Evaluation of the Claria sharesource system from the perspectives of patient/caregiver, physician, and nurse in children undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is increasingly preferred worldwide. By using a software application (Homechoice with Claria sharesource system (CSS)) with a mod-M added to the APD device, details of the home dialysis treatment become visible for PD nurses and physicians, allowing for close supervision. We aimed to evaluate the perceptions of patients/caregivers, PD nurses, and physicians about the advantages and disadvantages of CSS. METHODS: Three different web-based questionnaires for patients/caregivers, nurses, and physicians were sent to 15 pediatric nephrology centers with more than 1 year of experience with CSS. RESULTS: Respective questionnaires were answered by 30 patients/caregivers, 22 pediatric nephrologists, and 15 PD nurses. Most of the nurses and physicians (87% and 73%) reported that CSS improved patient monitoring. A total of 73% of nurses suggested that CCS is not well known by physicians, while half of them reported reviewing CSS data for all patients every morning. Sixty-eight percent of physicians thought that CSS helps save time for both patients/caregivers and healthcare providers by reducing visits. However, only 20% of patients/caregivers reported reduced hospital visits. A total of 90% of patients/caregivers reported that being under constant monitoring made them feel safe, and 83% stated that the patient's sleep quality improved. CONCLUSIONS: A remote monitoring APD system, CSS, can be successfully applied with children for increased adherence to dialysis prescription by giving shared responsibility and may help increase the patient's quality of life. This platform is more commonly used by nurses than physicians. Its potential benefits should be evaluated in further well-designed clinical studies with larger patient groups. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Retrospective evaluation of the pediatric multicystic dysplastic kidney patients: experience of two centers from southeastern Turkey

Background/aim: The objective of this study is to determine the clinical features of unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) patients. Materials and methods: The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic features of MCDK patients at Diyarbakir Children's Hospital and Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital between January 2008-June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: A total of 111 [59 (53.2%) male and 52(46.8%) female] patients with MCDK were followed for a mean period of 41.89 ± 32.03 months. MCDK was located on the left and right sides in 46 (41.4%) and 65 (58.6%) of the children, respectively (p > 0.05). A total of 87 (78.4%) patients had antenatal diagnosis. The mean age at diagnosis was 13.7 ± 34.2 months. Of the 49 voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)-performed patients, vesicoureteral reflux was detected in 11 patients (22.4%). Other associated urological anomalies in the patients were detected in 12 (10.8%) patients. On Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy which was performed in all patients showed scarring in four children. Eight patients had history of UTI (7.2%). Renal failure, hypertension, and proteinuria were diagnosed in three children (2.7%). Sixty-nine (62%) patients developed compensatory hypertrophy. Conclusion: All cases should be followed up closely and VCUG should be reserved for patients with recurrent UTI and other urological problems indicated by ultrasonography and abnormal DMSA scan results.

Proteinuria in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Proteinuria has been shown to be an important and potentially treatable risk factor for graft loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence, etiology, and outcome of proteinuria during the follow-up of children with renal transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed the files of renal transplanted children between 2006 and 2016 in our center. All patients were interpreted with respect to the demographic data and clinical and laboratory features including information about proteinuria. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analysis. Fifty-two children were eligible for the study. Proteinuria was observed in 34 (65%) and nephrotic range proteinuria was detected in 5 (9.6%) patients. Etiology of proteinuria could be identified in 21 patients. Acute rejection and uncontrolled hypertension were the most frequent causes of proteinuria. Proteinuria had resolved during the follow-up in 59% of the patients. We found that children with and without proteinuria had similar glomerular filtration rate at the end of 50 months of follow-up period. Proteinuria seems to be a common complication in renal transplant recipients. Graft functions can be preserved by immediate evaluation of increasing proteinuria, and by fixing treatable causes rapidly and efficiently during the follow-up in majority of the patients.

Clinico-radiological correlation of nutcracker syndrome: a single centre experience. / Correlación clínico-radiológica del síndrome del cascanueces: Experiencia en un solo centro.

The term nutcracker syndrome (NS) refers to the compression of left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) causing renal venous hypertension. The symptoms vary from asymptomatic hematuria to severe pelvic congestion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with NS and the correlation between clinical and laboratory findings with Doppler sonographic measurements. Sixty-three patients were evaluated (19 boys and 44 girls) since January 2004 to January 2014. The mean age of the patients was 12.21 ± 3.21 years (range 7-17). Hematuria and proteinuria disappeared during the follow up of 9/63 patients. These nine patients showed statistically significant difference in upright SMA angles (p= 0.035). Doppler sonographic evaluation is a non-invasive method for diagnosis NS. Upright SMA angle measurement is more efficient than supine SMA angle measurement on clinicoradiological correlation.

Se llama ô€€€síndrome del cascanuecesô€€€ a la compresión de la vena renal izquierda entre la aorta y la arteria mesentérica superior (AMS) que causa hipertensión venosa renal. Los síntomas varían desde hematuria asintomática hasta congestión pélvica grave. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar las características clínicas de pacientes con síndrome del cascanueces y la correlación entre los datos clínicos y analíticos, y los resultados de las ecografías Doppler. De enero de 2004 a enero de 2014, se evaluaron 63 pacientes (19 niños y 44 niñas). La media de la edad de los pacientes fue de 12,21 ± 3,21 años (intervalo: 7-17). Durante el seguimiento, la hematuria y la proteinuria desaparecieron en 9 de 63 pacientes. Estos 9 pacientes mostraron una diferencia estadísticamente significativa del ángulo entre la aorta y la AMS (p= 0,035) en la medición en posición erguida. La evaluación mediante ecografía Doppler es un método no invasivo para el diagnóstico del síndrome del cascanueces. En la correlación clínico-radiológica, la medición del ángulo aorto-mesentérico en posición erguida es más eficaz que en decúbito supino.

An unexpected diagnostic course of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TM), especially thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is described in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a severe hematological involvement. However hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is seen less frequently in SLE, particularly as an initial presentation. Here we present a 15-year old boy presenting with gross hematuria, decreased urinary output and petechial lesions. He was diagnosed as atypical HUS according to the classical triad of TM, along with observation of hypocomplementemia and negative stool cultures. In addition, his symptoms fulfilled the 2012 revised criteria for the classification of SLE. He was treated with plasma infusions and methylprednisolone/prednisone. At follow up his laboratory findings and general condition improved and no relapse was seen.

Hemorragia pulmonar, una complicación poco frecuente en una niña con púrpura de Schonlein-Henoch / Pulmonary hemorrhage, a rare complication in a girl with Henoch-Schonlein purpura

La púrpura de Schonlein-Henoch (PSH) es la vasculitis más frecuente en los niños. Los procesos vasculíticos pueden afectar el pulmón. Si bien la hemorragia alveolar difusa puede considerarse una de las manifestaciones de la PSH, no es un cuadro frecuente. En este artículo presentamos el caso de una niña de 10 años con nefritis por PSH que sufrió hemorragia pulmonar. La paciente recibió un tratamiento satisfactorio con metilprednisolona intravenosa. La revisión de las publicaciones reveló que la edad temprana puede influir de manera positiva en el pronóstico, y que los inmunosupresores y el tratamiento complementario son fundamentales.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis in children. Vasculitic processes can involve the lung. Although diffuse alveolar hemorrhage may be seen as one of the manifestation of HSP, it is not a frequent presentation. Here we reported the case of a 10-year-old girl with HSP nephritis who developed pulmonary hemorrhage. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous methylprednisolone. A review of the literature revealed that young age may be a good prognostic sign and that immunosuppressive drugs and supportive management are essential in the treatment.

Pulmonary hemorrhage, a rare complication in a girl with Henoch-Schönlein purpura / Hemorragia pulmonar, una complicación poco frecuente en una niña con púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis in children. Vasculitic processes can involve the lung. Although diffuse alveolar hemorrhage may be seen as one of the manifestation of HSP, it is not a frequent presentation. Here we reported the case of a 10-year-old girl with HSP nephritis who developed pulmonary hemorrhage. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous methylprednisolone. A review of the literature revealed that young age may be a good prognostic sign and that immunosuppressive drugs and supportive management are essential in the treatment.

La púrpura de Schonlein-Henoch (PSH) es la vasculitis más frecuente en los niños. Los procesos vasculíticos pueden afectar el pulmón. Si bien la hemorragia alveolar difusa puede considerarse una de las manifestaciones de la PSH, no es un cuadro frecuente. En este artículo presentamos el caso de una niña de 10 años con nefritis por PSH que sufrió hemorragia pulmonar. La paciente recibió un tratamiento satisfactorio con metilprednisolona intravenosa. La revisión de las publicaciones reveló que la edad temprana puede influir de manera positiva en el pronóstico, y que los inmunosupresores y el tratamiento complementario son fundamentales.

Anti-VEGF-related thrombotic microangiopathy in a child presenting with nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway has become an important approach to current cancer therapy. Anti-VEGF therapy-related renal adverse effects may present as hypertension, non-nephrotic proteinuria, and rarely as nephrotic syndrome (NS) and acute kidney injury. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: In this report, we present a 15-year-old boy who had developed nephrotic syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy 26 months after administration of anti-VEGF therapy. Treatment was discontinued and nephrotic syndrome remitted spontaneously within 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrologists should be aware of the side effects of anti-VEGF therapy. Early diagnosis and prompt management with withdrawal of the agents will result in spontaneous remission.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to Varicella zoster infection in a child with Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a fatal, hyper-inflammatory syndrome that is characterized by untimely activation of macrophages, and manifests as cytopenia, organ dysfunction, and coagulopathy. Secondary HLH can be associated with infection, drugs, malignancy, and transplantation, and is mostly triggered by infection. Herein, we report the case of a patient with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) who developed severe HLH secondary to Varicella zoster infection.

Interleukin-1 targeting treatment in familial Mediterranean fever: an experience of pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this report was to evaluate and discuss treatment of pediatric familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients with anti-interleukin1 (IL-1) agents. METHODS: Refractory or colchicine unresponsive FMF was described as severe and frequent attacks and/or having high acute phase reactance levels despite having a maximum dose of colchicine (2 mg/day). Disease course, adverse effects, duration of follow-up, treatment protocols, responses to the therapies were discussed. RESULTS: Eight patients (6 male, 2 female) having refractory FMF were identified. Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene analyses revealed homozygous M694V mutations in six patients and heterozygote M694V mutations in one patient and no mutation in one patient. They were all treated with anakinra and/or canakinumab. The use of anti-IL-1 drugs was beneficial to all patients. None of them had any severe adverse effects due to the therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Anakinra and canakinumab were effective in patient refractory to colchicine treatment as shown both in our series and in the literature. Therefore, controlled trials are needed to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of IL-1 targeting agents in colchicine resistant patients.

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis: a case series and long-term renal outcomes.

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is a common cause of acute renal impairment, characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the interstitium of the kidney. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 19 acute TIN patients attended to our Pediatric Nephrology department between April 1999 and April 2014. Nineteen patients (7 boys and 12 girls) were evaluated. The median age was 14 years (range 7-19). Five were diagnosed as TIN histopathologically, fourteen patients were diagnosed as clinically. Six patients were treated with steroids, thirteen patients were treated symptomatically. All patients showed a rapid recovery at longest in one month. TIN is a common cause of acute renal impairment. Renal biopsy is recommended for persistent cases. Renal outcome is mostly good with symptomatic treatment but steroids could be preferred in severe nephritis however long-term follow up showed no differences between the treated and non-treated group.

Clinical characteristics of paediatric neuro-Behçet's disease: a single tertiary centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the demographic and neurological features and treatment modalities of neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) in children, to share our experiences and to summarise the literature. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of Behçet's disease (BD) patients who attended our paediatric rheumatology department between December 2005 and October 2013. Five patients had the diagnosis of NBD. Initial neurological presentation, clinical BD presentation, magnetic resonance imaging pictures of those five patients was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients were diagnosed with BD. Among BD patients five of them were identified with NBD (27.8%). The mean age of NBD patients at the time of diagnosis was 12.4 years (range 5.5-15 years). The mean follow-up time after the neurological involvement was 5.2 years (range 0.5-14). In two cases neurological involvement occurred at the same time with the onset of other clinical findings of BD (40%). Both of these patients had parenchymal involvement. Three patients were admitted with headache as the initial neurological symptom. They revealed benign intracranial hypertension. One of them had cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). The other two had normal cranial magnetic resonance imagines. All patients received colchicine and steroid, two of them who had parenchymal involvement received also cytotoxic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that neurological symptoms can be the first manifestations of BD in children. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility and when a patient presents with neurological manifestations, it would be valuable to query the patient for the clinical features of Behçet's disease.

Cytomegalovirus-related hemorrhagic cystitis in an immunocompetent child.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are mostly seen in immunocompromised patients. However, unusual manifestations or complications of acquired CMV infections in immunocompetent patients are rarely reported. CMV-related hemorrhagic cystitis is extremely rare but should be considered even in immunocompetent patients. We present a case of a 3-year-old immunocompetent boy with intermittent, terminal gross hematuria lasting for 1 month. There was no history of genitourinary trauma or stone disease. Urine analysis revealed hematuria with eumorphic red blood cells and no proteinuria. Urine culture was negative. Ultrasonography showed increased bladder wall thickness and irregularity at inferior of bladder. Cystoscopy revealed hyperemia and edema. Histopathological examination was consistent with CMV infection, viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood and urine were positive. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging features pointed towards hemorrhagic cystitis due to CMV. He was followed-up with no treatment. After 1 month, repeated investigations showed complete resolution of finding. This is a rare description of an immunocompetent child with CMV-induced cystitis.