normal pediatric kidney: some observations on the sonographic appearance

Over a period of 2 years, 288 normal pediatric subjects ranging in age from several hours to 12 years were subjected to renal ultrasonography. They all had no clinical and/or laboratory evidence of liver or kidney disease. Scans of the right kidney were included only in the analysis of this study. The scans were evaluated with emphasis on renal cortical echogenicity, prominence and hypoechoic nature of the renal medulla, distinction of the corticomedullary boundary and brightness of he central sinus echoes. Analysis of the data showed that all neonates and almost all infants 2 weeks to 2 months of age demonstrated the typical neonatal renal pattern "increased cortical echogenicity with enhanced corticomedullary differentiation". In infants more than2 months to 4 months of age 70 to 77% exhibited also the same pattern. However, in infants more than 4 months to 6 months of age 27-40 demonstrated the neonatal pattern. Between the age of 6 months and one year 8% only continued to exhibit the neonatal pattern. After the age of one year, all children demonstrated the adult renal pattern "decreased cortical echogenicity with poor corticomedullary differentiation" Possible explanations for the sonographic appearance of the neonatal kidney are given based on the known anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the kidney in adults and neonates

Serum sodium level in children receiving home-mixed oral rehydration solution

This study aimed at studying the serum sodium level in infants receiving home-mixed oral rehydration solution [ORS] for the prevention and treatment of dehydration caused by acute infantile diarrhea. It included 100 infants aged from 2-18 months, having received ORS at home during the last 24 hours. All cases were subjected to full clinical examination and to a questionaire about the amount, the reconstittution of ORS as well as any other food or additional fluids adminestered with it. The questionaire included also an inquiry on the source of knowledge of the mothers about ORS and feeding practice during diarrhea. Measurement of serum sodium proved that it ranged from 120-170 with a mean of 142.2 +/- 10.36 m Eq/Litre a value which though still within normal range was significantly higher than that reported for normal controls of matching age. Only 6% of patients showed a serum sodium level above 150 m Eq/Litre and all were asymptomatic. A positive correlation could be found only between serum sodium level and the degree of dehydration. The results were discussed

Serum level of some trace elements in children with nephrotic syndrome under corticosteroid therapy

Three trace elements, namely copper, zinc and iron were determined in nephrotic children under corticosteroid therapy for variable periods. Serum copper, zinc and iron were significantly decreased in nephrotic children before starting and medication [Group II]. Nephrotic cases with proteinuria receiving corticosteroids for 2 weeks [Group III] showed a significant decrease in serum copper and ceruloplasmin while iron and zinc were not significantly changed. Cases of nephrotic syndrome under corticosteroid therapy for one month with absent proteinuria [Group IV] showed a significant decrease in both copper and iron. Serum zinc increased significantly in nephrotic cases under corticosteroid therapy for two months [without proteinuria] [Group V.]. While copper and ceruloplasmin were still significantly decreased without significant changes in serum iron level. These results were discussed

Protein losing enteropathy in measles

Serum and faecal alpha-1 antitrypsin concentration as well as alpha-1 antitrypsin clearance were measured in 10 malnourished children with measles, 10 well nourished children with measles, as well as 10 age matched normal Egyption children. Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin concentrations were significantly lower than normal in both groups of measles. The intestinal clearance of alpha-1 antitrypsin was significantly high in the malnourished group. The dual effect of measles [usually sever in PEM] and mal-nutrition on the intestinal mucosa makes it more permeable to plasma proteins