Evolution of renal function and urinary biomarker indicators of inflammation on serial kidney biopsies in pediatric kidney transplant recipients with and without rejection.

Urinary CXCL10 and metabolites are biomarkers independently associated with TCMR. We sought to test whether these biomarkers fluctuate in association with histological severity of TCMR over short time frames. Forty-nine pairs of renal biopsies obtained 1-3 months apart from 40 pediatric renal transplant recipients were each scored for TCMR acuity score (i + t; Banff criteria).

Induction Therapy, Rejection, and Graft Outcomes in Pediatric and Adolescent Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Background: Although the clinical benefit of interleukin-2-receptor antibody (IL-2RAb) induction in reducing the risk of acute rejection in adult kidney transplant recipients is well established, a similar benefit in pediatric recipients remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of IL-2RAb in reducing acute rejection in pediatric and adolescent recipients aged 21 years or younger using Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant registry.

Methods: The association between IL-2RAb induction and risk of acute rejection was examined using adjusted logistic regression and propensity score analyses, whereby the associations between induction, graft loss, and incident cancer were examined using adjusted Cox regression analysis.

Patient views on the management of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in the Kimberley: a qualitative study.

Objective: To describe, from a patient perspective, factors leading to suboptimal management of individuals with rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among members of the Kimberley population.

Method: Qualitative in-depth semistructured and repeated interviews of seven Kimberley patients, or parents of children, with rheumatic fever and/or rheumatic heart disease, during 1998.

Results: Participants showed variable levels of understanding about RF/RHD, often relating to the need for secondary prophylaxis.

The quality of management of rheumatic fever/ heart disease in the Kimberley.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of management of Kimberley patients with rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records for 215 residents of the Kimberley region of Western Australia, diagnosed with RF or RHD during the years 1982 to 1996.

Results: Among patients prescribed intramuscular penicillin for secondary prophylaxis, 67% of prescribed doses were given, with individuals receiving 8-100% of doses prescribed.