Online hemodiafilteration use in children: a single center experience with a twist.

BACKGROUND: Haemodiafilteration (HDF) is a promising new modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT). It is an improvement in the quality of hemodialysis (HD) and thus in the quality of patients'lives. The main obstacle to using HDF is the cost, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of incorporating HDF with different regimens in the treatment of children with end stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: Thirty-four children with ESRD on regular HD in Pediatric Dialysis Unit, Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University were followed up in 2 phases: initial phase (all patients: HD thrice weekly for 3 months) and second phase, patients were randomized into 2 groups, HDF group and HD group, the former was subdivided into once and twice weekly HDF subgroups. Evaluation using history, clinical and laboratory parameters at 0, 3, 9 and 18 months was carried out. RESULTS: On short term, we found that the HDF group was significantly superior to HD group regarding all clinical and laboratory parameters. Also, twice HDF subgroup was significantly superior to once HDF subgroup. This was confirmed on long term follow up, but the once HDF proved comparable to twice subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating online hemodiafilteration (OL-HDF) in the RRT of children was beneficial in most of the clinical and laboratory parameters measured. It's not all or non; OL-HDF, even once a week, can improve outcomes of HD without significantly affecting the cost.

An ICET-A survey on occult and emerging endocrine complications in patients with ß-thalassemia major: Conclusions and recommendations.

In adult thalassemia major (TM) patients, a number of occult and emerging endocrine complications, such as: central hypothyroidism (CH), thyroid cancer, latent hypocortisolism, and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) have emerged and been reported. As the early detection of these complications is essential for appropriate treatment and follow-up, the International Network of Clinicians for Endocrinopathies in Thalassemia and Adolescent Medicine (ICET-A) promoted a survey on these complications in adult TM patients, among physicians (pediatricians, hematologists and endocrinologists) caring for TM patients in different countries. The data reported by 15 countries are presented.The commonest endocrine complications registered in 3.114 TM adults are CH and GHD (4.6 % and 3.0 %, respectively), followed by latent hypocortisolism (1.2%). In 13 patients (0.41%) a cytological papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in 11 and 2 patients, respectively, and a lobectomy or thyroidectomy was carried out. Of 202 TM patients below the age of 18 years, the  reported endocrine complications were: GHD in 4.5%, latent hypocortisolism in 4.4% and central hypothyrodisim in 0.5%. Transition phase was an area of interest for many clinicians, especially as patients with complex chronic health conditions are responding to new treatments extending their lifespan beyond imagination.. In conclusion, our survey provides a better understanding of  physicians' current clinical practices and beliefs in the detection, prevention and treatment of some endocrine complications prevailing in adult TM patients. Regular surveillance, early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in a multi-disciplinary specialized setting are recommended.