Predictive Factors of Renal Graft Failure in Tunisian Children and young adults: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric end-stage renal disease is a rare but severe condition that causes numerous complications and impairs the quality of life of children. Kidney transplantation is the therapy of choice in pediatric end-stage renal disease. AIM: Our study aimed to identify the predictive factors of renal graft failure after kidney transplantation in Tunisian children and young adults. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective bicentric study of children and young adults (age≤20 years) who had undergone renal transplantation between 1989 and 2019 in Tunisia. We analyzed long-term survival rates and complications after pediatric kidney transplantation and searched for predictive parameters for graft dysfunction. We used a univariate and a multivariate analysis to identify predictive factors of graft survival. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients underwent 115 kidney transplantations. Graft failure occurred in 30% of the cases. The overall 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year graft survival rates were 92%, 89.1%, 85.9% and 74.5% respectively. The following parameters strongly influenced graft survival: immunosuppressive regimen including an association other than Mycophenolate mofetil- tacrolimus and corticosteroids (p=0.002), year of transplant (p<0.0001 for 1987-2000), deceased donor (p = 0.039), underlying etiology of end-stage renal disease (p=0.045), occurrence of acute or chronic rejection (p<0.001), a urine protein greater than 0.3 g/l per day (p=0.002), post-transplant urologic complications (p=0.002), five-year creatinine level>1.28 mg/dl (p<0.001). The overall 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year patients survival rates were 97%, 95%, 90.2% and 84.4% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified several predictive factors of graft failure in Tunisian children and young adults undergoing renal transplantation.

Delayed Graft Function in Pediatric Kidney Transplant: Risk Factors and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify risk factors and outcomes of delayed graft function in pediatric kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all kidney transplant recipients ≤19 years old followed up in our department for a period of 34 years, from January 1989 to December 2022. RESULTS: We included 113 kidney transplant recipients. Delayed graft function occurred in 17 cases (15%). Posttransplant red blood cell transfusion was strongly associated with delayed graft function (adjusted odds ratio = 23.91; 95% CI, 2.889-197.915). Use of allografts with multiple arteries and cold ischemia time >20 hours were risk factors for delayed graft function (adjusted odds ratio = 52.51 and 49.4; 95% CI, 2.576-1070.407 and 1.833-1334.204, respectively). Sex-matched transplants and living donors were protective factors for delayed graft function (adjusted odds ratio = 0.043 and 0.027; 95% CI, 0.005-0.344 and 0.003-0.247, respectively). Total HLA mismatches <3 played a protective role for delayed graft function (adjusted odds ratio = 0.114; 95% CI, 0.020-0.662), whereas transplant within compatible but different blood types increased the risk of delayed graft function (adjusted odds ratio = 20.54; 95% CI, 1.960- 215.263). No significant correlation was shown between delayed graft function and allograft survival (P = .190). Our study suggested delayed graft function as a key factor in allograft rejection-free survival (adjusted odds ratio = 3.832; 95% CI, 1.186-12.377). Delayed graft function was a negative factor for early graft function; patients with delayed graft function had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at discharge (P = .024) and at 3 (P = .034), 6 (P = .019), and 12 months (P = .011) posttransplant. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed graft function is a major determinant of early graft function and allograft rejection-free survival. Further research is required to establish proper preventive measures.

Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Organ Donation Among Tunisian Adults: Results of a National Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Attitudes and knowledge toward organ donation can influence a person's willingness to donate. The aim of this study was to assess attitudes and knowledge regarding organ donation among Tunisian adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a crosssectional survey at the national level from January 23 to February 15, 2017, among 1026 Tunisian adults. We used a standardized questionnaire to collect data by phone call. We performed statistical analyses with Stata software (version 11). RESULTS: The study included 495 male and 531 female participants. Forty-one percent of participants were 18 to 30 years old. In total, 81.7% had heard about organ donation. Fewer than half of respondents (47.8%) were aware that organ donation is regulated. In total, 80.7% accepted to donate their organs after death, and 32.2% had mentioned their opinion to relatives or friends. Only 1% had added their donor status on their national identity cards. CONCLUSIONS: Tunisian adults seem to have positive attitudes regarding organ donation. However, the proportion of respondents who included their donor status on their national identity cards was low. It is important to enhance information and education on organ donation in an effort to mitigate the shortage of organs.

An exceptional cause of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome in a 10-year-old boy.

Polyuria-polydipsia syndrome is a frequent symptom in pediatrics, primarily attributed to diabetes mellitus. In the context of diabetes insipidus, this syndrome can stem from central or nephrogenic factors. Sjögren's syndrome, an uncommon autoimmune disease in children, can affect multiple organs. Kidney involvement as described in adults is usually related to glomerular or tubular impairment, often linked to distal tubular acidosis. As a kidney involvement during childhood, Sjögren's syndrome has rarely been reported. Hereby, we present the case of Sjögren's syndrome revealed by polyuria-polydipsia syndrome in a 10-year-old boy.

Functional vesico-sphincteric disorders in children: clinical, urodynamic and evolutionary profile / Les troubles vésico-sphinctériens fonctionnels de l'enfant : profil clinique, urodynamique et évolutif

Background: Childhood vesico-sphincteric disorders are the cause of functional and psychological disability. They are also responsible for serious uronephrologic complications akin to neuro-bladder complications. In this study, we looked for the clinical manifestations linked to these disorders as well as the paraclinical and urodynamic anomalies and their therapeutic management. Methods: We carried out a retrospective and descriptive study of patients with vesico-sphincteric disorders, followed in the pediatrics department of Charles Nicolle hospital in Tunis. Results: In total 26 patients were included in our study. The median age at the first consultation in a pediatric nephrology department was 9 years (IQR 25 = 6 years; IQR 75 = 11 years). There was a predominance of girls: 19 boys and 43 girls. The filling phase and the voiding phase were dominated by the combination of three or more symptoms. Bladder tenderness was reduced in 12% of cases. Nineteen percent of patients reported post micturition dribble in the post-voiding phase. The flow rate curve was polyphasic in 36% of cases and flat in 11% of cases. The median of the post void residual was 62, 2 mL (IQR 25 = 25 mL; IQR 75 = 102 mL). Cystometry showed reduced bladder sensation in 14% of cases, detrusor overactivity in 65% of cases, bladder hypocontractility in 8% of cases, hypocompliant bladder in 42% of cases and small capacity in 88% of cases. Sphincter dysynergia was noted in 34% of patients. Anticholinergics were the most used in the treatment of disorders (53%). Renal failure was noted in 45% of the patients of which 11% had end-renal stage failure. During follow-up 16% of our patients required kidney replacement therapy. Conclusion: Given the seriousness of vesico-sphincteric disorders in children and the late discovery in the majority of cases at the complication stage, targeted primary prevention must be carried out based on continuous training of primary care physicians to minimize the appearance of complications involving the functional and vital prognosis of these children.

Introduction: Les troubles vésico-sphinctériens de l'enfant sont à l'origine d'un handicap fonctionnel et psychologique. Ils sont également responsables de complications uronéphrologiques graves s'apparentant aux complications des neuro-vessies. Le but de cette étude était d'étudier les manifestations cliniques liées à ces troubles ainsi que les anomalies paracliniques et urodynamiques et leur prise en charge thérapeutique. Méthodes: Dans ce travail, nous avons effectué une étude rétrospective et descriptive à propos de patients porteurs de troubles vésico-sphinctériens, suivis dans le service de pédiatrie de l'hôpital Charles Nicolle de Tunis. Résultats: Au total, 62 enfants ayant des troubles vésico-sphinctériens fonctionnels ont été inclus dans notre étude. La médiane d'âge à la première consultation dans un service de néphrologie pédiatrique était de 9 ans (IQR 25 = 6 ans ; IQR 75 = 11 ans). Il y avait une prédominance féminine : 19 garçons et 43 filles. La phase de remplissage et la phase mictionnelle étaient dominées par l'association de trois symptômes ou plus. La sensibilité vésicale était diminuée dans 12 % des cas. Dix-neuf pour cent des patients rapportaient des gouttes retardataires dans la phase post-mictionnelle. La courbe de débimétrie était polyphasique dans 36 % des cas et plate dans 11 % des cas. La médiane du résidu post-mictionnel était de 62,2 mL (IQR 25 = 25 mL ; IQR 75 = 102 mL). La cystomanométrie a montré une sensibilité vésicale réduite dans 14 % des cas, une hyperactivité détrusorienne dans 65 % des cas, une hypocontractilité vésicale dans 8 % des cas, une vessie hypocompliante dans 42 % des cas et de petite capacité dans 88 % des cas. Une dyssynergie vésico-sphinctérienne a été notée chez 34 % des patients. Les anticholinergiques étaient les plus utilisés dans le traitement des troubles (53 %). Une insuffisance rénale était notée dans 45 % des cas dont 11 % au stade terminal. Au cours du suivi, 16 % de nos patients avaient nécessité le recours à l'épuration extra-rénale. Conclusion: Compte tenu de la gravité des troubles vésico-sphinctériens chez l'enfant et la découverte tardive dans la majorité des cas au stade de complications, une prévention primaire ciblée doit être menée en s'appuyant sur une formation continue des médecins de première ligne pour minimiser l'apparition des complications mettant en jeu le pronostic fonctionnel et social de ces enfants.

Mesenteric Arterial Thrombosis Revealing Relapse of Nephrotic Syndrome in Young Women.

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is associated with a hypercoagulable state and may be complicated by thrombotic events. Venous thrombosis is well-acknowledged, while arterial thrombosis is rather unusual. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 20-year-old woman with a 12-year history of idiopathic NS revealed by extensive cerebral venous thrombosis with pulmonary embolism treated with anticoagulation therapy and oral corticosteroid therapy followed by mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The thrombophilia assessment did not show any abnormalities. The evolution was marked by the occurrence of several NS relapses controlled by oral corticosteroid therapy until 2017. Subsequently, the patient had not presented a relapse of her disease. The anticoagulant treatment and the MMF were therefore stopped. One year later, the patient presented with severe diffuse acute abdominal pain associated with postprandial vomiting and bilateral lower limb edema. Laboratory results confirmed a NS relapse. An abdominal CT scan revealed acute thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery with acute mesenteric ischemia. Intraoperative exploration showed mesenteric ischemia with extensive necrosis of the small intestine making their resections incompatible with life. The patient died after 48 hours. Conclusion: Mesenteric arterial thrombosis, which is a rare but life-threatening NS complication, should always be considered, especially in the case of acute non-specific digestive symptoms.

Predictive factors of urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in children: a prospective Tunisian study.

AIM: To identify the predictive factors for the occurrence of community-acquired urinary tract infections caused by Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli in children. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective observational study of children and young adults with community-acquired urinary tract infections caused by Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli. The study was conducted in the pediatric nephrology department in Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia from January 1st, 2019, to December 31, 2020. Patients ≤20 years with community-acquired urinary tract infection caused by Escherichia coli were included prospectively in our study. RESULTS: We collected 290 urinary tract infections in 218 patients, including 92 urinary tract infections due to Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli. The mean age of children was 50.10±54.28 months, with a female predominance in 65.2% of cases. Risk factors for the acquisition of multidrug-resistant bacteria were antibiotic therapy in the previous three months, antibiotic prophylaxis, hospitalization in the year preceding the urinary tract infections, and outpatient care in the previous six months (p < 0.05). Resistance to Ceftazidime, Cefotaxime, Cefixime, Gentamicin and Ofloxacin was significantly associated with the presence of an Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase strain. Antibiotic resistance was significantly more observed in the age group above 6 years. Co-habitation with health care worker was a risk factor for resistance to Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid. CONCLUSION: Understanding the epidemiological profile and risk factors for ESBL-producing UTIs, including Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in the pediatric population, could improve the therapeutic approach and lead to more rational prescription of antibiotics.

Tuberculosis and Takayasu arteritis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Takayasu arteritis is a rare and chronic granulomatous vasculitis that affects the large vessels. Takayasu arteritis targets the aorta and its branches and is still of unknown etiology. It often affects female patients under 50 years of age. A relationship between Takayasu arteritis and tuberculosis has been suggested for a long time. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a severe case of Takayasu arteritis in a 10-year-old Tunisian child revealed by renovascular hypertension with concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient is among only a few cases of Takayasu arteritis published worldwide affecting young infants and adolescents, which underlines the strong relationship between Takayasu arteritis and tuberculosis.

Adrenal neuroblastoma in three year old boy, mistaken for pancreatic tumor: A case report.

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, often manifests in the retroperitoneal region. We present a case of a 3-year-old boy with no previous medical history, presented for abdominal distension. Physical examination revealed a distinct, mobile, solid mass situated in the left lumbar region. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging displayed a well delimited, well-encapsulated mass attached to the tail of the pancreas. Urinary catecholamine metabolite levels were negative. Surgical exploration revealed that the tumor was primitively related to the left adrenal gland, and a complete resection was performed. The postoperative recovery was uncomplicated. NMYC oncogene was non-amplified.

Type II pleuropulmonary blastoma mistaken for rhabdomyosarcoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is rare, representing 0.3 % of all pediatric cancers. PPB is classified into three subtypes and may progress from type I to types II and III, with a worse prognosis. Given its rarity, the diagnosis is frequently challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: We report an occurrence of PPB in a 3-year-old girl, who presented recurrent pneumopathy. Imaging investigations revealed a large solid lesion in the left hemithorax. Biopsy followed by histological analysis suggested rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before proceeding to complete tumor excision. Surgical exploration revealed that the tumor was primitively related to parietal pleura and lower lobe of left lung. Histopathology of the tumor retained a definitive diagnosis of PPB type II. Postoperative course was uneventful, and a cerebral MRI ruled out brain metastasis. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered. DISCUSSION: Clinical expression of PPB is nonspecific and variable. It ranges from a dry cough to respiratory distress. Standard radiography is the first examination to perform and CT is the gold standard for characterization thoracic masses. Surgery and chemotherapy are the pillars of treatment. Indications depend on the tumor type, its extent and its resectability. CONCLUSION: PPB is an aggressive tumor that occurs only in children. Due to the rarity of PPB, evidence on optimal treatment is still insufficient. Careful follow-up is necessary searching for local recurrence or metastasis.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of Tunisian children with infantile nephropathic cystinosis.

BACKGROUND: Nephropathic cystinosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the CTNS gene which encodes cystinosin, a lysosomal cystine transporter. The spectrum of mutations in the CTNS gene is not well defined in the North African population. Here, we investigated twelve patients with nephropathic cystinosis belonging to eight Tunisian families in order to analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of Tunisian children with infantile nephropathic cystinosis. METHODS: Clinical data were collected retrospectively. Molecular analysis of the CTNS gene was performed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: We describe a new splicing mutation c.971-1G > C in the homozygous state in 6/12 patients which seems to be a founder mutation. The reported deletion of 23nt c.771_793 Del (p.Gly258Serfs*30) was detected in a homozygous state in one patient and in a heterozygous compound state with the c.971-1G > C mutation in 3/12 patients. Two of 12 patients have a deletion of exons 4 and 5 of the CTNS gene. None of our patients had the most common 57-kb deletion. CONCLUSIONS: The mutational spectrum in the Tunisian population is different from previously described populations. Thus, a molecular diagnostic strategy must be implemented in Tunisia, by targeting as a priority the common mutations described in this country. Such a strategy will allow a cost-effective diagnosis confirmation as well as early administration of treatment with oral cysteamine. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Phenotype Spectrum in Tunisian Population with NPHP1 Deletion.

Introduction: Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is a tubulointerstitial kidney disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Its genetic heterogeneity contributes to phenotype variability. The most frequent etiology of juvenile nephronophthisis is a mutation in the nephronophthisis type 1 (NPHP1) gene. This study aimed to evaluate the genotype-phenotype correlation in NPHP1 gene mutation. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed over 20 years from 1998 to 2018 to describe the clinical, biological, and radiological features associated with the large deletion NPHP1 gene in 32 patients. Results: The incidence of NPHP1 was 1.6/204041. Eighty-one percent of our patients were born out of consanguineous marriages. The mean age at diagnosis was 14 ± 7 years. The patients were divided into three groups: isolated nephronophthisis (72%), syndromic nephronophthisis (19%), and patients without recognizable syndrome (9%). Intrafamilial and geographical variability was observed in syndrome diagnoses and in age at the onset of CKD stage 5. Genotype frequency varied between 50% and 100% in genealogical data. Juvenile (47%), adolescent (37%), and adult (13%) clinical forms have been distinguished by the onset of CKD stage 5. The five-year survival rate of renal transplantation was 80%. Conclusion: Given the broad clinical spectrum of NPHP1 associated with the large deletion of the NPHP1 gene, no genotype-phenotype correlation could be established.

Mechanical complications of peritoneal dialysis in Tunisian children.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the method of choice for extra-renal replacement therapy (ERT) for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), because of its various advantages. However, it presents different infectious and non-infectious complications, causes of important morbidity and mortality. AIM: To determine the mechanical complications of PD in our center and to identify risk factors of their occurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the records of 99 patients who were treated with PD within the past eleven years in the department of pediatrics of the University Hospital Charles Nicolle of Tunis. Analysis examining possible risque factors were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients had mechanical complications with an incidence of peritoneal dialysis catheter revision of 1 procedure every 38 months. The causes were dominated by catheter migration (27.5%) and obstruction by fibrin or blood clotting (19.8%). A history of peritonitis (p=0.046) and the presence of comorbidity (p=0.008) were the two independent risk factors for catheter revision. Inguinal hernia was noted in six patients. No patient presented with a hydrothorax. Seven patients presented an episode of hemoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Our results lead us to focus our efforts on preventing peritonitis and controlling morbidity. Prospective studies will enable us to confirm our results.

Genotype-Phenotype correlation of distal renal tubular acidosis in Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a rare genetic disorder due to the incapacity of the α intercalated cells to excrete protons in the collecting duct. This impaired distal acidification of urine leads to a chronic hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with a normal plasma anion gap, hypokalemia, and hypercalciuria with hypocitraturia causing nephrocalcinosis. Primary dRTA is inherited either as an autosomal dominant (SLC1A4 gene) or autosomal recessive trait (ATP6V0A1/ATP6V1B1 genes). AIM: To analyze the genotype-phenotype correlation of dTA in Tunisia. METHODS: In this study we present all available data of patients followed in our center for dRTA over the last 28 years and who had a genetic study. This was a retrospective descriptive study from January 1991 to December 2018, conducted in the Pediatrics Department of the Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases of dRTA were collected and were offered genetic analysis to confirm the diagnosis. The molecular mutation was confirmed in 13 patients of whom 11 had homozygous mutations in ATP6V1B1(G1) and 2 had homozygous mutations in ATP6V0A4(G2). Median age of diagnosis was 8.9 months. Severe growth retardation was documented in nine children with mutations in ATP6V1B1, in eight children with no genetic mutation and in the two patients with a mutation in ATP6V0A4. All children were found to have metabolic acidosis at initial presentation. Hypokalemia was found in 19 children. All patients were polyuric. Twenty-two patients had nephrocalcinosis (88%). The treatment was based on alkali prescription and substitution of potassium chloride. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was documented in 12 children. At the last consultation, 14 patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2 or higher, 8 of whom were in the group with negative genetic analysis. CONCLUSION: According to the early onset in patients, the recessive mode seems to be the mode of transmission in Tunisia. dRTA was long considered to not affect renal function, but we note a decline in eDFG.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1: Clinical, genetic, and evolutionary characteristics in Tunisian children.

INTRODUCTION: There are three types of primary hyperoxaluria, with type 1 considered the most severe. AIM: To analyze the clinical, genetic, and evolutionary characteristics of type 1 primary hyperoxaluria with pediatric onset. METHODS: This was a retrospective, descriptive study that included Tunisian children under the age of 18 at the time of diagnosis over a period of 25 years (January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2022). RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included, with a mean age of 4.1 years. The most common presenting circumstances of the disease were nephrolithiasis and end-stage renal failure. The average serum creatinine level was 225.42 µmol/l. Five mutations were identified, with the p.Ile244Thr mutation being the most prevalent. Nephrocalcinosis, surgical intervention, and a creatinine level ≥57 µmol/l were predictive of progression to end-stage renal failure. The infantile form was predictive of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for the disease would improve the prognosis of this condition.

Monogenic urinary lithiasis in Tunisian children: 25 years' experience of a referral center.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, biochemical and evolutive profile of monogenic urinary lithiasis in Tunisian children followed up in a reference service, during a 25 years period. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective observational study of children with urolithiasis, conducted in the pediatric nephrology department in Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia over 25 years (January 1st, 1996 to December 31, 2020). Children≤18 of age with urolithiasis with or without nephrocalcinosis related to a monogenic disease were included in our study. RESULTS: A total of 66 children were included in our study. Patients were 5.92±3.48 years of age at the time of urolithiasis diagnosis, and 5.33±3.66 years of age at the time of the underlying pathology diagnosis. The inherited urolithiasis disorders found in our series were: primary hyperoxaluria in 44 cases, cystinuria in 9 cases, Lesch Nyhan syndrome in 5 cases. Renal tubular acidosis was found in 3 cases, and hereditary xanthinuria in 2 cases. Bartter syndrome, adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency and Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria were found in 1 case each. After an average follow-up of 6.45±3.79 years, six patients were in end-stage renal disease. Three patients had died, all of them being followed for primary hyperoxaluria type 1. CONCLUSIONS: Monogenic urinary lithiasis, although rare, are most likely under-diagnosed in countries with high consanguinity such as Tunisia. The screening of these diseases seems to be of primary importance because of their significant morbidity.

[Epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary particularities of primary distal tubular acidosis in Tunisian children]. / Particularités épidémiologiques, cliniques et évolutives de l'acidose tubulaire distale primitive chez l'enfant tunisien.

INTRODUCTION: The distal renal tubular acidosis of children is characterized by hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap, hypokalemia, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis. It is secondary to the inability of alpha intercalar cells of the distal tubule to acidify urine of genetic origin. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the epidemiological aspects of distal tubular acidosis in Tunisia and study its evolutionary profile. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study involving 44 patients followed at the paediatrics department of the Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis for 28 years (1991-2018). RESULTS: The most common discovery circumstances were growth retardation (88.6%), dehydration (56.8%), ployuro-polydipsic syndrome (47.7%), vomiting (40.9%) and nephrocalcinosis (38.6%). Growth retardation was found in 52.3% of patients. Dehydration was diagnosed in 59.1% of patients on the first exam. Polyuria was constant with an average diuresis of 8 cc/kg/h. All patients had the complete form of distal renal tubular acidosis with an average alkaline reserve of 11.1 mmol/L. Nephocalcinosis was found in 77.3% associated with nepholithiasis in 22.7%. Twenty-four patients had sensorineural deafness, nine of whom had ATP6V1B1/2p13 mutation. The ATP6V0A4/7q33-34 mutation was present in two patients. We used a high alkaline treatment dose with an average maintenance dose of 8.17 mmol/kg/24 hours. In the long term, stunting persisted in 34% of patients. The mean of creatinine's clearance at the last evaluation was 89.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 SC with stage 2 of chronic kidney disease in 50% of patients. CONCLUSION: Distal renal tubular acidosis has long been considered a benign pathology but is responsible for a progressive decline in GFD. Adequate metabolic control is needed to stabilize kidney function.