Correlation of ultrasound and renal scintigraphy in children with unilateral hydronephrosis in primary workup

Ultrasound accurately detects hydronephrosis in infants and children, while nuclear medicine techniques quantify relative renal function in addition to characterizing the urodynamic relevance of hydronephrosis. This prospective study was undertaken to examine the relationship between ultrasound morphological findings and relative renal function, quantified with dynamic^99mtechnetium mereaptotriacetylglycine imaging, in the initial diagnostic workup of children with unilateral hydronephrosis. The ultrasound grade of hydronephrosis and relative renal function ipsilateral to the hydronephrosis were inversely related, indicating that with more severe hydronephrosis ultrasound fails to estimate the potential reduction of relative kidney function. Because renal function is not necessarily affected by hydronephrosis, renal scintigraphy is indicated to assess the functional status of hydronephrotic kidneys.     

超声引导在经皮肾穿活检中的价值

目的探讨超声引导在经皮肾穿刺活检术中的应用价值。方法42例疑似肾脏弥漫性病变的患者,超声引导下进行经皮肾穿刺活检术,获取肾组织进行病理检查。结果每次穿刺获取肾组织长度(14.21±3.19)mm。每例光镜下肾小球数目(15.21±3.35)个,成功率100%。1例术后出现肾周血肿。结论超声引导能提高取材成功率,减少并发症,在经皮肾穿刺活检术中具有重要的临床实用价值。     

The application of ultrasound contrast agents in the characterization of renal tumors

The aim of this article is to describe the current ultrasound (US) contrast agents employed in the characterization of renal tumors and to report our experience in the use of a contrast-specific ultrasound technique pulse inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI).A total of 23 renal masses were prospectively evaluated by conventional US, CDUS, PIHI and finally by helical-CT (HCT). The study was performed using a wideband convex array 2–5 MHz transducer and a US digital apparatus . PIHI scanning of each renal mass was performed before and after the injection of Levovist. To reach a definitive diagnosis HCT and/or histological findings were considered as the reference procedures. Eleven solid renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), one embryonal metanephric adenoma (EMA), seven angiomyolipomas (AMLs), and four cystic RCCs were analyzed. Solid RCCs revealed a higher contrast enhancement than AMLs with a typical pattern on conventional US. The EMA and AML with an atypical pattern revealed intense contrast enhancement during the arterial phase, progressively decreasing during the delayed phase. Cystic RCCs showed intense contrast enhancement on the peripheral thick wall during the arterial phase decreasing during the delayed phase. PIHI with Levovist may differentiate solid RCCs from AMLs with no hypervascular pattern while solid RCCs show a higher intensity of contrast enhancement than hypervascular AML.     

Correlation between renal blood flow and intrarenal Doppler measurements in canine autotransplanted kidney

For proper interpretation of the changes in intrarenal Doppler ultrasound measurements, we evaluated the direct correlation between total renal blood flow and intrarenal Doppler parameters. Under progressive constriction of the renal artery in canine autotransplanted kidneys, we simultaneously measured blood flow at the main renal artery and Doppler parameters at the segmental artery. The changes in total renal blood flow were well correlated to changes in peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and resistive index (RI) of the segmental artery (r = 0.964, 0.960 and 0.486, respectively). The acute reduction of total renal blood flow produces a linear decrease in Doppler parameters at intrarenal arteries. These results should be helpful for better understanding the changes in renal hemodynamics in various pathologic conditions as well as those induced by various vasoactive agents including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation in children

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPTH) is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal transplantation corrects the biochemical abnormalities that cause HPTH; however, HPTH persists in some patients. The factors that contribute to the persistence of HPTH after transplantation in children are poorly understood. We examined 57 children who underwent renal transplantation and determined whether baseline clinical and biochemical parameters could predict the persistence of HPTH at 1 year post-transplantation, using multivariate logistic regression. At the time of transplantation, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were >300 pg/ml in 60%, 150–300 pg/ml in 17%, and <150 pg/ml in 23% of recipients. HPTH (PTH >73 pg/ml) persisted in 78% of patients at 6 months and in 56% at 1 year after transplant. Older age at transplantation was the strongest predictor of HPTH at 1 year (OR=1.17, P<0.05). After adjustment for age, other baseline clinical or laboratory parameters were not predictive of HPTH at 1 year. The relationship between older age and persistent HPTH may be explained by longer duration of CKD. Given the potential morbidities associated with persistent HPTH, the role of interventions that would prevent or reverse persistent HPTH post-transplantation requires further investigation.     

Standardized reporting of appendicitis-related findings improves reliability of ultrasound in diagnosing appendicitis in children

Purpose

Our objective was to increase ultrasound reliability for diagnosing appendicitis in an academic children's hospital emergency department (ED) through a multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative.

Bladder dysfunction in children and adolescents after renal transplantation

The underlying mechanisms of urinary-tract infections (UTI) in renal transplant recipients are still not fully understood. In otherwise healthy children, bladder dysfunction increases the susceptibility to UTI. The aim of this study was to evaluate lower-urinary-tract function in children and adolescents after renal transplantation. Sixty-eight recipients of renal transplants, 5–20 years of age and 1–15 years after transplantation, were evaluated for their bladder function with a questionnaire, uroflowmetry and bladder ultrasound, and for renal function (glomerular filtration rate) by measuring clearance of inulin or iohexol. Forty-nine patients (72%) had some type of abnormality of bladder function. Abnormal bladder capacity was found in 26%, abnormal urinary flow in 50% and residual urine in 32% of the patients. There was no significant difference in bladder or renal function in children with urinary-tract malformations compared with those with normal urinary tract. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in renal function in patients with bladder dysfunction compared with those without. The incidence of bladder dysfunction is high in children and adolescents after renal transplantation, but the clinical significance of this finding and whether there is a correlation between bladder dysfunction and UTI in these patients need to be clarified further.     

X线与超声在经皮肾镜治疗复杂性肾结石中的应用比较

目的对比分析C臂X线和超声定位在微创经皮肾镜碎石取石术（PCNL）治疗复杂性肾结石中的优劣性。 方法回顾性分析我科2015年7月至2017年7月156例行MPCNL的复杂性肾结石患者（89例在C臂X线引导下,67例在超声引导下）的临床资料,对患者首次目标盏穿刺成功率,两组手术后血红蛋白下降值、结石Ⅰ期取净率、手术并发症等进行分析比较。 结果Ｘ线组89例患者,首次目标盏穿刺成功69例,手术后血红蛋白下降值为（16.2±7.4）g/L,结石Ⅰ期取净62例,发生手术并发症12例,超声组67例患者,首次目标盏穿刺成功31例,手术前血红蛋白下降值为（19.5±8.2）g/L,结石Ⅰ期取净42例,发生手术并发症10例。两组患者在首次目标盏穿刺成功率、手术后血红蛋白下降值的差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;结石Ⅰ期取净率及手术并发症的差异无统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论在MPCNL治疗复杂性肾结石中,X线引导相对于超声能明显提高首次目标盏穿刺成功率,减少术中出血,是治疗复杂性肾结石的较好方法。医师应根据其医疗设备、手术技能和临床经验的特点,为患者制定最优穿刺定位方案。     

超声引导经皮肾镜气压弹道联合超声碎石术治疗复杂性肾结石疗效观察

目的：评价超声引导经皮肾镜气压弹道联合超声碎石术治疗复杂性肾结石患者的方法、疗效及并发症。方法：回顾性分析2005年1月～2006年10月应用超声引导经皮肾镜气压弹道联合超声碎石术治疗52例复杂性肾结石患者的临床资料,对其方法、临床疗效及手术并发症等资料进行评价。结果：单通道取石45例,双通道取石7例。手术时间50～150min。平均（87±12）min。无结石率88．5％（46／52）。无肾切除、腹腔脏器损伤、血气胸等严重并发症。结论：超声引导经皮肾镜气压弹道联合超声碎石术治疗复杂性肾结石的疗效确切、安全,并发症少。     

Prospective observational study with an abbreviated protocol in the management of blunt renal injury in children

Background

There are no published management schemes for blunt renal injuries. We are conducting a 2-center prospective observational study with a fixed management scheme.

Methods

Children with CT proven renal injuries were enrolled with permission. Ambulation is allowed when able regardless of grade. Discharge occurs when tolerating a diet and pain is controlled regardless of hematuria. Urinalysis occurs at follow up in 2–4 weeks and repeated as indicated.

Results

Between 9/2008 and 9/2012, 70 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 11.8 years (3–17), and 70% were male. The mean grade of injury was 2.8 ± 1.1 , , ,  and . One nephrectomy (1.4%) was performed for a grade 5 injury. Other renal interventions included an embolization for the hilar bleed and one cystotomy for a clot. Mean LOS was 2.9 days ± 2.4 days. In patients without other major injury, LOS was 1.9 ± 1.7 days (0.4–8 days). There were 5 (7%) readmissions: 3 for pain, 1 for hematuria, and 1 for a bladder clot. 58 patients (83%) gave urinalysis samples at initial follow up (med 18 days), where 31 (53%) were positive for blood.

Conclusions

Children with blunt renal injury may benefit from management without strict bedrest guidelines. Hematuria appears to have little influence on recovery.     

小儿术前肺超声剪切波弹性成像的初步研究

目的:探讨肺超声剪切波弹性（lung shear wave elasticity, LUSWE）成像技术用于评估小儿术前肺组织弹性的可行性。方法:选择2018年10月—2019年6月在上海儿童医学中心全身麻醉下行择期外科手术的患儿32例,年龄4个月~11岁,ASA分级Ⅰ~Ⅲ级,性别不限。按病种将患儿分为先天性心脏病组（...     

Arterial stiffness in children after renal transplantation

Long-term survival after successful transplantation is limited by cardiovascular disease. We studied changes in arterial function in children after renal transplantation. We measured pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIX) as estimated from central pulse-wave analysis in 36 patients with a functioning kidney transplant (mean age 14 ± 3.4 years) and 49 healthy children (mean age 13.3 ± 3.3 years). Transplantation had been performed 4.3 ± 3.3 years prior to examination. Transplanted patients had a significantly higher mean PWV of 5.43 ± 0.9 m/s; controls 4.68 ± 0.7 m/s. Likewise, the AIX was significantly higher in patients (–14.3 ± 15.2) than in controls –26.3 ± 13.5. We found no significant associations with the degree of transplant dysfunction, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) loss, or dose of immunosuppressive medications; however, the AIX was associated with the serum calcium-phosphorus product, and PWV correlated with systolic blood pressure and age. This study suggests that subclinical arteriopathy is present in young transplant recipients.     

Primary hyperoxaluria type I: renal ultrasound before and after treatment

Three patients with primary hyperoxaluria type I received therapy consisting of vitamin B₆, magnesium oxide, and high oral fluid intake. Sonographic follow-up showed a variable response to treatment, ranging from normalization of renal tissue to no change at all. However, there is evidence of a correlation between laboratory findings and ultrasound findings during treatment. Received August 21, 1995; received in revised form November 6, 1996; accepted November 8, 1996     

Acquired renal cystic disease in children and young adults on maintenance dialysis

Acquired renal cystic disease (ARCD) is a well-known complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We studied 24 patients, aged 8 – 27 years (mean 19.8±5.3 years), on chronic maintenance dialysis in our service. The duration of dialysis ranged between 13 and 192 months (mean 77.8±44.3 months). High-resolution ultrasonography revealed ARCD in 11 (45.8%) patients. No cysts were seen in 7 (29.1%) patients and solitary cysts in one or both kidneys were seen in 6 (25%) patients. Renal malignancy was diagnosed in 2 patients. One, 15 years old, had renal cell carcinoma after being on dialysis for 6 years. She did well after bilateral nephrectomy, left salpingo-oophorectomy, and regional lymphadenectomy. The second patient, 23 years old, had been on dialysis for 16 years when she developed renal oncocytoma. She died of congestive cardiomyopathy 6 months later. We conclude that ARCD is common in children and young adults with ESRD. Neoplastic transformation, although rare, is a potential complication. Annual follow-up with ultrasonography with selective use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is advised. Received July 29, 1996; received in revised form and accepted November 15, 1996     

Cadaveric renal transplantation in children under 5 years of age

From March 1987 to August 1990 23 cadaveric renal transplants were performed in 19 children under the age of 5 years at the time of transplantation. The mean age of the recipients was 3.3 years (range 1.3–4.7) and the mean weight 13.0 kg (range 9.3–19.2). The mean donor age was 7.8 years (range 1.5–25). All children received triple immunosuppression with prednisolone, cyclosporin A and azathioprine, and 4 who had 2 grafts during this period also received antithymocyte globulin at the time of the second transplant. Patient survival is 100%. Actuarial first cadaveric graft survival was 57% at 1 year and remains unchanged at 3 years. There were 10 graft losses, 4 were associated with renal venous thrombosis without apparent rejection. Two were lost due to acute vascular rejection with associated renal venous thrombosis, and the remaining 4 losses followed cellular or chronic vascular rejection. The mean glomerular filtration rate ±SD was 51.4±23.6 ml/min per 1.73 m² (n=11) at 1 year and 43.5±25.3 at 2 years (n=6). The mean height standard deviation score improved from –2.2±1.1 at the time of transplantation to –1.3±1.0 1 year post transplant (n=11). The immunosuppression was well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. Cadaveric renal transplantation remains a difficult but rewarding undertaking in children under 5 years of age.     

局部浸润麻醉超声引导下经皮肾镜取石术

目的探讨局部浸润麻醉下超声引导经皮肾穿刺取石术（PCNL）治疗肾结石或输尿管上段结石的方法及效果。方法该组42例肾结石或输尿管上段结石均采用超声引导，局部浸润麻醉下行经皮肾穿刺取石术。结果42例均一期穿刺造瘘成功，39例一期成功PCNL，3例患者因脓肾改行二期PCNL，一期手术结石清除率为83．8％。手术时间为15～80min，平均55min，无严重并发症。结论局麻下超声引导PCNL治疗多发性肾结石或输尿管上段结石具有操作简单、创伤小、并发症少、恢复快、结石清除率高等优点，可作为部分简单肾结石或输尿管上段结石的治疗方法。     

ACE inhibition in the treatment of children after renal transplantation

Currently, there are no data available on long-term effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) on graft function in children after renal transplantation. We therefore analyzed all children who were transplanted at our institution between 1989 and 1998 and followed for at least 2 years. Those treated with ACE-I, mainly because of failure of other antihypertensive medications, were compared to those without ACE-I. The ACE-I-treated children (n=19) showed significantly better blood pressure control during the 1st year of follow-up (p<0.05). In children with chronic allograft dysfunction (n=8), treatment with ACE-I stabilized graft function, with improvement in creatinine clearance in 50% (p<0.01). Serum potassium and hemoglobin levels remained stable. One patient discontinued ACE-I because of renal artery stenosis. Taken together, ACE-I were effective and safe in the treatment of hypertension in children following renal transplantation. Children with chronic allograft dysfunction experienced a stabilizing effect on graft function.     

Value of Doppler ultrasound for the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis in children

To evaluate the reliability of Doppler ultrasonography (US) in identifying children with renal artery stenosis (RAS) among those with hypertension, we compared Doppler US results in 22 hypertensive children (mean age 8.9±4.3 years), with (13 cases) and without RAS at angiography, and in 33 normotensive children (mean age 8.8±4.7 years). We observed 2 false-negatives and 2 false-positives with Doppler US. Of the 2 false-negative diagnoses, 1 had RAS on an accessory renal artery located behind a normal upper polar artery and the other was observed in a patient with bilateral multiple stenosis of the very distal segments of renal arteries. The 2 false-positive diagnoses were due to sinuous left renal artery and to technical reasons, respectively. In another patient, Doppler US showed a tight RAS, while arteriography was normal. RAS was subsequently confirmed by a second arteriography. Peak systolic velocity values of Doppler US were significantly higher in patients with proven angiographic RAS (3.44±0.66 m/s) than in hypertensive patients with normal renal arteries at angiography (0.99±0.35 m/s, P <0.0001) and normotensive healthy children (1.04±0.23 m/s, P <0.0001). With the use of multiple views, and the experience acquired with practice, false-negatives or false-positives due to the geometry of the renal artery can be avoided. Nevertheless, very distal stenosis can be missed by Doppler US. Received October 30, 1995; received in revised form April 16, 1996; accepted May 14, 1996     

Effect of tangerine juice on cyclosporine levels in renal transplant children

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of tangerine juice on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine A (CsA), in children who had received a renal transplant. This placebo-controlled study was done on ten kidney transplant recipients with stable cyclosporine trough levels who received either tangerine (Unshio Satsuma) juice or water. Patients were given their morning doses of CsA and then 250 ml water or the juice, and 12 h, investigations of the pharmacokinetics (PK) were performed. The main outcome measures were peak concentration and time to peak and area under the concentration–time curve. Administration of CsA with tangerine juice compared with water did not increase significantly the area under the whole-blood concentration versus time curve from 0–12 h (AUC_0–12) of CsA, (tangerine juice 2,797 ± 1,361 (P = 0.5); water 3,053 ± 1,532). Co-administration of tangerine juice with CsA compared with water had no significant effects on the AUC_0–12, peak concentration (C_max) or time to C_max (t_max) of the CsA in pediatric renal transplantation.     

Long-term renal function in heart transplant children on cyclosporine treatment

Renal function deterioration is a reason of concern in heart transplantation. Our aim was to evaluate long-term renal function in heart transplant children on cyclosporine (CsA) treatment and to investigate the effect of several variables possibly involved in renal function deterioration. Creatinine clearances were retrospectively reviewed in 50 children (median follow 99.7 months after heart transplant). Gender, age, and body weight at transplant, rejection episodes, CsA cumulative dose, and trough levels were analyzed. After an initial increase of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal function worsened in most patients; 28% of the children developed renal insufficiency (defined as GFR <80 ml/min per 1.73 m²), which was already evident in the first 3 years. Neither CsA dose, trough levels, nor other patient characteristics were found to be associated with renal function deterioration. In this study renal failure occurred in one-third of the patients. The lack of association of CsA with renal insufficiency may be explained by several reasons, including the limitations of the retrospective design of the study. However, it is possible that the nephrotoxic effect of CsA is more likely to occur in a set of predisposed patients. These must be soon identified to evaluate early a calcineurin inhibitor-sparing strategy.