BACKGROUND Post-streptococcal acute glomerular nephritis(PSAGN)is mostly a benign condition.The usual sequelae of PSAGN include hypertension,its complications,and acute kidney injury.Severe PSAGN is associated with si...BACKGROUND Post-streptococcal acute glomerular nephritis(PSAGN)is mostly a benign condition.The usual sequelae of PSAGN include hypertension,its complications,and acute kidney injury.Severe PSAGN is associated with significant long-term morbidity,and histological abnormalities such as crescentic glomerulonephritis are infrequently reported.PSAGN has also been linked to late-onset chronic kidney disease in some populations due to high levels of proteinuria.METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted at Lady Ridgeway Hospital(Colombo,Sri Lanka)over 15 months.Children with PSAGN were enrolled based on clinical and laboratory criteria.Persistent proteinuria≥2+for 2 weeks and serum creatinine>100μmol/L warranted renal biopsy,assessed via light microscopy and immunofluorescence.Normalization of complement 3(C3)within 6 to 8 weeks was required for inclusion.Data on clinical features,urine protein levels,and renal function were collected from patient records,and potential associations were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and R language for statistical computing.Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee,Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children(Ref No:LRH/ERC/2021/60).RESULTS Forty-four patients were recruited.There were 27(61.4%)male patients and 17(38.6%)female patients.Thirty-seven(84%)of them were above 5 years of age.Twenty(45%)patients had a history of skin sepsis,and eighteen(41%)had a history of throat infection.Among patients with proteinuria≥2+,53%had serum creatinine>100µmol/L,while among those with proteinuria<2+,7%had serum creatinine>100µmol/L.The association of high-degree proteinuria with elevated serum creatinine was significant(χ²=7.8,P=0.005)in PSAGN.The odds ratio of the logistic regression model was 1.049(95%confidence interval:1.003-1.098),indicating a positive direction with statistically significant association(P=0.037).There was no significant association between proteinuria and the degree of hypertension or estimated creatinine clearance.Ten children underwent renal biopsy.Crescents(less than 50%)were demonstrated in five children,while three children had typical diffuse proliferative glomer-ulonephritis.One child had severe acute tubular necrosis,and another had crescentic glomerulonephritis(crescents>50%).The immunofluorescence studies revealed deposition of immunoglobulin G and C3 in all biopsy specimens.CONCLUSION High-degree proteinuria was significantly associated with elevated serum creatinine(>100μmol/L)in children with PSAGN.The majority of children with persistent proteinuria≥2+for more than 2 weeks and the highest recorded serum creatinine>100μmol/L had atypical renal histological findings.展开更多
Constipation in children is a major health issue around the world,with a global prevalence of 9.5%.They present to clinicians with a myriad of clinical signs.The Rome IV symptom-based criteria are used to diagnose fun...Constipation in children is a major health issue around the world,with a global prevalence of 9.5%.They present to clinicians with a myriad of clinical signs.The Rome IV symptom-based criteria are used to diagnose functional constipation.Functional constipation is also a huge financial burden for healthcare system and has a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life of children.There are various risk factors identified globally,including centrally connected factors such as child abuse,emotional and behavioral issues,and psychological stress.Constipation is also precipitated by a low-fiber diet,physical inactivity,and an altered intestinal microbiome.The main pathophysiological mechanism is stool withholding,while altered rectal function,anal sphincter,pelvic floor,and colonic dysfunction also play important roles.Clinical evaluation is critical in making a diagnosis,and most investigations are only required in refractory patients.In the treatment of childhood constipation,both nonpharmacological(education and demystification,dietary changes,toilet training,behavioral interventions,biofeedback,and pelvic floor physiotherapy),and pharmacological(osmotic and stimulant laxatives and novel drugs like prucalopride and lubiprostone)interventions are used.For children with refractory constipation,transanal irrigation,botulinum toxin,neuromodulation,and surgical treatments are reserved.While frequent use of probiotics is still in the experimental stage,healthy dietary habits,living a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to stressful events,are all beneficial preventive measures.展开更多
Growth retardation is a significant complication observed in pediatric renal transplant recipients,originating from a multifactorial etiology.Factors contributing to growth impairment encompass pre-transplant conditio...Growth retardation is a significant complication observed in pediatric renal transplant recipients,originating from a multifactorial etiology.Factors contributing to growth impairment encompass pre-transplant conditions such as primary kidney disease,malnutrition,quality of care,growth deficits at the time of transplantation,dialysis adequacy,and the use of recombinant human growth hormone.Additionally,elements related to the renal transplant itself,such as living donors,corticosteroid usage,and graft functioning,further compound the challenge.Although renal transplantation is the preferred renal replacement therapy,its impact on achieving final height and normal growth in children remains uncertain.The consequences of growth delay extend beyond the physi-ological realm,negatively influencing the quality of life and social conditions of pediatric renal transplant recipients,and ultimately affecting their educational and employment outcomes.Despite advancements in graft survival rates,growth retardation remains a formidable clinical concern among children undergoing renal transplantation.Major risk factors for delayed final adult height include young age at transplantation,pre-existing short stature,and the use of specific immunosuppressive drugs,particularly steroids.Effective management of growth retardation necessitates early intervention,commencing even before transplantation.Strategies involving the administration of recombinant growth hormone both pre-and post-transplant,along with protocols aimed at minimizing steroid usage,are important for achieving catch-up growth.This review provides a comprehensive outline of the multifaceted nature of growth retardation in pediatric renal transplant recipients,emphasizing the importance of early and targeted interventions to mitigate its impact on the long-term well-being of these children from birth to adolescence.INTRODUCTION Children with chronic kidney disease(CKD)endure frequent hospitalizations and ongoing treatment,which significantly affect their quality of life.One of the most noticeable effects of CKD in children is poor growth,with stunted height being a common sign of chronic malnutrition.Growth assessment involves regularly measuring weight and height/length and comparing these against z-score charts,along with other anthropometric indicators like head circumference and mid-upper arm circumference.Data from the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies(NAPRTCS)registry shows that over 35%of children enrolled had stunted growth at the time of admission,with growth impairment being more severe in younger children(58%in those aged under 1 year,compared to 22%in those aged over 12 years).Additionally,the same data revealed that growth impairment worsens as the severity of the disease increases.Although recent advances in science have enabled better outcomes for children with CKD,in resource-limited settings,numerous children are still deprived of achieving optimal growth owing to the disease and its related factors.Stunting is a key indicator of chronic growth impairment in children.A study by Wong et al[1]in the United States Renal Data System found that each SD decrease in height among children with stage V CKD is linked to a 14%increase in the risk of death[1].Similarly,research by Furth et al[2]using data from the NAPRTCS indicated that children with a height standard deviation score(SDS)of-2.5 face a relative hazard of death of 2.07.Stunting also correlates with increased hospitalizations.A study in the United States followed 1112 pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease from 1990 to 1995.It showed that children with severe or moderate growth failure had higher hospitalization rates compared to those with normal growth.Specifically,the relative risk for hospitalization was 1.14(95%CI:1.1-1.2)for those with moderate growth failure and 1.24(95%CI:1.2-1.3)for those with severe growth failure,even after adjusting for age,sex,race,cause,and duration of end-stage renal disease,and treatment type[2](dialysis or transplant).The growth of a child significantly affects his/her psychological and overall well-being as an adult.Short children are often embarrassed by peers,and it has been observed that height influences employment status,with unemployment being more prevalent among stunted individuals.Further,marital opportunities can be fewer among stunted individuals[3].Hence,all measures to achieve adequate growth should be attempted in children with CKD,regardless of whether they undergo transplantation.展开更多
Background Given the rising prevalence of pediatric steatotic liver disease(SLD),it is imperative to identify and address common challenges in clinical practice.This article aims to examine key issues in managing pedi...Background Given the rising prevalence of pediatric steatotic liver disease(SLD),it is imperative to identify and address common challenges in clinical practice.This article aims to examine key issues in managing pediatric SLD and attempts to propose evidence-based recommendations.Data sources We reviewed published literature on steatotic liver diseases in children focusing on overweight and obesity,including original research,systematic reviews,meta-analyses,consensus statements,and position papers.Databases searched were PubMed/MEDLINE,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and Scopus.Search terms included:“non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”,“NAFLD”,“steatohepatitis”,“NASH”,“steatotic liver disease”,“fatty liver”,“children”,“adolescents”,“pediatric”,“obesity”,and“overweight”.Results Critical issues include an over-reliance on liver biochemistry,which may fail to capture the broader spectrum of SLD[e.g.,metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)and metabolic dysfunction associated with steatohepatitis(MASH)],and delays in recognizing metabolic comorbidities.Dietary and lifestyle recommendations are often generalized,overlooking individual patient needs,while psychological factors,such as stress and mental health,are frequently neglected despite their role in disease progression.Advanced fibrosis cases are under-referred,long-term risks like cirrhosis are underestimated,and insufficient follow-up,coupled with limited family involvement in education,further compromises care.Conclusions Addressing these deficiencies through a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates early diagnosis,personalized treatment strategies,structured monitoring,and comprehensive family involvement is imperative for optimizing outcomes and mitigating the long-term impact of pediatric SLD.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Post-streptococcal acute glomerular nephritis(PSAGN)is mostly a benign condition.The usual sequelae of PSAGN include hypertension,its complications,and acute kidney injury.Severe PSAGN is associated with significant long-term morbidity,and histological abnormalities such as crescentic glomerulonephritis are infrequently reported.PSAGN has also been linked to late-onset chronic kidney disease in some populations due to high levels of proteinuria.METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted at Lady Ridgeway Hospital(Colombo,Sri Lanka)over 15 months.Children with PSAGN were enrolled based on clinical and laboratory criteria.Persistent proteinuria≥2+for 2 weeks and serum creatinine>100μmol/L warranted renal biopsy,assessed via light microscopy and immunofluorescence.Normalization of complement 3(C3)within 6 to 8 weeks was required for inclusion.Data on clinical features,urine protein levels,and renal function were collected from patient records,and potential associations were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and R language for statistical computing.Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee,Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children(Ref No:LRH/ERC/2021/60).RESULTS Forty-four patients were recruited.There were 27(61.4%)male patients and 17(38.6%)female patients.Thirty-seven(84%)of them were above 5 years of age.Twenty(45%)patients had a history of skin sepsis,and eighteen(41%)had a history of throat infection.Among patients with proteinuria≥2+,53%had serum creatinine>100µmol/L,while among those with proteinuria<2+,7%had serum creatinine>100µmol/L.The association of high-degree proteinuria with elevated serum creatinine was significant(χ²=7.8,P=0.005)in PSAGN.The odds ratio of the logistic regression model was 1.049(95%confidence interval:1.003-1.098),indicating a positive direction with statistically significant association(P=0.037).There was no significant association between proteinuria and the degree of hypertension or estimated creatinine clearance.Ten children underwent renal biopsy.Crescents(less than 50%)were demonstrated in five children,while three children had typical diffuse proliferative glomer-ulonephritis.One child had severe acute tubular necrosis,and another had crescentic glomerulonephritis(crescents>50%).The immunofluorescence studies revealed deposition of immunoglobulin G and C3 in all biopsy specimens.CONCLUSION High-degree proteinuria was significantly associated with elevated serum creatinine(>100μmol/L)in children with PSAGN.The majority of children with persistent proteinuria≥2+for more than 2 weeks and the highest recorded serum creatinine>100μmol/L had atypical renal histological findings.
文摘Constipation in children is a major health issue around the world,with a global prevalence of 9.5%.They present to clinicians with a myriad of clinical signs.The Rome IV symptom-based criteria are used to diagnose functional constipation.Functional constipation is also a huge financial burden for healthcare system and has a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life of children.There are various risk factors identified globally,including centrally connected factors such as child abuse,emotional and behavioral issues,and psychological stress.Constipation is also precipitated by a low-fiber diet,physical inactivity,and an altered intestinal microbiome.The main pathophysiological mechanism is stool withholding,while altered rectal function,anal sphincter,pelvic floor,and colonic dysfunction also play important roles.Clinical evaluation is critical in making a diagnosis,and most investigations are only required in refractory patients.In the treatment of childhood constipation,both nonpharmacological(education and demystification,dietary changes,toilet training,behavioral interventions,biofeedback,and pelvic floor physiotherapy),and pharmacological(osmotic and stimulant laxatives and novel drugs like prucalopride and lubiprostone)interventions are used.For children with refractory constipation,transanal irrigation,botulinum toxin,neuromodulation,and surgical treatments are reserved.While frequent use of probiotics is still in the experimental stage,healthy dietary habits,living a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to stressful events,are all beneficial preventive measures.
文摘Growth retardation is a significant complication observed in pediatric renal transplant recipients,originating from a multifactorial etiology.Factors contributing to growth impairment encompass pre-transplant conditions such as primary kidney disease,malnutrition,quality of care,growth deficits at the time of transplantation,dialysis adequacy,and the use of recombinant human growth hormone.Additionally,elements related to the renal transplant itself,such as living donors,corticosteroid usage,and graft functioning,further compound the challenge.Although renal transplantation is the preferred renal replacement therapy,its impact on achieving final height and normal growth in children remains uncertain.The consequences of growth delay extend beyond the physi-ological realm,negatively influencing the quality of life and social conditions of pediatric renal transplant recipients,and ultimately affecting their educational and employment outcomes.Despite advancements in graft survival rates,growth retardation remains a formidable clinical concern among children undergoing renal transplantation.Major risk factors for delayed final adult height include young age at transplantation,pre-existing short stature,and the use of specific immunosuppressive drugs,particularly steroids.Effective management of growth retardation necessitates early intervention,commencing even before transplantation.Strategies involving the administration of recombinant growth hormone both pre-and post-transplant,along with protocols aimed at minimizing steroid usage,are important for achieving catch-up growth.This review provides a comprehensive outline of the multifaceted nature of growth retardation in pediatric renal transplant recipients,emphasizing the importance of early and targeted interventions to mitigate its impact on the long-term well-being of these children from birth to adolescence.INTRODUCTION Children with chronic kidney disease(CKD)endure frequent hospitalizations and ongoing treatment,which significantly affect their quality of life.One of the most noticeable effects of CKD in children is poor growth,with stunted height being a common sign of chronic malnutrition.Growth assessment involves regularly measuring weight and height/length and comparing these against z-score charts,along with other anthropometric indicators like head circumference and mid-upper arm circumference.Data from the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies(NAPRTCS)registry shows that over 35%of children enrolled had stunted growth at the time of admission,with growth impairment being more severe in younger children(58%in those aged under 1 year,compared to 22%in those aged over 12 years).Additionally,the same data revealed that growth impairment worsens as the severity of the disease increases.Although recent advances in science have enabled better outcomes for children with CKD,in resource-limited settings,numerous children are still deprived of achieving optimal growth owing to the disease and its related factors.Stunting is a key indicator of chronic growth impairment in children.A study by Wong et al[1]in the United States Renal Data System found that each SD decrease in height among children with stage V CKD is linked to a 14%increase in the risk of death[1].Similarly,research by Furth et al[2]using data from the NAPRTCS indicated that children with a height standard deviation score(SDS)of-2.5 face a relative hazard of death of 2.07.Stunting also correlates with increased hospitalizations.A study in the United States followed 1112 pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease from 1990 to 1995.It showed that children with severe or moderate growth failure had higher hospitalization rates compared to those with normal growth.Specifically,the relative risk for hospitalization was 1.14(95%CI:1.1-1.2)for those with moderate growth failure and 1.24(95%CI:1.2-1.3)for those with severe growth failure,even after adjusting for age,sex,race,cause,and duration of end-stage renal disease,and treatment type[2](dialysis or transplant).The growth of a child significantly affects his/her psychological and overall well-being as an adult.Short children are often embarrassed by peers,and it has been observed that height influences employment status,with unemployment being more prevalent among stunted individuals.Further,marital opportunities can be fewer among stunted individuals[3].Hence,all measures to achieve adequate growth should be attempted in children with CKD,regardless of whether they undergo transplantation.
文摘Background Given the rising prevalence of pediatric steatotic liver disease(SLD),it is imperative to identify and address common challenges in clinical practice.This article aims to examine key issues in managing pediatric SLD and attempts to propose evidence-based recommendations.Data sources We reviewed published literature on steatotic liver diseases in children focusing on overweight and obesity,including original research,systematic reviews,meta-analyses,consensus statements,and position papers.Databases searched were PubMed/MEDLINE,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and Scopus.Search terms included:“non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”,“NAFLD”,“steatohepatitis”,“NASH”,“steatotic liver disease”,“fatty liver”,“children”,“adolescents”,“pediatric”,“obesity”,and“overweight”.Results Critical issues include an over-reliance on liver biochemistry,which may fail to capture the broader spectrum of SLD[e.g.,metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)and metabolic dysfunction associated with steatohepatitis(MASH)],and delays in recognizing metabolic comorbidities.Dietary and lifestyle recommendations are often generalized,overlooking individual patient needs,while psychological factors,such as stress and mental health,are frequently neglected despite their role in disease progression.Advanced fibrosis cases are under-referred,long-term risks like cirrhosis are underestimated,and insufficient follow-up,coupled with limited family involvement in education,further compromises care.Conclusions Addressing these deficiencies through a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates early diagnosis,personalized treatment strategies,structured monitoring,and comprehensive family involvement is imperative for optimizing outcomes and mitigating the long-term impact of pediatric SLD.
