Medical Article Scan June 2008

Stowers Institute discovers possible cause of polycystic kidney disease – I’ve heard several theories about the cause of PKD, which is currently known as a hereditary disease. One such theory is that it is caused by an infectious disease. Now, a researcher postulates that a gene mutation occurs from being disrupted by Tumor Necrosis Factor, and that Enbrel may be a treatment.

Low Vitamin D, Anemia Linked – more interesting research on Vitamin D. The study compared those with impaired renal function to those with normal renal function, and found that those with impaired renal function and low Vitamin D levels were at a much higher risk for anemia. “Data show that supplementation with 25 (OH) D is associated with reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines”  It’s also interesting to note that a study of over 16,000 participants (not necessarily renal patients) showed that Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with increasing prevalence of CVD (cardio vascular disease) in the entire study population.

10 Surprising Places Where Germs Lurk – I found this article personally interesting, since I am currently immunosupressed.   Of course, some of the places are well known, such as grocery cart handles, gym equipment, and the shower curtain. But did you ever consider your vacuum, the lemon wedge in your drink, or the menu in a restuarant?  (hat tip to WhiteCoat Rants) 

Weight Gain Increases Risks To Kidneys – gaining weight while remaining within normal range increases risk of chronic kidney disease.

Bariatric Surgery May Help Prevent Infections – interesting study. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass may not only help prevent infections, but also prevent cancer.

Transplant Day 46

 I had my weekly labs today, but won’t get the results until tomorrow. Based on the fact that I have more noticeable hand tremors, I assume my Prograf level is more towards therapeutic than last week. Other than that, my weight is stable, BP is good, and my urine output is still at least 100cc/hour on average.

There is a potential (key word here) treatment for Polycystic Kidney Disease that may involve a drug used to treat Rheumatoid Arthiritis (Enbrel, which I am very familiar with as I work with a Pediatric Rheumatologist). Of course, this is research that has not progressed to humans, so it may be a while to see if it pans out. But it’s a start…

Tonight is a “solstice moon”. This low-hanging moon will appear huge. Hopefully, the sky will be clear enough for you to see this. Explanation here.

I’ll post my labs tomorrow.