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1.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 72(4): 617-640, 2021 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33716293

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to review the evidence regarding the clinical use and value of fecal calprotectin (FC) measurements in different gastrointestinal disorders in children. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until October 31, 2019. Subtopics were identified and each assigned to individual authors. RESULTS: A total of 28 recommendations were voted on using the nominal voting technique. Recommendations are given related to sampling, measurement methods, and results interpretation. The 14 authors anonymously voted on each recommendation using a 9-point scale (1 strongly disagree to 9 fully agree). Consensus was considered achieved if at least 75% of the authors voted 6, 7, 8, or 9. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was reached for all recommendations. Limitations for the use of FC in clinical practice include variability in extraction methodology, performance of test kits as well as the need to establish local reference ranges because of the influence of individual factors, such as age, diet, microbiota, and drugs. The main utility of FC measurement at present is in the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as to differentiate it from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FAPDs). FC, however, has neither utility in the diagnosis of infantile colic nor to differentiate between functional and organic constipation. A rise in FC concentration, may alert to the risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis and help identifying gastrointestinal involvement in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. FC measurement is of little value in Cow's Milk Protein Allergy, coeliac disease (CD), and cystic fibrosis. FC does neither help to distinguish bacterial from viral acute gastroenteritis (AGE), nor to diagnose Helicobacter Pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), acute appendicitis (AA), or intestinal polyps.


Subject(s)
Gastroenterology , Gastrointestinal Diseases , Helicobacter Infections , Helicobacter pylori , Child , Feces , Gastrointestinal Diseases/diagnosis , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex
2.
Eur J Pediatr ; 175(1): 131-5, 2016 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26226892

ABSTRACT

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is an episodic disorder considered to be a migraine variant. Riboflavin is efficient in the prophylactic treatment of migraines in adults. We describe the effectiveness and tolerance of riboflavin treatment in three children with cyclic vomiting syndrome. All of them fulfilled the diagnosis criteria for cyclic vomiting syndrome. They received prophylactic monotherapy with riboflavin for at least 12 months. Excellent response and tolerability was observed. CONCLUSION: Based on clinical observation in three cases, riboflavin may be an effective and safe prophylactic treatment for children with cyclic vomiting syndrome. WHAT IS KNOWN: CVS is one of the "childhood periodic syndromes" classified as a migraine subtype by the International Headache Society. Riboflavin is currently used as a prophylactic treatment in patients with migraine. WHAT IS NEW: Riboflavin may be an effective and safe prophylactic treatment for children with CVS. Increasing doses of riboflavin and long periods of prophylaxis may be needed in some children..


Subject(s)
Riboflavin/therapeutic use , Vitamin B Complex/therapeutic use , Vomiting/drug therapy , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male
3.
PLoS Pathog ; 10(9): e1004325, 2014 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25188296

ABSTRACT

Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) lack generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2. CGD is an immune deficiency that leads to frequent infections with certain pathogens; this is well documented for S. aureus and A. fumigatus, but less clear for mycobacteria. We therefore performed an extensive literature search which yielded 297 cases of CGD patients with mycobacterial infections; M. bovis BCG was most commonly described (74%). The relationship between NOX2 deficiency and BCG infection however has never been studied in a mouse model. We therefore investigated BCG infection in three different mouse models of CGD: Ncf1 mutants in two different genetic backgrounds and Cybb knock-out mice. In addition, we investigated a macrophage-specific rescue (transgenic expression of Ncf1 under the control of the CD68 promoter). Wild-type mice did not develop severe disease upon BCG injection. In contrast, all three types of CGD mice were highly susceptible to BCG, as witnessed by a severe weight loss, development of hemorrhagic pneumonia, and a high mortality (∼ 50%). Rescue of NOX2 activity in macrophages restored BCG resistance, similar as seen in wild-type mice. Granulomas from mycobacteria-infected wild-type mice generated ROS, while granulomas from CGD mice did not. Bacterial load in CGD mice was only moderately increased, suggesting that it was not crucial for the observed phenotype. CGD mice responded with massively enhanced cytokine release (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-12) early after BCG infection, which might account for severity of the disease. Finally, in wild-type mice, macrophages formed clusters and restricted mycobacteria to granulomas, while macrophages and mycobacteria were diffusely distributed in lung tissue from CGD mice. Our results demonstrate that lack of the NADPH oxidase leads to a markedly increased severity of BCG infection through mechanisms including increased cytokine production and impaired granuloma formation.


Subject(s)
Granuloma/pathology , Mycobacterium Infections/microbiology , Mycobacterium Infections/pathology , Mycobacterium bovis/pathogenicity , NADPH Oxidases/physiology , Animals , Cytokines/metabolism , Female , Granuloma/immunology , Humans , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Mycobacterium Infections/immunology , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Tyrosine/analogs & derivatives , Tyrosine/metabolism
5.
World J Gastroenterol ; 19(31): 5111-7, 2013 Aug 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23964145

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of a new point-of-care assay detecting anti-deamidated gliadin peptides in celiac disease (CD) patients. METHODS: One-hundred-and-twelve patients (age range: 1.8-79.2 years old) with clinical symptoms suggestive of CD and/or first-degree relatives (FDR) of CD patients (n = 66), and confirmed CD on a gluten-free diet (GFD) (n = 46), were prospectively enrolled in the study at Gastroenterology outpatient clinics for adult patients and from the Gastroenterology Consultation Ward at the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital of Geneva. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects enrolled. The study received approval from the local ethics committee. The original CD diagnosis had been based on serum-positive IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (QuantaLite™, Inova Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, United States) and on biopsy results. Serum samples from all study participants were tested by the new CD lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (CD-LFIA) device, Simtomax® Blood Drop (Augurix SA, BioArk, Monthey, Switzerland) to detect immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides. The diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves with 95%CIs. A cut-off of 2 on the Rann colorimetric scale was used to calculate the device's sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: CD-LFIA was highly accurate in detecting untreated celiac patients. In the group of patients with CD symptoms and/or FDR, eight new cases of CD were detected by ELISA and biopsy. All of these new cases were also correctly identified by CD-LFIA. The test yielded four false positive and four false negative results. The false positive results were all within the groups with clinical symptoms suggestive of CD and/or FDR, whereas the false negative results were all within the GFD group. The test yeld a sensitivity of 78.9% (95%CI: 54.4-93.9) and specificity of 95.7% (95%CI: 89.4-98.8), and the area under the curve reached 0.893 (95%CI: 0.798-0.988). The Kappa coefficient, calculated according to the values obtained by two readers from the same device, was of 0.96 (SE: 0.06). When the GFD patients were excluded from the analysis, the area under the curve reached 0.989 (95%CI: 0.971-1.000) and the Kappa coefficient, calculated according to the values obtained by two readers from the same device, became 0.96 (SE: 0.07). Furthermore, using the Rann scale cut-off of 2 without the GFD patients, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 93.1% (95%CI: 83.3-98.1). CONCLUSION: The new CD-LFIA rapid screening test shows good diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, and may rule out CD in patients with CD-related symptoms.


Subject(s)
Celiac Disease/diagnosis , Chromatography, Affinity , Gliadin/immunology , Immunoglobulin A/blood , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Peptide Fragments/immunology , Point-of-Care Systems , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Area Under Curve , Autoantibodies/blood , Biomarkers/blood , Biopsy , Celiac Disease/blood , Celiac Disease/diet therapy , Celiac Disease/immunology , Child , Child, Preschool , Diet, Gluten-Free , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , False Negative Reactions , False Positive Reactions , Female , GTP-Binding Proteins , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Compliance , Predictive Value of Tests , Prospective Studies , Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2 , ROC Curve , Reproducibility of Results , Switzerland , Transglutaminases/immunology , Young Adult
6.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol ; 35(2): 139-43, 2013 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23337545

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) is a recently described histologic pattern of diffuse pulmonary disease. In children, all cases reported to date have been fatal. In this study, we describe the first nonfatal AFOP in a child and review the literature. DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old boy developed very severe aplastic anemia (VSAA) after being admitted to our hospital with a fulminant hepatic failure of unknown origin. A chest computed tomography scan revealed multiple lung nodules and a biopsy of a pulmonary lesion showed all the signs of AFOP. Infectious workup remained negative. We started immunosuppressive therapy with antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine to treat VSAA. Subsequent chest computed tomography scans showed a considerable diminution of the lung lesions but the VSAA did not improve until we performed hematopoietic stem cell transplantation 5 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Aplastic anemia is associated with a variety of autoimmune syndromes. The sequence of events in our patient suggests that the hepatic failure, AFOP, and the VSAA may all have been part of an autoimmune syndrome. AFOP could be the result of immune dysregulation in this pediatric case with favorable outcome after immunosuppressive therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.


Subject(s)
Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia/immunology , Immune System Diseases/complications , Acute Disease , Child , Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia/etiology , Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia/therapy , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Male
7.
J Pathol ; 228(3): 341-50, 2012 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22685019

ABSTRACT

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), caused by a lack of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2, leads to massively increased inflammatory responses. In order to identify the type of phagocyte which requires NOX2 activity to limit inflammation, we investigated mice with a loss of function mutation in the Ncf1 gene coding for the p$47^{\rm{phox}}$ subunit of NOX2 and mice with transgenic rescue of Ncf1 under control of the CD68 promoter. To induce CGD hyperinflammation, different mouse genotypes were injected intradermally with ß-glucan. Ncf1 mutant mice showed massive and prolonged hyperinflammation. Hyperinflammatory lesions were characterized by persistent neutrophilic infiltration, along with ulceration and necrosis. In contrast, in CD68 promoter rescue mice inflammation resolved within days, as seen in wild-type animals. Measurements of ROS in rescue mice demonstrated functional NOX2 in mononuclear phagocytes (macrophages and dendritic cells) but not in neutrophils. This absence of NOX2 function was also confirmed in inflammatory tissue neutrophils. Lack of functional NOX2 in mononuclear phagocytes increased the secretion of IL-1ß at early time points and of IL-6 and TNFα at later time points. Thus, CGD hyperinflammation is a redox dysregulation in mononuclear phagocytes, demonstrating a cell type-specific anti-inflammatory function of NOX2.


Subject(s)
Dendritic Cells/metabolism , Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/prevention & control , Inflammation/prevention & control , Macrophages/metabolism , Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism , NADPH Oxidases/metabolism , Animals , Antigens, CD/metabolism , Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Dendritic Cells/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/metabolism , Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/pathology , Inflammation/chemically induced , Inflammation/pathology , Macrophages/pathology , Male , Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics , Mice , Mice, Mutant Strains , Mice, Transgenic , NADPH Oxidase 2 , NADPH Oxidases/genetics , Neutrophils/metabolism , Neutrophils/pathology , Proteoglycans/adverse effects , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
8.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 54(6): 817-9, 2012 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22228003

ABSTRACT

Patients with celiac disease have an increased risk for severe influenza infection and they show less of a response to certain vaccine types. During the influenza A/H1N1/09 pandemic, we prospectively investigated pandemic vaccine responses in 14 pediatric patients with celiac disease and age-/sex-matched controls. All of the children with celiac disease reached protective antibody titers (≥40) and showed a geometric mean titer comparable with the control group (530 vs 573).


Subject(s)
Antibody Formation , Celiac Disease/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza Vaccines/immunology , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Vaccination , Adolescent , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Celiac Disease/complications , Child , Child, Preschool , Disease Susceptibility , Female , Humans , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/immunology , Influenza, Human/virology , Male , Pandemics , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Young Adult
9.
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol ; 23(10): 881-5, 2011 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21772146

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate gastric myoelectrical activity in young patients with diabetes and to correlate it with their metabolic control [fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, and fructosamine] and BMI during a 3 years follow-up. METHODS: Surface electrogastrography (EGG) was performed on 49 children with diabetes aged 10.3±4.4 (mean±SD) years and 17 age-matched healthy controls after fasting glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, and fructosamine were measured. EGG parameters [percentage of bradygastria, 3 cycles per minute, tachygastria, dominant frequency instability coefficient, and power ratio] were analysed and compared with blood analysis. RESULTS: Patients with diabetes exhibited an increase in preprandial bradygastria 7.9±8.8 cpm (mean±SD) compared with controls 2.1±1.0 (P=0.011), with an associated decrease in preprandial normogastria (72.2±14.5 vs. 82.7±14.7; P=0.013). Normogastric power ratio (postprandial/ preprandial power) was significantly increased in the children with diabetes compared with controls (mean: 6.67 vs. 3.14, P=0.034). A longer duration of diabetes was associated with an increased risk of EGG abnormalities (P=0.036). Marked hyperglycaemia at the time of study was associated with postprandial bradygastria (P=0.01) and power ratio bradygastria (P=0.042). Changes in glycosylated haemoglobin, fructosamine and BMI did not affect EGG parameters. CONCLUSIONS: EGG abnormalities, presented early in a high proportion of diabetic children, are related to the acute hyperglycaemia. These abnormalities are not consistently present in the follow-up studies and not related to the glycosylated haemoglobin and fructosamine. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is therefore an unlikely pathogenic factor for EGG abnormalities in children with diabetes.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/physiopathology , Electromyography/methods , Gastric Emptying/physiology , Stomach/physiopathology , Adolescent , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Body Mass Index , Case-Control Studies , Child , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications , Fasting/blood , Fasting/physiology , Female , Fructosamine/blood , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Humans , Hyperglycemia/blood , Hyperglycemia/etiology , Hyperglycemia/physiopathology , Male , Radiography , Stomach/diagnostic imaging
11.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 49(1): 42-51, 2009 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19710558

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disorder intrinsically associated with inflammation of mucosal surfaces. Because inflammation can result in enteric neuromuscular dysfunction we hypothesized that terminal ileitis in patients with CF may predispose to distal ileal obstruction syndrome (DIOS). METHODS AND PATIENTS: Full-thickness terminal ileal tissues from 6 children with CF and severe DIOS, 6 infants with complicated meconium ileus (MI), and 6 children with non-CF intestinal atresia were studied. RESULTS: Lymphocyte-predominant mucosal and transmural ileal inflammation was present in 6 of 6 patients with DIOS. Lymphocytic ganglionitis was present in 4 of 6 although numbers of myenteric neurons were not decreased (5/5). Myocyte proteins were preserved (6/6). Mild submucosal fibrosis was common in DIOS (5/6) and transformation of submucosal fibroblasts to a myofibroblastic phenotype was noted in 4 of 6. Inflammatory changes were distinct from those described in fibrosing colonopathy. Antroduodenal manometry in an individual who had experienced MI/DIOS was consistent with a neuropathic pseudo-obstructive process. Submucosal or transmural lymphocyte predominant inflammation was also present in 6 of 6 infants with complicated MI, which, when coupled with submucosal myofibroblast proliferation (5/6), appeared highly predictive of CF rather than non-CF atresia. Histological findings at birth were similar, although milder, than those seen in DIOS, suggesting that these changes are a primary abnormality in CF. CONCLUSIONS: Submucosal or transmural inflammation of the ileum is common in newborns with CF and MI and older children with DIOS. Severe recurrent DIOS should be investigated with seromuscular and mucosal biopsy of the ileum to seek a transmural ileitis potentially amenable to anti-inflammatory therapies.


Subject(s)
Crohn Disease/complications , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Ileum/physiopathology , Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction/etiology , Myenteric Plexus/physiopathology , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Crohn Disease/physiopathology , Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology , Duodenum/physiopathology , Female , Fibroblasts/pathology , Ganglion Cysts/physiopathology , Humans , Ileus/complications , Infant , Inflammation/etiology , Inflammation/physiopathology , Intestinal Atresia/complications , Intestinal Mucosa/physiopathology , Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction/physiopathology , Lymphocytes , Male , Manometry , Meconium , Muscle Cells/metabolism , Muscle Cells/pathology , Retrospective Studies
12.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 47(4): 472-80, 2008 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18852640

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Functional dyspepsia in childhood is commonly triggered by food allergen in sensitised individuals. We investigated the topography of eosinophils and mast cells in gastric antral lamina propria, the interaction of mast cell products with mucosal nerve fibres, and changes in gastric antral muscle slow wave activity in children with atopy and non-atopy-related functional dyspepsia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Open label study of gastric mucosal cow's milk challenge in 10 atopic and 6 nonatopic children (ages 2-12 years) investigated consecutively with gastroscopy for functional dyspepsia. Simultaneous surface electrogastrography and milk challenge were undertaken and laser scanning fluorescence microscopy used to examine the association of mast cell tryptase with mucosal nerves in the gastric mucosa before and after challenge. RESULTS: Eosinophils and mast cells within the lamina propria were increased in number in children with atopic functional dyspepsia and degranulated rapidly after cow's milk challenge in the atopic group. For degranulating eosinophils, median = 13.0% (interquartile range = 3.7-31.0) premilk versus 32.0% (12.0-42.0) after milk biopsies (P < 0.05); for degranulating mast cells, 5.35% (2.7-10.9) premilk biopsies versus 18.75% (12.9-22.1) after milk biopsies (P < 0.05). No such differences were seen in nonatopic patients. Mast cells were closely associated with mucosal nerve fibres and released tryptase, which colocalised with proteinase-activated receptors on mucosal nerve fibres. The gastric antral slow wave became abnormal within 2 minutes of antigen challenge in atopics with an increase in dominant frequency instability coefficient (P < 0.005), decrease in 3 cycles per minute myoelectrical activity (P < 0.01), and increase in bradygastria (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early-onset neuroimmune interactions induced by cow's milk in the gastric mucosa of atopic children are associated with rapid disturbance of gastric myoelectrical activity and dyspeptic symptoms.


Subject(s)
Dyspepsia/physiopathology , Electrophysiology/methods , Eosinophils/immunology , Gastric Mucosa/physiopathology , Mast Cells/immunology , Milk Hypersensitivity/complications , Child , Child, Preschool , Dyspepsia/etiology , Dyspepsia/pathology , Eosinophils/pathology , Eosinophils/physiology , Female , Fluorescence , Gastric Mucosa/cytology , Gastric Mucosa/immunology , Gastroscopy/methods , Humans , Hypersensitivity, Immediate/complications , Hypersensitivity, Immediate/immunology , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Mast Cells/pathology , Mast Cells/physiology , Microscopy, Confocal , Milk Hypersensitivity/immunology
13.
Pediatr Infect Dis J ; 27(9): 846-7, 2008 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18664929

ABSTRACT

We report a 9-year-old girl with cereulide-producing Bacillus cereus food poisoning, who developed fulminant hepatitis, renal and pancreatic insufficiency, shock, and prolonged seizures. She was transferred to our institution for hepatic transplantation before her diagnosis was established. As a result of rapid identification of the microorganism and supportive care, liver transplantation was avoided, and she recovered fully.


Subject(s)
Bacillus cereus/isolation & purification , Foodborne Diseases/complications , Foodborne Diseases/microbiology , Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/complications , Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology , Liver Failure, Acute/etiology , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Child , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/etiology , Female , Foodborne Diseases/therapy , Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/therapy , Humans , Seizures/etiology
14.
Semin Immunopathol ; 30(3): 255-71, 2008 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18509648

ABSTRACT

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an immunodeficiency caused by the lack of the superoxide-producing phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. However, CGD patients not only suffer from recurrent infections, but also present with inflammatory, non-infectious conditions. Among the latter, granulomas figure prominently, which gave the name to the disease, and colitis, which is frequent and leads to a substantial morbidity. In this paper, we systematically review the inflammatory lesions in different organs of CGD patients and compare them to observations in CGD mouse models. In addition to the more classical inflammatory lesions, CGD patients and their relatives have increased frequency of autoimmune diseases, and CGD mice are arthritis-prone. Possible mechanisms involved in CGD hyperinflammation include decreased degradation of phagocytosed material, redox-dependent termination of proinflammatory mediators and/or signaling, as well as redox-dependent cross-talk between phagocytes and lymphocytes (e.g. defective tryptophan catabolism). As a conclusion from this review, we propose the existence of ROS high and ROS low inflammatory responses, which are triggered as a function of the level of reactive oxygen species and have specific characteristics in terms of physiology and pathophysiology.


Subject(s)
Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/enzymology , Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/immunology , Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/pathology , Inflammation/enzymology , NADPH Oxidases/immunology , Animals , Humans , Mice
15.
Pediatr Transplant ; 12(7): 809-12, 2008 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18433411

ABSTRACT

AIHA can complicate solid organ and bone marrow transplantation early after transplant. We describe the first case report of a 16-month-old boy with mixed type warm-acting IgM and warm IgG autoantibodies AIHA, occurring eight months after liver transplantation. This case describes the complexity of this very rare form of AIHA. It also illustrates the efficacy of rituximab in this indication, as well as the transfusion support with extremely rare blood, along with the importance of international collaboration to provide it. In this report, the etiologies of HA occurring in post-transplant pediatric patients are reviewed and the different treatment strategies are discussed.


Subject(s)
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/complications , Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/etiology , Liver Diseases/complications , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Liver Transplantation/methods , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/chemistry , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived , Autoantibodies/chemistry , Blood Transfusion , Child , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/chemistry , Immunoglobulin M/chemistry , Immunologic Factors/administration & dosage , Infant , Male , Rituximab
16.
Pediatr Transplant ; 12(4): 487-91, 2008 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18331537

ABSTRACT

This report correlates the clinical and biological findings, liver hemodynamics and histological features of focal INL in an infant with BA cirrhosis. An eight month old boy with BA, with previous successful porto-enterostomy, was admitted with signs of cholangitis and ascites. He was treated with antibiotics and diuretics with subsequent clinical improvement. Eight days later, while being fed with hyper-osmolar milk, he became febrile again: ASAT/ALAT climbed (9000/2300 IU/L), liver function deteriorated. Infectious work-up was negative. Liver-ultrasound showed reversed portal flow and a negative arterial diastolic flow. The patient recovered within five days under supportive treatment. A similar event recurred five days later. INL was suspected and semi-urgent living-related liver transplantation was performed, with uneventful post-operative course. Histology of the explanted liver showed extensive foci of INL of different ages. This report illustrates how the association of reversed portal and arterial diastolic flows, with subsequent liver hypoperfusion, may repeatedly cause foci of INL in BA cirrhosis, and lead to rapid progression to liver failure. Because of precarious hepatic blood supply in such patients, close monitoring of portal and diastolic arterial flows is recommended.


Subject(s)
Biliary Atresia/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Liver Transplantation/methods , Liver/pathology , Graft Survival , Humans , Infant , Ischemia/pathology , Liver/diagnostic imaging , Liver/metabolism , Liver Failure/therapy , Male , Necrosis/diagnosis , Necrosis/pathology , Treatment Outcome , Ultrasonography, Doppler/methods
17.
Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol ; 20(6): 491-6; discussion 496-7, 2006 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17052284

ABSTRACT

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) has a high prevalence in infancy. The supine position is among numerous aggravating factors. The exact relationship between GOR and apparently life-threatening events (ALTE) is not clear, although it has been repeatedly investigated. In 1992 the worldwide Back to Sleep campaign was implemented, which had a dramatic effect on the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with a drop of 50%. Although the vast majority of children now sleep on their back, the effect of this position on ALTE has not been studied. In this retrospective study, we aim to define the potential association between GOR and ALTE. We hypothesise that the incidence of ALTE has increased since the 1992 recommendation. No bias in the population's selection was introduced, as our centre is the only one for paediatric emergencies in the county. A total of 107 children presenting with ALTE were identified during the study period (1987-99). A pH study was performed in the 75 patients presenting with ALTE in the last 6 years of the study (1994-99). Neither morbidity nor mortality was noted in a long-term 4-year follow-up. Our present results show that the frequency of ALTE increased sevenfold (P < 0.005) between 1992 and 1999. The ALTE episodes took place significantly more often in the post-prandial period. The prevalence of GOR was much higher in patients presenting with ALTE (nearly 75%) when compared with the general population. Furthermore, on medical treatment for GOR, very few patients presented with a second episode of ALTE. Consequently it is thought that GOR and ALTE are linked and that ALTE patients would benefit from GOR treatment. The worldwide marked decrease in SIDS since the implementation of the supine position possibly masks the negative effect of an increase in ALTE.


Subject(s)
Gastroesophageal Reflux/complications , Sudden Infant Death/prevention & control , Supine Position , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sleep , Sudden Infant Death/etiology
18.
Liver Transpl ; 12(11): 1693-7, 2006 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17058230

ABSTRACT

Fulminant hepatic failure of unknown origin is the most common cause of fulminant hepatitis with high incidence of aplastic anaemia. Furthermore, the association of liver failure and aplastic anaemia has an increased mortality rate. In this report we describe a 16-month-old boy who presented with aplastic anaemia preceding a non-A, non-B, non-C fulminant liver failure. He developed severe graft versus host disease (GvHD) after liver transplantation, proven by the presence of donor cells in the peripheral blood and in the skin biopsy. He received conventional therapy (steroids, mycophenolate, anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibodies, anti-thymocyte globulin) without success. In an attempt to obtain T cell depletion and reduce the GvHD, he was treated with Alemtuzumab, a first time use for this indication. Aplastic anaemia was extensively investigated, especially exploring the possibility of primary immunodeficiency and reticular dysgenesis which were excluded based on clinical history. However, another form of primary immunodeficiency could be the cause of the uncontrollable proliferation of the donor lymphocytes derived from the liver transplant. Despite aggressive treatment GvHD progressed and the patient died of multiorgan failure. The majority of authors mention aplastic anaemia as a secondary event post liver transplant, whereas in our view this might be a haematopoietic stem cell disorder preceding fulminant hepatic failure. These patients also need to be evaluated extensively in order to exclude a primary immunodeficiency. The underlying disease will determine the choice of immunosuppressive treatment, especially in case of development of GvHD caused by the transplanted lymphocytes inhabiting the donor liver.


Subject(s)
Anemia, Aplastic/complications , Graft vs Host Disease/etiology , Liver Failure, Acute/complications , Liver Failure, Acute/surgery , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Fatal Outcome , Graft vs Host Disease/drug therapy , Humans , Infant , Male
19.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 39(3): 253-6, 2004 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15319624

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Cystic fibrosis patients have a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of gastroenteric neuromusculature and its response to a prokinetic. METHODS: 14 CF children aged 8.6 + 1.3 years were studied by electrogastrography and compared to 10 age-matched controls. A second recording was performed in CF patients after administration of cisapride (0.3 mg/kg). Parameters analyzed were percentage of normal gastric rhythm (2.0 to 4.0 cpm), percentage of tachygastria (4.0 to 9.0 cpm), dominant frequency instability coefficient and power ratio. RESULTS: CF and control groups were not different in age, height or weight. A significant post-prandial increase in percentage of tachygastria (26.7 + 4.5 versus 12.4 + 2.6; P < 0.05) was seen in CF patients, which was not corrected by cisapride. The power ratio showed a statistical increase in 3 cpm (3.7 + 0.8 versus 1.6 + 0.3; P < 0.05) and in tachygastria (5.3 + 1.2 versus 1.7 + 0.4; P < 0.03) in CF compared with controls. Cisapride had an effect on tachygastria power ratio (3.0 + 0.5; P < 0.04). Analysis of normal rhythm and the dominant frequency instability coefficient were not statistically different in CF and controls. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of gastric dysmotility in CF patients.


Subject(s)
Cisapride/administration & dosage , Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology , Gastric Emptying , Gastrointestinal Agents/administration & dosage , Adolescent , Case-Control Studies , Child , Child, Preschool , Electrophysiology , Female , Gastric Emptying/drug effects , Gastric Emptying/physiology , Gastrointestinal Motility/physiology , Humans , Infant , Male , Postprandial Period , Stomach/physiopathology , Time Factors
20.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 36(5): 623-31, 2003 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12717086

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) may have gastrointestinal manifestations, commonly colitis. The etiology, prevalence, and inflammatory process of CGD colitis are unclear. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the inflammatory process of CGD colitis and to compare it with other inflammatory bowel disorders. METHODS: Colonic mucosal biopsies from 8 CGD patients were immunostained for eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and adhesion molecules (ICAM; VCAM, E-selectin) and compared with normal and diseased controls (allergic colitis, ulcerative colitis, and melanosis coli). Cell types were counted and expressed as cell/mm2. RESULTS: The inflammatory infiltrate in CGD colitis differed from the normal controls by an increase in eosinophils (110; 48-176 [median and range] versus 14.5; 3-30; P < 0.005) and macrophages (291.5; 203-480 versus 38.5; 27-64; P < 0.005). There was a paucity of neutrophils compared to ulcerative colitis (10; 0-101 versus 315.5; 78-688; P < 0.005). Expression of HLA-DR was increased in the epithelium and vascular endothelium in CGD compared with normal controls. Patterns of expression of the adhesion molecules differed significantly in CGD from those in other inflammatory bowel diseases: intracellular adhesion molecule-1 was more strongly expressed in the lamina propria, vascular adhesion molecule-1 was more patchily expressed, and E-selectin was present only in the small vessels. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism of inflammation and profile of inflammatory mediators in CGD colitis differs from that in other inflammatory bowel diseases.


Subject(s)
Colitis/etiology , Colitis/pathology , Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/complications , Biopsy , Child , Child, Preschool , Colon/pathology , E-Selectin/analysis , Endothelium, Vascular/chemistry , Eosinophils/pathology , Epithelium/chemistry , Female , Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/pathology , HLA-DR Antigens/analysis , Humans , Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/analysis , Intestinal Mucosa/pathology , Macrophages/pathology , Male , Neutrophils/pathology , Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/analysis
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