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1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38661088

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare thrombotic microangiopathy resulting from dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway, leading to multi-organ dysfunction and chronic kidney disease. Eculizumab is an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody therapy that has significantly improved aHUS disease control and patient outcomes, however it requires fortnightly intravenous dosing. This often necessitates long term central access and a high hospital attendance burden. Ravulizumab is a novel, next-generation anti-C5 monoclonal antibody engineered from eculizumab to reduce endosomal degradation of the antibody, increasing the dosing interval up to 8 weeks. CASE SERIES: In this retrospective case series we present the transition of three children with aHUS from eculizumab to ravulizumab from a single tertiary paediatric nephrology service. All patients underwent genomic and immunological work up for aHUS, with no cause found. After stabilisation with eculizumab, two patients developed macrovascular thrombotic complications associated with indwelling central vascular catheters, ultimately leading to central access failure. All patients were transitioned from eculizumab to ravulizumab without relapse of aHUS. One patient successfully underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation with ravulizumab for complement inhibition. All patients have transitioned to peripheral access for infusions given the reduced frequency of dosing, maintaining good control of aHUS for 2-4 years. CONCLUSION: Ravulizumab permits sufficiently reduced frequency of infusion to allow for administration by peripheral cannulation - removing the risks of long term central vascular access often required to deliver eculizumab to paediatric patients.

2.
J Virol ; 98(3): e0180223, 2024 Mar 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38334329

ABSTRACT

With a high incidence of acute kidney injury among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, considerable attention has been focussed on whether SARS-CoV-2 specifically targets kidney cells to directly impact renal function, or whether renal damage is primarily an indirect outcome. To date, several studies have utilized kidney organoids to understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19, revealing the ability for SARS-CoV-2 to predominantly infect cells of the proximal tubule (PT), with reduced infectivity following administration of soluble ACE2. However, the immaturity of standard human kidney organoids represents a significant hurdle, leaving the preferred SARS-CoV-2 processing pathway, existence of alternate viral receptors, and the effect of common hypertensive medications on the expression of ACE2 in the context of SARS-CoV-2 exposure incompletely understood. Utilizing a novel kidney organoid model with enhanced PT maturity, genetic- and drug-mediated inhibition of viral entry and processing factors confirmed the requirement for ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 entry but showed that the virus can utilize dual viral spike protein processing pathways downstream of ACE2 receptor binding. These include TMPRSS- and CTSL/CTSB-mediated non-endosomal and endocytic pathways, with TMPRSS10 likely playing a more significant role in the non-endosomal pathway in renal cells than TMPRSS2. Finally, treatment with the antihypertensive ACE inhibitor, lisinopril, showed negligible impact on receptor expression or susceptibility of renal cells to infection. This study represents the first in-depth characterization of viral entry in stem cell-derived human kidney organoids with enhanced PTs, providing deeper insight into the renal implications of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. IMPORTANCE: Utilizing a human iPSC-derived kidney organoid model with improved proximal tubule (PT) maturity, we identified the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 entry in renal cells, confirming ACE2 as the sole receptor and revealing redundancy in downstream cell surface TMPRSS- and endocytic Cathepsin-mediated pathways. In addition, these data address the implications of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the setting of the commonly prescribed ACE-inhibitor, lisinopril, confirming its negligible impact on infection of kidney cells. Taken together, these results provide valuable insight into the mechanism of viral infection in the human kidney.


Subject(s)
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , Kidney , Organoids , SARS-CoV-2 , Virus Internalization , Humans , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19/virology , Kidney/cytology , Kidney/drug effects , Kidney/metabolism , Kidney/virology , Lisinopril/pharmacology , Lisinopril/metabolism , Organoids/cytology , Organoids/drug effects , Organoids/metabolism , Organoids/virology , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Virus Internalization/drug effects , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Acute Kidney Injury/metabolism , Acute Kidney Injury/virology , Kidney Tubules, Proximal/cytology , Kidney Tubules, Proximal/drug effects , Kidney Tubules, Proximal/metabolism , Kidney Tubules, Proximal/virology , Receptors, Coronavirus/metabolism , Models, Biological , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Endosomes/drug effects , Endosomes/metabolism , Endosomes/virology , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Stem Cells/cytology
3.
Kidney Int ; 103(1): 207-217, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36007597

ABSTRACT

Nedosiran is an investigational RNA interference agent designed to inhibit expression of hepatic lactate dehydrogenase, the enzyme thought responsible for the terminal step of oxalate synthesis. Oxalate overproduction is the hallmark of all genetic subtypes of primary hyperoxaluria (PH). In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we randomly assigned (2:1) 35 participants with PH1 (n = 29) or PH2 (n = 6) with eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2 to subcutaneous nedosiran or placebo once monthly for 6 months. The area under the curve (AUC) of percent reduction from baseline in 24-hour urinary oxalate (Uox) excretion (primary endpoint), between day 90-180, was significantly greater with nedosiran vs placebo (least squares mean [SE], +3507 [788] vs -1664 [1190], respectively; difference, 5172; 95% CI 2929-7414; P < 0.001). A greater proportion of participants receiving nedosiran vs placebo achieved normal or near-normal (<0.60 mmol/24 hours; <1.3 × ULN) Uox excretion on ≥2 consecutive visits starting at day 90 (50% vs 0; P = 0.002); this effect was mirrored in the nedosiran-treated PH1 subgroup (64.7% vs 0; P < 0.001). The PH1 subgroup maintained a sustained Uox reduction while on nedosiran, whereas no consistent effect was seen in the PH2 subgroup. Nedosiran-treated participants with PH1 also showed a significant reduction in plasma oxalate versus placebo (P = 0.017). Nedosiran was generally safe and well tolerated. In the nedosiran arm, the incidence of injection-site reactions was 9% (all mild and self-limiting). In conclusion, participants with PH1 receiving nedosiran had clinically meaningful reductions in Uox, the mediator of kidney damage in PH.


Subject(s)
Hyperoxaluria, Primary , Hyperoxaluria , Humans , Hyperoxaluria/urine , Hyperoxaluria, Primary/diagnosis , Hyperoxaluria, Primary/drug therapy , Hyperoxaluria, Primary/genetics , Oxalates/metabolism , RNA Interference , Double-Blind Method
4.
J Am Soc Nephrol ; 34(1): 88-109, 2023 01 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36167728

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: NPHS2 variants are the most common cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children >1 month old. Missense NPHS2 variants were reported to cause mistrafficking of the encoded protein, PODOCIN, but this conclusion was on the basis of overexpression in some nonpodocyte cell lines. METHODS: We generated a series of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines bearing pathogenic missense variants of NPHS2 , encoding the protein changes p.G92C, p.P118L, p.R138Q, p.R168H, and p.R291W, and control lines. iPSC lines were also generated from a patient with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (p.R168H homozygote) and a healthy heterozygous parent. All lines were differentiated into kidney organoids. Immunofluorescence assessed PODOCIN expression and subcellular localization. Podocytes were transcriptionally profiled and PODOCIN-NEPHRIN interaction interrogated. RESULTS: All variant lines revealed reduced levels of PODOCIN protein in the absence of reduced transcription. Although wild-type PODOCIN localized to the membrane, distinct variant proteins displayed unique patterns of subcellular protein trafficking, some unreported. P118L and R138Q were preferentially retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); R168H and R291W accumulated in the Golgi. Podocyte profiling demonstrated minimal disease-associated transcriptional change. All variants displayed podocyte-specific apoptosis, which was not linked to ER stress. NEPHRIN-PODOCIN colocalization elucidated the variant-specific effect on NEPHRIN association and hence NEPHRIN trafficking. CONCLUSIONS: Specific variants of endogenous NPHS2 result in distinct subcellular PODOCIN localization within organoid podocytes. Understanding the effect of each variant on protein levels and localization and the effect on NEPHRIN provides additional insight into the pathobiology of NPHS2 variants. PODCAST: This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/JASN/2023_01_05_JASN2022060707.mp3.


Subject(s)
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Nephrotic Syndrome , Child , Humans , Infant , Nephrotic Syndrome/genetics , Nephrotic Syndrome/metabolism , Kidney/metabolism , Mutation
5.
Kidney Int ; 102(5): 1013-1029, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35970244

ABSTRACT

The ability to generate 3-dimensional models of the developing human kidney via the directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells-termed kidney organoids-has been hailed as a major advance in experimental nephrology. Although these provide an opportunity to interrogate human development, model-specific kidney diseases facilitate drug screening and even deliver bioengineered tissue; most of these prophetic end points remain to be realized. Indeed, at present we are still finding out what we can learn and what we cannot learn from this approach. In this review, we will summarize the approaches available to generate models of the human kidney from stem cells, the existing successful applications of kidney organoids, their limitations, and remaining challenges.


Subject(s)
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Kidney Diseases , Pluripotent Stem Cells , Humans , Organoids , Kidney , Cell Differentiation
6.
J Paediatr Child Health ; 58(5): 758-761, 2022 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35348259

ABSTRACT

Advances in the speed and accessibility of genomic sequencing are broadening the application of this technology to rapid, acute care diagnostics and pre-conception carrier screening. In both circumstances, genetic counselling plays a critical role in preparing couples for the strengths and limitations of the testing. For pre-conception carrier screening in particular, it is important that parents and clinicians are aware that even in the absence of an identified risk for recessive disease, a baby with a genetic condition may still be conceived. As an example, we present the genomic journey of a couple who underwent pre-conception carrier screening and following a low-risk result, delivered a baby boy who was diagnosed with Type 1 Bartter syndrome. Ultra-rapid, post-natal, trio whole genome sequencing resolved both parents as carriers of pathogenic variants in SLC12A1, a gene not included in the original pre-conception screening panel. This family's story highlights (i) the intricacy of gene selection for pre-conception screening panels, (ii) the benefits of high-quality pre-test genetic counselling in supporting families through adverse genomic findings and (iii) the role rapid genomics can play in resolving uncertainty for families and clinicians in circumstances where suspicion of genetic disease exists. This article is accompanied by a Patient Voice perspective written by the child's parents, placing emphasis on the essential role genetic counselling played in their journey.


Subject(s)
Bartter Syndrome , Child , Female , Genetic Testing , Genomics , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male
7.
Br J Clin Pharmacol ; 88(6): 2525-2538, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34022071

ABSTRACT

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural biological pathway that inhibits gene expression by targeted degradation or translational inhibition of cytoplasmic mRNA by the RNA induced silencing complex. RNAi has long been exploited in laboratory research to study the biological consequences of the reduced expression of a gene of interest. More recently RNAi has been demonstrated as a therapeutic avenue for rare metabolic diseases. This review presents an overview of the cellular RNAi machinery as well as therapeutic RNAi design and delivery. As a clinical example we present primary hyperoxaluria, an ultrarare inherited disease of increased hepatic oxalate production which leads to recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones. In the most common form of the disease (Type 1), end-stage kidney disease occurs in childhood or young adulthood, often necessitating combined kidney and liver transplantation. In this context we discuss nedosiran (Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) and lumasiran (Alnylam Pharmaceuticals), which are both novel RNAi therapies for primary hyperoxaluria that selectively reduce hepatic expression of lactate dehydrogenase and glycolate oxidase respectively, reducing hepatic oxalate production and urinary oxalate levels. Finally, we consider future optimizations advances in RNAi therapies.


Subject(s)
Hyperoxaluria, Primary , RNA Interference , Adult , Female , Humans , Hyperoxaluria, Primary/genetics , Hyperoxaluria, Primary/metabolism , Hyperoxaluria, Primary/therapy , Male , Oxalates/metabolism , Oxalates/urine , RNA, Small Interfering , Young Adult
8.
Front Cell Dev Biol ; 9: 665409, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33981706

ABSTRACT

Postnatal neurodevelopment is profoundly influenced by environmental experiences. Environmental enrichment is a commonly used experimental paradigm that has uncovered numerous examples of experience-dependent plasticity in health and disease. However, the role of environmental enrichment in normal development, especially glial development, is largely unexplored. Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming glia in the central nervous system, provide metabolic support to axons and establish efficient saltatory conduction by producing myelin. Indeed, alterations in myelin are strongly correlated with sensory, cognitive, and motor function. The timing of developmental myelination is uniquely positioned to be influenced by environmental stimuli, as peak myelination occurs postnatally and continues into adulthood. To determine if developmental myelination is impacted by environmental experience, mice were housed in an enriched environment during peak myelination through early adulthood. Using translating ribosome affinity purification, oligodendrocyte-specific RNAs were isolated from subcortical white matter at various postnatal ages. RNA-sequencing revealed that differences in the oligodendrocyte translatome were predominantly evident after prolonged and continuous environmental enrichment. These translational changes corresponded with altered oligodendrocyte lineage cell dynamics and enhanced myelination. Furthermore, consistent with increased developmental myelination, enriched mice displayed enhanced motor coordination on a beam walking task. These findings indicate that protracted environmental stimulation is sufficient to modulate developmental myelination and to promote behavioral function.

9.
Sci Adv ; 7(1)2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33523862

ABSTRACT

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. We found recessive NOS1AP variants in two families with early-onset NS by exome sequencing. Overexpression of wild-type (WT) NOS1AP, but not cDNA constructs bearing patient variants, increased active CDC42 and promoted filopodia and podosome formation. Pharmacologic inhibition of CDC42 or its effectors, formin proteins, reduced NOS1AP-induced filopodia formation. NOS1AP knockdown reduced podocyte migration rate (PMR), which was rescued by overexpression of WT Nos1ap but not by constructs bearing patient variants. PMR in NOS1AP knockdown podocytes was also rescued by constitutively active CDC42Q61L or the formin DIAPH3 Modeling a NOS1AP patient variant in knock-in human kidney organoids revealed malformed glomeruli with increased apoptosis. Nos1apEx3-/Ex3- mice recapitulated the human phenotype, exhibiting proteinuria, foot process effacement, and glomerulosclerosis. These findings demonstrate that recessive NOS1AP variants impair CDC42/DIAPH-dependent actin remodeling, cause aberrant organoid glomerulogenesis, and lead to a glomerulopathy in humans and mice.


Subject(s)
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing , Kidney Diseases , Nephrotic Syndrome , Podocytes , Actins/genetics , Actins/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Animals , Formins/genetics , Humans , Kidney Diseases/metabolism , Mice , Nephrotic Syndrome/genetics , Nephrotic Syndrome/metabolism , Podocytes/metabolism
10.
Cell Stem Cell ; 28(4): 671-684.e6, 2021 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33378647

ABSTRACT

During development, distinct progenitors contribute to the nephrons versus the ureteric epithelium of the kidney. Indeed, previous human pluripotent stem-cell-derived models of kidney tissue either contain nephrons or pattern specifically to the ureteric epithelium. By re-analyzing the transcriptional distinction between distal nephron and ureteric epithelium in human fetal kidney, we show here that, while existing nephron-containing kidney organoids contain distal nephron epithelium and no ureteric epithelium, this distal nephron segment alone displays significant in vitro plasticity and can adopt a ureteric epithelial tip identity when isolated and cultured in defined conditions. "Induced" ureteric epithelium cultures can be cryopreserved, serially passaged without loss of identity, and transitioned toward a collecting duct fate. Cultures harboring loss-of-function mutations in PKHD1 also recapitulate the cystic phenotype associated with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.


Subject(s)
Organogenesis , Organoids , Cell Differentiation , Epithelium , Humans , Kidney , Nephrons
11.
Nat Commun ; 11(1): 964, 2020 02 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32075970

ABSTRACT

Hypoxic damage to the developing brain due to preterm birth causes many anatomical changes, including damage to the periventricular white matter. This results in the loss of glial cells, significant disruptions in myelination, and thereby cognitive and behavioral disabilities seen throughout life. Encouragingly, these neurological morbidities can be improved by environmental factors; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unknown. We found that early and continuous environmental enrichment selectively enhances endogenous repair of the developing white matter by promoting oligodendroglial maturation, myelination, and functional recovery after perinatal brain injury. These effects require increased exposure to socialization, physical activity, and cognitive enhancement of surroundings-a complete enriched environment. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified oligodendroglial-specific responses to hypoxic brain injury, and uncovered molecular mechanisms involved in enrichment-induced recovery. Together, these results indicate that myelin plasticity induced by modulation of the neonatal environment can be targeted as a therapeutic strategy for preterm birth.


Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/rehabilitation , Environment , Neuroprotection , White Matter/physiology , Animals , Animals, Newborn , Brain Injuries/pathology , Brain Injuries/physiopathology , Disease Models, Animal , Hypoxia/pathology , Hypoxia/physiopathology , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Mutant Strains , Myelin Sheath/physiology , Oligodendroglia/cytology , Oligodendroglia/metabolism , Oligodendroglia/physiology , RNA-Seq , Recovery of Function , White Matter/cytology , White Matter/injuries , White Matter/metabolism
12.
Nat Methods ; 16(1): 79-87, 2019 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30573816

ABSTRACT

The utility of human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids relies implicitly on the robustness and transferability of the protocol. Here we analyze the sources of transcriptional variation in a specific kidney organoid protocol. Although individual organoids within a differentiation batch showed strong transcriptional correlation, we noted significant variation between experimental batches, particularly in genes associated with temporal maturation. Single-cell profiling revealed shifts in nephron patterning and proportions of component cells. Distinct induced pluripotent stem cell clones showed congruent transcriptional programs, with interexperimental and interclonal variation also strongly associated with nephron patterning. Epithelial cells isolated from organoids aligned with total organoids at the same day of differentiation, again implicating relative maturation as a confounder. This understanding of experimental variation facilitated an optimized analysis of organoid-based disease modeling, thereby increasing the utility of kidney organoids for personalized medicine and functional genomics.


Subject(s)
Kidney/metabolism , Organoids/metabolism , Cell Differentiation/genetics , Clone Cells , Epithelial Cells/cytology , Gene Expression Profiling , Humans , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Kidney/cytology , Kidney Diseases/genetics , Kidney Diseases/pathology , Models, Biological , Organoids/cytology , Reproducibility of Results , Single-Cell Analysis , Transcription, Genetic
13.
Am J Hum Genet ; 102(5): 816-831, 2018 05 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29706353

ABSTRACT

Despite the increasing diagnostic rate of genomic sequencing, the genetic basis of more than 50% of heritable kidney disease remains unresolved. Kidney organoids differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of individuals affected by inherited renal disease represent a potential, but unvalidated, platform for the functional validation of novel gene variants and investigation of underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. In this study, trio whole-exome sequencing of a prospectively identified nephronophthisis (NPHP) proband and her parents identified compound-heterozygous variants in IFT140, a gene previously associated with NPHP-related ciliopathies. IFT140 plays a key role in retrograde intraflagellar transport, but the precise downstream cellular mechanisms responsible for disease presentation remain unknown. A one-step reprogramming and gene-editing protocol was used to derive both uncorrected proband iPSCs and isogenic gene-corrected iPSCs, which were differentiated to kidney organoids. Proband organoid tubules demonstrated shortened, club-shaped primary cilia, whereas gene correction rescued this phenotype. Differential expression analysis of epithelial cells isolated from organoids suggested downregulation of genes associated with apicobasal polarity, cell-cell junctions, and dynein motor assembly in proband epithelial cells. Matrigel cyst cultures confirmed a polarization defect in proband versus gene-corrected renal epithelium. As such, this study represents a "proof of concept" for using proband-derived iPSCs to model renal disease and illustrates dysfunctional cellular pathways beyond the primary cilium in the setting of IFT140 mutations, which are established for other NPHP genotypes.


Subject(s)
Cilia/pathology , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Kidney/pathology , Organoids/pathology , Amino Acid Sequence , Base Sequence , Carrier Proteins/chemistry , Carrier Proteins/genetics , Cells, Cultured , Cellular Reprogramming/genetics , Cerebellar Ataxia/genetics , Epithelial Cells/metabolism , Female , Fibroblasts/pathology , Flagella/metabolism , Gene Editing , Gene Expression Profiling , Heterozygote , Humans , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/pathology , Kidney/diagnostic imaging , Phenotype , RNA Stability/genetics , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Reproducibility of Results , Retinitis Pigmentosa/genetics , Spheroids, Cellular/metabolism , Spheroids, Cellular/pathology , Exome Sequencing
14.
Trends Neurosci ; 40(9): 572-587, 2017 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28844283

ABSTRACT

To date, studies have demonstrated the dynamic influence of exogenous environmental stimuli on multiple regions of the brain. This environmental influence positively and negatively impacts programs governing myelination, and acts on myelinating oligodendrocyte (OL) cells across the human lifespan. Developmentally, environmental manipulation of OL progenitor cells (OPCs) has profound effects on the establishment of functional cognitive, sensory, and motor programs. Furthermore, central nervous system (CNS) myelin remains an adaptive entity in adulthood, sensitive to environmentally induced structural changes. Here, we discuss the role of environmental stimuli on mechanisms governing programs of CNS myelination under normal and pathological conditions. Importantly, we highlight how these extrinsic cues can influence the intrinsic power of myelin plasticity to promote functional recovery.


Subject(s)
Environment , Myelin Sheath/physiology , Animals , Humans , Neuronal Plasticity/physiology
15.
Perit Dial Int ; 36(6): 684-687, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27903852

ABSTRACT

International guidelines in peritoneal dialysis (PD) advocate for regular application of topical mupirocin in chronic PD exit-site care. A strong evidence base links this treatment to reduced rates of exit-site infections and peritonitis. However, emerging reports of increasing mupirocin resistance and gram-negative infections are threatening the long-term viability of topical antibiotic ointments as a prophylactic treatment. Medical grade honey has multiple proven antibacterial and wound healing properties. High-quality randomized controlled trial evidence (the HONEYPOT trial), however, does not support the use of topical medical-grade honey over antibiotic ointments for the prevention of exit-site infection and peritonitis in adults. Pediatric representation in these studies is low, and these findings may not extrapolate to the pediatric context, which has a higher incidence of PD-related infection and a lower prevalence of diabetes.We present a series of 8 pediatric patients treated with topical Medihoney (Comvita, Paengaroa, New Zealand) in the context of poor exit-site condition, persistent infection, and recurrent granuloma where the addition of honey was felt to produce remarkable improvement in exit-site status.Medihoney is the first-line prophylactic exit-site ointment in PD exit sites at our institution and has been implicated in the salvage of peritoneal access in some patients. No exclusively pediatric studies have been performed; however, existing literature suggests a beneficial effect in promoting healing of infected wounds with a lower risk of developing antimicrobial resistance.


Subject(s)
Catheters, Indwelling/adverse effects , Honey , Peritoneal Dialysis/adverse effects , Peritonitis/prevention & control , Administration, Topical , Adolescent , Catheters, Indwelling/microbiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Equipment Contamination/prevention & control , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Male , New Zealand , Peritoneal Dialysis/methods , Peritonitis/etiology , Skin Care , Treatment Outcome
16.
Hum Vaccin Immunother ; 11(12): 2895-903, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26366978

ABSTRACT

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is an issue of global concern. The quality of communication between healthcare providers and parents can influence parental immunization acceptance. We aimed to describe immunization uptake following specialist immunization clinic (SIC) consultation for Australian children of VH parents as a cohort, and according to pre-clinic parental position on immunization. At a single tertiary pediatric SIC (RCH, Melbourne) a retrospective descriptive study classified VH families according to 3 proposed parental positions on immunization at initial clinic attendance. Immunization status at follow up was ascertained via the Australian Children's Immunization Register and National HPV Program Register and compared between groups. Of the VH cohort, 13/38 (34%) families were classified as hesitant, 21 (55%) as late/selective vaccinators and 4 (11%) as vaccine refusers. Mean follow up post-SIC attendance was 14.5 months. For the overall VH cohort, the majority chose selective immunization (42%) following SIC consultation. When analyzed by pre-clinic parental position on immunization, there was a trend for hesitant families to proceed with full immunization, selective families to continue selective immunization and refusing families to remain unimmunised (p < 0.0001). The most commonly omitted vaccines were hepatitis B (66%) and Haemophilus influenzae type B (55%), followed by the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (53%) and measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (53%). Immunization outcome appears to correlate with pre-clinic parental position on immunization for the majority of families attending a SIC in Australia, with selective immunization the most common outcome. Tailored communication approaches based on parental position on immunization may optimise clinic resources and engagement of families, but require prospective research evaluation.


Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data , Physician-Patient Relations , Treatment Refusal/statistics & numerical data , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Australia , Child , Child, Preschool , Communication , Female , Health Personnel , Humans , Infant , Male , Parents , Retrospective Studies
17.
Pediatr Nephrol ; 29(9): 1617-24, 2014 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24710747

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is increasing focus on the problems involved in the transition and transfer of young adult patients from paediatric to adult renal units. This situation was addressed by the 2011 International Pediatric Nephrology Association/International Society of Nephrology (IPNA/ISN) Consensus Statement on transition. METHODS: We performed a survey of transition practices of 15 paediatric nephrology units across Europe 2 years after publication of the consensus statement. RESULTS: Two thirds of units were aware of the guidelines, and one third had integrated them into their transition practice. Forty-seven per cent of units transfer five or fewer patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 per year to a median of five adult centres, with higher numbers of CKD stages 2-4 patients. Seventy-three per cent of units were required by the hospital or government to transfer patients by a certain age. Eighty per cent of units commenced transition planning after the patient turned 15 years of age and usually within 1-2 years of the compulsory transfer age. Forty-seven per cent of units used a transition or transfer clinic. Prominent barriers to effective transition were patient and parent attachment to the paediatric unit and difficulty in allowing the young person to perform self-care. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas awareness of the consensus statement is suboptimal, it has had some impact on practice. Adult nephrologists receive transferred patients infrequently, and the process of transition is introduced too late by paediatricians. Government- and hospital-driven age-based transfer policies distract focus from the achievement of competencies in self care. Variable use of transition clinics, written patient information and support groups is probably due to economic and human-resource limitations. The consensus statement provides a standard for evolving and evaluating transition policies jointly agreed upon by paediatric and adult units.


Subject(s)
Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Guideline Adherence/standards , Nephrology/standards , Patient Transfer/standards , Pediatrics/standards , Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Europe , Female , Hospital Units/standards , Hospital Units/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Male , Young Adult
18.
Pediatr Nephrol ; 29(7): 1279-82, 2014 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24346824

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic peritonitis is a recognised complication of peritoneal dialysis and has an incompletely understood pathophysiology. Current treatment options, including change of dialysate, change of peritoneal dialysis modality, steroids or antihistamines, are supported only by case reports with a lack of controlled trials or evidence-based guidelines. Leukotrienes are proinflammatory arachidonic acid metabolites produced by leucocytes and are involved in eosinophil chemotaxis. Montelukast is an orally administered leukotriene receptor antagonist commonly used in managing childhood atopic illnesses and theoretically safe for use in patients with renal failure. CASE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: We describe the first reported case of recurrent, symptomatic, eosinophilic peritonitis in a 15-year-old girl successfully treated with leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast after changes in dialysate and treatment with antihistamines failed to adequately control eosinophilic peritoneal infiltrates or symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Current scientific understanding of leukotrienes and eosinophil migration suggest that montelukast may be a well-tolerated, safe and efficacious treatment for eosinophilic peritonitis complicating peritoneal dialysis. Further cases and comparative studies are required to develop an evidence base for treatment of this condition.


Subject(s)
Acetates/therapeutic use , Eosinophilia/drug therapy , Leukotriene Antagonists/therapeutic use , Peritoneal Dialysis/adverse effects , Peritonitis/drug therapy , Quinolines/therapeutic use , Adolescent , Cyclopropanes , Female , Humans , Sulfides
19.
Pediatr Transplant ; 17(3): E93-9, 2013 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23461281

ABSTRACT

We present three cases of organ transplantation for atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome secondary to complement factor H mutation: one isolated renal transplant; one previously reported isolated liver transplant; and one combined liver and kidney transplant. All three patients were treated prior to the licensing of eculizumab for this condition, and all have had favourable outcomes with maintenance of graft function for years following transplantation. We discuss the evolution of transplantation therapy for aHUS over the last two decades. Transplantation decision-making in aHUS has evolved over this time with expanding knowledge of pathophysiology and genetics, alongside refined plasma exchange and anticoagulation protocols and improved centre experience. Our cases demonstrate how individual patient factors within this heterogeneous condition also underlie transplantation decisions and outcomes. Whilst our cases demonstrate that transplantation in aHUS can be a successful long-term treatment providing good quality of life, worldwide experience has proven that most curative treatment for aHUS strategies represents significant risks. Whether new pharmacotherapies such as eculizumab will alter this risk is yet to be determined.


Subject(s)
Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome/therapy , Kidney Transplantation/methods , Liver Transplantation/methods , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome , Child , Child, Preschool , Complement Factor H/metabolism , Female , Humans , Male , Plasma Exchange , Quality of Life , Renal Insufficiency/therapy , Risk , Treatment Outcome
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