Pediatric nephrology : journal of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association
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The idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (i.e. MCNS and FSGS) in children has been regarded as a disorder of T-cell function. Recent studies, however, also describe abnormalities of B-cell function. ⋯ The exact mechanisms of action of rituximab (as well as those of the other treatment options) in INS are as yet unclear. In addition to hosting mechanisms a direct stabilizing effect on the podocyte may also be of relevance, especially in FSGS. Although results are encouraging especially in steroid-sensitive patients, further studies on the clinical use of rituximab and the short- and long-term immunological effects and side-effects are necessary.
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Minimal change disease (MCD) is characterized by increased urinary excretion of CD80, whereas focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is associated with increased serum soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). The aim of the study was to assess whether the simultaneous measurement of urinary CD80 and serum suPAR helps differentiate MCD and FSGS. ⋯ Urinary CD80 is elevated in MCD patients in relapse compared with FSGS patients. In contrast, serum suPAR is significantly elevated in FSGS patients. The consistent pattern of these two biomarkers in MCD and FSGS suggests that these two conditions represent different entities rather than a continuum spectrum of one disease.
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Acute renal injury increases risk of death after cardiac surgery. The objective of the study was to evaluate the ability of the pediatric Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-Stage Renal Disease (pRIFLE) criteria to characterize the development of postoperative renal damage in children after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to evaluate the relationship between the severity of kidney injury and mortality, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay, and the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). ⋯ Early AKI when evaluated with the pRIFLE criteria can predict prolonged ICU stay, need of prolonged MV, and mortality.
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The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score is easy to calculate and has been well validated as an outcome predictor in critically ill adult patients. However, its use in children has been limited, mainly because of differences in basal reference levels of serum creatinine. ⋯ The extrarenal SOFA score may be a useful prognostic marker in critically ill children treated with CRRT.