Pediatric Nephrology Research Articles

Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for management of urinary tract infection and primary vesicoureteric reflux.

We present updated, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from the Indian Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ISPN) for the management of urinary tract infection (UTI) and primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in children. These guidelines conform to international standards; Institute of Medicine and AGREE checklists were used to ensure transparency, rigor, and thoroughness in the guideline development. In view of the robust methodology, these guidelines are applicable globally for the management of UTI and VUR. Seventeen recommendations and 18 clinical practice points have been formulated. Some of the key recommendations and practice points are as follows. Urine culture with > 104 colony forming units/mL is considered significant for the diagnosis of UTI in an infant if the clinical suspicion is strong. Urine leukocyte esterase and nitrite can be used as an alternative screening test to urine microscopy in a child with suspected UTI. Acute pyelonephritis can be treated with oral antibiotics in a non-toxic infant for 7-10days. An acute-phase DMSA scan is not recommended in the evaluation of UTI. Micturating cystourethrography (MCU) is indicated in children with recurrent UTI, abnormal kidney ultrasound, and in patients below 2years of age with non-E. coli UTI. Dimercaptosuccinic acid scan (DMSA scan) is indicated only in children with recurrent UTI and high-grade (3-5) VUR. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated in children with a normal urinary tract after UTI. Prophylaxis is recommended to prevent UTI in children with bladder bowel dysfunction (BBD) and those with high-grade VUR. In children with VUR, prophylaxis should be stopped if the child is toilet trained, free of BBD, and has not had a UTI in the last 1year. Surgical intervention in high-grade VUR can be considered for parental preference over antibiotic prophylaxis or in children developing recurrent breakthrough febrile UTIs on antibiotic prophylaxis.

Prevalence of mycophenolate mofetil discontinuation and subsequent outcomes in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A PNRC study.

Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) is an effective immunosuppressant used in kidney transplant recipients to prevent acute rejection. Complications such as diarrhea, leukopenia, and infections may necessitate the reduction or discontinuation of MMF. The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence, timing, and reasons for MMF discontinuation and its association with outcomes in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Seven Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium (PNRC) centers participated in a retrospective analysis of kidney transplant recipients <21 years of age. Characteristics and outcomes of patients in whom MMF was discontinued were compared to those who continued taking MMF throughout the first 2 years post-transplant. The study population included 288 participants (mean age 11.2 years) from 7 North American transplant centers. MMF was discontinued in 93/288 (32%) of participants. Common reasons for discontinuation included infections (35%), diarrhea (32%), leukopenia (15%), and others (18%). Increased cumulative alloimmunity (55% vs. 42%, p = .02), increased number of hospitalizations (82% vs. 67%, p = .01), and viral replications (79% vs. 47%, p < .0001) were observed in the MMF discontinuation group compared to the continuation group. Greater eGFR decline also occurred in the MMF discontinuation group over 2 years of follow-up (-7 vs. -1 mL/min/1.73 m2 , p = .05). Almost a third of pediatric kidney transplant recipients who begin MMF for maintenance immunosuppression have it discontinued within the first 2 years post-transplant, and this subset of patients is more likely to experience adverse outcomes. New strategies are needed to manage MMF therapy and improve post-transplant outcomes.

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.

Holistic care and symptom management for pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

While many aspects of life may improve substantially for children and young people undergoing kidney transplant, there may be new challenges including symptoms that can be detrimental to health-related quality of life. Addressing symptoms requires attention to patient and family perspectives and a holistic approach grounded in symptom management. The interdisciplinary pediatric nephrology transplant team should be attuned to the prevalence of common symptoms including fatigue, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, pain, and sleep disturbances, as well as poor body image and sexual health. These common symptoms require regular assessment with a focus on appropriate interventions and how care may be impacted by transplant status.

Clinical Experience of a Long-acting Pegylated Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agent in Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease.

Management of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) often includes subcutaneous or intravenous administration of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs). Mircera, a pegylated continuous erythropoietin receptor agonist, has a longer duration of action and requires less frequent administration than other ESAs. Pediatric experience with Mircera is limited. We retrospectively reviewed our long-term experience of Mircera in a national pediatric nephrology center. Patients were identified via an electronic patient record database. Data collected included demographics (sex, age, etiology of CKD, CKD stage, dialysis modality), dosing information, and laboratory data-hemoglobin (Hb), parathormone (PTH), ferritin, hematinics prior to commencing Mircera and all subsequent values associated with dose adjustments. Seventy-seven patients aged 2 to 18 years, with CKD stages 2 to 5T had received at least 1 dose of Mircera, with 75 patients having sufficient data and a total of 1473 doses. No patients discontinued Mircera owing to adverse effects. One patient experienced a potential severe adverse drug reaction. Mircera was effective in improving or maintaining Hb ≥10.0 g/dL in most (58/75, 77.3%) patients. The median dose to achieve Hb ≥10.0 g/dL was 2.1 µg/kg/4 wk. Most doses (1039, 71.5%) were administered 4-weekly. The doses (161, 11.1%) that were administered 6-weekly remained efficacious. Thirty-two patients started Mircera with Hb <10.0 g/dL; 26 (81%) achieved Hb ≥10.0 g/dL within a median time of 4 months. Mircera was less effective if given every 8 weeks, or in the presence of hyperparathyroidism or hyperferritinemia. Mircera appears safe and effective in pediatric patients with CKD.

Functional vesico-sphincteric disorders in children: clinical, urodynamic and evolutionary profile

Childhood vesico-sphincteric disorders are the cause of functional and psychological disability. They are also responsible for serious uronephrologic complications akin to neuro-bladder complications. In this study, we looked for the clinical manifestations linked to these disorders as well as the paraclinical and urodynamic anomalies and their therapeutic management. We carried out a retrospective and descriptive study of patients with vesico-sphincteric disorders, followed in the pediatrics department of Charles Nicolle hospital in Tunis. In total 26 patients were included in our study. The median age at the first consultation in a pediatric nephrology department was 9 years (IQR 25 = 6 years; IQR 75 = 11 years). There was a predominance of girls: 19 boys and 43 girls. The filling phase and the voiding phase were dominated by the combination of three or more symptoms. Bladder tenderness was reduced in 12% of cases. Nineteen percent of patients reported post micturition dribble in the post-voiding phase. The flow rate curve was polyphasic in 36% of cases and flat in 11% of cases. The median of the post void residual was 62, 2 mL (IQR 25 = 25 mL; IQR 75 = 102 mL). Cystometry showed reduced bladder sensation in 14% of cases, detrusor overactivity in 65% of cases, bladder hypocontractility in 8% of cases, hypocompliant bladder in 42% of cases and small capacity in 88% of cases. Sphincter dysynergia was noted in 34% of patients. Anticholinergics were the most used in the treatment of disorders (53%). Renal failure was noted in 45% of the patients of which 11% had end-renal stage failure. During follow-up 16% of our patients required kidney replacement therapy. Given the seriousness of vesico-sphincteric disorders in children and the late discovery in the majority of cases at the complication stage, targeted primary prevention must be carried out based on continuous training of primary care physicians to minimize the appearance of complications involving the functional and vital prognosis of these children.

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.

Mülteci çocukların renal sağlığı: süregelen bir zorluk

Aim: Its geographical proximity to Syria makes Turkey an important destination and transit country for refugees from various countries. The aim of this study is to determine the kidney and urological disease profile and to reveal the ongoing problems of refugee children who applied to a single center in Adana, home to a dense refugee population. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest single center experience with the refugee pediatric patient population in this field.&#x0D; Methods: Medical records of 614 refugee children admitted to the pediatric nephrology and urology departments between February 2020 and May 2022 evaluated retrospectively. A total of 530 patients were included in the study.&#x0D; Results: Median age of the 530 patients (301 male/229 female) was 72 months. The median follow-up time was 7 months (IQR 14 months). Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract with 181 patients (34.2%) is the most common diagnosis. The frequency of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of the patients was determined as 25% with 132 patients. 64 (12%) of the patients required surgical intervention. It was observed that 322 (61%) of the patients did not come to their regular follow-ups and delayed their follow-up.&#x0D; Conclusion: Irregular follow-up and delaying the treatment can lead to sad consequences in patients with CKD in the long term. We believe that regular patient follow-up will have a positive impact on the long-term follow-up results of the patients and on the health costs of the country hosting the refugee patient profile.

Dispositional optimism, coping strategies and the emotional state of parents of children with nocturnal enuresis

Introduction and objective: The subject of the article concerns the role of optimism in coping with stress and the emotions experienced by the parents of children suffering from nocturnal enuresis. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between coping strategies and emotions experienced by the parents of children with nocturnal enuresis, taking into account the moderating role of optimism. Materials and methods: The study included 70 parents of children experiencing nocturnal enuresis, who were patients of the Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Nephrology and Allergology of the Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute in Warsaw. The participants completed a sociodemographic survey and questionnaires measuring the level of dispositional optimism (Life Orientation Test-Revised, LOT-R), strategies for coping with a stressful situation related to the child’s illness (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, CISS-S) and the level of positive and negative emotions (Skala Uczuć Pozytywnych i Negatywnych, SUPIN, S30 – Polish adaptation of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, PANAS). The results of the research partially confirmed the assumed hypotheses. Results: A relationship was found between the level of optimism and emotions, and the use of task-focused coping strategies. The relationship between the level of optimism and other strategies could not be confirmed. Also, it has not been proven that all stress coping strategies are associated with negative and positive emotions. Contrary to the assumptions, optimism did not moderate the relationship between coping with stress and emotions, except for one case, namely coping strategies focused on emotions and the level of negative emotions. Conclusions: The obtained results allow to conclude about the prevailing role of the situational context – the child’s illness over personality variables.

Internet Health Resources on Nocturnal Enuresis: A Readability, Quality, and Accuracy Analysis.

Nocturnal enuresis is a common yet quality-of-life-limiting pediatric condition. There is an increasing trend for parents to obtain information on the disease's nature and treatment options via the internet. However, the quality of health-related information on the internet varies greatly and is largely uncontrolled and unregulated. With this study, a readability, quality, and accuracy evaluation of the health information regarding nocturnal enuresis is carried out. A questionnaire was administered to parents and patients with nocturnal enuresis to determine their use of the internet to research their condition. The most common search terms were determined, and the first 30 websites returned by the most popular search engines were used to assess the quality of information about nocturnal enuresis. Each site was categorized by type and assessed for readability using the Gunning fog score, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index, and Dale-Chall score; for quality using the DISCERN score; and for accuracy by comparison to the International Children's Continence Society guidelines by three experienced pediatric urologists and nephrologists. A total of 30 websites were assessed and classified into five categories: professional (n = 13), nonprofit (n = 8), commercial (n = 4), government (n = 3), and other (n = 2). The information was considered difficult for the public to comprehend, with mean Gunning fog, SMOG index, and Dale-Chall scores of 12.1 ± 4.3, 14.1 ± 4.3, and 8.1 ± 1.3, respectively. The mean summed DISCERN score was 41 ± 11.6 out of 75. Only seven (23%) websites were considered of good quality (DISCERN score > 50). The mean accuracy score of the websites was 3.2 ± 0.6 out of 5. Commercial websites were of the poorest quality and accuracy. Websites generally scored well in providing their aims and identifying treatment benefits and options, while they lacked references and information regarding treatment risks and mechanisms. Online information about nocturnal enuresis exists for parents; however, most websites are of suboptimal quality, readability, and accuracy. Pediatric surgeons should be aware of parents' health-information-seeking behavior and be proactive in guiding parents to identify high-quality resources.

Blood Pressure Outcomes in NICU-Admitted Infants with Neonatal Hypertension: A Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium Study

ObjectiveTo describe the blood pressure outcomes of NICU-admitted infants with idiopathic (non-secondary) hypertension (HTN) who were discharged on antihypertensive therapy. Study DesignRetrospective ,multicenter study of 14 centers within the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium (PNRC). We included all infants with a diagnosis of idiopathic HTN discharged from neonatal intensive care units (NICU) on antihypertensive treatment. The primary outcome was time to discontinuation of antihypertensive therapy, grouped into ≤6 months, >6 months – 1 year, and > 1 year). Comparisons between groups were made with chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and analysis of variance. ResultsData from 118 infants (66% male) were included. Calcium channel blockers were the most prescribed class of antihypertensives (56%) in the cohort. The percentages remaining on antihypertensives after NICU discharge were 60% at 6 months, 26% at 1 year, and 7% at 2 years. Antenatal steroid treatment was associated with decreased likelihood of antihypertensive therapy >1 year after discharge. ConclusionsThis multicenter study reports that most NICU-admitted infants diagnosed with idiopathic HTN will discontinue antihypertensive treatment by 2 years after NICU discharge. These data provide important insights into the outcome of neonatal HTN but should be confirmed prospectively.

Urinary Tract Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns: 5-Year Experience in a Tertiary Pediatric Nephrology Center in the Southwestern Region of Poland.

(1) Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in the pediatric population. This study aimed to analyze the urine culture results and antimicrobial patterns over the last 5 years in children diagnosed with UTI. (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 242 patients hospitalized in the Pediatric Nephrology Department diagnosed with a UTI in the years 2018-2022. (3) Results: The most common causative agent was E. coli, responsible for 64% of UTIs, followed by Klebsiella spp. (16%), Pseudomonas spp. (6%), Enterobacter spp. (4%), Proteus spp. (4%), and Enterococcus spp. (3%). Non-E. coli UTIs were significantly more frequently observed in patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract or neurogenic bladder and patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis. For the whole study period, 32% of E. coli were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 23.3% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 12.2% to ciprofloxacin, and 4.4% to nitrofurantoin. During 2018-2022, the prevalence of E. coli resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid varied from 16.7% to 41.2%, and resistance to cefuroxime increased four times (from 4% in 2018 to 16.7% in 2022). Starting in 2021, all isolated E. coli strains were classified as susceptible-increased exposure or resistant to cefuroxime. (4) Conclusion: Managing pediatric UTIs remains challenging in clinical practice. The choice of optimal empiric treatment should be considered following local recommendations and individual risk factors assessment and require careful dosage adjustment. Observed changes in antimicrobial resistance indicated the need for frequent updating of local recommendations for the management of pediatric patients with UTIs.

Comparison of three spot proteinuria measurements for pediatric nephrotic syndrome: based on the International pediatric Nephrology Association 2022 Guidelines

Background Pediatric nephrotic syndrome (NS) requires routine proteinuria monitoring, which is costly and affects patients’ quality of life. The gold-standard 24-h urine protein (UP) measurement is challenging in children, and first-morning urine collection requires specific conditions, making it difficult in outpatient settings. Studies have reported comparability of second or random morning urine sample to the first-morning specimen. This study aimed to compare outcomes of random morning proteinuria measurements to 24-h UP and the roles of the urinary protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) and dipstick tests in pediatric NS, based on International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) 2022 Guidelines. Method Twenty-four-hour and morning urine samples were collected from 92 pediatric NS patients. These were subjected to automated analyses for 24-h UP, UPCR, and semi-automated dipstick analysis. A blinded doctor performed manual dipstick analysis. Results UPCR had a stronger correlation with 24-h UP than with automated and manual urine dipstick tests. UPCR had the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting no remission/relapse and high sensitivity but low specificity for complete remission. The optimal UPCR cutoff for remission was 0.44 mg/mg and for no remission/relapse was 2.08 mg/mg. Automated and manual dipstick tests demonstrated limited sensitivity but high specificity and similar AUC values for remission/relapse. Conclusion UPCR was sensitive and specific for diagnosing no remission/relapse and sensitive but not specific for detecting remission. Manual and automated urine dipstick tests were comparable for remission and no remission/relapse detection. This study supports the IPNA 2022 Guidelines, as 2 mg/mg was the optimal UPCR cutoff for no remission/relapse, while for remission the optimal cutoff was 0.4 mg/mg.

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.

Severe Acute Kidney Injury in Children as a Rare Complication of Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) is a rare condition in childhood characterized by complement-mediated premature destruction of red blood cells. PCH is associated with intravascular hemolysis causing hemoglobinuria, which may result in acute kidney injury of various severity. We aimed to retrospectively analyze clinical and laboratory features of children with PCH-associated acute kidney injury received at tertiary Pediatric Hematology and Nephrology Center, University Motol Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic during the period 2016 to 2022. We present here 3 children with PCH-associated acute kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy. We highlight the association of PCH with kidney disease. Renal parameters and urine examination should be regularly tested in all children with PCH.

Recommended calcium intake in adults and children with chronic kidney disease-a European consensus statement.

Mineral and bone disorders (MBD) are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. For several decades, the first-line approach to controlling hyperparathyroidism in CKD was by exogenous calcium loading. Since the turn of the millennium, however, a growing awareness of vascular calcification risk has led to a paradigm shift in management and a move away from calcium-based phosphate binders. As a consequence, contemporary CKD patients may be at risk of a negative calcium balance, which, in turn, may compromise bone health, contributing to renal bone disease and increased fracture risk. A calcium intake below a certain threshold may be as problematic as a high intake, worsening the MBD syndrome of CKD, but is not addressed in current clinical practice guidelines. The CKD-MBD and European Renal Nutrition working groups of the European Renal Association (ERA), together with the CKD-MBD and Dialysis working groups of the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN), developed key evidence points and clinical practice points on calcium management in children and adults with CKD across stages of disease. These were reviewed by a Delphi panel consisting of ERA and ESPN working groups members. The main clinical practice points include a suggested total calcium intake from diet and medications of 800-1000mg/day and not exceeding 1500mg/day to maintain a neutral calcium balance in adults with CKD. In children with CKD, total calcium intake should be kept within the age-appropriate normal range. These statements provide information and may assist in decision-making, but in the absence of high-level evidence must be carefully considered and adapted to individual patient needs.

Ukraine: Chronic Kidney Disease in children and adolescents: retrospective and priorities

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and structure of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children and adolescents to determine the priorities for the development of pediatric nephrology in Ukraine.&#x0D; Methods. Individuals who were born in Ukraine after 1994 and had CKD diagnosed before the age of 18 were investigated. The number of CKD cases was estimated per 100,000 newborns depending on the year of birth, divided into time intervals: 1995-2004 and 2005-2022 years of birth. Both groups were stratified with the generalization of the etiological component. The patients on Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) were separated into special clinical group, and the etiological and age spectrum analysis of KRT initiation was performed depends of the year of birth. In addition, cross-sectional analysis of the etiological structure of KRT incidence and prevalence in years 2019 and 2021 was conducted.&#x0D; Results. The prevalence of CKD in children and adolescents in Ukraine increased over a long period up to year 2022 (average cases per 100,000 births: 43.5 in years 1995-2004, 37.0 in years 2005-2022:) with an amplification of early stages (CKD1-4: year 2010 - 81.4%, year 2022 - 92.0%) and KRT decrease, respectively (average cases per 100,000 births: 6.5 and 3.3 in the analyzed time intervals). The individuals with primary urological pathology made up a third or more among CKD patients (depending on the year of birth). The etiological and age spectrum differences of KRT were determined in the analyzed time intervals. Depending on the underlying cause of CKD, the age of KRT initiation in born before year 2005 varied from 9 to 16 years, in the following period - from 1 to 9 years.&#x0D; The differences from the ESPN Registry were identified in cross-sectional etiological spectrum of CKD with KRT initiation in year 2019 (age up to 15 years old): the higher proportion of patients after Acute Kidney Injury/AKI (16.7%) or with glomerulonephritis/GN (30.0%), and the smaller one of congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract/CAKUT (26.6%). The distribution of KRT causes in Ukraine under the age of 18 did not change in years 2019 and 2021 (including polycystic kidney disease/PKD 12.1-11.2%, GN 15.0-16.5%, AKI 12.1-13.1%, CAKUT 32.4-31.0%, respectively), but only for CAKUT and PKD was approximated to ISPN Global Registry data.&#x0D; Conclusions. The revealed qualitative changes in the etiological and age structure of morbidity over a long period in Ukraine indicate the CKD pathomorphosis and require updating the clinical managment of patients depends of the economic and organizational potential of the country, the challenges of martial law and the difficulties of the next recovery period.

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.

Thrombotic Risk in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the thrombotic risk in children of Abidjan suffering with the idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS).&#x0D; Study Location and Period: This study was conducted in 56 children with INS, aged 24 to 144 months and followed up at the pediatric nephrology unit of the University Hospital of Yopougon. It took place from January 2021 to April 2022. Blood samples were taken in that unit for each child. Blood counts and albumin levels were performed at the laboratory of biology and medical research of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) in Adjamé. Fibrinogen, factors V, VII, VIII, IX, antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C, protein S and D-dimers were measured at Laboratory Longchamp of Plateau.&#x0D; Methodology: In each child, blood samples were collected by venipuncture on dry tubes, with sodium citrate and EDTA. Blood counts were performed on Sysmex XT 2000i, albumin levels on Cobas C311 and haemostasis parameters on Sysmex CS1600.&#x0D; Results: Of the 56 children recruited, hypoalbuminemia &lt; 30 g/L was found in 35 (62.5%) children. The most common haemostasis abnormalities were increased D-Dimer in 35 (62.5%) children, hyperfibrinemia in 34(60.7%) children, increased protein C in 31 (55.3%) children, thrombocytosis in 29 (51.8%) children. ATIII and protein S deficiencies were found in 16 (28.6%) and 11 (19.6%) children respectively. Thrombosis risk was present in 36 (64.3%) children. A significant association was found between albuminemia &lt; 20 g/L and ATIII &lt; 70%.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a thrombotic risk in children with INS, which may be increased by hypoalbuminemia &lt; 20 g/L.

Role of primary care in enhancing continuity of care for adolescents and young adults with chronic kidney disease undergoing transition to adult health services.

The transition from pediatric to adult health care is a vulnerable period for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic conditions as it involves a multitude of changes and challenges while they enter adulthood. The transition to adult care can be particularly challenging for AYA living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the complex care needed for treatment. Continuity of care is crucial for a successful transition to adult health care. The aim of this educational review is to discuss the potential role of primary care providers in the transition from pediatric to adult health services for AYA with CKD and kidney failure treated with dialysis and/or transplant. We address the significance of the medical home model and how it can provide continuity of care for AYA with CKD. Primary care providers can enhance care for AYA with chronic conditions by providing continuity of care, reducing exacerbation of chronic health conditions, providing holistic care, and fostering collaboration with specialists. Despite their vital role, primary care providers face barriers in maintaining this continuity, necessitating further attention and support in this area. By addressing these barriers and encouraging primary care providers to work alongside pediatric and adult nephrologists during the transition to adult health care, there are significant opportunities to improve the care and health outcomes of AYA with CKD.