No abstract

The case report in this review illustrates an acute myocardial infarction in a young adult probably due to arterial thrombosis that can be attributed to a hypercoagulable state resulting from the nephrotic syndrome. Although rare, acute myocardial infarction should be considered in young adults presenting with chest pain. A detailed clinical history may help to identify the aetiology, and guide subsequent management, but diagnostic coronary angiography is essential. Careful risk factor modification and treatment of the underlying cause should reduce the incidence of recurrent cardiac events.

The relationships to urea reduction ratio reflect the effect of muscle mass on dialysis efficiency, rather than direct effects on muscle CSA or metabolism. The relationship between PCr recovery and calf CSA suggests a role for the mitochondrial defect, whatever its cause, in the development of muscle wasting, although a common cause (e.g. physical inactivity) for both abnormalities cannot be ruled out.

Summary Thrombosis is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with the nephrotic syndrome. Venous thrombotic complications are well recognized but arterial complications are rare. Thrombosis is multifactorial, and has been attributed to a hypercoaguable state due to alterations in blood levels of the various factors involved in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, alterations in platelet function, venous stasis, haemoconcentration, increased blood viscosity and possibly the administration of steroids. Thrombosis in general and arterial thrombosis in particular is a significant and potentially serious problem in nephrotic patients. Awareness of the condition and its pathogenesis is needed. Assessment for the risk factors is required to allow appropriate prophylactic measures to be taken.