Role of Cinacalcet in Treating Cardiac Dysfunction Secondary to Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Series.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A strong correlation exists between disturbed calcium-phosphate metabolism and cardiac dysfunction. Studies with use of cinacalcet in CKD are few and limited to older children and adults and in improving growth and bone deformities. We present three children with CKD on CAPD with cardiac dysfunction with refractory hyperparathyroidism. Patients were initiated on lowest adult weight-adjusted dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day. Dose was titrated every 30 days to achieve decline in iPTH to a goal of 200- 300 pg/ml. Serum calcium, phosphorus and iPTH levels were checked monthly. Complications of therapy related to cinacalcet monitored. Monthly echocardiography done to monitor cardiac dysfunction. None of them experienced significant adverse effects of cinacalcet therapy.

Frequent relapses in a child with nephrotic syndrome due to PLEVA.

A seven-year-old boy with nephrotic syndrome presented with a frequent rash along with relapse of nephrotic syndrome. Clinical and histological features were suggestive of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA). Treatment of the condition with doxycycline led to the cure of the lesions as well as the relapses.

Association of Hypocapnia in Children with Febrile Seizures.

INTRODUCTION: Febrile seizure is a benign condition in children. Susceptibility genes associated with febrile convulsions have been identified, but the precise pathophysiologic mechanism that triggers febrile seizure is unclear. Using animal models, it has been demonstrated that hyperthermia causes respiratory alkalosis with consequent brain alkalosis and seizures. This study was conducted to find out any association of febrile seizures with fever induced hypocapnia. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional observational study and enrolled 45 children presenting with febrile seizures. Axillary temperature was measured and venous blood gas analysis was done soon after admission and within 24 hour of seizure onset. Mean pH and pCO2 from venous blood gas analysis was measured and compared with standard normal values. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 17.0 software. RESULTS: The mean pCO2 (27.95 ± 5.31mmHg) was much below normal range, and 91% of children had hypocapnia (pCO2 <35) after the febrile seizures. However alkalosis (pH > 7.45) was demonstrated in only 20% of children. Also pCO2 levels in samples drawn before 2 hours were significantly less than those taken after 2 hours (23.24 ± 3.44 vs 29.29 ± 4.99 respectively; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that febrile seizures may be associated with fever induced hyperventilation and ensuing hypocapnia may be one of the precipitating factor in inducing seizures. However, well-structured human trials are needed to demonstrate the same.