Nephrology

Q: When I was doing sports physicals at the high school this week, several students asked if it was true that marijuana causes kidney failure. I had not heard this. Is it true? What should I tell teens who ask about this?

Synthetic marijuana, which goes by the street names of Spice, K2, Black Mamba, Fake Weed, Genie, and Zohai, is a mixture of herbs and spices that is sprayed with a synthetic THC-type compound.¹ These can be sold over the Internet as "incense" or "bath salts." However, as is often the case with drugs purchased online or from a neighborhood dealer, other compounds toxic to humans can be cut and mixed in with these substances. While hypertension, nausea, cognitive dysfunction, and dizziness have all been associated with Spice, there has been a recent flurry of reports of severe and lasting cardiac and renal damage following use of these drugs.

In 2011, three cases of Spice-associated acute coronary syndrome were reported in the pediatric literature.² In late 2012, four residents of the same Alabama community developed AKI after using Spice. While all four eventually recovered kidney function, they now have some permanent chronic kidney damage, and all four patients required kidney biopsies.³ Similarly, the CDC recently reported 14 cases of AKI in Wyoming that developed in patients who had smoked Spice.⁴ Six cases were reported from Oregon, two each from New York and Oklahoma, and one each from Rhode Island and Kansas. Half of the case patients required hemodialysis and kidney biopsy. All had residual chronic kidney disease after recovery.⁴

The patients' presentations were similar: they were all young and healthy with no history of kidney problems—then, wham! After they had smoked Spice, severe nausea and vomiting with flank pain took them to the ER. On admission, serum creatinine (SCr) was mildly abnormal, but it rose to an average of 8 mg/dL, with one patient's SCr peaking at 21 mg/dL.⁴

While there have been no Spice-associated deaths reported, the critical care needed for these young people included hemodialysis. Perhaps a graphic description of the standard 15-gauge needles we use for dialysis would be helpful during a discussion of drug use with teens.

Kim Zuber, PA-C, MSPS, DFAAPA, Metropolitan Nephrology,  Alexandria, VA, and Clinton, MD

REFERENCES
1. US Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice. www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/drug_data_sheets/K2_Spice.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2013.

2. Mir A, Obafemi A, Young A, Kane C. Myocardial infarction associated with use of the synthetic cannabinoid K2. Pediatrics. 2011;128:e1622-e1627.

3. Bhanushali GK, Jain G, Fatima H, et al. AKI associated with synthetic cannabinoids: a case series. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print]

4. CDC. Acute kidney injury associated with synthetic cannabinoid use—multiple states, 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013;62:93-98.

Q: When I was doing sports physicals at the high school this week, several students asked if it was true that marijuana causes kidney failure. I had not heard this. Is it true? What should I tell teens who ask about this?

Synthetic marijuana, which goes by the street names of Spice, K2, Black Mamba, Fake Weed, Genie, and Zohai, is a mixture of herbs and spices that is sprayed with a synthetic THC-type compound.¹ These can be sold over the Internet as "incense" or "bath salts." However, as is often the case with drugs purchased online or from a neighborhood dealer, other compounds toxic to humans can be cut and mixed in with these substances. While hypertension, nausea, cognitive dysfunction, and dizziness have all been associated with Spice, there has been a recent flurry of reports of severe and lasting cardiac and renal damage following use of these drugs.

In 2011, three cases of Spice-associated acute coronary syndrome were reported in the pediatric literature.² In late 2012, four residents of the same Alabama community developed AKI after using Spice. While all four eventually recovered kidney function, they now have some permanent chronic kidney damage, and all four patients required kidney biopsies.³ Similarly, the CDC recently reported 14 cases of AKI in Wyoming that developed in patients who had smoked Spice.⁴ Six cases were reported from Oregon, two each from New York and Oklahoma, and one each from Rhode Island and Kansas. Half of the case patients required hemodialysis and kidney biopsy. All had residual chronic kidney disease after recovery.⁴

The patients' presentations were similar: they were all young and healthy with no history of kidney problems—then, wham! After they had smoked Spice, severe nausea and vomiting with flank pain took them to the ER. On admission, serum creatinine (SCr) was mildly abnormal, but it rose to an average of 8 mg/dL, with one patient's SCr peaking at 21 mg/dL.⁴

While there have been no Spice-associated deaths reported, the critical care needed for these young people included hemodialysis. Perhaps a graphic description of the standard 15-gauge needles we use for dialysis would be helpful during a discussion of drug use with teens.

Kim Zuber, PA-C, MSPS, DFAAPA, Metropolitan Nephrology,  Alexandria, VA, and Clinton, MD

REFERENCES
1. US Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice. www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/drug_data_sheets/K2_Spice.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2013.

2. Mir A, Obafemi A, Young A, Kane C. Myocardial infarction associated with use of the synthetic cannabinoid K2. Pediatrics. 2011;128:e1622-e1627.

3. Bhanushali GK, Jain G, Fatima H, et al. AKI associated with synthetic cannabinoids: a case series. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print]

4. CDC. Acute kidney injury associated with synthetic cannabinoid use—multiple states, 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013;62:93-98.

Q: When I was doing sports physicals at the high school this week, several students asked if it was true that marijuana causes kidney failure. I had not heard this. Is it true? What should I tell teens who ask about this?

Synthetic marijuana, which goes by the street names of Spice, K2, Black Mamba, Fake Weed, Genie, and Zohai, is a mixture of herbs and spices that is sprayed with a synthetic THC-type compound.¹ These can be sold over the Internet as "incense" or "bath salts." However, as is often the case with drugs purchased online or from a neighborhood dealer, other compounds toxic to humans can be cut and mixed in with these substances. While hypertension, nausea, cognitive dysfunction, and dizziness have all been associated with Spice, there has been a recent flurry of reports of severe and lasting cardiac and renal damage following use of these drugs.

In 2011, three cases of Spice-associated acute coronary syndrome were reported in the pediatric literature.² In late 2012, four residents of the same Alabama community developed AKI after using Spice. While all four eventually recovered kidney function, they now have some permanent chronic kidney damage, and all four patients required kidney biopsies.³ Similarly, the CDC recently reported 14 cases of AKI in Wyoming that developed in patients who had smoked Spice.⁴ Six cases were reported from Oregon, two each from New York and Oklahoma, and one each from Rhode Island and Kansas. Half of the case patients required hemodialysis and kidney biopsy. All had residual chronic kidney disease after recovery.⁴

The patients' presentations were similar: they were all young and healthy with no history of kidney problems—then, wham! After they had smoked Spice, severe nausea and vomiting with flank pain took them to the ER. On admission, serum creatinine (SCr) was mildly abnormal, but it rose to an average of 8 mg/dL, with one patient's SCr peaking at 21 mg/dL.⁴

While there have been no Spice-associated deaths reported, the critical care needed for these young people included hemodialysis. Perhaps a graphic description of the standard 15-gauge needles we use for dialysis would be helpful during a discussion of drug use with teens.

Kim Zuber, PA-C, MSPS, DFAAPA, Metropolitan Nephrology,  Alexandria, VA, and Clinton, MD

REFERENCES
1. US Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice. www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/drug_data_sheets/K2_Spice.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2013.

2. Mir A, Obafemi A, Young A, Kane C. Myocardial infarction associated with use of the synthetic cannabinoid K2. Pediatrics. 2011;128:e1622-e1627.

3. Bhanushali GK, Jain G, Fatima H, et al. AKI associated with synthetic cannabinoids: a case series. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print]

4. CDC. Acute kidney injury associated with synthetic cannabinoid use—multiple states, 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013;62:93-98.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an uncommon cause of mortality but a common cause of morbidity.

More than 80% of men aged older than 80 years have histologic evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As most of us know, the most common symptoms of BPH are urinary frequency, nocturia, hesitancy, and weak urine stream. But it seems like nocturia is the source of most complaints in my panel.

Interestingly, many men will experience stabilization or improvement over time without therapy. We likely do not remember this, because men who present to us are not typically enamored with the idea of "watchful waiting" when they are up all night standing at the latrine. But in fact, 38% of men will have symptom improvement over 2.6 to 5 years of follow-up without intervention.

Treatment is symptom driven. Treatment modality selections are cost and convenience driven. Many of us will reach for an alpha-adrenergic antagonist or a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as first-line therapy for patients with mild but annoying symptoms.

But how many of us consider NSAIDs in this setting?

Dr. Arman Kahokehr and colleagues conducted a systematic review of the literature examining the effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of men with BPH. Trials were included if they were randomized and included objective outcomes such as urologic symptom scales or urodynamics (BJU Int. 2013;111:304-11).

Three randomized trials enrolling 183 men and lasting 4-24 weeks were included in the meta-analysis. The trials used rofecoxib plus finasteride, celecoxib, and tenoxicam plus doxazosin. NSAIDs improved scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS; P less than .001) and increased urine flow (0.89 mL/s; P = .01). No increased side effects were observed.

The authors highlight that inflammatory infiltration is seen in 43%-98% of BPH tissue, and men with acute or chronic inflammation have larger prostate volumes.

COX-2 inhibitors were used in the included studies, but nonselective NSAIDs may have as powerful an effect on the inflammatory process associated with BPH – and may be associated with less concern for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The long-term effects of NSAIDs on kidney function and the gastrointestinal mucosa, especially in older patients, need to be considered.

But the use of NSAIDs in combination with other BPH pharmacologic agents before changing doses, medications, or intervention approach may be an attractive short-term clinical option.

Dr. Ebbert is professor of medicine and a primary care clinician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He reports having no conflicts of interest. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an uncommon cause of mortality but a common cause of morbidity.

More than 80% of men aged older than 80 years have histologic evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As most of us know, the most common symptoms of BPH are urinary frequency, nocturia, hesitancy, and weak urine stream. But it seems like nocturia is the source of most complaints in my panel.

Interestingly, many men will experience stabilization or improvement over time without therapy. We likely do not remember this, because men who present to us are not typically enamored with the idea of "watchful waiting" when they are up all night standing at the latrine. But in fact, 38% of men will have symptom improvement over 2.6 to 5 years of follow-up without intervention.

Treatment is symptom driven. Treatment modality selections are cost and convenience driven. Many of us will reach for an alpha-adrenergic antagonist or a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as first-line therapy for patients with mild but annoying symptoms.

But how many of us consider NSAIDs in this setting?

Dr. Arman Kahokehr and colleagues conducted a systematic review of the literature examining the effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of men with BPH. Trials were included if they were randomized and included objective outcomes such as urologic symptom scales or urodynamics (BJU Int. 2013;111:304-11).

Three randomized trials enrolling 183 men and lasting 4-24 weeks were included in the meta-analysis. The trials used rofecoxib plus finasteride, celecoxib, and tenoxicam plus doxazosin. NSAIDs improved scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS; P less than .001) and increased urine flow (0.89 mL/s; P = .01). No increased side effects were observed.

The authors highlight that inflammatory infiltration is seen in 43%-98% of BPH tissue, and men with acute or chronic inflammation have larger prostate volumes.

COX-2 inhibitors were used in the included studies, but nonselective NSAIDs may have as powerful an effect on the inflammatory process associated with BPH – and may be associated with less concern for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The long-term effects of NSAIDs on kidney function and the gastrointestinal mucosa, especially in older patients, need to be considered.

But the use of NSAIDs in combination with other BPH pharmacologic agents before changing doses, medications, or intervention approach may be an attractive short-term clinical option.

Dr. Ebbert is professor of medicine and a primary care clinician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He reports having no conflicts of interest. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an uncommon cause of mortality but a common cause of morbidity.

More than 80% of men aged older than 80 years have histologic evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As most of us know, the most common symptoms of BPH are urinary frequency, nocturia, hesitancy, and weak urine stream. But it seems like nocturia is the source of most complaints in my panel.

Interestingly, many men will experience stabilization or improvement over time without therapy. We likely do not remember this, because men who present to us are not typically enamored with the idea of "watchful waiting" when they are up all night standing at the latrine. But in fact, 38% of men will have symptom improvement over 2.6 to 5 years of follow-up without intervention.

Treatment is symptom driven. Treatment modality selections are cost and convenience driven. Many of us will reach for an alpha-adrenergic antagonist or a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as first-line therapy for patients with mild but annoying symptoms.

But how many of us consider NSAIDs in this setting?

Dr. Arman Kahokehr and colleagues conducted a systematic review of the literature examining the effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of men with BPH. Trials were included if they were randomized and included objective outcomes such as urologic symptom scales or urodynamics (BJU Int. 2013;111:304-11).

Three randomized trials enrolling 183 men and lasting 4-24 weeks were included in the meta-analysis. The trials used rofecoxib plus finasteride, celecoxib, and tenoxicam plus doxazosin. NSAIDs improved scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS; P less than .001) and increased urine flow (0.89 mL/s; P = .01). No increased side effects were observed.

The authors highlight that inflammatory infiltration is seen in 43%-98% of BPH tissue, and men with acute or chronic inflammation have larger prostate volumes.

COX-2 inhibitors were used in the included studies, but nonselective NSAIDs may have as powerful an effect on the inflammatory process associated with BPH – and may be associated with less concern for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The long-term effects of NSAIDs on kidney function and the gastrointestinal mucosa, especially in older patients, need to be considered.

But the use of NSAIDs in combination with other BPH pharmacologic agents before changing doses, medications, or intervention approach may be an attractive short-term clinical option.

Dr. Ebbert is professor of medicine and a primary care clinician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He reports having no conflicts of interest. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Diminished renal function is an independent risk factor for recurrent stroke within the first 6 months following hospitalization for an acute ischemic stroke, Dr. Abraham Thomas reported at the International Stroke Conference.

The short-term risk of recurrent stroke climbs in stepwise fashion with decreasing renal function. Even patients categorized as having stage 2 renal function by National Kidney Foundation criteria – those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m² – have a 60% increased risk compared with those who have an estimated GFR of 90 or greater, according to Dr. Thomas of the University of California, San Francisco.

He presented an observational study involving 2,882 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke to 12 Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals during 2004-2007. Twenty-four percent had stage 1 renal function upon admission, with an eGFR of at least 90 mL/min/1.73 m². Forty-seven percent were stage 2, 25% were stage 3 as defined by an eGFR of 30-59, and the rest had stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

In a multivariate analysis, stage 2 renal function was independently associated with a 60% greater risk of recurrent stroke within 6 months compared with those who were stage 1. Patients with stage 3 renal function were at 70% greater risk than were those who were stage 1, while stage 4 patients were at 80% increased risk.

Renal dysfunction is an established risk factor for first-time cardiovascular events, including stroke. But the relationship between renal function and short-term risk of recurrent stroke has not previously been scrutinized.

One possible mechanism by which impaired renal function might predict an increased short-term risk of recurrent stroke involves poor blood pressure control, Dr. Thomas observed. The prevalence of hypertension was 19% with stage 1 renal function, 24% in those who were stage 2, and 26% in patients with stage 3 or 4 renal function. And at 6 months’ follow-up, blood pressure control was less than half as common among stage 4 patients than in those who were stages 1-3.

The conference was sponsored by the American Heart Association. Dr. Thomas reported having no financial conflicts.

[email protected]

Diminished renal function is an independent risk factor for recurrent stroke within the first 6 months following hospitalization for an acute ischemic stroke, Dr. Abraham Thomas reported at the International Stroke Conference.

The short-term risk of recurrent stroke climbs in stepwise fashion with decreasing renal function. Even patients categorized as having stage 2 renal function by National Kidney Foundation criteria – those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m² – have a 60% increased risk compared with those who have an estimated GFR of 90 or greater, according to Dr. Thomas of the University of California, San Francisco.

He presented an observational study involving 2,882 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke to 12 Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals during 2004-2007. Twenty-four percent had stage 1 renal function upon admission, with an eGFR of at least 90 mL/min/1.73 m². Forty-seven percent were stage 2, 25% were stage 3 as defined by an eGFR of 30-59, and the rest had stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

In a multivariate analysis, stage 2 renal function was independently associated with a 60% greater risk of recurrent stroke within 6 months compared with those who were stage 1. Patients with stage 3 renal function were at 70% greater risk than were those who were stage 1, while stage 4 patients were at 80% increased risk.

Renal dysfunction is an established risk factor for first-time cardiovascular events, including stroke. But the relationship between renal function and short-term risk of recurrent stroke has not previously been scrutinized.

One possible mechanism by which impaired renal function might predict an increased short-term risk of recurrent stroke involves poor blood pressure control, Dr. Thomas observed. The prevalence of hypertension was 19% with stage 1 renal function, 24% in those who were stage 2, and 26% in patients with stage 3 or 4 renal function. And at 6 months’ follow-up, blood pressure control was less than half as common among stage 4 patients than in those who were stages 1-3.

The conference was sponsored by the American Heart Association. Dr. Thomas reported having no financial conflicts.

[email protected]

Diminished renal function is an independent risk factor for recurrent stroke within the first 6 months following hospitalization for an acute ischemic stroke, Dr. Abraham Thomas reported at the International Stroke Conference.

The short-term risk of recurrent stroke climbs in stepwise fashion with decreasing renal function. Even patients categorized as having stage 2 renal function by National Kidney Foundation criteria – those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m² – have a 60% increased risk compared with those who have an estimated GFR of 90 or greater, according to Dr. Thomas of the University of California, San Francisco.

He presented an observational study involving 2,882 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke to 12 Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals during 2004-2007. Twenty-four percent had stage 1 renal function upon admission, with an eGFR of at least 90 mL/min/1.73 m². Forty-seven percent were stage 2, 25% were stage 3 as defined by an eGFR of 30-59, and the rest had stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

In a multivariate analysis, stage 2 renal function was independently associated with a 60% greater risk of recurrent stroke within 6 months compared with those who were stage 1. Patients with stage 3 renal function were at 70% greater risk than were those who were stage 1, while stage 4 patients were at 80% increased risk.

Renal dysfunction is an established risk factor for first-time cardiovascular events, including stroke. But the relationship between renal function and short-term risk of recurrent stroke has not previously been scrutinized.

One possible mechanism by which impaired renal function might predict an increased short-term risk of recurrent stroke involves poor blood pressure control, Dr. Thomas observed. The prevalence of hypertension was 19% with stage 1 renal function, 24% in those who were stage 2, and 26% in patients with stage 3 or 4 renal function. And at 6 months’ follow-up, blood pressure control was less than half as common among stage 4 patients than in those who were stages 1-3.

The conference was sponsored by the American Heart Association. Dr. Thomas reported having no financial conflicts.

[email protected]

Older patients with small kidney tumors are up to 70% less likely to die from any cause when managed by watchful waiting rather than by surgery, based on findings from a large retrospective study.

Surveillance appears to be safe for these small lesions, with a kidney cancer mortality of just 3% over a 5-year period. In addition, watchful waiting seems to confer a cardiovascular benefit; these patients had a 49% lower cardiac mortality risk compared with that for patients who had kidney surgery, said lead author Dr. William C. Huang of New York University Medical Center.

The link between kidney surgery and heart problems is probably mediated by compromised kidney function, Dr. Huang said. "It’s believed that when surgery takes excess normal kidney tissue, it hastens the acceleration of kidney failure," leading to cardiovascular problems, he said.

The study findings are going to be increasingly valuable as imaging turns up more and more incidental asymptomatic kidney tumors. Last year alone, about 65,000 of these lesions were diagnosed, most of them during a work-up for other abdominal complaints.

While the trend toward surveillance of small asymptomatic lesions is growing, Dr. Huang said surgery is still the treatment mode for more than half of cases. Most procedures in the retrospective study were radical nephrectomies, with kidney removal in about half of those. "The majority of these small lesions could be removed laparoscopically, but even then you’re taking out normal kidney tissue that you might really want back someday," he said at a press briefing at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Oncology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and the Society of Urologic Oncology.

"Physicians can comfortably tell an elderly patient, especially a patient who is not healthy enough to tolerate general anesthesia and surgery, that the likelihood of dying of kidney cancer is low and that kidney surgery is unlikely to extend their lives," he said. "However, since it is difficult to identify which tumors will become lethal, elderly patients who are completely healthy and have an extended life expectancy, may opt for surgery."

The study examined mortality data in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for 8,317 patients, aged 66 years or older, who were diagnosed from 2002 to 2007 with kidney tumors smaller than 1.5 cm. The patients were followed for a median of 59 months; 78% were managed with surgery and 22%, with surveillance. The use of surveillance increased over the course of the study, from about 25% in 2002 to almost 40% in 2007.

Over the study period, 2,078 (25%) of the patients died, including 277 (3%) who died of kidney cancer. At least one cardiovascular event occurred in 24% of the patients.

Kidney cancer mortality rates did not vary between the treatment groups. However, surgical patients had a significantly increased risk of death from any cause. At 7-36 months, those who had surveillance were 30% less likely to have died than those managed by surgery (hazard ratio, 0.70). After 36 months, patients were 63% less likely to have died if their tumors were managed by surveillance instead of surgery (HR, 0.37).

Dr. Huang also demonstrated that those in the surveillance group experienced a significant cardiovascular benefit as well. By the end of the study, 25% of the deaths were due to a cardiovascular event. Patients in the surveillance group had a 49% reduction in the chance of an event.

Dr. Huang said he had no relevant financial disclosures.

[email protected]

Older patients with small kidney tumors are up to 70% less likely to die from any cause when managed by watchful waiting rather than by surgery, based on findings from a large retrospective study.

Surveillance appears to be safe for these small lesions, with a kidney cancer mortality of just 3% over a 5-year period. In addition, watchful waiting seems to confer a cardiovascular benefit; these patients had a 49% lower cardiac mortality risk compared with that for patients who had kidney surgery, said lead author Dr. William C. Huang of New York University Medical Center.

The link between kidney surgery and heart problems is probably mediated by compromised kidney function, Dr. Huang said. "It’s believed that when surgery takes excess normal kidney tissue, it hastens the acceleration of kidney failure," leading to cardiovascular problems, he said.

The study findings are going to be increasingly valuable as imaging turns up more and more incidental asymptomatic kidney tumors. Last year alone, about 65,000 of these lesions were diagnosed, most of them during a work-up for other abdominal complaints.

While the trend toward surveillance of small asymptomatic lesions is growing, Dr. Huang said surgery is still the treatment mode for more than half of cases. Most procedures in the retrospective study were radical nephrectomies, with kidney removal in about half of those. "The majority of these small lesions could be removed laparoscopically, but even then you’re taking out normal kidney tissue that you might really want back someday," he said at a press briefing at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Oncology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and the Society of Urologic Oncology.

"Physicians can comfortably tell an elderly patient, especially a patient who is not healthy enough to tolerate general anesthesia and surgery, that the likelihood of dying of kidney cancer is low and that kidney surgery is unlikely to extend their lives," he said. "However, since it is difficult to identify which tumors will become lethal, elderly patients who are completely healthy and have an extended life expectancy, may opt for surgery."

The study examined mortality data in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for 8,317 patients, aged 66 years or older, who were diagnosed from 2002 to 2007 with kidney tumors smaller than 1.5 cm. The patients were followed for a median of 59 months; 78% were managed with surgery and 22%, with surveillance. The use of surveillance increased over the course of the study, from about 25% in 2002 to almost 40% in 2007.

Over the study period, 2,078 (25%) of the patients died, including 277 (3%) who died of kidney cancer. At least one cardiovascular event occurred in 24% of the patients.

Kidney cancer mortality rates did not vary between the treatment groups. However, surgical patients had a significantly increased risk of death from any cause. At 7-36 months, those who had surveillance were 30% less likely to have died than those managed by surgery (hazard ratio, 0.70). After 36 months, patients were 63% less likely to have died if their tumors were managed by surveillance instead of surgery (HR, 0.37).

Dr. Huang also demonstrated that those in the surveillance group experienced a significant cardiovascular benefit as well. By the end of the study, 25% of the deaths were due to a cardiovascular event. Patients in the surveillance group had a 49% reduction in the chance of an event.

Dr. Huang said he had no relevant financial disclosures.

[email protected]

Older patients with small kidney tumors are up to 70% less likely to die from any cause when managed by watchful waiting rather than by surgery, based on findings from a large retrospective study.

Surveillance appears to be safe for these small lesions, with a kidney cancer mortality of just 3% over a 5-year period. In addition, watchful waiting seems to confer a cardiovascular benefit; these patients had a 49% lower cardiac mortality risk compared with that for patients who had kidney surgery, said lead author Dr. William C. Huang of New York University Medical Center.

The link between kidney surgery and heart problems is probably mediated by compromised kidney function, Dr. Huang said. "It’s believed that when surgery takes excess normal kidney tissue, it hastens the acceleration of kidney failure," leading to cardiovascular problems, he said.

The study findings are going to be increasingly valuable as imaging turns up more and more incidental asymptomatic kidney tumors. Last year alone, about 65,000 of these lesions were diagnosed, most of them during a work-up for other abdominal complaints.

While the trend toward surveillance of small asymptomatic lesions is growing, Dr. Huang said surgery is still the treatment mode for more than half of cases. Most procedures in the retrospective study were radical nephrectomies, with kidney removal in about half of those. "The majority of these small lesions could be removed laparoscopically, but even then you’re taking out normal kidney tissue that you might really want back someday," he said at a press briefing at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Oncology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and the Society of Urologic Oncology.

"Physicians can comfortably tell an elderly patient, especially a patient who is not healthy enough to tolerate general anesthesia and surgery, that the likelihood of dying of kidney cancer is low and that kidney surgery is unlikely to extend their lives," he said. "However, since it is difficult to identify which tumors will become lethal, elderly patients who are completely healthy and have an extended life expectancy, may opt for surgery."

The study examined mortality data in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for 8,317 patients, aged 66 years or older, who were diagnosed from 2002 to 2007 with kidney tumors smaller than 1.5 cm. The patients were followed for a median of 59 months; 78% were managed with surgery and 22%, with surveillance. The use of surveillance increased over the course of the study, from about 25% in 2002 to almost 40% in 2007.

Over the study period, 2,078 (25%) of the patients died, including 277 (3%) who died of kidney cancer. At least one cardiovascular event occurred in 24% of the patients.

Kidney cancer mortality rates did not vary between the treatment groups. However, surgical patients had a significantly increased risk of death from any cause. At 7-36 months, those who had surveillance were 30% less likely to have died than those managed by surgery (hazard ratio, 0.70). After 36 months, patients were 63% less likely to have died if their tumors were managed by surveillance instead of surgery (HR, 0.37).

Dr. Huang also demonstrated that those in the surveillance group experienced a significant cardiovascular benefit as well. By the end of the study, 25% of the deaths were due to a cardiovascular event. Patients in the surveillance group had a 49% reduction in the chance of an event.

Dr. Huang said he had no relevant financial disclosures.

[email protected]

Sixteen cases of acute kidney injury following the use of synthetic cannabinoids were identified in the United States in 2012, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The cases, which occurred in six states and were unrelated in all but two incidents, underscore the importance of awareness on the part of health care providers about renal and other unexpected toxicities from the use of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) compounds, the CDC said in the Feb. 15 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Courtesy DEA

This is particularly true given the increasing use of SCs, also known as synthetic marijuana, "spice," or "K2, and in light of prior reports of toxicities associated with SC.

The initial four cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) following recent SC use were reported in Wyoming in March 2012, and an additional 12 cases were subsequently identified, including 6 in Oregon, 2 in New York, 2 in Oklahoma, and 1 each in Rhode Island and Kansas (MMWR 2013;62:93-8).

The patients – 15 adolescent or adult males aged 15-33 years, and one 15-year-old female – all visited emergency departments complaining of nausea and vomiting within days or hours of SC use; 12 also reported abdominal, flank, and/or back pain, and none had preexisting renal dysfunction or used medications associated with renal problems. All were hospitalized.

"The highest serum creatinine concentrations (creatinine peak) among the 16 patients ranged from 3.3 to 21.0 mg/dL (median: 6.7 mg/dL; normal 0.6-1.3 mg/dL) and occurred 1-6 days after symptom onset (median: 3 days)," according to the report.

Urinalysis results were variable, demonstrating proteinuria in eight patients, casts in five patients, white blood cells in nine patients, and red blood cells in eight patients. Renal ultrasonography in 12 patients showed that 9 had a nonspecific increase in renal cortical echogenicity. None had hydronephrosis.

Renal biopsy in eight patients demonstrated acute tubular injury in six cases, and features of acute interstitial nephritis in three.

Most patients experienced kidney function recovery within 3 days of creatinine peak, but five required hemodialysis, and four received corticosteroids.

Toxicologic analysis of the implicated SC product and clinical specimens were possible in seven cases, and two products were linked with the first three cases. These products contained 3-(1-naphthoyl) indole, a precursor to several aminoalkylindole synthetic cannabinoids, and one also contained AM 2201, a potent SC previously linked to human disease and death, but not to AKI.

With one exception, other product samples and/or blood or urine specimens from patients contained XLR-11 (a previously undescribed fluorinated-derivative of the known SC compound UR-144) either alone or in combination with an N-pentanoic acid metabolite of XLR-11 or UR-144.

These reports of AKI following SC use are concerning given the worldwide distribution of SC products, which are "packaged in colorful wrappers designed to appeal to teens, young adults, and first-time drug users," according to an editorial note in the report, which also states that SCs often are packaged with disingenuous labels claiming the products are not for human consumption, although it is widely known that they are smoked like marijuana.

Despite federal and state regulations prohibiting SC sale and distribution, illicit use continues, and reports of illness are increasing.

"The increasing use of synthetic cannabinoids in adolescents is particularly concerning because these substances can contain multiple active and inactive substances with a variety of short-term and potentially unknown long-term effects," Dr. Joanna S. Cohen said in an interview.

In a case study published last year, Dr. Cohen, of the departments of pediatrics and emergency medicine at George Washington University, Washington, noted the increasing use of SCs among adolescents, the potential dangers of SCs with respect to the developing brain, and the need for providers to become familiar with the presenting signs and symptoms of SC-related intoxication (Pediatrics 2012;129:e1064-7).

According to the MMWR report, SCs are related to the active ingredient in marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but are up to three times more likely to be associated with sympathomimetic effects such as tachycardia and hypertension, and about five times more likely to be associated with hallucinations.

An increase in seizure occurrence also has been reported with SC use.

"Given the rapidity with which new SC compounds enter the marketplace and their increasing use in the past 3 years, outbreaks of unexpected toxicity associated with their use are likely to increase," the CDC said.

Furthermore, no antidote currently exists; management of SC toxicity is symptomatic and supportive. All patients in this report of 16 cases of AKI recovered creatinine clearance during their hospital stay, but a risk for long-term kidney sequelae is possible. Findings from recent studies suggest the risk for chronic and end-stage renal disease is increased among patients who experience AKI, regardless of etiology and initial recovery.

The CDC recommends that physicians caring for adolescents and young adults with unexplained AKI inquire about SC use. Cases of suspected SC poisoning should be reported to the appropriate state health department, and to a regional poison center by calling 800-222-1222.

The authors reported on disclosures.

Sixteen cases of acute kidney injury following the use of synthetic cannabinoids were identified in the United States in 2012, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The cases, which occurred in six states and were unrelated in all but two incidents, underscore the importance of awareness on the part of health care providers about renal and other unexpected toxicities from the use of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) compounds, the CDC said in the Feb. 15 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Courtesy DEA

This is particularly true given the increasing use of SCs, also known as synthetic marijuana, "spice," or "K2, and in light of prior reports of toxicities associated with SC.

The initial four cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) following recent SC use were reported in Wyoming in March 2012, and an additional 12 cases were subsequently identified, including 6 in Oregon, 2 in New York, 2 in Oklahoma, and 1 each in Rhode Island and Kansas (MMWR 2013;62:93-8).

The patients – 15 adolescent or adult males aged 15-33 years, and one 15-year-old female – all visited emergency departments complaining of nausea and vomiting within days or hours of SC use; 12 also reported abdominal, flank, and/or back pain, and none had preexisting renal dysfunction or used medications associated with renal problems. All were hospitalized.

"The highest serum creatinine concentrations (creatinine peak) among the 16 patients ranged from 3.3 to 21.0 mg/dL (median: 6.7 mg/dL; normal 0.6-1.3 mg/dL) and occurred 1-6 days after symptom onset (median: 3 days)," according to the report.

Urinalysis results were variable, demonstrating proteinuria in eight patients, casts in five patients, white blood cells in nine patients, and red blood cells in eight patients. Renal ultrasonography in 12 patients showed that 9 had a nonspecific increase in renal cortical echogenicity. None had hydronephrosis.

Renal biopsy in eight patients demonstrated acute tubular injury in six cases, and features of acute interstitial nephritis in three.

Most patients experienced kidney function recovery within 3 days of creatinine peak, but five required hemodialysis, and four received corticosteroids.

Toxicologic analysis of the implicated SC product and clinical specimens were possible in seven cases, and two products were linked with the first three cases. These products contained 3-(1-naphthoyl) indole, a precursor to several aminoalkylindole synthetic cannabinoids, and one also contained AM 2201, a potent SC previously linked to human disease and death, but not to AKI.

With one exception, other product samples and/or blood or urine specimens from patients contained XLR-11 (a previously undescribed fluorinated-derivative of the known SC compound UR-144) either alone or in combination with an N-pentanoic acid metabolite of XLR-11 or UR-144.

These reports of AKI following SC use are concerning given the worldwide distribution of SC products, which are "packaged in colorful wrappers designed to appeal to teens, young adults, and first-time drug users," according to an editorial note in the report, which also states that SCs often are packaged with disingenuous labels claiming the products are not for human consumption, although it is widely known that they are smoked like marijuana.

Despite federal and state regulations prohibiting SC sale and distribution, illicit use continues, and reports of illness are increasing.

"The increasing use of synthetic cannabinoids in adolescents is particularly concerning because these substances can contain multiple active and inactive substances with a variety of short-term and potentially unknown long-term effects," Dr. Joanna S. Cohen said in an interview.

In a case study published last year, Dr. Cohen, of the departments of pediatrics and emergency medicine at George Washington University, Washington, noted the increasing use of SCs among adolescents, the potential dangers of SCs with respect to the developing brain, and the need for providers to become familiar with the presenting signs and symptoms of SC-related intoxication (Pediatrics 2012;129:e1064-7).

According to the MMWR report, SCs are related to the active ingredient in marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but are up to three times more likely to be associated with sympathomimetic effects such as tachycardia and hypertension, and about five times more likely to be associated with hallucinations.

An increase in seizure occurrence also has been reported with SC use.

"Given the rapidity with which new SC compounds enter the marketplace and their increasing use in the past 3 years, outbreaks of unexpected toxicity associated with their use are likely to increase," the CDC said.

Furthermore, no antidote currently exists; management of SC toxicity is symptomatic and supportive. All patients in this report of 16 cases of AKI recovered creatinine clearance during their hospital stay, but a risk for long-term kidney sequelae is possible. Findings from recent studies suggest the risk for chronic and end-stage renal disease is increased among patients who experience AKI, regardless of etiology and initial recovery.

The CDC recommends that physicians caring for adolescents and young adults with unexplained AKI inquire about SC use. Cases of suspected SC poisoning should be reported to the appropriate state health department, and to a regional poison center by calling 800-222-1222.

The authors reported on disclosures.

Sixteen cases of acute kidney injury following the use of synthetic cannabinoids were identified in the United States in 2012, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The cases, which occurred in six states and were unrelated in all but two incidents, underscore the importance of awareness on the part of health care providers about renal and other unexpected toxicities from the use of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) compounds, the CDC said in the Feb. 15 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Courtesy DEA

This is particularly true given the increasing use of SCs, also known as synthetic marijuana, "spice," or "K2, and in light of prior reports of toxicities associated with SC.

The initial four cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) following recent SC use were reported in Wyoming in March 2012, and an additional 12 cases were subsequently identified, including 6 in Oregon, 2 in New York, 2 in Oklahoma, and 1 each in Rhode Island and Kansas (MMWR 2013;62:93-8).

The patients – 15 adolescent or adult males aged 15-33 years, and one 15-year-old female – all visited emergency departments complaining of nausea and vomiting within days or hours of SC use; 12 also reported abdominal, flank, and/or back pain, and none had preexisting renal dysfunction or used medications associated with renal problems. All were hospitalized.

"The highest serum creatinine concentrations (creatinine peak) among the 16 patients ranged from 3.3 to 21.0 mg/dL (median: 6.7 mg/dL; normal 0.6-1.3 mg/dL) and occurred 1-6 days after symptom onset (median: 3 days)," according to the report.

Urinalysis results were variable, demonstrating proteinuria in eight patients, casts in five patients, white blood cells in nine patients, and red blood cells in eight patients. Renal ultrasonography in 12 patients showed that 9 had a nonspecific increase in renal cortical echogenicity. None had hydronephrosis.

Renal biopsy in eight patients demonstrated acute tubular injury in six cases, and features of acute interstitial nephritis in three.

Most patients experienced kidney function recovery within 3 days of creatinine peak, but five required hemodialysis, and four received corticosteroids.

Toxicologic analysis of the implicated SC product and clinical specimens were possible in seven cases, and two products were linked with the first three cases. These products contained 3-(1-naphthoyl) indole, a precursor to several aminoalkylindole synthetic cannabinoids, and one also contained AM 2201, a potent SC previously linked to human disease and death, but not to AKI.

With one exception, other product samples and/or blood or urine specimens from patients contained XLR-11 (a previously undescribed fluorinated-derivative of the known SC compound UR-144) either alone or in combination with an N-pentanoic acid metabolite of XLR-11 or UR-144.

These reports of AKI following SC use are concerning given the worldwide distribution of SC products, which are "packaged in colorful wrappers designed to appeal to teens, young adults, and first-time drug users," according to an editorial note in the report, which also states that SCs often are packaged with disingenuous labels claiming the products are not for human consumption, although it is widely known that they are smoked like marijuana.

Despite federal and state regulations prohibiting SC sale and distribution, illicit use continues, and reports of illness are increasing.

"The increasing use of synthetic cannabinoids in adolescents is particularly concerning because these substances can contain multiple active and inactive substances with a variety of short-term and potentially unknown long-term effects," Dr. Joanna S. Cohen said in an interview.

In a case study published last year, Dr. Cohen, of the departments of pediatrics and emergency medicine at George Washington University, Washington, noted the increasing use of SCs among adolescents, the potential dangers of SCs with respect to the developing brain, and the need for providers to become familiar with the presenting signs and symptoms of SC-related intoxication (Pediatrics 2012;129:e1064-7).

According to the MMWR report, SCs are related to the active ingredient in marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but are up to three times more likely to be associated with sympathomimetic effects such as tachycardia and hypertension, and about five times more likely to be associated with hallucinations.

An increase in seizure occurrence also has been reported with SC use.

"Given the rapidity with which new SC compounds enter the marketplace and their increasing use in the past 3 years, outbreaks of unexpected toxicity associated with their use are likely to increase," the CDC said.

Furthermore, no antidote currently exists; management of SC toxicity is symptomatic and supportive. All patients in this report of 16 cases of AKI recovered creatinine clearance during their hospital stay, but a risk for long-term kidney sequelae is possible. Findings from recent studies suggest the risk for chronic and end-stage renal disease is increased among patients who experience AKI, regardless of etiology and initial recovery.

The CDC recommends that physicians caring for adolescents and young adults with unexplained AKI inquire about SC use. Cases of suspected SC poisoning should be reported to the appropriate state health department, and to a regional poison center by calling 800-222-1222.

The authors reported on disclosures.

Prostate cancers detected during screening are much more likely to be high risk when they affect black men and men aged 75 years or older.

Men over age 74 years were nine times more likely to have high-risk disease after a positive prostate-specific antigen test, and black men of all ages were twice as likely to have high-risk disease as were white men, based on a study of 4 years of data extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.

The findings make the case for a more personalized approach to screening, Dr. Hong Zhang said at a press briefing during the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.

Without prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, "we have no other way to detect prostate cancer sufficiently early to have the best chance of helping this group of high-risk patients," said Dr. Zhang of the University of Rochester (N.Y.).

The study brings a bit of context to current PSA screening guidelines, which are "all over the map," according to session moderator Dr. Bruce Roth of Washington University, St. Louis. In 2011, the United States Preventive Services Task Force determined that routine screening harms more men that it helps.

"The American Cancer Society recommends just screening older men and the USPTF recommends that nobody get screened," Dr. Roth said. Based on these results, the presumption that older men will die first of something other than their prostate cancer is not necessarily true. "In fact, a significant number of these men present with high-risk disease. Age is not the greatest determinant of who should and should not be screened."

During 2004-2008, 70,345 men were diagnosed with T1cN0M0 prostate cancer in SEER. Of these, 48% had low-risk disease (PSA less than 10 mg/L or Gleason score of 6 or less), 36% intermediate-risk disease (PSA between 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L or Gleason score 7), and 16% high-risk disease (PSA at least 20 mg/L, or Gleason score of 8 or higher).

The median age of patients with low-risk disease was 67 years; for those with intermediate-risk disease, median age was 70 years; and for high-risk disease, it was 72 years. Men 75 years or older accounted for 12% of the population, but for 24% of intermediate-risk and 26% of high-risk disease.

In a multivariate analysis, Dr. Zhang determined that, compared with younger men, those aged 75 years and older were almost five times more likely to have intermediate-risk disease and nine times more likely to have high-risk disease.

Blacks made up 13% of the low-risk category, 16% of the intermediate-risk category, and 18% of the high-risk category. Compared with whites, blacks were 1.5 times more likely to have intermediate-risk disease and twice as likely to have high-risk disease.

Dr. Zhang and Dr. Roth had no financial disclosures.

[email protected]

Prostate cancers detected during screening are much more likely to be high risk when they affect black men and men aged 75 years or older.

Men over age 74 years were nine times more likely to have high-risk disease after a positive prostate-specific antigen test, and black men of all ages were twice as likely to have high-risk disease as were white men, based on a study of 4 years of data extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.

The findings make the case for a more personalized approach to screening, Dr. Hong Zhang said at a press briefing during the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.

Without prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, "we have no other way to detect prostate cancer sufficiently early to have the best chance of helping this group of high-risk patients," said Dr. Zhang of the University of Rochester (N.Y.).

The study brings a bit of context to current PSA screening guidelines, which are "all over the map," according to session moderator Dr. Bruce Roth of Washington University, St. Louis. In 2011, the United States Preventive Services Task Force determined that routine screening harms more men that it helps.

"The American Cancer Society recommends just screening older men and the USPTF recommends that nobody get screened," Dr. Roth said. Based on these results, the presumption that older men will die first of something other than their prostate cancer is not necessarily true. "In fact, a significant number of these men present with high-risk disease. Age is not the greatest determinant of who should and should not be screened."

During 2004-2008, 70,345 men were diagnosed with T1cN0M0 prostate cancer in SEER. Of these, 48% had low-risk disease (PSA less than 10 mg/L or Gleason score of 6 or less), 36% intermediate-risk disease (PSA between 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L or Gleason score 7), and 16% high-risk disease (PSA at least 20 mg/L, or Gleason score of 8 or higher).

The median age of patients with low-risk disease was 67 years; for those with intermediate-risk disease, median age was 70 years; and for high-risk disease, it was 72 years. Men 75 years or older accounted for 12% of the population, but for 24% of intermediate-risk and 26% of high-risk disease.

In a multivariate analysis, Dr. Zhang determined that, compared with younger men, those aged 75 years and older were almost five times more likely to have intermediate-risk disease and nine times more likely to have high-risk disease.

Blacks made up 13% of the low-risk category, 16% of the intermediate-risk category, and 18% of the high-risk category. Compared with whites, blacks were 1.5 times more likely to have intermediate-risk disease and twice as likely to have high-risk disease.

Dr. Zhang and Dr. Roth had no financial disclosures.

[email protected]

Prostate cancers detected during screening are much more likely to be high risk when they affect black men and men aged 75 years or older.

Men over age 74 years were nine times more likely to have high-risk disease after a positive prostate-specific antigen test, and black men of all ages were twice as likely to have high-risk disease as were white men, based on a study of 4 years of data extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.

The findings make the case for a more personalized approach to screening, Dr. Hong Zhang said at a press briefing during the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.

Without prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, "we have no other way to detect prostate cancer sufficiently early to have the best chance of helping this group of high-risk patients," said Dr. Zhang of the University of Rochester (N.Y.).

The study brings a bit of context to current PSA screening guidelines, which are "all over the map," according to session moderator Dr. Bruce Roth of Washington University, St. Louis. In 2011, the United States Preventive Services Task Force determined that routine screening harms more men that it helps.

"The American Cancer Society recommends just screening older men and the USPTF recommends that nobody get screened," Dr. Roth said. Based on these results, the presumption that older men will die first of something other than their prostate cancer is not necessarily true. "In fact, a significant number of these men present with high-risk disease. Age is not the greatest determinant of who should and should not be screened."

During 2004-2008, 70,345 men were diagnosed with T1cN0M0 prostate cancer in SEER. Of these, 48% had low-risk disease (PSA less than 10 mg/L or Gleason score of 6 or less), 36% intermediate-risk disease (PSA between 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L or Gleason score 7), and 16% high-risk disease (PSA at least 20 mg/L, or Gleason score of 8 or higher).

The median age of patients with low-risk disease was 67 years; for those with intermediate-risk disease, median age was 70 years; and for high-risk disease, it was 72 years. Men 75 years or older accounted for 12% of the population, but for 24% of intermediate-risk and 26% of high-risk disease.

In a multivariate analysis, Dr. Zhang determined that, compared with younger men, those aged 75 years and older were almost five times more likely to have intermediate-risk disease and nine times more likely to have high-risk disease.

Blacks made up 13% of the low-risk category, 16% of the intermediate-risk category, and 18% of the high-risk category. Compared with whites, blacks were 1.5 times more likely to have intermediate-risk disease and twice as likely to have high-risk disease.

Dr. Zhang and Dr. Roth had no financial disclosures.

[email protected]

The American Urological Association (AUA) published guidelines for asymptomatic microhematuria. The document includes 19 guidelines with recommendation levels ranging from A to C (high to low) and some expert opinion recommendations included. The full guidelines can be accessed at  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf.

Q: A 45-year-old man came into my office complaining that he had seen “pink” in his urine. I dipped the urine in the office, and it was positive for blood. What should I do now? Should I send him directly to nephrology or urology? Or should I do a work-up myself? And if I do the work-up, what tests should I order?

When treating the patient with hematuria, it is important to keep in mind both the most common benign causes and the more serious causes of hematuria. The most common benign causes, according to the AUA guideline 6,¹ include infection, menstruation, vigorous exercise, trauma, anticoagulant use, and a recent urologic procedure. The potentially serious causes include glomerulonephritis (which can be rapidly progressive) and malignancy.

The AUA (guidelines 1 to 4, based on expert opinion)¹ recommends confirming hematuria with a microscopic exam rather than relying on a urine dipstick.

The common benign causes of hematuria can usually be identified in the course of a thorough history and physical. Because hematuria can be a harbinger of renal disease, however, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) should be ordered at the initial evaluation in the primary care setting.

If a benign cause of hematuria is identified and renal function is normal, the patient should be treated by the primary care provider and re-evaluated as indicated, based on the underlying diagnosis. If there is a rise in serum creatinine or a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in conjunction with the hematuria, the patient should be referred to nephrology for further evaluation.

If no benign cause of hematuria is identified and renal function is unaffected, the patient should be referred to urology for urologic evaluation.¹

Alexis Chettiar, ACNP, East Bay Nephrology Medical Group, Oakland, CA

References
1. Davis R, Jones JS, Barocas DA, et al; American Urological Association. Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Follow-up of Asymptomatic Microhematuria (AMH) in Adults: AUA Guideline. Linthicum, MD: American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc; 2012.  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf. Accessed January 24, 2013.
2. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hematuria: blood in the urine (2012). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hematuria. Accessed January 17, 2013.
3. Geavlete B, Jecu M, Multescu R, et al. HAL blue-light cystoscopy in high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer: re-TURBT recurrence rates in a prospective, randomized study. Urology. 2010;76(3):664-669.

Suggested Reading
Feldman AS, Hsu C-Y, Kurtz M, Cho KC. Etiology and evaluation of hematuria in adults (2012). www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-and-evaluation-of-hematuria-in-adults. Accessed January 17, 2013.
Jayne D. Hematuria and proteinuria. In: Greenberg A, ed; National Kidney Foundation. Primer on Kidney Diseases. 5th ed. Saunders; 2009:33-42.

The American Urological Association (AUA) published guidelines for asymptomatic microhematuria. The document includes 19 guidelines with recommendation levels ranging from A to C (high to low) and some expert opinion recommendations included. The full guidelines can be accessed at  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf.

Q: A 45-year-old man came into my office complaining that he had seen “pink” in his urine. I dipped the urine in the office, and it was positive for blood. What should I do now? Should I send him directly to nephrology or urology? Or should I do a work-up myself? And if I do the work-up, what tests should I order?

When treating the patient with hematuria, it is important to keep in mind both the most common benign causes and the more serious causes of hematuria. The most common benign causes, according to the AUA guideline 6,¹ include infection, menstruation, vigorous exercise, trauma, anticoagulant use, and a recent urologic procedure. The potentially serious causes include glomerulonephritis (which can be rapidly progressive) and malignancy.

The AUA (guidelines 1 to 4, based on expert opinion)¹ recommends confirming hematuria with a microscopic exam rather than relying on a urine dipstick.

The common benign causes of hematuria can usually be identified in the course of a thorough history and physical. Because hematuria can be a harbinger of renal disease, however, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) should be ordered at the initial evaluation in the primary care setting.

If a benign cause of hematuria is identified and renal function is normal, the patient should be treated by the primary care provider and re-evaluated as indicated, based on the underlying diagnosis. If there is a rise in serum creatinine or a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in conjunction with the hematuria, the patient should be referred to nephrology for further evaluation.

If no benign cause of hematuria is identified and renal function is unaffected, the patient should be referred to urology for urologic evaluation.¹

Alexis Chettiar, ACNP, East Bay Nephrology Medical Group, Oakland, CA

References
1. Davis R, Jones JS, Barocas DA, et al; American Urological Association. Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Follow-up of Asymptomatic Microhematuria (AMH) in Adults: AUA Guideline. Linthicum, MD: American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc; 2012.  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf. Accessed January 24, 2013.
2. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hematuria: blood in the urine (2012). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hematuria. Accessed January 17, 2013.
3. Geavlete B, Jecu M, Multescu R, et al. HAL blue-light cystoscopy in high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer: re-TURBT recurrence rates in a prospective, randomized study. Urology. 2010;76(3):664-669.

Suggested Reading
Feldman AS, Hsu C-Y, Kurtz M, Cho KC. Etiology and evaluation of hematuria in adults (2012). www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-and-evaluation-of-hematuria-in-adults. Accessed January 17, 2013.
Jayne D. Hematuria and proteinuria. In: Greenberg A, ed; National Kidney Foundation. Primer on Kidney Diseases. 5th ed. Saunders; 2009:33-42.

The American Urological Association (AUA) published guidelines for asymptomatic microhematuria. The document includes 19 guidelines with recommendation levels ranging from A to C (high to low) and some expert opinion recommendations included. The full guidelines can be accessed at  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf.

Q: A 45-year-old man came into my office complaining that he had seen “pink” in his urine. I dipped the urine in the office, and it was positive for blood. What should I do now? Should I send him directly to nephrology or urology? Or should I do a work-up myself? And if I do the work-up, what tests should I order?

When treating the patient with hematuria, it is important to keep in mind both the most common benign causes and the more serious causes of hematuria. The most common benign causes, according to the AUA guideline 6,¹ include infection, menstruation, vigorous exercise, trauma, anticoagulant use, and a recent urologic procedure. The potentially serious causes include glomerulonephritis (which can be rapidly progressive) and malignancy.

The AUA (guidelines 1 to 4, based on expert opinion)¹ recommends confirming hematuria with a microscopic exam rather than relying on a urine dipstick.

The common benign causes of hematuria can usually be identified in the course of a thorough history and physical. Because hematuria can be a harbinger of renal disease, however, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) should be ordered at the initial evaluation in the primary care setting.

If a benign cause of hematuria is identified and renal function is normal, the patient should be treated by the primary care provider and re-evaluated as indicated, based on the underlying diagnosis. If there is a rise in serum creatinine or a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in conjunction with the hematuria, the patient should be referred to nephrology for further evaluation.

If no benign cause of hematuria is identified and renal function is unaffected, the patient should be referred to urology for urologic evaluation.¹

Alexis Chettiar, ACNP, East Bay Nephrology Medical Group, Oakland, CA

References
1. Davis R, Jones JS, Barocas DA, et al; American Urological Association. Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Follow-up of Asymptomatic Microhematuria (AMH) in Adults: AUA Guideline. Linthicum, MD: American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc; 2012.  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf. Accessed January 24, 2013.
2. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hematuria: blood in the urine (2012). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hematuria. Accessed January 17, 2013.
3. Geavlete B, Jecu M, Multescu R, et al. HAL blue-light cystoscopy in high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer: re-TURBT recurrence rates in a prospective, randomized study. Urology. 2010;76(3):664-669.

Suggested Reading
Feldman AS, Hsu C-Y, Kurtz M, Cho KC. Etiology and evaluation of hematuria in adults (2012). www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-and-evaluation-of-hematuria-in-adults. Accessed January 17, 2013.
Jayne D. Hematuria and proteinuria. In: Greenberg A, ed; National Kidney Foundation. Primer on Kidney Diseases. 5th ed. Saunders; 2009:33-42.

The American Urological Association (AUA) published guidelines for asymptomatic microhematuria. The document includes 19 guidelines with recommendation levels ranging from A to C (high to low) and some expert opinion recommendations included. The full guidelines can be accessed at  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf.

Q: I have a 58-year-old female patient who is taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation and is complaining about blood in her urine. She is postmenopausal, so I think it is just the warfarin. Other than checking her international normalized ratio (INR), what else should I be doing?

In addition to checking an INR, it is important to investigate benign causes for the hematuria. Asymptomatic hematuria requires obtaining a thorough history, which includes common risk factors for urinary tract malignancy, physical exam, and laboratory evaluation. Initially, a noncontaminated urinalysis with culture and sensitivity should be obtained to rule out infection.

If a benign cause cannot be found in any patient undergoing anticoagulation therapy, the AUA (guideline 6)¹ recommends a urologic and nephrologic evaluation. Anticoagulation therapy would include all anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Pletal (cilostazol), Coumadin (warfarin), heparin, or heparin derivatives, such as Lovenox (enoxaparin).

The urologic evaluation may include urology referral, cystoscopy for patients 35 or older, and multiphasic CT urography, performed with and without contrast. A nephrologic evaluation would initially include a urinalysis, calculated eGFR, creatinine, and BUN, and a nephrology referral when indicated. A thorough evaluation is indicated for all patients with hematuria who are on anticoagulant therapy to ensure that a urinary tract malignancy is not present.

AUA guidelines 10 through 13¹ address alternative tests for patients with kidney disease in whom contrast dye is contraindicated.

Kristy Washinger, MSN, CRNP, Nephrology Associates of Central Pennsylvania, Camp Hill, PA

References
1. Davis R, Jones JS, Barocas DA, et al; American Urological Association. Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Follow-up of Asymptomatic Microhematuria (AMH) in Adults: AUA Guideline. Linthicum, MD: American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc; 2012.  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf. Accessed January 24, 2013.
2. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hematuria: blood in the urine (2012). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hematuria. Accessed January 17, 2013.
3. Geavlete B, Jecu M, Multescu R, et al. HAL blue-light cystoscopy in high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer: re-TURBT recurrence rates in a prospective, randomized study. Urology. 2010;76(3):664-669.

Suggested Reading
Feldman AS, Hsu C-Y, Kurtz M, Cho KC. Etiology and evaluation of hematuria in adults (2012). www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-and-evaluation-of-hematuria-in-adults. Accessed January 17, 2013.
Jayne D. Hematuria and proteinuria. In: Greenberg A, ed; National Kidney Foundation. Primer on Kidney Diseases. 5th ed. Saunders; 2009:33-42.

The American Urological Association (AUA) published guidelines for asymptomatic microhematuria. The document includes 19 guidelines with recommendation levels ranging from A to C (high to low) and some expert opinion recommendations included. The full guidelines can be accessed at  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf.

Q: I have a 58-year-old female patient who is taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation and is complaining about blood in her urine. She is postmenopausal, so I think it is just the warfarin. Other than checking her international normalized ratio (INR), what else should I be doing?

In addition to checking an INR, it is important to investigate benign causes for the hematuria. Asymptomatic hematuria requires obtaining a thorough history, which includes common risk factors for urinary tract malignancy, physical exam, and laboratory evaluation. Initially, a noncontaminated urinalysis with culture and sensitivity should be obtained to rule out infection.

If a benign cause cannot be found in any patient undergoing anticoagulation therapy, the AUA (guideline 6)¹ recommends a urologic and nephrologic evaluation. Anticoagulation therapy would include all anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Pletal (cilostazol), Coumadin (warfarin), heparin, or heparin derivatives, such as Lovenox (enoxaparin).

The urologic evaluation may include urology referral, cystoscopy for patients 35 or older, and multiphasic CT urography, performed with and without contrast. A nephrologic evaluation would initially include a urinalysis, calculated eGFR, creatinine, and BUN, and a nephrology referral when indicated. A thorough evaluation is indicated for all patients with hematuria who are on anticoagulant therapy to ensure that a urinary tract malignancy is not present.

AUA guidelines 10 through 13¹ address alternative tests for patients with kidney disease in whom contrast dye is contraindicated.

Kristy Washinger, MSN, CRNP, Nephrology Associates of Central Pennsylvania, Camp Hill, PA

References
1. Davis R, Jones JS, Barocas DA, et al; American Urological Association. Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Follow-up of Asymptomatic Microhematuria (AMH) in Adults: AUA Guideline. Linthicum, MD: American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc; 2012.  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf. Accessed January 24, 2013.
2. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hematuria: blood in the urine (2012). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hematuria. Accessed January 17, 2013.
3. Geavlete B, Jecu M, Multescu R, et al. HAL blue-light cystoscopy in high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer: re-TURBT recurrence rates in a prospective, randomized study. Urology. 2010;76(3):664-669.

Suggested Reading
Feldman AS, Hsu C-Y, Kurtz M, Cho KC. Etiology and evaluation of hematuria in adults (2012). www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-and-evaluation-of-hematuria-in-adults. Accessed January 17, 2013.
Jayne D. Hematuria and proteinuria. In: Greenberg A, ed; National Kidney Foundation. Primer on Kidney Diseases. 5th ed. Saunders; 2009:33-42.

The American Urological Association (AUA) published guidelines for asymptomatic microhematuria. The document includes 19 guidelines with recommendation levels ranging from A to C (high to low) and some expert opinion recommendations included. The full guidelines can be accessed at  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf.

Q: I have a 58-year-old female patient who is taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation and is complaining about blood in her urine. She is postmenopausal, so I think it is just the warfarin. Other than checking her international normalized ratio (INR), what else should I be doing?

In addition to checking an INR, it is important to investigate benign causes for the hematuria. Asymptomatic hematuria requires obtaining a thorough history, which includes common risk factors for urinary tract malignancy, physical exam, and laboratory evaluation. Initially, a noncontaminated urinalysis with culture and sensitivity should be obtained to rule out infection.

If a benign cause cannot be found in any patient undergoing anticoagulation therapy, the AUA (guideline 6)¹ recommends a urologic and nephrologic evaluation. Anticoagulation therapy would include all anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Pletal (cilostazol), Coumadin (warfarin), heparin, or heparin derivatives, such as Lovenox (enoxaparin).

The urologic evaluation may include urology referral, cystoscopy for patients 35 or older, and multiphasic CT urography, performed with and without contrast. A nephrologic evaluation would initially include a urinalysis, calculated eGFR, creatinine, and BUN, and a nephrology referral when indicated. A thorough evaluation is indicated for all patients with hematuria who are on anticoagulant therapy to ensure that a urinary tract malignancy is not present.

AUA guidelines 10 through 13¹ address alternative tests for patients with kidney disease in whom contrast dye is contraindicated.

Kristy Washinger, MSN, CRNP, Nephrology Associates of Central Pennsylvania, Camp Hill, PA

References
1. Davis R, Jones JS, Barocas DA, et al; American Urological Association. Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Follow-up of Asymptomatic Microhematuria (AMH) in Adults: AUA Guideline. Linthicum, MD: American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc; 2012.  http://www.auanet.org/common/pdf/education/clinical-guidance/Asymptomatic-Microhematuria.pdf. Accessed January 24, 2013.
2. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hematuria: blood in the urine (2012). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hematuria. Accessed January 17, 2013.
3. Geavlete B, Jecu M, Multescu R, et al. HAL blue-light cystoscopy in high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer: re-TURBT recurrence rates in a prospective, randomized study. Urology. 2010;76(3):664-669.

Suggested Reading
Feldman AS, Hsu C-Y, Kurtz M, Cho KC. Etiology and evaluation of hematuria in adults (2012). www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-and-evaluation-of-hematuria-in-adults. Accessed January 17, 2013.
Jayne D. Hematuria and proteinuria. In: Greenberg A, ed; National Kidney Foundation. Primer on Kidney Diseases. 5th ed. Saunders; 2009:33-42.