Urine soluble TLR4 levels may contribute to predict urinary tract infection in children: the UTILISE Study.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common bacterial infections in childhood is urinary tract infection (UTI). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) contribute to immune response against UTI recognizing specific pathogenic agents. Our aim was to determine whether soluble TLR4 (sTLR4), soluble TLR5 (sTLR5) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) can be used as biomarkers to diagnose UTI. We also aimed to reveal the relationship between urine Heat Shock Protein 70 (uHSP70) and those biomarkers investigated in this study. METHODS: A total of 802 children from 37 centers participated in the study. The participants (n = 282) who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded from the study. The remaining 520 children, including 191 patients with UTI, 178 patients with non-UTI infections, 50 children with contaminated urine samples, 26 participants with asymptomatic bacteriuria and 75 healthy controls were included in the study. Urine and serum levels of sTLR4, sTLR5 and IL-8 were measured at presentation in all patients and after antibiotic treatment in patients with UTI. RESULTS: Urine sTLR4 was higher in the UTI group than in the other groups. UTI may be predicted using 1.28 ng/mL as cut-off for urine sTLR4 with 68% sensitivity and 65% specificity (AUC = 0.682). In the UTI group, urine sTLR4 levels were significantly higher in pyelonephritis than in cystitis (p < 0.0001). Post-treatment urine sTLR4 levels in the UTI group were significantly lower than pre-treatment values (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Urine sTLR4 may be used as a useful biomarker in predicting UTI and subsequent pyelonephritis in children with UTI. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Complement gene mutations in children with C3 glomerulopathy: do they affect the response to mycophenolate mofetil?

BACKGROUND: C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a complement-mediated disease. Although genetic studies are not required for diagnosis, they are valuable for treatment planning and prognosis prediction. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical phenotypes, kidney survival, and response to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment in pediatric C3G patients with and without mutations in complement-related genes. METHODS: Sixty pediatric C3G patients were included, divided into two groups based on complement-related gene mutations. Demographic and clinical-pathological findings, treatment modalities, and outcome data were compared, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for kidney survival. RESULTS: Out of the 60 patients, 17 had mutations. The most common mutation was in the CFH gene (47%). The mean age at diagnosis was higher in the group with mutation (12.9 ± 3.6 vs. 11.2 ± 4.1 years, p = 0.039). While the patients without mutation most frequently presented with nephritic syndrome (44.2%), the mutation group was most likely to have asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (47.1%, p = 0.043). Serum parameters and histopathological characteristics were similar, but hypoalbuminemia was more common in patients without mutation. During 45-month follow-up,10 patients progressed to chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5), with 4 having genetic mutation. The time to develop CKD5 was longer in the mutation group but not significant. MMF treatment had no effect on progression in either group. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the largest pediatric C3G study examining the relationship between genotype and phenotype. We showed that the mutation group often presented with asymptomatic urinary abnormalities, was diagnosed relatively late but was not different from the without mutation group in terms of MMF treatment response and kidney survival.

Neuropsychiatric involvement in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement is a restricted area in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE). AIM: To investigate the prevalence, demographic and clinical features, and outcomes of the neurological involvement in the Turkish jSLE population. METHODS: This study was based upon 24 referral centers' SLE cohorts, multicenter and multidisciplinary network in Turkey. Patient data were collected by a case report form which was standardized for NP definitions according to American Collage of Rheumatology (ACR). Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) neuropsychiatric part was used to determine NP damage. Variables were evaluated Ward's hierarchical clustering analyses, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A hundred forty-nine of 1107 jSLE patients had NP involvement (13.5%). The most common NPSLE findings were headache (50.3%), seizure (38.3%), and acute confusional state (33.6%). Five clusters were identified with all clinical and laboratory findings. The first two clusters involved neuropathies, demyelinating diseases, aseptic meningitis, and movement disorder. Cluster 3 involved headache, activity markers and other SLE involvements. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, psychiatric disorders and SLE antibodies were in the fourth, and acute confusional state was in the fifth cluster. In multivariate analysis, APA positivity; OR: 2.820, (%95CI: 1.002-7.939), P: 0,050, plasmapheresis; OR: 13.804 (%95CI: 2.785-68.432), P: 0,001, SLEDAI scores; OR: 1.115 (%95CI: (1.049-1.186), P: 0,001 were associated with increased risk for neurologic sequelae. CONCLUSION: We detected the prevalence of juvenile NPSLE manifestations in Turkey. We have identified five clusters that may shed light pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of NP involvements. We also determined risk factors of neurological sequelae. Our study showed that new definitions NP involvements and sequelae for childhood period are needed.

Urinary HSP70 improves diagnostic accuracy for urinary tract infection in children: UTILISE study.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of conventional urinalysis in diagnosing urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is limited, leading to unnecessary antibiotic exposure in a large fraction of patients. Urinary heat shock protein 70 (uHSP70) is a novel marker of acute urinary tract inflammation. We explored the added value of uHSP70 in discriminating UTI from other infections and conditions confused with UTI. METHODS: A total of 802 children from 37 pediatric centers in seven countries participated in the study. Patients diagnosed with UTI (n = 191), non-UTI infections (n = 178), contaminated urine samples (n = 50), asymptomatic bacteriuria (n = 26), and healthy controls (n = 75) were enrolled. Urine and serum levels of HSP70 were measured at presentation in all patients and after resolution of the infection in patients with confirmed UTI. RESULTS: Urinary (u)HSP70 was selectively elevated in children with UTI as compared to all other conditions (p < 0.0001). uHSP70 predicted UTI with 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity (AUC = 0.934). Among the 265 patients with suspected UTI, the uHSP70 > 48 ng/mL criterion identified the 172 children with subsequently confirmed UTI with 90% sensitivity and 82% specificity (AUC = 0.862), exceeding the individual diagnostic accuracy of leukocyturia, nitrite, and leukocyte esterase positivity. uHSP70 had completely normalized by the end of antibiotic therapy in the UTI patients. Serum HSP70 was not predictive. CONCLUSIONS: Urine HSP70 is a novel non-invasive marker of UTI that improves the diagnostic accuracy of conventional urinalysis. We estimate that rapid urine HSP70 screening could spare empiric antibiotic administration in up to 80% of children with suspected UTI. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

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.

COVID-19 in pediatric nephrology centers in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on COVID-19 disease in children with kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of COVID-19 in pediatric nephrology patients in Turkey. METHODS: This was a national, multicenter, retrospective cohort study based on an online survey evaluating the data between 11th March 2020 and 11th March 2021 as an initial step of a detailed pediatric nephrology COVID-19 registry. RESULTS: Two hundred and three patients (89 girls and 114 boys) were diagnosed with COVID-19. One-third of these patients (36.9%) were between 10-15 years old. Half of the patients were on kidney replacement therapy: kidney transplant (KTx) recipients (n = 56, 27.5%), patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (n = 33, 16.3%) and those on peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n = 18, 8.9%). Fifty-four (26.6%) children were asymptomatic. Eighty-two (40.3%) patients were hospitalized and 23 (28%) needed intensive care unit admission. Fifty-five percent of the patients were not treated, while the remaining was given favipiravir (20.7%), steroid (16.3%), and hydroxychloroquine (11.3%). Acute kidney injury developed in 19.5% of hospitalized patients. Five (2.4%) had MIS-C. Eighty-three percent of the patients were discharged without any apparent sequelae, while 7 (3.4%) died. One hundred and eight health care staff were infected during the study period. DISCUSSION: COVID-19 was most commonly seen in patients who underwent KTx and received HD. The combined immunosuppressive therapy and frequent exposure to the hospital setting may increase these patients' susceptibility. Staff infections before vaccination era were alarming, various precautions should be taken for infection control, particularly optimal vaccination coverage.

Predictors of poor kidney outcome in children with C3 glomerulopathy.

BACKGROUND: C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is characterized by heterogeneous clinical presentation, outcome, and predominant C3 accumulation in glomeruli without significant IgG. There is scarce outcome data regarding childhood C3G. We describe clinical and pathological features, treatment and outcomes, and risk factors for progression to chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) in the largest pediatric series with biopsy-proven C3G. METHODS: Sixty pediatric patients with C3G from 21 referral centers in Turkey were included in this retrospective study. Patients were categorized according to CKD stage at last visit as CKD5 or non-CKD5. Demographic data, clinicopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome data were compared and possible risk factors for CKD5 progression determined using Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 10.6 ± 3.0 years and follow-up time 48.3 ± 36.3 months. Almost half the patients had gross hematuria and hypertension at diagnosis. Nephritic-nephrotic syndrome was the commonest presenting feature (41.6%) and 1/5 of patients presented with nephrotic syndrome. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was the leading injury pattern, while 40 patients had only C3 staining. Patients with DDD had significantly lower baseline serum albumin compared with C3GN. Eighteen patients received eculizumab. Clinical remission was achieved in 68.3%. At last follow-up, 10 patients (16.6%) developed CKD5: they had lower baseline eGFR and albumin and higher frequency of nephrotic syndrome and dialysis requirement than non-CKD5 patients. Lower serum albumin and eGFR at diagnosis were independent predictors for CKD5 development. CONCLUSIONS: Children with C3G who have impaired kidney function and hypoalbuminemia at diagnosis should be carefully monitored for risk of progression to CKD5. Graphical abstract.

Metabolic acidosis is common and associates with disease progression in children with chronic kidney disease.

Recent studies in adult chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggest that metabolic acidosis is associated with faster decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Alkali therapies improve the course of kidney disease. Here we investigated the prevalence and determinants of abnormal serum bicarbonate values and whether metabolic acidosis may be deleterious to children with CKD. Associations between follow-up serum bicarbonate levels categorized as under 18, 18 to under 22, and 22 or more mmol/l and CKD outcomes in 704 children in the Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Children with CKD Study, a prospective cohort of pediatric patients with CKD stages 3-5, were studied. The eGFR and serum bicarbonate were measured every six months. At baseline, the median eGFR was 27 ml/min/1.73m2 and median serum bicarbonate level 21 mmol/l. During a median follow-up of 3.3 years, the prevalence of metabolic acidosis (serum bicarbonate under 22 mmol/l) was 43%, 60%, and 45% in CKD stages 3, 4, and 5, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the presence of metabolic acidosis as a time-varying covariate was significantly associated with log serum parathyroid hormone through the entire follow-up, but no association with longitudinal growth was found. A total of 211 patients reached the composite endpoint (ESRD or 50% decline in eGFR). In a multivariable Cox model, children with time-varying serum bicarbonate under 18 mmol/l had a significantly higher risk of CKD progression compared to those with a serum bicarbonate of 22 or more mmol/l (adjusted hazard ratio 2.44; 95% confidence interval 1.43-4.15). Thus, metabolic acidosis is a common complication in pediatric patients with CKD and may be a risk factor for secondary hyperparathyroidism and kidney disease progression.

Development of a medication adherence scale for familial Mediterranean fever (MASIF) in a cohort of Turkish children.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and assess the validity and reliability of an adherence scale concerning medical treatment in paediatric FMF patients. METHODS: The Medication Adherence Scale in FMF Patients (MASIF) is a 18-item questionnaire that evaluates adherence to medication in four domains. Validation of the instrument was accomplished in paediatric FMF patients (aged 2-18 years) under medication at least for 6 months. The first step was to build up the scale through qualitative approach (with interviews using semi-structured questions). Validation analyses included assessment of feasibility, face and content validity; construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients with FMF were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 11.11±4.02 years and 48.7% of them were male. The MASIF was found to be feasible and valid for both face and content. It correlated with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale as a gold standard thereby demonstrating good construct validity (r=0.515, p<0.001). Assessment of content validity identified four subscales. The internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was 0.728. There was a positive and significant correlation between test and retest scores (r=0.843; p<0.001). Also, a significant correlation between parents' and children's reports (r=0.781, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, the use of this scale to assess and follow up the adherence to treatment in paediatric FMF patients under medical treatment is recommended.

Markers of bone metabolism are affected by renal function and growth hormone therapy in children with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES: The extent and relevance of altered bone metabolism for statural growth in children with chronic kidney disease is controversial. We analyzed the impact of renal dysfunction and recombinant growth hormone therapy on a panel of serum markers of bone metabolism in a large pediatric chronic kidney disease cohort. METHODS: Bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b), sclerostin and C-terminal FGF-23 (cFGF23) normalized for age and sex were analyzed in 556 children aged 6-18 years with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 10-60 ml/min/1.73 m2. 41 children receiving recombinant growth hormone therapy were compared to an untreated matched control group. RESULTS: Standardized levels of BAP, TRAP5b and cFGF-23 were increased whereas sclerostin was reduced. BAP was correlated positively and cFGF-23 inversely with eGFR. Intact serum parathormone was an independent positive predictor of BAP and TRAP5b and negatively associated with sclerostin. BAP and TRAP5B were negatively affected by increased C-reactive protein levels. In children receiving recombinant growth hormone, BAP was higher and TRAP5b lower than in untreated controls. Sclerostin levels were in the normal range and higher than in untreated controls. Serum sclerostin and cFGF-23 independently predicted height standard deviation score, and BAP and TRAP5b the prospective change in height standard deviation score. CONCLUSION: Markers of bone metabolism indicate a high-bone turnover state in children with chronic kidney disease. Growth hormone induces an osteoanabolic pattern and normalizes osteocyte activity. The osteocyte markers cFGF23 and sclerostin are associated with standardized height, and the markers of bone turnover predict height velocity.

Congenital nephrotic syndrome of NPHS1 associated with cardiac malformation.

Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is a rare disease inherited as an autosomally recessive trait and defined as proteinuria manifesting at birth or in the first 3 months of life. The classical form is the Finnish type of CNS (CNF), which is caused by mutations in the nephrin gene (NPHS1). The classical findings include prematurity, large placenta and massive proteinuria. Minor cardiac findings have been reported as a minor functional disorder but CNS with major cardiac malformation is rare. Here we report the case of a Turkish child with CNS with small indel mutation (c.614_621delCACCCCGGinsTT) in exon 6 of NPHS1 and also major cardiac malformation who did not develop end-stage renal disease until the age of 5 years.

Comparison of serum cystatin C and creatinine levels in determining glomerular filtration rate in children with stage I to III chronic renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric studies are relatively scarce on the superiority of cystatin C over creatinine in estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This study measured cystatin C and serum creatinine levels, and compared GFR estimated from these two parameters in patients with chronic renal disease. METHODS: This prospective, observational, controlled study included 166 patients aged 1-18 years diagnosed with stage I to III chronic renal disease, and 29 age- and sex-matched control subjects. In all patients, GFR was estimated via creatinine clearance, Schwartz formula, Zappitelli 1 and Zappitelli 2 formula and the results were compared using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Patients and controls did not differ with regard to height, body weight, BMI, serum creatinine and serum cystatin levels, and Schwartz formula-based GFR (p > 0.05). There was a significant relationship between creatinine and cystatin C levels. However, although creatinine levels showed a significant association with age, height, and BMI, cystatin C levels showed no such association. ROC analysis showed that cystatin C performed better than creatinine in detecting low GFR. CONCLUSION: Cystatin C is a more sensitive and feasible indicator than creatinine for the diagnosis of stage I to III chronic renal disease.

Safety and effectiveness of a 2009 H1N1 vaccine in chronic kidney disease children.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza infection and its complications. The risk groups are children with chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) such as children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD), predialysis CKD (pCKD) and renal transplant (RTx) patients and immunosuppressed children. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a single administration of a monovalent inactivated pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine in children with CKD. METHODS: Patients were given a single intramuscular injection of 0.5 ml of monovalent inactivated vaccine. RESULTS: Totally, there were 25 pediatric patients with a diagnosis of CKD (16 PD, 2 HD, 3 pCKD and 4 RTx). Seroconversion was observed in 15 of the 16 patients with PD. Seroconversion occurred in all patients undergoing pCKD and HD. However, 3 of the RTx patients were seronegative. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a high level of immunogenicity and safety of an (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine in children with CKD.

Free floating ventricular shunt catheter between lateral ventricles: a case report of an unusual ventriculoperitoneal shunt complication.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt proximal tip disconnection is rarely seen as a shunt complication. Shunt dysfunction and hydrocephaly can develop due to this disconnection. Presented here is a case of a disconnection of the ventricular catheter from the shunt valve, which passed between both lateral ventricles by free floating in the brain CT. The patient was operated on for hydrocephaly. The dysfunctional shunt valve and peritoneal catheter were removed and a new VP shunt system was implemented. Although some publications report that the ventricular catheter can be disconnected from the shunt valve, can adhere to the intraventricular structures, and can be a source of infection, no studies similar to the current case were found in the literature reporting a free floating ventricular catheter between the lateral ventricles.

Hereditary renal tubular disorders in Turkey: demographic, clinical, and laboratory features.

BACKGROUND: The Turkish Renal Tubular Disorders Working Group aimed to form a patient registry database and gathered demographic, clinical, and laboratory data in various hereditary renal tubular disorders (HRTDs). METHODS: A questionnaire comprising HRTDs was sent to the centers. The cohort was composed of 226 patients (109 girls, 117 boys). RESULTS: The distribution of patients according to HRTD was as follows: 45.6% distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), 26.6% proximal RTA (pRTA), 3.5% type IV RTA, 21.7% Bartter's syndrome, and 2.6% Gitelman's syndrome. Cystinosis was the most common cause for renal Fanconi syndrome. Age at diagnosis was between 1 month and 16 years. Overall consanguinity rate was as high as 72%. Rate of affected siblings was 28.5%. pRTA and type IV RTA were more common in males. Most common presenting symptoms were failure to thrive, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Nephropathic cystinosis was the most common HRTD leading to renal failure, followed by dRTA. Hearing loss was present in 23% of patients with dRTA and 6.3% of patients with Bartter's syndrome. No other patient had hearing loss. Convulsions were noted in Bartter's syndrome patients with failure to thrive, especially in those with height below 3%. Polyuria and nephrocalcinosis were more common in dRTA patients with deafness compared with patients without deafness. CONCLUSIONS: This data reflected a high number of HRTDs as a result of high consanguinity rate in Turkey. Our data serve as a database of demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of this rare disease group.

Clinical course of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in Turkish children: a report from the Turkish Pediatric Nephrology FSGS Study Group.

The clinical course of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is heterogeneous in children. To evaluate the clinical course and the predictors of outcome in Turkish children with primary FSGS, a retrospective study was conducted by the Turkish Pediatric Nephrology Study Group in 14 pediatric nephrology centers. Two hundred twenty-two patients (92 boys, 130 girls, aged 1-16 years) with biopsy-proven primary FSGS were included. One hundred forty-eight patients were followed-up for a median of 51 months (range: 0.26-270). The clinical course was characterized by complete remission in 50 (33.8%), persistent proteinuria in 50 (33.8%) and progression to renal failure in 48 (32.4%) patients. Progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was significantly higher in patients who did not attain remission. Complete remission, partial remission and progress to renal failure were recorded in 37%, 32% and 28%, respectively, of the patients (n = 73) treated with prednisone combined cyclophosphamide/cyclosporine A. However, in patients (n = 33) treated with pulse methyl prednisolone plus oral prednisone (up to 20 months) combined with cyclophosphamide, complete remission in 51.5% and partial remission in 27.3% of the patients were noted. Progression to renal failure was observed in 9.1% of this group of patients. Multivariate analysis showed that only plasma creatinine at presentation was an independent predictive value for outcome. Patients with serum creatinine level higher than 1.5 mg/dl had 6.6 times increased rate of progression to renal failure. Failure to achieve remission is a predictor of renal failure in children with primary FSGS. The use of immunosuppressive treatment in conjunction with prolonged steroid seems beneficial in primary FSGS in children.

Clofarabine-induced capillary leak syndrome in a child with refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Clofarabine has significant efficiency in children with relapsed or refractory leukemia. In previous pediatric trials, various adverse effects have been described. In this case, we report a child with refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed fatal capillary leak syndrome during clofarabine therapy.

Hyperprostaglandin E syndrome: use of indomethacin and steroid, and death due to necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis.

Hyperprostaglandin E syndrome (HPS) is the antenatal variant of Bartter syndrome and characterized by polyhydramnios and preterm delivery in the antenatal period and salt-wasting, isosthenuric or hyposthenuric polyuria, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis in the postnatal period. We report a one-month-old infant with HPS with a 15-year-old sister with Bartter syndrome. The infant's birth weight was 2750 g and she had severe dehydration on the 2nd day of life. She had hypercalcemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and elevated plasma renin and aldosterone levels. We instituted indomethacin therapy accompanied by steroid therapy for hypercalcemia. However, the patient developed abdominal distention on the 30th day, which was due to diffuse pneumatosis in sigmoid colon revealed by a subsequent surgical intervention. Following surgery, the patient developed fever, electrolyte abnormalities and subsequently sepsis. The patient died due to sepsis 10 days after surgery. We conclude that indomethacin and steroid therapy must be used cautiously in infants with HPS.

Treatment approaches for abdominal migration of peritoneal catheter of ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Migration of peritoneal catheter into the abdominal cavity is rare. We have discussed and presented the treatment options in two cases with accompanying literature. Abdominal migration of peritoneal catheter appears as a result of shunt fracture and disconnection. The complaints on presentation in the abdominal cavity migration of peritoneal catheter are due to shunt dysfunction and peritoneal irritation. The peritoneal catheter with abdominal migration should be removed in cases where abdominal symptoms are present. This procedure may be easily performed laparoscopically with a single mini incision. In some cases, the catheter may cause adhesions to the intra-abdominal organs. Forcefully pulled catheters may result in organ injuries. One should therefore switch to laparotomy in these cases.