Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections pose a diagnostic challenge in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In this study, we sought to identify findings that are suggestive of NTM infection in PD adult patients. All patients with NTM exit-site infection (ESI) with/without tunnel infection and peritonitis identified during the last decade in eight medical centers in Israel were included. Clinical, microbiological, and outcome data were collected and analyzed. Thirty patients were identified; 16 had ESI (53%) and 14 had peritonitis (47%). Median age was 65 years (interquartile range 52–76). Abdominal pain and cloudy PD fluid were reported in all patients with peritonitis, whereas exit-site discharge and granulation tissue were common in patients with ESI. Fourteen patients (47%) had negative cultures prior NTM diagnosis, and isolation of diphtheroids or Corynebacterium spp. was reported in 9 of 30 patients (30%). Antimicrobial treatment prior to diagnosis was documented in 13 of 30 patients (43%). Delayed diagnosis was frequent. Treatment regimens and duration of therapy varied widely. In 26 of 30 (87%) patients, catheter was removed and 19 of 30 patients (63%) required permanent transition to hemodialysis. Two patients with peritonitis (2 of 14, 14%) and seven with ESI (7 of 16, 44%) were eligible for continuation of PD. Culture negative peritonitis, isolation of diphtheroids or Corynebacterium spp., previous exposure to antibiotics, and/or a refractory infection should all prompt consideration of PD-related NTM infection and timely workup. Catheter removal is recommended aside prolonged antimicrobial therapy. In select patients with ESI, continuation of PD may be feasible.
29 March 2021 in International Journal of Hematology
Introduction: Monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition diseases (MIDDs) are a group of systemic diseases, characterized by deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulin predominantly in the kidney. In the absence of overt hematologic disease, MIDDs are classified as a part of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance. Patients with MIDD may present with a nephrotic syndrome and kidney function impairment. Treatment usually includes anti-plasma cell therapy. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 54-year-old female who presented with nephrotic syndrome related to light chain deposition disease of lambda type. Due to a complicated clinical course (including cardiac injury and thromboembolic stroke), plasma cell-targeted therapy was stopped. A few months later, the patient presented with severe acute kidney injury. Kidney biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis, and immunofluorescence staining was positive for lambda chain. Treatment with daratumumab was initiated resulting in stabilization of kidney function and partial nephrotic syndrome remission. Conclusion: This case highlights an uncommon histologic manifestation in a patient diagnosed with light chain deposition disease. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of plasma cell-targeted therapy and the favorable clinical and hematological response observed with daratumumab.