Effects of Low-Intensity Continuous Ultrasound on Hematological Parameters of Rats

BACKGROUND

Low intensity ultrasound (US) has some well-known bio-effects which are of great importance to be considered. Objective: We conducted the present study to investigate the effects of low intensity continuous ultrasound on blood cells count in rat.

METHODS

Rats were anesthetized and blood samples were collected before US exposure. Then, they were exposed to US with nominal intensity of 0.2 W/cm2 at frequency of 3 MHz for a period of 10 minutes and this protocol was repeated for 7 days. Twenty four hours after the last US exposure, secondary blood samples were collected and the changes in blood parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed that platelets, hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (HGB) were significantly different between experimental and sham groups but no difference between sham and control groups was observed. The results show that HCT and HGB of exposed rats were significantly reduced. Conclusion: This study shows that low intensity US may lead to side effects for hematological parameters such as reduction in the levels of HGB and HCT.

The Outcome of Diverticulosis in Kidney Recipients With Polycystic Kidney Disease

INTRODUCTION

Diverticulosis is a common finding in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). To avoid the serious complications of diverticulosis after kidney transplantation, some policies have recommended aggressive actions, such as elective colectomy. These policies are not widely agreed upon. This controversy led us to investigate the serious complications and the outcome of diverticulosis in ADPKD kidney recipients to see whether such therapies are justified.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2002 to 2006, we followed 18 ADPKD kidney recipient patients with barium enema-documented diverticulosis. All subjects were asymptomatic for diverticulosis at the time of transplantation. The mean value +/- SD of follow-up duration was 25.4 +/- 28.5 months. We documented demographic data, familial history of ADPKD, barium enema findings, and complications as well as graft and patient survivals.

RESULTS

Hepatic flexure was the most prevalent site for diverticula. The mean (SD) of diverticular count was 6 +/- 5.1. Patients with a familial history of ADPKD showed a higher number of diverticular (P=.01). Diverticulitis occurred in three patients, all of whom died.

CONCLUSION

Diverticulitis is a fatal and not rare complication in ADPKD patients. The rate of complications in our study was similar to previous findings, but we observed serious complications even among patients asymptomatic at the time of transplantation. The decision to take aggressive action such as elective colectomy is still a matter of debate that needs further evaluation.