Abstract Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is commonly performed to screen for vesicoureteric reflux or other urological anomalies but has a potential to provoke distress in infants and children. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of interventions to reduce distress, pain or anxiety during VCUG. Eight trials (591 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: Conscious sedation with midazolam effectively alleviates the distress of VCUG in children older than 1 year of age. Psychological preparation and warmed contrast medium may also be effective. Nitrous oxide 50% may be an alternative to midazolam, but further evidence is needed.
The gold standard for investigating the cause of renal graft dysfunction is renal biopsy. However, as this procedure is invasive and has inherent risks, its safety must be established.To determine the safety of percutaneous renal biopsy in pediatric orthotopic renal transplantation.Percutaneous renal biopsies performed on pediatric orthotopic renal transplants in a single center between 1987 and 2010 were studied. Biopsy specimen adequacy and post-procedure complications were reviewed by prospectively collected data.A total of 54 ultrasound "real-time" guided biopsies in 25 patients were performed. Minimum specimen adequacy was achieved in 98% of biopsy specimens. No major complications were identified; 6% of patients developed minor complications-e.g., grade 3 macroscopic hematuria that did not require intervention.Percutaneous renal biopsies using "real-time" ultrasound guidance on pediatric orthotopic kidney transplants is safe.
Abstract: The objective of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in our pediatric renal transplant patients and to treat those with persistently elevated cholesterol and/or low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. All patients with a functioning renal allograft for greater than 6 months were studied (n = 18). Patients with cholesterol and/or LDL levels greater than the 95th percentile (n = 9) were commenced on an HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor, Atorvastatin and monitoring was performed for efficacy and adverse effects. Total serum cholesterol was elevated in 11 of 18 (61%) and triglyceride (TG) was elevated in 12 of 18 (67%) patients. Atorvastatin treatment was effective with a mean percentage reduction of total cholesterol of 41 ± 10% (p < 0.01 vs. before treatment), LDL 57 ± 7% (p < 0.01 vs. before treatment) and TG 44 ±25% (p = 0.05 vs. before treatment). No adverse effects on allograft function or cyclosporin levels were experienced. Hyperlipidemia is a common problem and Atorvastatin is a safe and effective treatment in pediatric renal transplant recipients.
An unusual case of diabetes secondary to acute pancreatitis in a boy with end-stage renal failure receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is described. A hyperglycaemic, hyperosmolar pre-coma developed, aggravated by associated hypercalcaemia. The glucose content of the dialysis fluid contributed to the hyperglycaemia, which settled as the pancreatitis resolved and lower glucose concentration dialysis fluid was used. Our experience suggests that pancreatic dysfunction should be considered where significant hyperglycaemia occurs during peritoneal dialysis.