The Risks of Self - Medication: Case Report of Familial Misuse of AM3 (Immunoferon®)

Over the last decades extended medical knowledge has been an important health care benefit in terms of disease prevention and management. However, probably with no exception, most pharmaceutical products are not devoid of adverse consequences. Immunomodulators are commonly considered a “benign” drug whose advantages bypass consequences. The immunomodulator AM3 (Immunoferon®) is a clinically used, orally administered compound whose active principle is stabilised in an inorganic matrix of calcium. We report the misuse of AM3 in three members of a family; father and two children. The drug was prescribed to the father who subsequently administered it to the children without seeking medical advice. Two months later, all subjects developed abdominal and/or flank colicky pain. Hypercalciuria was diagnosed in the children with different degrees of severity. It is likely that the calcium content of the inorganic matrix played an important role in the onset of symptoms. No adverse side effects related to the inorganic matrix of calcium of immunoferon® have been documented so far. This family case report calls attention to the risks of self -medication in a susceptible family. Paediatric patients are vulnerable as they rely on adults for the supply of medications. Concerning the use of drugs in family, especially nonprescription drugs, the quality of health care provided to the children depends on the health literacy of their parents

Congenital Solitary Functioning Kidney and Other Associated Congenital Malformations

Introduction: Congenital solitary functioning kidney (CSFK) is associated to other congenital anomalies. Most of them involve urogenital tract, cardiac, skeletal and central nervous system. There are also some syndromes associated to renal malformations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of associated malformations in children with CSFK. Material and methods: We reviewed 134 electronic processes of children with CFSK followed in a terciary department of paediatric nephrology between 2012 and 2016. Results: Ages ranged from neonatal period to 18 years old (6.6±4.4 years). Prenatal diagnosis of solitary kidney was made in 89 cases (66.4%), and agenesia was the etiology in 33.5%. We found 41 children with at least one more malformation (30.6 %). One quarter of children with postnatal diagnosis of CSFK (7/28) had other anomalies. From all children with diagnosis of agenesia, 80% had at least one more malformation, whereas only 30% of other CSFK’s etiology had other anomaly indentified. Urological anomalies were the most frequent (34.1%); however, 27/41 children (65.8%) had at least one malformation of other system, without an urological anomaly. Gastrointestinal anomalies were identified 21.9%, cardiovascular anomalies 19.5%, genital malformations in 19.5%, neurological anomalies in 14.6% and other organ anomalies in 17%. The non-urological congenital malformation more frequent was single umbilical artery (12.2%). Fourteen children (34.1%) had their anomalies included in a syndrome, all them associated with renal anomalies in previous studies. Chronic kidney disease was seen in five of 134 children, three of which with another malformation. Conclusions: This study intends to recall that CSFK may not be the only congenital malformation in a child. It also highlights that there are other anomalies besides urological tract that may be present and must be investigated, especially if there is a diagnosis of true renal agenesia. A good prenatal care and careful follow-up of children with CSFK are essential.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Understanding the formation of deep eutectic solvents: betaine as a universal hydrogen bond acceptor

© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH The mechanism of formation of betaine-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) is presented for the first time. Due to its polarity unbalance, it was found that betaine displays strong negative deviations from ideality when mixed with a variety of different organic substances. These results pave the way for a comprehensive design of novel deep eutectic solvents. A connection to biologically relevant systems was made using betaine (osmolyte) and urea (protein denaturant), showing that these two compounds formed a DES, the molecular interactions of which were greatly enhanced in the presence of water.This work was developed within the scope of the projects CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020 & UIDP/50011/2020, financed by national funds through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology/MCTES, and CIMO-Mountain Research Center, UIDB/00690/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC and when appropriate cofinanced by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Tuberculosis inequalities and socio-economic deprivation in Portugal

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the geographical distribution of tuberculosis (TB) in Portugal and estimate the association between TB and socio-economic deprivation. METHODS: An ecological study at the municipality level using TB notifications for 2010–2014 was conducted. Spatial Bayesian models were used to calculate smoothed standardised notification rates, identify high- and low-risk areas and estimate the association between TB notification and the European Deprivation Index (EDI) for Portugal and its component variables. RESULTS: Standardised notification rates ranged from 4.41 to 76.44 notifications per 100 000 population. Forty-one high-risk and 156 low-risk municipalities were identified. There was no statistically significant association between TB notification rate and the EDI, but some of its variables, such as the proportion of manual workers and the percentage unemployed, were significantly and directly associated with TB notification, whereas the variable ‘proportion of residents with low education level' showed an inverse relationship. CONCLUSION: Wide inequalities in TB notification rates were observed, and some areas continued to exhibit high TB notification rates. We found significant associations between TB and some socio-economic factors of the EDI.This work was supported by contributions from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the European Economic Area Grants, under the Public Health Initiatives Programme (PT 06, grant number 138DT1)

Tuberculosis among the homeless: should we change the strategy?

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major concern among high-risk populations such as the homeless. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate TB incidence and treatment outcomes among homeless patients in Portugal and to identify predictors of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes among the homeless. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of all TB patients notified in Portugal from 2008 to 2014. Characteristics of homeless TB patients were assessed and predictors of unsuccessful TB treatment were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS: TB incidence among the homeless was 122/100 000 homeless persons and was positively correlated with TB incidence among non-homeless persons. Homeless TB patients had a higher prevalence of alcohol and/or drug use, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, cavitary TB and smear positivity. The rate of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among the homeless was 28.6%, and was significantly associated with increased age, injection drug use (IDU) and HIV co-infection. CONCLUSION: TB incidence among homeless persons was five times that among the non-homeless, and higher in regions with greater TB incidence among non homeless persons. The successful treatment outcome rate was lower. Predictors of unsuccessful treatment were age, IDU and HIV co-infection. Integrated TB programmes targeting homeless and non-homeless patients, with measures targeting specific characteristics, may contribute to TB elimination in Portugal.CONTEXTE : La tuberculose (TB) est un souci majeur dans les populations à haut risque comme les personnes sans domicile fixe. OBJECTIFS : Evaluer le taux d’incidence de la TB et les resultats du traitement parmi des patients sans domicile fixe au Portugal et identifier les facteurs de préediction d’ échec du traitement de la TB parmi ces patients. SCHÉMA : Etude rétrospective de cohorte incluant tous les patients TB notifies au Portugal entre 2008 et 2014. Les caractéristiques des patients sans domicile fixe ont été ́évaluées et les facteurs de prédiction d’ échec du traitement de la TB ont été déterminés par ŕegression logistique. RESULTATS : Le taux d’incidence de la TB parmi les personnes sans domicile fixe a été de 122/100 000, et il a été positivement corrélé avec l’incidence de la TB parmi le reste de la population. Les patients tuberculeux sans domicile fixe avaient une prévalence plus élevée de consommation d’alcool et/ou de drogues, de co- infection au virus de l’immunodéficience humaine (VIH), de forme caverneuse et de frottis positif. Le taux d’ ́echec du traitement a ́et ́e de 28,6% ; l’ ́echec a ́ et ́esignificativement associé à un âge plus avancé, à la consommation de drogues injectables et à la co-infection par le VIH. CONCLUSION : L’incidence dela TB parmi les personnes sans domicile fixe a été cinq fois plus élevée que celle du reste de la population et plus haute dans les régions ou l’incidence dans le reste de la population est egalement plus élevée. Leur taux d’ échec du traitement à été plus faible. Les facteurs de prédiction d’ échec du traitement ont été l´âge, la consommation de drogues injectables et la co-infection `a VIH. Des programmes de TB intégrés ciblant les patients sans domicile fixe et les autres, avec des mesures spécifiques adaptées à leurs caractéristiques particulières, pourrait contribuer à l’ élimination de la TB au Portugal.MARCO DE REFERENCIA: La tuberculosis (TB) constituye una gran preocupación en las poblaciones muy vulnerables como las personas sin hogar. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la tasa de incidencia de TB y los desenlaces terapéuticos en las personas sin domicilio en Portugal y definir los factores pronósticos de fracaso terapéutico en este grupo de la población. MÉTODO: Fue este un estudio retrospectivo de cohortes de todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de TB notificados del 2008 al 2014 en Portugal. Mediante un análisis de regresión logística se analizaron las características de los pacientes tuberculosos sin hogar y los factores pronósticos de fracaso terapéutico. RESULTADOS: La tasa de incidencia de TB en la población sin hogar fue 122 por 100 000 personas y exhibió una correlación positiva con la incidencia de TB en las personas con domicilio. Los pacientes con diagnóstico de TB y sin hogar presentaron una prevalencia más alta de consumo de alcohol y/o de drogas, de coinfección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), de lesiones cavernosas y de resultados positivos de la baciloscopia. La tasa de fracaso terapéutico en esta población fue 28,6% y se asoción de manera significativa con una mayor edad, el consumo de drogas intravenosas y la coinfección por el VIH. CONCLUSIÓN: La incidencia de TB en las personas sin hogar fue cinco veces mayor que en las personas con domicilio y fue más alta en las regiones con una mayor incidencia de TB en las personas con domicilio. La tasa de éxito terapéutico en las personas sin hogar fue más baja. Los factores pronósticos de fracaso terapéutico fueron la edad, el consumo de drogas intravenosas y la coinfecció non por el VIH. La ejecución de programas integrados de atención de la TB dirigidos a las personas sin hogar y con domicilio, que comporten medidas específicas que aborden sus características particulares, podrıa contribuir a la eliminación de la TB en PortugalStudy Group for Infectious Diseases of Instituto de Saúde Púublica da Universidade do Porto who collaborated on this project: B Miranda, C Carvalho, C Matos, C Carvalho, G Rodrigues, J Goncalves, L Maio and T Rito. This work was supported by contributions from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the European Economic Area Grants under the Public Health Initiatives Programme (PT 06, grant number 138DT1). RG was also partially supported by Centro de Matemática da Universidade do Porto (UID/MAT/00144/2013), which is funded by Fundação do Ministério de Ciência e Tecnologia(Portugal) with national (MEC) and European structural funds (Fonds europeen de d ́eveloppement economique et regional) under the PT2020 Partnership Agreementinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Influenza B-Associated Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Introduction: Influenza A infections have been described to cause secondary hemolytic uremic syndrome and to trigger atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in individuals with an underlying genetic complement dysregulation. To date, Influenza B has only been reported to trigger aHUS in 2 patients. In 61% of aHUS cases, mutations are found in H, B and I factors, membrane cofactor protein (MCP), C3 and thrombomodulin. MCP (CD46) mutations account for 10-15% of cases. Clinical Case: A 13-year-old boy was transferred to a terciary pediatric centre with acute renal lesion in the context of HUS. Evidence was found for Influenza B infection and results for other etiologic agents were negative. He was treated with Oseltamivir for 5 days. Etiologic study revealed decreased C ́3 (0,81 g/L), normal C ́4 (0,27 g/L) and all antibodies were negative: anti-Beta2 GP1 IgG / IgM, anti-cardiolipine IgG / IgM, anti-neutrophil-citoplasm-PR3 and MPO. Alternate complement pathway study (AH 50) were 112 % of normal value (reference value >70%) and ADAMTS 13 activity were 0.79 (values above 0.67 may be found in aSHU as well as other microangiopathic trombopathies). Molecular study of complement including 11 genes (CFH, CD46 (MCP), CFI, C3, THBD, CFB,CFHR5, CFHR1 CFHR3, CFHR4, DGKE) found a pathogenic heterozygotic missense variant on CD46 (MCP) gene, c.554A>G, p.Asp185Gly, associated with aHUS. Conclusions: aHUS patients should be screened for all known disease-associated genes. Screening should not be stopped after finding a mutation to avoid missing other genetic susceptibility factors influencing disease phenotype, particularly in patients with MCP or CFI mutations, because they have a higher probability of also carrying mutation in another gene than patients with CFHor C3 mutations. Influenza B is a trigger for aHUS and might be underreported as such. Influenza vaccination may protect patients at risk.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Nephrolithiasis in a Portuguese Pediatric Population

Introduction and Aims: Nephrolithiasis incidence in children has increased considerably. It is associated with substantial morbidity, recurrence and increased adulthood cardiovascular risk and chronic kidney disease. A thorough investigation is essential, as rare forms of urolithiasis have increased risk of renal failure. We aim to determine the epidemiology and outcomes of a pediatric population with nephrolithiasis presented in a nephrology unit of a tertiary centre. Methods: Retrospective study of the records of all children (<18 years) with nephrolithiasis diagnosis between 2008‑17. Clinical features, etiology, recurrence, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated and compared throughout the study period through two equal periods (2008‑12 versus 2013‑17). Results: We identified 80 cases: isolated nephrolithiasis (86%) and associated with nephrocalcinosis (14%). Mean follow‑up was 36 months (14–120). Median age at presentation was 8.6 years [3 months – 17 years]: 21% < 2 years‑old and 46% ≥ 10 years. The annual ratio of referrals for nephrolithiasis increased on average 1.2% per year [0.3‑11.8%]. Multiple etiological factors were present in 34%. A metabolic abnormality was identified in 54%: hypocitraturia (34%), hypercalcuria (24%), hyperoxaluria (15%), hyperuricosuria (15%) and cystinuria (1%), without age predominance (p=0.2). Urinary tract infection (24%) was the next most significant etiology and was more frequent below 2 years of age (p=0.001) and associated with struvite calculi (p=0.033). Median age at diagnosis was significantly lower in the study’s first half (5 vs 10 years; p=0.019) and an infectious etiology was more frequent (p=0.043). In a logistic‑regression analysis, a family history of nephrolithiasis was associated with a metabolic cause (p<0.01). Sixty‑three percent became stone free and 24% had recurrence. Discussion: Nephrolithiasis new referrals gradually increased throughout the study period. The most common etiology was metabolic, which is usually responsible for nephrolithiasis appearance and its recurrence, emphasizing the need for a complete evaluation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Coexistence of Pheochromocytoma and Renal Artery Stenosis in a Pediatric Patient with Hypertension

Pheochromocytoma and renal artery stenosis are surgically treatable causes of hypertension. Although rare, the coexistence of pheochromocytoma and renal artery stenosis has been described in case reports. Common pathophysiological mechanisms other than extrinsic compression may be involved in this association, such as catecholamine-induced vasospasm. The early recognition of the association of pheochromocytoma with renal artery stenosis is essential for appropriate treatment planning. We present the case of a previously healthy tenyear- old boy who presented with hypertensive encephalopathy, tachycardia and diaphoresis. Hypertension was found to be secondary to a catecholamine-producing tumor associated with coexisting renal artery stenosis. Hypertension resolved a few months after successful pheochromocytoma excision, without renal artery revascularization.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ciliopatias – Experiência de uma Unidade de Nefrologia Pediátrica de um Hospital Terciário

Introdução: As ciliopatias constituem um grupo de doenças associadas a mutações genéticas que condicionam alterações na estrutura e função dos cílios. A disfunção ciliar pode manifestar-se com doença renal, degeneração retiniana e anomalias cerebrais. Outras manifestações menos frequentes são a doença fibroquística congénita do fígado, diabetes, obesidade e displasia óssea. Objetivo: Caracterizar os casos de ciliopatias seguidos na Unidade de Nefrologia Pediátrica de um Hospital Terciário, nos últimos 10 anos. Resultados: No período em estudo (Janeiro de 2008 a Dezembro de 2017) foram seguidos na Unidade de Nefrologia Pediátrica 8 doentes com ciliopatias; 62,5 % do sexo feminino, 7 doentes de nacionalidade portuguesa e 1 natural do Paquistão. No momento do diagnóstico 2 doentes tinham função renal normal e 6 doença renal crónica (DRC): 1 DRC estadio III, 1 DRC estadio IV e 4 (50%) DRC estadio V; destes 4 realizaram diálise peritoneal e 1 hemodiálise, sendo 4 já submetidos a transplante renal. Dois doentes têm estudo genético concluído, ambos com mutação no gene NPHP1, um deles com Síndrome de Senior Loken. Um doente apresenta Síndrome de Alström e 1 doente apresenta Síndrome de Joubert. Foram submetidos a biópsia renal 5 doentes, todos com alterações compatíveis com nefronoptisis. Conclusões: As ciliopatias constituem um grupo heterogéneo de doenças, com atingimento renal variável e com possível progressão para insuficiência renal crónica. Muitos casos apenas são diagnosticados em estadios avançados de doença renal, pela indolência da progressão da patologia. Salienta-se a necessidade de um elevado grau de suspeição, nomeadamente quando existe atingimento multissistémico (ocular, neurológico, esquelético ou endocrinológico). Nos casos com atingimento primordial renal, é muito frequente a anemia grave e a poliúria/polidipsia severas, que poderão também constituir orientações para o diagnóstico. Quando há envolvimento renal ligeiro, torna-se essencial manter a vigilância clínica e laboratorial, pelo potencial de evolução para DRC.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Everolimus no Tratamento da Esclerose Tuberosa

Introdução: A esclerose tuberosa (ET) é um distúrbio genético que atinge vários processos celulares, resultando numa variedade de lesões hamartomatosas que podem afetar qualquer órgão. O envolvimento renal constitui a segunda causa de morte prematura, sendo os angiomiolipomas (AML) a alteração mais frequente (70-80% dos doentes) e cuja sintomatologia está diretamente relacionada com as dimensões dos AML. Descrição do caso: Adolescente de 16 anos, com antecedentes familiares de ET e suspeita pré-natal da doença, cumprindo critérios diagnósticos no período neonatal precoce (rabdomiomas cardíacos, lesões quísticas renais, hamartomas subependimários e displasia cortical temporo-occipital). Evolução progressiva da doença, com envolvimento neurológico (espasmos infantis aos 4 meses, com evolução para epilepsia focal temporal esquerda), oftalmológico (facomas identificados aos 6 meses), renal (HTA desde os 6 meses; aumento do número e dimensões dos quistos/AML e doença renal crónica (DRC) progressiva, atualmente com TFG de 11.5 ml/min/1.73m2) e cutâneo (angiofibromas, placas moluscóides planas e manchas acrómicas). Acompanhado em consulta de Nefrologia Pediátrica em hospital terciário desde há 1.5 anos, tendo sido medicado com everolimus sistémico que cumpre diariamente há 9 meses, com resposta positiva a nível neurológico, cutâneo e renal (redução de cerca de 33% das dimensões dos AML na ressonância magnética de controlo aos 6 meses de terapêutica), embora sem recuperação da função renal, necessitando de técnica dialítica. Discussão: O envolvimento renal pode evoluir para DRC terminal por destruição do parênquima renal, substituído por AML. A terapêutica com everolimus pode retardar a progressão da doença, reduzindo significativamente as dimensões dos AML renais (35-58% dos casos), estabilizando a função renal e reduzindo a probabilidade de desenvolver sintomatologia e/ou complicações, com benefício também para outros órgãos, nomeadamente na redução de convulsões e na melhoria das lesões cutâneas. Os critérios para início do fármaco estão bem definidos e a sua introdução não deve ser adiada. Neste caso, com diagnóstico muito precoce, o fármaco foi iniciado tardiamente, numa fase já quase sem reserva de parênquima renal, o que não permitiu recuperar a sua função, apesar da redução significativa das dimensões dos AML.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio