Postural therapy for renal stones in children: A Rolling Stones procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Despite many advances, the management of renal stones - especially lower caliceal stones (LCS) - remains a challenge. The gravity-dependent location of the lower calices hinders the spontaneous clearance of fragments, which can be a nidus for future growth and symptomatic recurrence. Currently, there is no standard adjunctive therapy to facilitate fragment passage. OBJECTIVES: To report the safety and effectiveness of mechanical percussion diuresis and inversion (PDI) therapy for eliminating renal stones in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since November 2013, children with residual fragments (after shock wave lithotripsy or flexible ureteroscopy) or native symptomatic renal stones were prospectively included in a protocol of four PDI sessions. After giving written consent, the children drank 10 ml/kg of water 30 min before therapy. They then laid in a prone Trendelenburg position on a couch angled at 45° and received continuous 10-min mechanical percussion applied over the affected flank by a physiotherapist (Figure summary). Tolerance stone burden reduction and stone clearance were documented with ultrasound 4 weeks after the last session. RESULTS: Seventeen participants, with a median age of 10.8 years (range 18 months to 18 years), received 82 PDI sessions performed over 22 months. The median stone diameter was 5 mm (range 3-9). All children tolerated the PDI therapy well. Over a median follow-up of 11 months (range 3-18), no significant adverse effects were noted. The overall stone-free rate was 65%. Four of the six patients with residual fragment passed their fragments. The patients who did not become stone free by PDI experienced a decrease in fragment size of 57% (range 34-71). The observance rate was 100%. DISCUSSION: Many studies have demonstrated that the gravity-dependent position of the lower calyces appears to be an important factor limiting the clearance of LCS. Positioning patients with a degree of inversion in order to put the collecting system beyond the horizontal plane affected the LCS through gravitational force. Complications were rare. PDI appeared to save costs and have similar success rates as shock wave lithotripsy for native small renal stones in children. CONCLUSION: PDI is safe and effective for facilitating gravity-dependent drainage of renal stones and provides an opportunity to treat children in a quick, non-invasive, economic, painless, non-radiative and diverting fashion. This therapy is a valuable alternative in the pattern of stone management. In case of persistent fragments, it is recommend that the number of sessions be increased to six.

[Outcome of severe closed kidney injuries in children]. / Devenir des traumatismes fermés sévères du rein de l'enfant.

AIMS: To analyze the results of treatment of major renal injuries according imaging data in order to determine their function after follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 22 cases of fracture of the kidney (grade V) in two pediatric surgical services that were reviewed over a period of 16 years. After initial conservative treatment in 19 patients (86.5%), a scan and/or Uro-MRI were realized in all patients in monitoring evolving. Three children with vascular injury were treated by interventional radiology. The morphology and functional evolution of the injured kidney were determined. RESULTS: A DMSA scan investigation was performed in 21 patients (95.5%) associated with Uro-MRI in two cases; one patient was only explored with Uro-MRI. A complete restitution of the renal parenchyma was confirmed in 10 children (45.5%), we noted an atrophy of the upper pole in 30%, a lower pole atrophy in 4.5%, two complete renal atrophy in 9%. An urinoma was present in six patients (27%) that required drainage in five cases and declined during the surveillance in one case. Normal function of the injured kidney was noticed in half of grade V (11 of 22 patients) with a mean follow-up of 19 months. None of our patients did present hypertension. CONCLUSION: Non-operative conservative treatment in severe renal trauma was efficient, morphological and functional sequelae were present in 50% on scintigraphy and/or Uro-MRI.

Polymorphisms of MAMLD1 gene in hypospadias.

PURPOSE: Mastermind-like domain containing 1 (MAMLD1) is a causative gene for the fetal development of male external genitalia. Almost 10% of patients with both severe and non-severe hypospadias exhibit mutations of MAMLD1. The aim of this work was to determine whether polymorphisms of MAMLD1 are a genetic risk factor for hypospadias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 150 hypospadias with a range of severities and 150 controls. Direct sequencing of the MAMLD1 coding exons and their flanking splice sites was performed. In silico secondary and tertiary structure prediction and accessibility of changed amino acids were evaluated using JPred, Netsurf and PHYRE software. Functional studies of the transactivation of haplotypes on Hes3 promoter were performed in vitro using cDNAs of missense variants of MAMLD1. RESULTS: The p.P286S polymorphism was identified in 17/150 patients and 12/150 controls (11.3% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.32). The p.N589S polymorphism was identified in 22/150 patients and 12/150 controls (14.6% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.068). The double polymorphism (S-S haplotype) was present in 16/150 patients and 6/150 controls (10.6% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.044, OR = 2.87, CI from 1.09 to 7.55). The association of polymorphisms consistently revealed a modification in the structure prediction or amino acid accessibility in all three in silico models. The P286S, N589S and P286S + N589S proteins did not exhibit reduced transactivating activity on Hes3 promoter. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of MAMLD1 gene are frequent in patients with hypospadias. Although no change in transactivation was noted on Hes3 promoter, the in silico studies and the significantly increased incidence of the S-S haplotype in hypospadiac patients raise the hypothesis of a particular susceptibility conferred by these variants.

[Diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in infant]. / Pyélonéphrite xanthogranulomateuse diffuse du nourrisson.

We report a case of a renal mass in a 4-month boy, which occured during the assessment of a pelvi-calyceal dilatation diagnosed at 23 weeks of gestational age. There was no history of urinary infection, fever or weight loss. Physical examination revealed a mass of the left flank with significant flank tenderness. Laboratory test showed a biological inflammatory syndrome and urine culture was negative. Investigations including ultrasound and computed tomography scan were suggestive of diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with a non-functioning left kidney. Left total nephrectomy was performed through a lumbar incision with an extraperitoneal approach. The kidney was enlarged with a dilated pelvis containing pus upstream of a proximal ureteral atretic segment. Pathological examination of the kidney confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. The boy remains well at 1 year follow-up. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is very rare in infants. It is an uncommon severe progressive renal infection resulting in destruction of renal parenchyma, histologically replaced by xanthomatous cells and granulomatous reaction. Pathogenesis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis remains unclear. But it is well known that urinary tract obstruction and renal lithiasis are determining factors. It can occur in variant clinical forms but its symptoms remain non-specific. Curative treatment consists in nephrectomy and definitive diagnosis is made on histological examination of the kidney. This diagnosis should be discussed when a renal mass occurs in a context of malformative uropathy and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis have to be included in the differential diagnosis of renal mass in infants and children.

[Urinothorax: rare complication of neonatal sectioned posterior urethral valve]. / Urothorax: complication rare d'une valve de l'urètre postérieur sectionnée en période néonatale.

We report a newborn aged 19 days, carrying a posterior urethral valve antenatal screening in which developed 7 days after the entire section of the valve, a compressive urinothorax in connection with a perirenal urinoma. Pleural and bladder drainage has a surrender of effusions and a healing of the renal parenchyma. The thoracic urine effusion is a very rare complication of a posterior urethral valve with perirenal urinoma. This probably results from a rupture of a fornix dysplastic by hypertension of the urinary tract. The authors emphasize the unusual discovery of this disease by breathing problems and his delayed character after resection of the obstruction in the neonatal period.

[Flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in a 22-months-old child]. / Urétéro-renoscopie souple chez un nourrisson de 22 mois.

With the endourological development, the management of urinary tract calculi in children has significantly improved. The miniaturization of endoscopic equipment has allowed the use of flexible ureteroscopic with holmium YAG laser lithotripsy in children. We highlighted the case of a 22-month-old child, with an antecedent of megaureter, who had calculi in the right kidney lower pole. In collaboration with the urologist specialising in adult care, using an adapted technical tray, we underwent a laser intracorporeal lithotripsy using a 8 Charriere (Ch) ureteroscope and an holmium laser. No ureteral dilatation was required. A complete fragmentation of this infectious calculus was performed. This experience with a flexible ureteroscopy confirms that this technique is practicable, efficient and safe for stone treatment in children.

[Abdominoscrotal hydrocele with leg edema in a 4-month-old boy]. / Hydrocèle abdomino-scrotale compliquée d'un lymphoedème de jambe chez un nourrisson.

We present a case of a 4-month-old boy with a right abdominoscrotal hydrocele associated to a compression of the femoral triangle, causing an unilateral leg edema. Abdominoscrotal ultrasound revealed a fluid collection with abdominal and scrotal components, communicating through the deep inguinal ring. Sagittal views of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a dumbbell-shaped hydrocele and the angio-MRI venous sequences confirmed the compression of the right iliac vessels. Curative treatment was surgical through an inguinal approach and consisted in high ligation of the processus vaginalis and hydrocelectomy. Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is an uncommon pathology, which rarely occurs in pediatric population. This diagnosis should be discussed when a cystic abdominal mass is associated to an ipsilateral scrotal hydrocele. The abdominal component of the hydrocele can result in compression of adjacent structures (iliac vessels, ureter). Surgical treatment is recommended. Epididymal and testicular abnormalities are frequently described, as in our observation, and the effects on the future fertility are unknown.

[Ultrasonography of acute scrotum in children]. / La bourse aiguë de l'enfant : corrélations radiocliniques.

Paediatric surgeons and urologists are often asked to evaluate boys with acute scrotal pain and inflammation. Although, there is much aetiology for this syndrome: testicular torsion, appendicular testicular torsion, epididymo-orchitis, hernia, hydrocele, trauma, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, idiopathic scrotal edema. However, testicular torsion should be at the top of the list because of the medico legal aspects. It is the one diagnosis that must be made accurately and rapidly, if there is any hope for testicular salvage. Color Doppler ultrasound scan can reliably identify those children, who required exploration and spare medical causes. The purpose of this article is to update/review the appropriate evaluation and management of the acute scrotum and to guide the clinician in distinguishing testicular torsion from the other conditions that commonly mimic this surgical emergency.

[Endoscopic management of severe pancreatic and biliary diseases in children]. / Prise en charge endoscopique des affections biliopancréatiques compliquées chez l'enfant.

Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts and choledocal lithiasis is a first-line treatment in adults. Nevertheless, due to technical difficulties such a management is not always feasible in children. This series reports our results in the management of pancreatic and biliary diseases in children. Seven children, two months to 12 years old, underwent endoscopic management of pancreatic and biliary diseases. Two of them had choledocal lithiasis with jaundice or acute pancreatitis, two had pancreatic pseudocyst due to abdominal traumatism, two had chronic pancreatitis with a communicating pseudocyst in one case, and one had a biliary leakage after traumatism. All the endoscopic treatments were performed under general anesthesia. In six cases, the duodenoscope was a regular one with a large operating channel (Olympus TJF 160; Japan) employed for children aged 33 months to 12 years. In the case of the two months child, a "rendez-vous" technique was performed with a percutaneous approach of the common bile duct followed by an endoscopic sphincteroclasy using an axial endoscope allowing the extraction of a choledocal stone. In two cases, post-traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts (eight and 12 year-old children) were managed with the transgastric insertion of two double pig-tail stents. In two cases, children with chronic pancreatitis (38 months and 12 years old) were managed with pancreatic sphincterotomy. Biliary leakage in an 11-year-old child was managed with biliary sphincterotomy and stenting. All the children became symptom-free without any procedural complications with an 11 months median follow-up. Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic and biliary diseases is possible in children like in adults with the same procedures and results.

A prospective, randomized, blinded comparison between continuous thoracic paravertebral and epidural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine after lung resection surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective, randomized, blinded study was to compare analgesic efficacy of continuous paravertebral and epidural analgesia for post-thoracotomy pain. METHODS: Forty-two ASA physical status II-III patients undergoing lung resection surgery were randomly allocated to receive post-thoracotomy analgesia with either a thoracic epidural (group EPI, n = 21) or paravertebral (group PVB, n = 21) infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine (infusion rate: 5-10 mL h-1). The degree of pain at rest and during coughing, haemodynamic variables and blood gas analysis were recorded every 12 h for the first 48 h. RESULTS: The area under the curve of the visual analogue pain score during coughing over time was 192 (60-444) cm h-1 in group EPI and 228 (72-456) cm h-1 in group PVB (P = 0.29). Rescue morphine analgesia was required in four patients of group EPI (19%) and five patients of group PVB (23%) (P = 0.99). The PaO2/FiO2 ratio reduced significantly from baseline values in both groups without between-group differences. The median (range) percentage reduction of systolic arterial pressure from baseline was -9 (0 to -9)% in group PVB and -17 (0 to -38)% in group EPI (P = 0.02); while clinically relevant hypotension (systolic arterial pressure decrease >30% of baseline) was observed in four patients of group EPI only (19%) (P = 0.04). Patient satisfaction with the analgesia technique was 8.5 (8-9.8) cm in group EPI and 9 (7.5-10) cm in group PVB (P = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous thoracic paravertebral analgesia is as effective as epidural blockade in controlling post-thoracotomy pain, but is associated with less haemodynamic effects.

Duodenal duplications. Clinical characteristics, embryological hypotheses, histological findings, treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse different clinical aspects and embryologic hypotheses of duodenal duplications. METHODS: Duodenal duplications occurring since 1995 were recorded. The age of the children at the time of diagnosis, the sex, location of the duplication, type of mucosa, clinical signs, associated lesions, and the type of surgical intervention were defined. RESULTS: We identified 5 patients (3 girls and 2 boys) who presented with histological or intraoperative findings of duodenal duplication. Their ages ranged from 4 days to 9 years, with the exception of two prenatal diagnoses. Three children were symptomatic: high intestinal obstruction (1 case), digestive bleeding (2 cases). In 1 case we found a palpable abdominal mass and 1 case was completely asymptomatic (prenatal detection). The abnormality was located on the duodenal concavity, originating from the third part in 2 cases and from the second part in 3 cases. All cases were non communicating types, 4 of which were cystic duplications and 1 was a tube-like variety. The epithelial lining was duodenal mucosa in all patients, but gastric heterotopies were identified in 2 cases. We performed two complete resections and 3 intraduodenal derivations. The outcome was uneventful in 5 cases with an average follow-up of 2 years. CONCLUSION: Duodenal duplications are rare malformations with several anatomical varieties. The preferred treatment for duodenal duplications is complete removal when the location allows it without endangering nearby anatomical structures.

Voiding cystourethrography in boys. Does the presence of the catheter during voiding alter the evaluation of the urethra?

PURPOSE: We determined whether the presence of the catheter during the voiding phase of voiding cystourethrography alters the evaluation of the urethra concerning the normal structures as well as pathological findings, especially posterior urethral valves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 123 males 3 days to 16 years old (median age 2.6 months) underwent voiding cystourethrography. Urethral catheterization was performed in all cases. Four views were taken during the voiding phase with and without the catheter in place. Only 80 patients had available results. These examinations were studied with special attention to the normal structures and pathological findings. RESULTS: A total of 36 examinations (45%) were normal. Pathological findings were observed in 44 patients (55%), with abnormal vesical findings and/or vesicoureteral reflux in 33 (41.25%). In 11 patients (13.75%) 12 urethral abnormalities were found (posterior urethral valves 3, hypospadias 4, prostatic utricle 1, verumontanum polyp 1, prune belly syndrome with urethral dilatation 1, imperforate anus with urethral fistula 1 and urethral duplication 1). In all cases excluding those involving hypospadias there was no difference between the views with and without the catheter. However, concerning the normal structures, the verumontanum and fossa navicularis were better delineated without the catheter in 27% and 33% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that a urethral catheter does not alter the diagnosis of abnormalities of the posterior urethra but may hamper the observation of normal structures or abnormalities of the anterior urethra.

Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula associated with urethral duplication.

Congenital anterior penile urethral fistula is a rare anomaly; only seven cases have been reported to date. This report outlines the clinical presentation and the embryologic mechanism of a case associated with urethral duplication.

[Treatment of anterior hypospadias: comparison of modified Mathieu and Duplay techniques (report of 840 children)]. / Traitement de l'hypospadias antérieur: comparaison de la technique modifiée de Mathieu au Duplay (à propos de 849 enfants).

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is the comparison of 2 surgical procedures in the treatment of primary anterior hypospadias including the evaluation of short-term and long-term results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the results of the modified Mathieu procedure performed in 392 patients presenting with previously untreated anterior hypospadias at one center by the same experienced surgeon is compared with the results of the modified Duplay procedure performed in 457 patients in a second center by a second experienced surgeon, both series spanning a period of 10 years. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 21 months to 10 years. Overall, 7 of 392 patients (1.7%) treated by the Mathieu procedure had complications requiring surgery compared to 32 of 457 patients (7%) treated by the Duplay procedure, a difference that is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was excellent in both groups and cosmetic results were considered satisfactory by the parents in all 843 patients. CONCLUSION: Both the modified Duplay and the Mathieu techniques are reliable procedures with reproducible results, a minimal risk of fistula formation as well as excellent cosmetic and functional results.

[Tumorlike form of bladder schistosomiasis in children]. / Forme pseudotumorale de bilharziose vésicale de l'enfant: à propos de 2 observations récentes.

Two tumorlike forms of urinary schistosomiasis are reported. Diagnosis was suspected as the patients exerted haematuria while they originated from a geographic area where schistosomiasis is endemic. Terminal urine samples were positive for Schistosoma haematobium. Cystoscopy revealed an hemorrhagic granulomatous polyp in one case and villous polyps in the other case, associated with suggestive lesions of schistosomiasis. Schistosoma haematobium infection in children is uncommon in Europe and rarely considered in the diagnosis of haematuria.

Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with increased insulin resistance in subjects with normal glucose tolerance: evaluation in a large cohort of subjects assessed with the 1999 World Health Organization criteria for the classification of diabetes.

The current study retrospectively examined the association between insulin resistance and plasma triglycerides (TG) in a group of subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Among 1,434 subjects consecutively undergoing a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 1993 and 1998, 567 (age, 15 to 78 years) were classified as having a normal glucose tolerance according to the 1999 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and were selected for the study. Serum insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay (INSI-CTK, Dia Sorin, Saluggia, Italy). Intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation for the method were less than 4% and less than 8.5%, respectively. Insulin resistance was calculated by a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA(IR) = fasting serum insulin [mU/mL] x fasting blood glucose [mmol/L]/22.5). A very significant correlation was found between HOMA(IR) and plasma TG (r = 0.27, P < 1.02E(-10)). Multiple regression analyses confirmed plasma TG as independent variables explicative of HOMA(IR). When subjects were evaluated according to tertiles of TG, those in the upper two tertiles were older (P <.001) and presented higher body mass index (BMI) values (P <.0001) in comparison to subjects in the lower tertile. A positive trend (analysis of variance [ANOVA]) was found in regard to systolic (P <.05) and diastolic blood pressure (P <.0001), fasting blood glucose (P <.01), fasting serum insulin (P <.0001), and total cholesterol (P <.0001), while a negative trend was found in regard to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P <.0001). Insulin resistance, calculated as HOMA(IR), was higher in the upper two tertiles of TG in comparison to the lower tertile (P <.001 and P <.0001, respectively), with a statistically significant trend for the entire group (first tertile, 1.85 +/- 0.94; second tertile, 2.28 +/- 1.10; third tertile, 2.65 +/- 1.71; ANOVA: P <.0001). In conclusion, this study shows an association between high levels of circulating TG and insulin resistance in patients with normal glucose tolerance seen in an atherosclerosis prevention clinic. This association is also present at levels of plasma TG considered to be normal and is associated with a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors.

[Prenatal screening of kidney pelvis ectasia, frequently caused by vesico-ureteral reflux detected after birth. Analysis of a series of 159 cases in 4 years at a maternal-child unit]. / Le dépistage anténatal des ectasies pyéliques, souvent dues à un reflux vésico-urétéral dépisté après la naissance. Analyse d'une série de 159 dépistages en 4 ans dans une unité mère-enfant.

UNLABELLED: To describe the pre- and post-natal management of vesico-ureteric reflux in a prospective study of babies presenting with vesico-ureteric reflux suspected from pre-natal ultrasonography in a tertiary paediatric center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2001, 35 children (25 boys and 10 girls) with were vesico-ureteric reflux followed for 12 to 36 months after the pre-natal detection of urinary tract anomalies. Ultrasound examination was realized at the 5th of life, retrograde cystography at the 15th if the renal pelvic dilatation measured at least 10 mm of diameter. In 11 the reflux was bilateral and 46 refluxing units were reviewed. RESULTS: According to the international classification of, 7% vesico-ureteric reflux were grade I, 20.5% were grade II, 32% were grade III, 18% were grade IV, 22.5% were grade V. Fourteen patients (17 refluxing units) underwent ureteric-reimplantation. Four total and two partial nephrectomics were carried out in patients < 2 years old; in 8 patients the VUR resolved spontaneously. Of the latter, 7 patients (ten refluxing grade III-IV units) are still being followed and awaiting a decision on treatment. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the predominance of boys in those with antenatally suspected vesico-ureteric reflux. The spontaneous resolution or improvement during the first 3 years of life was apparent in most cases, even in those with severe reflux (grade III-V).

[Appendix-ureteroplasty in a child: report of a case]. / L'urétéro-appendiculoplastie chez l'enfant: à propos d'un cas.

The use of vermiform appendix as a tube to replace right ureteral segment has been reported, rarely in child. Herein is reported a case of right ischemic ureteral stenosis following a reimplantation of the ureter for high grade reflux secondary to posterior urethral valves with only one functioning kidney. A long ureteral defect was bridged successfully by appendix interposition and then reimplanted in the bladder at four years of age. The interest of ureteroappendiculoplasty provides temporary solution to repair long ureteral defect, in spite of uncertain future, especially in childhood.