Antenatal hydronephrosis and fetal urine sampling

The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of renal pelvis aspiration (RPA) in the management of antenatal hydronephrosis (AHN). This study enrolled 15 AHN cases (one twin pregnancy) that necessitated RPA for AHN. Chromosomal abnormalities, gene disorders, and additional life-threatening congenital abnormalities were eliminated prior to intrauterine interventions. Urine analysis were performed for the evaluation of renal function. Normal renal function was observed in six neonates/infants (40%) (group 1), whereas impaired renal function and various type of urinary system anomalies were observed in 9 neonates/infants (60%) (group 2) during the short-term and longitudinal follow-up periods. There were statistically significant differences in the oligohydroamniosis rate, mean fetal urine sodium value, mean fetal urine β2-microglobulin, mean gestational week at birth, and mean birthweight values between the groups (P = 0.007, P < 0.001, P = 0.035, P < 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). Renal pelvis aspiration and urine analysis were substantial for the management of AHN in necessary cases. β2-microglobulin and sodium are clinically useful markers to detect the presence of severe renal damage due to obstructive uropathy and thus, important adjuvants in the proper selection of fetuses for further antenatal interventions.     

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey: first report from the Eastern Mediterranean

Objective

We aimed to describe the typical clinical and laboratory features and treatment of children diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and to understand the differences as compared to severe/critical pediatric cases with COVID-19 in an eastern Mediterranean country.

Methods

Children (aged <18 years) who diagnosed with MIS-C and severe/critical pediatric cases with COVID-19 and were admitted to hospital between March 26 and November 3, 2020 were enrolled in the study.

Results

A total of 52 patients, 22 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with severe/critical disease course and 30 patients diagnosed with MIS-C, were included in the study. Although severe COVID-19 cases and cases with MIS-C share many clinical and laboratory features, MIS-C cases had longer fever duration and higher rate of the existence of rash, conjunctival injection, peripheral edema, abdominal pain, altered mental status, and myalgia than in severe cases (p<0.001 for each). Of all, 53.3% of MIS-C cases had the evidence of myocardial involvement as compared to severe cases (27.2%). Additionally, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) are the independent predictors for the diagnosis of MIS-C, particularly in the existence of conjunctival injection and rash. Corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and biologic immunomodulatory treatments were mainly used in MIS-C cases rather than cases with severe disease course. There were only three deaths among 52 patients, one of whom had Burkitt lymphoma and the two cases with severe COVID-19 of late referral.

Conclusion

Differences between clinical presentations, acute phase responses, organ involvements, and management strategies indicate that MIS-C might be a distinct immunopathogenic disease as compared to pediatric COVID-19. Conjunctival injection and higher CRP and low WBC count are reliable diagnostic parameters for MIS-C cases.

Pressure-induced angioedema associated with endotracheal tube: successful treatment with epinephrine in two cases

Pressure-induced urticaria is a non-immunoglobulin E-mediated type of urticaria. Some patients only have angioedema, and the term pressure-induced angioedema (PIA) is more appropriate for them. PIA has not previously been reported in association with endotracheal tube. Here we describe two patients who developed PIA after endotracheal intubation. There were no histories of angioedema, drug and food allergy in both patients. Tests for specific aero-allergens and latex were negative. Serum total immunoglobulin E and C4 levels were in normal ranges. Antihistamines and intravenous steroid therapy were ineffective. Angioedema regressed with intravenous epinephrine infusion and did not relapse after extubation. Conclusion: We suggest that endotracheal tubes can cause PIA. Epinephrine therapy should be used early at treatment, especially in the patients who are at great risk for life-threatening airway problems.     

Correction to: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey: first report from the Eastern Mediterranean

Clinical Rheumatology - A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-021-05692-w