Clinical and epidemiological characterization of newborns with necrotizing enterocolitis / Caracterização clínica e epidemiológica de recém-nascidos com enterocolite necrosante

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe inflammatory disorder that can affect the whole gastrointestinal system, particularly the ileum, and is a major cause of morbidity in premature infants. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of newborns with NEC, seeking to identify the causes, evolution and severity of the disease. METHODS: The study selected 94 patients who developed NEC (cases) and 60 patients who did not develop the disease during hospitalization (controls) and presented similar clinical signs of the case group. The variables analyzed divided into maternal and neonatal. The frequency tests were applied using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and comparative analysis using the GraphPad Prism® 5.0 software. RESULTS: There was a higher number of prenatal consultations in cases with NEC. Newborns with NEC had shorter hospital stay, longer parenteral nutrition and antibiotics use and a predominant use of infant formula. The Bell criteria modified by Walsh and Kleigman was negatively correlated to maternal age and positively correlated to gestational age, birth weight and time of parenteral nutrition. CONCLUSION: Although being a disease of the newborn, the present study indicated that maternal characteristics may be related to its onset of NEC. Therefore, the greater number of prenatal consultations and neonatal factors such as length of stay, prolonged use of parenteral nutrition and antibiotic therapy, and formula use may influence the development of the disease.

INTRODUÇÃO: A Enterocolite Necrosante (ECN) é um grave distúrbio inflamatório que pode afetar todo o sistema gastrointestinal, em particular o íleo, é uma causa de morbiletalidade em prematuros. OBJETIVO: Delinear o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de recém-nascidos com ECN, buscando identificar as causas, modo de evolução e gravidade da doença. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 94 pacientes que desenvolveram ECN (casos) e 60 pacientes que não desenvolveram a doença no período de internação (controles) e apresentavam sinais clínicos semelhantes do grupo caso. As variáveis analisadas foram classificadas em maternas e neonatais. Foram realizados testes de frequência usando o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 21.0 e análise comparativa usando o teste programa GraphPad Prism® 5.0. RESULTADOS: Nos casos com ECN houve maior número de consultas pré-natal. Os recém-nascidos com ECN apresentaram menor tempo de internação, maior tempo de nutrição parenteral e uso de antibióticos tiveram predomínio no uso de fórmula infantil. A classificação modificada de Bell por Walsh and Kleigman apresentou correlação negativa com idade materna e positiva com idade gestacional, peso ao nascer e o tempo de nutrição parenteral. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de ser uma doença do recém-nascido, esse estudo sugere que características maternas podem ter relação com o aparecimento da ECN. O número maior de consultas pré-natal e os fatores neonatais como o tempo de internação, uso prolongado de nutrição parenteral, antibioticoterapia e uso de fórmulas pode influenciar o desenvolvimento da doença.

Analysis of serum inflammatory mediators in type 2 diabetic patients and their influence on renal function.

AIM: To evaluate the serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without renal alteration (RA) function. METHODS: Serum samples from 76 patients with T2DM and 24 healthy individuals were selected. Patients with T2DM were divided into two groups according to eGFR (> or < 60mL/min/1.73m2). Cytokines, chemokines and adipokines levels were evaluated using the Multiplex immunoassay and ELISA. RESULTS: TNFR1 and leptin were higher in the T2DM group with RA than in the T2DM group without RA and control group. All patients with T2DM showed increased resistin, IL-8, and MIP-1α compared to the control group. Adiponectin were higher and IL-4 decreased in the T2DM group with RA compared to the control group. eGFR positively correlated with IL-4 and negatively with TNFR1, TNFR2, and leptin in patients with T2DM. In the T2DM group with RA, eGFR was negatively correlated with TNFR1 and resistin. TNFR1 was positively correlated with resistin and leptin, as well as resistin with IL-8 and leptin. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of TNFR1, adipokines, chemokines and decrease of IL-4 play important role in the inflammatory process developed in T2DM and decreased renal function. We also suggest that TNFR1 is a strong predictor of renal dysfunction in patients with T2DM.

Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis and Membranous Nephropathy overlapping in a patient with Nephrotic Syndrome: a case report / Glomeruloesclerose Segmentar e Focal e Nefropatia Membranosa sobrepostas em paciente com Síndrome Nefrótica: relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: Some cases of membranous nephropathy (MGN) present focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) typically associated with disease progression. However, we report a case of a patient who seemed to have MGN and FSGS, both primary. Case presentation: A 17-year-old female, Caucasian, presenting lower extremity edema associated with episodes of foamy urine and high blood pressure, had physical and laboratorial exams indicating nephrotic syndrome. A renal biopsy was performed and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis were observed under light microscopy in some glomeruli presented as tip lesion, and in others it was accompanied by podocyte hypertrophy and podocyte detachment in urinary space, compatible with podocytopathy FSGS. Besides, there were thickened capillary loops with basement membrane irregularities due to "spikes" compatible with MGN stage II. Immunofluorescence showed finely granular IgG, IgG4, and PLA2R deposits in capillary loops and, in electron microscopy, subepithelial deposits and foot process effacement. These morphological findings are compatible with FSGS and MGN stage II. Conclusions: In the present case, clinical and morphological characteristics showed a possible overlap of primary FSGS and MGN as focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis does not seem to be related with MGN progression but with the podocytopathy FSGS.

Resumo Introdução: Alguns casos de nefropatia membranosa (NM) apresentam glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal (GESF) tipicamente associada a progressão da doença. Contudo, relatamos o caso de uma paciente que parece ter NM e GESF, ambas primárias. Apresentação do caso: Uma jovem branca de 17 anos de idade com edema de membros inferiores associado a episódios de urina espumosa e hipertensão apresentou-se com achados físicos e laboratoriais sugestivos de síndrome nefrótica. Foi realizada biópsia renal. GESF foi observada por microscopia de luz em alguns glomérulos que apresentavam lesões de ponta, enquanto em outros o achado era acompanhado por hipertrofia podocitária e descolamento de podócitos no espaço urinário, compatíveis com podocitopatia GESF. Além disso, as alças capilares estavam espessadas com irregularidades na membrana basal devido a "espículas" compatíveis com NM estágio II. Imunofluorescência revelou depósitos finamente granulares de IgG, IgG4 e PLA2R nas alças capilares. Microscopia eletrônica exibiu depósitos subepiteliais e apagamento de pedicelos. Tais achados morfológicos são compatíveis com GESF e NM estágio II. Conclusões: No presente caso, as características clínicas e morfológicas revelaram uma possível sobreposição de GESF primária e NM, uma vez que a glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal não parece estar relacionada com a progressão da NM, mas com a podocitopatia GESF.

Mast cells in the kidney biopsies of pediatric patients with lupus nephritis.

INTRODUCTION: Mast cells may be involved in inflammation and contribute to the onset of fibrosis in lupus nephritis (LN). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to correlate the presence of mast cells in kidney biopsy specimens of pediatric patients with LN with activity (AI) and chronicity (CI) indices and assess how effectively mast cells may be used as a prognostic factor. METHOD: The study included 40 patients aged 6-18 years diagnosed with LN at the Renal Disease Service of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro between 1996 and 2015. Workup and epidemiological data were evaluated vis-à-vis AI, CI, and mast cell counts (MCC). RESULTS: Significant positive correlations were found between mast cell counts (MCC) and AI (p = 0.003; r: 0.66) and MCC and CI (p = 0.048; r: 0.48). The ROC curve showed that mast cells were highly sensitive and specific in the differentiation of patients with an AI > 12 from individuals with an AI ≤ 12. Serum creatinine levels were higher in individuals with class IV LN than in patients with class V disease [1.50 (0.40-20.90) vs. 0.70 (0.62-0.90), p = 0.04]. Blood urea nitrogen had a positive significant correlation with MCC (p = 0.002; r: 0.75). A trend toward a negative correlation was observed between MCC and serum albumin (p = 0.06; r: -0.5459). Kidney biopsies of patients with nephrotic syndrome had higher MCC [2.12 (0.41-5.140) vs. 0.53 (0.0-3.94), p = 0.07]. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory cell infiltration and morphological differences between cell types in the inflammatory infiltrate are relevant factors in the assessment of the LN. Mast cell analysis and AI/CI assessment may be relevant prognostic indicators for pediatric patients with LN.

Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis and Membranous Nephropathy overlapping in a patient with Nephrotic Syndrome: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Some cases of membranous nephropathy (MGN) present focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) typically associated with disease progression. However, we report a case of a patient who seemed to have MGN and FSGS, both primary. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year-old female, Caucasian, presenting lower extremity edema associated with episodes of foamy urine and high blood pressure, had physical and laboratorial exams indicating nephrotic syndrome. A renal biopsy was performed and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis were observed under light microscopy in some glomeruli presented as tip lesion, and in others it was accompanied by podocyte hypertrophy and podocyte detachment in urinary space, compatible with podocytopathy FSGS. Besides, there were thickened capillary loops with basement membrane irregularities due to "spikes" compatible with MGN stage II. Immunofluorescence showed finely granular IgG, IgG4, and PLA2R deposits in capillary loops and, in electron microscopy, subepithelial deposits and foot process effacement. These morphological findings are compatible with FSGS and MGN stage II. CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, clinical and morphological characteristics showed a possible overlap of primary FSGS and MGN as focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis does not seem to be related with MGN progression but with the podocytopathy FSGS.

Alterações na Epiderme de Pacientes com Aids Autopsiados em Uso da Terapia Antirretroviral / Changes in the Epidermis of Autopsied AIDS Patients Using Antiretroviral Therapy

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da terapia na morfologia da epiderme de pacientes com Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida - AIDS. Metodologia: Estudo transversal desenvolvido na Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Brasil. Foram selecionados pacientes com AIDS de ambos os sexos, que foram agrupados de acordo com o tratamento com Terapia antir-retroviral de alta eficiência: pacientes em uso de HAART (n = 14) e pacientes sem uso de HAART (n = 14). Outras informações foram coletadas do prontuário clínico. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes em tratamento foi de 49,07 ± 7,89 anos e dos pacientes sem TARV foi de 55,11 ± 10,17 anos. A maioria dos pacientes na terapia utilizada pertencia ao sexo feminino, 9 (64,28%). Estes apresentaram espessamento epidérmico (150,04 x 86,09µm), número de camadas celulares (8,0 x 5,5 camadas) e densidade de células de Langerhans superiores àquelas que não utilizaram a terapia, com diferença significativa. Conclusão: Nossos achados sugerem que o HAART propor-ciona a recuperação dos constituintes da epiderme alterados pela doença, melhorando sua função como barreira chave na proteção do corpo contra microorganismos ambientais. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the influence of therapy in the morphology of the epidermis of patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Methodology: Cross-sectional study developed at the Triangulo Mineiro Federal University, Brazil. This study has been approved by Triângulo Mineiro Federal University Research Ethics Committee on protocol number 1780/2010. Patients with AIDS, of both genders were selected and arranged according to treatment with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: patients in use of HAART (n = 14), and patients without use of HAART (n = 14). Other information was collected from the clinical record. Results: The mean age of the patients undergoing therapy was 49.07±7.89 years, and of the patients without HAART was 55.11±10.17 years. The majority of the patients using the therapy, belonged to the female gender, 9 (64.28%). These showed epidermal thickness (150.04 x 86.09µm), number of cell layers (8.0 x 5.5 layers) and density of Langerhans cells higher than those who did not use the therapy, with a significant difference. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the HAART provides recovery of epidermis constituents altered by the disease, improving its function as a key barrier in protecting the body against environmental microorganisms. (AU)

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Potential of uPAR as a Biomarker in Renal Biopsies of Patients with FSGS.

Minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are primary glomerulopathies leading to proteinuria, known as podocytopathies, which share syndromic and morphological similarities. Morphological similarity occurs in cases of FSGS in which the sclerotic lesion was not sampled in renal biopsy, due to the focal nature of the disease. Differentiating these entities is very important, especially in cases of suspected FSGS but with sclerotic lesion not sampled, as they are diseases that apparently have different pathogenic mechanisms and prognosis. The difference in uPAR expression in situ among these two entities may be related to a distinct molecular mechanism involved in pathogenesis. Thus, finding biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis and that can also help in differential diagnosis is very relevant. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a biomarker in renal biopsies of patients with podocytopathies (n = 38). Immunohistochemistry showed that FSGS (n = 22) had increased uPAR expression in podocytes compared with both the MCD group (n = 16; p = 0.0368) and control group (n = 21; p = 0.0076). ROC curve (p = 0.008) showed that this biomarker has 80.95% of specificity in biopsies of patients with FSGS. Therefore, uPAR presented a high specificity in cases of podocytopathies associated with sclerosis and it can be considered a potential biomarker for FSGS.

Podocin and uPAR are good biomarkers in cases of Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis in pediatric renal biopsies.

There are controversies whether Minimal Change Disease (MCD) and Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are distinct glomerular lesions or different manifestations within the same spectrum of diseases. The uPAR (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor) and some slit diaphragm proteins may be altered in FSGS glomeruli and may function as biomarkers of the disease in renal biopsies. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the diagnostic potential of uPAR and glomerular proteins for differentiation between MCD and FSGS in renal pediatric biopsy. Renal biopsies from 50 children between 2 and 18 years old were selected, with diagnosis of MCD (n = 29) and FSGS (n = 21). Control group consisted of pediatric autopsies (n = 15) from patients younger than 18 years old, with no evidences of renal dysfunction. In situ expressions of WT1, nephrin, podocin and uPAR were evaluated by immunoperoxidase technique. Renal biopsy of patients with MCD and FSGS expressed fewer WT1 (p≤0.0001, F = 19.35) and nephrin (p<0.0001; H = 21.54) than patients in the control group. FSGS patients expressed fewer podocin than control (p<0.0359, H = 6.655). FSGS cases expressed more uPAR than each of control and MCD (p = 0.0019; H = 12.57) and there was a positive and significant correlation between nephrin and podocin (p = 0.0026, rS = 0.6502) in these cases. Podocin had sensitivity of 73.3% and specificity of 86.7% (p = 0.0068) and uPAR had sensitivity of 78.9% and specificity of 73.3% (p = 0.0040) for diagnosis of FSGS patients. The main limitation of the study is the limited number of cases due to the difficulty in performing biopsy in pediatric patients. Podocin and uPAR are good markers for FSGS and differentiate these cases from MCD, reinforcing the theory of distinct glomerular diseases. These findings suggest that podocin and uPAR can be used as biomarkers in the routine analysis of renal biopsies in cases of podocytopathies when the lesion (sclerosis) is not sampled.

Pulmonary coinfection by Pneumocystis jiroveci, Cryptococcus neoformans and cytomegalovirus in hiv patient without antiretroviral treatment

Pulmonary diseases are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients. Here, we present the fatal case of a 30 year-old AIDS patient, who did not undergo antiretroviral treatment, presenting pulmonary coinfection by Pneumocystis jiroveci, Cryptococcus neoformans and cytomegalovirus diagnosed in the postmortem histological examination. Concurrent pulmonary infection by these three agents is not common and, to date, apparently had not been reported in the literature.

Intrauterine infection, immune system and premature birth.

Preterm birth accounts for nearly one million deaths among children under five years of age, and although its etiopathogenesis is not fully elucidated, ascending intrauterine infection and fetal inflammatory response seem to be the main triggers. The intense inflammatory response mediated by IL-1ß, TNF-α, PAF, IFN-γ and IL-6, PGE2 and MMP-1 and MMP-9 causes fetal membrane damage and rupture, increased uterine contractions and biochemical and structural changes in the cervix. Furthermore, preterm neonates have deficient innate and adaptive immune responses characterized by reduced levels of IgG, opsonization and phagocytosis, as well as increased activation of Th1 cells in relation to Th2 cells. Therefore, this triad is favors the occurrence of neonatal complications, such as respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Due to serious maternal and child health complications of intrauterine infection, several studies have tried to identify biomarkers for the early diagnosis of this entity. This literature review aims to discuss the main scientific findings regarding the association between ascending intrauterine infection, immune system and preterm birth.

Alterações do Baço no Envelhecimento de Acordo com Diferentes Causas de Morte / Age-Related Spleen Changes According to Different Causes of Death

Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações esplênicas de idosos autopsiados de acordo com diferentes causas de morte. Material e Métodos: Foram selecionados 38 idosos autopsiados no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro entre 1996 e 2012. As causas de morte foram agrupadas em cardiovascular (n=13), infecciosa (n=15) e neoplásica (n=10). Os fragmentos de baço foram analisados para determinação da densidade dos folículos linfoides, da área das arteríolas centro foliculares e da porcentagem de fibras colágenas e elásticas. Resultados: Os idosos acometidos pela causa de morte neoplásica apresentaram maior peso esplênico (234,00 vs 126,23g) e menor densidade folicular (0,16 vs 0,36 folículos/mm2) quando comparado aos acometidos pela causa cardiovascular. O grupo de causa neoplásica apresentou maior área das arteríolas centro foliculares quando comparado ao de causa infecciosa (817,00 vs 701,10µm2). Houve uma correlação negativa e significativa entre o peso do baço e a densidade folicular nos grupos com causa cardiovascular e neoplásica (rS=-0,382; p=0,018). Os idosos acometidos pela causa de morte cardiovascular apresentaram significativamente maior porcentagem de fibras colágenas que os idosos com causa infecciosa (0,81 vs 0,65%, p=0,002). O grupo acometido pela causa de morte infecciosa apresentou significativamente maior porcentagem de fibras elásticas quando comparado ao da causa neoplásica (6,01 vs 3,47%, p=0,001). Conclusão: As diferentes causas de mortes influenciam de modo distinto as alterações histomorfométricas do baço durante o envelhecimento. As doenças neoplásicas estiveram associadas ao aumento da área das arteríolas centro foliculares e a diminuição da densidade folicular, enquanto as doenças cardiovasculares contribuíram para o aumento da fibrose esplênica. (/AU)

Objective: To evaluate the changes in the spleens of elderly autopsied according to different causes of death. Material and Methods: We selected 38 elderly autopsied between 1996 and 2012 at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro. The causes of death were grouped into cardiovascular (n=13), infectious (n=15) and neoplastic (n=10). Spleen fragments were analyzed to determine the lymphoid follicle density, follicular arteriole area, and the percentage of collagen and elastic fibers. Results: The elderly affected by neoplastic causes had a higher splenic weight (234.00 vs 126.23g) and a lower follicular density (0.16 vs 0.36 follicles/mm2) than those affected by cardiovascular death. The neoplastic cause group presented greater area of central follicular arterioles when compared to that of infectious death (817.00 vs 701.10ìm2). There was a significant negative correlation between spleen weight and follicular density in the groups with cardiovascular and neoplastic causes (rS=- 0.382; p=0.018). The elderly affected by cardiovascular death presented had a significantly higher percentage of collagen fibers than the elderly with infectious death (0.81 vs 0.65%, p=0.002). The group affected by infectious death had a significantly higher percentage of elastic fibers when compared to the neoplastic death group (6.01 vs 3.47%, p=0.001). Conclusion: The different causes of death influence differentially histomorphometric changes of the spleen during aging. Neoplastic diseases were associated with an increase in the area of central follicular arterioles and decreased follicular density, while cardiovascular diseases contributed to the increase of splenic fibrosis. (AU)

Correlação entre cardiopatias hipertensivas e aterosclerose na artéria aorta / Correlation between hypertension cardiopathies and atherosclerosis in the aortic artery

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica é uma doença multifatorial, comportando-se como fator desencadeador das doenças cardiovasculares e da aterosclerose. O objetivo foi descrever a associação de idade, gênero, cor da pele e o grau de aterosclerose na artéria aorta na cardiopatia hipertensiva em indivíduos autopsiados. Foram avaliados 34 seguimentos de artérias aortas abdominais de indivíduos autopsiados com cardiopatia hipertensiva (20) e sem cardiopatia hipertensiva (14). A idade, gênero, cor da pele e causa de morte foram coletadas do laudo de autopsia, a quantificação da intensidade de aterosclerose e o grau de aterosclerose através de escala padronizada. Neste estudo, a causa de morte e a intensidade da aterosclerose apresentaram associação significativa com a cardiopatia hipertensiva; houve prevalência de placas de ateroma de maior extensão entre os indivíduos com esta entidade. Desse modo, a aterosclerose deve ser investigada em indivíduos com cardiopatia hipertensiva visando prevenir graves repercussões, que podem culminar com o óbito.

Systemic arterial hypertension is a multifactorial disease, behaving as a triggering factor for cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. The objective was to describe the association of age, gender, skin color and, the atherosclerosis level in the aortic artery in hypertensive cardiopathy of autopsied individuals. We assessed 34 parts of abdominal aortic arteries of autopsied individuals with hypertensive cardiopathy (20) and without hypertensive cardiopathy (14). We collected age, gender, skin color and cause of death from the autopsy report; the quantification of the atherosclerosis intensity and the atherosclerosis level were determined using a standardized scale. In this study, the cause of death and atherosclerosis intensity had a significant association with hypertensive cardiopathy; there was a prevalence of large atheroma plaques among individuals with this entity. Thus, atherosclerosis should be investigated in individuals with hypertensive cardiopathy to prevent severe repercussions which could lead to death.

Influence of the Expression of Inflammatory Markers on Kidney after Fetal Programming in an Experimental Model of Renal Failure.

Objective. To evaluate the expression of inflammatory markers in experimental renal failure after fetal programming. Methods. The offspring aged two and five months were divided into four groups: CC (control dams, control offspring); DC (diabetic dams, control offspring); CFA (control dams, folic acid offspring, 250 mg/Kg); and DFA (diabetic dams, folic acid offspring). Gene expression of inflammatory markers MCP-1, IL-1, NOS3, TGF-ß, TNF-α, and VEGF was evaluated by RT-PCR. Results. MCP-1 was increased in the CFA and DFA groups at two and five months of age, as well as in DC5 when compared to CC5. There was a higher expression of IL-1 in the CFA2, DFA2, and DC2 groups. There was a decrease in NOS3 and an increase in TNF-α in DFA5 in relation to CFA5. The gene expression of TGF-ß increased in cases that had received folic acid at two and five months, and VEGF decreased in the CFA5 and DFA5 groups. DC5 showed increased VEGF expression in comparison with CC5. Conclusions. Gestational diabetes mellitus and folic acid both change the expression of inflammatory markers, thus demonstrating that the exposure to harmful agents in adulthood has a more severe impact in cases which underwent fetal reprogramming.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pediatric nephropathies.

INTRODUCTION: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process in which epithelial cells may express mesenchymal cell markers with subsequent change in their functions, and it may be part of the etiopathogenesis of kidney disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunexpression of some EMT inducers and markers in frequent nephropathies in pediatric patients. METHODS: 59 patients aged 2-18 years old were selected and divided into 6 groups of frequent nephropathies in children and adolescents, as well as one control group. Urea and creatinine data of the patients were recorded. TGF-ß3, fibronectin, α-SMA and vimentin were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Glomerular TGF-ß3 was higher in the Lupus Nephritis and Acute Diffuse Glomerulonephritis (ADGN) groups than in the control group. Glomerular fibronectin was higher in the Podocytopathy, Lupus Nephritis, ADGN and Membranous Glomerulopathy patients than in control subjects. The expression of α-SMA was higher in the tubulointerstitial compartment of ADGN and Membranous Glomerulopathy groups than in the control group. Glomerular α-SMA was higher in ADGN patients than in control and Berger's Disease groups. Glomerular vimentin was higher in individuals with ADGN than in those with Podocytopathy, Lupus Nephritis, Berger's Disease and Thin Basement Membrane Disease/Alport Syndrome. There was a positive correlation between fibronectin in the tubulointerstitial compartment and creatinine levels, between α-SMA and vimentin in both tubulointerstitial and glomerular compartments, and between urea and creatinine levels of patients, regardless of their nephropathy (p<0.05 for all results). CONCLUSION: These markers may possibly be used as indicators of renal functional impairment in various nephropathies in pediatric patients.

Diagnosis of congenital and infantile nephrotic syndromes in renal biopsies in Minas Gerais, Brazil: Six case reports.

Congenital or infantile nephrotic syndromes (CNS/INS) correspond to a heterogeneous group of rare diseases in which glomerular renal dysfunction and proteinuria are prominent. The aim of this study is to present six cases of possible CNS/INS with diagnoses based on clinical findings and especially histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical characteristics of renal biopsies. Four cases are presented with diffuse mesangial sclerosis, one of them possibly part of Denys-Drash syndrome and two cases with CNS probably of the Finnish type in patients between 3 months old and 13 years old. The study focuses on the late evolution of Denys-Drash syndrome to end-stage renal disease in a 13-year-old patient and the diagnosis of diffuse mesangial sclerosis in an 8-year-old patient. Thus, it contributes to a better epidemiological characterization of these syndromes, demonstrating cases of CNS/INS in infrequent age groups.

Clinical and epidemiological prevalence of glomerulopathies elderly in the city of Uberaba - MG.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, the elderly population of Brazil is suffering significant increase. Aging is a physiological process that causes changes in various organs, including the kidney. A kidney biopsy is of paramount importance to clarify the morphological changes of these entities. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to conduct a clinical epidemiological analysis of elderly patients and evaluate the prevalence of major glomerulopathies that affect. METHODS: This is a retrospective and descriptive, with a review of 104 reports of renal biopsies of elderly aged over 60 years, performed in the Nefropatologia Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), between periods January 1996 and December 2010. Patients were grouped according to clinical syndrome. RESULTS: We reviewed 104 biopsies of elderly patients. Of these, 52.94% were male. The Hypertension was found in 50.54% of patients. The clinical syndrome was the predominant nephrotic syndrome (42.17%). Most disease was glomerular origin. The glomerulopathy was the most prevalent (34.07%). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Through this review, we noted that the nephrotic syndrome was the main clinical syndrome and Podocytophaties glomerulopathies were more prevalent in the group of elderly patients undergoing renal biopsy. The analysis of renal biopsies of elderly patients is of paramount importance, since knowledge of the clinical manifestations of major glomerulopathies that affect this group, to assist in establishing the diagnosis and therapeutic management.

Prevalência clínica e epidemiológica de glomerulopatias em idosos na cidade de Uberaba - MG / Clinical and epidemiological prevalence of glomerulopathies elderly in the city of Uberaba - MG

Resumo Introdução: Atualmente, a população idosa do Brasil está sofrendo aumento significativo. O envelhecimento é um processo fisiológico que causa alterações nos diversos órgãos, inclusive no rim. A biópsia renal é de suma importância para esclarecimento das alterações morfológicas dessas entidades. Objetivos: Os objetivos deste trabalho foram realizar a análise clínica e epidemiológica dos pacientes idosos e avaliar a prevalência das principais glomerulopatias que os acometem. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e descritivo, com revisão de 104 laudos de biópsias renais de idosos, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, realizados no Serviço de Nefropatologia da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), entre o período de janeiro de 1996 e dezembro de 2010. Os pacientes foram agrupados segundo síndrome clínica. Resultados: Foram revistas 104 biópsias de pacientes idosos. Destes, 52,94% pertenciam ao gênero masculino. A Hipertensão Arterial foi encontrada em 50,54% dos pacientes. A síndrome clínica predominante foi a Síndrome Nefrótica (42,17%). A maioria das doenças foi de origem glomerular. As podocitopatias foram as glomerulopatias mais prevalentes (34,07%). Discussão/Conclusão: Por meio dessa revisão, observamos que a síndrome nefrótica foi a principal síndrome clínica e as podocitopatias foram as glomerulopatias com mais prevalência no grupo de pacientes idosos submetidos à biópsia renal. A análise das biópsias renais dos pacientes idosos é de fundamental importância, uma vez que o conhecimento das manifestações clínicas das principais glomerulopatias que acometem esse grupo auxiliam a elucidação diagnóstica e no estabelecimento da conduta terapêutica. .

Abstract Introduction: Currently, the elderly population of Brazil is suffering significant increase. Aging is a physiological process that causes changes in various organs, including the kidney. A kidney biopsy is of paramount importance to clarify the morphological changes of these entities. Objectives: The aim of this work was to conduct a clinical epidemiological analysis of elderly patients and evaluate the prevalence of major glomerulopathies that affect. Methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive, with a review of 104 reports of renal biopsies of elderly aged over 60 years, performed in the Nefropatologia Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), between periods January 1996 and December 2010. Patients were grouped according to clinical syndrome. Results: We reviewed 104 biopsies of elderly patients. Of these, 52.94% were male. The Hypertension was found in 50.54% of patients. The clinical syndrome was the predominant nephrotic syndrome (42.17%). Most disease was glomerular origin. The glomerulopathy was the most prevalent (34.07%). Discussion/Conclusion: Through this review, we noted that the nephrotic syndrome was the main clinical syndrome and Podocytophaties glomerulopathies were more prevalent in the group of elderly patients undergoing renal biopsy. The analysis of renal biopsies of elderly patients is of paramount importance, since knowledge of the clinical manifestations of major glomerulopathies that affect this group, to assist in establishing the diagnosis and therapeutic management. .

Influencia da causa de morte no peso corporal e dos orgaos internos em autopsias perinatais / Influence of cause of death on body and internal organs weight in perinatal autopsies

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as variações do peso corporal e dos órgãos internos de crianças autopsiadas no período perinatal e sua relação com a causa de morte. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 153 casos de autópsias perinatais realizadas em um hospital universitário do Sudeste do Brasil. Informações sobre causa de morte perinatal, data da autópsia, idade gestacional, peso perinatal e dos órgãos foram recuperadas dos protocolos de autópsia e do prontuário da mãe e/ou do recém-nascido. Foram definidos quatro grupos de causa de morte: malformações congênitas, hipóxia/anóxia perinatal, infecção ascendente e membrana hialina. Encéfalo, fígado, pulmões, coração, baço, timo e suprarrenais foram analisados. RESULTADOS: O peso das crianças com hipóxia/anóxia perinatal (1.834,6±1.090,1 g versus 1.488 g), membrana hialina (1.607,2±820,1 g versus 1.125 g) e infecção ascendente (1.567,4±1.018,9 g versus 1.230 g) foi maior do que o esperado para a idade gestacional. O peso dos pulmões foi maior nos casos com infecção ascendente (36,6±22,6 g versus 11 g) e menor nos casos com malformação congênita (22,0±9,5 g versus 40 g). O peso do baço foi maior nos casos que apresentaram infecção ascendente (8,6±8,9 g versus 3,75 g ). O peso das suprarrenais foi menor nos casos com malformação congênita (3,9±2,1 g versus 5,5 g), o do timo foi menor nos casos com miscelânea (3,7±1,2 g versus 7,5 g) e o do baço foi menor nos casos com imaturidade pulmonar (0,4±0,1 g versus 1,7 g). Todos esses resultados apresentaram diferenças significativas. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo demonstra que as variações do peso das crianças e de seus órgãos ...

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in body and internal organ weight of autopsied children in the perinatal period and their relationship with the cause of death. METHODS: One hundred and fifty three cases of perinatal autopsies performed at a university hospital in Southeastern Brazil ere included. Information about cause of perinatal death, date of autopsy, gestational age, perinatal weight and organ weight was obtained from the autopsy protocols and medical records of the mother and/or the newborn. Four groups of causes of death were defined: congenital malformations, perinatal hypoxia/anoxia, ascending infection and hyaline membrane. Brain, liver, lungs, heart, spleen, thymus and adrenals were analyzed. RESULTS: The weight of children with perinatal hypoxia/anoxi (1,834.6±1,090.1 g versus 1,488 g), hyaline membranes (1,607.2±820.1 g versus 1,125 g) and ascending infection (1,567.4±1,018.9 g versus 1,230 g) was higher than expected for the population. Lung weight was higher in cases with ascending infection (36.6±22.6 g versus 11 g) and lower in cases with congenital malformations (22.0±9.5 g versus 40 g). Spleen weight was higher in children with ascending infection (8.6±8.9 g versus 3.75 g ) and adrenal weight was lower in cases with congenital malformations (3.9±2.1 g versus 5.5 g). Thymus weight was lower in cases with miscellaneous causes (3.7±1.2 g versus 7.5 g) and spleen weight was lower in patients with lung immaturity (0.4±0.1 g versus 1.7 g). All results showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that variations in the weight of children and the weight of their organs are related to the types of cause of perinatal death. These data may contribute to a better interpretation of autopsy findings and their anatomical and clinical relationship. .

Neonatal sepsis and inflammatory mediators.

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and its signs and symptoms are nonspecific, which makes the diagnosis difficult. The routinely used laboratory tests are not effective methods of analysis, as they are extremely nonspecific and often cause inappropriate use of antibiotics. Sepsis is the result of an infection associated with a systemic inflammatory response with production and release of a wide range of inflammatory mediators. Cytokines are potent inflammatory mediators and their serum levels are increased during infections, so changes from other inflammatory effector molecules may occur. Although proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines have been identified as probable markers of neonatal infection, in order to characterize the inflammatory response during sepsis, it is necessary to analyze a panel of cytokines and not only the measurement of individual cytokines. Measurements of inflammatory mediators bring new options for diagnosing and following up neonatal sepsis, thus enabling early treatment and, as a result, increased neonatal survival. By taking into account the magnitude of neonatal sepsis, the aim of this review is to address the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of neonatal sepsis and its value as a diagnostic criterion.

The importance of C4d in biopsies of kidney transplant recipients.

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is highly detrimental to the prolonged survival of transplanted kidneys. C4d has been regarded as a footprint of AMR tissue damage, and the introduction of C4d staining in daily clinical practice aroused an ever-increasing interest in the role of antibody-mediated mechanisms in allograft rejection. Despite the general acceptance of the usefulness of C4d in the identification of acute AMR, the data for C4d staining in chronic AMR is variable. The presence of C4d in the majority of the biopsies with features of chronic antibody-mediated rejection is reported, but this rejection without C4d staining is observed as well, suggesting that C4d is specific but not sensitive. Further studies on AMR with positive C4d staining in biopsy specimens are really important, as well as the study of novel routine markers that may participate in the pathogenesis of this process.