Influencia del inicio precoz del tratamiento conservador en la evolución del paciente pediátrico con vejiga neuropática / Influence in the outcome of neuropathic pediatric patients after early treatment

IntroducciónEl cateterismo limpio intermitente (CI) y el tratamiento anticolinérgico son la base del tratamiento conservador de la vejiga neuropática (VN); sin embargo, todavía no hay acuerdo sobre la edad a la que debería iniciarse dicha terapia.ObjetivoEl objetivo de nuestro estudio fue analizar la influencia del inicio precoz (primer año de vida) del tratamiento anticolinérgico y el CI en la evolución a largo plazo de la función renal y vesical. Nuestra hipótesis es que los niños que iniciaron el tratamiento conservador en el primer año de vida tienen mejor pronóstico en términos de función renal y vesical, así como menos necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico que aquellos que iniciaron el tratamiento a edades más avanzadas.Pacientes y métodosEstudio retrospectivo de los pacientes con VN tratados en nuestro servicio (1995- 2005) dividiéndolos para su comparación en dos grupos: grupo 1 incluye a aquellos que iniciaron el tratamiento conservador en el primera año de vida, y grupo 2, a aquellos que lo iniciaron entre el primer y el quinto año. Se revisaron las historias clínicas recogiendo datos sobre: edad de inicio del CI y tratamiento anticolinérgico, presencia de reflujo vésico-ureteral (RVU) o ureterohidronefrosis (UHN), función renal, presencia de cicatrices renales, infección del tracto urinario (UTI), presencia de cicatrices renales, comportamiento vesical, necesidad de intervención quirúrgica y continencia urinaria.ResultadosSe incluyeron 61 pacientes: 25 en el grupo 1 y 36 en el grupo 2. Al inicio del estudio, la presencia de RVU e hiperactividad vesical eran más frecuentes en el grupo 2. En el grupo 1, un paciente con vejiga hiperactiva cambió a vejiga de baja acomodación, y en el grupo 2 un paciente con vejiga de acomodación normal y 4 con vejigas hiperactivas cambiaron a vejigas de baja

Background Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and anticholinergic drugs are the mainstay treatment for neuropathic bladder (NB). However, there is not consensus about the time therapy should be started in pediatric patients.AimTo analyze the impact of early start (first year of life) of CIC and anticholinergic treatment on long-term renal and bladder function. Our hypothesis is that those children who start conservative treatment in the first year of life have better outcome in terms of bladder and renal function and less need of surgical procedures, compared to those who started treatment later in life.Patients and methodRetrospective study of pediatric patients with NB treated in our hospital (1995-2005) dividing them for comparison in two groups: group 1 started treatment in the first year of life and group 2 between 1 and 5 years old. Collected data included: date of CIC and anticholinergic initiation, presence of VUR or UHN, renal function, UTIs, renal scars, bladder behavior, surgery and urinary continence.ResultsSixty-one patients were included, 25 in group 1 and 36 in group 2. Initially vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) and overactive bladders were more frequent in group 2. In group 1 one overactive bladder changed to low compliant and in group 2, one normal bladder and 4 overactive bladders changed. At the end of follow-up there were 11 low compliant bladders in group 1 and 17 in group 2. However, in group 1, only 2 patients required bladder augmentation (BA) while in group 2, 12 patients needed it. At the end of the study only 2 patients in group 2 had slight renal insufficiency.ConclusionsPatients who started conservative treatment in the first year of life have better long-term outcome in terms of UTI, renal scars and surgical procedures. Even if they initially had low compliant bladders, these patients require less BA

Influence in the outcome of neuropathic pediatric patients after early treatment.

BACKGROUND: Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and anticholinergic drugs are the mainstay treatment for neuropathic bladder (NB). However, there is not consensus about the time therapy should be started in pediatric patients. AIM: To analyze the impact of early start (first year of life) of CIC and anticholinergic treatment on long-term renal and bladder function. Our hypothesis is that those children who start conservative treatment in the first year of life have better outcome in terms of bladder and renal function and less need of surgical procedures, compared to those who started treatment later in life. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of pediatric patients with NB treated in our hospital (1995-2005) dividing them for comparison in two groups: group 1 started treatment in the first year of life and group 2 between 1 and 5 years old. Collected data included: date of CIC and anticholinergic initiation, presence of VUR or UHN, renal function, UTIs, renal scars, bladder behavior, surgery and urinary continence. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included, 25 in group 1 and 36 in group 2. Initially vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) and overactive bladders were more frequent in group 2. In group 1 one overactive bladder changed to low compliant and in group 2, one normal bladder and 4 overactive bladders changed. At the end of follow-up there were 11 low compliant bladders in group 1 and 17 in group 2. However, in group 1, only 2 patients required bladder augmentation (BA) while in group 2, 12 patients needed it. At the end of the study only 2 patients in group 2 had slight renal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who started conservative treatment in the first year of life have better long-term outcome in terms of UTI, renal scars and surgical procedures. Even if they initially had low compliant bladders, these patients require less BA.

Influence in the outcome of neuropathic pediatric patients after early treatment. / Influencia del inicio precoz del tratamiento conservador en la evolución del paciente pediátrico con vejiga neuropática.

BACKGROUND: Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and anticholinergic drugs are the mainstay treatment for neuropathic bladder (NB). However, there is not consensus about the time therapy should be started in pediatric patients. AIM: To analyze the impact of early start (first year of life) of CIC and anticholinergic treatment on long-term renal and bladder function. Our hypothesis is that those children who start conservative treatment in the first year of life have better outcome in terms of bladder and renal function and less need of surgical procedures, compared to those who started treatment later in life. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of pediatric patients with NB treated in our hospital (1995-2005) dividing them for comparison in two groups: group 1 started treatment in the first year of life and group 2 between 1 and 5 years old. Collected data included: date of CIC and anticholinergic initiation, presence of VUR or UHN, renal function, UTIs, renal scars, bladder behavior, surgery and urinary continence. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included, 25 in group 1 and 36 in group 2. Initially vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) and overactive bladders were more frequent in group 2. In group 1 one overactive bladder changed to low compliant and in group 2, one normal bladder and 4 overactive bladders changed. At the end of follow-up there were 11 low compliant bladders in group 1 and 17 in group 2. However, in group 1, only 2 patients required bladder augmentation (BA) while in group 2, 12 patients needed it. At the end of the study only 2 patients in group 2 had slight renal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who started conservative treatment in the first year of life have better long-term outcome in terms of UTI, renal scars and surgical procedures. Even if they initially had low compliant bladders, these patients require less BA.

Laparoscopia en urología infantil / Laparoscopy in children´s urology

El empleo de la laparoscopia en la urología pediátrica se ha extendido de forma significativa en los últimos años. Los beneficios de la laparoscopia están bien definidos, acorta la estancia hospitalaria, produce una recuperación más rápida y ofrece un mejor resultado estético. La orquidopexia y la nefrectomía laparoscópica son procedimientos ampliamente aceptados y se ofrecen como alternativas a la cirugía abierta. Aquellos procedimientos que demandan una mayor dependencia técnica, tales como la pieloplastia, la cirugía reconstructiva vesical y la reimplantación ureteral, se realizan en centros especialmente equipados y están a la espera de determinar sus beneficios potenciales (AU)

The use of laparoscopy in pediatric urology has suffered growth significantly over the last years. The benefits of laparoscopic procedures are well defined, shorter hospitalization, quicker return and aesthetic advantages. Laparoscopic orchiopexy and nephrectomy are become widely accepted as alternatives to open surgery. More technically demanding procedures, such as laparoscopic pieloplasty, bladder reconstruction and ureteral reimplantation are being performed at specially equipped centers and have not yet specified its potential benefits (AU)

Are urodynamic studies really needed during bladder augmentation follow-up?

OBJECTIVE: We assessed clinical and urodynamic outcomes, over a minimum 10-year follow-up period, of neuropathic bladder patients treated with a bladder augmentation (BA) to determine if periodic urodynamic studies are needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with poorly compliant bladders underwent BA at a mean age of 11 years (2.5-18). Mean follow-up was 12 years (10-14.5) and mean patient age at the end of the study was 22 years (12.2-33). During follow-up all patients were controlled at regular intervals with urinary tract imaging, serum electrolyte and creatinine levels, cystoscopy and urodynamic studies. Preoperative, 1-year post-BA and latest urodynamic studies results were compared. RESULTS: Urodynamic studies at 1-year post-BA showed a significant increase in bladder capacity and a decrease in end-filling detrusor pressure compared with preoperative values (396 vs 106 ml; 10 vs 50 cm H(2)O, P<0.0001). The increase in bladder capacity was more significant at the end of the study than after 1 year (507.8 vs 396 ml, P<0.002). Thirteen patients had phasic contractions after 1 year and 11 at the end (not significant, NS), and these contractions were more frequent with colon than with ileum (NS). At the end of follow-up, phasic contraction pressure had decreased while trigger volume had increased (35 vs 28 cm H(2)O; 247 vs 353 ml, NS). All patients are dry and have normal renal function, except one who had mild renal insufficiency before BA. CONCLUSION: BA improves bladder capacity and pressure, and these changes are maintained over time (although phasic contractions do not disappear). Repeated urodynamic studies are only necessary when upper urinary tract dilatation or incontinence does not improve.

Enterocystoplasty in children with neuropathic bladders: long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses clinical outcome, after at least 8 years, of augmentation done before or at puberty in neuropathic bladders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 29 children with neuropathic bladders who did not respond satisfactorily to clean intermittent catheterisation and anti-cholinergic therapy underwent enterocystoplasty at a mean age of 11.8 years (range 3-18). Twenty-one children (72.4%) had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and/or ureterohydronephrosis and 22 (75.8%) had dimercapto-succinic acid scars, but all had normal renal function. All patients were followed at regular intervals with urinary tract imaging, serum electrolytes, creatinine, urodynamic evaluation and 24-h urine collection. Urine cytology, cystoscopy and biopsy were performed at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 11 years (range 8-14.5) and mean age at the end of follow-up was 22.2 years (range 13.2-31). Urodynamic studies showed a significant improvement in bladder compliance in all patients. Upper urinary tract dilatation disappeared in all, VUR in 13/17 (76.4%), and no new renal scarring occurred in any patient. At the end of follow-up, renal function was normal in all according to serum creatinine, but cystatin C levels were normal in 27 and elevated in two. Significant proteinuria and low concentrations of renin and aldosterone were present in 80% and 82%, respectively. Only one patient had urinary tract infection, three had bladder stones, and in another a catheterisable channel was made. All patients were dry with normal urine cytology and cystoscopy, and no malignant lesions have been found in the biopsy specimens. CONCLUSION: Enterocystoplasty has preserved renal function and resolved VUR and/or hydronephrosis in most patients. The future implications of proteinuria and the low serum levels of renin and aldosterone, as well as the best indicator for measuring renal function, have yet to be determined. Close, life-long follow-up, including cystoscopy, is necessary to prevent complications.

Creciendo con una ampliación vesical / Growing up with a bladder augmentation

Las estenosis esofágicas son una de las complicaciones más frecuentes de la corrección quirúrgica de las atresias de esófago. Su tratamiento consiste en la dilatación de la estenosis, precisando en la mayoría de los casos más de 1 procedimiento para su corrección. Introducción: Analizamos la evolución a largo plazo de nuestros pacientes con vejiga neuropática a los que se realizó una ampliación vesicalantes de la pubertad. Pacientes y métodos: A 21 pacientes con vejigas neuropáticas de baja acomodación y mala respuesta al sondaje intermitente y/o anticolinérgicos se les realizó una ampliación vesical (edad media 8.3 años, rango;2,5-12). Dieciocho de ellos (86%) tenían RVU y/o ureterohidronefrosis y 17 (81%) cicatrices renales sin afectación de la función renal salvo en un caso. Todos los pacientes fueron seguidos regularmente con estudios de función renal, pruebas de imagen, análisis de orina de 24horas y estudios urodinámicos. A los 18 pacientes ampliados con intestino se les realizó citología urinaria, cistoscopia y biopsia. Resultados: El seguimiento medio fue de 11 años (8-14,5) y la media de edad al final del estudio fue de 19 años (13,2-26,8). Los estudios urodinámicos demostraron una mejoría significativa de la acomodación vesical. La ureterohidronefrosis desapareció en todos los pacientes, el RVU en13 de 15 (86%) y ninguno presentó nuevas cicatrices renales. Al final del estudio, la función renal era normal en 20 de ellos. Un paciente tuvo una ITU y otro un cálculo vesical. Todos están secos y 2 de ellos no necesitan sondaje intermitente. La citología y la cistoscopia fueron normales y no se encontraron lesiones malignas en las biopsias. Conclusión: La ampliación vesical antes de la pubertad preserva la función renal y corrige el RVU y/o la ureterohidronefrosis en la mayoría de los pacientes, sin reimplantar los uréteres. Un seguimiento de por vida, incluyendo la realización de cistoscopias periódicas, es necesario para mejorar los resultados y prevenir las complicaciones (AU)

Introduction: This study assesses long-term outcome of patients with neuropatic bladders who underwent a bladder augmentation before puberty. Patients and methods: A total of 21 patients with low compliant neuropathic bladders who did not respond satisfactory to clean intermittent catheterization and/or anticholinergic therapy underwent bladder augmentation(mean age 8.3 yr, range; 2.5-12). Eighteen patients (86%)had VUR and/or ureterohydronephrosis and 17 (81%) had DMSA renal scars. Renal function was normal in all cases except one. All patients were followed at regular intervals with serum electrolyte and creatinine determination, urinary tract imaging, urodynamic evaluation and 24-hour urine collection. In the 18 cases augmented with intestine, urinecytology, cystoscopy and biopsy were also performed. Results: Mean follow-up was 11 yr (8-14.5) and mean age at the end of follow-up was 19 yr (13.3-26.8). Urodynamic studies showed a significant improvement in bladder compliance. Upper urinary tract dilatation disappeared in all patients, VUR in 13/15p (86%) and no new renal scarring occurred. Renal function was normal at the end of followupin 20. Only 1 patient had UTI and another had a bladder stone. All patients are dry and 2 of them do not need clean intermittent catheterization. Urine cytology and cystoscopy were normal and no malignant lessions have been found in the biopsy specimens. Conclusions: Bladder augmentation done pre-puberty preserves renal function and resolves VUR and/or hydronephrosis in most cases without reimplanting the ureters. Close lifelong follow-up, including a cystoscopy, improves the results and prevents complications (AU)

Bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy with simultaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation.

Bilateral nephrectomy prior to transplantation is indicated in some patients with end-stage renal disease. The indications for bilateral nephrectomy include persistent heavy proteinuria, refractory hypertension, and urinary tract infections. We report an eight-month-old baby with male pseudohermaphroditism and renal failure secondary to diffuse mesangial sclerosis. While awaiting renal transplantation, dialysis became necessary and the child presented standard drug therapy-resistant hypertension. A bilateral nephrectomy was performed simultaneously to peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation by using laparoscopy. At the present time, the patient is doing well with ambulatory dialysis and all antihypertensive medication has been discontinued. We recommend this technique in children who require bilateral nephrectomy and peritoneal dialyisis. Not only is it somewhat less aggressive than traditional open surgery, but it also reduces post-operative pain, allows earlier initiation of peritoneal dialysis, and improves cosmetic appearance.

[Growing up with a bladder augmentation]. / Creciendo con una ampliación vesical.

INTRODUCTION: This study assesses long-term outcome of patients with neuropatic bladders who underwent a bladder augmentation before puberty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients with low compliant neuropathic bladders who did not respond satisfactory to clean intermittent catheterization and/or anticholinergic therapy underwent bladder augmentation (mean age 8.3 yr, range; 2.5-12). Eighteen patients (86%) had VUR and/or ureterohydronephrosis and 17 (81%) had DMSA renal scars. Renal function was normal in all cases except one. All patients were followed at regular intervals with serum electrolyte and creatinine determination, urinary tract imaging, urodynamic evaluation and 24-hour urine collection. In the 18 cases augmented with intestine, urine cytology, cystoscopy and biopsy were also performed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 11 yr (8-14.5) and mean age at the end of follow-up was 19 yr (13.3-26.8). Urodynamic studies showed a significant improvement in bladder compliance. Upper urinary tract dilatation disappeared in all patients, VUR in 13/15p (86%) and no new renal scarring occurred. Renal function was normal at the end of follow-up in 20. Only 1 patient had UTI and another had a bladder stone. All patients are dry and 2 of them do not need clean intermittent catheterization. Urine cytology and cystoscopy were normal and no malignat lessions have been found in the biopsy specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder augmentation done pre-puberty preserves renal function and resolves VUR and/or hydronephrosis in most cases without reimplanting the ureters. Close lifelong follow-up, including a cystoscopy, improves the results and prevents complications.

[Results of kidney transplantation in children weighing less than 11 kilograms]. / Resultados del trasplante renal en niños con un peso inferior a 11 kilogramos.

Weigh and age are risk factors of graft failure. The aim of the study is to review the characteristics and the outcome of cadaver renal transplant in children weighing less than 11 Kg. From 1985 to 1999 10 cadaver renal transplant were performed in 10 children (7 boys and 3 girls). Primary renal disease were renal dysplasia(3), posterior urethral valves(5) and congenital nephrotic syndrome(2). All except two suffered end stage disease from birth. The cadaver donor age ranged from 4 to 45 years (mean 12.3). Cold ischaemia time was 14 to 30 hours (median 22.8 h). Grafts were placed extraperitoneally in the iliac fossa in all patients and special care was taken in aggressive intravascular volume expansion. In the first 5 children initial immunosuppression consisted of CyA, Pd and Aza. After 1991, the other five received sequential induction therapy with polyclonal antibodies and triple therapy (CyA, Pd, Aza). Renal function was evaluated as GFR yearly by Swartz formula and the actuarial and graft survival rates were obtained by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Patient survival was 90% at 1 and 10 years. Graft survival was 80% at 1 and 5 years; it decreased to 64% at 7 years. Seven continue with their first graft and the mean follow-up time is 6.6 years. Their renal function measured by the mean of GFR yearly decreased lightly from 102 ml/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year to 87.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 at 5 years. A successful patient and graft survival can be achieved in young receiving kidneys and small reciepients can improve their physical and mental development after transplantation.

Resultados del trasplante renal en niños con un peso inferior a 11 kilogramos / Out of real transplantation in children lessthan 11kg

El peso y la edad del receptor se consideran factores de riesgo para el fallo del injerto. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar las características y los resultados del trasplante renal de cadaver (TRC)en niños con un peso inferior a los 11K.Entre 1985y 1999 hemos realizado 10 TRC en niños con un peso inferior a los 11K (7 varones y 3 mujeres). La patología primaria causante de la Insuficiencia renal Terminal (IRT) fue : Displasia renal (3pac.),Válvulas de uretra Posterior (5 pac.) y Síndrome Nefrótico congénito (2pac.). Ocho pacientes presentaban IRT desde el nacimiento. El rango de edad del donante cadáver osciló de 4 a 45 años (media 12,3 años). El tiempo de isquemia fría fue de 14 a 30 horas ( media 22,8h). En todos los pacientes el injerto se ha colocado extraperitoneal en fosa iliaca, y se realizó un tratamiento agresivo de expansión del volumen intravascular durante el tiempo perioperatorio. Los 5 primeros trasplantes recibieron como inmunosupresión triple terapia con CyA, Aza, Pred. Después de 1991, se realizó inducción con anticuerpos policlonales y triple terapia en los otros 5 trasplantes. La función renal fue evaluada anualmente con el Filtrado Glomerular (FG) mediante la fórmula de Swartz y la curva de supervivencia del injerto mediante el análisis de Kaplan-Meier.La supervivencia del paciente fue del 90% al año y a los 10 años. La supervivencia del injerto fue del 80% al año y a los 5 años, descendiendo al 64% a los 7 años. Siete niños continúan con su primer injerto funcionante y el tiempo de seguimiento es de 6,6 años. El FG ha ido descendiendo desde 102ml/min/1,73m2al año a 87,6ml/min/1,73m2a los 5 años. El Trasplante Renal (TR) puede realizarse con resultados satisfactorios, tanto para el paciente como para el injerto, en niños con un peso inferior a 11K (AU)

Resultados del trasplante renal en niñosmenores de dos años / Outcome of renal transplantation in children less than two years old

El peso y la edad del receptor se consideran factores de riesgo para el fallo del injerto. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar las caracteristicas y los resultados del trasplante renal de cadaver (TRC) en niños menores de dos años. Entre 1985 y 1999 hemos realizado 10 TRC en niños con una edad inferior a dos años (7 varones y 3 mujeres). La patología primaria causante de la Insuficiencia renal Terminal (IRT) fue : Displasia renal (3pac.), Válvulas de uretra Posterior (5 pac.) y Síndrome Nefrótico congénito (2 pac.). Ocho pacientes presentaban IRT desde el nacimiento. El rango de edad del donante cadáver osciló de 4 a 45 años (media 12,3 años). El tiempo de isquemia fría fue de 14 a 30 horas ( media 22,8h). En todos los pacientes el injerto se ha colocado extraperitoneal en fosa iliaca, y se realizó un tratamiento agresivo de expansión del volumen intravascular durante el tiempo perioperatorio. Los 5 primeros trasplantes recibieron como inmunosupresión triple terapia con CyA, Aza, Pred. A partir de 1991, se realizó inducción con anticuerpos policlonales y triple terapia en los otros 5 trasplantes. La función renal fue evaluada anualmente con el Filtrado Glomerular (FG) mediante la fórmula de Swartz y la curva de supervivencia del injerto mediante el análisis de Kaplan-Meier. La supervivencia del paciente fue del 90 por ciento al año y a los 10 años. La supervivencia del injerto fue del 80 por ciento al año y a los 5 años, descendiendo al 64 por ciento a los 7 años. Siete niños continuan con su primer injerto funcionante y el tiempo de seguimiento es de 6,6 años. El FG ha ido descendiendo desde 102ml/min/1,73m2 al año a 87,6ml/min/1,73m2 a los 5 años. El Trasplante Renal (TR) puede realizarse con éxito en estos niños e incluso mejorar su desarrollo físico y psíquico (AU)

Situación actual del trasplante renal en el niño / Overview of renal Transplant in children

El Trasplante Renal (TR) es el tratamiento de elección para todos los niños en Insuficiencia Renal Terminal (IRT). Realizamos un análisis de varios factores que influyen de forma significativa en los resultados del TR en el niño: Receptor, donante, inmunosupresión, tratamiento quirúrgico y complicaciones quirúrgicas. También mostramos las curvas de supervivencia del injerto al año y a los 5 años. Desde 1966 los resultados del TR en el niño han mejorado de forma llamativa. El TR ofrece al niño en IRT una excelente rehabilitación y una supervivencia aceptable del injerto a largo plazo (AU)

Trasplante renal pediátrico de donante vivo relacionado / Living related donor in pediatric renal transplantation

El donante vivo relacionado (DVR) tiene importantes ventajas cuando se compara con el donante cadáver (DC) en términos de mejor supervivencia del paciente y del injerto, así como de un tiempo de espera menor. Desde 1985 hemos realizado en nuestro Centro 176 trasplantes renales (TR), de los cuales 156 (89 por ciento) son de DC y 20 (11 por ciento) de DVR en primer grado. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar nuestra experiencia de 5 años con el DVR. A todos los donantes se les realizó un estudio protocolizado de función renal, bioquímico, metabólico y angiográfico. Doce niños recibieron su primer trasplante y 8 fueron retrasplantes ( 6 segundos, 1 tercero y 1 cuarto). El tratamiento inmunosupresor consistió en terapia clásica (azatioprina, ciclosporina prednisona) con inducción de suero antitimocítico. El FK506 y el micofenolato mefetil también se han empleado en alguno de ellos. En cuatro injertos fue necesario reaizar cirug´´ia arterial de banco debido a a presencia de anomalías vasculares. La complicación más signifiativa ha sido a pérdida de un injerto debida a una microangiopatía trombótica asociada al FK506. La supervivencia tanto del donante como del receptor es del 100 por ciento y la supervivencia actuarial del injerto a los 5 años es del 95 por ciento, con un infiltrado glomerular medio de 81,33 ml/min/1,73 m2 (AU)

Should we treat vesicoureteral reflux in patients who simultaneously undergo bladder augmentation for neuropathic bladder?

PURPOSE: If high pressure is responsible for vesicoureteral reflux in neurogenic bladders, eliminating the high pressure should resolve reflux in noncompliant bladders. Nevertheless, the need for simultaneous ureteral reimplantation and bladder augmentation remains controversial in patients with a noncompliant bladder and vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladder augmentation was performed in 8 boys and 8 girls with a noncompliant bladder and vesicoureteral reflux at a mean age of 10 years (range 2 to 17) because they had not responded satisfactorily to clean intermittent catheterization and anticholinergic therapy alone. No effort had been made to correct reflux surgically in these patients. Before bladder augmentation reflux was grade II to III in 4 ureters (3 patients) and IV to V in 18 (13). The bladder was augmented with intestine in 14 patients and with ureter in 2. Mean followup was 5.2 years (range 2.8 to 7.5). RESULTS: After bladder augmentation bladder compliance improved in all patients. Of the 18 ureters with high grade reflux 2 were used for bladder augmentation, and reflux resolved in 13, was downgraded in 1 and persisted in 2. Of the 4 ureters with low grade reflux, reflux disappeared in 2 and was down graded in 2. The rate of high and low grade vesicoureteral reflux resolution or improvement was 87.5% and 100%, respectively. At the end of the study only 3 patients had persistent reflux, which was downgraded in 2. No urinary tract infections developed in any patient and none was receiving chemoprophylaxis 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience indicates that antireflux procedures are not routinely needed in patients with a noncompliant bladder and associated vesicoureteral reflux who undergo bladder augmentation.

[Pediatric renal transplantation from related living donor]. / Trasplante renal pediátrico de donante vivo relacionado.

Living related donor (LRD) provides significant advantages when compared with cadaveric donor (CAD) in term of improved patient and graft survival and shorten waiting time. From 1985, 176 kidney transplants were performed at our Center. Of these, 156 (89%) were from CAD and 20 (11%) were from LRD, first degree. The purpose of this paper is to show our experience at 5 years with use of LRD. All donors underwent standardized metabolic workup, angiography assessed and renal function test. Twelve children received their first transplant and 8 were retransplant (6-second, 1-third and 1-fourth). Immunosuppressive therapy consisted of globulin antithymocyte, azathioprine, cyclosporine and prednisolone, using FK506 and mycophenolate mofetil in some of them. Four kidneys with multiple renal arteries were reconstructed ex vivo with microsurgical technique before transplantation. The most significant morbidity was due to FK506-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) with graft lost. All patients (donor and recipient) survived. Five years graft survival rate is 95% and mean glomerular filtration rate is 81.33 ml/min/1.73 m2.

[Neutropenic enterocolitis in children with cancer]. / La enterocolitis neutropénica en el niño con cáncer.

OBJECTIVES: Neuropenic enterocolitis (NEC) is a destructive lesion of the ileocecal region occurring in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Its clinical picture is one of febrile acute abdominal extension with bloody diarrhea and low neutrophil counts. Our aim was to determine the incidence of NEC in children with cancer and to review the indications of surgery in these cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of children with cancer treated with chemotherapy in the last 6 years at Hospital Infantile La Paz were reviewed. We selected those patients who had abdominal pain and neutropenia and whose physical examination and radiological findings were consistent with NEC. RESULTS: Twelve cases of NEC were diagnosed during this period among 432 malignancies. The symptoms most frequently seen were abdominal pain and distension, nausea and vomiting. The neutrophil count was consistently below 500/ml. All patients were receiving chemotherapy before the onset of the clinical picture. Five children were operated upon. In three of these we found various ileocecal perforations, in one a gastric perforation and in the remaining one a diffuse inflammation of the ileocecal area. Two non-operated patients died from NEC. The remaining children recovered without problems with medical therapy. CONCLUSION: Pediatric surgeons treating neutropenic cancer patients should be familiar with this condition, that must be suspected early in granulocytopenic patients with acute abdominal extension. Aggressive surgical management is indicated in cases with severe peritonitis, bowel perforation or massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding, irrespective of the degree of neutropenia. Medical support should aim at reestablishing normal neutrophil counts.