Pediatric nephrology : journal of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Serum suPAR levels are modulated by immunosuppressive therapy of minimal change nephrotic syndrome.
Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) could be a causative factor in idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). It is currently unknown to what extent suPAR levels could be affected by treatment with immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin A (CsA) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Treatment with CsA, but not MMF, is accompanied by nephrotoxicity, and since suPAR levels correlate with glomerular filtration rate (GFR), treatment with these drugs could indirectly modulate suPAR levels by their effect on renal function. ⋯ Data from this prospective randomized trial suggest that treatment with MMF and CsA is associated with different effects on suPAR levels in children with MCD and that these are independent of their effects on GFR.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Treatment outcome of late steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome: a study by the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium.
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children is classified as steroid sensitive or steroid resistant. Steroid sensitivity typically portends a low risk of permanent renal failure. However, some initially steroid-sensitive patients later develop steroid resistance. These patients with late steroid resistance (LSR) are often treated with immunosuppressant medications, but the effect of these additional drugs on the long-term prognosis of LSR is still unknown. ⋯ Most patients with LSRNS responded to immunosuppressive therapy by reduction or resolution of proteinuria and preservation of renal function. The results suggest that immunosuppressive treatment is a viable option in NS patients who develop LSR.
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Multicenter Study
Vascular access: choice and complications in European paediatric haemodialysis units.
European and U.S. guidelines emphasise that permanent vascular access in the form of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) or grafts (AVG) are preferable to central venous catheters (CVC) in paediatric patients on long-term haemodialysis. We report vascular access choice and complication rates in 13 European paediatric nephrology units. ⋯ Central venous catheters remain the predominant choice of vascular access in Europe despite problems of malfunction and infection. AVF/AVG were predominantly used in adolescents without reported complications. More regular exit site cleaning may predispose to CVC infection, but this observation requires prospective evaluation.
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Multicenter Study
Urinary macrophage migration inhibitory factor in children with urinary tract infection.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays an essential pathophysiological role in inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of urine MIF (uMIF) level in predicting urinary tract infections (UTI). This multicenter, prospective study was conducted over a 1-year period between March 2008 and March 2009. ⋯ The uMIF level was not related to leukocytosis, positive CRP level in serum and leukocyte esterase reaction in the urine. Neither uMIF nor uMIF/Cr were correlated to the positive urine nitrite test, pyuria, urine pH and specific gravity (p > 0.05). These results suggest that urine MIF and uMIF/Cr can be used for the early prediction of UTI in children.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Ceftibuten versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for oral treatment of febrile urinary tract infection in children.
A randomized, open, coordinated multi-center trial compared the bacteriological and clinical efficacy and safety of orally administered ceftibuten and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in children with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Children aged 1 month to 12 years presenting with presumptive first-time febrile UTI were eligible for enrollment. A 2:1 assignment to treatment with ceftibuten 9 mg/kg once daily (n = 368) or TMP-SMX (3 mg + 15 mg)/kg twice daily (n = 179) for 10 days was performed. ⋯ However, the clinical cure rate was significantly higher among those treated with ceftibuten (93 vs. 83%, with a 95% CI for difference of 2.4 to 17.0). Adverse events were similar for both regimens and consisted mainly of gastrointestinal disturbances. In conclusion, ceftibuten is a safe and effective drug for the empirical treatment of febrile UTI in young children.