e evoluiu com melhora progressiva da função renal.

ABSTRACT A wide spectrum of renal complications can occur with acute and chronic use of cocaine. Most cases are related to rhabdomyolysis, but other mechanisms are malignant hypertension, renal ischemia, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) associated-ANCA vasculitis. In recent years, the use of cocaine adulterated with levamisole has been associated with ANCA vasculitis and pauci-immune RPGN. RPGN is clinically manifested as a nephritic syndrome with a rapid and progressive decline in renal function, and its histopathological finding is the presence of crescents in more than 50% of the glomeruli. We report a case of a 38-year-old man chronic user of cocaine, alcohol, and cigarettes who had red urine, oliguria, swollen legs and eyelids, as well as the uremic symptoms anorexia, emesis, and mental confusion. He was admitted with acute kidney injury and performed six hemodialysis sessions during the first 16 days of hospitalization and then was transferred to a tertiary hospital for diagnostic investigation. Tests of ANF (antinuclear factor), ANCA, anti-DNA, serology for hepatitis B, C, and HIV virus were negative. A renal percutaneous biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis with mild tubular atrophy. The patient underwent pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (for 3 days) and cyclophosphamide. Then he maintained daily prednisone and monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide and evolved with progressive improvement of renal function.

ABSTRACT HIV-infected patients are at high risk for developing critical diseases, including opportunistic infections (OI), with consequent admission in intensive care units (ICU). Renal disfunctions are risk factors for death in HIV/AIDS patients, and survival rates in patients undergoing hemodialysis are smaller than the ones observed in the general population. In this context, this study aimed to investigate death-related factors in HIV/AIDS patients in an intensive care setting. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study performed through the analysis of medical records from 271 HIV/AIDS-diagnosed patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit of an infectious disease hospital, in Fortaleza, Ceara State, Brazil. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent dialysis during hospitalization and those who did not. Clinical and demographic parameters that could be associated with death were evaluated. Results indicated a prevalence of death of 19.1% (CI 95%: 14.8-24.3). The median age of patients was 47 years, with a male predominance (71.3%). The main causes of admission were pulmonary tuberculosis (16.9%), followed by neurotoxoplasmosis (14.9%). In the bivariate analysis, for those that did not undergo dialysis, age, fever, dyspnea, oliguria, disorientation, kidney injury, use of lamivudine and efavirenz, length of hospitalization, CD4 count, WBC count, platelet count, urea, sodium and LDH levels were the associated variables. In those who needed dialysis, the use of stavudine, abacavir and ritonavir, and the length of hospitalization were associated factors. Renal toxicity by the antiretroviral agents and length of hospitalization increased the risk of death among HIV patients under dialysis.

Resumo COVID-19 é uma pandemia associada a manifestações clínicas sistêmicas. Neste estudo, apresenta-se revisão narrativa acerca do envolvimento renal na COVID-19. Envolvimento renal parece ser relacionado a efeitos citopáticos diretos, mecanismos imunológicos, efeitos indiretos de outros mediadores no tecido renal, além de disfunção e lesão de outros órgãos. A evolução da COVID-19 pode ser complicada por lesão renal aguda (LRA) em percentual significativo dos pacientes, e a disfunção renal parece ser associada a pior prognóstico. Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) parecem ser mais suscetíveis a formas severas da COVID-19. Pacientes em terapia de substituição renal (TSR) contínua também constituem população vulnerável em razão de idade avançada, comorbidades subjacentes, resposta imune disfuncional e aglomeração em unidades de diálise, com necessidade de visitas frequentes aos serviços de saúde. Pacientes transplantados renais podem estar em alto risco dadas imunossupressão a longo prazo e comorbidades; assim, o manejo da imunossupressão é mandatório. Finalmente, TSR pode ser necessária durante a COVID-19, e diferentes modalidades são discutidas conforme manifestações clínicas e aspectos laboratoriais. Assim, COVID-19 parece acometer os rins por diferentes mecanismos, os quais contribuem para o desenvolvimento de LRA e aumento da severidade da doença. Ainda, pacientes com DRC e transplantados renais apresentam elevado risco para desenvolvimento de COVID-19 e de mortalidade.

Abstract COVID-19 is a pandemic associated with systemic clinical manifestations. In this study, we aimed to present a narrative review on kidney involvement in COVID-19. Kidney involvement could be derived from direct cytopathic effects, immunological mechanisms, indirect effects on renal tissue through other mediators, and dysfunction or injury of other organs. The evolution of COVID-19 may be complicated with acute kidney injury (AKI) in a significant percentage of patients, and renal dysfunction seems to be associated with worse prognosis. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) seem to be more susceptible to the severe forms of COVID-19. Patients with renal replacement therapy (RRT) are also a vulnerable population as consequence of their advanced age, underlying comorbidities, impaired immune response, and clustering in hemodialysis centers, with requirements for frequent contact with healthcare services. Kidney transplant patients may be at high-risk due to long-term immunosuppression and comorbidities, hence, managing immunosuppression is imperative. Lastly, renal replacement therapy may be required during COVID-19, and different modalities are discussed based on clinical findings and laboratorial aspects. Therefore, COVID-19 seems to affect kidney by different mechanisms, which contributes for AKI development and increases the severity of the disease. Also, patients with CKD and kidney transplant recipients are at higher risk for COVID-19 and mortality.

ABSTRACT Leprosy may present kidney and endothelial abnormalities, being a risk factor for complications. However, the involvement of renal and vascular endothelia has been poorly investigated. We aimed to investigate if the levels of systemic endothelial biomarkers are associated with kidney abnormalities and the clinical forms of leprosy. This is a cross-sectional study with leprosy patients enrolled in January 2017 to December 2018, before the initiation of the multidrug therapy. Leprosy-associated clinical and epidemiological data were collected. Two groups were investigated: Paucibacillary (PB) and Multibacillary (MB) infections, for the comparisons. Serum and urine samples were obtained for laboratory analysis. In serum samples, were evaluated the endothelial biomarkers VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. In total, 101 leprosy patients were included, the mean age was 48±١٥ years and 71 (70%) were male. The multibacillary form occurred in 81 cases (80%), among which 22 had the Virchowian form. Serum creatinine was more elevated in the MB group than in PB patients. In addition, VCAM-1 was elevated in the MB group and was correlated with the bacteriological index (rho = 0.372, p <0.01), the duration of disease symptoms (rho = 0.234, p = 0.04), and the number of skin lesions (rho = 0.468, p <0.001). Moreover, in MB patients who presented albuminuria >15 mg/g of creatinine, VCAM-1 showed a significant correlation with increased albuminuria and improved the correlation with the number of skin lesions (rho= 0.563, p=0.010). In conclusion, higher systemic VCAM-1 levels were associated with the multibacillary clinical form of leprosy and with increased albuminuria. Prospective studies are necessary to establish a cause-effect and evaluate the preventive role of these biomarkers to improve the clinical care.

ABSTRACT Bothrops erythromelas are serpents that belong to the Viperidae family, which are the main species responsible for human snakebites in Ceara State, Northeast Brazil. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an uncommon group of disorders characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury (AKI), and occurrence after snakebites have been rarely reported. In this report, we described the case of a 57 year-old-man without comorbidities who was bitten by a Bothrops erythromelas on his right ankle. He presented with pain, edema and local bleeding. Symptomatology and laboratory tests were compatible with the diagnosis of TMA. He received specific antivenom and fluids replacement without any anaphylactic reaction. The conservative treatment was effective and there was no need for red blood cells transfusion or plasmapheresis. The aim of this report was to describe the first case of thrombotic microangiopathy following Bothrops erythromelas envenoming in the Northeast Brazil, providing insights about important mechanistic pathways of Bothrops snakebite-associated TMA and how to change the prognosis of the disease.

Abstract Bothrops are one of the most common medically important snakes found in Latin America. Its venom is predominantly hemotoxic and proteolytic, which means that local lesion (edema and redness) and hemorrhagic symptoms are recurrent in envenoming by this snake. Although hemorrhage is usually the major cause of death, snakebite-related acute kidney injury is another potentially fatal clinical complication that may lead to chronic kidney disease. The present review highlights the main studies on Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury, including observational, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort human studies available up to December 2019. The following descriptors were used according to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): on Medline/Pubmed and Google Scholar “acute kidney injury” or “kidney disease” and “Bothrops”; on Lilacs and SciELO “kidney disease” or “acute kidney injury” and “Bothrops”. Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to appraise the quality of the cross-sectional and cohort studies included. The selection of more severe patients who looked for health care units and tertiary centers is a risk of bias. Due to the methodological heterogeneity of the studies, a critical analysis of the results was performed based on the hypothesis that the design of the included studies influences the incidence of acute kidney injury. Fifteen human studies (total participants 4624) were included according to stablished criteria. The coagulation abnormalities (hemorrhagic symptoms, abnormal fibrinogen and activated partial thromboplastin time) were associated with acute kidney injury in the most recent studies reported. The findings observed in this review provide up-to-date evidence about the acute kidney injury pathogenesis following Bothrops syndrome. Studies pointed out that coagulation abnormalities comprise the major pathway for acute kidney injury development. This review may improve patient management by primary healthcare providers, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment of Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury.

ABSTRACT Tropical diseases are mainly found in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. They are a major Public Health problem in these regions, most of them are considered neglected diseases and remain as important contributors to the development of AKI (Acute Kidney Injury), which is associated with increased patients’ morbidity and mortality. In most countries, kidney disease associated to tropical diseases is attended at health services with poor infrastructure and inadequate preventive measures. The long-term impacts of these infections on kidney tissue may be a main cause of future kidney disease in these patients. Therefore, the investigation of novel kidney injury biomarkers in these tropical diseases is of utmost importance to explain the mechanisms of kidney injury, to improve their diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the assessment to health systems by these patients. Since 2011, our group has been studying renal biomarkers in visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, leptospirosis and leprosy. This study has increased the knowledge on the pathophysiology of kidney disease in the presence of these infections and has contributed to the early diagnosis of kidney injury, pointing to glomerular, endothelial and inflammatory involvement as the main causes of the mechanisms leading to nephropathy and clinical complications. Future perspectives comprise establishing long-term cohort groups to assess the development of kidney disease and the patients’ survival, as well as the use of new biomarkers such as urinary exosomes to detect risk groups and to understand the progression of kidney injuries.