Case Report : A Case of Microscopic Polyangiitis: Glomerulonephritis, Neuropsychiatric Abnormalities, and Urticarial Vasculitis

( Ran Hui Cha ),( Ha Jeong Lee ),( Soo Hee Kim ),( Eun Jung Jung ),( Kyung Chul Moon ),( Yon Su Kim ) 대한신장학회 2010 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.29 No.1

We report a case of microscopic polyangiitis, presenting with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, neuropsychiatric abnormalities, and urticarial vasculitis. A 65-year-old woman reported loss of appetite, significant weight loss, and a transient history of veering tendency. She was presented with a mild fever, cough, and sputum. Routine laboratory test revealed anemia, leukocytosis with a left shift, azotemia, and elevated highly sensitive C-reactive protein. The bilateral kidneys were observed to be enlarged (right kidney 16.3 cm, left kidney 18.2 cm) on an abdominal computed tomography. The perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA) titer was >1:640 and MPO-ANCA was positive. Her chief complaints consisted of character change, visual illusion, and hearing loss. A skin rash with a bullous change resembling urticaria was further developed. Kidney biopsy demonstrated pauci-immune diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis. Skin biopsy was compatible with urticarial vasculitis. Having received intravenous cyclophosphamide and oral prednisolone, she showed sustained improvement in renal function, as well as her neuropsychiatric symptoms and skin rash.

Steady exercise improves hand grip and leg muscle strength in hemodialysis patients

Ran-hui Cha,Geum Sil Lee 한국운동재활학회 2021 JER Vol.17 No.6

Association between blood pressure and target organ damage in patients with chronic kidney disease and hypertension: results of the APrODiTe study

Cha, Ran-hui,Kim, Sejoong,Ae Yoon, Sun,Ryu, Dong-Ryeol,Eun Oh, Ji,Han, Sang-Youb,Young Lee, Eun,Ki Kim, Dong,Kim, Yon Su Springer Science and Business Media LLC 2014 Hypertension research Vol.37 No.2

Blood pressure control is the most established practice for preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease. Evidence addressing blood pressure control status or nocturnal blood pressure dipping in Korean hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease is scarce. We recruited 1317 hypertensive patients (chronic kidney disease stages 2-4, median age 58) from 21 centers in Korea. These patients underwent office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. High office and ambulatory blood pressure were defined as > 140/90 mm Hg and > 135/85 mm Hg (daytime)/ > 120/70 mm Hg (nighttime), respectively. The blood pressure control status was as follows: true controlled (19%), white-coat (4.3%), masked (33.9%) and sustained uncontrolled (42.3%) hypertension. The dipping status was as follows: extreme-dipping (14.9%), dipping (33.3%), non-dipping (34.5%) and reverse-dipping (17.3%). Masked and sustained hypertension as well as non-dipping/reverse-dipping was more apparent in proportion to renal dysfunction and the extent of proteinuria. Ageing (>= 58 years), male gender, obesity, diabetic nephropathy and proteinuria (> 300 mg g(-1) Cr or dipstick proteinuria >= 1 +) were independently associated with sustained uncontrolled hypertension. Diabetic nephropathy, old age, a history of stable angina/heart failure, advanced renal dysfunction and higher proteinuria levels were also significantly associated with non-dipping and reverse-dipping. Half of Korean chronic kidney disease patients had uncontrolled blood pressure and a non-dipping nocturnal blood pressure pattern. Future studies are warranted to assess the predictive values of ambulatory blood pressure for cardiorenal events in Korean chronic kidney disease patients.

Genetic interactions between the donor and the recipient for susceptibility to acute rejection in kidney transplantation: polymorphisms of CCR5.

Cha, Ran-hui,Yang, Seung Hee,Kim, Hyo Sang,Kim, Sun Moon,Park, Myoung Hee,Ha, Jongwon,Kim, Yon Su Springer International ; Oxford University Press 2009 Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation Vol.24 No.9

<P>BACKGROUND: Acute rejection (AR) contributes to the development of chronic allograft nephropathy that is the major cause of graft failure. We analyzed the 59029G>A polymorphism and an internal 32 bp deletion (CCR5 32) of CCR chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) Delta and tried to prove the hypothesis that genetic interactions between the donor and the recipient influence the development of AR. METHODS: We detected genetic polymorphisms by the TaqMan(R) method and by sizing PCR amplicons (n = 486). The primary outcomes were early acute rejection (EAR) and repeated early acute rejection (RR). We defined EAR as the occurrence of a biopsy-proven AR within 3 months after transplantation. RESULTS: The development of EAR was dependent on the number of A alleles in recipients and showed a dose-response relationship (P = 0.002). When we combined the number of A alleles in both donor and recipient, episodes of EAR and RR were more prevalent as the allelic number increased (A allelic number 0 & 1, 2 versus 3 & 4, P = 0.048; 0 & 1 versus 3 & 4, P = 0.006). Statistical significance was preserved after multivariate analysis of sex, HLA mismatch and type of donor with the recipient's age as the continuous term. Also, graft survival was different according to the presence of the A allele, i.e. recipients carrying A allele (+) grafts showed poor graft survival (P = 0.008 by a log-rank test). Again, the number of A alleles affected graft survival as the recipients who carried more A alleles had poor graft survival (A allele number 0 & 1 versus 2 versus 3 & 4, P = 0.011; 0 & 1 versus 3 & 4, P = 0.08; 0 & 1 versus 2, P = 0.002; by a log-rank test). All of the participants were wild-type homozygotes for CCR5Delta32. CONCLUSIONS: The A allele of CCR5 59029G>A was a risk factor for EAR and RR. As the number of A alleles increased, episodes of EAR were more frequently observed.</P>

A Case Report of a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Survivor with Kidney Biopsy Results

Cha, Ran-hui,Yang, Seung Hee,Moon, Kyung Chul,Joh, Joon-Sung,Lee, Ji Yeon,Shin, Hyoung-Shik,Kim, Dong Ki,Kim, Yon Su The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences 2016 JOURNAL OF KOREAN MEDICAL SCIENCE Vol.31 No.4

<P>A 68-year old man diagnosed with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) presented with multiple pneumonic infiltrations on his chest X-ray, and the patient was placed on a mechanical ventilator because of progressive respiratory failure. Urinary protein excretion steadily increased for a microalbumin to creatinine ratio of 538.4 mg/g Cr and a protein to creatinine ratio of 3,025.8 mg/g Cr. The isotope dilution mass spectrometry traceable serum creatinine level increased to 3.0 mg/dL. We performed a kidney biopsy 8 weeks after the onset of symptoms. Acute tubular necrosis was the main finding, and proteinaceous cast formation and acute tubulointerstitial nephritis were found. There were no electron dense deposits observed with electron microscopy. We could not verify the virus itself by in situ hybridization and confocal microscopy (MERS-CoV co-stained with dipeptidyl peptidase 4). The viremic status, urinary virus excretion, and timely kidney biopsy results should be investigated with thorough precautions to reveal the direct effects of MERS-CoV with respect to renal complications.</P>

Sustained uremic toxin control improves renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with advanced renal dysfunction: post-hoc analysis of the Kremezin Study against renal disease progression in Korea

( Ran-hui Cha ),( Shin Wook Kang ),( Cheol Whee Park ),( Dae Ryong Cha ),( Ki Young Na ),( Sung Gyun Kim ),( Sun Ae Yoon ),( Sejoong Kim ),( Sang Youb Han ),( Jung Hwan Park ),( Jae Hyun Chang ),( Chu 대한신장학회 2017 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.36 No.1

Background: We investigated the long-term effect of AST-120, which has been proposed as a therapeutic option against renal disease progression, in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: We performed post-hoc analysis with a per-protocol group of the K-STAR study (Kremezin study against renal disease progression in Korea) that randomized participants into an AST-120 and a control arm. Patients in the AST-120 arm were given 6 g of AST-120 in three divided doses, and those in both arms received standard conventional treatment. Results: The two arms did not differ significantly in the occurrence of composite primary outcomes (log-rank P = 0.41). For AST-120 patients with higher compliance, there were fewer composite primary outcomes: intermediate tertile hazard ratio (HR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 1.01, P = 0.05; highest tertile HR 0.436, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.76, P = 0.003. The estimated glomerular filtration rate level was more stable in the AST-120 arm, especially in diabetic patients. At one year, the AST-120-induced decrease in the serum indoxyl sulfate concentration inversely correlated with the occurrence of composite primary outcomes: second tertile HR 1.59, 95% CI 0.82 to 3.07, P = 0.17; third tertile HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.17, P = 0.031. Furthermore, AST-120 showed a protective effect against the major cardiovascular adverse events (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.99, P = 0.046). Conclusion: Long-term use of AST-120 has potential for renal protection, especially in diabetic patients, as well as cardiovascular benefits. Reduction of the serum indoxyl sulfate level may be used to identify patients who would benefit from AST-120 administration.

Physicians’ perceptions of asymptomatic hyperuricemia in patients with chronic kidney disease: A questionnaire survey

Ran-hui Cha,Su Hyun Kim,Eun Hui Bae,유민아,Beom Soon Choi,최훈영,Sun Woo Kang,Jung-Ho Shin,한상엽,양철우,강덕희 대한신장학회 2019 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.38 No.3

Background: Hyperuricemia is associated with the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no consistent recommendation regarding the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU) in CKD patients. Here, we surveyed Korean physicians’ perceptions regarding the diagnosis and management of AHU in CKD patients. Methods: Questionnaires on the management of AHU in CKD patients were emailed to regular members registered with the Korean Society of Nephrology. Results: A total of 158 members answered the questionnaire. Among the respondents, 49.4%/41.1% were considered hyperuricemic in male CKD patients whereas 36.7%/20.9% were considered hyperuricemic in female CKD patients when defined by serum uric acid level over 7.0/8.0 mg/dL, respectively. A total of 80.4% reported treating AHU in CKD patients. The most important reasons to treat AHU in CKD patients were renal function preservation followed by cerebro-cardiac protection. Majority of respondents (59.5%) thought that uric acid-lowering agents (ULAs) were the most effective method for controlling serum uric acid levels. Approximately 80% chose febuxostat as the preferred medication. A total of 32.3% and 31.0%, respectively, initiated ULA treatment if the serumuric acid level was more than 8.0 or 9.0 mg/dL, respectively. In addition, 39.2% and 30.4% answered that target serum uric acid levels of less than 6.0 or 7.0 mg/dL, respectively, were appropriate. The two major hurdles to prescribing ULAs were concerns of adverse reactions and the existing lack of evidence (i.e., the absence of Korean guidelines). Conclusion: Most Korean physicians treat AHU in CKD patients to prevent CKD progression and cerebrocardiovascular complications.

Physician perceptions of blood pressure control in patients with chronic kidney disease and target blood pressure achievement rate

( Ran-hui Cha ),( Hajeong Lee ),( Jung Pyo Lee ),( Young Rim Song ),( Sung Gyun Kim ),( Yon Su Kim ) 대한신장학회 2017 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.36 No.4

Background: Blood pressure (BP) control is the most-established method for the prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, the ideal BP target for CKD patients is still under debate. Methods: We performed a survey of regular registered members of the Korean Society of Nephrology to determine physician perceptions of BP control in patients with CKD. In addition, we evaluated the target BP achievement rate using data from the APrODiTe-2 study. Results: Two-thirds of physicians considered the target BP for CKD to be < 130/85 mmHg. The systolic BP (SBP) thresholds for diabetic CKD, proteinuria ≥ 300 mg/day, 30 ≤ glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², age < 60 years, and the presence of atherosclerotic (ASO) complications were significantly lower than the SBP thresholds of the opposite parameters. The three major hurdles to controlling BP were non-compliance with lifestyle modification and medications, and self-report of well-controlled home BP. Most physicians prescribed home and ambulatory BP monitoring to less than 50% of their patients. The target BP achievement rates using the SBP thresholds in this survey were as follows: non-diabetic (69.3%); diabetic (29.5%); proteinuria < 300 mg/day (72.3%); proteinuria > 300 mg/day (33.7%); GFR ≥ 60 (76.4%); GFR < 30 (47.8%); no evidence of ASO (67.8%); and the presence of ASO (42.9%). Conclusion: The target BP was lower in patients with higher cerebro-cardiovascular risks. These patient groups also showed lower target BP achievement rates. We also found a relatively lower application and clinical reflection rate of home or ambulatory BP monitoring.

Pharmacologic therapeutics in sarcopenia with chronic kidney disease

( Ran-hui Cha ) 대한신장학회 2024 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.43 No.2

Inflammation, metabolic acidosis, renin-angiotensin system activation, insulin resistance, and impaired perfusion to skeletal muscles, among others, are possible causes of uremic sarcopenia. These conditions induce the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, adenosine triphosphate ubiquitin-proteasome system, and reactive oxygen species system, resulting in protein catabolism. Strategies for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are aerobic and resistance exercises along with nutritional interventions. Anabolic hormones have shown beneficial effects. Megestrol acetate increased weight, protein catabolic rate, and albumin concentration, and it increased intracellular water component and muscle mass. Vitamin D supplementation showed improvement in physical function, muscle strength, and muscle mass. Correction of metabolic acidosis showed an increase in protein intake, serum albumin levels, body weight, and mid-arm circumference. The kidney- gut-muscle axis indicates that dysbiosis and changes in gut-derived uremic toxins and short-chain fatty acids affect muscle mass, composition, strength, and functional capacity. Biotic supplements, AST-120 administration, hemodiafiltration, and preservation of residual renal function are alleged to reduce uremic toxins, including indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS). Synbiotics reversed the microbiota change in CKD patients and decreased uremic toxins. AST-120 administration changed the overall gut microbiota composition in CKD. AST-120 prevented IS and PCS tissue accumulation, ameliorated muscle atrophy, improved exercise capacity and mitochondrial biogenesis, restored epithelial tight junction proteins, and reduced plasma endotoxin levels and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. In a human study, the addition of AST-120 to standard treatment had modest beneficial effects on gait speed change and quality of life.

Hand Grip and Leg Muscle Strength in Hemodialysis Patients and Its Determinants

Cha Ran-hui,Lee Geum Sil,Yoo Ju Yeon,Rhee Oe Bog,Jeon Yong Duk 대한의학회 2021 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.36 No.11

Background: Chronic kidney disease is associated with chronic inflammation and progressive loss of peripheral muscle strength and the ability to exercise, and these changes are highly pronounced in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). We evaluated hand grip strength (HGS) and leg muscle strength (LMS) in patients receiving HD and attempted to identify factors associated with muscle strength. Methods: We screened HGS (opposite the fistula side) and LMS (both sides) in HD patients at a single center (n = 112) by using digital hand and leg dynamometers (T.K.K. 5401 and 5710e/5715, Takei Scientific Instruments Co. Ltd., Niigata, Japan). Results: The mean age of patients was 62.6 years, and 73.2% of the patients were male. Diabetes was the cause of kidney failure in 50% of the patients, and the median HD vintage was 34 months. A total of 77.7% of patients reported that they participated in regular home-based exercise, and 29.5% of patients regularly participated in hospital-based resistance exercise. HGS and LMS showed good correlation (r = 0.715, P < 0.001). HGS (25.1 vs. 17.0 kg) and LMS (30.1 vs. 20.4 kg) were greater in males (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) than in females. Older patients (≥ 60 years) showed less LMS than younger patients in both males and females (P = 0.012 and P = 0.037, respectively), but HGS did not differ according to age. Patients performing regular home- or hospital-based exercise showed higher HGS than those who did not exercise (24.2 vs. 18.6 kg, P = 0.011), but LMS was not significantly different (29.3 vs. 23.6 kg, P = 0.185). Multiple linear regression analysis proved that male sex, younger age, and any type of exercise were factors associated with improved HGS and LMS. Groups of older age (≥ 60 years), male sex, and shorter duration of HD (< median) benefitted more from exercise. Conclusion: Sex, age, and exercise were the most important determinants of muscle strength in HD patients. We need to encourage patients to engage in regular home or group exercise from the beginning of dialysis and introduce new feasible forms of exercise for HD patients.