Management and outcome assessment of pregnancy-related acute kidney injury in Western India: a single centred, prospective, observational study

Background: Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (PRAKI) remains a large public health problem, with decreasing incidences in developing countries like India. However, some single centred studies from United States and Canada revealed an increasing incidence of PRAKI. This increase could be due to higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.Methods: To assess the management and outcome of PRAKI. In this prospective, observational study, total 1021 cases of acute renal failure were observed.Results: 96 (9.4%) were of obstetric origin and enrolled as per inclusion criteria. Regarding management of PRAKI, 78 out of 96 (81.25%) required haemodialysis. 67 (69.79%) among them were managed with intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) while 10 (10.41%) who had hypotension at presentation were dialysed with slow, low efficiency dialysis (SLED). Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was done in 1 (10.4%) patient. Maternal mortality in this PRAKI study was 19 of 96 patients (19.79%). Sepsis accounted for 52.63% of deaths. Foetal death was observed in 58 out of 96 patients (60.41%) comprising of intrauterine death in 55 (55.29%) and abortion in 3 (3.13%) patients. 38 of 96 (39.58%) patients gave birth to live born child out of which 27 were at full term and 11 were preterm.Conclusions: In order to avoid further increase in PRAKI in India, treating obstetrician should remain aware of management and outcome of PRAKI. The better awareness of diagnosis and management protocols will ultimately lead to further reduction in prevalence of PRAKI in our country

Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension and Right-Sided Heart Failure at Presentation in Grave’s Disease

A young female presented with evidence of right-sided heart failure and was subsequently found to have significant pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Because of her normal left ventricular function and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, the most probable site of etiology seemed to be the pulmonary vasculature. All the common possible secondary causes of PAH were ruled out, but during the investigations, she was found to have elevated thyroid function tests compatible with the diagnosis of Grave’s disease. The treatment of Grave’s disease, initially by medications and subsequently by radioiodine therapy, was associated with a significant reduction in the pulmonary artery systolic pressure. The purpose of this case report is to highlight one of the unusual and underdiagnosed presentations of Grave’s disease

Awareness and beliefs towards organ donation in chronic kidney disease patients in western India

Introduction: There is a wide discrepancy between demand for and availability of donor organs for organ transplantation. There is no study on awareness about organ donation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in India. Objectives: To study the awareness and beliefs towards organ donation in CKD patients on hemodialysis in western India. Patients and Methods: Authors conducted a cross sectional study among 85 CKD patients to evaluate knowledge about and attitude towards organ donation at a tertiary hospital. Results: Age of respondents ranged from 15 to 75 years. All were aware of term organ donation and cadaver donation. About 47% of people heard about organ donation through hospital or from doctor. Strikingly, radio was not the source of information to any of the respondents, despite radio being one of the most common medium of mass communication. Almost one third of patients were unaware about any legislation regarding organ donation. All respondents felt that organs should go to the needy irrespective of their religion. About 70% feel that medical colleges should make decisions about organ donation in case of unclaimed dead bodies. About 31.76% believe that there is a danger that donated organs could be misused, abused or misappropriated. Conclusion: Our study shows about 31.76% of our participants believe that there is a danger that donated organs could be misused, abused or misappropriated. There seems to be paucity of information and awareness regarding organ donation among CKD patients. Mass media, religious and political leaders may be involved to maximize awareness about organ donation