Background: The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been profound, with significant disparities in infection and mortality rates, particularly in high-risk populations. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that complicates patient management in the context of COVID-19, given the increased risk of infections and limited guidance on pharmacological management. Methods: This [...]

Background: Large volume paracentesis is commonly performed in patients with refractory ascites but can induce hypotension and kidney injury. There is evidence that administering albumin at 6-8 grams per liter (g/L) of ascites removed during or after paracentesis can reduce these adverse events. Current guidelines recommend this practice when >2 liters are removed in high-risk [...]

Background: Controversy still exists regarding the use of angiotensin axis blockade (AAB) with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs preoperatively. Multiple studies suggest the AAB results in acute kidney injury (AKI) (1,2), while other studies do not (3,4 ). Some studies suggest that the AKI associated with AAB is due [...]

Background: It is well-known that development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients is associated with adverse outcomes. However, estimates of adverse outcomes in these patients has not been well-characterized. Reliable and accurate estimates are essential to understand the impact of AKI and for resource utilization. The objective of this study is to examine [...]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients is linked to adverse outcomes. Presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in these patients has been shown to be an independent risk factor. Outcomes of patients with AKI on CKD have not been well-examined. This study is a retrospective analysis of outcomes in hospitalized patients with AKI [...]

Background: Therapeutic paracentesis is a common procedure performed to relieve symptoms of ascites most commonly from cirrhosis, heart failure or malignancy. Previous studies have shown that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after paracentesis and portends a poor prognosis, although these studies have excluded patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Experiences in our hospital [...]

Case Presentation: A 48-year-old morbidly obese woman with history of sarcoidosis with annual cutaneous flares was admitted for extensive non-healing, necrotic ulcers on her lower extremities. Three months prior to presentation, the patient developed open ulcers on her legs which she attributed to a typical sarcoid flare. She later developed diffuse body malaise and dark [...]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in adult hospitalized patients, with the incidence being reported as high as 7.2%. While evaluation of the cause of AKI is often necessary, in hospitalized patients the causes of AKI are more likely to be pre-renal or intrinsic. Previous studies have found that decreased renal perfusion, medications, radiographic [...]

Background: Renal ultrasound (RUS) is frequently used as part of the routine work-up for acute kidney injury (AKI) for the hospitalized patient.  Society guidelines and previous literature suggest that RUS should be ordered when an obstructive cause of AKI is suspected.  While RUS is a non-invasive, low-cost imaging modality that does not expose patients to [...]

Case Presentation: An elderly male with a pertinent past medical history of carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic diarrhea, presents with complaints of progressively worsening anasarca and associated dyspnea. He has had multiple hospitalizations for dyspnea over the last six months, thought to be due to transudative pleural effusions. Outpatient work-up, including echocardiogram and subspecialty consultation [...]