Comparison of pneumatic and laser lithotripsy in the treatment of pediatric ureteral stones

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and safety of pneumatic and holmium:YAG laser lithotripters in the treatment of pediatric ureterolithiasis.Patients and methodsMedical records of patients treated using pneumatic (PL) (n = 29) or laser (LL) (n = 35) lithotripter between 2009 and 2011 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were evaluated with respect to age, gender, stone size, complications, and stone-free rates 1 month after the operation.ResultsFor the PL and LL groups, mean ages (8.8 ± 3.4 and 8.3 ± 3.5 years), male/female ratios (19:10 and 22:13) and stone locations were similar (p > 0.05). Mean stone sizes were 55.6 mm² and 47.6 mm² in the PL and LL group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.850). Mean operative times were 20.5 min in the PL group and 25.2 min in the LL group, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.020). Stone-free rates 1 month after intervention were 79% in the PL group and 97% in the LL group (p = 0.022). Stone migration was detected in the PL group (n = 6) and in the LL group (n = 1). No major complication was found in either group.ConclusionIn the ureteroscopic treatment of pediatric ureterolithiasis, both pneumatic and laser lithotripters are effective and successful. However, laser lithotripsy has a higher stone-free rate and lower complication rate.     

High incidence of urinary stones in Uyghur children may be related to local environmental factors

ObjectiveTo analyze the causes of urolithiasis in Uyghur children from Xinjiang.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated the clinical features and characteristics of urinary stone composition of 220 Uyghur pediatric patients with urolithiasis between March 2009 and June 2011. The data were compared with that of 100 Uyghur children without urolithiasis who visited the Child Care Clinic for regular health check-ups. The stones were collected by endoscopy or open surgery, and analyzed using infrared spectroscopy.ResultsThe mean age of the 220 Uyghur children was 7.48 ± 4.73 years (range, 0.8–17.0 years). The overall sex ratio (male:female) was 2.23:1. The predominant pure stone was ammonium urate (58.9%), whereas the predominant mixed stone was calcium oxalate mixture (91.1%). Uric acid stones comprised 54% of all stones. Urinary tract infections were observed in 42.3% and 4.0% of the patient and control groups, respectively. The mean urinary pH values were 5.77 ± 0.67 and 6.42 ± 0.67, respectively (p < 0.001). pH values were <5.5 in 52.7% and 6% of the patient and control groups, respectively. On 24-h urine analysis, we found metabolic disturbances in these patients: hypercalciuria in 6.8% cases, hyperphosphaturia in 16.8% cases, hyperuricosuria in 21.4% cases, and hypomagnesiuria in 34.1% cases.ConclusionsUrolithiasis in Uyghur children may be primarily related to local environmental factors.     

Delayed Management of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Children

IntroductionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common presentation for pediatric new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Delayed diagnosis is the major risk factor for DKA at disease onset.MethodTwo pediatric endocrinologists independently reviewed the admission records to assess the appropriateness of preadmission management in various health care settings.ResultsEighteen percent (n = 45) of patients with new-onset IDDM had a delayed diagnosis. Twenty-eight were misdiagnosed (respiratory [n = 9], nonspecific [n = 7], genitourinary [n = 4], gastrointestinal [n = 8] issues) and 17 were mismanaged. One child died within 4 hr of hospitalization, presumably because of a hyperosmolar coma. Forty-six percent (n = 21) of patients with delayed diagnosis presented with DKA, comprising 18% of all DKA cases.DiscussionA significant number of patients with new-onset IDDM were either misdiagnosed or mismanaged. All providers must be appropriately trained in diagnosing new-onset IDDM and follow the standard of clinical care practices.     

Neonatal seizures: Aetiology by means of a standardized work-up

Neonatal seizures are an alarming symptom and are frequent in neonates. It is important to find the cause of neonatal seizures to start a specific treatment and to give a meaningful prognosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of different aetiologies of neonatal seizures in our hospital by a specific work-up.MethodsAll full-term born neonates from January 2002 till September 2009 with neonatal seizures, admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit were included (n = 221). Aetiology was investigated by means of a standardized aetiologic work-up.ResultsThe frequencies of aetiologies of neonatal seizures were: hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (n = 119; 53.9%), metabolic or electrolyte disorders (n = 24; 10.9%), intracranial hemorrhage (n = 20; 9.0%), ischemic infarction (n = 16; 7.2%), intracranial infections (n = 14; 6.3%), congenital malformations of the central nervous system (n = 7; 3.2%), inborn errors of metabolism (n = 5; 2.3%), epileptic syndromes (n = 1; 0.5%), HIE + hypoglycemia (n = 4; 1.8%), HIE + intracranial hemorrhage (n = 3; 1.4%), HIE + ischemic infarction (n = 1; 0.5%), ischemic infarction + intracranial hemorrhage (n = 1; 0.5%), idiopathic (n = 4, 1.8%), intoxications (n = 1; 0.5%) and unknown (n = 1; 0.5%).ConclusionOur work-up is a practical tool to find the aetiology of neonatal seizures.     

Clinical characteristics and metabolic abnormalities in preschool-age children with urolithiasis in southeast Anatolia

ObjectiveData on urolithiasis in preschool-age children are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic etiology and clinical findings of preschool-age children with urolithiasis.MethodsThe medical records of 143 preschool-age children (81 boys, 62 girls, aged 2–6 years) with urolithiasis were retrospectively analyzed. Results of physical examination, serum biochemistry, and urine metabolic evaluation (including urinary citrate, oxalate, calcium, uric acid, cystine, and magnesium) were recorded.ResultsThe mean age at diagnosis was 3.7 ± 1.3 years. A family history of stone disease was found in 79.7% of patients, and 37% of parents had consanguineous marriages. The most common presenting symptoms were hematuria (33%) and urinary tract infection (UTI; 29%). Metabolic abnormalities were found in 119 (83.2%) patients, including hyperuricosuria in 24.5%, hypocitraturia in 23.8%, hyperoxaluria in 21.7%, hypercalciuria in 21.0%, cystinuria in 7.7%, and hypomagnesuria in 1.4%. Multiple metabolic abnormalities were found in 24 (16.8%) patients. Results of 28 stone analyses revealed calcium oxalate or phosphate, cystine, and uric acid in 15, nine, and four of the patients, respectively. ^99mTechnetium–dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy revealed that 27.8% of the children with UTI had renal parenchymal scarring, with only four of them having vesicoureteral reflux.ConclusionThe most frequent metabolic abnormalities in preschool-age children with urolithiasis were hyperuricosuria and hypocitraturia. A comprehensive investigation of stone disease in children presenting with hematuria and UTI is important to prevent the development of renal parenchymal scarring.     

Severe and fatal forms of COVID-19 in children

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe severe forms of novel coronavirus disease 2019 in children, including patient characteristics, clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, as well as the disease management and outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective, single-center, observational study conducted in a pediatric intensive and high-dependency care unit (PICU, HDU) in an urban hospital in Paris. All patients, aged from 1 month to 18 years, admitted for confirmed or highly suspected SARS-CoV-2 were included.ResultsWe analyzed the data of 27 children. Comorbidities (n = 19, 70%) were mainly neurological (n = 7), respiratory, (n = 4), or sickle cell disease (n = 4). SARS-CoV-2 PCR results were positive in 24 children (nasopharyngeal swabs). The three remaining children had a chest CT scan consistent with COVID-19. Respiratory involvement was observed in 24 patients (89%). Supportive treatments were invasive mechanical ventilation (n = 9), catecholamine (n = 4), erythropheresis (n = 4), renal replacement therapy (n = 1), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 1). Five children died, of whom three were without past medical history.ConclusionThis study highlighted the large spectrum of clinical presentation and time course of disease progression as well as the non-negligible occurrence of pediatric life-threatening and fatal cases of COVID-19 mostly in patients with comorbidities. Additional laboratory investigations are needed to further analyze the mechanism underlying the variability of SARS-Cov-2 pathogenicity in children.     

Role of soluble triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells-1 in distinguishing SIRS,sepsis, and septic shock in the pediatric intensive care unit

BackgroundResearch into new markers has been intensified for early diagnosis, prognosis, and differentiation of SIRS, sepsis, and septic shock in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the role of soluble triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) and interleukin (IL)-6 in distinguishing between systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, and septic shock in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.MethodsBetween June 2014 and July 2015, 90 consecutive patients who were treated in the PICU were included in this prospective observational study. Patients were divided into four groups: control (n = 23), SIRS (n = 22), sepsis (n = 23), and septic shock (n = 22). All patients were evaluated for white blood cell (WBC), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), IL-6, and sTREM-1 levels at 0, 24, and 72 h of admission. The prognostic evaluations were made using the Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM III) and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) scores. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, prognosis, pathogen growth in culture, PRISM III and PELOD score, WBC, CRP, PCT, IL-6, and sTREM-1 levels and a comparison was made between groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference between all groups in terms of the 0-, 24-, and 72-h sTREM-1 values (p = 0.761, p = 0.360, and p = 0.822, respectively). CRP and PCT values did not differ between the septic shock, sepsis, and SIRS groups at 0, 24, and 72 h. In the septic shock group, the 0-h IL-6 value was significantly higher than that of the SIRS group (p = 0.025). The 24-h IL-6 value in the septic shock group was significantly higher than the values of the sepsis and SIRS groups (p = 0.048 and p = 0.043, respectively). No significant difference was detected between the septic shock, sepsis, and SIRS groups in terms of IL-6 values at 72 h.ConclusionsTREM-1 is not useful for the diagnosis of infection and for distinguishing between sepsis, septic shock, and SIRS since it does not offer a clear diagnostic value for PICU patients, unlike other reliable markers such as WBC, CRP, and PCT. Elevated IL-6 levels may indicate septic shock in PICU patients. More research on sTREM-1 is needed in this setting.     

Needs of children with a chronic bladder in preparation for transfer to adult care

ObjectiveTransfers to adult care can be problematic, resulting in postponement due to the protective nature of pediatric care and patient dependency. It is unknown whether these findings apply specifically to urology patients. Our department is taking part in a national general transition project. In this light, our aim was to investigate the specific needs of adolescent urologic patients, regarding their independence and transition.Patients and methods80 patients, born in 1975–1998, with a chronic bladder condition received a questionnaire. They were divided into pre- and post-transfer groups. Parents (n = 7) of post-transfer patients formed a third group. Questionnaires were based on those used in the national transition study, supplemented with urological questions. Pre-transfer patients were asked about their level of independence, what subjects were discussed during consultations, and their expectations and wishes regarding transfer. Post-transfer patients and parents were asked for their opinions on the transfer process.Results73% (n = 58) responded (55 pre-transfer and 3 post-transfer patients plus parents). It appeared that the confidence built-up with the pediatric urologist impeded the transfer. An adequate level of disease-related knowledge was reported. Relationships, sexuality and fertility were hardly talked about (respectively n = 17, 16 and 18). Parents played an important role, which patients appreciated, confirming their dependency. Despite the 49% (n = 27) who stated they can arrange their urological care themselves, 44% (n = 24) felt ill-prepared for transfer.ConclusionAlthough overall self-perceived knowledge is sufficient, the trust in and personal relationship with the pediatric urologist formed the greatest obstruction to successful transition. These findings have been used to improve support during transition by creating a transition protocol.     

La lithiase urinaire du nourrisson : étude de 14 cas

Background

Diagnosis of urolithiasis in infancy is uncommon. It imposes rational exploration resting on medical history, clinical features, radiologic assessment, metabolic investigation and stone analysis.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate epidemiologic and etiologic features of the urolithiasis in infancy.

Methods

It's a retrospective study including 14 cases of urolithiasis in infants, enrolled in pediatric department of Charles-Nicolle Hospital during fourteen years (1995–2008).

Results

The median age was 13 months. Thirty five percent of the patients had a positive family history of urolithiasis. The main presenting symptoms were urinary tract infection (four cases) and macroscopic hematuria (three cases). Radio-opaque urolithiasis were diagnosed in nine patients (64%), multiple stones in four patients (28%). Six of patients were diagnosed as having metabolic urolithiasis, four anatomic, two infectious and two idiopathic.

Conclusion

In our study, metabolic causes remain the first cause of urolithiasis in infancy.     

Opsoclonus–myoclonus in children associated or not with neuroblastoma

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical data at diagnosis, treatment and neurological outcome in 34 children with opsoclonus–myoclonus syndrome (OMS) associated with a detected neuroblastoma or not.Study designThis is a multicentric retrospective study of 34 children presenting with OMS from four pediatric centers diagnosed between 1988 and 2008.ResultsTwenty-two patients had OMS associated with a neuroblastoma. These patients all had neuroblastomas with favourable prognostic features; all underwent surgery, six received chemotherapy. Twelve children had OMS without a detected neuroblastoma. For OMS, the main treatment in all children was corticotherapy (n = 33), but immunoglobulins (n = 13), cyclophosphamide (n = 4) and rituximab (n = 4) were also given. In the 27 OMS patients with or without neuroblastoma whose follow up was greater than two years, the neurological outcome was evaluated: 59.3% had neurological sequelae, including motor, praxic and/or language sequelae (n = 9), persistent ataxia (n = 6) and moderate motor deficit (n = 3). No significant difference in neurological outcome was noted between the two patient groups.ConclusionOur retrospective study provides further evidence that OMS with or without a detected neuroblastoma is the same disease, whose major challenges are the neurological sequelae. An international collaboration is required to improve the knowledge about OMS, the treatment and the outcome in this rare disorder.     

Value of diagnosis imaging in the evaluation of the severity of histological lesions in duplex systems

ObjectiveIn order to determine the effectiveness of imagery in the assessment of the severity of histological lesions in duplex systems in children we compared histology results from heminephrectomies with diagnosis imaging findings [renal ultrasound (US), scintigraphy, unenhanced and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imagery (MRI)].Materials and methodsBetween 2007 and 2013, 34 children with duplex system underwent surgery. The results from US (n = 34), dimer captosuccinic acid scintigraphy (n = 23) and MRI (n = 16) were compared with histological data. Five histological lesions were found (chronic interstitial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis and dysplasia) and categorized as severe (>25%) or moderate (≤25%).ResultsSevere histological lesions were found in 76.5% and moderate lesions in 23.5%.Radiological features were compared with histological results. In US, severe parenchymal thinning was associated with chronic interstitial inflammatory. The absence of parenchymal enhancement and/or severe cortical thinning in MR urography (MRU) was significantly associated with interstitial fibrosis. All poorly functioning poles were associated with severe histological lesions (p = 0.091), but not to a specific category of lesions.ConclusionsMRI sensibility was excellent (90%) in the diagnosis of poorly functioning pole. Severe thinning on US and minimal pole function on MRU can be used to predict the severity of histological lesions.     

Rapid construction of sigmoid bladder augmentation using absorbable staples: Long-term results and comparison to standard colocystoplasty in children with neurogenic bladder

ObjectiveAbsorbable staples facilitate detubularization and reconfiguration of the bowel when performing augmentation colocystoplasty. We compared the outcomes of stapled sigmoid augmentation with standard sutured colocystoplasty.Materials and methodsBetween 2003 and 2011, 108 children underwent bladder augmentation at our institution. Colocystoplasty was used in 30 patients (27.8%). Medical charts of children who underwent stapled (n = 8) or sutured (n = 22) sigmoid augmentation were compared with regard to patient demographics and surgical complications, including anastomotic leak and urolithiasis.ResultsEight children with underwent stapled sigmoid colocystoplasty. Average age at surgery was 8 years (range 4–17 years). Time to detubularize and refashion the bowel segment prior to augmentation was consistently under 5 min. Average length of follow-up was 44 months (range 12–80 months). One patient experienced anastomotic leak. Two of eight children (25%) in the stapled anastomosis cohort developed bladder stones. Twenty-two patients underwent standard sigmoid augmentation during the same time period (average age 8.2 years; range 4–16 years). One of 22 (4.5%) experienced anastomotic leak. Seven of 22 (31.8%) developed cystolithiasis.ConclusionsComplications from stapled sigmoid anastomosis are similar to those from standard colocystoplasty. Use of absorbable staples decreases operating time by avoiding bowel spatulation and suturing, and should be considered in pediatric patients undergoing colocystoplasty.     

Comparison of Pediatric Stone-Formers with and without mutations in Soluable Adenylate Cyclase

PurposeTwo-thirds of children with urolithiasis have hypercalciuria. Recently, a candidate gene for absorptive hypercalciuria (AH) was mapped to chromosome 1q23.3-24 in the adult population. In adults, the presence of up to 6 identified base substitutions in the soluble adenylate cyclase gene (sAC) was associated with a 2.2- to 3.5-fold increased risk for AH. We screened a pediatric population of stone formers for sAC sequence variations.Material and MethodsPediatric patients with stone disease were offered study participation if they met the following criteria: family history of stones; hypercalciuria (urine calcium/creatinine ratio > 0.21 mg/mg creatinine or 24 hour calcium excretion > 4 mg/kg/day); and/or calcium stones on stone analysis. Serum laboratories, spot and 24-hour urine, and bone mineral density (BMD) were collected. Patients were excluded for metabolic conditions predisposing to stone disease. Probands were genotyped for 6 previously identified base substitutions in the sAC gene. Comparisons were made between probands with and without sAC substitutions using Fisher's exact test.ResultsOf 46 children recruited, sAC substitutions were identified in 19 (41%). Clinical parameters were similar in patients with and without substitutions: positive family history in 14/17 (82%) vs. 21/27 (78%); hypercalciuria in 13/19 (68%) vs. 22/27 (82%); and mean number of stone events 2.1 vs. 2.8. Overall, 5/16 (31%) had abnormal BMD (age-adjusted Z-scores < -1.5). More patients with base substitution(s) had abnormal BMD scores (4/9, 44%, vs. 1/7, 14%, p = 0.31), tending towards lower Z-scores (-1.26 vs. -0.3).ConclusionsOf 46 pediatric stone formers, 31% had abnormal BMD scores, and 41% of probands had sAC gene base changes previously identified in adults to increase risk for stones and osteoporosis. This warrants further investigation for potential genetic screening and therapeutic interventions to prevent pediatric stone formation and long-term osteoporotic risk.     

Therapeutic approach to pediatric patients with acute chest syndrome: national multicenter survey of non invasive ventilation (NIV) and transfusion

BackgroundIntensive care units (ICUs) have seen a spike in the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for many medical conditions. We sought to investigate the attitudes and clinical practice regarding the management of acute chest syndrome (ACS) with a focus on NIV in pediatric ICUs.MethodMembers of the French Group for Pediatric Intensive Care Emergencies (GFRUP) were asked to complete an online survey on physicians’ attitudes toward children with ACS admitted to the PICU during 2015.ResultsThe survey was answered by teams from 17 PICUs (240 beds). In total, 15 centers (88%) had a local transfusion unit and 14 (82%) worked in connection with a sickle cell disease (SCD) reference center.During 2015, 360 patients with SCD were managed (median: 7 per center; 21) of whom 137 (38%) for an ACS (median: 4 ACS per center; 8). The median length of PICU stay for ACS was 5 days (3.1).Among the 137 patients who presented with ACS, 73 (53%) received simple blood transfusion and 16 (12%) received exchange transfusion. For patients who required noninvasive ventilatory support, NIV with bilevel pressure (BiPAP) was the most frequent method (n = 68, 50%), followed by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (n = 23, 17%) and high-flow oxygen (n = 21, 15%). The proportion of patients on BiPAP was up to 71% in the centers most frequently managing ACS patients.ConclusionBiPAP is commonly used in PICUs for SCD patients with ACS, especially in trained centers. Future physiological studies and randomized controlled trials might help to choose the best ventilatory support for ACS.     

Pediatric ocular trauma: Characteristics and outcomes among a French cohort (2007–2016)

Pediatric ocular trauma is a major cause of acquired monocular blindness. Post-traumatic visual impairment can lead to significant handicap. In France, recent data on the epidemiology of pediatric ocular trauma are lacking.AimTo describe the characteristics of a pediatric cohort with ocular trauma and to analyse patient outcomes.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective observational study of pediatric ocular trauma (age < 15 years) presenting to pediatric and ophthalmology emergency units of our tertiary university hospital between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016. Data were collected on: age, sex, time and circumstances of trauma, injury type and location, trauma mechanism, other associated injuries, hospitalisation rate and length of stay, treatment, and sequelae (visual impairment). Ocular traumas were classified according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) system and the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS).ResultsA total of 337 children were included (247 males). The global mean age was 8.4 ± 4.1 years (range 6 months to 14.9 years). The trauma occurred at home (51%) or in a public area (21%). Blunt objects (22%) and direct trauma (17%) were the main mechanisms. According to the BETT, 23% of ocular traumas were open-globe traumas (OGT): penetrating (n = 39), perforating (n = 12), with intraocular foreign body (n = 24). Among closed-globe injuries (CGT), hyphema was the most frequent lesion (22%). Associated injuries were recorded in 32 patients. In all, 63% of patients had an OTS of 5 (good visual prognosis) while 39 children (12%) had an OTS of ≤ 3. In 47 patients, there was an initial surgery; 62% of children were hospitalised. By the end of the ophthalmic follow-up, 32 patients (9.5%) had sequelae. Children aged between 2 and 5 years had the greatest proportion of sequelae (15%). Compared with female patients, male patients were older (P = 0.0007) and were more frequently injured by projectiles (P = 0.036). Compared with CGT, OGT were more frequent among younger children (P = 0.0015). Ocular injuries secondary to a projectile and spring-summer accidents were associated more frequently with a poor visual prognosis (OTS ≤ 3; P = 0.036, OR = 2.5 [1.1–5.8] and P < 0.0001, OR = 5.8 [3.2–10.7] respectively).CommentsThe annual admission for pediatric ocular trauma was stable during the study period (200 cases per 100,000 annual trauma admissions in the first period [2007–2011] and 195 cases per 100,000 during the most recent period [2012–2016]). Projectiles such as Airsoft gun bullets and paintball are still the cause of severe injuries while reports on ocular injuries secondary to blaster or Nerf guns use are starting to be published.ConclusionThe great majority of ocular traumas could be prevented, especially by wearing protective goggles during at-risk activities. French legislation should be stricter about the sale of any Airsoft gun to children under 18 years old. Parents must repeat educational warnings to their children handling sharp objects. The social and psychological burden of relative visual impairment is of importance: One in ten children will have a permanent visual defect.     

Does previous open nephrolithotomy affect the outcomes and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children?

ObjectiveTo analyze the success and complication rates of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) performed in pediatric patients and to compare outcomes of the patients undergoing primary PCNL with those of patients who had undergone previous open nephrolithotomy.Materials and methodsBetween 2000 and 2011, PNL procedures were performed in 123 renal units (RU) of 111 children. We compared RU on which previous open surgery had been performed (group 1 RU = 26) on the same kidney with RU that had not been involved in previous surgery (group 2 RU = 97). Patient characteristics, pre- and postoperative hematocrit and creatinin levels, operative time, fluoroscopic screening time, stone free rate, complications and hospitalization time were documented and compared.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups in sex, stone burden, pre- and postoperative hematocrit levels. Mean age and pre- and postoperative creatinin levels were significantly higher in group 1 (p < 0.05). Mean operative time, fluoroscopic screening time and hospitalization times were similar in each group (p > 0.05). The stone free rates after PCNL were 65.4% in group 1 and 81.4% in group 2 (p > 0.05). Multiple access rate was higher in group 1; however, this was not statistically significant (27% vs. 15%, p > 0.05).ConclusionPCNL can be performed in pediatric patients who have previously undergone open nephrolithotomy but the success rates may be lower and risk of bowel injury higher. NCCT should be considered preoperatively for patients who have previously undergone open renal surgeries to investigate the presence of retrorenal colons. Our study includes relatively few patients with a history of open surgery and we believe that additional clinical studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm our initial findings.     

An association between kidney stone composition and urinary metabolic disturbances in children

ObjectiveTo determine kidney stone composition in children and to correlate stone fractions with urinary pH and metabolic urinary risk factors.Patients and methodsWe studied 135 pediatric patients with upper urinary tract lithiasis in whom excreted or extracted stones were available for analyses. Composition of stones was analyzed. A 24-hour urine assessment included volume, pH and daily excretions of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, cystine, creatinine, phosphate, magnesium and citrate.ResultsCalcium oxalate was the major component of 73% stones, followed by struvite (13%) and calcium phosphate (9%). Uric acid was present in almost half of stones, but in rudimentary amounts. The calcium oxalate content in calculi showed a strong relationship with calciuria, and moderate association with oxaluria, magnesuria and acidification of urine. The percent content of struvite presented reverse and lower correlations with regard to the above parameters. Calcium phosphate stone proportion had low associations with urinary risk factors.ConclusionsCalciuria, oxaluria, magnesuria and low urine pH exerted the biggest influence on calcium oxalate content in pediatric renal stones. Relationships of urinary risk factors with calculi calcium phosphate content were of unclear significance. Urinary citrate excretion did not significantly correlate with kidney stone composition in children.