Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (2 - 0) Index: A Precise and Sensitive Predictor of Acute Kidney Injury in Children Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

OBJECTIVES: Children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Rise in serum creatinine occurs slowly and late, hence other markers are crucially needed to recognize AKI early. The aim of the study is to detect the efficacy of Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the early prediction of AKI. METHODS: A prospective observational study with enrollment of 174 patients, aged 6 months to 60 months, with congenital heart disease, undergoing CPB. Plasma NGAL measurement preoperatively and serially at 2, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours post-CPB initiation. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the development of postoperative AKI. RESULTS: Plasma NGAL levels post-CPB were significantly higher in the AKI group compared to the non AKI group with positive significant correlations between plasma NGAL level and severity of AKI. A rise in plasma NGAL of 500% from its preoperative basal level, when measured at 2 hours post-CPB initiation (NGAL 2-0 index), shows sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 64% respectively (AUC=0.667) and at 12 hours post-CPB initiation (NGAL 12-0 index) shows sensitivity and specificity of 66% and 64% respectively (AUC=0.762). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma NGAL is a predictive biomarker for acute kidney injury after pediatric cardiac surgery, and it may permit earlier intervention that improves the outcome of AKI. A 500% rise in plasma NGAL at 2 hours post-CPB initiation from its basal preoperative level (NGAL 2-0 index) is a precise, sensitive, and early predictor of AKI in children.

Significance of tumor-associated neutrophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in non-invasive and invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes play essential roles in promoting or combating various neoplasms. This study aimed to investigate the association between tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the progression of urothelial carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 106 patients diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma were was. Pathological examination for tumor grade and stage and for tumor-infiltrating neutrophils, both CD4 and CD8+ T lymphocytes, as well as the neutrophil- to-lymphocyte ratio were evaluated. RESULTS: The presence of neutrophils and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated with high-grade urothelial neoplasms. In both low- and high-grade tumors, the lymphocytes increased during progression from a non-invasive neoplasm to an early-invasive neoplasm. CD8+ T lymphocytes increased in low-grade non-muscle-invasive tumors compared to non-invasive tumors. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in CD8+ T lymphocytes during progression to muscle-invasive tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and CD8+ T lymphocytes have a significant effect on tumor grade and progression.

Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index: A Precise, Noninvasive Tool for Evaluation of Edema in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome.

This study aimed to evaluate available volume status assessment tools in nephrotic syndrome (NS). Sixty children with INS were subdivided into hypovolemic and nonhypovolemic groups based on fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa%); all were studied for inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI), plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and body composition monitor (BCM). Forty-four patients had nonhypovolemic and 16 had hypovolemic states. ANP did not differ between both groups. IVCCI was higher in hypovolemic group (p < 0.001) with sensitivity 87.5% and specificity 81.8% for hypovolemia detection, while BCM overhydration (BCM-OH) values were higher in nonhypovolemic group (p = 0.04) with sensitivity = 68.2% and specificity = 75% for detection of hypervolemia. FeNa% showed negative correlation with IVCCI (r = -0.578, p < 0.001) and positive correlation with BCM-OH (r = 0.33, p = 0.018), while FeNa% showed nonsignificant correlation to ANP concentration. IVCCI is a reliable tool for evaluating volume status in NS and is superior to BCM.

Genetic variant in the 5' untranslated region of endothelin1 (EDN1) gene in children with primary nephrotic syndrome.

Endothelin-1 plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the contribution of the EDN1 (3A/4A; rs1800997) variant to the risk of nephrotic syndrome. This study involves 200 participants (100 healthy controls, 50 steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndromes [SSNS] patients, and 50 steroid-resistant nephrotic syndromes [SRNS] patients]. Genomic DNA has been characterized using the PCR-RFLP technique. The predominant genotype that is common in this study population was the EDN1 3A/3A genotype (NS [75%] and healthy controls [88%]). The prevalence of EDN1 3A/4A genotype and EDN1 4A allele was significantly increased among NS patients compared with healthy subjects (p-value < 0.05). Furthermore, the frequency of the EDN1 (3A/4A; rs1800997) variant was statistically significant among SRNS patients (p-value < 0.05). The EDN1 3A/4A genotype and the EDN1 4A allele were identified as independent risk factors of the nephrotic syndrome among children.

Clinical asthma phenotypes: is there an impact on myocardial performance?

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a systemic disease, which affects various body systems. We aimed to assess the impact of clinical asthma phenotypes on myocardial performance in asthmatic children using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). METHODS: We enrolled 58 children with moderate persistent asthma and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Asthmatic children were classified according to clinical asthma phenotypes into shortness of breath group (n = 26) and wheezy group (n = 32). Pulmonary function tests, and conventional and TDI echocardiography were performed. RESULTS: TDI echocardiography assessment of the studied groups showed that asthmatic children as a group had significant left and right ventricular dysfunction when compared with healthy controls. Children in the shortness of breath group had a significant diastolic dysfunction of both ventricles in the form of lower tricuspid and mitral annular early myocardial diastolic velocity (Em), early to late myocardial diastolic velocity (Em/Am) ratio, and prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time when compared with wheezy group (P < 0.001). In the shortness of breath group, TDI-derived myocardial performance index (MPI) of both ventricles was significantly higher when compared with wheezy group (P < 0.001) reflecting global myocardial dysfunction. Conventional echocardiography of both ventricles showed RV diastolic dysfunction in the form of a significantly lower tricuspid E/A ratio in the shortness of breath group when compared with wheezy group. CONCLUSION: Clinical asthma phenotypes have an impact on myocardial function especially those presented with shortness of breath. Thus, measurement of MPI by TDI can detect subclinical changes in the cardiac performance in asthmatic children.

Does decline of lung function in wheezy infants justify the early start of controller medications?

OBJECTIVE: To compare lung function in wheezy infants, with risk factors of asthma and with some immunological parameters which may be useful as predictors of subsequent asthma. METHODS: The data of 241 infants aged 5­36 mo, with recurrent wheeze (≥3 episodes of physician confirmed wheeze) prior to receiving inhaled corticosteroids or anti-leukotrine agents was retrospectively analyzed. They were subdivided into 2 subgroups; those with asthma risk factors (132 patients) and those without (109 patients) Also, 67 healthy, age and sex matched children without recurrent wheezes were taken as control group. Total serum IgE, eosinophilic percentage, tPTEF/tE (time to peak expiratory flow to total expiratory time), total respiratory system compliance (Crs) and resistance of the respiratory system (Rrs) was done for patients and control groups. RESULTS: Wheezy infants had a significantly higher eosinophilic percentage and total serum IgE as well as a significantly lower pulmonary function parameters when compared to healthy controls. Wheezy infants with positive family history of asthma and those who had not been breast fed showed significant reduction in the mean values of tPTEF/tE and increased both eosinophilic percentage and total serum IgE. Crs was significantly decreased in wheezy infants with positive seasonal variations and those who had increased both eosinophilic percentage and total serum IgE. Rrs showed significant increase in wheezy infants with positive family history of atopy and those who had increased eosinophilic percentage and increased total serum IgE. CONCLUSIONS: Lung function, eosinophilic percentage, total serum IgE and asthma risk factors could be used as predictors for ongoing wheeze in this subset of children.

Normal saline is a safe initial rehydration fluid in children with diarrhea-related hypernatremia.

UNLABELLED: To demonstrate safety and efficacy of using normal saline (NS) for initial volume expansion (IVE) and rehydration in children with diarrhea-related hypernatremic dehydration (DR-HD), forty eight patients with DR-HD were retrospectively studied. NS was used as needed for IVE and for initial rehydration. Fluid deficit was given over 48 h. Median Na(+) level on admission was 162.9 mEq/L (IQR 160.8-165.8). The median average hourly drop at 6 and 24 h was 0.53 mEq/L/h (0.48-0.59) and 0.52 mEq/L/h (0.47-0.57), respectively. Compared to children not needing IVE, receiving ≥40 ml/kg IVE was associated with a higher average hourly drop of Na(+) at 6 h (0.51 vs. 0.58 mEq/L/h, p = 0.013) but not at 24 h (p = 0.663). The three patients (6.3%) with seizures had a higher average hourly drop of Na(+) at 6 and 24 h (p = 0.084 and 0.021, respectively). Mortality (4/48, 8.3%) was not related to Na(+) on admission or to its average hourly drop at 6 or 24 h. Children receiving ≥40 ml/kg IVE were more likely to die (OR 3.3; CI, 1.5-7.2). CONCLUSION: In children with DR-HD, NS is a safe rehydration fluid with a satisfactory rate of Na(+) drop and relatively low incidence of morbidity and mortality. Judicious use of IVE should be exerted and closer monitoring should be guaranteed for children requiring large volumes for IVE and for those showing rapid initial drop of serum Na(+) to avoid neurological complications and poor outcome.

Doxazosin versus tizanidine for treatment of dysfunctional voiding in children: a prospective randomized open-labeled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy and tolerability of tizanidine for the treatment of dysfunctional voiding in children compared with those of doxazosin. METHODS: A total of 40 children with dysfunctional voiding were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, 2-parallel group, flexible-dose study. The evaluations were performed in accordance with the International Children's Continence Society guidelines. The children were followed up after 1 week and then monthly for 6 months for the clinical, urine culture, and urodynamic parameters. The degree of improvement was assessed using a satisfaction scale that ranged from 0 (no improvement at all) to 10 (total improvement). RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with a mean±SD age of 7±2.6 years were enrolled. The clinical and urodynamic parameters were comparable between both groups. At the last follow-up visit, both groups had had similar improvement in the severity of symptoms, satisfaction scale, and noninvasive flowmetry parameters. In the doxazosin group, urge episodes was the only symptom that showed a significant reduction compared with the baseline values (P=.028). However, the incidence of nocturnal enuresis, urgency attacks, and daytime incontinence were significantly reduced compared with baseline in the tizanidine group (P=.003, P=.008, and P=.017, respectively). Adverse effects were recorded in 6 patients (15%). Epigasteric pain was reported in 2 children (10%) who received doxazosin. In the tizanidine group, a loss of appetite was noted in 2 children (10%), epigastric pain in 1 (5%), and headache in 1 (5%). CONCLUSION: Tizanidine could be a safe and effective treatment of children with dysfunctional voiding due to pelvic floor/skeletal sphincter dysfunction. More placebo-controlled trails with larger sample sizes are needed.

Comparison of intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange in treatment of mechanically ventilated children with Guillain Barré syndrome: a randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory failure is a life threatening complication of Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS). There is no consensus on the specific treatment for this subset of children with GBS. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study to compare the outcome of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange (PE) treatment in children with GBS requiring mechanical ventilation. Forty-one children with GBS requiring endotracheal mechanical ventilation (MV) within 14 days from disease onset were included. The ages of the children ranged from 49 to 143 months.Randomly, 20 children received a five-day course of IVIG (0.4 g/kg/day) and 21 children received a five-day course of one volume PE daily. Lumbar puncture (LP) was performed in 36 patients (18 in each group). RESULTS: Both groups had comparable age (p = 0.764), weight (p = 0.764), duration of illness prior to MV (p = 0.854), preceding diarrhea (p = 0.751), cranial nerve involvement (p = 0.756), muscle power using Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score (p = 0.266) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein (p = 0.606).Children in the PE group had a shorter period of MV (median 11 days, IQR 11.0 to 13.0) compared to IVIG group (median 13 days, IQR 11.3 to 14.5) with p = 0.037.Those in the PE group had a tendency for a shorter Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) stay (p = 0.094).A total of 20/21 (95.2%) and 18/20 (90%) children in the PE and IVIG groups respectively could walk unaided within four weeks after PICU discharge (p = 0.606).There was a negative correlation between CSF protein and duration of mechanical ventilation in the PE group (p = 0.037), but not in the IVIG group (p = 0.132). CONCLUSIONS: In children with GBS requiring MV, PE is superior to IVIG regarding the duration of MV but not PICU stay or the short term neurological outcome.The negative correlation between CSF protein values and duration of MV in PE group requires further evaluation of its clinical usefulness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT01306578.

Montelukast as an episodic modifier for acute viral bronchiolitis: a randomized trial.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of once-daily montelukast therapy on the clinical progress and the cytokine profile of patients with acute viral bronchiolitis. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 85 patients (mean age, 3.5 +/- 2.35 months), clinically diagnosed as first-episode acute bronchiolitis in addition to 10 healthy controls of matched age and sex. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either montelukast (4-mg sachets; n = 47) or placebo (n = 38) daily from the time of admission until discharge. The primary outcome measure was the length of hospital stay (LOS), and clinical severity scores (CSs) and changes in plasma levels of interferon gamma and interleukin-4 were secondary outcomes. LOS for the montelukast group was found to be significantly lower than that of the placebo group (p < 0.05). This effect was also found at nonsignificant levels among patients with a positive family history of asthma or allergy. Moreover, cases receiving montelukast showed lower CSs all through the hospital stay that were significant in the first 24 hours (p < 0.05). Montelukast is probably of benefit as an episodic modifier in infants with acute viral bronchiolitis.

Anasarca: not a nephrotic syndrome but dermatomyositis.

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the muscle, connective tissue, skin, gastrointestinal tract, and small nerves. Periorbital and facial edema may also be associated. Although localized edema is a common feature of JDM, generalized edema has rarely been reported. Here, we report a 3.5-year-old boy with JDM presenting with generalized edema. The diagnostic criteria of JDM rely on typical clinical manifestations that include: severe symmetric weakness of the proximal musculature, characteristic cutaneous changes, elevated serum skeletal muscle enzymes, and myopathic electromyographic pattern. Our patient initially received methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) without significant improvement, so he was given azathioprine and a prolonged course of oral prednisolone. We conclude that JDM should be suspected in patients presenting with anasarca in the absence of laboratory parameters of other causes of generalized edema and an appearance of heliotrope rash with muscle weakness. Also, we suggest that muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be considered among the diagnostic tools of JDM.