Surveillance of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli associated bloody diarrhea in Argentina.

In Argentina, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC-HUS) infection is endemic, and reliable data about prevalence and risk factors have been available since 2000. However, information about STEC-associated bloody diarrhea (BD) is limited. A prospective study was performed during the period October 2018-June 2019 in seven tertiary-hospitals and 18 referral units from different regions, aiming to determine (i) the frequency of STEC-positive BD cases in 714 children aged 1-9 years of age and (ii) the rate of progression of bloody diarrhea to HUS. The number and regional distribution of STEC-HUS cases in the same hospitals and during the same period were also assessed. Twenty-nine (4.1%) of the BD patients were STEC-positive, as determined by the Shiga Toxin Quik Chek (STQC) test and/or the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) assay. The highest frequencies were found in the Southern region (Neuquén, 8.7%; Bahía Blanca, 7.9%), in children between 12 and 23 month of age (8.8%), during summertime. Four (13.8%) cases progressed to HUS, three to nine days after diarrhea onset. Twenty-seven STEC-HUS in children under 5 years of age (77.8%) were enrolled, 51.9% were female; 44% were Stx-positive by STQC and all by mPCR. The most common serotypes were O157:H7 and O145:H28 and the prevalent genotypes, both among BD and HUS cases, were stx2a-only or -associated. Considering the endemic behavior of HUS and its high incidence, these data show that the rate of STEC-positive cases is low among BD patients. However, the early recognition of STEC-positive cases is important for patient monitoring and initiation of supportive treatment.

Primer reporte en Argentina de variante patógena en DMP1 asociada a raquitismo hipofosfatémico autosómico recesivo / First report in Argentina of a pathogenic DMP1 variant associated with autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets

El raquitismo hipofosfatémico hereditario es una condición genética asociada con una mineralización ósea alterada causada por la deficiencia de fosfato. Produce deformidad esquelética y retraso del crecimiento en la infancia. Se describen diferentes patrones de herencia según el locus involucrado. Dado el solapamiento de los fenotipos y la dificultad en analizar genealogías reducidas, los estudios moleculares son importantes para establecer la causa genética y realizar el abordaje familiar. La forma recesiva del raquitismo hipofosfatémico (ARHR, OMIM #241520) es una condición extremadamente poco frecuente reportada en familias de origen europeo y de Oriente Medio. Las mutaciones con pérdida de función del gen DMP1 (dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1) se asocian al raquitismo hipofosfatémico hereditario tipo 1. En este artículo presentamos el primer reporte de una familia argentina con raquitismo hipofosfatémico hereditario por mutación en DMP1

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets is a genetic condition associated with impaired bone mineralization caused by phosphate deficiency. It results in skeletal deformity and growth retardation in early childhood. Different inheritance patterns have been described according to the locus involved. Given the phenotypic overlapping and the difficulty in analyzing reduced genealogies, molecular studies are important to establish the genetic cause and implement a family-centered approach. The autosomal recessive form of hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR, OMIM 241520) is an extremely rare condition reported in families of European and Middle Eastern descent. Loss-of-function mutations in the DMP1 (dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1) gene are associated with hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets type 1. In this article, we describe the first report of an Argentine family with hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets due to a mutation in the DMP1 gene.

First report in Argentina of a pathogenic DMP1 variant associated with autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets. / Primer reporte en Argentina de variante patógena en DMP1 asociada a raquitismo hipofosfatémico autosómico recesivo.

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets is a genetic condition associated with impaired bone mineralization caused by phosphate deficiency. It results in skeletal deformity and growth retardation in early childhood. Different inheritance patterns have been described according to the locus involved. Given the phenotypic overlapping and the difficulty in analyzing reduced genealogies, molecular studies are important to establish the genetic cause and implement a family-centered approach. The autosomal recessive form of hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR, OMIM 241520) is an extremely rare condition reported in families of European and Middle Eastern descent. Loss-of-function mutations in the DMP1 (dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1) gene are associated with hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets type 1. In this article, we describe the first report of an Argentine family with hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets due to a mutation in the DMP1 gene.

El raquitismo hipofosfatémico hereditario es una condición genética asociada con una mineralización ósea alterada causada por la deficiencia de fosfato. Produce deformidad esquelética y retraso del crecimiento en la infancia. Se describen diferentes patrones de herencia según el locus involucrado. Dado el solapamiento de los fenotipos y la dificultad en analizar genealogías reducidas, los estudios moleculares son importantes para establecer la causa genética y realizar el abordaje familiar. La forma recesiva del raquitismo hipofosfatémico (ARHR, OMIM #241520) es una condición extremadamente poco frecuente reportada en familias de origen europeo y de Oriente Medio. Las mutaciones con pérdida de función del gen DMP1 (dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1) se asocian al raquitismo hipofosfatémico hereditario tipo 1. En este artículo presentamos el primer reporte de una familia argentina con raquitismo hipofosfatémico hereditario por mutación en DMP1.

Prevalence of renal involvement among pediatric patients hospitalized due to coronavirus disease 2019: A multicenter study. / Prevalencia de compromiso renal en pacientes pediátricos internados con enfermedad por coronavirus 2019: estudio multicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION: Renal involvement among pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ranges between 1.2% and 44%. Given the limited information available locally, the primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of renal involvement in our setting. POPULATION AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in 13 Argentine sites between March and December 2020. Patients aged 1 month to 18 years hospitalized due to COVID-19 and with at least one measurement of serum creatinine and/or a urinalysis were included. Those with a known kidney disease were excluded. Renal involvement was defined as the presence of acute kidney injury (AKI), proteinuria, hematuria, leukocyturia and/or arterial hypertension (HTN). RESULTS: Among 528 eligible medical records, 423 patients were included (55.0% were males; median age: 5.3 years). The clinical presentation was asymptomatic in 31%; mild, in 39.7%; moderate, in 23.9%; severe, in 1.2%; critical, in 0.7%; and 3.5% had multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Two patients (0.47%) died. The prevalence of renal involvement was 10.8% (95% confidence interval: 8.2-14.2); it was described as leukocyturia (16.9%), proteinuria (16.0%), hematuria (13.2%), HTN (3.7%), and AKI (2.3%). No patient required dialysis. Renal involvement was associated with severe forms of disease (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of renal involvement among pediatric patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in 13 Argentine sites was 10.8%; severe forms of disease prevailed.

Introducción. El compromiso renal (CR) en niños internados con enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19, por su sigla en inglés) varía entre el 1,2 % y el 44 %. Dado que existe limitada información local, el objetivo primario de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de CR en nuestro medio. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal realizado en 13 centros de Argentina entre marzo y diciembre de 2020. Se incluyeron pacientes internados con COVID-19, de 1 mes a 18 años y que tuvieran al menos una determinación de creatinina sérica y/o de orina completa. Se excluyeron aquellos con enfermedad renal conocida. Se consideró CR la presencia de lesión renal aguda (LRA), proteinuria, hematuria, leucocituria y/o hipertensión arterial (HTA). Resultados. De 528 historias clínicas elegibles, se incluyeron las de 423 pacientes (el 55,0 % de sexo masculino, mediana de edad 5,3 años). El cuadro clínico fue asintomático en el 31 %, leve en el 39,7 %, moderado en el 23,9 %, grave en el 1,2 %, crítico en el 0,7 %, y el 3,5 % presentó síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico pediátrico (SIMP). Dos pacientes (0,47 %) fallecieron. La prevalencia de CR fue del 10,8 % (intervalo de confianza 95% 8,2-14,2), expresada por leucocituria (16,9 %), proteinuria (16,0 %), hematuria (13,2 %), HTA (3,7 %) y LRA (2,3 %). Ninguno requirió diálisis. Presentar CR se asoció (p <0,0001) con formas graves de enfermedad. Conclusión. La prevalencia de CR en pacientes pediátricos internados con COVID-19 en 13 centros de nuestro país fue del 10,8 % y predominó en las formas clínicas graves.

[Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections: 2022 update]. / Guía para el diagnóstico, estudio y tratamiento de la infección urinaria: actualización 2022.

In 2015, the "New recommendations regarding the current controversies in urinary infection" were published in the Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría. Given the fact that in these past years, new evidence has emerged regarding the diagnosis and treatment of urinary infection, the Pediatric Nephrology Committee of Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría has decided to update these recommendations. The main goal is to provide the pediatrician with the necessary tools to make a correct diagnosis, define the most appropriate treatment, select the patients who will benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis, and decide which imaging studies will be necessary, avoiding costly and invasive interventions. These guidelines also include the management of children with urinary tract infections associated with special situations such as: bladder bowel dysfunction, the newborn, children with neurogenic bladder, kidney transplant patients and fungal urinary tract infections.

En 2015 se publicaron en Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría las "Nuevas recomendaciones frente a las actuales controversias en infección urinaria". Dado que en estos años surgieron evidencias con respecto al diagnóstico, la forma de estudio y el tratamiento de la infección urinaria, el Comité de Nefrología Pediátrica de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría decidió actualizar dichas recomendaciones. El objetivo principal es brindar al pediatra las herramientas para realizar un correcto diagnóstico, definir el tratamiento más adecuado, seleccionar a los pacientes que se beneficiarán con la profilaxis antibiótica y decidir cuáles serán los estudios de imágenes necesarios, para evitar intervenciones costosas e invasivas. En estas guías se incluyen, además, los lineamientos para el manejo de niños con infecciones urinarias asociadas a situaciones especiales como la disfunción vesicointestinal, el recién nacido, los portadores de vejiga neurogénica, los receptores de trasplante renal y las infecciones urinarias micóticas.

Guía para el diagnóstico, estudio y tratamiento de la infección urinaria: actualización 2022 / Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections: 2022 update

En 2015 se publicaron en Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría las "Nuevas recomendaciones frente a las actuales controversias en infección urinaria". Dado que en estos años surgieron evidencias con respecto al diagnóstico, la forma de estudio y el tratamiento de la infección urinaria, el Comité de Nefrología Pediátrica de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría decidió actualizar dichas recomendaciones. El objetivo principal es brindar al pediatra las herramientas para realizar un correcto diagnóstico, definir el tratamiento más adecuado, seleccionar a los pacientes que se beneficiarán con la profilaxis antibiótica y decidir cuáles serán los estudios de imágenes necesarios, para evitar intervenciones costosas e invasivas. En estas guías se incluyen, además, los lineamientos para el manejo de niños con infecciones urinarias asociadas a situaciones especiales como la disfunción vesicointestinal, el recién nacido, los portadores de vejiga neurogénica, los receptores de trasplante renal y las infecciones urinarias micóticas.

In 2015, the "New recommendations regarding the current controversies in urinary infection" were published in the Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría. Given the fact that in these past years, new evidence has emerged regarding the diagnosis and treatment of urinary infection, the Pediatric Nephrology Committee of Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría has decided to update these recommendations. The main goal is to provide the pediatrician with the necessary tools to make a correct diagnosis, define the most appropriate treatment, select the patients who will benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis, and decide which imaging studies will be necessary, avoiding costly and invasive interventions. These guidelines also include the management of children with urinary tract infections associated with special situations such as: bladder bowel dysfunction, the newborn, children with neurogenic bladder, kidney transplant patients and fungal urinary tract infections.

Prevalencia de compromiso renal en pacientes pediátricos internados con enfermedad por coronavirus 2019: estudio multicéntrico / Prevalence of renal involvement among pediatric patients hospitalized due to coronavirus disease 2019: A multicenter study

Introducción. El compromiso renal (CR) en niñosinternados con enfermedad por coronavirus2019 (COVID-19, por su sigla en inglés) varía entre el 1,2 % y el 44 %. Dado que existe limitada información local, el objetivo primario de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de CR en nuestro medio. Población y métodos. Estudio transversalrealizado en 13 centros de Argentina entre marzo y diciembre de 2020. Se incluyeron pacientes internados con COVID-19, de 1 mes a 18 años y que tuvieran al menos una determinación de creatinina sérica y/o de orina completa.Se excluyeron aquellos con enfermedad renal conocida. Se consideró CR la presencia de lesión renal aguda (LRA), proteinuria, hematuria, leucocituria y/o hipertensión arterial (HTA). Resultados. De 528 historias clínicas elegibles, seincluyeron las de 423 pacientes (el 55,0 % de sexo masculino, mediana de edad 5,3 años). El cuadro clínico fue asintomático en el 31 %, leve en el 39,7 %, moderado en el 23,9 %, grave en el 1,2 %, crítico en el 0,7 %, y el 3,5 % presentó síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico pediátrico (SIMP). Dos pacientes (0,47 %) fallecieron. La prevalencia de CR fue del 10,8 % (intervalo de confianza 95% 8,2-14,2), expresada por leucocituria (16,9 %), proteinuria (16,0 %), hematuria (13,2 %), HTA (3,7 %) y LRA (2,3 %). Ninguno requirió diálisis. Presentar CR se asoció (p <0,0001) con formas graves de enfermedad. Conclusión. La prevalencia de CR en pacientes pediátricos internados con COVID-19 en 13 centros de nuestro país fue del 10,8 % y predominó en las formas clínicas graves.

Introduction. Renal involvement among pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ranges between 1.2% and 44%. Given the limited information available locally, the primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of renal involvement in our setting. Population and methods. Cross-sectional study conducted in 13 Argentine sites between March and December 2020. Patients aged 1 month to 18 years hospitalized due to COVID-19 and with at least one measurement of serum creatinine and/or a urinalysis were included. Those with a known kidney disease were excluded. Renal involvement was defined as the presence of acute kidney injury (AKI), proteinuria, hematuria, leukocyturia and/or arterial hypertension (HTN). Results. Among 528 eligible medical records, 423 patients were included (55.0% were males; median age: 5.3 years). The clinical presentation was asymptomatic in 31%; mild, in 39.7%; moderate, in 23.9%; severe, in 1.2%; critical, in 0.7%; and 3.5% had multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Two patients (0.47%) died. The prevalence of renal involvement was 10.8% (95% confidence interval: 8.2­14.2); it was described as leukocyturia (16.9%), proteinuria (16.0%), hematuria (13.2%), HTN (3.7%), and AKI (2.3%). No patient required dialysis. Renal involvement was associated with severe forms of disease (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. The prevalence of renal involvement among pediatric patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in 13 Argentine sites was 10.8%; severe forms of disease prevailed.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection in Argentina: update of serotypes and genotypes and their relationship with severity of the disease.

BACKGROUND: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection is the most common cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Only few studies correlated serotypes and stx genotypes with disease severity. This study aimed to update STEC serotypes, stx genotypes, and virulence factors (eae and ehxA) in a cohort of patients with STEC-HUS and investigate whether they influence the severity of disease. METHODS: In this multicentric study, children hospitalized between 2005 and 2016 with STEC-HUS confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory were included. Serotypes (O157, O145, O121, and others), stx genotypes (stx1a, stx2a, stx2c, stx2d, and others), and virulence factors were analyzed, and their association with dialysis requirement (>10 days); severe neurological, cardiovascular, and/or bowel involvement; and death was assessed. RESULTS: The records of 280 patients were reviewed; 160 females, median age 21 months (IQR18m). STEC O157 was isolated in 206 (73.6%) patients, O145 in 47 (16.8%), O121 in 15 (5.4%), and other serotypes in 12 (4.2%). The stx2a/2c genotype was carried by 179 (63.9%) strains, stx2a by 94 (33.6%), stx1a/stx2a by five (1.8%), and stx1a only by two (0.7%). All strains except six harbored eae and ehxA genes. Fifty-nine (21.1%) patients had severe neurological involvement, 29 (10.4%) severe bowel injury, 14 (5%) cardiovascular involvement, 53 (18.9%) required > 10 days of dialysis, and 12 (4.3%) died. Neither serotypes nor stx genotypes detected were significantly linked to severity. CONCLUSIONS: Serotype O157 and virulence stx2a/2c, eae, ehxA genotype are prevalent in Argentina, and no relationship was found between severity and serotypes and genotypes of STEC detected.

Acute peritoneal dialysis, complications and outcomes in 389 children with STEC-HUS: a multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: Management of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with hemolytic uremic syndrome induced by a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection (STEC-HUS) is supportive; however, 40 to 60% of cases need kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The aim of this study was to analyze procedure complications, especially peritonitis, and clinical outcomes in children with AKI secondary to STEC-HUS treated with acute PD. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study conducted among thirty-seven Argentinian centers. We reviewed medical records of 389 children with STEC-HUS hospitalized between January 2015 and February 2019 that required PD. RESULTS: Complications associated with PD were catheter malfunction (n = 93, 24%), peritonitis (n = 75, 19%), fluid leaks (n = 45, 11.5%), bleeding events (n = 23, 6%), and hyperglycemia (n = 8, 2%). In the multivariate analysis, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis was independently associated with a decreased risk of peritonitis (hazard ratio 0.49, IC 95% 0.29-0.81; p = 0.001), and open-surgery catheter insertion was independently associated with a higher risk (hazard ratio 2.8, IC 95% 1.21-6.82; p = 0.001). Discontinuation of PD due to peritonitis, severe leak, or mechanical complications occurred in 3.8% of patients. No patient needed to be transitioned to other modality of KRT due to inefficacy of the technique. Mortality during the acute phase occurred in 2.8% patients due to extrarenal complications (neurological and cardiac involvement), not related to PD. CONCLUSIONS: Acute PD was a safe and effective method to manage AKI in children with STEC-HUS. Prophylactic antibiotics prior to insertion of the PD catheter should be considered to decrease the incidence of peritonitis.

Diálisis peritoneal en un neonato con enfermedad de la orina con olor a jarabe de arce. A propósito de un caso / Peritoneal dialysis in a neonate with maple syrup urine disease. A case report

La enfermedad de jarabe de arce es una entidad autosómica recesiva producida por un error congénito en el metabolismo de tres aminoácidos esenciales de cadena ramificada: valina, leucina e isoleucina. La forma neonatal de esta enfermedad se manifiesta por un cuadro de compromiso neurológico grave y progresivo, asociado a un olor peculiar de la orina, consecuencia de la eliminación del exceso de estos aminoácidos. Este olor a azúcar quemada remeda a la melaza obtenida de los arces, lo que da nombre a esta enfermedad. El mejor método para eliminar estos tóxicos es la hemodiafiltración, pero, en los centros en los que esta práctica no es posible, la diálisis peritoneal constituye una alternativa.Se presenta a un recién nacido con leucinosis, con compromiso grave del sistema nervioso central, en quien la diálisis peritoneal fue de utilidad para superar la descompensación metabólica.

Maple syrup disease is an autosomal recessive entity caused by a congenital error in the metabolism of three essential branched-chain amino acids: valine, leucine and isoleucine. The neonatal form of this disease is expressed by a severe and progressive neurological compromise, associated with a peculiar smell of urine, a consequence of the elimination of the excess of these amino acids. This smell of burnt sugar mimics the molasses obtained from maples, which gives its name to this disease. The best method to eliminate these toxins is hemodiafiltration, but in centers where this practice is not possible, peritoneal dialysis is an alternative.We present a newborn with leukinosis with severe central nervous system involvement in whom peritoneal dialysis was useful to overcome metabolic decompensation.

[Peritoneal dialysis in a neonate with maple syrup urine disease. A case report]. / Diálisis peritoneal en un neonato con enfermedad de la orina con olor a jarabe de arce. A propósito de un caso.

Maple syrup disease is an autosomal recessive entity caused by a congenital error in the metabolism of three essential branchedchain amino acids: valine, leucine and isoleucine. The neonatal form of this disease is expressed by a severe and progressive neurological compromise, associated with a peculiar smell of urine, a consequence of the elimination of the excess of these amino acids. This smell of burnt sugar mimics the molasses obtained from maples, which gives its name to this disease. The best method to eliminate these toxins is hemodiafiltration, but in centers where this practice is not possible, peritoneal dialysis is an alternative. We present a newborn with leukinosis with severe central nervous system involvement in whom peritoneal dialysis was useful to overcome metabolic decompensation.

La enfermedad de jarabe de arce es una entidad autosómica recesiva producida por un error congénito en el metabolismo de tres aminoácidos esenciales de cadena ramificada: valina, leucina e isoleucina. La forma neonatal de esta enfermedad se manifiesta por un cuadro de compromiso neurológico grave y progresivo, asociado a un olor peculiar de la orina, consecuencia de la eliminación del exceso de estos aminoácidos. Este olor a azúcar quemada remeda a la melaza obtenida de los arces, lo que da nombre a esta enfermedad. El mejor método para eliminar estos tóxicos es la hemodiafiltración, pero, en los centros en los que esta práctica no es posible, la diálisis peritoneal constituye una alternativa. Se presenta a un recién nacido con leucinosis, con compromiso grave del sistema nervioso central, en quien la diálisis peritoneal fue de utilidad para superar la descompensación metabólica.

Hyponatremia: a new predictor of mortality in patients with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: (1) Evaluate mortality rate in patients with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome, (2) determine the leading causes of death, and (3) identify predictors of mortality at hospital admission. METHODS: We conducted a multicentric, observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study. It included patients under 18 years old with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome hospitalized between January 2005 and June 2016. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the Argentine National Epidemiological Surveillance System of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared between deceased and non-deceased patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. ROC curves and area under the curve were obtained. RESULTS: Seventeen (3.65%) out of the 466 patients died, being central nervous system involvement the main cause of death. Predictors of death were central nervous system involvement, the number of days since the beginning of diarrhea to hospitalization, hyponatremia, high hemoglobin, high leukocyte counts, and low bicarbonate concentration on admission. In the multivariate analysis, central nervous system involvement, sodium concentration, and hemoglobin were independent predictors. The best cut off for sodium was ≤ 128 meq/l and for hemoglobin ≥ 10.8 g/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality was low in children with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome, being central nervous system involvement the main cause of death. The best mortality predictors found were central nervous system involvement, hemoglobin, and sodium concentration. Hyponatremia may be a new Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome mortality predictor.

The functional state of neutrophils correlates with the severity of renal dysfunction in children with hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is the main cause of acute renal failure in children. The high percentage of patients who develop long-term sequelae constitutes an important medical concern. The identification of parameters that correlate with the degree of renal failure may be useful to plan the best treatment soon after hospitalization. Here, we investigated the functional state of neutrophils (PMN) from HUS patients on admission, before dialysis and/or transfusion, in relation to the severity of renal impairment reached during the acute period (AP). We found that all PMN activation parameters measured in severe cases of HUS (HUS AP3) were statistically lower comparing to children with mild cases of HUS (HUS AP1). As HUS PMN phenotype and dysfunction is compatible with that of cells undergoing cell death, we also studied spontaneous apoptosis. Not only were HUS PMN not apoptotic, but HUS AP3 PMN showed an increased survival. Almost all phenotypic and functional parameters measured on PMN correlated with severity. Our results revealed a marked deactivation of PMN in severe cases of HUS, and suggest that studying the functional state of PMN could be of prognostic value.

Phenotype markers and function of neutrophils in children with hemolytic uremic syndrome.

The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the most-common cause of acute renal failure in children. Several researchers have reported the presence of neutrophil (PMN) activating cytokines, such as interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in the sera of HUS patients. Moreover, PMN-derived products, such as elastase, were increased. These observations have lead to the hypothesis that activated PMN could act as mediators of endothelial damage. The objective of this investigation was to directly evaluate the activation status of peripheral PMN from children with HUS. For this purpose, 12 children with typical HUS were bled during the acute period, before dialysis and/or transfusion, and 8 of them were also bled after 1 month follow-up. Additionally, blood samples from healthy control children admitted for routine surgical procedures, chronic uremic children, and neutrophilic children with acute infections not related to HUS were collected and processed in an identical manner. The function and membrane activation markers of PMN from these groups were evaluated. We found that during the acute period of HUS, PMN had reduced expression of FcgammaRIII (CD16) and CD11b, were degranulated, and exhibited an impaired antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. These parameters returned to normal after clinical recuperation. We conclude that PMN activation in HUS patients is a very early and transient event, and upon hospitalization before dialysis PMN show a phenotype and functional pattern of partial deactivation.