The objective was to investigate the relationship between the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 1 year after transplantation and mortality during follow-up.
Methods. FK228 manufacturer The GFR was determined in 316 patients still living 1 year after transplantation using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study formula. Patients were divided into three groups according to GFR (i.e. <30, 30-59 and >= 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)) and pretransplant variables and rejection and infection rates within the first year were analyzed. The association between GFR at 1 year and mortality during follow-up was evaluated and reasons for the association were examined.
Results. There was no difference in the number of rejections or infections
in the first year between the three groups. During a mean follow-up period of 6.3 years, 74% of patients with a GFR <30 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) died, compared with 24% and 30% of those with a GFR 60 and 30-59 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), respectively. Survival analysis (i.e. Cox regression analysis) demonstrated a significant difference between patients with a GFR <30 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) and other patients (P<.001). A very low GFR at 1 year was the only independent predictor that remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio =2.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-5.41).
Conclusions.
Severe renal dysfunction at 1 year was an independent predictor of long-term all-cause mortality in heart transplant patients.”
“Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) microspheres of poly(vinyl alcohol) selleck screening library (PVA) and methylcellulose (MC) prepared by a water-in-oil emulsion method were crosslinked by glutaraldehyde and loaded with theophylline (THP), an antiasthmatic drug, with various ratios of PVA to MC. Microspheres were GDC-0068 molecular weight characterized with X-ray diffraction to determine the crystalline nature of the drug after encapsulation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to assess the formation of the IPN structure and to
confirm the absence of chemical interactions between the drug, polymer, and crosslinking agent. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the molecular-level distribution of THP in the polymer matrix, whereas scanning electron microscopy suggested the formation of clustered spherical particles. Zeta-sizer indicated that the particle sizes ranged from 4 to 57 pm, A THP encapsulation efficiency of up to 84% was achieved, as confirmed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Dynamic/equilibrium swelling experiments performed in pH 7.4 buffer media provided important information on drug diffusion characteristics. In vitro release studies performed in pH 1.2 and 7.4 buffer media indicated that the drug release depended on the extent of crosslinking as well as the amount of MC in the microspheres. Drug release was extended up to 3 h, and the results, as analyzed with an empirical equation, indicated non-Fickian transport for the release of THP.