Distal renal tubular acidosis presenting with an acute hypokalemic paralysis in an older child with severe vesicoureteral reflux and syringomyelia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is the most common type of renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in children. Pediatric dRTA is usually genetic and rarely occurs due to acquired issues such as obstructive uropathies, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although persistent hypokalemia frequently occurs with dRTA, acute hypokalemic paralysis is not frequently reported, especially in older children. CASE PRESENTATION: An eight-year-old girl presented with an acute first episode of paralysis. A physical examination revealed normal vital signs, short stature consistent with her genetic potential, and decreased muscle strength of her upper and lower extremities. Preexisting conditions included stage 4 CKD due to recurrent UTIs, severe vesicoureteral reflux and bilateral hydronephrosis, neurogenic bladder, and multisegment thoracic syringomyelia. Her laboratory work-up revealed hypokalemic, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap. She also had a urine osmolal gap of 1.9 mOsmol/kg with a high urine pH. Intravenous potassium replacement resulted in a complete resolution of her paralysis. She was diagnosed with dRTA and discharged with oral bicarbonate and slow-release potassium supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: This case report highlights the importance of considering dRTA in the differential diagnosis of hypokalemic acute paralysis in children. Additionally, in children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and recurrent UTIs, early diagnosis of spinal cord etiology is crucial to treat promptly, slow the progression of CKD, and prevent long-term complications such as RTA.

Distal renal tubular acidosis secondary to vesico-ureteric reflux: A case report with review of literature.

Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is the most common congenital anomaly of the urinary tract that occurs in 30%-50% of children presenting with recurrent urinary tract infections. Long-standing untreated VUR results in renal scarring and hydronephrotic changes ultimately leading to chronic renal failure and arterial hypertension. However, it may also result in diffuse tubulopathy compromising the concentrating capacity of tubules and urinary acidification defects. Renal tubular dysfunction should be considered in all children with VUR presenting with failure to thrive, rickets, bony deformity/pain, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. We report such a case of a 16-year-old male adolescent who presented with rickets, failure to gain weight and height, bony pains, and muscle weakness with a history of VUR. On investigation, he was found to have normal anion gap metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia suggestive of distal renal tubular acidosis. He responded well to oral alkali and potassium replacement therapy.

Urinary tract infection in infants: a single-center clinical analysis in southern Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: This study summarized the epidemiology, etiology, and susceptibility of pathogens to antibiotics, and specific characteristics in infants aged less than 4 months diagnosed with urinary tract infection in the past decade in Taiwan. METHODS: The medical charts of patients aged less than 4 months admitted for urinary tract infection to Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital between January 2001 and December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients, with male predominance (68.9%), were enrolled. The top three pathogens were similar to those identified in previous studies in Taiwan. The most common pathogen, Escherichia coli (85.3%), was resistant to ampicillin (75.9%), followed by sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (31.7%), and cefazolin (28.5%). Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan revealed 34.5% positive findings, while the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) rate was 37.8% by direct radionuclide voiding cystography and/or voiding cysto-urethrography. Positive DMSA findings significantly correlated with VUR (p<0.001) and higher C-reactive protein level (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: E coli was the most common pathogen in the present cohort, and the top three pathogens were similar to those found in general pediatric population in Taiwan. VUR was the most common genitourinary tract anomaly in this age group. Positive DMSA was well correlated with VUR and higher C-reactive protein level.

Vesicoureteral reflux in children: a phantom study of microwave heating and radiometric thermometry of pediatric bladder.

We have investigated the use of microwave heating and radiometry to safely heat urine inside a pediatric bladder. The medical application for this research is to create a safe and reliable method to detect vesicoureteral reflux, a pediatric disorder, where urine flow is reversed and flows from the bladder back up into the kidney. Using fat and muscle tissue models, we have performed both experimental and numerical simulations of a pediatric bladder model using planar dual concentric conductor microstrip antennas at 915 MHz for microwave heating. A planar elliptical antenna connected to a 500 MHz bandwidth microwave radiometer centered at 3.5 GHz was used for noninvasive temperature measurement inside tissue. Temperatures were measured in the phantom models at points during the experiment with implanted fiberoptic sensors, and 2-D distributions in cut planes at depth in the phantom with an infrared camera at the end of the experiment. Cycling between 20 s with 20 Watts power for heating, and 10 s without power to allow for undisturbed microwave radiometry measurements, the experimental results show that the target tissue temperature inside the phantom increases fast and that the radiometer provides useful measurements of spatially averaged temperature of the illuminated volume. The presented numerical and experimental results show excellent concordance, which confirms that the proposed system for microwave heating and radiometry is applicable for safe and reliable heating of pediatric bladder.

Reflujo vesicoureteral primario: comportamiento clínico epidemiológico durante 20 años en el Hospital Pediátrico de Holguín / Primary vesicoureteral reflux

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con el objetivo de analizar el comportamiento clínico epidemiológico de los niños con el diagnóstico de Reflujo Vesicoureteral Primario, en el Hospital Pediátrico de Holguín, durante un período de 20 años: 1989 al 2008, a los que se les aplicó el Protocolo diagnóstico y terapéutico de Reflujo Vesicoureteral Primario concebido en nuestra institución. Fueron seguidos 255 pacientes y se les diagnosticó 379 unidades renales refluyentes. La frecuencia del Reflujo Vesicoureteral Primario disminuye con la edad, y se diagnosticó la mayoría durante el primer año de vida, con predominio en el sexo femenino. Cuando el Reflujo se sospecha durante la vida prenatal, es más común en sexo masculino. El grado III de Reflujo fue el más usualmente diagnosticado, en 122 unidades refluyentes, y predominó en el riñón izquierdo. La mayoría de los pacientes atendidos con Reflujo, se presentaron clínicamente con Infección del Tracto Urinario. La combinación de Uretrocistografía Miccional, Ultrasonido y Urograma Descendente constituye un método efectivo para el diagnóstico y seguimiento del Reflujo. Los grados I, II y III de Reflujo casi siempre desaparecen espontáneamente y existe una asociación directa entre Nefropatía de Reflujo y el alto grado de esta entidad. Un número reducido de pacientes, evolucionó a la Nefropatía de Reflujo, que representan el 25 por ciento. La mayoría de estos presentó Infección del Tracto Urinario y en un pequeño grupo, se sospechó una malformación renal desde la vida antenatal. La frecuencia de Insuficiencia Renal Crónica Terminal y de Hipertensión Arterial fue baja en este tipo de paciente.

Cystoscopic injections of dextranomer hyaluronic acid into proximal urethra for urethral incompetence: efficacy and adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether dextranomer/hyaluronic acid would be more efficacious or would produce fewer complications when using the material in a standard proximal-urethra cystoscopically-directed injection technique. Injectable periurethral bulking agents are an alternative to stress incontinence surgery. Dextranomer, a highly hydrophilic dextran polymer, solubilized in a base of nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid, has been approved as an injectable agent for the treatment of childhood vesicoureteric reflux (Deflux, Q-Med AB, Uppsala, Sweden), and in Europe for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (Zuidex, Q-Med AB, Uppsala, Sweden). A previous multicenter trial demonstrated nonequivalence compared with bovine glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen with a high complication rate. We sought to determine whether the failure of the treatment lay in the material itself or the use of a blind, midurethral injection technique. METHODS: A retrospective case series of 56 patients undergoing cystoscopically guided bladder neck injections of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid with follow-up in 42, included 35 women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), 4 men with postprostatectomy incontinence, 2 men with sphincteric denervation secondary to spinal cord injury, and 1 woman with sphincteric failure after a neobladder. Outcome assessment used gender-appropriate International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, clinical records, and/or urodynamic assessment. RESULTS: Of 35 women with ISD, 4 developed pseudoabscess formation with outlet obstruction requiring multiple operative interventions. Patient-defined treatment failure occurred in all 4 carefully selected postprostatectomy incontinent men, and in 23 of 35 females with ISD. CONCLUSIONS: Complications with cystoscopically injected dextranomer hyaluronic acid at the bladder neck occurred at a high rate, and using a validated questionnaire, the efficacy of dextranomer hyaluronic acid applied in this manner for ISD was poor.

Criterios clínicos y radiológicos en la decisión terapéutica del reflujo vesicoureteral. Un análisis retrospectivo de nuestra experiencia / Clinical and radiological criteria for the therapeutic decision for vesicoureteral reflux. Retrospective analysis of our experience

Objetivo: Establecer, en base a nuestra experiencia, unos esquemas terapéuticos del reflujo vesicoureteral en el niño, apoyándonos en resultados clínicos y radiológicos, observando cómo han ido evolucionando las indicaciones y tiempos de tratamiento con el advenimiento de las técnicas endoscópicas. Métodos: Se han analizado los pacientes con reflujo vesicoureteral tratados en dos periodos de similar duración: el primero (106 pacientes), entre 1995 y marzo 2001 (fecha en que se introdujeron las técnicas endoscópicas); el segundo, (138 pacientes), desde esa fecha hasta marzo de 2007. En todos los pacientes se estudiaron variables clínicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas, así como el resultado obtenido. Resultados: El número de pacientes tratados aumentó en el segundo período, en él disminuyó ostensiblemente (de 24 a 7) el número de pacientes que requirieron reimplantación vesicoureteral. La proporción de éxitos del tratamiento endoscópico ascendió al 94,9%, no apreciándose diferencias significativas en función de la edad o el grado de reflujo, aunque se observa un mayor porcentaje de fracasos en niños menores de 3 años y en reflujos de alto grado. La presencia de malformaciones asociadas no se relacionó con una peor evolución tras el tratamiento. Conclusiones: En aquellos reflujos donde el tratamiento médico no ha sido eficaz, persistiendo o empeorando el mismo, y como alternativa a la cirugía abierta (con buenos resultados pero con una morbilidad no desdeñable), el tratamiento endoscópico se convierte en una alternativa de eficacia similar y mínimamente agresiva. Proponemos un esquema orientativo para establecer las indicaciones de cada estrategia terapéutica en función del grado de reflujo y su evolución clínica (AU)

Objectives: According to our experience, we present a proposal for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, based on both clinical and radiological evidences. We also describe how the introduction of endoscopic procedures has influenced the evolution of treatment indications as well as the time intervals for treatment. Methods: We have analysed all cases of vesicoureteral reflux treated in our Department in two periods of similar length: The first one (106 patients) comprised from 1995 to March 2001 (when endoscopic procedures were introduced). The second one (138 patients), comprised from March, 2001 to March 2007. Clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and outcome-related variables were studied for all cases. Results: The number of patients was higher in the se-cond period. In this period the number of cases requiring ureteral reimplantation decreased with respect to the first one (from 24 to 7). The success rate with endoscopic treatment reached 94,9%, with no significant differences regarding age or grade of reflux, although higher rates of failures were observed in children aged less than 3 years old and in high-grade reflux. The association of reflux with other malformations was not related with a worse evolution after treatment. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment, due to its similar efficacy and low aggressiveness, should be considered a valid alternative to open surgery (which offers good results but non-negligible comorbidity) for persistent reflux in which medical treatment has not been useful. We propose a tentative therapeutic scheme to establish the indications for each type of treatment depending on the grade of reflux and its clinical evolution (AU)

Falso residuo postmiccional diagnosticado por videourodinamia / False postvoid residual volume diagnosed by videourodynamics

Presentamos un caso de un paciente varón joven diagnosticado de reflujo vésico ureteral bilateral. En el estudio urodinámico se objetiva una posible disinergia vesico-esfinteriana no neurógena, con gran residuo postmiccional. Tras tratamiento con biofeedback se soluciona la disinergia, persistiendo el gran residuo. El estudio con videourodinamia permitió diagnosticar la presencia de un falso residuo postmiccional causado por el vaciamiento ureteral del reflujo bilateral masivo

We present a case report of a young male patient, with a bilateral vesico renal reflux. The urodynamic study findings suggested the possibility of a non-neurogenic bladder-external spincter dissinergya producing a valuable residual volume. After biofeedback treatment, the dissinergia disappeaed, but residual volume persisted. The videourodynamic assessment allowed us the accurate diagnosis of a false residual volume, produced by the voiding of the refluxed urine from the ureters into the bladder

[Vesicoureteric reflux and functional voiding dysfunction in children]. / Reflux vésico urétéral et troubles mictionnels fonctionnels chez l'enfant.

PURPOSE: To analyze the efficacy of the different treatments of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) associated with reflex bladder sphincter dyssynergia (RBSD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 33 children (28 girls) aged 4 to 12 years presenting reflex bladder sphincter dyssynergia and vesicoureteric reflux have been reviewed. The most common clinical symptom was urinary tract infection. Voiding dysfunction included: dysuria, urinary leak, enuresia, urgency, constipation. In most cases, vesicoureteric reflux was low grade (grade 1, n=9; grade 2, n=18; grade 3, n=6) and bilateral (n=18). Three types of treatments have been utilized: reimplantation, reeducation, medical treatment (diet, antibio-prophylaxis, anti-cholinergics). RESULTS: Eleven children (2 with a solitary kidney) underwent early reimplantation which was effective on vesicoureteric reflux but 6 of them had post-operative voiding dysfunction and 5 had a new episode of urinary infection. Six had reeducation first then they underwent reimplantation. Sixteen children had an exclusive medical treatment (13 with reeducation). In 9 children vesicoureteric reflux disappeared (one child still complains of voiding dysfunction). In 7, voiding dysfunction improved but vesicoureteric reflux is still present. CONCLUSION: The management of vesicoureteric reflux associated with reflex bladder sphincter dyssynergia is complex. Surgery should certainly not be the initial treatment. However, it can remain useful if one wishes to get complete resolution of reflux.

[The conservative treatment of children with vesico-ureteral reflux]. / Konservativnoe lechenie detei s puzyrno-mochetochnikovym refliuksom.

The article deals with the results of examination and nonoperative treatment of 120 children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Their ages ranged from 3 to 13 years. The authors used a complex of methods for the examination of the functional condition of the kidneys, upper urinary tract (excretory urography, renoscintigraphy, electroureterography, clearance tests), lower urinary tract (cystography, cystoscopy, cystotonometry, urethroprofilometry, electromyography of the detrusor and its obturator apparatus), bacterio- and immunological studies (determination of the microbial number, bacteria covered with antibodies, immunoglobulins G, A, and M). The results of the study were analysed in 3 groups in which VUR was linked with normoreflexia (33.3%, group 1), hyperreflexia (48.6%, group 2), and hyporeflexia (18.1%, group 3). There was an obvious growth of cystitis incidence in patients with bladder dysfunction. The data of computed scintigraphy showed partial renal dysfunction in patients with unilateral VUR not only on the side of the affection but also in the contralateral intact kidney. It is assumed that there is a clear relation between the degree of renal dysfunction, the ureteral motor activity, and bladder dysfunction. The treatment included: (1) pharmacotherapy of neurogenous bladder dysfunction with belladonna preparations (in hyperreflex) and aceclidine (in hyporeflex urinary bladder) in optimization of the organism's bioenergetic processes; (2) percutaneous bladder electrostimulation; (3) combination of the listed methods together with cerucal. The results of treatment and the indications (absolute and relative) for nonoperative treatment of VUR in children are discussed.

[A method for the electrical impulse profilometry of the vesicoureteral segment]. / Sposob élektroimpul'snoi profilometrii puzyrno-mochetochnikovogo segmenta.

The proposed technique of electric stimulation (electric pulse profilometry) of vesicoureteral segment provides further possibilities in diagnosis, for children with reflux in particular. It enables one to identify the severity of pathological changes, the degree of immaturity of the aforementioned system and to assess the efficacy and potential of the method in children. The advisability of the technique, that could be monitored by various objective parameters derived from the comparison of the background and stimulation effect, was confirmed by the findings in 9 children with refluxed megaloureter.