Adipokine, adropin and endothelin-1 levels in intrauterine growth restricted neonates and their mothers.

Intrauterine growth retardation/restriction (IUGR) is associated with fetal malnutrition. It has consequences for later life including increased incidence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and metabolic syndrome. Adipokines (adiponectin and leptin), adropin, and endothelin-1 are associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome regulation.

Long-term results of children diagnosed with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome; single center experience.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the long-term results of children followed up with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome in a single center.

Materials And Method: The medical data of 33 patients aged between 6 months and 10 years who were diagnosed with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in our center between January 2000 and December 2012 and followed up for a period of 2-12 years were reviewed (Gulhane Military Medical Academy Ethics committee, 07.11.

Procalcitonin and minimal-change nephropathy: a pilot study.

Introduction: This study assessed the role of procalcitonin (PCT) in the differentiation of minimal-change nephropathy (MCN) relapses from infections co-existent with proteinuria flares in children.

Methods: Data on the PCT levels of patients with MCN who were on follow-up were retrospectively gathered at relapse (Group I), during proteinuria attacks co-existent with intercurrent infection (Group II) and at remission (Group III). The results of these three groups were then prospectively compared with nephrologically healthy patients who had infections that were similar to those in Group II (Group IV), and controls (Group V).

Plasma levels of trace elements have an implication on interferon treatment of children with chronic hepatitis B infection.

This study evaluated the plasma levels of trace elements in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and assessed whether they can be a factor that affects the response to interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment. The study included 35 cases (ten girls, 25 boys) aged 3-13 years with chronic HBV infection and the control group. Plasma levels of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were measured before IFN-alpha treatment and biochemical, virological, and histopathologic response to treatment were assessed.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus due to a novel AVPR2 mutation.

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI) is a rare inherited disease characterized by renal tubular unresponsiveness to the antidiuretic effect of arginine-vasopressin due to the mutations of two molecules, the vasopressin V2 receptor (AVPR2) and the aquasporin-2 water channel. We report a novel AVPR2 mutation in a Turkish 18 month-old boy with skeletal anomalies.

Electronic microarray screening of podocin mutations: a single-center study.

Background: Because of resistance to immunosuppressants in nephrotic syndrome and reduction of proteinuria relapses following renal transplantation, it seems that new horizons have arisen from mutational screening of the podocin gene. The aim of this study was to assess electronic microarray screening of the podocin mutation.

Methods: Twelve previously identified podocin mutations were screened by the electronic microarray method in known DNA samples and in patients (aged 5 months-18 years, n = 38) with steroid-resistant primary nephrotic syndrome, isolated proteinuria, end-stage renal disease secondary to idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, and proteinuria relapses following renal transplantation.

Serum aluminium levels in glue-sniffer adolescent and in glue containers.

Glue sniffing is a serious medical problem among teenagers. Various chemical substances such as toluene and benzene containing glues have been reported to be toxic. It has been demonstrated that some toxic metals such as lead are elevated in the blood of solvent-addicted patients.

Results of biofeedback treatment on reflux resolution rates in children with dysfunctional voiding and vesicoureteral reflux.

Objectives: It is well known that a relationship exists between vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and dysfunctional voiding, and the spontaneous resolution rate in older children is lower than the rate in younger children. In this study, we analyzed our experience with biofeedback treatment in older children with confirmed voiding dysfunction and VUR and investigated the effect of this treatment on the reflux resolution rates in these children.

Methods: A total of 78 children, 5 to 14 years old (mean age 9), with voiding dysfunction and VUR detected by voiding cystourethrography were treated with biofeedback therapy.

Recurrent hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with intestinal lymphangiectasia.

A 17-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital twice in a year for 2 episodes of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). During these 2 HUS episodes he had diarrhea, decreased serum complement, decreased total protein and decreased serum albumin concentrations. We suggest that protein-losing enteropathy and hypocomplementemia due to intestinal lymphangiectasia is may be a rare cause of atypical HUS.

Minimal change nephropathy in a 7-year-old boy with Rosai-Dorfman disease.

Rosai-Dorfman (R-D) disease is a benign lympho-histiocytosis of the lymphoid system. Immune derangement due to cytokine over-expression (tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1b and IL-6) has been considered the cause of R-D disease. We present a 7-year-old boy with R-D disease who developed minimal change nephropathy (MCN) during the progression of R-D disease.

Renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms: association with susceptibility to Henoch-Schonlein purpura and renal involvement.

The clinical course of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) in children is variable, with some patients having a much more rapidly progressing course than others. We investigated whether polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) genes are involved in HSP. Three RAS genotypes were examined in 114 children with HSP and in 164 healthy children: the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion polymorphism, the M235T mutation in the angiotensinogen gene (Agt), and the A1166C in the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) gene.

Plasma and urinary adrenomedullin levels in children with acute pyelonephritis.

Aim: Adrenomedullin (AM), a novel peptide recently isolated from pheochromocytoma, eliciting vasorelaxing activity, is the strongest among all known peptides. AM has been detected in the adrenal medulla, cardiac tissue, lung and kidney. Immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated the localization of AM in glomeruli, tubules and collecting cells of the kidney.

Renal tubular function in children with beta-thalassemia minor.

Background: beta-thalassemia minor is a common heterozygous haemoglobinopathy that is characterized by both microcytosis and hypochromia. It requires no treatment. It has been postulated that low-grade haemolysis, tubular iron deposition and toxins derived from erythrocytes might cause renal tubular damage in adult patients with beta-thalassemia minor.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura in a child following varicella.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is one of the most common vasculitis of childhood. It is characterized by nonthrombocytopenic palpable purpura, arthritis, renal and gastrointestinal system (GIS) involvement. HSP is usually triggered by an antigenic stimulus including infectious agents, drugs, cold, insect bite or food.

Plasma and urinary adrenomedullin levels in children with renal parenchymal scar and vesicoureteral reflux.

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a strong vasodilator peptide with proven antimitogenic and antiproliferative effects in renal mesangial cells, as well as diuretic and natriuretic actions. Its gene expression is stimulated by endotoxins (lipopolysacharides) and cytokines. Consequently, its plasma and urinary levels are known to deviate from normal levels in many renal diseases.

Brucellae osteoarthritis on the head of the femur.

We present an 11-year-old boy with Brucellae osteoarthritis on caput femoris. We therefore emphasize the importance of Brucellae osteoarthritis and in particular bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of childhood monoarthritis.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a child after renal transplantation.

Although Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are common among school children and young adults, they have been rarely reported in renal transplant recipients. Herein, we report an 8-yr-old boy who had M. pneumoniae infection 1 yr after transplantation and showed liver dysfunction during the course of the disease.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in hypercalciuric children.

Idiopathic hypercalciuria is a complex disease resulting from an interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Recently, the relationship between vitamin D receptor ( VDR) alleles and calcium homeostasis has been investigated. This study was conducted to explore the association of VDR gene polymorphism with the risk of absorptive hypercalciuria (AH).

Leptin, soluble leptin receptor, and transforming growth factor-beta1 levels in minimal change nephrotic syndrome.

Leptin may contribute to renal pathology in some situations by stimulating transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) synthesis. The soluble leptin receptor (sOb-R) is a transport protein contributing to binding and activation of circulating leptin. We investigated the interaction between serum and urinary leptin, TGF-beta1, and serum sOb-R levels in 38 patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) aged between 6 and 12 years and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (group III).

Measles: a rare communicable disease in a child with renal transplantation.

Measles is a rare communicable disease which may be fatal in renal transplant patients. Herein we present a patient with renal transplantation who had measles and who subsequently developed subacute measles encephalitis 4 months later. We recommend all children with chronic renal failure be vaccinated against measles before transplantation.

Cyclosporine-associated facial paralysis in a child with renal transplant.

Cyclosporine (CsA)-associated neurotoxicity has been reported in recipients of solid organ and bone marrow transplants. These neurological side effects are usually mild and resolve with temporary reduction or withdrawal of CsA. We report a 16-year-old renal transplant recipient who developed tremor, tinnitus, and peripheral facial paralysis during oral CsA treatment.