Renal Outcomes of Childhood IgA Nephropathy and Henoch Schönlein Purpura Nephritis

Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is considered the systemic form of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). However, differing clinicopathological features and renal outcomes of children with IgAN and HSPN have been reported in some studies. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed children with IgAN and HSPN younger than 18 years, between January 2004 and December 2015. The clinicopathological characteristics at diagnosis and the renal outcomes after at least 1 year of follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 54 children, comprising 21 with IgAN and 33 with HSPN, were recruited. The children with HSPN were younger than the children with IgAN. Gross hematuria and nephritic syndrome at the initial presentation were more common in children with IgAN. Regarding the pathological findings, IgAN had greater chronicity than HSPN. After a median follow-up period from first presentation to renal outcomes measurement of 4.0 years (1.3-12.2) in children with IgAN and 4.2 years (1.1-11.4) in children with HSPN, the renal outcomes were better in the latter group. The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was 28.6% in children with IgAN and 6.1% in children with HSPN (p = 0.02). Complete recovery was observed more frequently in children with HSPN than in children with IgAN (57.1% in IgAN vs. 87.9% in HSPN, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Childhood IgAN has greater chronicity and worse renal outcomes than childhood HSPN, with a lower rate of complete recovery and a higher frequency of CKD. We recommend long-term follow-up for CKD in children with IgAN

Kidney transplantation in childhood: mental health and quality of life of children and caregivers

Our objective was to assess the mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and their parents after renal transplantation (TX) compared to healthy controls and children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to identify possible health status variables associated with impaired mental health and HRQOL. Thirty-eight TX children with a median age of 13 (range 3–19) years were investigated. Mental health was assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-20). Each mother’s own mental health and QOL were assessed by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) and the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS). Forty children with ALL [median age 11 (8.5–15.4) years] and 42 healthy children [median age 11 (8.9– 15) years] served as controls. Treadmill exercise results from 22 of the 38 patients were included in the analysis. TX children showed significantly higher levels of mental health problems and lower HRQOL at 2 to 16 years after transplantation compared to both control groups. Body mass index and maximal oxygen uptake (n = 22/38) were significant predictors of child mental health (SDQ) and child QOL (PedsQL), respectively. Based on these results, we suggest that rehabilitation after TX should include a focus on physical activity and QOL to reduce interconnected physical and psychological morbidity in kidney TX children

Wasp Stings with Multiple Organ Dysfunction in Children

Objective: Allergic reactions from wasp stings usually occur shortly after the stings. Serious and less common systemic mani- festations including multiple organ dysfunction can also occur at a later time. Methods: Medical records of pediatric patients admitted because of wasp stings into the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital from 2000 to 2009 were reviewed. Results: Nine cases were admitted because of systemic reactions from wasp stings. Most required only intravenous fluid and antihistamine. Two young children developed multiple organ dysfunction more than 24 hours after multiple stings. Both patients required artificial ventilation. The first patient received 20 days of renal replacement therapy and recovered completely. The second patient developed sepsis during peritoneal dialysis and died on the 34th day. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that young children with multiple stings are at risk of multiple organ dysfunction. We suggest hospitalization for at least 48 hours to provide early detection of complications and management