Comparison of long-term follow-up outcomes between multiple-drugs combination therapy and tonsillectomy pulse therapy for pediatric IgA nephropathy

Background

To clarify the long-term efficacy of multiple-drugs combination therapy (PWDM) and tonsillectomy pulse therapy (TPT) for pediatric IgA nephropathy (IgAN), we retrospectively evaluated the clinical and laboratory findings as well as the prognosis for IgAN patients treated with each treatment at long-term follow-up.

Methods

We collected data on 61 children who had been diagnosed with severe IgAN. The children were retrospectively divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 44 severe IgAN children treated with PWDM, and Group 2 consisted of 17 severe IgAN children treated with TPT. The clinical features, pathological findings, and prognosis were analyzed for both groups.

Results

The mean urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine, IgA levels, MESTCG scores, and percentage of glomeruli showing crescents in both groups at the second renal biopsy were lower than those at the first renal biopsy. At the time of the second biopsy, the IgA level in Group 2 was lower than that in Group 1; however, there were no significant differences in the mean urinary protein excretion, frequency of hematuria, serum albumin, creatinine, or e-GFR between the two groups. At the most recent follow-up, there were no significant differences in prognosis between the groups.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that PWDM and TPT are effective in ameliorating urinary abnormalities and improving the long-term outcome of pediatric IgAN.

     

Effect of sample time on urinary lithogenic risk indexes in healthy and stone-forming adults and children

Background

The diagnosis and follow-up of stone forming patients is usually performed by analysis of 24-h urine samples. However, crystallization risk varies throughout the day, being higher at night. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the urinary crystallization risk in adults and children by calculating risk indexes based on different collection periods.

Methods

The study included 149 adults (82 healthy and 67 stone-formers) and 108 children (87 healthy and 21 stone-formers). 24-h urine was collected, divided into 12-h?daytime sample (8?am to 8?pm), and 12-h overnight sample (8?pm to 8?am next morning). Solute concentrations, the calcium to citrate ratio (Ca/Cit), and the ion activity product of calcium oxalate (AP[CaOx]) and calcium phosphate (AP[CaP]) were calculated in each 12-h sample and in overall 24-h urine. Assessments were also related to stone type.

Results

Ca/Cit and AP(CaOx) were significantly higher in stone forming patients than in healthy subjects. The 12-h overnight samples had the highest values for both risk indexes, confirming a greater risk for crystallization at night. The AP(CaP) index was significantly higher in patients with pure hydroxyapatite stones than healthy controls, but was not significantly different between stone-formers overall and healthy controls.

Conclusions

The calculation of risk indexes is a simple method that clinicians can use to estimate crystallization risk. For this purpose, the use of 12-h overnight urine may be a reliable alternative to 24-h collections.

     

Differences in clinical findings,pathology, and outcomes between C3 glomerulonephritis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

Background

To clarify the clinical manifestations of pediatric complement component C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), we retrospectively evaluated differences in the clinicopathological findings and prognosis between C3GN and immune-complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN).

Methods

Thirty-seven patients diagnosed with “idiopathic MPGN” were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups, with Group 1 consisting of 19 patients diagnosed with IC-MPGN and Group 2 consisting of 18 patients diagnosed with C3GN. The clinical findings and the prognosis were investigated for both groups.

Results

Thirteen patients in Group 2 were identified by mandatory annual school screening for urinary abnormalities. The incidence of macro-hematuria and the frequency of low serum C4 values were lower in Group 2 patients than in Group 1 patients. At the time of the second renal biopsy, urinary protein excretion, incidence of hematuria, frequency of low serum C3 values, and scores for mesangial proliferation, glomerular sclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis were higher in Group 2 patients than in Group 1 patients. At the most recent follow-up examination, the number of patients categorized as non-responding or with end-stage renal disease was higher in Group 2 patients than in Group 1 patients.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the treatment response and prognosis of patients with C3GN are worse than those of patients with IC-mediated MPGN. Therefore, in the clinical context regarding treatment options and prognosis, it may be useful to classify idiopathic MPGN as C3GN or IC-MPGN. In addition, long-term follow-up of C3GN is necessary.

     

The Met Needs for Pediatric Surgical Conditions in Sierra Leone: Estimating the Gap

Background

In low- and middle-income countries, there is a gap between the need for surgery and its equitable provision, and a lack of proxy indicators to estimate this gap. Sierra Leone is a West African country with close to three million children. It is unknown to what extent the surgical needs of these children are met.

Aim

To describe a nationwide provision of pediatric surgical procedures and to assess pediatric hernia repair as a proxy indicator for the shortage of surgical care in the pediatric population in Sierra Leone.

Methods

We analyzed results from a nationwide facility survey in Sierra Leone that collected data on surgical procedures from operation and anesthesia logbooks in all facilities performing surgery. We included data on all patients under the age of 16 years undergoing surgery. Primary outcomes were rate and volume of surgical procedures. We calculated the expected number of inguinal hernia in children and estimated the unmet need for hernia repair.

Results

In 2012, a total of 2381 pediatric surgical procedures were performed in Sierra Leone. The rate of pediatric surgical procedures was 84 per 100,000 children 0–15 years of age. The most common pediatric surgical procedure was hernia repair (18%), corresponding to a rate of 16 per 100,000 children 0–15 years of age. The estimated unmet need for inguinal hernia repair was 88%.

Conclusions

The rate of pediatric surgery in Sierra Leone was very low, and inguinal hernia was the single most common procedure noted among children in Sierra Leone.

     

Rahmenbedingungen für ein Kinderherztransplantationsprogramm

Background

Heart transplantations in the pediatric population pose specific technical and organizational challenges to the clinical team.

Material and methods

At the University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen fixed organizational schemes, time management tracks and specific technical aspects of surgery were implemented. Between 1997 and 2016 a total of 46 patients under 18 years old underwent a heart transplantation at the center.

Results

Survival after 10 years was approximately 90%. The quality of life and physical activity were very satisfactory for the majority of children and adolescents.

Conclusion

Implementation of clinical planning schemes and time tracks for transplantation based on primary disease, type and number of previous surgeries, can help to achieve very satisfactory outcomes after heart transplantation in the pediatric population.

     

Renal abnormalities in a cohort of HIV-infected children and adolescents

Background

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of renal abnormalities and the evolution of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- infected children and adolescents followed up in an infectious disease outpatient pediatric clinic.

Methods

We performed a cohort study of 115 children and adolescents. Outcomes of two evaluations for urinalysis, microalbuminuria/urinary creatinine ratio, urinary retinol-binding protein (uRBP) concentration, and estimated GFR (eGFR) were obtained for each patient, with an average interval of 6 months between evaluations. These changes were correlated with gender, age, race, body mass index (BMI), height-for-age (H/A) percentile, clinical and immunological classification of HIV infection, use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV viral load (VL), and CD4+ T-lymphocyte count.

Results

Mean patient age at the time of inclusion in the study was 12.6?±?3.2 years; 50.4 % were male, 81.7 % had acquired immune defeciency syndrome (AIDS), 80.9 % had CD4+?<?500 cells/mm³, and 87.8 % were on ART. Urinary changes included hematuria (11.3 %), proteinuria (7 %), and microalbuminuria (11.6 %); uRBP was present in 3.8 %; and mean eGFR was 163?±?32 ml/min/1.73 m².

Conclusions

The subclinical renal abnormalities found in this study may indicate early manifestations of a broad spectrum of renal dysfunction associated with HIV and involves the decision to initiate or modify ART.

     

Febrile urinary tract infection after pediatric kidney transplantation: a multicenter,prospective observational study

Background

Febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs) are common after kidney transplantation (KTx); however, prospective data in a multicenter pediatric cohort are lacking. We designed a prospective registry to record data on fUTI before and after pediatric KTx.

Methods

Ninety-eight children (58 boys and 40 girls)?≤?18 years from 14 mid-European centers received a kidney transplant and completed a 2-year follow-up.

Results

Posttransplant, 38.7 % of patients had at least one fUTI compared with 21.4 % before KTx (p?=?0.002). Before KTx, fUTI was more frequent in patients with congenital anomalies of kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) vs. patients without (38 % vs. 12 %; p?=?0.005). After KTx, fUTI were equally frequent in both groups (48.7 % vs. 32.2 %; p?=?0.14). First fUTI posttransplant occurred earlier in boys compared with girls: median range 4 vs. 13.5 years (p?=?0.002). Graft function worsened (p?<?0.001) during fUTI, but no difference was recorded after 2 years. At least one recurrence of fUTI was encountered in 58 %.

Conclusion

This prospective study confirms a high incidence of fUTI after pediatric KTx, which is not restricted to patients with CAKUT; fUTIs have a negative impact on graft function during the infectious episode but not on 2-year graft outcome.

     

Prevalence of acetabular labral tears in asymptomatic children

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive, non-invasive modality to diagnose acetabular labral pathology, and the normal variants of the acetabular labrum have been characterized in adults. However, the prevalence of labral pathology in the asymptomatic pediatric population is unknown.

Methods

All pelvic MRIs performed at a large tertiary-care children’s hospital were reviewed during one calendar year (2014). Only patients aged between 2 and 18 years were included, and scans were excluded for hip pain/pathology or technical inadequacy. A blinded pediatric musculoskeletal radiologist read all eligible scans for the presence or absence of a labral tear.

Results

Three hundred and ninety-four pelvic MRIs were screened, and patients were excluded for hip pain/pathology (85 subjects), or technical inadequacy (190 subjects). One hundred and eight subjects (216 hips) met the inclusion criteria and were technically adequate for analysis. Labral tears were visualized in three of 216 (1.4 %) hips (two of the 110 subjects; 1.9 %).

Conclusions

There is a low rate of asymptomatic labral pathology by MRI in pediatric patients. The clinical history remains the means of differentiating real labral pathology from spurious imaging findings.

Level of evidence IV

Case series (prevalence).

     

A comparison of the Dobbs method for correction of idiopathic and teratological congenital vertical talus

Introduction

Congenital vertical talus (CVT) is a rare deformity. Traditionally, CVT correction involved extensive soft tissue releases, and this was associated with high complication rates. The Dobbs method is less invasive and comprises serial manipulation and casting, followed by minimally invasive reduction and K-wire fixation of the talonavicular joint and percutaneous Achilles tenotomy.

Aim

The purpose of our study was to compare the outcomes of using the Dobbs method for CVT correction in idiopathic and teratological patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with the Dobbs method for CVT between the years 2007 and 2012 was carried out. Notes, electronic records and radiographs were reviewed for every patient. The Oxford ankle foot score was obtained at follow-up.

Results

There was a total of ten children with 18 affected feet. Five children (ten feet) had teratological CVT. Recurrence was noted in six feet (two from the idiopathic group and four from the teratological group). The median age was 5 months (range 2–8 months). The mean follow-up was 53 months (range 24–80 months). There was a significant difference between pre-operative to initial post-operative and pre-operative to latest follow-up measurements for all angles in the successfully treated CVT group (p < 0.000001). The mean Oxford ankle foot scores for each domain in all patients are 59.9 (physical), 88.8 (school and play) and 99.1 (emotional).

Conclusion

The Dobbs method is a less invasive technique of CVT correction. It is an effective initial method of treatment in both teratological and idiopathic patients. A higher recurrence rate was observed in the teratological group, although this was not statistically significant.

     

Transumbilical cord access (TUCA) for laparoscopy in infants and children: simple,safe and fast

Purpose

We herein report a case series evaluating the safety and complication rate of transumbilical cord access (TUCA) for pediatric laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Data were collected for 556 infants and children. Access into the abdominal cavity was gained via a transverse infraumbilical stab incision passing the fibrotic umbilical cord remnant. Ninety-two infants underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LPM), 159 female infants underwent herniorrhaphy (LHR) and 309 infants underwent appendectomy (LAP). Of the total operations, 70 % were performed by board-certified surgeons and 30 % were performed by non-board-certified surgeons. The median time of follow-up was 24 months.

Results

No cases of acute severe bleeding or organ laceration were noted. TUCA-related complications were observed in nine patients (1.6 %). Omphalitis and persistent wound secretion were detected in eight children and foreign bodies consisting of cyanoacrylate were removed from three of these patients. Meanwhile, umbilical pain leading to surgical revision was observed in one child, and eight umbilical hernias were repaired during the TUCA procedures. No signs of postoperative incisional hernia were recorded.

Conclusions

TUCA is a safe and comfortable access method for pediatric laparoscopic surgery in various age groups. This method is easy to learn and can be quickly and safely performed in the vast majority of children.

     

Challenge to pediatric anatomical variation : Can we draw the ideal line on the pediatric I-gel?

Objective

I-gel is a noncuff type of laryngeal airway mask. No horizontal line has yet been determined as an ideal position for pediatric sizes because of the variability in length of the oropharyngeal–laryngeal arch in children. We investigated whether there is a correlation between insertion length and patient body weight or height for the pediatric I-gel sizes from 1.5 to 2.5.

Methods

With parental informed consent, we planned to maintain the airway of 130 children aged from 7 months to 13 years by using the I-gel device under general anesthesia. The following two parameters were evaluated: (1) distance between the teeth and the connector wing; (2) insertion length (distance from the distal end of the gastric tube to the teeth). Size selection was determined on the basis of patients’ body weight. We identified the relationship between each parameter and height or weight.

Results

Average insertion length became gradually longer with increasing height and weight. Spearman’s R between insertion length and height or weight was 0.8. There was more correlation with height than with weight in pediatric size 2.5.

Conclusion

Results suggested that it is possible to draw an ideal line on the I-gel with sizes 1.5 and 2 only.

     

Benefits of Retroperitoneoscopic Surgery in Pediatric Urology

Purpose of Review

The aim of this review is to find out the benefits of retroperitoneoscopy for the most common urological diseases in children.

Recent Findings

The emergence of minimally invasive surgery about 20 years ago revolutionized pediatric urology. In this context, laparoscopy and later retroperitoneoscopy were developed and applied to a wide spectrum of urological diseases. Both approaches have since presented benefits and disadvantages that have been documented in various series. The main indications of retroperitoneoscopy are presented, from the classical ablative surgery, like total or partial nephrectomy, to more advanced reconstructive surgery. The success rate is similar to open surgery. However, few comparative studies have been conducted.

Summary

According to the most recent findings, retroperitoneoscopic surgery in children is feasible and safe if performed by well-trained surgeons. A pediatric urologist would favor the retroperitoneoscopic access to reach the upper urinary tract and the kidney because this is the “natural” way to treat the most common urological pediatric diseases.

     

Paediatric cervical spine injures. Nineteen years experience of a single centre

Purpose

This observational study aims to describe pediatric C-spine injuries from a level 1 trauma centre through a period of 19 years.

Methods

Clinical records of pediatric trauma patients admitted to a level 1 trauma centre between 1991 and 2009 were analyzed. Patients were stratified by age into groups A (8 or less) and B (9 to 16), and in lower (C0-C2) and upper (C3-C7) spine injuries. Several variables were studied.

Results

Seventy-five cases of C-spine injuries (nine SCIWORA) were identified. Group A included 23 patients and group B 52. In group A, skeletal injuries at the upper C-spine were more common than injuries at the lower C-spine, whereas in group B, injuries of the lower C-spine were more frequent (p?=?0.035). Motor vehicle accidents were the main cause of injury (44 %); 25.3 % of patients were surgically treated. Thirty-nine patients presented neurologic deficits, 16 of which improved. The overall mortality rate was 18.7 % and significantly higher in patients with neurological damages (p?<?0.001)

Conclusions

This study revealed a low incidence of cervical spine injuries in the paediatric population. As in previous reports younger children mainly sustained injuries at the upper C-spine, higher incidence of spinal injuries, and higher risk of death than older children.

     

Early results and complications of prostatic arterial embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Purpose

To review current knowledge on clinical outcomes and peri-operative complications of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) in patients treated for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

Methods

A systematic review of the literature published from January 2008 to January 2015 was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE.

Results

Fifty-seven articles were identified, and four were selected for inclusion in this review. Only one randomized clinical trial compared transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to PAE. At 3 months after the procedure, mean IPSS reduction from baseline ranged from 7.2 to 15.6 points. Mean urine peak-flow improvement ranged from +3.21 ml/s to +9.5 ml/s. When compared to TURP, PAE was associated with a significantly lower IPSS reduction 1 and 3 months after the procedure. A trend toward similar symptoms improvement was however reported without statistical significance from 6 to 24 months. Major complications were rare with one bladder partial necrosis due to non-selective embolization. Mild adverse events occurred in 10 % of the patients and included transient hyperthermia, hematuria, rectal bleeding, painful urination or acute urinary retention. Further comparative studies are mandatory to assess post-operative rates of complications, especially acute urinary retention, after PAE and standard procedures.

Conclusion

Early reports suggest that PAE may be a promising procedure for the treatment of patients with LUTS due to BPO. However, the low level of evidence and short follow-up of published reports preclude any firm conclusion on its mid-term efficiency. Further clinical trials are warranted before any use in clinical practice.

     

Urinary retention in female OAB after intravesical Botox injection: who is really at risk?

Introduction and hypothesis

Intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections are effective for the treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The aim of our study was to assess the predisposing factors for urinary retention in women with OAB after intravesical Botox injection.

Methods

All participants were women of European descent with idiopathic OAB. OnabotulinumtoxinA (100 U) was administered in 20 intra-detrusor injections. Analysis was performed based on the results of safety assessments made during follow-up (FU) visits on weeks 2, 4 and 12, in 208 women who were treated with Botox injections for refractory OAB and who completed all FU visits.

Results

Women who required clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) and those with post-void residual (PVR) greater than 200 ml were older in comparison with patients with PVR between 50 and 200 ml. Patients who required CISC were also characterised by higher parity and particularly by a higher number of vaginal deliveries. Other factors such as body mass index or comorbidities did not significantly influence PVR and the risk of CISC.

Conclusions

Elderly and/or multiparous women are at increased risk of urinary retention after intravesical 100-U Botox injections. The risk of new onset urine retention in our study has completely disappeared 2 weeks after Botox injections. Based on our results of the way in which the PVRs have changed over time, we can conclude that OAB patients should be optimally assessed during the first 2 weeks after Botox injections.

     

The Role of the Genitourinary Microbiome in Pediatric Urology: a Review

Purpose of Review

In this review, we highlight the effects of the microbiome on urologic diseases that affect the pediatric patient.

Recent Findings

Perturbations in the urinary microbiome have been shown to be associated with a number of urologic diseases affecting children, namely urinary tract infection, overactive bladder/urge urinary incontinence, and urolithiasis.

Summary

Recently, improved cultivation and sequencing technologies have allowed for the discovery of a significant and diverse microbiome in the bladder, previously assumed to be sterile. Early studies aimed to identify the resident bacterial species and demonstrate the efficacy of sequencing and enhanced quantitative urine culture. More recently, research has sought to elucidate the association between the microbiome and urologic disease, as well as to demonstrate effects of manipulation of the microbiome on various urologic pathologies. With an improved appreciation for the impact of the urinary microbiome on urologic disease, researchers have begun to explore the impact of these resident bacteria in pediatric urology.

     

Treatment of children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis with mycophenolate mofetil

Background

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) can progress to Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN), and the most effective management remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for treating pediatric patients with HSPN and nephrotic-range proteinuria.

Methods

Twelve children, seven boys and five girls, mean age 8.33 (range 6–12) years at the time of HSPN diagnosis with nephrotic-range proteinuria, were treated with MMF. All patients failed steroid treatment, and mean proteinuria at the time of MMF initiation was 5.6 g/d. MMF dosage ranged from 20 to 25 mg/kg per day. Patients also received an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (cliazapril) at MMF initiation. Mean follow-up was 3.9 (range 2.3–5.5) years.

Results

All patients responded to MMF at a mean of 2.5 (range 1–4 months). Among the 12 patients, MMF was administered for 10 months in five, 12 months in six, and 15 months in one. At last follow-up, all patients had negative proteinuria and normal renal function, and no relapses were noted. No serious adverse effects of MMF were noted in any patient.

Conclusion

MMF is useful for treating pediatric patients with HSPN and nephrotic-range proteinuria.

     

Sichere Platzierung von zentralen Venenkathetern im Kindesalter

Background

Correct positioning of a central venous catheter (CVC) tip in pediatric patients is very important. Malpositioning may lead to direct complications, such as arrhythmia and increase the risk of thrombosis, infections, valve failures or pericardial tamponade.

Objective

The aim of this review was to identify and summarize published formulae for the correct positioning of the CVC tip in children and to discuss the benefits of these formulae for the daily routine.

Material and methods

A systematic and standardized search in Medline and PubMed was performed to identify published formulae. Formulae for insertion depth of the CVC tip over the right internal jugular vein are discussed. The keywords “pediatric” or “pediatric”, “children”, “central venous catheter”, “CVC”, “central venous”, “length”, “insertion”, “optimal”, “formula”, “depth”, “correct position” and “right position”, “internal jugular vein” were used to identify the formulae.

Results

A total of 854 publications were found and 127 publications were analyzed. The publications were subsequently assessed and classified independently by a specialist in anesthesiology and a specialist in pediatrics. A total of six publications described different body height-based formulae for calculation of a CVC insertion depth. No prospective evaluation of these formulae was performed to show if it is possible to place a CVC tip at the optimal position.

Conclusion

The benefit of a formula for daily practice is very limited due to the problem of choosing the right insertion point. The recommended insertion depth should be considered as an indicator and a verification of the CVC tip position should be done using an imaging technique.

     

Remedial operations for failed endovascular therapy of 32 renal artery stenoses in 24 children

Background

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of pediatric renovascular hypertension (RVH) in contemporary practice is accompanied with ill-defined complications. This study examines the mode of pediatric renal PTA failures and the results of their surgical management.

Methods

Twenty-four children underwent remedial operations at the University of Michigan from 1996 to 2014 for failures of renal PTA. Their clinical courses were retrospectively reviewed and results analyzed.

Results

Renal PTA of 32 arteries, including 13 with stenting, was performed for severe RVH in 12 boys and 12 girls, having a mean age of 9.3 years. Developmental ostial stenoses affected 22 children. PTA failures included: 27 restenoses and five thromboses. Remedial operations included: 13 renal artery-aortic reimplantations, one segmental renal artery—main renal artery reimplantation, ten aortorenal bypasses, one arterioplasty, one iliorenal bypass, and six nephrectomies for unreconstructable arteries; the latter all in children younger than 10 years. Follow-up averaged 2.1 years. Postoperatively, hypertension was cured, improved, or unchanged in 25, 54, and 21 %, respectively. There was no perioperative renal failure or mortality.

Conclusions

Renal PTA for the treatment of pediatric RVH due to ostial disease may be complicated by failures requiring complex remedial operations or nephrectomy, the latter usually affecting younger children.

     

Komplikationsmanagement im Internet Marketing

Background

New patients come more and more often over the internet; therefore internet marketing plays an increasingly important role.

Question

How can physicians build an effective internet marketing strategy and avoid complications?

Method

Selection and authorization of a reputable agency.

Results

New customer acquisition through high visibility in the internet, at the same time increasing the image and awareness.

Conclusions

In the overall “marketing mix” internet marketing has become indispensable to physicians who want to be successful. Those who are well positioned in Google are well known by their target audience and thus receive a higher response.