ABSTRACT
Background: Nephrocalcinosis is rare in children. Its etiologies are multiple. The aim of this study was to analyze the etiology of nephrocalcinosis in Tunisian children
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the department of pediatrics in Charles Nicolle Hospital during a period of 10 years [2001-2010]
Results: There were 40 children. The mean age was 3.5 years. The most common signs and symptoms at presentation were growth retardation [42.5%] and hematuria [53.8%]. At presentation, renal failure was detected in 70% of patients. The diagnosis of nephrocalcinosis was performed by ultrasonography. The etiology of nephrocalcinosis included primary hyperoxaluria type 1 [65%] and distal renal tubular acidosis [20%]. A progression to renal insufficiency was observed in 18 cases
Conclusion: Primary oxaluria is the principal cause of nephrocalcinosis; early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory as they help limiting renal function deterioration
ABSTRACT
Vascular thrombosis in the childhood nephrotic syndrome is a rare event. It poses major diagnostic and therapeutic problems. The prognosis depends on early diagnosis and on precocious anticoagulation. The risk of extension of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is real. To consider the major thrombotic events associated with childhood nephrotic syndrome and to establish an appropriate preventive approach based on objective clinical and laboratory parameters. This is a retrospective study of all cases of patients suffering from idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, during a period of 20 years, starting from January 1990 to December 2009. We selected six patients with vascular thrombosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by appropriate radiological investigation. Six cases of vascular thrombosis were identified among 260 cases of nephrotic syndrome collected during the period study. Patients are divided into five boys and one girl. The mean age was 13.3 years. The localisation of thrombosis is venous in all cases. One patient presented a massively fatal pulmonary embolism. Sinovenous thrombosis has been objectified in 3 patients who were all treated with a good therapeutic response. Vascular thrombosis remains one of the most serious complications of nephrotic syndrome in children. Early diagnosis and precocious anticoagulation are essential for preventing the extension of thrombosis