Early erythropoietin in post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Although erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency has been reported in children with post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D + HUS), very limited clinical data on EPO use in this disease are currently available. In this case-control study we examined whether EPO administration would reduce the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in D + HUS patients under our care. METHODS: Data from children treated exclusively with RBC transfusions (controls; n = 21) were retrospectively compared with data on those who also received EPO for the treatment of anemia (cases; n = 21). RESULTS: Both patient groups were similar in age (p = 0.9), gender (p = 0.12), weight (p = 1.00) and height (p = 0.66). Acute phase severity was also comparable, as inferred by the need for dialysis (p = 0.74), the duration of dialysis (p = 0.3), length of hospitalization (p = 0.81), presence of severe bowel (p = 1.00) or neurological injury (p = 0.69), arterial hypertension (p = 1.00) and death (p = 1.00). No differences in the hemoglobin level at admission (p = 0.51) and discharge (p = 0.28) were noted. Three children treated with EPO and two controls did not require any RBC transfusion (p = 1.00). Median number of RBC transfusions needed by cases and controls was 2 (p = 0.52). CONCLUSION: Treatment with EPO did not reduce the number of RBC transfusions in D + HUS children. Assessment of EPO efficacy in D + HUS merits further studies.

Hipercalciuria idiopática en niños con infección del tracto urinario / Idiopathic hypercalciuria in children with urinary tract infection

Introducción. La hipercalciuria idiopática (HI) predispone al desarrollo de infección del tracto urinario (ITU); sin embargo, hay escasa información local sobre dicha asociación. Nuestros objetivos fueron estimar la prevalencia de HI en niños con ITU y evaluar si esta difería según la presencia o no de reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU). Complementariamente, analizamos la asociación entre HI y la ingesta de sal. Población y métodos. Determinamos la calciuria a pacientes menores de 18 años con ITU estudiada (ecografía y cistouretrografía miccional) y ausencia de causas secundarias de hipercalciuria. Consideramos HI al cociente calcio/creatinina > 0,8; 0,6; 0,5 y 0,2 en niños de 0-6 meses, 7-12 meses, 12-24 meses y en los mayores de 2 años, respectivamente; e ingesta elevada de sodio, al cociente sodio/potasio urinario > 2,5. Resultados. En 136 pacientes (87 niñas, mediana de edad 3 años), la prevalencia de HI fue de 20%. Los pacientes con (n= 54) y sin (n= 82) RVU fueron similares en género, peso, talla, edad al diagnóstico y al momento del estudio, características clínicas (hematuria, nefrolitiasis, dolor cólico y recurrencia de ITU), antecedentes familiares de nefrolitiasis y en la prevalencia de HI (26% vs. 16%, p= 0,24). Los niños hipercalciúricos presentaron ingesta elevada de sodio más frecuentemente que los normocalciúricos (76% vs. 46%, p= 0,007). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de HI en niños con ITU fue alta (20%) y no difirió entre los pacientes con y sin RVU. Sería recomendable la búsqueda de HI en los niños con ITU, independientemente de la presencia o no de RVU.(AU)

Introduction. Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) predisposes to urinary tract infections (UTIs); however, there is scarce local information regarding such association. Our objectives were to estimate IH prevalence in children with UTI and to assess whether there were differences in relation to the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Additionally, the association between IH and salt intake was studied. Population and Methods. Calciuria was determined in patients younger than 18 years old on whom UTI had been studied (ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram), and who had no secondary causes of hypercalciuria. IH was defined as a calcium to creatinine ratio of >0.8, 0.6, 0.5 and 0.2 in children aged 0 to 6 months old, 7 to12 months old, 12 to 24 months old and older than 2 years old, respectively; and a high sodium intake with a urinary sodium to potassium ratio of >2.5. Results. IH prevalence among 136 patients (87 girls, median age: 3 years old) was 20%. Patients with VUR (n= 54) and without VUR (n= 82) had similar characteristics in terms of sex, weight, height, age at diagnosis and age at the time of the study, and clinical features (hematuria, nephrolithiasis, colicky pain, and recurrent UTI), family history of kidney stone formation, and IH prevalence (26% versus 16%, p= 0.24). A high sodium intake was more frequently observed in children with hypercalciuria than in those with normal urine calcium levels (76% versus 46%, p= 0.007). Conclusions. IH prevalence in children with UTI was high (20%), with no differences observed between patients with and without VUR. As a recommendation, the presence of IH should be detected in children with UTI, regardless of VUR presence or absence.(AU)

Hipercalciuria idiopática en niños con infección del tracto urinario / Idiopathic hypercalciuria in children with urinary tract infection

Introducción. La hipercalciuria idiopática (HI) predispone al desarrollo de infección del tracto urinario (ITU); sin embargo, hay escasa información local sobre dicha asociación. Nuestros objetivos fueron estimar la prevalencia de HI en niños con ITU y evaluar si esta difería según la presencia o no de reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU). Complementariamente, analizamos la asociación entre HI y la ingesta de sal. Población y métodos. Determinamos la calciuria a pacientes menores de 18 años con ITU estudiada (ecografía y cistouretrografía miccional) y ausencia de causas secundarias de hipercalciuria. Consideramos HI al cociente calcio/creatinina > 0,8; 0,6; 0,5 y 0,2 en niños de 0-6 meses, 7-12 meses, 12-24 meses y en los mayores de 2 años, respectivamente; e ingesta elevada de sodio, al cociente sodio/potasio urinario > 2,5. Resultados. En 136 pacientes (87 niñas, mediana de edad 3 años), la prevalencia de HI fue de 20%. Los pacientes con (n= 54) y sin (n= 82) RVU fueron similares en género, peso, talla, edad al diagnóstico y al momento del estudio, características clínicas (hematuria, nefrolitiasis, dolor cólico y recurrencia de ITU), antecedentes familiares de nefrolitiasis y en la prevalencia de HI (26% vs. 16%, p= 0,24). Los niños hipercalciúricos presentaron ingesta elevada de sodio más frecuentemente que los normocalciúricos (76% vs. 46%, p= 0,007). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de HI en niños con ITU fue alta (20%) y no difirió entre los pacientes con y sin RVU. Sería recomendable la búsqueda de HI en los niños con ITU, independientemente de la presencia o no de RVU.

Introduction. Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) predisposes to urinary tract infections (UTIs); however, there is scarce local information regarding such association. Our objectives were to estimate IH prevalence in children with UTI and to assess whether there were differences in relation to the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Additionally, the association between IH and salt intake was studied. Population and Methods. Calciuria was determined in patients younger than 18 years old on whom UTI had been studied (ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram), and who had no secondary causes of hypercalciuria. IH was defined as a calcium to creatinine ratio of >0.8, 0.6, 0.5 and 0.2 in children aged 0 to 6 months old, 7 to12 months old, 12 to 24 months old and older than 2 years old, respectively; and a high sodium intake with a urinary sodium to potassium ratio of >2.5. Results. IH prevalence among 136 patients (87 girls, median age: 3 years old) was 20%. Patients with VUR (n= 54) and without VUR (n= 82) had similar characteristics in terms of sex, weight, height, age at diagnosis and age at the time of the study, and clinical features (hematuria, nephrolithiasis, colicky pain, and recurrent UTI), family history of kidney stone formation, and IH prevalence (26% versus 16%, p= 0.24). A high sodium intake was more frequently observed in children with hypercalciuria than in those with normal urine calcium levels (76% versus 46%, p= 0.007). Conclusions. IH prevalence in children with UTI was high (20%), with no differences observed between patients with and without VUR. As a recommendation, the presence of IH should be detected in children with UTI, regardless of VUR presence or absence.

Idiopathic hypercalciuria in children with urinary tract infection.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) predisposes to urinary tract infections (UTIs); however, there is scarce local information regarding such association. Our objectives were to estimate IH prevalence in children with UTI and to assess whether there were differences in relation to the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Additionally, the association between IH and salt intake was studied. POPULATION AND METHODS: Calciuria was determined in patients younger than 18 years old on whom UTI had been studied (ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram), and who had no secondary causes of hypercalciuria. IH was defined as a calcium to creatinine ratio of >0.8, 0.6, 0.5 and 0.2 in children aged 0 to 6 months old, 7 to12 months old, 12 to 24 months old and older than 2 years old, respectively; and a high sodium intake with a urinary sodium to potassium ratio of >2.5. RESULTS: IH prevalence among 136 patients (87 girls, median age: 3 years old) was 20%. Patients with VUR (n= 54) and without VUR (n= 82) had similar characteristics in terms of sex, weight, height, age at diagnosis and age at the time of the study, and clinical features (hematuria, nephrolithiasis, colicky pain, and recurrent UTI), family history of kidney stone formation, and IH prevalence (26% versus 16%, p= 0.24). A high sodium intake was more frequently observed in children with hypercalciuria than in those with normal urine calcium levels (76% versus 46%, p= 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: IH prevalence in children with UTI was high (20%), with no differences observed between patients with and without VUR. As a recommendation, the presence of IH should be detected in children with UTI, regardless of VUR presence or absence.

Laboratory predictors of acute dialysis in hemolytic uremic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Strict guidelines on use of dialysis in children with post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D + HUS) are lacking. This study investigated laboratory predictors of acute dialysis because they are more objective than clinical features. Added to this, given that urine output is also an objective parameter, its ability to predict dialysis requirements was also investigated. METHODS: Out of 153 D + HUS children reviewed, 88 received dialysis and 65 did not. Initial laboratory parameters and diuresis between both groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Dialyzed patients had higher creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, hematocrit and leukocyte count; and lower sodium, bicarbonate, and pH compared to non-dialyzed ones. Serum creatinine was the only independent predictor (P = 0.003) of dialysis; therefore, its ability to predict dialysis was estimated on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and using the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) staging system. Area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.83-1) with a creatinine cut-off of 1.25 mg/dL (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 76.5%) for children <1 year, and 0.93 (95%CI: 0.88-0.98) with a threshold of 2 mg/dL (sensitivity, 91%; specificity, 87.5%) for older children. AKIN stage 3 at admission predicted dialysis with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 84.2%. Urine output had the highest accuracy for dialysis prediction (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 95.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Initial serum creatinine concentration was the best laboratory predictor of dialysis, but the first 24 h diuresis was even better for this purpose. But, given that serum creatinine is an immediate available parameter, the cut-offs identified may label D + HUS children who will probably need dialysis, prompting early referral to centers able to provide dialysis.

Idiopathic hypercalciuria in children with urinary tract infection. / Idiopathic hypercalciuria in children with urinary tract infection.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) predisposes to urinary tract infections (UTIs); however, there is scarce local information regarding such association. Our objectives were to estimate IH prevalence in children with UTI and to assess whether there were differences in relation to the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Additionally, the association between IH and salt intake was studied. POPULATION AND METHODS: Calciuria was determined in patients younger than 18 years old on whom UTI had been studied (ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram), and who had no secondary causes of hypercalciuria. IH was defined as a calcium to creatinine ratio of >0.8, 0.6, 0.5 and 0.2 in children aged 0 to 6 months old, 7 to12 months old, 12 to 24 months old and older than 2 years old, respectively; and a high sodium intake with a urinary sodium to potassium ratio of >2.5. RESULTS: IH prevalence among 136 patients (87 girls, median age: 3 years old) was 20

. Patients with VUR (n= 54) and without VUR (n= 82) had similar characteristics in terms of sex, weight, height, age at diagnosis and age at the time of the study, and clinical features (hematuria, nephrolithiasis, colicky pain, and recurrent UTI), family history of kidney stone formation, and IH prevalence (26

versus 16

, p= 0.24). A high sodium intake was more frequently observed in children with hypercalciuria than in those with normal urine calcium levels (76

versus 46

, p= 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: IH prevalence in children with UTI was high (20

), with no differences observed between patients with and without VUR. As a recommendation, the presence of IH should be detected in children with UTI, regardless of VUR presence or absence.

Impact of platelet transfusions in children with post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Platelet transfusions should be avoided in children with post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D + HUS) because they might increase microthrombi formation, thereby aggravating the disease. As this possibility has not yet been explored, we investigated whether platelet transfusion in patients with D + HUS would lead to a worse disease course compared to that in patients who did not receive platelet transfusion. METHODS: This was a case-control study in which data from D + HUS children who received platelet transfusions (cases, n = 23) and those who did not (controls, n = 54) were retrospectively reviewed and compared. RESULTS: Both patient groups were similar in age (p = 0.3), gender (p = 0.53), weight (p = 0.86), height (p = 0.45), prior use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (p = 0.59) or antibiotics (p = 0.45) and presence of dehydration at admission (p = 0.79). The two groups also did not differ in initial leukocyte count (p = 0.98), hematocrit (p = 0.44) and sodium (p = 0.11) and alanine aminotransferase levels (p = 0.11). During hospitalization, dialysis duration (p = 0.08), number of erythrocyte transfusions (p = 0.2), serum creatinine peak (p = 0.22), presence of severe bowel (p = 0.43) or neurologic (p = 0.97) injury, arterial hypertension (p = 0.71), need for intensive care (p = 0.33) and death (p = 1.00) were also comparable. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that platelet transfusion does not aggravate the course of the disease. Conversely, no hemorrhagic complications were observed in the group of patients who did not receive a platelet transfusion. Until these observations are confirmed by further studies, the benefits and risk of platelet transfusion should be thoughtfully balanced on an individual case basis.

Dehydration at admission increased the need for dialysis in hemolytic uremic syndrome children.

BACKGROUND: Oligoanuric forms of postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+ HUS) usually have more severe acute stage and higher risk of chronic sequelae than nonoligoanuric forms. During the diarrheal phase, gastrointestinal losses could lead to dehydration with pre-renal injury enhancing the risk of oligoanuric D+ HUS. Furthermore, it had been shown that intravenous volume expansion during the prodromal phase could decrease the frequency of oligoanuric renal failure. Thus, we performed this retrospective study to determine whether dehydration on admission is associated with increased need for dialysis in D+ HUS patients. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: Data from 137 children was reviewed, which were divided into two groups according to their hydration status at admission: normohydrated (n = 86) and dehydrated (n = 51). Laboratory parameters of the dehydrated patients reflected expected deteriorations (higher urea, higher hematocrit and lower sodium, bicarbonate, and pH) than normohydrated ones. Likewise, the dehydrated group had a higher rate of vomiting and need for dialysis (70.6 versus 40.7 %, p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that dehydration at hospital admission might represent a concomitant factor aggravating the intrinsic renal disease in D+ HUS patients increasing the need for dialysis. Therefore, the early recognition of patients at risk of D+ HUS is encouraged to guarantee a well-hydrated status.