0000000001192329
AUTHOR
Li Vecchi M
Could emotional processing influence pain perception and quality of life in chronic kidney disease and hemodialyzed patients?
Background and Objectives: The incidence of chronic pain is 11-24% in general population, whereas it affects 50% of hemodialyzed subjects and is often secondary to comorbidities, CKD-related complications and certain clinical procedures. Consequently, a better approach in evaluating pain as a “symptom” and in managing it adequately is required for these patients. Methods: 33% of the 300 patients enrolled properly consigned the questionnaires. The mean age of dialyzed patients was 52.2±11.2 years, whereas 54.9±10.7 years was the mean age for CKD patients. Moreover, 53 healthy subjects, ages 20-65, have been included in the study as control group. Specific psycho-diagnostic tests were adminis…
Are laboratory tests useful for monitoring the activity of lupus nephritis? A 6-year prospective study in a cohort of 228 patients with lupus nephritis
Objectives:To evaluate the role of immunological tests for monitoring lupus nephritis (LN) activity.Methods:C3, C4, anti-dsDNA and anti-C1q antibodies were prospectively performed over 6 years in 228 patients with LN.Results:In membranous LN only anti-C1q antibodies differentiated proteinuric flares from quiescent disease (p = 0.02). However, in this group 46% of flares occurred with a normal value of anti-C1q antibodies versus 20% in proliferative LN (p = 0.02). In patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (APL), 33% of flares occurred with normal levels of anti-C1q antibodies versus 14.5% in patients that were APL-negative (p = 0.02). In proliferative LN, anti-C1q antibodies showed a slig…