Comparing different markers of tubular dysfunction in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients.

Background: Renal tubular dysfunction was reported in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients and ranges from mild to severe. The objectives of our study were identification of the best marker of early renal tubular dysfunction in TDT patients among the three most commonly used urinary biomarkers, named neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), retinol-binding protein (RBP) and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and correlation of these biomarkers with different patient variables.

Methodology: Sixty-one TDT patients and another 62 healthy children were enrolled in a cross-sectional study.

Novel marker for the detection of sickle cell nephropathy: soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1).

Background: Given the burden and poor outcome of end-stage renal disease in sickle cell disease (SCD), early markers of sickle cell nephropathy (SN) are desirable. Disordered angiogenesis underlies many complications of SCD. We aimed to determine the relationship between serum FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) and other biomarkers of renal damage for the early diagnosis of SN.

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury among the critically ill neonates.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex disorder with clinical manifestations ranging from mild dysfunction to complete kidney failure. The published literature on the incidence and outcome of AKI in the critically ill neonatal population is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the types, the associated risk factors and short-term outcome of AKI in the critically ill neonates.

Effect of On-Line Hemodiafiltration on P-Wave Dispersion in Children.

P-wave dispersion (PWD) (difference between the maximum and minimum P-wave duration), has been proposed as a useful predictor of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The consequences of hemodialysis (HD) on PWD and P-wave duration have not been unequivocally documented and understood, and may be complex. We aimed in this work to demonstrate the effects of online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) on the risk of developing AF through assessment of PWD.

The effect of on-line hemodiafiltration on improving the cardiovascular function parameters in children on regular dialysis.

The cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and accounts for almost 50% of deaths in patients undergoing maintenance dialysis. Many harmful molecules of the uremic milieu, such as the middle molecules, are difficult to remove by conventional hemodialysis (HD). On-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) can achieve a considerable clearance of middle molecules and, together with its sterile ultrapure infusate, may have favorable effects on inflammation and cardiovascular complications.

Clinical utility of chitotriosidase enzyme activity in nephropathic cystinosis.

Background: Nephropathic cystinosis is an inherited autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the pathological accumulation and crystallization of cystine inside different cell types. WBC cystine determination forms the basis for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring with the cystine depleting drug (cysteamine). The chitotriosidase enzyme is a human chitinase, produced by activated macrophages.

Neurocognitive functions and behavioral profiles in children with nephropathic cystinosis.

Children with nephropathic cystinosis (NCTN) have evidence of defective intellectual functions and behavioral disorders. This prospective study was performed to detect the cognitive dysfunctions in patients with this rare hereditary lysosomal storage disease, define their behavioral phenotypes, and study the findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Thirteen patients with confirmed diagnosis of cystinosis (mean age±SD 5.

Decreasing intra-dialytic morbid events and assessment of dry weight in children on chronic hemodialysis using non-invasive changes in hematocrit.

Achieving dry weight after hemodialysis (HD) is critical as chronic fluid over-load can result in left ventricular hypertrophy, while small fluid shifts may result in intra-dialytic morbid events (IME). In the pediatric population, estimating dry weight can be difficult due to growth while on dialysis. Continuous non-invasive monitoring of the hematocrit (NIVM) has been proposed as a more accurate method of estimating dry weight.

Effect of high-flux versus low-flux dialysis membranes on parathyroid hormone.

INTRODUCTION. Hyperparathyroidism is a common finding in patients with renal insufficiency and parathyroid hormone (PTH) is considered a uremic toxin responsible for many of the abnormalities of the uremic state and bone disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of permeability of low-flux versus high-flux dialysis membranes on intact PTH during hemodialysis in children.