Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity plays an important role as a pivotal source of reactive oxygen species. The aim of our study was to investigate possible correlations of XOR serum levels with oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity - TAC, anti-oxidative stress responsive 1 antibody - OXSR1) and inflammation markers (interleukin 6 - IL-6), in 20 hemodialysis diabetic patients. The present study included the hemodialysis diabetic patients group (10 males and 10 females) and the control group (20 healthy volunteers). For serum XOR (ng/mL), TAC (U/mL) and OXSR1 (ng/ml) measurements we have used the ELISA technique. Serum IL6 (pg/mL) was performed using an automatic immunoassay system (Immulite 1000, Siemens- Germany). Comparing the two groups, our results revealed significantly increased serum levels for XOR (6.2�1.5 / 3.9�1.1); OXSR1 (11.3�2.9 / 6.2�2.1) and IL6 (7.0�1.2 / 5.0�0.4). Patients� serum levels of TAC were significantly decreased compared with the control group values (25.2�3.9 / 33.5�2.8). It becomes more and more obvious that oxidative stress is an important element initiating diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic kidney disease. Our results suggested that XOR should be regarded as an important target in the attempt to reduce oxidative stress in the context of diabetic kidney disease.

Increase in the number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) calls for improved management of these patients. In stage 5 CKD, when the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) becomes necessary, there is an increase in the infection risk of the patients and immunological tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) detection turn positive at an alarmingly higher rate compared to general population. With the introduction into clinical practice of diagnostic tests, the increased prevalence of HCV among CKD patients has been known since the 1990s. Also, the negative impacts of HCV infection on CKD evolution as well as the unfavorable evolution of grafts received by HCV infected patients are known. Chronic hemodialysis patients are a category of patients whose risk of HCV infection is substantial. Currently, in the hemodialysis centers, at the base of the transmission of HCV infection there are a multitude of factors. Infection with HCV has a different impact on patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Comorbidities in this case have significant sources of mortality and morbidity. It was proven that the post transplantations problems were prevented and mortality was reduced for patients who were diagnosed with HCV and in whom the infection was treated before the kidney transplant (KT). Consequently, early detection of the infection and the application of specific treatment has a considerable impact on the outcome of the patients. Another important component of the management of HCV infection in the chronic hemodialysis patients is the prevention of the infection transmission by applying specific methods. Contents

The treatment of HTA plays a central part in the management of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in all its stages, especially in patients following a substitute treatment of renal functions. HBP can be both the cause and the consequence of CKD. The HBP control in CKD patients represents one of the most important concerns of clinicians. HBP treatment is non pharmacological as well as pharmacological.

Hemodialysis is a method for the renal replacement therapy followed by series of acute and chronic complications. Dyselectrolytemia appears in patients undergoing dialysis through mechanisms related to the chronic kidney disease and/or to the dialysis therapy and for this group of patients it is associated with an increase of morbidity and mortality. The dialysate has a standard composition, which can be modified according to the patient's characteristics. During hemodialysis patients are exposed to 18,000-36.000 litres of water/year, and the water purity along with the biochemical composition of the dialysate are essential. The individualization of the dialysis prescription is recommended for each patient and it has an important role in preventing the occurrence of dyselectrolyemia. The individualization of the treatment prescription according to the blood constants of each patient is the prerogative of the nephrologist and the association of the electrolyte imbalances with the patients cardiovascular mortality explains the importance of paying special attention to them.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Recent population based epidemiological studies demonstrated a correlation between reduced renal function and risk for all causes and cardiovascular mortality, 50% of patients dying before the commencement of renal replacement therapy. Vascular calcifications (VC) and arterial stiffness are major contributors to cardiovascular disease and are independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients. Scarce information is available on the risk factors and prognosis of predialysis patients with VC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of traditional and uremia related risk factors to abdominal aortic calcification in predialysis patients. A single center, retrospective study was performed on 305 adult patients monitored at the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital for at least 6 months. Our study reports an increased incidence of VC in predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, higher in those with advanced age, history of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and declining renal function.