These results suggest that the majority of CsA-treated patients with biopsy proven chronic fibrosis have elevated levels of intra-graft TGFbeta that correlates with an increased rate of decline in renal function.

Internal jugular vein cannulation has become the preferred approach for temporary hemodialysis catheter placement following reports of an increased incidence of subclavian vein stenosis due to subclavian vein catheterization. Internal jugular vein catheterization is associated with a high rate of successful catheter placement. However, significant complications such as internal carotid artery (ICA) puncture, pneumothorax, vessel erosion, thrombosis, airway obstruction and infection can occur. The most common complication is ICA puncture. More recently a few cases of thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm and fistula following internal jugular vein and subclavian vein catheterization attempts have been reported. Patients with renal failure who are on hemodialysis may have to undergo multiple catheter placements and vascular access interventions. This, along with their comorbid conditions, increases the risk of such complications. Here we report a patient on hemodialysis who developed transverse cervical artery pseudoaneurysm following an attempted right internal jugular vein catheterization. We report this case because of its rarity, to raise awareness of such a complication and to discuss different treatment options, in particular endovascular coil occlusion. A review of relevant literature is also presented.

We evaluated weight-based loading doses of vancomycin and resulting initial prehemodialysis concentrations. Modeling demonstrated modest correlation between dose administered, age, and initial concentration achieved. Actual body weight-based loading of vancomycin predictably achieves therapeutic initial concentrations in patients who receive hemodialysis.

No abstract