Reference values for serum creatinine in children younger than 1 year of age

Reliable reference values of enzymatically assayed serum creatinine categorized in small age intervals are lacking in young children. The aim of this study was to determine reference values for serum creatinine during the first year of life and study the influence of gender, weight and height on these values. Serum creatinine determinations between 2003 and 2008 were retrieved from the hospital database. Strict exclusion criteria ensured the selection of patients without kidney damage. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relation between height, weight and serum creatinine; the Mann–Whitney test was used to evaluate the relation between gender and serum creatinine. A broken stick model was designed to predict normal serum creatinine values. Mean serum creatinine values were found to decrease rapidly from 55 μmol/L on day 1 to 22 μmol/L in the second month of life; they then stabilized at 20 μmol/L until the seventh month, followed by a slight increase. No significant relation was found between serum creatinine and gender, weight and height. We present here reference values of serum creatinine in infants not at risk of decreased renal function. The absence of a relationship with gender, weight and height confirms that height-based equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate are less useful in patients of this age group

Modeling Technique and a Simulation Tool for Analysis of Clock Synchronizaion in Communication Networks

Abstract — Clock synchronization and timing continue to be an active area of research and development. This paper describes a modeling technique and a simulation tool for analysis of clock synchronization in communication networks. The tool supports analysis of stability, quality of control, time to converge, calculations of standard Maximum Time Interval Error (MTIE) and Time Deviation (TDEV) parameters, etc. Initially developed for clock synchronization in communication networks, the tool can be enhanced to address synchronization needs of other applications as well. I

Zinner Syndrome-From Diagnosis to Successful Treatment-A Case Report

A seventeen-year-old boy was admitted and referred for MR evaluation of acute abdominal and pelvic irritation and discomfort, dysuria and severe pain during ejaculation, the latter symptoms coincident with puberty and the onset of sexual activity. Prior ultrasound had revealed findings consistent with a hypoplastic, hydronephrotic, ectopic left kidney and compensatory hypertrophy of the right kidney. The improved tissue resolution and more precise anatomical delineation of the genitourinary tract afforded by MRI revealed the typical triad of Zinner’s syndrome-unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesical cysts and obstruction of the ejaculatory duct. MRI not only facilitated the final correct diagnosis, but also supported surgical planning and successful treatment-laparoscopic resection of the left seminal vesicle, which led to complete cure, symptomatic relief and restoration of fertility. Knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and embryology of the genitourinary tract is necessary for obtaining the accurate diagnosis by using appropriate imaging modalities