Pediatric End-stage Renal Disease Patients Research Articles

Association of Hypoalbuminemia with Risk of Death in Pediatric Patients with End Stage Renal Disease undergoing Hemodialysis: A Tertiary Care Experience in Pakistan

Background: One of the most important and common feature of chronic kidney disease is Hypoalbuminemia and is considered a poor prognostic factor. Low levels of Serum albumin are a predictor of growth failure and are strongly associated with increase death rate in pediatric patients undergoing hemodialysis with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), especially a challenge in underdeveloped countries. Aim: To evaluate the association of serum albumin level with hospitalization and rate of death in ESRD hemodialyzed pediatric patients. Study Design: Cohort study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore from 1st January 2018 to 31st January 2022 Methodology: Ninety two children on hemodialysis and aged 5-16 years were included. Data including patient demographics, anthropometry, date of dialysis initiation, diagnosis, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, dialysis access (HD line/AV fistula), laboratory parameters, compliance to dialysis prescription, and frequency of hospitalization and combined duration of hospital stay was recorded. Results: The mean age at dialysis was 10.6±2.7 years with male to female ratio of 1.3:1. The mean duration on dialysis was 2.03±0.9 years. In our study, CAKUT (42.4%) was the most commonly occurring underlying etiology of end stage renal disease, followed by cystic renal disease (27.2%) and glomerular disease (15.2%) respectively. Regarding the systolic hypertension 22.9% were hypertensive and 35.8% were pre-hypertensive (BP 90th to 95th percentile). For diastolic hypertension, 18.5% were hypertensive and 42.4%were noted as pre-hypertensive. Majority of patients (87%) had hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin < 3.5 gm/dl) at dialysis initiation. In our study the value of serum albumin has inverse relationship with \risk of mortality in ESRD hemodialyzed patients even after adjustment to other factors. There is a 70% higher risk of death with each 1gm/dl decline in serum albumin value (hazard ratio=0.300(0.122-0.740) P<0.009). In addition, AVF access group has a significantly lower risk of death compared to the catheter group (hazard ratio=0.444 (0.246-0.801), P = 0.007). On generation of ROC curves, AUC obtained for serum albumin was statistically significant (AUC=0.838, 95% CI 0.758–0.918). In our study, no correlation was found between hypoalbuminemia and annual frequency of hospitalization (P<0.812) and total duration of stay (P<0.997).For mortality prediction, our study demonstrated a cut off value of albumin of 3g/dl with sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 68.7%. Conclusion: The independent prognostic value of serum albumin in mortality prediction at a cut off value of 3g/dl. In the final model even after adjustment of other covariates, hypoalbuminemia at dialysis initiation and type of vascular access continued to be vital indicator of risk of death in pediatric ESRD patients. However, no statistically significant association was observed between hypoalbuminemia and hospitalization in dialysis patients. Keywords: ESRD, Hypoalbuminemia, Growth failure, Haemodialysis

MP53-03 UROLOGIC RISK FACTORS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTION AND ALLOGRAFT FAILURE IN PEDIATRIC RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP53-03 UROLOGIC RISK FACTORS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTION AND ALLOGRAFT FAILURE IN PEDIATRIC RENAL TRANSPLANTATION Vinicius Seidel, Matthew Buell, Kai Wen Cheng, Cayde Ritchie, Adam Fisher, David Chamberlin, and Joshua Chamberlin Vinicius SeidelVinicius Seidel More articles by this author , Matthew BuellMatthew Buell More articles by this author , Kai Wen ChengKai Wen Cheng More articles by this author , Cayde RitchieCayde Ritchie More articles by this author , Adam FisherAdam Fisher More articles by this author , David ChamberlinDavid Chamberlin More articles by this author , and Joshua ChamberlinJoshua Chamberlin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003301.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract infection (UTI) causes morbidity in children with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and may lead to allograft failure. Appropriate urologic evaluation is important before and after renal transplantation. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for UTI and allograft failure in children with ESRD. METHODS: A retrospective review of all pediatric renal transplant patients at a single transplant center from 2013 to 2022 was performed. Inclusion criteria were patients less than 18 years of age with ESRD who underwent their first renal transplantation. Patients with less than 6 months follow-up were excluded. The primary endpoints were UTI occurrence and allograft failure. Allograft failure was defined as rejection with return to dialysis. Statistical comparisons were made using the Chi Square test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: 79 children underwent renal transplantation with a median follow-up time of 56 months (6-112 months). Etiologies for renal failure were identified as renal in 60 (76%) patients and bladder in 19 (24%) patients. Renal failure in patients with congenital anomaly of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) was seen in 33% of renal etiologies and 100% of bladder etiologies. Overall, the UTI rate was lower pre-transplant (8%) compared to post-transplant (28%) (p=0.002). Pre-transplant bladder etiology for renal failure had a higher UTI rate when compared to the renal etiology (26% vs 2%, p=0.002). Post-transplant there was no difference in UTI rate between bladder etiology and renal etiology (37% vs 25%, p=0.32). 27% of patients had pre-transplant native kidney vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and 11% had transplant kidney VUR. Children with native kidney VUR had a higher UTI rate pre-transplant (48% vs. 21%, p<0.05). Children with transplant kidney VUR had a higher UTI rate than those without transplant VUR (67% vs. 23%, p<0.05). Patients with poor bladder compliance and capacity on urodynamics when medically and surgically optimized, did not have increased post-transplant UTI rates. 14 (17.7%) patients developed allograft rejection. Etiology and onset time of initial renal failure, number of UTI, CAKUT, and VUR were not associated with allograft rejection. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric ESRD patients with pre-transplant native kidney VUR and renal transplant VUR are at increased risk for UTI and should be treated. Unsafe bladders when optimized may safely undergo transplantation. Renal allograft failure was not associated with etiology, onset time of initial renal failure, number of UTI, CAKUT, and VUR. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e712 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Vinicius Seidel More articles by this author Matthew Buell More articles by this author Kai Wen Cheng More articles by this author Cayde Ritchie More articles by this author Adam Fisher More articles by this author David Chamberlin More articles by this author Joshua Chamberlin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Protein Energy Wasting in a Sample of Egyptian Children on Regular Hemodialysis: Relation to Anorexigenic Hormones

BACKGROUND: Increased incidence of pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with associated serious consequences indicating a major public health problem. Malnutrition and uremic wasting are leading causes of growth impairment and increasing morbidity and mortality of pediatric ESRD patients, predominantly those on regular hemodialysis (HD). Ghrelin and obestatin, which are known appetite regulatory hormones, might have a pivotal role in uremic wasting and growth impairment in hemodialyzed children.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of the present study was to measure serum unacylated ghrelin (UAG) and obestatin and to investigate their roles in the growth impairment of Egyptian hemodialyzed children.&#x0D; SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 50 hemodialyzed and 40 healthy children recruited from the Department of Nephrology, Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University. Full clinical examination and measurement of anthropometric indices were done. Routine labs were done as well, with an assessment of serum levels of obestatin, UAG, and insulin by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, we determined fasting serum glucose and lipid profile with the calculation of homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).&#x0D; RESULTS: Anthropometric measurements were statistically significantly decreased in the hemodialyzed group than that of the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Weight z-score was the most affected anthropometric parameter (37 patients = 74% with underweight and 13 patients = 26% with normal weight). The hemodialyzed children showed a significant increase of UAG, obestatin, insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and TG, while a significant decrease of HDL-cholesterol and albumin (p &lt; 0.01). UAG had a negative correlation with Wt-z score, Ht z-score, fat mass %, albumin, and TG while obestatin was inversely correlated to Wt-z score, BMI z-score, waist circumference, and waist-height ratio (W/H).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: UAG and obestatin hormones were elevated in a group of Egyptian children on regular HD. These hormones were strongly related to the impairment of renal functions, and anthropometric parameters, dyslipidemia, hypoalbuminemia, and insulin resistance in these pediatric hemodialyzed patients.

Low-Dose Maintenance Intravenous Iron Therapy Can Prevent Anemia in Children with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis

Iron deficiency anemia is common in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on long-term hemodialysis receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. One approach to maintain the iron profile and hemoglobin levels is maintenance therapy with regular low doses of intravenous (IV) iron after initial iron repletion therapy; however, evidence for the benefits of this approach is lacking. This study evaluated the effect of IV iron maintenance therapy on anemia in children on regular hemodialysis. This retrospective cohort study included 41 pediatric ESRD patients with normal hemoglobin and iron status who underwent regular hemodialysis at the Pediatric Dialysis Unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia, between January 2015 and April 2019. Among these, 21 received IV iron maintenance therapy with two doses of 2 mg/kg of IV iron sucrose every 2 weeks (the treatment group) and 20 did not (the comparison group). Changes in hemoglobin and transferrin saturation were assessed after 6 weeks of observation and compared between the two groups. There was a significant reduction in the mean hemoglobin level compared with the baseline level in the comparison group (21 g/L; 95% CI, 9.3–33 g/L; p=0.001) but not in the treatment group (0.7 g/L; 95% CI, −6.6–8 g/L; p=0.84). The risk of anemia was lower in the treatment group (relative risk = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.79; p=0.003). Although majority of the patients had high baseline ferritin level, this study indicates that in our setting, ferritin may not be a reliable parameter to review the iron status, as it can be affected by chronic inflammation. Hence, the decision to start IV iron maintenance therapy in patients with hyperferritinemia should consider the patient's clinical condition and morbidity. To conclude, the coadministration of IV iron maintenance therapy is beneficial for maintaining hemoglobin levels and preventing anemia in children with ESRD who are undergoing regular hemodialysis, have achieved the target hemoglobin levels, and have normal iron status.

Hemoglobin Maintenance in Pediatric ESRD (End-stage Renal Disease) Patients by Ferric Pyrophosphate Citrate (FPC)

Hemoglobin Maintenance in Pediatric ESRD (End-stage Renal Disease) Patients by Ferric Pyrophosphate Citrate (FPC)

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2, Metalloproteinases-9, and Endothelial Dysfunction with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Left Ventricular Mass Index in Children with End-Stage Renal Disease

Background and Aim: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been recognized as a major cause of death among children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and endothelial dysfunction play a significant role in the development of CVD in these children. This study was conducted to assess the association of MMP-2 and 9 and endothelial dysfunction markers (sE-selectin and brachial flow mediated dilatation (FMD)) with carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI).Methods: Thirty-one pediatric ESRD patients and 18 healthy controls were included in this research. The case and control groups were matched in terms of sex and age. Serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, sE-selectin, and other biochemical parameters were measured. Brachial FMD, c-IMT and LVMI were also measured in the two groups.Results: C-IMT had a positive correlation with diastolic blood pressure, MMP-2, MMP-9, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, phosphorus, PTH, and calcium × phosphorus (Ca × P) product, and a negative correlation with FMD, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and calcium. LVMI demonstrated correlations with systolic blood pressure, MMP-2, FMD, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, phosphorus, PTH, and Ca × P product. The area under the curve (AUC) in ROC curve analysis was used to determine the abnormal c-IMT and LVH values for MMP-2, which was 0.76 and 0.71, respectively (p<0.05).Conclusion: C-IMT and LVMI are two major CVD markers in pediatric ESRD patients. These two markers correlated with MMP-2, MMP-9 and endothelial dysfunction markers. According to this study, MMP-2 may determine abnormal c-IMT and LVH in ESRD children. Keywords: End-stage renal disease; Cardiovascular disease; Left ventricular hypertrophy; Atherosclerosis; Matrix metalloproteinases.

Comparison of quality of life in children undergoing peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis

Objectives:To record pediatric end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients’ quality of life (QOL) in relation to peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Chronic kidney disease is a rising global epidemic yielding worldwide prevalence of 11-13%. It could possibly lead to ESRD, thus imposing serious burdens on patients and reducing their QOL. These burdens may affect their family members as well.Methods:This cross-sectional study examined 23 pediatric ESRD patients aged 2-18 years who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in July 2018. Data were collected using the validated Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 3.0 ESRD Module questionnaire.Results:The sample included HD (n=9, 40.9%) and PD (n=14, 60.9%) patients. According to the parent-proxy report, we found that the QOL among PD pediatric patients was significantly higher than HD patients (p=0.045). Also, male HD patients had a significantly better QOL on the interaction subscale (70.83±15.95 compared to 30.00±24.00 for females [p=0.023]).Conclusion:Quality of life was found to be better among PD pediatric patients in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Increasing Obesity Prevalence in the United States Pediatric End-Stage Renal Disease Population

Introduction Obesity prevalence among children in the United States (US) is high, but the rate of increase has slowed over time. Among pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, poor appetite and delayed growth are common, and it is unknown if the pediatric ESRD population mirrors the obesity epidemic observed in the general US pediatric population. Materials and Methods Incident pediatric ESRD patients with complete body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) data were identified from the United States Renal Data System from 01/01/1999-12/31/2012 (n=9,046). Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey represented the pediatric US population when weighted. All BMI values were age and sex standardized to BMI z scores using the CDC standards for United States children. BMI z scores were used to define obesity. Trends in BMI and obesity were examined by year of dialysis initiation. Trends in BMI slope were compared between the ESRD and US pediatric populations using linear regression. Results and Discussion The mean BMI of pediatric ESRD patients from 1999-2000 was 21.2 as compared to 21.9 in 2011-2012, a 3.3% increase. Similarly, the US population’s mean BMI increased from 19.3 in 1999-2000 to 19.8, a 2.6% increase. A similar but more pronounced increase was noted with respect to the prevalence of obesity (Table). A statistically significant increase in mean BMI over time (β: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.12, p=0.03) and among ESRD patients independently was observed (β: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.99, p<0.001); however, there was no significant interaction between year and patient population, suggesting rate of BMI increase for ESRD patients does not differ significantly from the total US population (β: 0.05, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.12, p=0.22). Conclusion BMI of pediatric ESRD patients and the prevalence of obesity among pediatric ESRD patients are increasing consistently with the US population. Given the increased dialysis-survival and decreased likelihood of transplantation associated with obesity in the adult population, future research should be directed at examining mortality on dialysis, transplantation rates, and medical expenditures among obese pediatric ESRD patients.

Experience with Pediatric Kidney Transplantation, 1985-2016: A Single Regional Center Study

Purpose Kidney transplantation (KT) is an ideal treatment for pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We report the clinical outcomes of pediatric ESRD patients who underwent KT in a single regional center. Methods We retrospectively investigated the medical records of 60 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with ESRD and underwent KT in our hospital between January 1985 and June 2016. Results A total of 60 children and adolescents (40 male, 20 female; mean age, 13.86±4.26 years) were included in this study. Six patients (10.0%) underwent KT immediately after receiving the diagnosis of ESRD, while the others underwent KT after dialysis treatment (mean period of dialysis, 368.7±4,41.8 days). The mean donor age (50 living-related [83.3%], 10 deceased [16.7%]) was 40.0±12.85 years and the male:female ratio was 1.07:1. The most common cause of ESRD was chronic glomerulonephritis. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after KT were 98%, 98%, and 96%, respectively, while the graft survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 93%, 86%, and 68%, respectively. Children who underwent KT before 10 years of age had better monthly growth rates than those who underwent KT later than 10 years of age. Conclusions KT is performed less frequently in children than in adults, but causes of ESRD vary and clinical outcomes after KT greatly affect the growth and development of pediatric patients. Therefore, further analysis and monitoring of clinical progression after KT in pediatric ESRD patients are necessary. Key words: Kidney transplantation; Children; End-stage renal disease; Survival rate

Single-Center Experience Providing Palliative Care to Pediatric Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) affects nearly 1400 new children each year in the United States. Morbidity and mortality rates remain high for pediatric patients with ESRD, including those that have received a renal transplant. To better understand ESRD patients referred to palliative care, including their physical symptoms, topics discussed, and themes emerging during initial palliative care consultation. This study is a retrospective chart review of pediatric ESRD patients who received a palliative care consult. Physical symptoms, core topics, and themes were identified by the interprofessional study team. The study team found 35 patients met inclusion criteria during the study period. The most common standard palliative care metric noted was "complex or time-intensive communication and interdisciplinary social support." Pain was the most common physical symptom addressed with goals of care and communication the most common topics discussed. Themes emerging described the emotional distress of patients and parents as well as prognostic discussions. This study demonstrates one institution's experience with pediatric ESRD patients undergoing consultation with the pediatric palliative care service. More research is necessary in this population to better describe the best focus for palliative care teams.

One-Year Mortality Rates in US Children with End-Stage Renal Disease

Background/Aims: Few published data describe survival rates for pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We aimed to describe one-year mortality rates for US pediatric ESRD patients over a 15-year period. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used the US Renal Data System database to identify period-prevalent cohorts of patients aged younger than 19 for each year during the period 1995-2010. Yearly cohorts averaged approximately 1,200 maintenance dialysis patients (60% hemodialysis, 40% peritoneal dialysis) and 1,100 transplant recipients. Patients were followed for up to 1 year and censored at change in modality, loss to follow-up, or death. We calculated the unadjusted model-based mortality rates per time at risk, within each cohort year, by treatment modality (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplant) and patient characteristics; percentage of deaths by cause; and overall adjusted odds of mortality by characteristics and modality. Results: Approximately 50% of patients were in the age group 15-18, 55% were male, and 45% were female. The most common causes of ESRD were congenital/reflux/obstructive causes (55%) and glomerulonephritis (30%). One-year mortality rates showed evidence of a decrease in the number of peritoneal dialysis patients (6.03 per 100 patient-years, 1995; 2.43, 2010; p = 0.0263). Mortality rates for transplant recipients (average 0.68 per 100 patient-years) were consistently lower than the rates for all dialysis patients (average 4.36 per 100 patient-years). Conclusions: One-year mortality rates differ by treatment modality in pediatric ESRD patients.

End-stage renal disease in Japanese children: a nationwide survey during 2006-2011.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children is considered a rare, but serious condition. Epidemiological and demographic information on pediatric ESRD patients around the world is important to better understand this disease and to improve patient care. The Japanese Society for Pediatric Nephrology (JSPN) reported epidemiological and demographic data in 1998. Since then, however, there has been no nationwide survey on Japanese children with ESRD. The JSPN conducted a cross-sectional nationwide survey in 2012 to update information on the incidence, primary renal disease, initial treatment modalities, and survival in pediatric Japanese patients with ESRD aged less than 20 years during the period 2006-2011. The average incidence of ESRD was 4.0 per million age-related population. Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract were the most common cause of ESRD, present in 39.8 % of these patients. In addition, 12.2 % had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and 5.9 % had glomerulonephritis. Initial treatment modalities in patients who commenced renal replacement therapy (RRT) consisted of peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and pre-emptive transplantation (Tx) in 61.7, 16.0, and 22.3 %, respectively. The Japanese RRT mortality rate was 18.2 deaths per 1000 person-years of observation. The incidence of ESRD is lower in Japanese children than in children of other high-income countries. Since 1998, notably, there has been a marked increase in pre-emptive Tx as an initial treatment modality for Japanese children with ESRD.

Racial Disparities in Pediatric Access to Kidney Transplantation: Does Socioeconomic Status Play a Role?

Racial disparities persist in access to renal transplantation in the United States, but the degree to which patient and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) impacts racial disparities in deceased donor renal transplantation access has not been examined in the pediatric and adolescent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population. We examined the interplay of race and SES in a population-based cohort of all incident pediatric ESRD patients <21 years from the United States Renal Data System from 2000 to 2008, followed through September 2009. Of 8452 patients included, 30.8% were black, 27.6% white-Hispanic, 44.3% female and 28.0% lived in poor neighborhoods. A total of 63.4% of the study population was placed on the waiting list and 32.5% received a deceased donor transplant. Racial disparities persisted in transplant even after adjustment for SES, where minorities were less likely to receive a transplant compared to whites, and this disparity was more pronounced among patients 18-20 years. Disparities in access to the waiting list were mitigated in Hispanic patients with private health insurance. Our study suggests that racial disparities in transplant access worsen as pediatric patients transition into young adulthood, and that SES does not explain all of the racial differences in access to kidney transplantation.

Comparative clinical outcomes between pediatric and young adult dialysis patients

Published data on the comparative achievement of The Kidney Disease Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative (KDOQI) recommended clinical performance targets between children and young adults on dialysis are scarce. To characterize the achievement of KDOQI targets among children (<18 years) and young adults (18-24 years) with prevalent end stage renal disease (ESRD), we performed a cross-sectional analysis of data collected by the Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition, in conjunction with the 2007 and 2008 ESRD Clinical Performance Measures Projects. Data on all enrolled pediatric dialysis patients, categorized into three age groups (0-8, 9-12, 13-17 years), and on a random sample of 5% of patients ≥ 18 years in ESRD Network 5 were examined for two study periods: hemodialysis (HD) data were collected from October to December 2006 and from October to December 2007 and peritoneal dialysis (PD) data were collected from October 2006 to March 2007 and from October 2007 to March 2008. In total, 114 unique patients were enrolled the study, of whom 41.2% (47/114) were on HD and 58.8% (67/114) on PD. Compared to the pediatric patients, young adults were less likely to achieve the KDOQI recommended serum phosphorus levels and serum calcium × phosphorus product values, with less than one-quarter demonstrating values at or below each goal. Multivariate analysis revealed that both young adults and 13- to 17-year-olds were less likely to achieve target values for phosphorus [young adults: odds ratio (OR) 0.04, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.01-0.19, p < 0.001; 13- to 17-year-olds: OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.77, p = 0.02] and calcium × phosphorus product (young adults: OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.002-0.09, p < 0.001; 13- to 17-year-olds: OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.56, p = 0.01) than younger children. In summary, there are significant differences in clinical indices between pediatric and young adult ESRD patients.

Auditory brain stem response and otoacoustic emission results in children with end-stage renal disease

Background Abnormalities in auditory system are frequent in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). There is not yet any consensus for the effect of renal failure and hemodialysis on auditory complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the auditory abnormalities in pediatric ESRD patients undergoing long term hemodialysis and compare the results with those of nondialytic chronic renal failure (CRF) children and controls. Methods Children aged 1–16 years were evaluated in three groups: 25 ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, 25 nondialytic patients with CRF, and 25 age and sex-matched normal counterparts. Patients with history of otological diseases, ear trauma, diabetes mellitus, receiving ototoxic drugs and syndromes with hearing abnormalities were excluded. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) and otoacoustic emission (OAE) were tested in all subjects. Frequency of cases with abnormal findings was compared between the groups. Results The ABR testing was abnormal in 11 (44%) dialytic patients with normal results in all nondialytic CRF cases and controls ( p < 0.001). The OAE testing was abnormal in all dialytic patients with abnormal ABR testing results (44%), in 1 (4%) nondialytic CRF patient and in no controls ( p < 0.001). There ware no significant differences with regard to age, gender, height, weight, blood pressure, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium, and potassium, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), duration of dialysis and dialysis adequacy between dialytic patients with and without abnormal results of ABR/OAE testing. Conclusion Sensorineural hearing loss is rare among nondialytic pediatric patients with CRF but very common in ESRD children undergoing long term dialysis.

Pediatric Kidney Recipients With Small Capacity, Defunctionalized Urinary Bladders Receiving Adult-Sized Kidney Without Prior Bladder Augmentation

Children with small capacity, defunctionalized urinary bladders present unique operative challenges. Thus, traditional practice has included pretransplant bladder augmentation, but this has several adverse consequences. A single-institutional, retrospective review from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008 was conducted. Twelve pediatric patients, whom had not undergone pretransplant bladder augmentation, did not have neurogenic bladders or require preoperative catheterization, and a small capacity defunctionalized bladders were included. All were managed by the same surgeon with a previously described ureteral implantation, and a 7F ureteral stent attached to a large diameter suprapubic catheter was removed in a joint manner without cystoscopy at 2 weeks. Data were collected on patient and graft survival, rejection episodes, urinary tract infection (UTI) requiring antibiotics, grade of vesicoureteral reflux, and posttransplant bladder capacity. One-year patient and graft survival rates were 100%. One patient experienced a clinical rejection episode, which was successfully treated. Five patients (41.7%) had a UTI requiring abx treatment within the first postoperative year, but at 1 year, all patients had sterile urinary tracts. After removal of suprapubic catheters and ureteral stents, all patients were able to void spontaneously. Seven patients had no posttransplant ureteral reflux, three had grade 1 reflux, and two had grade 3 reflux (both successfully treated). The average age estimated pretransplant bladder and 1 year posttransplant bladder capacity was 14.5% and 84% of expected, respectively. In pediatric end-stage renal disease patients with a small capacity defunctionalized bladder, it is reasonable to proceed with kidney transplantation without pretransplant bladder augmentation, thus avoiding an unnecessary surgery.

Hypertension and hemodialysis: pathophysiology and outcomes in adult and pediatric populations

Hypertension is prevalent in adult and pediatric end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis. Volume overload is a primary factor contributing to hypertension, and attaining true dry weight remains a priority for nephrologists. Other contributing factors to hypertension include activation of the sympathetic and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems, endothelial cell dysfunction, arterial stiffness, exposure to hypertensinogenic drugs, and electrolyte imbalances during hemodialysis. Epidemiologic studies in adults show that uncontrolled hypertension results in cardiovascular morbidity, but reveal increased mortality risk at low blood pressure, so that it remains unclear what the target blood pressure should be. Despite the lack of a definitive BP target, gradual dry weight reduction should be the first intervention for BP control. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors have been shown to improve cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and are recommended as the initial pharmacologic therapy for hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Short-daily or nocturnal hemodialysis are also good therapeutic options for these patients. It is already established that hypertension in pediatric hemodialysis patients is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and there is emerging evidence that the mechanisms causing hypertension are similar to adults. Hypertension in adult and pediatric hemodialysis patients warrants aggressive management, although clinical trial evidence of a target BP that improves mortality does not currently exist.

Overview of the Canadian pediatric end-stage renal disease database

BackgroundPerforming clinical research among pediatric end-stage renal disease patients is challenging. Barriers to successful initiation and completion of clinical research projects include small sample sizes and resultant limited statistical power and lack of longitudinal follow-up for hard clinical end-points in most single center studies.DescriptionExisting longitudinal organ failure disease registry and administrative health datasets available within a universal access health care system can be used to study outcomes of end-stage renal disease among pediatric patients in Canada. To construct the Canadian Pediatric End-Stage Renal Disease database, registry data were linked to administrative health data through deterministic linkage techniques creating a research database which consists of socio-demographic variables, clinical variables, all-cause hospitalizations, and relevant outcomes (death and renal allograft loss) for this patient population. The research database also allows study of major cardiovascular events using previously validated administrative data definitions.ConclusionOrgan failure registry linked to health administrative data can be a powerful tool to perform longitudinal studies in pediatric end-stage renal disease patients. The rich clinical and demographic information found in this database will facilitate study of important medical and non-medical risk factors for death, graft loss and cardiovascular disease among pediatric end-stage renal disease patients.

Challenges Facing Renal Transplantation in Pediatric Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

In pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease, renal transplantation is the established therapy of choice. The commonest cause is a congenital abnormality of the kidneys and urinary tract, often associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Historically, such patients were denied transplantation, but it is now widely accepted that transplant outcomes comparable with the non-LUTD population are achievable. Nonetheless, the optimal management of pediatric end-stage renal disease patients with LUTD is unclear, with no guidelines to distinguish between the need for conservative management or surgical reconstruction of the lower urinary tract. Furthermore, the most appropriate surgical procedure and optimal timing of surgical intervention is far from clear. In this review, we outline common conditions that produce LUTD in children; discuss difficulties encountered in assessing the need for surgical treatment; provide an overview of the surgical procedures available; and consider the evidence for and against surgical intervention before, during, and after renal transplantation.

Outcome and Risk Factors for Mortality in Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis

The mortality rate among children requiring renal replacement therapy is higher than in children without end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Some factors, such as hypoalbuminemia, high peritoneal transport rate, age, malnutrition, cardiovascular disease, and recurrent peritonitis, appear to be associated with lower survival in adult peritoneal dialysis patients. Data regarding risk factors of mortality in children with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are limited. The aims of this study were to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients and investigate if routinely used laboratory and clinical variables are independent risk factors for mortality in children on CAPD. We performed a retrospective chart analysis of pediatric ESRD patients on CAPD between January 1997 and September 2008. 29 patients undergoing CAPD for more than 3 months were enrolled. An analysis was performed on clinical and biochemical variables for survivors and nonsurvivors to identify potential risk factors for mortality. Mean age was 12.18 +/- 4.57 years. During the follow-up period, 8 patients transferred to hemodialysis and 13 patients received deceased donor renal transplantation. By the end of the study, 5 patients had died. Actuarial survival rate at 2 and 5 years was 96.55% and 91.19% respectively. The major complication during therapy was peritonitis (1 episode/57.79 patient-months). In the univariate analysis, younger age at initiation of dialysis, presence of comorbid disease, higher peritoneal transport rate, increased protein losses through peritoneal dialysis, high total daily protein loss, hypoalbuminemia, and hypophosphatemia were variables associated with mortality in pediatric CAPD patients. However, in the multivariate analysis, only low serum albumin (b = -2.089, p = 0.006; hazard ratio 8.06, 95% confidence interval 0.028 - 0.546) was independently associated with mortality. Mortality was low in our pediatric patients receiving CAPD. Hypoalbuminemia showed a significant association with death in CAPD patients.