Kidney Function

Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in the adult population, characterized by the formation of subepithelial immune complexes in the glomerular capillary wall and associated with heavy proteinuria. MGN is not a single disease entity, but a pattern of injury in the kidney with diverse causes. MGN can be primary/idiopathic (cause unknown) or secondary. Known causes of secondary MGN are described under 4 broad categories: (1) drugs/medications, (2) infections, (3) autoimmune disorders, and (4) malignancy.

We report spontaneous EDH in a 54-year old women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on intermittent hemodialysis. She was successfully managed by conservative treatment. The EDH in her was probably related to the coagulation abnormalities associated with CKD, hemodialysis or heparin use during the dialysis. (Source: Neurology India)

Conclusion: With the possible exception of older patients with diabetes, autogenous conduits are preferable for dialysis access. Summary: The Clinical Guidelines for Vascular Access from the National Kidney Foundation Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative recommend radial-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and brachial-cephalic AVFs as the first and second choices for dialysis access, followed by prosthetic grafts, brachial-basilic AVFs, and venous catheters as secondary choices. These recommendations have been verified by review articles and small prospective trials and small clinical series. (Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery)