Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy due to Clostridioides difficile infection in a 15-year-old boy

Acute gastroenteritis is commonly seen in pediatric clinical practice. It is a largely self-limited disease with a benign course. We present a case of teenager with gastroenteritis resulting in severe acute kidney injury. The decline in glomerular filtration was so significant that renal replacement therapy had to be initiated. We had to continue in intermitent hemodialysis for seven days until sufficient improvement in renal function. Clostridioides difficile was identified as a cause of vomiting, bloody diarrhea and subsequent dehydration. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of C. difficile-associated diarrhea accompanied by acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy in a child.

[Refractive Surgery in Children with Myopic Anisometropia and Amblyopia in Comparison with Conventional Treatment by Contact Lenses]. / Refrakcní chirurgie pri myopické anizometropické amblyopii u detí a srovnání s konzervativní lécbou kontaktními cockami.

UNLABELLED: Our study evaluated the visual and refractive results of LASEK and anterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation performed for high myopic anisometropia with amblyopia and contact lens intolerance in children compared with conventional treatment by contact lenses.Fourty-three patients (Group A) aged 3 to 7 years (mean, 5,6 years) with high myopic anisometropia and amblyopia had performed multizonal LASEK (27 eyes) or pIOL Verisyse implantation (16 eyes) on the more myopic eye in general anesthesia. Surgery was followed by patching of the dominant eye. Postoperative visual and refractive outcomes were analyzed and all children had minimally two years follow-up after procedure. Refractive surgical data were reported in standard format to describe safety, efficacy, predictability and stability of the procedure. This Group A of 43 children was compared with control Group B of 37 children (mean age 5,4 years), in whom myopic anisometropia and amblyopia were treated conventionally by contact lenses (CL) and patching of the dominant eye. Visual acuity (VA) and binocular vision (BV) outcome were analyzed and compared in both groups.The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) cycloplegic refraction in Group A was - 9,45 ± 2,47 diopters (D) (range -6.0 to -18.25 D) and the mean postoperative SE -1,48 ± 1,13 D (range + 0,75 to - 2,25 D). The mean preop. decimal uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) 0,023 ± 0,017 increased to 0,46 ± 0,18. The mean preop.decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Group A was 0,28 ± 0.22 and changed to 0,78± 0,19 by 2 years after surgery. The mean BCVA in Group B was 0,23 ± 0,19, at start of CL correction and amblyopia therapy, and improved to 0,42 ± 0,15 after two years. The mean BCVA at final examination was significantly better in Group A (P < 0,05). Binocular vision improvement expressed by the proportions of subjects gained fusion and stereopsis, was overall better in Group A (81 %) than in Group B (33 %), (P < 0,05). There were no complications after surgery.Refractive surgery in children, multizonal LASEK and pIOL Verisyse implantation, are effective and safe methods for correction of high myopic anisometropia, and has an important role in the treatment of amblyopia in children when contact lens intolerance. Visual acuity and binocular vision outcomes were better in children who received permanent surgical correction of anisometropia, than in children conventionally treated by contact lenses. KEY WORDS: myopic anisometropia, amblyopia, children, laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), anterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (AC pIOL), binocular vision.

[Rare ocular manifestation with suspect alport syndrome]. / Vzácná ocní manifestace u podezrení na Alportuv syndrom.

The authors mention a case report of a 13 year old girl with renal disease, who visited the outpatient Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University Hospital Brno with subjective complaints on decreased vision of both eyes. Ophthalmologic examination showed physiological foveolar reflex on fundus and very discrete changes of the retinal pigment epithelium in macula, the fundus periphery was without pathology. OCT images showed bilateral atrophy of central macula and changes at the level of the photoreceptors. The authors describe a rare ocular manifestation of macular atrophy with suspect Alport syndrome, which strengthened the suspicion of this disease. The authors also mention other possible ocular manifestations of Alport syndrome and compare the findings with the up to date international references. Key words: Alport syndrome, X heterozygot Alport syndrome, macular atrophy, lentikonus.

[Effects of intravitreal pegaptanib or bevacizumab and laser in treatment of threshold retinopathy of prematurity in zone I and posterior zone II--four years results]. / Prínos intravitreální aplikace anti-VEGF preparátu v lécbe prahového stadia ROP 3+ v zóne I-II: výsledky ctyrleté studie.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of pegaptanib or bevacizumab and laser photocoagulation for treatment of threshold stage 3+ retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affecting zone I and posterior zone II, and to compare the results in terms of regression, development of peripheral retinal vessels with conventional laser photocoagulation or combined with cryotherapy. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, 174 eyes of 87 premature babies, from January 2008 to December 2011, were included. All infants were diagnosed with stage 3+ ROP for zone I or posterior II. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravitreal pegaptanib (0.3 mg) or bevacizumab (0.625 mg/0.025 ml of solution) with conventional diode laser photocoagulation (Group A, 92 eyes of 46 infants) or laser therapy combined with cryotherapy (Group 8, 82 eyes of 41 infants), bilaterally. The main evaluated outcomes include time of regression and decrease of plus signs and development of peripheral retinal vessels after treatment, final structural-anatomic outcomes compared in the both groups of patients. Risk factors and other characteristics of infants include birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score, duration of intubation and hospitalizations, postmenstrual age at treatment, sepsis, surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage. Primary outcome of treatment success was defined as absence of recurrence of stage 3+ ROP in one or both eyes (reccurrence rate = 0) by 55 weeks' postmenstrual age. Treatment failure was defined as the recurrence of neovascularization (reccurrence rate = 1 or 2) in one or both eyes requiring retreatment. The mean follow-up after treatment was 23.5 months (range 4 - 45 months) in the Group A, and 25.2 months in the Group B (range 3 - 48 months). RESULTS: Final favorable anatomic outcome and stable regression of ROP at last control examination have 90.2% of eyes after adjuvant intavitral pagaptanbib or bevacizumab in the Group A, and 62% of eyes after only conventional treatment in the Group B (P = 0.0214). Regression of plus disease and peripheral retinal vessels development appeared significantly more rapidly in Group A patients who received intravitreal VEGF inhibitors and laser. An absence of recurrence of neovascularization (stage 3+ ROP) was identified at 87% of patients in the Group A, and 53% of patients in the Group B. This difference between the both groups was statistically significant (P = 0.0183). ROP reccured in 7 from 92 eyes (7.6%) in the Group A, and 23 from 82 eyes (28%) in the group B (P = 0.0276). Significantly better treatment effect was found for adjuvant intravitreal pagaptanib or bevacizumab with laser compared with conventional therapy of ROP 3+ in zone I and posterior zone II. Perioperative retinal haemorrhages after laser photocoagulation occured in 8% of eyes in the Group A, and 11% of eyes in the group B (P = 0.358), in all eyes with spontaneous resorption. No systemic or significant ocular complications of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, such as endophthalmitis or retinal detachment were found during follow-up period after operation. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of intravitreal pegaptanib or bevacizumab injection and laser photocoagulation showed to be a safe, well tolerated and effective therapy in patients with stage 3+ ROP in zone I and posterior zone II. Adjuvant intravitreal antiVEGF injection, as compared with conventional laser or cryotherapy, showed significant benefit in terms of better final anatomic outcome, induction of prompt regression, rapid development of peripheral retinal vascularization and decrease of recurrence rate of neovascularization. Results of this study support the administration of pegaptanib and bevacizumab as an alternative usefull therapy in the management of stage 3+ ROP.

Juxtaglomerular cell tumor--a rare cause of secondary hypertension.

Secondary hypertension (SH) is much more common in children than in adults. We report a 17-year-old girl with severe hypertension, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Because of these findings, primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism was suspected. Her initial treatment with spironolactone and ACE inhibitor was unsuccessful. With consideration of high plasma renin activity, the renal computed tomography angiography was performed and showed tumor mass in the left kidney. An uncomplicated partial left nephrectomy was performed. Histopathological examination and electron microscopy showed typical features of juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JCT). Imunohistochemistry of tumor was positive for CD34 and CD117 and this finding is effective in the diagnosis of JCT if immunostain for renin is unavailable. After the resection of JCT, the patient's blood pressure and hypokalemia returned to normal range. JCT is a rare renal neoplasm and an unusual cause of SH in children or adolescents (Fig. 2, Ref. 12).

Secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism in an infant with pyelonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections and/or urinary tract anomalies are very frequent among children. Especially in newborns/infants they represent additional factors in the development of secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism. CASE HISTORY: We present an 8-week-old infant who developed hyponatremia and hyperkalemia secondary to acute pyelonephritis. The boy presented with non-specific signs, including poor appetite, lethargy, and hypotonia. An extended evaluation led to the diagnosis of pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA). PHA was transient and during therapy of pyelonephritis all of abnormal laboratory parameters returned to normal. The patient had vesico-ureteric reflux grade IV. CONCLUSION: Secondary/transient/reversible PHA occurs in patients with immature renal tubular responsiveness to aldosterone due to infancy when they have urinary tract anomalies and/or urinary tract infection. (Tab. 1, Ref. 7.)

The analysis of the risks for the development of tumour lysis syndrome in children.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) during the course of cytostatic therapy is a serious complication. ARF can be isolated or became as component of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS comprises a number of metabolic abnormalities (hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, azotemia and hypocalcemia) which are associated with lymphoproliferative malignancies following spontaneous or chemotherapy-induced cytolysis. There exist probably no clear prediction for the development of TLS that could enable early detection of manifestation of this severe condition. SUBJECTIVE: Conventional management with aggressive hydration, alkalization of the urine, administration of allopurinol, and the slow introduction of chemotherapy is often unable to prevent metabolic instability and ARF. Recent studies define a subgroup of patients at higher risk of renal failure during induction chemotherapy. ARF was encountered during initial therapy of patients with a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) index greater than 3.3. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A retrospective analysis of 10 children (3 girls, 7 boys, average age 9.7 years) with LDII index greater than 3.3 has been done. All children were treated for lymphoproliferative malignancy with conventional preventive measures. RESULTS: Three children needed haemodialysis--2 boys had fully expressed TLS with ARF shortly after starting chemotherapy, in 1 boy the dialysis was indicated because of extreme hyperuricemia and high creatinine level presented before chemotherapy. We consider that LDH index is not specific criterium for prediction of TLS. In conclusion, our cases demonstrate the pathophysiologic spectrum of ARF in TLS between hyperuricemia and hyperphosphatemia. CONCLUSION: The LDH index, urine output, and hyperphosphatemia could be used to identify those paediatric patients who would benefit from the prospective use some of extracorporeal elimination methods. Further investigation of this techniques in a larger number of patients is warranted. (Tab. 5, Ref. 12.)

Is it possible to influence the mortality in children with hemolytic uremic syndrome?

THE CURRENT STATE: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the most frequent cause of acute renal failure in children. In our geographic conditions D(+)HUS prevails, in its etiology E. coli O157:H7 is represented most. In the course of HUS there can occur extrarenal damage to some organs, the manifestation of multiple organ failure is then possible. Delayed diagnosis of HUS, its complicated course and therapeutical strategy influence greatly the mortality rate of affected children. SUBJECTIVE: The optimal therapeutical procedure was elaborated on the base of evaluating the causes of death in children with HUS, and, simultaneously, there were revealed further reserves that can decrease the mortality rate. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A retrospective analysis of mortality within 1982-2000 was carried out in one of three centres dealing with the therapy for HUS in children in the Czech Republic. The total number of HUS children was 69 (40 girls, 29 boys, mean age 4.5 years). 9 patients out of the analyzed group died. RESULTS: Out of 9 children (4 girls, 5 boys) died, D(+)HUS was present in 7 (77.8%, 4 girls, 3 boys, mean age 2.1 years), D(-)HUS occurred in 2 subjects (22.2%, boys, mean age 7.5 years). Dialysis therapy was needed in all 9 children (peritoneal dialysis and/or hemodialysis). The mortality rate in our group of children was 13%. An autopsy carried out in dead children showed dominant severe affection of kidneys/brain/heart. CONCLUSION: In spite of marked decrease in the number of HUS children died particularly in developed countries, permanent attention must be paid to this disease. Besides early diagnosis, corresponding therapy is necessary. That should be performed at a specialized centre. The elaborated algorithm can be used in the therapy for HUS. This is one of the ways for further decrease of both mortality and chronic morbidity in children suffering from HUS. (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 15.).

Oral rehydration in the therapy of simple diarrhea in infants and toddlers.

Acute diarrhea in infants and toddlers is frequent. Especially severe dehydration increases the risk of mortality in these children. In the therapy for uncomplicated diarrhea (dehydration no more than 9% of body weight loss) it is possible to use oral rehydration solutions (ORS). They are prepared easily, applied immediately, and the composition is also optimal for the body fluids of patients. ORS may be used in general pediatric practice but also during the treatment in hospital. This short report brings new aspects and practical considerations for the use of ORS by the most disadvantaged populations, as well as the need for public health.

[Diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in childhood: comparison of ultrasonographic examination and renal scintigraphy using 99mTc DMSA]. / Diagnostika akutní pyelonefritidy v detském veku: srovnání ultrasonografického vysetrení a scintigrafie ledvin pomocí 99mTc DMSA.

THE CURRENT STATE: Infections of the urinary tract are a frequent paediatric problem. Their treatment requires to assess the localisation of infection within the uropoetic tract. Especially the acute pyelonephritis (AP) can lead to irreversible changes within the renal parenchyma and alteration of renal functions. Some imaging examinations can help in the assessment of the diagnosis of AP and contribute to appropriate therapy. SUBJECTIVE: The analysis of results gained from imaging examinations in children with AP was based on the comparison of used techniques and the assessment of their exploitation for the diagnosis of AP. METHODS AND MATERIAL: 38 children (17 girls and 21 boys at average age of 11.6 years) with clinical criteria of AP were subdued to ultrasonographic examination with B record (US-B) and ultrasonographic examination with energetic Doppler (US-D). Both methods were compared with the findings gained by use of renal scintigraphy 99mTc DMSA. RESULTS: The positive finding of AP was proved in 36 children (94.7%). The results of US-B proved AP in 14 children (36.8%) of the whole group of patients, i.e. in 38.8% with positive DMSA finding. US-D changes indicated AP in 15 children (39.4%) of the whole group, i.e. in 41.6% with positive DMSA finding. The sensitivity of both methods US-B and US-D appear to be low for the verification of changes in renal parenchyma in AP. CONCLUSION: Despite its advantages and availability, the gain from ultrasonographic examination in children suffering from AP is small. Clinical and laboratory criteria are fully sufficient for AP verification in common clinical practice. DMSA scintigraphy is a method of choice in complicated cases of AP. (Tab. 1, Ref. 17.)

[The hemolytic-uremic syndrome in enterocolitis caused by Campylobacter jejuni]. / HUS v prubehu enterokolitidy vyvolané Campylobacter jejuni.

In the submitted case-history the authors describe the clinical course of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) during Campylobacter infection in a two-year-old boy. On the described case the authors wish to confirm that in the manifestation of HUS in childhood not only infections caused by the usual microbial agents can participate but also Campylobacter jejuni.

[Autoimmune adrenalitis--idiopathic Addison's disease]. / Autoimunni adrenalitida--idiopatická Addisonova choroba.

The authors demonstrate a case of autoimmune adrenalitis--idiopathic Addison's disease in a 17-year-old girl. Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of adrenal insufficiency in children are discussed.