The prevalence of hypertension in children with renal scars.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HTN) is a late outcome of congenital or acquired renal scar. We used ambulatory blood pressure to assess the early blood pressure abnormalities in children with history of urinary tract infection with various degrees of renal scars. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, 60 (45 females, 15 males) children aged 5-15 years and height equal or more than 120 cm with previous history of febrile urinary tract infection were entered into the study. All children went on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-H ABPM). Updated classification of 24-H ABPM was used to interpret the results. RESULTS: Masked hypertension was detected in 5% of cases, hypertension in 8.4%, and white coat hypertension in 11.7%. Pre-hypertension was seen in 23.3% of children. There was significant correlation between abnormal blood pressure and the severity of renal parenchymal scar (r=0.39, P value=0.004), vesicoureteral reflux (r= 0.34, P value=0.009), microalbuminuria (r= 0.39, P value=0.004), and carotid intima media thickness (r=0.41, P value=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the utility of 24-H ABPM in early detection of hypertension and pre-hypertension in children with severe renal scars and past history of urinary tract infection.

An unusual case of calcineurine inhibitor pain syndrome.

Cyclosporine induced pain syndrome (CIPS) is a newly diagnosed complication of calcineurine inhibitors, mainly observed in solid organ and hematopoetic transplantations. The present case is a male child with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome on low therapeutic level cyclosporine treatment. He presented with intractable and debilitating leg pain, with no reported history of previous injury or trauma. The pain was reluctant to antimicrobial and sedative treatment. MRI revealed bone marrow and soft tissue edema in the mid shaft of patient's right leg. Inspite of unusual manifestations, CIPS was suggested and cyclosporine discontinued. However, the pain did not improve and was resistant to calcium blocker. Subsequently, core decompression was performed as an unusual treatment of CIPS, revealing normal bone morphology. The pain improved rapidly and the patient was discharged a few days later.

Carotid artery function in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Nephrotic patients are prone to atherosclerosis in consequence of frequent exposures to hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and immunosuppressive drugs. OBJECTIVES: We studied the carotid parameters as early indicators of atherosclerosis in children with nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2011, 51 children with history of nephrotic syndrome enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria were: idiopathic nephrotic syndrome with normal serum complement, at least one year after initiation of disease, glomerular filtration rate more than 20 mL/min/1.73 m², age over two years old at the time of study. Seventy-five healthy sex-age-matched children considered as a control group. Carotid function parameters and left ventricular mass index were studied in nephrotic children. RESULTS: Steroid sensitive, resistant, and dependent nephrotic syndrome included one-third each. The mean carotid intima-media thickness (mm) in nephrotic children was 0.42 (±.14) while the mean cIMT in controls was 0.37 (±.08) (p-value <.05). After log transformation, General Linear Multivariate analysis revealed significant difference of carotid intima-media thickness in nephrotic patients (p-value <.001). Subsequently, the factor that influenced on cIMT was duration of disease (P<.05). One-half of nephrotic children who had echocardiography, showed left ventricular hypertrophy. It was correlated with carotid stiffness and systolic hypertension (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid intima-media thickness was thicker in nephrotic children. Carotid parameters were influenced by duration of disease and hypertension.

Carotid Artery Function in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

Background: Nephrotic patients are prone to atherosclerosis in consequence of frequent exposures to hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and immunosuppressive drugs. Objectives: We studied the carotid parameters as early indicators of atherosclerosis in children with nephrotic syndrome. Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, 51 children with history of nephrotic syndrome enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria were: idiopathic nephrotic syndrome with normal serum complement, at least one year after initiation of disease, glomerular filtration rate more than 20mL/min/1.73m2, age over two years old at the time of study. Seventy-five healthy sex-age-matched children considered as a control group. Carotid function parameters and left ventricular mass index were studied in nephrotic children. Results: Steroid sensitive, resistant, and dependent nephrotic syndrome included one-third each. The mean carotid intima-media thickness (mm) in nephrotic children was 0.42 (±.14) while the mean cIMT in controls was 0.37 (±.08) (p-value <.05). After log transformation, General Linear Multivariate analysis revealed significant difference of carotid intima-media thickness in nephrotic patients (p-value <.001). Subsequently, the factor that influenced on cIMT was duration of disease (P<.05). One-half of nephrotic children who had echocardiography, showed left ventricular hypertrophy. It was correlated with carotid stiffness and systolic hypertension (P<.05). Conclusions: Carotid intima-media thickness was thicker in nephrotic children. Carotid parameters were influenced by duration of disease and hypertension (AU)

Antecedentes: Los pacientes con síndrome nefrótico son propensos a sufrir aterosclerosis como consecuencia de las frecuentes exposiciones a medicamentos para la hiperlipidemia, la hipertensión e inmunodepresores. Objetivos: Hemos estudiado los parámetros de la carótida como indicadores tempranos de aterosclerosis en niños con síndrome nefrótico. Métodos: 51 niños con antecedentes de síndrome nefrótico participaron en el estudio entre 2008 y 2011. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: síndrome nefrótico idiopático con complemento sérico normal, al menos un año después del comienzo de la enfermedad, índice de filtración glomerular superior a 20 ml/min/1,73 m2, mayor de dos años de edad en el momento del estudio. Se tuvo en consideración a setenta y cinco niños del mismo sexo y edad como grupo de control. Se estudiaron los parámetros de la función carótida y el índice de masa ventricular izquierda en niños con síndrome nefrótico. Resultados: Síndrome nefrótico sensible a esteroides, resistente a esteroides y dependiente de esteroides a partes iguales. El grosor íntima-media carotídeo medio (mm) en niños con síndrome nefrótico fue de 0,42 (±0,14), mientras que la TMIR media en controles fue de 0,37 (±0,08) (valor p <0,05). Tras la transformación logarítmica, los análisis multivariables lineales generales revelaron una diferencia significativa de grosor íntima-media carotídeo en pacientes con síndrome nefrótico (valor p <0,001). Posteriormente, el factor que influyó sobre la TMIR fue la duración de la enfermedad (p <0,05). Conclusiones: La mitad de los niños con síndrome nefrótico a los que se les realizó una ecocardiografía presentó hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. Se correlacionó con la rigidez carotídea y la hipertensión sistólica (AU)

The correlation between bladder volume wall index and the pattern of uroflowmetry/external sphincter electromyography in children with lower urinary tract malfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between bladder volume wall index (BVWI) and the pattern of uroflowmetry in children with lower urinary tract malfunction. PATIENTS & METHODS: 91 children aged 4-15 years with history of bladder dysfunction and 59 age/sex-matched healthy children with negative urine culture in previous month were enrolled. Uroflowmetry and kidney and bladder sonography were performed in all children. BVWI was measured by dividing maximum bladder volume index by mean bladder thickness. It was expressed as percentage by dividing calculated BVWI by expected BVWI, and values between 70% and 130% were presumed normal. Urodynamic study was done in symptomatic cases. RESULTS: The bladder was thick (<70%) in 39 (28 cases, 11 controls) and thin (>130%) in 35 (18 cases, 17 controls) (P > 0.05). Uroflowmetry was abnormal in 82 (61 cases, 21 controls) (P < 0.05). Severe sphincter dyssynergia was detected in 47% of cases compared with 20% of controls (P < 0.05).There was no relationship between BVWI and uroflowmetry in cases or in controls (P > 0.05). The median post-void residual urine was not statistically different between the groups (20 vs 12.3 ml) (P > 0.05). When both bladder sonography and uroflowmetry were abnormal, they had an association with abnormal urodynamics (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Among children with lower urinary tract dysfunction, the pattern of uroflowmetry could not be predicted from the BVWI, but in cases with combined abnormal bladder sonography and uroflowmetry results, there was a significant association with an abnormal urodynamic study.

Correlation between Lower Urinary Tract Scoring System, Behavior Check List, and Bladder Sonography in Children with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

PURPOSE: The Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Scoring System (PLUTSS) is a standardized questionnaire used for screening and evaluation of the response of children with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to therapy. We presumed that adding the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) and bladder volume wall index (BVWI) to the PLUTSS would increase its validity in the detection of children with LUTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-two children aged 5 to 15 years with LUTS were enrolled in the study. Seventy-two healthy, age-matched children without urinary complaints were considered as controls. The PLUTSS and CBCL were filled out for all children. Sonography was performed to measure BVWI. Chi-square test and likelihood ratio were used to compare frequencies, receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the correlation, and Cohen's kappa was used to measure the agreement between variables. p-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Behavior problems were significantly more common in children with LUTS than in healthy children (p<0.05). The frequency of thick, thin, and normal BVWIs did not differ significantly in the two groups (p>0.05). ROC analysis showed that there was no correlation between PLUTSS, CBCL, and BVWI in either the LUTS subgroup or in the controls (p>0.05). The PLUTSS had the highest sensitivity and specificity, and adding the two other tests decreased its validity for the diagnosis of children with LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: The PLUTSS by itself was the best predictor of LUTS. The CBCL and BVWI were not helpful in making a diagnosis; however, the CBCL was useful in the detection of behavior problems in children with non-monosymptomatic enuresis.

Sonographic measurement of uterus and ovaries in premenarcheal healthy girls between 6 and 13 years old: correlation with age and pubertal status.

BACKGROUND: To provide normal references of sonographic uterine and ovarian size in premenarcheal healthy girls aged 6-13 years in different stages of puberty. METHODS: Two hundred forty girls were enrolled into the study (mean age ± SD, 9.5 ± 1.7 years [range, 6-13.5 years]). Pubertal status was classified according to Tanner staging. All subjects underwent pelvic sonographic examination for the measurement of uterine volume, body and cervical length, anteroposterior diameter of fundus, body, and cervix, ovarian volume, and both right and left prominent follicular diameter. RESULTS: A gradual increase with age was observed in all uterine and ovarian measurements. Both uterine and ovarian parameters were significantly correlated to age, height and weight, and stages of puberty. Uterine volume was <3.5 cm(3) in 98% of prepubertal girls, and in stage 2 it was significantly more than in stage 1 (3 ± 3.2 versus 1.7 ± 1.7, respectively) (p < 0.001). Uterine body length was also significantly greater in stage 2 than stage 1 (17.5 ± 4.5 versus 14.6 ± 3.3, respectively) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The reference values for uterus and ovaries were determined in healthy girls. There is a progressive increase in size of internal female genitalia in relation to age, height, weight, and puberty. Uterine volume and body length presented the best correlation with age and stage of puberty.

McKusick-Kaufman Syndrome: Atretic Upper Vaginal Pouch; an Unusual Urogenital MR Finding.

McKusick-Kaufman syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease diagnosed by polydactyly, hydrometrocolpos, and congenital heart disease. We present an unusual laparotomy confirmed urogenital MRI finding (atretic vaginal pouch) in a 3-month-old girl with McKusick-Kaufman syndrome. Up to our knowledge, this MR finding has not been reported in the literature yet.

Vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma with early pulmonary metastasis in a child.

Although a few cases of vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCAC) have been reported in the ages under 14, they have presented in a much more aggressive form than the CCAC cases in higher ages and parenchymal pulmonary metastasis are known to occur following the primary tumor. This is a case report of a primary vaginal CCAC in an 8.6-year-old girl with no history of DES exposure who presented with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain and the imaging signs of pulmonary metastasis at the presentation. Diagnostic imaging modalities should be considered for any child complaining of vaginal bleeding, due to limitation of vaginal examination. Chest X-ray is recommended at the time of diagnosis of CCAC and at follow-up sessions for early diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis.

Common bile duct stone associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Cholelithiasis is an unusual complication of hemolytic uremic syndrome. A 12-year-old boy with hemolytic uremic syndrome, established by renal biopsy, who developed cholestatic jaundice is presented here. Laboratory results for secondary causes of hemolytic uremic syndrome were normal. Abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed extrahepatic obstruction. A common bile duct stone, discovered by retrograde cholangiopancreatography was extracted by sphincterotomy. In conclusion, cholelithiasis should be considered as a cause of abdominal pain and cholestasis in patients who are diagnosed as having hemolytic uremic syndrome.