Pediatric Nephrology Clinic Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of oral cyclophosphamide versus mycophenolate mofetil in childhood nephrotic syndrome: an open-label comparative study

IntroductionThere is a scarcity of research comparing the efficacy of cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil in childhood nephrotic syndrome. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in terms of the proportion of children who have been off steroids for at least 6 months without proteinuria (responders).MethodsThis open-label retrospective-prospective comparative study was conducted in a pediatric nephrology clinic of a referral center for children between 1 and 18 years of age with FR/SD nephrotic syndrome. Group A consisted of patients who received oral cyclophosphamide (100, 25% female) at a dose of 2–2.5 mg/kg once daily for a period of 8–12 weeks. Group B consisted of patients who received oral mycophenolate mofetil (n = 61, 18% female) (dose: 800–1200 mg/m2) for at least 12 months. Responders were defined as children who were off steroids for at least 6 months along with absence of proteinuria.ResultsIn the CYC group, 50% of the patients were responders, whereas 54% of the patients in the MMF group were responders (p = 0.614). The time to first relapse with CYC was 7 months (IQR 5.25–11) compared to 7 months (IQR 3.5–12) with MMF (p = 0.092). The relapse rate in the CYC group was 1.77 relapses per patient-year compared to 1.295 relapses per patient-year in the MMF group. The difference in relapse rate was significant (-0.474; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.86 relapses/person-year) (p value = 0.009). Multivariate analysis revealed that an age of less than 5 years at the start of treatment was a significant factor for a better response to MMF (p value = 0.039, OR = 2.988, CI -1.055-8.468).ConclusionsThe efficacy of MMF was similar to that of CYC in terms of response (6 months without steroids) in children with FR/SD nephrotic syndrome. MMF showed a favorable response in terms of the frequency of relapse and treatment failure.Registration of the study with Clinical Trials Registry of India(http://ctri.nic.in;CTRI/2021/06/034421) (Dt: 28/06/2021).

Abstract P187: Obesity predicts left ventricular mass in youth undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults. In youth, elevated blood pressure (BP) is associated with LVH, but independent effects of adiposity and hypertension on LVH are not well defined. The purpose of our study was to investigate relationships among LVH, LV mass, BMI, and other clinical parameters in pediatric patients referred for elevated BP. We hypothesized both BP and BMI to be associated with LV mass. Methods: We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective chart review of all patients ages 6-18 years who underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring via the pediatric nephrology clinic at Kentucky Children’s Hospital from August 2012-December 2023 (excluding those with secondary HTN). Obesity was defined by BMI and weight-for-length percentiles according to CDC guidelines. LV mass was assessed by standard echocardiography. We compared LVMI and BP measures among groups stratified by obesity stage. Associations among BP, obesity, and LVMI were determined using descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, and multivariable logistic modeling using a backwards elimination variables selection criteria with α=0.05. Results: Of the 520 patients, 66% (n=342) were male, 76% (n=395) were obese, and 46% (n=238) had LVH. LVMI was strongly correlated with 24-hr systolic BP, however there was no difference in mean LVMI across BP severity category. In contrast, there was a near stepwise increase in LVMI across obesity stage with the strongest effect in girls – Normal: 29.7 ± 5.3 (girls) v. 34.8 ± 11.4 (boys) g/m 2.7 ; OB-1: 36.5 ± 6.6 (girls) v. 43.2 ± 10.3 (boys) g/m 2.7 ; OB-2: 41 ± 11.6 (girls) v. 44.2 ± 9.2 (boys) g/m 2.7 ; OB 3: 48 ± 11.6 (girls) v. 43.5 ± 9.4 (boys) g/m 2.7 . LVMI was positively correlated with TSH, creatinine, uric acid, cystatin, and inversely correlated with HDL. Multivariable logistic modeling revealed obesity stage and HDL cholesterol, but not BP or laboratory variables, as significant independent predictors of LVH. Conclusions: We report a high incidence of LVH in youth with obesity and demonstrate a strong association between obesity and LVMI. Our data, in agreement with previous studies, indicate that adiposity is a significant determinant of left ventricular mass, and suggest the need for cardiac screening of youth with obesity even in the absence of elevated blood pressure.

Association of PLCE1 (rs7922612) and COL4A3 (rs375290088) Genetic Variants with the Risk of Nephrotic Syndrome in Egyptian Pediatric Patients.

Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most prevalent pediatric kidney illnesses seen in pediatric nephrology clinics. Steroid resistance in children with nephrotic syndrome is a primary cause of renal failure and is characterized by nephrotic range proteinuria that does not respond to conventional steroid therapy. The current work was intended to investigate the possible role of the Phospholipase C epsilon 1 (rs7922612) and collagen4 alpha 3 (rs375290088) single nucleotide polymorphisms as risk factors for developing nephrotic syndrome among Egyptian children. The study was conducted on 100 children with nephrotic syndrome and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Geno typing was performed by two methods of polymerase chain reaction for the analysis of PLCE1 (rs7922612) and COL4A3 (rs375290088) variants. We observed a higher percentage of the heterozygous and homozygous variant genotypes of PLCE1 (rs7922612) SNP in NS patients in comparison with the controls (P < 0.001 for both). The frequencies of the PLCE1 (rs7922612) variant showed a statistically significant elevated risk of NS using several genetic models, including the dominant (OR = 9.12), recessive (OR = 2.31), and allelic (OR = 1.62) models (P < 0.001 for each). In addition, the PLCE1 (rs7922612) genotypes and alleles frequencies did not differ significantly between SRNS compared to SSNS cases. Furthermore, there was no significant difference regarding COL4A3 (rs375290088) polymorphism, neither between the NS and control groups nor between SDNS and SRNS. PLCE1 (rs7922612) is considered an independent risk factor for nephrotic syndrome in Egyptian pediatrics.COL4A3 (rs375290088) polymorphism is not correlated to Egyptian NS patients.

Prevalence of secondary arterial hypertension in patients with acute renal failure in a secondary-level pediatric hospital in Northwestern Mexico.

The worldwide prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric patients is 3.5%, and it has repercussions at renal, cardiovascular, neurological, and lifestyle levels. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension, mortality, and follow-up in patients with acute renal failure in the nephrology outpatient clinic at a second-level hospital in Northwestern Mexico. We conducted a descriptive, retrospective, and observational study. Men and women aged 1-18 years diagnosed with acute kidney injury were analyzed from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021. The medical and electronic records of the candidate patients were analyzed, and nutritional data, laboratory analysis, most frequent etiology, and follow-up in the pediatric nephrology clinic were collected. Those with exacerbated chronic kidney disease and previous diagnosis of high blood pressure were excluded. One hundred and seventy-four patients were evaluated, and only 40 were eligible for the study (22.98%), predominantly males with a mean age of 9.9 years. The degree of arterial hypertension was 50% for grade I and 50% for grade II (p = 0.007); the mortality rate was 32%. One hundred percent of hypertension cases were controlled at 6 months after discharge (p = 0.000080). Our results were similar to those reported in other studies. Follow-up and early detection of arterial hypertension in children need to be strengthened.

Sleep Duration and Blood Pressure in Youth Referred for Elevated Blood Pressure Evaluation.

Sleep promotion is not specifically recommended as a target for hypertension management. We examined associations of sleep duration and timing with blood pressure parameters in patients referred to pediatric nephrology clinic for elevated blood pressure evaluation. This is a retrospective study of initial ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data and self-report sleep data collected from patients referred to nephrology clinic for the evaluation of elevated blood pressure. Linear and logistic regression modeling determined associations between sleep exposures (duration and timing) and continuous and dichotomous blood pressure outcomes, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and weekday versus weekend status. The study sample included 539 patients with mean age 14.6 years and 56% meeting hypertension criteria. Sleep duration averaged 9.1 hours per night. Average timing of sleep onset and offset were 11:06 pm and 8:18 am, respectively. Longer sleep duration was associated with better daytime blood pressure parameters (eg, every extra hour of sleep duration was associated with a reduced odds of wake hypertension [odds ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.99]). Later sleep onset was associated with worse daytime blood pressure parameters (eg, each additional hour of later sleep onset was associated with higher wake systolic blood pressure index [mean wake blood pressure/95th percentile]) (β = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02-0.13). Associations were consistent across sex, age, body mass index, and weekday status. Longer sleep duration and earlier sleep onset were associated with lower blood pressure. This suggests that sleep optimization may be an important target for intervention in hypertension management.

Improving Transition of Care for Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Project.

Introduction Transition is the process of preparing an adolescent or young adult for the adult model of care. Poor transitions have been linked to increased medical utilization and poorer kidney outcomes. There are limited studies evaluating predictors of transition readiness or interventions in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We enrolled 42 non-dialysis, non-transplant patients with CKD stage 2 or higher and 14 years and older receiving care in our pediatric nephrology clinic. Data collected included demographics, clinical information, and transition readiness as measured by the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). Patients were provided with a structured, remote curriculum with resources that addressed areas of need. Patients were followed every three to six months. Repeat TRAQ questionnaires were administered six months after enrollment. Results Our study found that younger age and male gender were risk factors for poor transition. Age was consistently a positive predictor of higher TRAQ scores in the medication, appointment, and total score domains (p < 0.05). Male gender was a risk factor for lower TRAQ scores in the appointment and communication domains (p < 0.05). Additionally, our curriculum was effective at improving scores across all TRAQ domains, with an average increase of about 25% in six months. There was no difference in patients who had a three-month follow-up as compared to a six-month follow-up (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our study finds that younger age and male gender are risk factors for poor transition. Additionally, a structured, remote curriculum is effective at improving transition readiness.

#822 Effect of renal Doppler ultrasound on the detection of nutcracker syndrome in children presenting orthostatic proteinuria

Abstract Background and Aims To assess the Doppler sonographic findings of the left renal vein (LRV) in children with orthostatic proteinuria compared to normal urine children. Method Renal Doppler ultrasound examinations were routinely performed on 50 consecutive children with orthostatic proteinuria and 53 normal urine children who have visited to the pediatric nephrology clinic at Severance hospital. The peak velocity (PV) was measured at the hilar portion of the left renal vein (LRV) and at the LRV between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Results Age and sex did not differ between the two groups. The peak velocity ratios between aortomesenteric and hilar portions were 7.79+/−2.65 in children with orthostatic proteinuria and 6.32+/−3.01 in healthy normal children (p=0.01). The protein/creatinine ratio in the first morning urine did not differ between the two groups (0.09+/−0.03 in children with orthostatic proteinuria and 0.08+/−0.02 in healthy normal children (p = 0.144). However, the protein/creatinine ratio in the afternoon urine in children with orthostatic proteinuria (0.49+/−0.46) was significantly higher than that in healthy normal children (0.10+/−0.04) (p &amp;lt; 0.001). The peak velocity ratios between aortomesenteric and hilar portions positively correlated with the protein/creatinine ratio between the afternoon urine and the first morning urine (R = 0.21, P = 0.034). Conclusion Nutcracker syndrome may be an important cause of orthostatic proteinuria in children. Renal Doppler ultrasound of the LRV may be a useful screening tool in patients with suspected orthostatic proteinuria to evaluate whether the cause is nutcracker syndrome.

Clinician response after receipt of abnormal pediatric ambulatory blood pressure monitoring - characteristics associated with inertia and action.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is recommended for diagnosis and management of hypertension. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with physician action after receipt of abnormal findings. This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients 5-22years old who underwent 24-h ABPM between 2003-2022, met criteria for masked or ambulatory hypertension, and had a pediatric nephrology clinic visit within 2weeks of ABPM. "Action" was defined as medication change/initiation, lifestyle or adherence counseling, evaluation ordered, or interpretation with no change. Characteristics of children with/without 1 or more actions were compared using Student t-tests and Chi-square. Regression analyses explored the independent association of patient characteristics with physician action. 115 patients with masked (n = 53) and ambulatory (n = 62) hypertension were included: mean age 13.0years, 48% female, 38% Black race, 21% with chronic kidney disease, and 25% overweight/obesity. 97 (84%) encounters had a documented physician action. Medication change (52%), evaluation ordered (40%), and prescribed lifestyle change (35%) were the most common actions. Adherence counseling for medication and lifestyle recommendations were documented in 3% of encounters. 24-h, wake SBP load, and sleep DBP load were significantly higher among those with physician action. Patients with > 1 action had greater adiposity, SBP, and dipping. Neither age, obesity, nor kidney disease were independently associated with physician action. While most abnormal ABPMs were acted upon, 16% did not have a documented action. Greater BP load was one of the few characteristics associated with physician action. Of potential actions, adherence counseling was underutilized.

Financial Toxicity in Renal Patients (FINTORE) Study: A Cross-Sectional Italian Study on Financial Burden in Kidney Disease-A Project Protocol.

Financial toxicity (FT) refers to the negative impact of health-care costs on clinical conditions. In general, social determinants of health, especially poverty, socioenvironmental stressors, and psychological factors, are increasingly recognized as important determinants of non-communicable diseases, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), and their consequences. We aim to investigate the prevalence of FT in patients at different stages of CKD treated in our universal health-care system and from pediatric nephrology, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation clinics. FT will be assessed with the Patient-Reported Outcome for Fighting Financial Toxicity (PROFFIT) score, which was first developed by Italian oncologists. Our local ethics committee has approved the study. Our population sample will answer the sixteen questions of the PROFFIT questionnaire, seven of which are related to the outcome and nine the determinants of FT. Data will be analyzed in the pediatric and adult populations and by group stratification. We are confident that this study will raise awareness among health-care professionals of the high risk of adverse health outcomes in patients who have both kidney disease and high levels of FT. Strategies to reduce FT should be implemented to improve the standard of care for people with kidney disease and lead to truly patient-centered care.

Effect of Executive Function on Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease.

As the highest function in the brain that regulates our daily activity, executive dysfunction might affect someone's health-related quality of life (HRQoL), especially in those with chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Neurocognitive functions, including intelligence quotient (IQ) and executive function can be affected through various mechanisms in CKD. However, there was still no specific study regarding how IQ and executive function might affect HRQoL in children with CKD. To assess Executive Function's impact on HRQoL and to find association between treatment modalities and CKD stages with HRQoL in children with CKD. A cross sectional study was conducted at Pediatric Nephrology Clinic at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia from September 2022 to April 2023. We included 38 children whose age range were 6-16 years 11 months old with CKD stage III - V. Assessment tools used were: BRIEF questionnaire for executive function; WISC III tool for IQ; PedsQLTM questionnaire generic module for HRQoL. Data was analyzed using SPSS ver. 26.0. Total number of samples was 38. Complete examinations were done on 30 patients. Eight other patients did not undergo the IQ test. There was a negative correlation between executive function components scores (GEC, BRI, MI) with HRQoL scores on parents' proxy in all domains. We found no correlation between HRQoL and IQ scores, but we found a correlation between IQ and CKD stage. There was a significant difference in HRQoL from the children's perspective among the three modalities; children who underwent conservative treatment were having the best HRQoL scores. Interventions to improve executive function of children with CKD should be done to improve their HRQoL in the future. Early diagnosis and treatment of CKD should be done at the earliest to improve neurocognitive function and HRQoL.

The Role of UTD Classification in Predicting Prognosis of Antenatal Hydronephrosis

Evaluation of Patients with Antenatal Hydronephrosis According to UTD Classification&#x0D; Aim: Antenatal hydronephrosis (HN) may indicate a temporary benign condition, as well as a manifestation of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary system (CAKUT). Different scoring systems have been introduced to recognize CAKUT cases and to perform the necessary intervention in a timely manner. The aim of this study is to reevaluate the follow-up results of patients admitted to our hospital with antenatal HN according to the Urinary Tract Dilation (UTD) classification, and to determine the prognostic prediction of the classification in determining the presence of CAKUT and the need for surgery.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Patients admitted to Adana City Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Nephrology and Urology outpatient clinics with the diagnosis of antenatal HN between February 2020-March 2021 included in the study. Patients were grouped according to the UTD classification. &#x0D; Results: Of the 132 patients (93 male/39 female), 84 (64%) of the patients were evaluated as transient/physiological hydronephrosis, 48 (36%) as CAKUT. Isolated pelvic dilatation (pelvis anteroposterior diameter

IgA Vasküliti (Henoch-Schönlein Purpurası) Olan Pediatrik Hastaların Epidemiyolojik, Klinik ve Laboratuvar Bulgularının Değerlendirilmesi

Objective: Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura) is the most common systemic vasculitis of childhood involving the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, and less frequently affects other systems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory findings of pediatric patients with IgA vasculitis. Material and Methods: In this study, 366 patients diagnosed with IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura) in the pediatric nephrology clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, system involvement, and laboratory findings were recorded. Results: Of the patients in the study, 57.9% (212) were male and the male-to-female ratio was 1.37. The most common age group was found to be between 5-9 years of age. A statistically significant correlation existed between age and renal involvement (p&amp;lt;0.001). It was found that renal involvement increased with increasing age. Gastrointestinal system involvement was statistically significantly higher in the male gender (p=0.003). A statistically significant correlation existed between increased leukocyte counts, gastrointestinal system involvement, and renal involvement (p=0.001, p=0.009, respectively). Conclusion: Age and increased leukocyte count were found to be risk factors for renal involvement. Male gender and increased leukocyte count were found to be risk factors for gastrointestinal system involvement.

Mental health and social-emotional functioning in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease.

For children and young adults, living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses physical, mental, and social challenges. The mental health functioning of children and adolescents with CKD plays an important role in the medical, educational, vocational, and quality of life outcomes, yet receives little systematic attention in the busy pediatric nephrology clinic. This article will provide an overview of the prevalence of mental illness and symptoms in children and young adults with CKD, strategies to assess for dysfunction, and the long-term outcomes associated with impaired functioning.While there is a relative dearth of literature regarding evidence-based interventions in this population to improve mental health functioning, we provide "best practice" strategies based on the available literature to address emotional and/or behavioral challenges once they are identified.More research is needed to define appropriate interventions to alleviate mental health issues and social-emotional distress, and this review of the literature will serve to provide directions for future research.

Incidence of cataract and glaucoma in children with nephrotic syndrome undergoing steroid treatment

Background Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is by far, the most common glomerular disease in childhood period and is considered as one of the main aetiologies of child exposure to systemic steroids. High-dose corticosteroids for NS, are usually prescribed by pediatrians for a long period. Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) are the two most common ocular complications associated with steroid treatment. The exact incidence, prevalence, severity, and time of cataract and glaucoma onset in those childrens have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Aim Evaluating the incidence of cataract and glaucoma in children with NS receiving steroid treatment during and after treatment cessation. Patients and methods This cohort prospective study was done at the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic at Zagazig University Children’s Hospital in co-operation with the Department of Ophthalmology, Zagazig University, for detailed eye examination. Totally 48 children with primary NS who received corticosteroids either as a single treatment or with other treatment modalities for more than 3 months were included in our study. Clinical features plus laboratory tests confirmed by renal biopsy were the main parameters used in the diagnosis of NS. Results Posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC) were observed in 14 patients (29.2%). All studied patients had normal intraocular pressure ranging between 10 and 20 mmHg in both eyes during the follow-up period with no glaucomatous optic disc changes observed. Conclusion A significant number of children with NS treated with steroids are liable to develop cataracts and glaucoma that may progress and need surgery to preserve vision, so they have to be well diagnosed and followed-up.

Identifying barriers and utility of obtaining ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in a pediatric chronic kidney disease population

BackgroundHypertension is a prevalent complication of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is the gold standard for diagnosis. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of obtaining ABPM and to identify barriers to ABPM in this pediatric patient population.MethodIn this retrospective analysis of patients with CKD stage 3–5 who were seen in one academic medical center’s outpatient Pediatric Nephrology clinics between 2018 and 2021, we performed logistic regression to evaluate for associations between demographic factors and odds of having an ABPM.ResultAmong 96 patients included in the study, 48 patients carried a diagnosis of hypertension. 31 patients had ABPM performed with usable data. In those who had ABPM done, 21 had normotension and 10 had undertreated hypertension. Our study also showed 1 had masked hypertension and 5 had white coat hypertension or effect. We did not find a statistically significant difference in those who did or did not undergo ABPM evaluation based on gender, previous diagnosis of hypertension, distance from clinic, language preference, or racial or ethnic identity.ConclusionABPM is a useful tool in our CKD population for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. We did not identify specific barriers to ABPM in our CKD population, and there were no differences in patients who obtained ABPM when looking at specific demographic and disease characteristics. Given these findings, we recommend focusing on areas of future improvement in spheres of patient and provider education as well as better quantification using surveys to further illuminate barriers.

Posterior urethral valve in thai boys

BackgroundPosterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common congenital bladder outlet obstruction in boys, causing renal damage beginning in utero. There are scarce data from Thailand regarding the long-term outcomes of PUV in boys, thus the aim of this study was to examine the presentation, clinical course, complications, outcomes and renal survival in PUV boys.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of PUV boys treated at the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, over a 30-year-period.ResultsSeventy-seven PUV boys were identified, with a median age at diagnosis of 4.8 months. The most common presentations were urinary tract infection (UTI), poor urine stream and urinary dribbling in 26 (33.8%), 19 (24.7%) and 11 (14.3%) boys, respectively. Renal ultrasound results in 70 boys showed 8 (11.4%) unilateral and 56 (80%) bilateral hydronephroses. Of 72 voiding cystourethrograms, 18 (25.0%) showed unilateral and 22 (30.6%) bilateral vesicoureteral refluxes. 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scans in 30 boys showed 12 (40%) unilateral and 8 (26.7%) bilateral renal damage. Fifty-nine (76.6%) boys had 149 UTIs; 42 (54.4%) had recurrent UTI. Forty-eight boys had valve ablation at the median age of 30.3 months. 22 boys (28.6%) developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) at a median age of 15.0 years.ConclusionOf 77 PUV Thai boys, UTI was the most common presentation. Recurrence of UTI and CKD was the most common consequence. Lifelong follow-up for renal and bladder functions is essential for all PUV patients.

Aortic stiffness in patients with childhood essential hypertension: Is obesity a risk factor or not?

BackgroundHypertension (HTN) is a global health problem with a rising prevalence that affects both children and adults. ObjectivesWe aim to assess aortic stiffness in children with essential HTN using echocardiography and evaluate the parameters that influence the development of aortic stiffness. MethodsIncluded in the prospective study were patients who were newly diagnosed with essential HTN and who were admitted to the Pediatric Nephrology and Pediatric Cardiology outpatient clinics of Adiyaman University between June 1 and December 31, 2022. All patient groups underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for a definitive diagnosis of essential HTN. The echocardiographic examinations of all participants were carried out by the same pediatric cardiologist. Aortic stiffness parameters and Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) thickness were measured by routine echocardiography. Patients under the age of 18 years were included in the study. Demographic data, serum biochemical parameters, echocardiography findings, and 24-hour ABPM data were noted. ResultsA total of 76 children were enrolled in the study, including 31 patients (9 female; 22 male) and 45 controls (14 female; 31 male). The control and patient groups had similar overall sex and age distributions. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were higher in the hypertensive group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Considering the effects of obesity and HTN, three groups were formed. A significant reduction in aortic distensibility was noted in the non-obese hypertensive group when compared to the control group (p = 0.047). ConclusionNon-obese hypertensive children showed significantly reduced aortic distensibility than the control group, suggesting that the etiology of HTN in the non-obese hypertensive group may involve mechanisms beyond obesity-related factors. Seeking preventative care is more common in obese patients than non-obese patients.

Prognoses of Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney Patients: A Single Center Experience

Introduction: In this study, was aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics and follow-up results of patients with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) in our pediatric nephrology clinic, in the light of the literature.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The files of the patients who applied to the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine between January 2011 and January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Data of 22 patients with MCDK were recorded.&#x0D; Results: Twelve (55%) of the patients were left-sided and 10 (45%) were right-sided MCDK. Urinary system infection (UTI) was seen in three patients. Right-sided MCDK was accompanied by right ureterocele in one patient and hydronephrosis in the contralateral kidney in 5 patients. No urinary anomaly was observed in other patients. Proteinuria and hypertension were not detected in the patients. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was not detected in 5 patients who underwent voiding cystourography. In the follow-up of the patients, MCDK was involved in a mean of 16.2±29.3 (1-107) months.&#x0D; Conclusion: Multicystic dysplastic kidney in children has a good prognosis with conservative management. Periodic follow-up is important to prevent the potential development of hypertension or hyperfiltration injury.

Cost analysis of telemedicine use in paediatric nephrology-the LMIC perspective.

The overall cost of managing chronic diseases is a significant barrier to accessing complete and timely healthcare, especially in rural and geographically isolated areas. This cost disparity becomes more pronounced in the case of children and more so in under-resourced regions of the world. In the era of COVID-19, as the need for physical distancing increased, there was a transition in approach to healthcare provision to telemedicine consultations. This study evaluates the cost saving using teleconsultations in a paediatric nephrology clinic. This prospective cohort study was conducted at AIIMS Jodhpur, a tertiary care centre in western Rajasthan from March 2021 to October 2022. All consecutive paediatric (29days-18years) patients attending telemedicine services for kidney-related illness were enrolled. Basic demographic details were collected. Cost analysis was done after 6months, regarding perceived cost savings for the patient and family by using telehealth for follow-up during 6months starting from enrolment. A total of 112 patients were enrolled; 266 teleconsultations attended; 109 patients who could be followed up saved INR 457,900 during 6months of follow-up. The average cost saving was INR - 1577/patient/visit. Patients saved 4.99% of the family income (median 2.16% (IQR 0.66-5.5)). The highest expenditure per visit was incurred for food and transport. The median distance from the residence to the clinic was 122.5km (IQR 30-250). Over the 6-month study period, patients saved a travel distance of 83,274km (743km/patient). The use of telemedicine as a follow-up method helps save significant costs and distances travelled by patients. A higher-resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Psychosocial supports within pediatric nephrology practices: A pediatric nephrology research consortium survey.

The landscape of available psychosocial services within pediatric nephrology care is poorly characterized. However, the effects of kidney disease on emotional health and health-related quality of life are well documented, as is the impact of social determinants of health on kidney disease outcomes. The objectives of this study were to assess pediatric nephrologists' perceptions of available psychosocial services and to elucidate inequities in access to psychosocial care. A web-based survey was distributed to members of the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium (PNRC). Quantitative analyses were performed. We received responses from 49 of the 90 PNRC centers. With regards to dedicated services, social work was most commonly available (45.5-100%), followed by pediatric psychology (0-57.1%) and neuropsychology (0-14.3%), with no centers having embedded psychiatry. Availability of psychosocial providers was positively associated with nephrology division size, such that as center size increased, access to various psychosocial providers increased. Notably, the majority of respondents indicated that perceived need for psychosocial support exceeds that which is currently available, even at centers with higher levels of current support. Within the US, there is wide variability in the availability of psychosocial services within pediatric nephrology centers despite a well-documented necessity for the provision of holistic care. Much work remains to better understand the variation in funding for psychosocial services and in utilization of psychosocial professionals in the pediatric nephrology clinic, and to inform key best practices for addressing the psychosocial needs of patients with kidney disease.