Research - Prediction Marker

The consequences of generalized oedema following major abdominal surgery are under-recognized, and its causes are poorly understood.

Volume expansion in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. The link between inflammation and hypervolemia has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to determine if an association exists between hypervolemia and markers of inflammation in PD patients.

Large differences exist within CKD patients on haemodialysis, from relatively active transplant candidates (mobile CKD patients) to those who are sedentary and depend on healthcare support. Even the healthiest patients display frequent changes in hydration status and may show signs of cell membrane damage.

Chronic fluid overload due to overestimation of dry weight (DW) is the major factor in the development of hypertension in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether bioimpedance ratio in the calf (Calf-BR = impedance at 200 kHz/impedance at 5 kHz) could be a useful hydration marker for estimation of DW and facilitate better control of blood pressure (BP) in HD patients.

Skeletal muscle weakness is an important complication of chronic respiratory disease. The effect of acute exacerbations on strength in patients with cystic fibrosis is not known.

Quadriceps weakness is an important complication of advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but few data exist concerning muscle bulk in early disease. We hypothesised that quadriceps bulk, measured by ultrasound rectus femoris cross-sectional area (USRF_CSA), would be reduced in mild, as well as advanced, COPD compared with controls, and would correlate with physical activity.

We report the interim results of a prospective randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial of aprotinin v. tranexamic acid v. placebo using a novel device that can measure impedance noninvasively to attempt to give trends in extra-cellular lung water over time.