Related Experiment Videos

[Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: clinico-pathological characteristics]

A Rodríguez Jornet1, F J Andreu Navarro, R Orellana Fernández

  • 1Servicio de Nefrología, Corporación Sanitaria Parc Taulí, Sabadell. arodriguez@tauli.cat

Nefrologia : Publicacion Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola Nefrologia
|August 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis can cause obstructive uropathy. Immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone showed high initial success in managing patients, though relapses occurred.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Urology
  • Pathology

Context:

  • Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare condition characterized by excessive fibrous tissue growth in the retroperitoneum.
  • This fibrosis often leads to obstructive uropathy by entrapping the ureters, causing severe renal failure.
  • Recent advancements include immunosuppressive therapy and surgical decompression to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.
  • To assess the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in managing IRF and its associated obstructive uropathy.
  • To analyze the long-term follow-up and relapse rates in patients treated for IRF.

Summary:

  • Nine patients diagnosed with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis were retrospectively analyzed.
  • Patients presented with varying degrees of renal and non-renal involvement, often with severe renal failure.
  • Treatment involved prednisone (1 mg/kg/day for three months) and ureteral catheterization when necessary, achieving an 89% initial success rate in preventing renal failure, despite frequent relapses.

Impact:

  • Highlights the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy in managing idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and preventing renal failure.
  • Emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring due to the high rate of disease relapse.
  • Provides valuable data for clinicians managing this rare condition, informing treatment strategies and prognostic expectations.

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...