Clinical Features of Enuresis in Children with Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known as one of the common causes of secondary enuresis in children. However, enuresis in diabetic children is overlooked only as a symptom of polyuria due to hyperglycemia. We evaluated the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in children with diabetes mellitus in this paper. METHODS: Among children with diabetes in three hospitals in Daegu area, 117 agreed to 'Tele research by means of a questionnaire'. RESULTS: Diabetic patients were divided into two groups: Nocturnal enuresis and non-nocturnal enuresis group. thirty-two of 117 (27.0%) patients were in enuresis group, with more daytime urination than non-nocturnal enuresis group (4.2+/-1.6/3.6+/-1.2 times, P =0.016). HbA1c at diagnosis was 12.0+/-2.3%/12.0+/-2.5%, and at follow-up 9.3+/-2.3%/8.3+/-2.3% (P =0.042). Insulin was administered at 1.1+/-0.5/1.1+/-0.4 units/kg/day. Ten children of enuresis (31.2%) group were monosymptomatic (MNE) and 22 (68.8%) children were non-monosymptomatic enuresis (non-MNE). Fourteen (43.8%) of enuresis group had persistent symptoms, with 5 MNE and 9 non-MNE each. HbA1c at diagnosis was 11.1+/-2.5, 12.4+/-2.1, higher in non-MNE (P =0.144). Average arousal during sleep was step 3.3+/-1.2, 2.5+/-1.0, higher in improved enuresis group (P =0.059). CONCLUSION: Nocturnal enuresis among DM patients is underestimated. However, considering psychological and social effects of enuresis in children, extensive and long-term studies are needed in the future to clarify relationship between prevalence and DM control.

The Changes of Slit Diaphragm Molecules After Using Sirolimus

PURPOSE: Recently, massive proteinuria has been observed in some transplant patients after switching cyclosporine A (CsA) to sirolimus. To evaluate the pathogenesis of sirolimus-associated proteinuria, we investigated the early changes in slit diaphragm molecules by various administrative conditions of sirolimus and CsA. METHODS: In vitro-Mouse podocytes were incubated with buffer (C), sirolimus (10 microg/mL) after CsA (10 microg/mL) (C-S), sirolimus only (S) and CsA and sirolimus simultaneously (C+S) for 12, 24, and 48 hours. In vivo-twenty four SPF female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups buffer (C), sirolimus after 2 weeks of CsA (C-S), sirolimus only (S) and CsA and sirolimus simultaneously (C+S). All groups were treated by intraperitoneal injection every other day for 4 weeks (CsA: 25 mg/kg, sirolimus: 0.5 mg/kg). The changes in mRNA of slit diaphragm molecules were examined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The mRNA of nephrin was significantly decreased in group C-S and C+S in vitro. In vivo, the mRNA of nephrin in all groups using sirolimus and the mRNA of podocin in group C-S and C+S were decreased. Microscopically, group C-S and C+S showed small vacuolization and calcification in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry using nephrin and podocin antibodies did not show remarkable decrease of staining along the glomerular capillaries. Electron-microscopically, focal fusion of foot processes was seen in group C-S and C+S. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the decrease of slit diaphragm molecules (nephrin and podocin) in podocyte may be one of the causes of sirolimus associated proteinuria, and podocyte injury by sirolimus may need a primary hit by CsA to develop the proteinuria.

Treatment of Sequelae of Burn Injury with Microneedling Procedure (Dermastamp(R))

PURPOSE: Many burn patients have been suffered from sequelae of burn injury (itching, pain, heating sense, etc.). The treatment of those symptoms was not successful even though they are approached multiply. Some patients depend on folk remedies. We try to find the effectiveness of microneedling procedure (dermastamp(R)) which is used for esthetic purpose. METHODS: 25 patients were included who had been treated with the skin massage therapy from September 2008 to March 2009. They received the dermastamp(R) procedure once a week and surveyed from 2 months after procedure. The survey items were itching, pain, tightness, firmness, shape of scar, joint deformities. We divided the severity of symptoms into digit scale form 0 (no symptoms) to 10 (too severe to sleep) and the severity was estimated by patients. Statistical method was Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The patient group consisted of 8 males and 17 females. The mean age was 22.2+/-13.8 years old. The average time that felt the effectiveness was 4.4+/-2.3 times. Statistically significant responses showed in itching, firmness (P<0.05), pain and tightness (P<0.01). Improvement of the shape of scar and joint deformities were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Even now, no definite treatment against the sequelae of burn injury. Multimodalities of treatment in sequelae of burn injury are using and dermastamp(R) can be an additional method for sequelae of burn injury.

Analysis of Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Patients with Stem Cell Transplantation

PURPOSE: Stem cell transplantation (SCT) has gained worldwide acceptance as a treatment for hematologic disorders. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute kidney injury after SCT in children. METHODS: The records of 53 patients who were treated with SCT at the pediatric department of Yeungnam University Hospital between January, 1996 and April, 2009 were used as subjects. Their were divided into two groups ; 'Early renal insufficiency' (ERI, n=18) and 'Non-early renal insufficiency' (NERI, n=35). ERI had greater than 25% of drop in GFR after SCT. RESULTS: Total 53 patients were analyzed. In cord blood SCT (n=11), ERI was 4 (36.4%) and NERI was 7 (63.6%). In bone marrow SCT (n=16), ERI was 8 (50.0%) and NERI was 8 (50.0%). In autologous peripheral blood SCT (n=26), ERI was 6 (23.1%) and NERI was 20 (76.9%). There is no difference in both groups according to kinds of SCT. GVHD was developed in 22 patients, and there is no difference in each group. Twenty two of 53 pateints died. ERI was 12 (66.7%) and NERI was 10 (28.6%). Acute renal failure is most important cause of the deaths. CONCLUSION: Out of 53 pediatric patients who were treated with SCT, 18 patients had greater than 25% of drop in GFR. There is no difference in both groups according to kinds of SCT. GVHD was found in 22 patients and there is no relation between GVHD development and acute kidney injury.

A Survey on the Conception and Cognition about Enuresis of Primary Care Physicians in Daegu City

PURPOSE: Recently, the conception and cognition that enuresis was resolved spontaneously, have changed. We reviewed the attitudes of the primary care physicians who make diagnose and treat nocturnal enuresis. METHODS: From January 2006 to February 2007, a total of 293 primary care physicians in Daegu city participated in this survey. Questionnaires included questions about physicians' opinions on the appropriated age for diagnosis of enuresis, the likely causes of enuresis, etc. Physicians are grouped in two according to whether enuresis is major field of their subspecialty; the pediatrician & urologist group and the other physician group. RESULTS: 59.2% of pediatricians and urologists thought that enuresis is defined as the nightly involuntary release of urine by children of the age of 5 to 6, while 49.6% of other physicians did. For the causes of enuresis, most of clinicians checked "yes" to the question that "Under- developed bladder and nerve" and "Emotional problems". In the patient's behavioral reactions related to enuresis, "Lack of concentration in home and school" and "Frequent urination" were most responded. Attendance to the education program of enuresis in last five years and willing to participate in education program was statistically different among pediatricians-urologists and other physicians. Regarding the treatment of enuresis, most physicians used imipramin widely, but pediatricians and urologists preferred desmopressin. Alarm was the last one in treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that pediatricians and urologists are attending more to the educational places and knowing much about the recent information on enuresis when compared to other primary care physicians, regarding the diagnostic age and treatment modality of enuresis. The education of enuresis for primary physicians is more needed.

Two Cases of Senior-Loken Syndrome in Siblings

Although juvenile nephronophthisis(NPHP) is one of the most frequent genetic causes of chronic renal failure, it has very rarely been reported in Korean children. Most NPHP patients are found to have chronic renal failure, since there are no distinct clinical symptoms for NPHP except polydipsia, polyuria and enuresis in the early stage of disease. Ten percent of NPHP patients manifest retinitis pigmentosa, called Senior-Loken syndrome. We experienced 2 cases of Senior-Loken syndrome that occurred in siblings(a 10 year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl) who were diagnosed with Leber's amaurosis. They were found to have severe renal impairment without polydipsia and polyuria. However, no large homogenous deletion of the NPHP1(2q13) gene was not identified in these patients. We report here on these cases and we review the literature to emphasize the association between Leber's amaurosis and the development of chronic renal failure.

Power Doppler Sonography for the Upper Urinary Tract Infection in Children / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children. The available gold standard methods for diagnosis, Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan and computed tomography (CT) are invasive and expensive. This study was performed to assess the role of power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis (APN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 25 children with aged 2 weeks to 5 years who were hospitalized with the first episode of febrile UTI suggesting acute pyelonephritis. All children were examined in the first 3-5 days of admission by PDU and Tc-99m DMSA scan. The comparison between PDU and DMSA scan was performed on the basis of patients. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of PDU for the detection of affected kidneys were 38.1% and 50.0%, and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 61.9% and 50.0%, respectively. Vesicoureteral refluxes (VUR) were identified in 11 patients (44.4%) and 18 kidneys (36%). The PDU and DMSA scan showed a matching perfusion defect in 23.8% and 50.0% respectively. CONCLUSION: These data indicate the PDU has a relatively low sensitivity and specificity for differentiating APN from lower UTI but may be a complement tool to DMSA scan for the prediction of VUR in infants and children.

Evaluation of Blood Volume State Using the Quotient of Urine Sodium and Potassium Excretion in Primary Nephrotic Syndrome in Children

PURPOSE: Edema is one of the cardinal features of nephrotic syndrome. Although the pathogenesis of edema is not entirely understood, it is caused by hypovolemia or hypervolemia by different mechanisms. Accordingly it is important to evaluate the volume status of patients in order to treat the edema, but it is difficult to evaluate the patient's volume status only by clinical parameters. The quotient of urine sodium and potassium excretion UK/(UNa+UK) is introduced as a more useful way to evaluate volume status. In this study we will propose the usefulness of UK/(UNa+UK) in evaluating the volume status of children with nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: Primary nephrotic syndrome patients at Yeungnam University Hospital since January 1995 to June 2005, were included in the study. We analyzed clinical parameters such as tachycardia, cardiomegaly, pleural effusion, blood chemistry and urinalysis prospectively. We defined hypovolemia when UK/(UNa+UK) exceeded 60%. Intravenous albumin and diuretics were administered to hypovolemic edematous patients. On the other hand, hypervolemic edematous patients were treated only with diuretics. RESULTS: There were 50 cases of primary nephrotic syndrome patients(hypervolemia: 29 vs hypovolemia: 21). There were no significant differences in clinical symptoms and laboratory findings except for FeNa. While FeNa and UK/(UNa+UK) had a significant negative correlation, BUN and UK/(UNa+UK) had a significant positive correlation. Urine output after edema treatment was effective and there were no treatment-related side effects in both groups. CONCLUSION: FeNa, BUN and UK/(UNa+UK) are a useful parameters for evaluating volume status of edematous nephrotic syndrome patients. We could suggest a therapeutic option for using albumin and/or diuretics according to volemic status by means of measured UK/(UNa+UK).

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics by Types of Enuresis in Children Utilizing Questionnaires

PURPOSE: It is important to take a precise history of patients to diagnose enuresis. However, this is difficult to perform in the outpatient department, because the consultation time is limited. So by taking the medical histories with questionnaires, we classified the enuresis patients into monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic groups and compared the clinical characteristics between the two groups in order to determine whether this would aid in the diagnosis and treatment of enuresis. METHODS: Thirty-four enuresis patients seen in the Department of Pediatrics at Yeungnam University Hospital from 2004 January to 2005 July were enrolled in this study. Two to three weeks before starting medical treatment, questionnaires about the patients' urination habits and past medical history were taken from the parents with consents. RESULTS: There were 21 patients in the monosymptomatic group and 13 patients in the non-monosymptomatic group. There was no difference in the delivery mode, birth weight, birth order, sleep habit, constipation, and treatment results between the two groups. Urinary infection was more frequently observed in the non-monosymptomatic group. There was a higher incidence of daytime incontinence and a past medical history of allergy in the non- monosymptomatic group. Oriental medicine was the most common treatment of enuresis before visiting the hospital, but the treatment effect was minimal. CONCLUSION: Comparison between the monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic group with the questionnaires was helpful for detailed diagnosis and treatment of enuresis. A more effective education for enuresis patients is needed, since before visiting the hospital many of them wasted their efforts with ineffective oriental medicine treatment.

The Characteristics of Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis I Detected from School Urine Screening

PURPOSE:In Korea, the school urine screening program is a useful tool for screening urine abnormalities. It is particularly useful in early detection of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis(MPGN) I, which frequently progresses to chronic renal failure. In this study, we studied the medical history, laboratory findings, and histologic findings of MPGN I to gain helpful information on early detection and treatment. METHODS:The subjects were 19 children, who were diagnosed with MPGN I from kidney biopsies that were performed in ten nationwide university hospitals because of abnormal urine findings from school urine screening programs conducted from July 1999 to April 2004. We divided the patients into 2 groups, a nephrotic range proteinuria group(n=8) and a non- nephrotic proteinuria group(n=11), and retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, laboratory findings, histologic findings, treatment, and clinical course. RESULTS:The mean age at the first abnormal urinalysis was 10.6+/-2.2 years in the nephrotic proteinuria group and 9.6+/-3.2 years in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group. The mean age at the time of kidney biopsy was 11.3+/-2.3 years in the nephrotic range proteinuria group and 10.4+/-3.2 years in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean age and sex between the two groups. In the nephrotic proteinuria group, 6 children had a low plasma C3 level and in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group, 8 children had a low plasma C3 level, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in the laboratory test results(including WBC count, RBC count, platelet count and other serologic tests) between the 2 groups except for 24 hour urine protein secretion. There was no difference between the 2 groups with regard to the acute and chronic changes in the glomerulus on light microscopic findings, IgG, IgA, Ig M, C1q, C3, C4, fibrogen deposition on immunofluoroscence findings, and mesangial deposits, subendothelial deposits, and subepithelial deposits on electron microscopic findings. The children were treated with corticosteroids, ACE(angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, dipyridamole and other immunosuppressive agents. During the course of treatment, there were no children whose clinical condition worsened. Among 19 children, 3 children went into remission (2 in the nephrotic proteinuria group, 1 in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group) and 9 children went into a partial remission(4 in the nephrotic proteinuria group, 5 in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group) on urinalysis. There was no significant difference in the treatment results between the two groups. CONCLUSION:The 73.7% of children who were incidentally diagnosed with MPGN I by the school urine screening program had reduced C3. 42.1% of the children had nephrotic range proteinuria. There were no significant differences in clinical features, laboratory test results, light microscopic, immunofluorescence microscopic, and electron microscopic findings between the nephrotic proteinuria group and the non-nephrotic proteinuria group except for the 24 hour urine protein secretion. Therefore, for early detection of MPGN I during the school urine screening program, we strongly recommend a kidney biopsy if children have abnormal urine findings such as persistent proteinuria and persistent hematuria, or if the serum C3 is reduced.

Transient Abdominal Distension in Neonate / 영남의대학술지

Abdominal distension is not an uncommon symptom in the neonate; it is indistinguishable from Hirschsprung disease by symptoms and X-ray findings. In three patients, severe abdominal distension was found at early infancy and improved with conservative treatment without relapse. The findings were different from those of Hirschsprung disease. Immaturity or poor coordination of peristaltic movement is postulated as the cause. With maturation such problems can normalize. However the pathogenesis remains unclear and further investigation is needed to improve our understanding.

Initial Prednisolone Treatment for Primary Nephrotic Syndrome in Children-4 Weeks versus 6 Weeks

PURPOSE: Recently the merits of 6 weeks of initial prednisolone treatment for pediatric primary nephrotic syndrome have been reported, and the use of the 6 week regimen is increasing. We compared our experiences with the 6 week treatment versus the 4 week treatment for Korean patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 69 children who had primary nephrotic syndrome and who were followed up for at least 12 months in the 4 major medical centers in Daegu. The remission rate, the relapse rate, the frequency of relapse and complication of steroid treatment were compared between the 4 weeks and 6 weeks treatment group. RESULTS: Of the 69 children, 42 were in the 4 week treatment group and 27 were in the 6 week group. The median age, blood pressure, serum total protein, serum albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, 24 hour urine protein and 12 month cumulative dose did not differ between the two groups. Among the children who relapsed after steroid treatment, the relapse time was significantly later for the 6 week treatment group. The relapse rate after 1 year of treatment was 62% in the 4 week treatment group and 52% in the 6 week treatment group; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The frequency of relapse at 12 months was 1.5+/-1.2 times in the 4 week treatment group and 1.1+/-1.2 times in the 6 week treatment group, and there was not different between the two groups. The most common side effects of steroid treatment were an increase of appetite and a cushingoid appearance, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Among the 27 children who had kidney biopsies performed, 21 suffered from minimal change nephrotic syndrome. CONCLUSION: The first relapse time after steroid treatment was significantly later in the 6 week steroid treatment group. The frequency of relapse and the 12 month cumulative dose of steroid were lower in the 6 week treatment group, but there was no statistical significance between the two groups. The side effects of steroid treatment did not differ between the two groups. We need to study the long term side effects and the advanced regimens of steroid treatment in the future.

Efficacy and Safety during the Combination Therapy of Imipramine and Desmopressin in Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis

PURPOSE: Nocternal enuresis is a common disorder. Tricyclic antidepressant and desmopressin have been accepted pharmacological treatment for this disorder. We conducted a cooperative study to investigate the efficacy and adverse reactions of imipramine, desmopressin and combination treatment in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis(PMNE). METHODS: Data from a large multicenter study were analysed. In the period of 8 months in 2002, the study comprised of 168 children(78 boys and 90 girls, 5 to 15 years old) with PMNE for imipramine, desmopressin or combination treatment. Before treatment a history, physical examination and laboratory tests were performed and the children were observed for 2 weeks. Response rate, adverse reactions and enuresis episodes after stopping drug administration were evaluated after 12-weeks of imipramine, desmopressin or combination of both. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, the frequency of bed wetting in all treated patients decreased during treatment significantly. Even though a 30-50% reduction in the number of wet nights were 68.6%, 74.4% and 86.1% during 12 weeks treatment by imipramine, desmopressin and both of them respectively, there was no significant difference between them. The most common adverse reaction was decreased appetite from imipramine administration. But no serious drug-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of the combination therapy of imipramine and desmopressin in PMNE appears not to be better than either drug alone. It is necessary to pay attention on account of adverse reactions during imipramine treatment even though imipramine and desmopressin were generally well tolerated.