Evaluation of the Claria sharesource system from the perspectives of patient/caregiver, physician, and nurse in children undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is increasingly preferred worldwide. By using a software application (Homechoice with Claria sharesource system (CSS)) with a mod-M added to the APD device, details of the home dialysis treatment become visible for PD nurses and physicians, allowing for close supervision. We aimed to evaluate the perceptions of patients/caregivers, PD nurses, and physicians about the advantages and disadvantages of CSS. METHODS: Three different web-based questionnaires for patients/caregivers, nurses, and physicians were sent to 15 pediatric nephrology centers with more than 1 year of experience with CSS. RESULTS: Respective questionnaires were answered by 30 patients/caregivers, 22 pediatric nephrologists, and 15 PD nurses. Most of the nurses and physicians (87% and 73%) reported that CSS improved patient monitoring. A total of 73% of nurses suggested that CCS is not well known by physicians, while half of them reported reviewing CSS data for all patients every morning. Sixty-eight percent of physicians thought that CSS helps save time for both patients/caregivers and healthcare providers by reducing visits. However, only 20% of patients/caregivers reported reduced hospital visits. A total of 90% of patients/caregivers reported that being under constant monitoring made them feel safe, and 83% stated that the patient's sleep quality improved. CONCLUSIONS: A remote monitoring APD system, CSS, can be successfully applied with children for increased adherence to dialysis prescription by giving shared responsibility and may help increase the patient's quality of life. This platform is more commonly used by nurses than physicians. Its potential benefits should be evaluated in further well-designed clinical studies with larger patient groups. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Evaluation of non-infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis in children: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the most common kidney replacement therapy in children. Complications associated with PD affect treatment success and sustainability. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of PD-related non-infectious complications and the predisposing factors. METHODS: Retrospective data from 11 centers in Turkey between 1998 and 2018 was collected. Non-infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis (NICPD), except metabolic ones, in pediatric patients with regular follow-up of at least 3 months were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 275 patients were included. The median age at onset of PD and median duration of PD were 9.1 (IQR, 2.5-13.2) and 7.6 (IQR, 2.8-11.9) years, respectively. A total of 159 (57.8%) patients encountered 302 NICPD within the observation period of 862 patient-years. The most common NIPCD was catheter dysfunction (n = 71, 23.5%). At least one catheter revision was performed in 77 patients (28.0%). Longer PD duration and presence of swan neck tunnel were associated with the development of NICPD (OR 1.191; 95% CI 1.079-1.315, p = 0.001 and OR 1.580; 95% CI 0.660-0.883, p = 0.048, respectively). Peritoneal dialysis was discontinued in 145 patients; 46 of whom (16.7%) switched to hemodialysis. The frequency of patients who were transferred to hemodialysis due to NICPD was 15.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal dialysis-related non-infectious complications may lead to discontinuation of therapy. Presence of swan neck tunnel and long duration of PD increased the rate of NICPD. Careful monitoring of patients is necessary to ensure that PD treatment can be maintained safely.

Prospective evaluation of vascular changes in acute respiratory infections in children with cystic fibrosis

Background/aim: Acute exacerbations and chronic inflammation are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute exacerbation therapy on arterial stiffness in children with CF. Materials and methods: Augmentation index (Aix) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured before and after treatment and 1 month after the end of treatment in patients with acute exacerbation. The relationship between hemodynamic measurements and c-reactive protein (CRP) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) was investigated. Results: Measurements before and after treatment were evaluated in 27 patients and were repeated in 21 patients who were clinically stable 1 month following acute exacerbation. There was a significant decrease in CRP and an increase in spirometry parameters after treatment. While no significant difference was found between PWV (P = 0.33), a significant difference for Aix before (41.95 ± 12.96%) and after (30.95 ± 11.47%) treatment and before treatment and stable clinical condition (34.19 ± 14.36%) was obtained (P =0.00, and P =0.01, respectively). No significant difference in heart rate and other hemodynamic measurements was found. Pretreatment Aix is associated with poor clinical condition (PFTs, BMI, and clinical score) and systemic inflammation (CRP) (P <0.05). Conclusion: The decrease of arterial stiffness (Aix) with acute exacerbation treatment in children with CF has been demonstrated. This result shows that systemic inflammation in CF may cause an increase in arterial stiffness and recurrent exacerbations may increase the risk of CVD.

Comparing different estimated glomerular filtration rate equations in assessing glomerular function in children based on creatinine and cystatin C.

BACKGROUND: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best marker used to assess renal function. Estimated GFR (eGFR) equations have been developed, and the ideal formula is still under discussion. We wanted to find the most practical and reliable GFR in eGFR formulas. We compared serum creatinine (Scr)- and cystatin C (cysC)-based eGFR formulas in the literature. We also aimed to determine the suitability and the reliability of cysC for practical use in determining GFR in children. METHODS: We have enrolled 238 children in the study. Measurement of 24-hour creatinine clearance was compared with eGFR equations which are based on Scr, cysC, and creatinine plus cysC. RESULTS: Of the patients (n = 238), 117 were males (49.2%), and 121 (50.8%) were females with a median age of 9.0 years. The areas under the ROC curves of Counahan-Barratt and Bedside Schwartz were equal and 0.89 (with a 95% CI 0.80-0.97). The areas under the ROC curves were not significantly different in all cystatin C-based eGFR equations. The highest AUC values for differentiating normal vs abnormal renal functions according to CrCl24 were for the CKiD-cysC and CKiD-Scr-cysC equations. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, compared with creatinine-based ones, the cystatin C-based formulas did not show much superiority in predicting eGFR. Still, we think Bedside Schwartz is a good formula to provide ease of use because, in this equation, the constant k is same for all age groups. However, the most valuable equations in determining chronic kidney disease are the CKiD-cysC and CKiD-Scr-cysC equations.

Evaluation of increased arterial stiffness in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis by augmentation index and pulse wave velocity analysis.

With the increase in life expectancy, cardiovascular complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) have come to the forefront. Increased arterial stiffness is a marker of increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to compare both pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) measurements in children with CF and to compare them with healthy controls. We hypothesized that children with CF had increased arterial stiffness, although traditional risk factors for CVD were not observed. Forty-four patients and age and sex-matched 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Hemodynamic measurements were compared in both groups, together with traditional risk factors. Peripheral blood pressure parameters of CF and control groups were similar (P > .05). Bodyweight and BMI were significantly lower in the CF group (P < .001). Serum cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels were significantly lower in the CF group, whereas fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels were significantly higher than the control group (P < .05). Mean ± SD Aix was significantly higher in the CF group (33.22 ± 13.87%) compared with the control group (24.93 ± 10.58%), respectively (P < .05), while PWV was similar. No significant correlation between PWV and Aix and fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in both groups (P > .05). Children with CF have been shown to have increased arterial stiffness compared to healthy children. Although there are not many traditional risk factors, increased arterial stiffness have been demonstrated in children with CF. The effects of this process starting from childhood on the development of CVD in adulthood are not known. Therefore, further studies are needed.

Genetics and outcome of atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome in Turkish children: a retrospective study between 2010 and 2017, a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with mutations or antibodies that affect the regulation of the alternative complement pathway. In the recent years several studies have been published describing these mutations. In this study, the initial clinical findings, treatments and long-term follow-up results of 19 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of aHUS were presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients who were diagnosed as aHUS were enrolled from January 2010 to March 2017. Initial clinical signs and clinical follow-up of patients with aHUS were evaluated. Disease causing complement factor H (CFH) mutations were determined.  Results. CFH mutations were detected in 5 of 19 aHUS cases. Of these, one was novel and 4 were previously reported. We reported here the clinical course of aHUS patients with CFH mutations (p.Glu936Asp, Val 1197Ala) and a novel mutation (Glu927Lys) which caused  previously defined aHUS. Two of the CFH mutation cases developed end stage kidney disease that required hemodialysis, 1 case developed chronic kidney disease. Two cases were in remission, one of them with supportive therapy and the other case was in remission with eculizumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity rate is higher in children with aHUS. The renal prognosis and morbidity rate is higher in children with CFH mutations than other children with aHUS. Poor prognosis in aHUS children with CFH mutation depends on the genetic background.

Membranous nephropathy in a child with crescentic glomerulonephritis: Coincidence or comorbidity?

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is rare syndrome in children, characterized by clinical features of glomerulonephritis and rapid loss of renal function, and is associated with crescentic glomerulonephritis. Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) is an immune-complex-mediated cause of the adult nephrotic syndrome but occurs less frequently in children. RPGN is rarely observed in adults with primary MN. In this article, we report a case of MN, which developed during long-term follow-up of previously treated RPGN. Our case may be the first to demonstrate primary MN and crescentic glomerulonephritis in a child. We would like to underline the importance of not dropping the long-term follow-up of cases with primary RPGN (not accompanied by other glomerulonephritis and vasculitis symptoms) who had improved with treatment.

Urine Flow Cytometry in the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the cut-off value of bacteria with urine flow cytometer in diagnosing urinary tract infection. METHODS: From a total of 546 patients admitted to the hospital with urinary tract infection (UTI), two urine samples were obtained for each patient. Urine samples in sterile containers were divided into two; first for urine culture and second for simultaneous measurement with UF-1000i flow cytometry device. The presence of a single type of bacteria over 103 CFU/mL in urine culture was accepted as UTI. RESULTS: Of 546 patients, 210 (38.5%) were boys and 336 (61.5%) were girls. There was no growth in 489 (89.5%) of the urine specimens and 57 (10.4%) samples showed growth (>103 CFU/ml). A threshold of 10 bacteria/µL in flow cytometry (sensitivity = 100%) showed the best compatibility with culture. Diagnostic values in terms of sensitivity (100%), specificity (43.5%), negative predictive value (100%) and positive predictive value (17.7%) were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The UF-1000i flow cytometer can give results quickly and exclude UTI using the determined number of cut-off bacteria at low cost. Thus, if Sysmex UF-1000i is used, quick and accurate results can be obtained and unnecessary laboratory tests can be prevented. Also, patient convenience can be increased.

Association of Vitamin D Deficiency with Increased Pulse Wave Velocity and Augmentation Index in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: It is known that in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular damage starts in the form of arterial stiffness. There are risk factors other than the traditional ones such as arterial stiffness hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance. Vitamin D deficiency is rather common in CKD, and it was introduced as a risk factor for atherosclerosis; however, its relationship with arterial stiffness is not known completely. The purpose of this study was to research the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and arterial stiffness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring augmentation index (AI) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) from the radial and carotid arteries with a Vicorder. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured by an immunoassay method. RESULTS: In the 81 CKD patients (mean age, 13.21 ± 6.02 years; mean body mass index, 19.42 ± 5.12 kg/m2; and 56.8% male), the mean vitamin D level was 60.71 ± 39.52 ng/mL, the mean AI was 7.93 ± 7.77%, and the mean PWV was 9.79 ± 4.36 m/s. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was correlated with AI (r = -0.482, P = 0.001) and PWV (r = -0.57, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was proven that vitamin D deficiency in children was related to nondiabetic and nondialysis CKD.

Association of brucellosis with renal tubular and glomerular damage in children in Turkey.

Brucellosis is a multisystem disease that may present with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Until now, no studies have been performed on renal tubular disorders in patients with brucellosis. The present study aims to investigate renal tubular disorders in patients with brucellosis. This prospective case-control study includes a total of 31 brucellosis patients (Group 1) and 30 healthy controls (Group 2) matched for age and sex. Renal tubular functions of children who were diagnosed as having brucellosis in outpatient pediatric clinics were evaluated. First-morning urine samples were collected from Group 1 and Group 2 at the same time. Urea, creatinine, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus were determined in serum and urine by an autoanalyzer. Tubular reabsorption and excretion of urine electrolytes were calculated using the related formulas. Patients with brucellosis had significantly lower levels of tubular reabsorption of phosphorus and serum phosphorus than those of the control group. Furthermore, urine sodium and serum potassium levels and fractionated sodium excretion of brucellosis patients were significantly higher than healthy control group. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was remarkably higher in the patient group (P < 0.001).We concluded that tubular and glomerular functional parameters demonstrate deterioration in patients with brucellosis compared to those in healthy participants.

Evaluation of development of subclinical atherosclerosis in children with uveitis.

Uveitis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammation has been shown to have a role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the most important risk factor of cardiovascular diseases and is shown to start as early as childhood. In this study, we investigated the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in children with uveitis. Seventy five patients who were diagnosed as having uveitis in ophthalmology and pediatric rheumatology clinics were included in the study. Patients with hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and with history of early cardiovascular disease were excluded. Arterial stiffness, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) were measured for each patient. These measurements were compared with 50 healthy children with similar age and sex as controls. The mean age of patients in this study was 12.24 ± 2.69 years, and the mean age of controls was 11.32 ± 4.52 years. PWV and AIx values were higher in the patient group (p = 0.04, p = 0.03). cIMT levels were not different in patient and control groups. When patients were grouped as having uveitis for more than 5 years or not, patients with longer duration of uveitis had higher PWV, AIx, and cIMT levels (p values were 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04 respectively). Vascular functions deteriorate first with endothelial damage in children with uveitis and as disease continues, increase in cIMT is added. We think that for follow-up of the disease and evaluation of the treatment, non-invasive subclinical atherosclerosis markers should be used along with activation criteria of primary diseases.

Relationship of insulin resistance to vitamin d status in children with nondiabetic chronic kidney disease.

Insulin Resistance is common in patients with mild-to-moderate stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), even when the glomerular filtration rate is within the normal range. This study aimed to investigate the association of IR and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of IR in predialysis patients and the association with 25-hydroxyvitamin (OH)D levels. A total of 32 non-diabetic patients with predialysis were included in the study. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated to show presence of IR. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 13.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Ill, USA) using the Chi-square, Student t-test, and logistic regression analysis. Nineteen of 32 subjects (59.4%) were detected to have IR. There was no consistent relationship was detected between IR and glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, and blood pressure in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However; significant difference was detected in 25(OH)D levels with IR in CKD (P = 0.49). The regression analysis showed that 25(OH)D was an independent predictor of IR with an odds ratio of 1.2. In our study, we demonstrated that IR was high in different stages of CKD. Insulin-resistance in non-diabetic CKD was correlated with 25(OH)D levels. 25(OH) vitamin D levels can play a significant role in the development of IR in pediatric patients with CKD. This is important for the early detection and intervention of vitamin D deficiency thereby preventing potentially future complications related to IR.

Is Daytime Systolic Load an Important Risk Factor for Target Organ Damage in Pediatric Hypertension?

The aim of this study was to compare ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) data and determine which hypertension type is a risk factor in target organ damage. A total of 82 children (47 boys) with suspected hypertension based on office BP measurements and considered hypertensive by ABPM were studied. Target organ damage included the following: 35.3% hypertensive retinopathy, 25.6% microalbuminuria, 15.8% increased left ventricular mass index, 29.2% increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), 24.3% high augmentation index (AIx), and 19.5% high pulse wave velocity (PWV). The association between BP load, PWV, and cIMT was statistically significant. There were significant correlations between daytime systolic BP load, PWV, AIx, and cIMT. A statistically significant difference was also detected between nighttime systolic BP load, PWV, and cIMT values and nighttime diastolic BP load levels and values of AIx and cIMT. There was also a statistically significant difference between the high level of nighttime diastolic BP load and cIMT. The authors found that target organ damage was seen more often in children with primary hypertension who had systolic loads.