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Introduction Normal saline (N/S) and Ringer's-Lactate (L/R), are administered in everyday clinical practice. Despite that, N/S increases the risk of sodium overload and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. In contrast, L/R has lower sodium content, significantly less chloride and contains lactates. In this study we compare the efficacy of L/R versus N/S administration in patients with prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI) and pre-established chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods In this prospective open-label study we included patients with prerenal AKI and previously known CKD stage III-V without need for dialysis. Patients with other forms of AKI, hypervolemia or hyperkalemia were excluded. Patients received either N/S or L/R intravenously at a dose of 20 ml/kg body-weight/day. We studied kidney function at discharge and at 30 days, duration of hospitalization, acid-base balance and the need for dialysis. Results We studied 38 patients and 20 were treated with N/S. Kidney function improvement during hospitalization and at 30 days after discharge, was similar between the two groups. Duration of hospitalization was also similar. Anion-gap improvement as expressed with Δanion-gap between discharge and admission day was higher in those patients that received L/R in comparison to those that received N/S and pH increase (ΔpH) was slightly higher in the L/R group. No patient required dialysis. Conclusions Administration of L/R or N/S to patients with prerenal AKI and pre-established CKD had no significant difference in short or long term kidney function but L/R showed a better profile in acid-base balance improvement and Cl- overload in comparison to N/S.

Background and Aims New onset diabetes (NODAT) is a common complication after kidney transplantation. The available treatment options in this patient population have limitations due to reduced renal function, possible interactions with immunosuppressive drugs and side effects such as hypoglycemic events. The aim of this study was to investigate the long term safety and efficacy profile of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DDP-4 inhibitors) administration in renal transplant recipients with NODAT. Method The study included 12 patients treated with DPP-IV inhibitors monotherapy as well as 5 patients receiving insulin monotherapy as initial treatment immediately after NODAT diagnosis. All patients were monitored at every scheduled outpatient visit and for 12 months after diagnosis by measuring glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine (eGFR calculation with CKD-EPI formula), plasma immunosuppressive trough levels, serum lipids, blood pressure, and body weight. The mean values of the aforementioned parameters for the last six months of follow up were compared to the ones at diagnosis. Results Patients receiving DPP-IV inhibitors were treated with either linagliptin (4 patients), sitagliptin (4 patients), vildagliptin (2 patients) or halogliptin (2 patients). These patients had a mean age of 59.4 ± 12 years, a mean HbA1c of 6.6% and a mean fasting glucose of 114.5 mg/dl at diagnosis. The mean HbA1c the last 6 months of one year of follow up after initiation of treatment, decreased to 6.1% (p=0.03). Renal function remained stable (mean eGFR from 58.8 to 61.7 ml/min/1.73m2, p=ns) while plasma tacrolimus levels did not appear to be affected (from 6.2 to 5.5 ng/dl, p=ns). Patients received a slightly reduced mean dose of tacrolimus during the last six months of follow up in comparison to the one at initiation of treatment (from 2.9 to 2.6 mg/24h, p=ns). No significant difference was shown in serum total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol before and after treatment, nevertheless, triglyceride levels were significantly reduced (from 214.4 to 174.9 mg/dl, p=0.0039). A decrease in body weight was observed (from 79.9 to 77.9 kg, p=ns) which was however not statistically significant. Finally, achieving the goal of lowering HbA1c levels was better in patients treated with DPP-IV inhibitors than in those treated with insulin (6.1% vs 7.1%, respectively, p=0.01). Conclusion Administration of DPP-IV inhibitors appears to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of NODAT in renal transplant recipients with the benefit of avoiding hypoglycemic episodes and possibly better diabetes control than with insulin therapy.

Background and Aims Crystalline solutions, such as normal saline 0.9% (N/S 0.9%) and Ringer's Lactate (L/R), are readily administered for increasing plasma volume. Despite the utility of administering N/S 0.9% to hypovolemic patients, the dose of 154 mmol of sodium (Na) contained in 1 L exceeds the recommended daily dose increasing the risk of sodium overload and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. In contrast, L/R solution has the advantage of lower Na content, significantly less chlorine and contains lactates which may be advantageous in patients with significant acidemia such as patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the present study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of administration of L/R versus N/S 0.9% in patients with prerenal AKI and established CKD. Method The study included adult patients with known CKD stage II to V without need for dialysis, with prerenal AKI (AKIN Stage I to III Criteria). Patients with other forms of AKI as well as hypervolemia, heart congestion or hyperkalemia (serum K>5.5 meq/l) were excluded from the study. Patients were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive intravenously either N/S 0.9% or L/R solution at a dose of 20 ml/kg body weight/day. We studied kidney function (eGFR: CKD-EPI) and response to treatment at discharge and at 30 days after discharge, duration of hospitalization, improvement in serum bicarbonate levels (HCO3), acid-base balance, serum potassium levels and the need for dialysis. Results The study included 26 patients (17 males) with a mean age of 59.1 ± 16.1 years. Thirteen patients received treatment with N/S 0.9% and the rest with L/R solution. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics at hospital admission and historical data did not show any significant differences in both groups of patients. Renal function at the onset of AKI did not show significant differences between the two groups (16.4 ± 5.8 vs 16.9 ± 5.7 ml/min/1.73 m2, p=ns, treatment with N/S and L/R respectively). The mean volume of solutions received by the two groups (N/S 0.9% 1119 ± 374 vs L/R 1338 ± 364 ml/day, p=ns) as well as the mean total volume of liquids received per day, did not differ significantly (2888 ± 821 vs 3069 ± 728 ml/d, p=ns). Patients treated with L/R were discharged 1 day earlier than patients treated with N/S (5.2 ± 3.2 vs 6.2 ± 4.9 days of hospitalization, p=ns). Renal function improvement during hospitalization and 30 days after discharge did not differ significantly between the two groups. Patients that received L/R showed a higher increase in plasma HCO3 (ΔHCO3) concentration at discharge than those that received N/S 0.9% (4.9 ± 4.1 vs 2.46 ± 3.7 meq/l, p=ns) and pH increase (ΔpH) was slightly higher in those that received L/R solution (0.052 ± 0.066 vs 0.023 ± 0.071, p=ns). Patients treated with N/S 0.9% showed a greater decrease in serum potassium (ΔK) at discharge compared to those treated with L/R (-0.39 ± 1.03 vs -0.17 ± 0.43 meq/l, p=ns, respectively). No patient received acute dialysis treatment. Conclusion Administration of L/R solution as a hydration treatment to patients with prerenal AKI and established CKD is not inferior concerning safety and efficacy to N/S 0.9% solution. In addition, L/R administration seems to marginally improve acid-base balance in this specific group of patients.