Immunological mechanisms of arterial damage in pediatric patients with primary hypertension

Primary hypertension is a disease that is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in pediatric patients, and many of them are found to have hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD), including arterial damage. The pathophysiology of primary hypertension and the formation of HMOD is multifactorial. One mechanism studied in recent years is the subclinical inflammation accompanying the elevation of blood pressure. Experimental studies, studies in adults and children, revealed the involvement of immune mechanisms in the formation of vascular lesions in the course of primary hypertension. The paper summarizes the current knowledge on this subject and points to possible therapeutic targets. Particular emphasis is placed on data from pediatric patients with primary hypertension, as a relation between arterial damage (early vascular aging) and immune system activation had already been found in children. The correct identification of immunological mechanisms may not only broaden our understanding of primary hypertension as a disease but also, more importantly, lead to the most effective methods of its treatment.

Nephrological and urological symptoms in patients with Robinow syndrome - a report of two cases

Robinow syndrome is a rare congenital syndrome described in 1969 by Meinhard Robinow. The genetic background is heterogeneous - mutations of DVLI1, DVLI3, WNT5A genes (mild, autosomal dominant inheritance) or ROR2 gene (severe, autosomal recessive inheritance) are responsible for the syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by facial dysmorphism, skeletal defects, short stature, cardiovascular and urinary system abnormalities.

CASE REPORT

We report nephrological and urological problems in two 4-year-old male patients with Robinow syndrome. The first patient has a horseshoe kidney located mainly on the right side, right vesicoureteral reflux grade II, dysfunctional voiding, buried penis, and retractile testicles. The second patient has recurrent urinary tract infections; diagnostic findings include left kidney duplication, grade II left vesicoureteral reflux, large posterior urethral diverticulum, dysfunctional voiding, buried penis, glanular hypospadias, and bilateral cryptorchidism.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Robinow syndrome require multidisciplinary care, including nephrology-urology care. Nephrological and urological manifestations in children with Robinow syndrome are diverse, and urinary tract defects may be atypical and complex.

Circadian Blood Pressure Profile in Pediatric Patients with Primary Hypertension

Our study aimed to evaluate factors affecting circadian BP profile and its association with hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) in pediatric patients with primary hypertension (PH). The study included 112 children (14.7 ± 2.1 age, 79 boys, 33 girls) with untreated PH. Non-dipping was defined as a nocturnal drop in systolic or diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) < 10%, and a nocturnal drop >20% was defined as extreme dipping. The nocturnal SBP drop was 10.9 ± 5.9 (%), and the DBP drop was 16.2 ± 8.5 (%). Non-dipping was found in 50 (44.6%) children and extreme dipping in 29 (25.9%) patients. The nocturnal SBP decrease correlated with BMI Z-score (r = −0.242, p = 0.010) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (r = −0.395, p = 0.006); diastolic DBP decrease correlated with augmentation index (AIx75HR) (r = 0.367, p = 0.003). Patients with a disturbed blood pressure profile had the highest LVMI (p = 0.049), while extreme dippers had the highest augmentation index (AIx75HR) (p = 0.027). Elevated systolic and diastolic BP dipping were risk factors for positive AIx75HR (OR 1.122 95CI (1.009−1.249) and OR 1.095 95CI (1.017−1.177). We concluded that disturbed circadian BP profile was common in children with PH and should not be considered a marker of secondary hypertension. A disturbed circadian BP profile may be associated with higher body weight. In pediatric patients with PH, non-dipping is associated with increased left ventricular mass, and extreme dipping may be a risk factor for increased arterial stiffness.

Reduced Blood Pressure Dipping Is A Risk Factor for the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in Children

Background: Elevated blood pressure and proteinuria are well-established risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in children. This study aimed to analyze risk factors for CKD progress, emphasizing detailed ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) data. Methods: In 55 children with CKD II−V, observed for ≥1 year or until initiation of kidney replacement therapy, we analyzed ABPM, clinical, and biochemical parameters. Results: At the beginning, the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 66 (interquartile range—IQR: 42.8−75.3) mL/min/1.73 m2, and the observation period was 27 (16−36) months. The mean eGFR decline was 2.9 ± 5.7 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. eGFR decline correlated (p < 0.05) with age (r = 0.30), initial proteinuria (r = 0.31), nighttime systolic and mean blood pressure (r = 0.27, r = 0.29), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure dipping (r = −0.37, r = −0.29). There was no relation between mean arterial pressure during 24 h (MAP 24 h Z-score) and eGFR decline and no difference in eGFR decline between those with MAP 24 h < and ≥50 th percentile. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure dipping (beta = −0.43), presence of proteinuria (beta = −0.35), and age (beta = 0.25) were predictors of eGFR decline. Conclusions: Systolic blood pressure dipping may be a valuable indicator of CKD progression in children.

Monogenic hypertension

Monogenic hypertension (MH) is a rare form of arterial hypertension (AH) in which a single gene mutation is responsible for developing the disease. This article discusses the pathogenesis, genetics, phenotype, and treatment of monogenic forms of AH. According to Guyton's hypothesis, mutations responsible for MH development most often lead to increased renal sodium reabsorption, in a mineralocorticoid-dependent or -independent mechanism, resulting in fluid retention and increased blood pressure. MH most often appears in childhood or adolescence and is characterized by moderate to severe blood pressure elevation and resistance to standard treatment. The coexistence of water-electrolyte abnormalities, most commonly hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, is characteristic but not always present. Monogenic AH should also be considered in patients with precocious or delayed puberty, growth deficiency, brachydactyly, and severe symptoms or hypertension mediated-organ damage. Identifying patients with monogenic hypertension is of utmost importance to implement appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Evaluation of Active Renin Concentration in A Cohort of Adolescents with Primary Hypertension

Our study aimed to assess active renin concentration in children with primary hypertension. Thus, we evaluated active renin concentration, clinical parameters, office and ambulatory blood pressure, and biochemical parameters in 51 untreated adolescents with primary hypertension (median: 14.4 [interquartile range—IQR: 13.8–16.8] years) and 45 healthy adolescents. Active renin concentration did not differ between patients with hypertension and healthy children (median: 28.5 [IQR: 21.9–45.2] vs. 24.9 [IQR: 16.8–34.3] [pg/mL], p = 0.055). In the whole group of 96 children, active renin concentration correlated positively with serum potassium and office and ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Among children with hypertension, patients with isolated systolic hypertension had lower renin concentration than patients with systolic-diastolic hypertension (26.2 [IQR: 18.6–34.2] vs. 37.8 [IQR: 27.0–49.6] [pg/mL], p = 0.014). The active renin concentration did not differ between patients with isolated systolic hypertension and healthy children. In multivariate analysis, diastolic blood pressure Z-score (beta = 0.238, 95 confidence interval [0.018–0.458], p = 0.035) was the only predictor of active renin concentration in the studied children. We concluded that active renin concentration is positively associated with blood pressure and potassium in children, and diastolic blood pressure was the strongest predictor of renin level. Patients with isolated systolic hypertension may differ from patients with systolic-diastolic hypertension in less severe activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

MO1036: 24-H Central Blood Pressure is Related to Renal Lesions in Children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Adult data show that in people with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), blood pressure is related to the extent of renal involvement. Central blood pressure and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure are stronger predictors of a cardiovascular burden compared to office peripheral blood pressure. The study aimed to analyse 24-h central blood pressure and its relation with renal involvement in paediatric patients with TSC.

METHOD

In a group of 32 children with TSC (9.6 ± 4.4 years, 16 boys, 16 girls), we evaluated peripheral and central 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, office peripheral blood pressure, medications used, renal lesions in magnetic resonance and ultrasonography, including the presence of angiomyolipoma (AML), atypical AML, cysts and their maximal diameter (mm) and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

In the studied group, 20 (62.5%) children had renal angiomyolipomas, including 5 (15.6%) with atypical angiomyolipomas, 22 (68.8%) with renal cysts and 4 children (12.5%) were treated with mTOR inhibitors (2 patients with everolimus and 2 patients with sirolimus) at the moment of evaluation, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 127.4 ± 36.7, one patient had GFR 80.5, 22 patients had GFR between 90 and 139 and 9 patients had hyperfiltration defined as GFR &gt; 140 mL/min/1.73 m2. A total of 4 (12.5%) children had elevated blood pressure in ABPM. The 24-h central systolic and diastolic blood pressure correlated with maximal diameter of renal cysts (mm) (r = 0.359, P = .044; r = 0.466, P = .029) and urinary albumin loss (mg/24-h) (r = 0.511, P = .004; r = 0.478, P = .021), 24-h central systolic, mean blood pressure and pulse pressure with serum cystatin-C (ng/mL) (r = 0.523, P = .005; r = 0.464, P = .015; r = 0.419, P = .029); 24-h peripheral MAP Z-score correlated with cyst size (mm) (r = 0.571, P = .021). No significant correlations between presence and AML size and peripheral and central blood pressure were found in the study group. There were following positive correlations of arterial stiffness parameters: 24-h central augmentation index (24hcAI x 75HR) with total cholesterol (r = 0.357, P = .045) and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) with uric acid (r = 0.520, P = .003). Size of AML correlated with age (r = 0.468, P = .007), whereas there was no correlation between cyst size and age (r = 0.145, P = .416).

CONCLUSION

MO1025: Periostin as a Potential Biomarker of Renal and Arterial Damage in Children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Experimental data suggest that periostin is involved in the formation of renal cysts. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disease characterized by the formation of lesions in virtually all organs, including the kidney—most commonly angiomyolipomas (AML) and cysts. There are no reliable markers of progression of renal lesions in patients with TSC. The study aimed to evaluate serum periostin levels in children with TSC and to assess the usefulness of periostin as a marker of renal lesion severity and arterial damage in this group of patients.

METHOD

In a group of 35 children with TSC (mean age 8.46 ± 5.64 years, 17 boys, 18 girls), serum periostin levels (ng/mL), anthropometric parameters, renal changes (by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging), blood pressure and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The control group consisted of 25 healthy children (mean age 8.72 ± 4.73 years, 14 boys, 11 girls). In addition, central pressure and parameters of arterial structure and function (cIMT, PWV, AIx75HR) were assessed in 20 children with TSC and 17 healthy children (age ≥ 4 years).

RESULTS

Arterial hypertension was found in two (5.7%) patients; AML was present in 20 (57.1%) children, including 9 (27.3%) atypical AML and 22 (62.8%) had cysts in the kidneys. Children with TSC did not differ in periostin levels compared with healthy children [67.46 ± 35.61 versus 68.14 ± 24.07 (ng/mL), P = .499]. In children with TSC, periostin concentration was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.614, P &lt; .001), height (r = −0.634, P &lt; .001), body weight (r = −0.658, P &lt; .001), maximum cyst size (r = −0.481, P = .004) and office and ABPM systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = −0.396 to −0.621, P &lt; .050). There was no relationship between periostin levels and AML size or arterial damage parameters. In multivariate analysis, the only determinant of serum periostin levels in children with TSC was age [beta = −0.547, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (−0.831 to −0.262)].

CONCLUSION

The usefulness of serum periostin determination as a marker of renal cystic lesions in children with tuberous sclerosis requires further study.

MO1031: Burnout Syndrome Among Paediatric Nephrologists—Report on its Prevalence, Severity and Predisposing Factors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Burnout is an occupational-related syndrome comprising emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced feelings of work-related personal accomplishments. Addressing and mitigating burnout is essential for avoiding high workforce turnover, patient dissatisfaction and a lower quality of care. There are some reports on burnout among adult nephrologists and general paediatricians, but little has been known about burnout among paediatric nephrologists. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence and severity of burnout syndrome among Polish paediatric nephrologists.

METHOD

A 25-items online survey consisting of abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory and additional self-created questions about work-related factors was completed by 97 physicians affiliated with the Polish Society of Paediatric Nephrology. 75.3% of them were women, the median time of professional experience in the study group was 15 years.

RESULTS

High level of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced feeling of personal accomplishments was observed in 39.2%, 38.1% and 21.6% of participants, respectively. 26.8% of participants presented at least a medium level of burnout in all three dimensions and 8.2% of them presented high three-dimensional burnout. No associations of burnout intensity and gender, job seniority and the use of holiday leave were found. 41.2% of participants stated, that they would like to take part in burnout prevention and support programme. According to the study participants, excessive bureaucracy in healthcare systems, rush and working overtime were the main job-related problems that can influence burnout intensity.

CONCLUSION

Burnout is an important factor in the professional landscape of paediatric nephrology. Actions aiming at reducing the risk of occupational burnout among paediatric nephrologists should be applied both at personal and institutional levels.

Burnout Syndrome among Pediatric Nephrologists—Report on Its Prevalence, Severity, and Predisposing Factors

Background and Objectives: Burnout is an occupation-related syndrome comprising emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced feelings of work-related personal accomplishments. There are reports on burnout among adult nephrologists and general pediatricians, but little is known about burnout among pediatric nephrologists. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence and severity of burnout syndrome among Polish pediatric nephrologists. Materials and Methods: A 25-item study survey consisting of abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory and additional self-created questions about work-related factors was completed by 97 physicians affiliated with the Polish Society of Pediatric Nephrology. Women comprised 75.3%, with median time of professional experience in the study group was 15 years. Results: A high level of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced feeling of personal accomplishments were observed in 39.2%, 38.1%, and 21.6% of the participants, respectively. At least a medium level of burnout in all three dimensions were observed in 26.8% of the participants and 8.2% of them presented high three-dimensional burnout. About 41.2% of the participants stated that they would like to take part in burnout prevention and support programs. According to the study participants, excessive bureaucracy in healthcare systems, rush at work, and overtime work were the main job-related problems that could influence burnout intensity. Conclusions: Burnout is an important factor in the professional landscape of pediatric nephrology. Actions aimed at reducing the risk of occupational burnout among pediatric nephrologists should be applied, both at the personal and institutional levels.

[Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies in pediatric patients]

Hypertensive crisis is a sudden rise in blood pressure that is significantly above normal values. Depending on the severity of symptoms, hypertensive crisis can be classified as hypertensive urgency, i.e. severe arterial hypertension (AH) without organ failure and damage with nonspecific symptoms (pain, dizziness, nosebleeds, nausea, vomiting), and hypertensive emergency, i.e. severe AH with organ failure and/or acute organ damage. The most common causes of hypertensive crisis in neonates and infants are vascular diseases (thrombus or stenosis of the renal artery, coarctation of the aorta) or renal parenchymal diseases, in older children kidney diseases and renal artery stenosis, in adolescents also intoxications or pregnancy. In neonates and infants, nonspecific symptoms caused by acute heart failure predominate, and in older children, symptoms from the central nervous system are most typical. Fast- and short-acting medications are used in the treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies; a gradual normalization of blood pressure within 36-48 hours is recommended. Hypertensive emergencies are treated with intravenous drugs (e.g., labetalol, hydralazine), and hypertensive urgencies with intravenous or oral drugs such as nifedipine, clonidine, and minoxidil. Hypertensive emergencies are treated with intravenous drugs (e.g., labetalol, hydralazine), and hypertensive urgencies with intravenous or oral drugs such as nifedipine, clonidine, and minoxidil. Emergency conditions are treated with intravenous drugs (e.g., labetalol, hydralazine), urgent conditions with intravenous or oral drugs such as nifedipine, clonidine, and minoxidil. Some causes of hypertensive crisis require different management, e.g. alpha-blockers in pheochromocytoma. In all patients, evaluation of target organ damage and extensive diagnostics for secondary forms of hypertension is necessary.

Serum Sclerostin Is Associated with Peripheral and Central Systolic Blood Pressure in Pediatric Patients with Primary Hypertension

Recent studies showed the significance of the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and its inhibitor—sclerostin, in the formation of arterial damage, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. The study aimed to assess serum sclerostin concentration and its relationship with blood pressure, arterial damage, and calcium-phosphate metabolism in children and adolescents with primary hypertension (PH). Serum sclerostin concentration (pmol/L) was evaluated in 60 pediatric patients with PH and 20 healthy children. In the study group, we also assessed calcium-phosphate metabolism, office peripheral and central blood pressure, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, and parameters of arterial damage. Serum sclerostin did not differ significantly between patients with PH and the control group (36.6 ± 10.6 vs. 41.0 ± 11.9 (pmol/L), p = 0.119). In the whole study group, sclerostin concentration correlated positively with height Z-score, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase, and negatively with age, peripheral systolic and mean blood pressure, and central systolic and mean blood pressure. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and height expressed as Z-scores were the significant determinants of serum sclerostin in the studied children: height Z-score (β = 0.224, (95%CI, 0.017–0.430)), SBP Z-score (β = −0.216, (95%CI, −0.417 to −0.016)). In conclusion, our results suggest a significant association between sclerostin and blood pressure in the pediatric population.

Serum Periostin as a Potential Biomarker in Pediatric Patients with Primary Hypertension

Experimental studies suggest that periostin is involved in tissue repair and remodeling. The study aimed to evaluate serum periostin concentration as potential biomarker in pediatric patients with primary hypertension (PH). We measured serum periostin, blood pressure, arterial damage, biochemical, and clinical data in 50 children with PH and 20 age-matched healthy controls. In univariate analysis, children with PH had significantly lower serum periostin compared to healthy peers (35.42 ± 10.43 vs. 42.16 ± 12.82 [ng/mL], p = 0.038). In the entire group of 70 children serum periostin concentration correlated negatively with peripheral, central, and ambulatory blood pressure, as well as with aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). In multivariate analysis, periostin level significantly correlated with age (β = -0.614, [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.831--0.398]), uric acid (β = 0.328, [95%CI, 0.124-0.533]), body mass index (BMI) Z-score (β = -0.293, [95%CI, -0.492--0.095]), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (β = 0.235, [95%CI, 0.054-0.416]), and triglycerides (β = -0.198, [95%CI, -0.394--0.002]). Neither the presence of hypertension nor blood pressure and aPWV influenced periostin level. To conclude, the role of serum periostin as a biomarker of elevated blood pressure and arterial damage in pediatric patients with primary hypertension is yet to be unmasked. Age, body mass index, uric acid, and lipid concentrations are key factors influencing periostin level in pediatric patients.

[Uric acid in children and adolescents with primary hypertension]

Increased concentration of uric acid may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension (PH).

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess concentration of uric acid and to assess its correlation with selected clinical and biochemical parameters in children with PH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a group of 57 untreated pharmacologically children with PH (44 boys, 13 girls, mean age 14.99±2.84 years) following parameters were assessed: serum uric acid concentration, blood pressure in office measurement and in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and selected clinical and biochemical parameters. Control group consisted of 20 healthy children (mean 14.11±2.99 years).

RESULTS

Serum uric acid concentration was significantly higher in children with PH compared to healthy children (5.72±1.38 vs. 4.55±1.07 mg/dL; p=0.001). In patients with PH, its concentration was significantly higher in boys compared to girls ((6.12±1.20 mg/dL vs. 4.35±1.13 mg/dL, p<0.001), no such difference was found in healthy children. In the PH group, uric acid concentration correlated positively with age (r=0.426, p=0.001), height (r=0.557, p<0.001), weight (r=0.518, p<0.001), weight Z- score (r=0.296, p=0.025), BMI (r=0.316, p=0.017), neutrophil count (r=0.280, p=0.035), systolic blood pressure (r=0.375, p=0.004) and pulse pressure (r=0.444, p=0.001) in ABPM and negatively with HDL cholesterol, heart rate (r=-0.310, p=0.02 (1=-0.309, p=0.020) and nighttime diastolic blood pressure dip (r=-0.268, p=0.044) in ABPM. In multivariate analysis, the determinants of uric acid concentration in children with PH were sex (Β = 0,367, 95%CI(0.122-0.611), p=0.004) and weight Z-score (Β= 0.254, 95%CI(0.005-0.504), p=0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with PH have increased serum uric acid concentration compared to healthy children. The risk factors for hyperuricemia in pediatric patients with PH are male sex and high body weight.

Early Vascular Aging in Children With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Objectives: Experimental data indicate that activating mutations in the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway may lead to abnormal arterial wall structure. Vascular anomalies like arterial stenoses are reported in pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). In addition, large renal lesions (angiomyolipoma-AML and cysts) are risk factors for arterial hypertension in adult patients with TSC. This study aimed to assess blood pressure, including central blood pressure and arterial damage (early vascular aging-EVA) in children with TSC. Materials and Methods: In a group of 33 pediatric patients with TSC (11.13 ± 4.03 years, 15 boys, 18 girls), we evaluated peripheral and central office blood pressure, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, and arterial damage: aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) [m/s], [Z-score], augmentation index (AIx75HR [%]), common carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) [mm], [Z-score], stiffness of common carotid artery (E-tracking), renal lesions in magnetic resonance and ultrasonography, and selected biochemical parameters. The control group consisted of 33 healthy children (11.23 ± 3.28 years, 15 boys, 18 girls). Results: In TSC group 7 (21.2%) children had arterial hypertension, 27 (81.8%) children had renal angiomyolipomas, 26 (78.8%)-renal cysts, and 4 (12.1%) patients were treated with mTOR inhibitors (2 patients with everolimus and 2 patients with sirolimus) at the moment of evaluation. Children with TSC had higher central systolic blood pressure (AoSBP) (98.63 ± 9.65 vs. 90.45 ± 6.87 [mm Hg], p < 0.001), cIMT (0.42 ± 0.05 vs. 0.39 ± 0.03 [mm], p = 0.011), cIMT Z-score (0.81 ± 1.21 vs. 0.16 ± 0.57, p = 0.007), aPWV (4.78 ± 0.81 vs. 4.25 ± 0.56 [m/s], p = 0.003) and aPWV Z-score (-0.14 ± 1.15 vs. -0.96 ± 0.87, p = 0.002) compared to healthy children, without differences in AIx75HR (8.71 ± 15.90 vs. 5.24 ± 11.12 [%], p = 0.319) and stiffness of common carotid artery. In children with TSC AoSBP correlated positively with serum cystatin C concentration (r = 0.377, p = 0.030) and with maximum diameter of renal cyst (R = 0.419, p = 0.033); mean arterial pressure (MAP) 24 h Z-score correlated with serum cystatin C concentration (R = 0.433, p = 0.013); and aPWV Z-score with daily urinary albumin loss [mg/24 h] (R = 0.412, p = 0.029). Conclusions: Children with tuberous sclerosis complex are at risk of elevated central blood pressure and early vascular aging. In children with TSC, blood pressure and arterial stiffness are related to renal involvement.

[Hypertensive crisis in a 3-year-old boy - neurovascular conflict?]

Hypertensive crisis is a sudden rise in blood pressure with accompanying clinical symptoms. The disease is extremely rare in small children and is always a complication of secondary hypertension.

CASE REPORT

3-year-old boy (spontaneous delivery, 37 week of gestation, birth weight 2170g, 10 AS, unremarkable family history) was admitted to a hospital because of weight loss (1.5 kg, i.e. approx. 15% in 6 months), anorexia, abdominal and limb pain and lethargy. On admission, very high blood pressure values (190/150 mm Hg), lean subcutaneous tissue, frequent blinking, height 88 cm (<3c), body weight 9.5 kg (<3c). In additional tests: blood morphology, parameters of renal function, ions, gasometry, catecholamine urinary excretion, steroid profile and daily cortisol profile were within normal limits. Elevated plasma renin activity was found. In imaging studies kidneys, adrenal glands and renal arteries were normal. Normotension was not obtained on two antihypertensive drugs - metoprolol and amlodipine. In angio-CT tortuous right vertebral artery, extending to the left on the anterolateral surface of the medulla oblongata - possible compression of the vessel of the left side of medulla - was found. Diagnosis of neurovascular conflict was made. The patient was consulted by neurosurgeon who declare no possibility of surgical treatment of anomalies. In the treatment, according to the literature, a drug blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-enalapril system was used, which normalized blood pressure. At the same time, intensive nutritional treatment was used. Resolution of symptoms and weight gain was observed. In further follow-up patients' parents withdrew enalapril lawlessly, which did not lead to recurrent rise in blood pressure. The latter may suggest other, transient cause of hypertensive crisis e.g. intoxication.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe hypertension in pediatric patients can give symptoms as weight loss and behavioral disorders. In the diagnostic of hypertensive crisis in children, neuroimaging studies and toxicological tests should be performed.

[Cerebral salt wasting syndrome as a complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage in a girl with nephrotic syndrome - a case report]

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS), characterized by natriuresis, polyuria, and hypovolemia, is a rare complication of central nervous system injury or disease.

A CASE STUDY

12-year-old girl was admitted with second attack of nephrotic syndrome (NS). On admission she presents with edema, blood pressure 110/60 mm Hg, proteinuria 145 mg/kg/24h, hypoalbuminemia (1.7 g/dL), GFR 94.4 mL/min/1.73m2, sodium 133 mmol/L. On 5th day the patient developed thrombosis of right subclavian and axillary vein and was treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (0.3 mg/kg/h i.v.). 45 minutes after onset of the infusion severe headache appeared. Computed tomography revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in a region of left occipital lobe and posterior 1/3 part of sickle of the brain. Control ultrasonography examination revealed resolution of the thrombus. No deficits were found on neurologic examination. Proteinuria subsided on 11th day of hospitalization. After the hemorrhage hypovolemia, hypotension (80/40 - 100/60 mm Hg, heart rate 100/min), polyuria, and pathologic natriuresis (up to 13.0 mmol/kg/24h) were observed. Cerebral salt wasting syndrome was recognized. The girl was supplemented with oral and intravenous sodium (up to 10 mmol/ kg/24h). In following days gradual decrease of diuresis and urinary sodium loss was observed. The patient was discharged home after 41 days with normal diuresis (1.5l/24h) and natriuresis (1.44 mmol/kg/24h).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of thromboembolic complications in children with NS poses a risk of central nervous system bleeding. Serum sodium concentration and diuresis must be strictly monitored in patients with central nervous system lesion, especially in the course of nephrotic syndrome.

[Evaluation of renal lesions in children with tuberous sclerosis - summary of the first year of follow-up program]

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease that leads to formation of tumors i.e. in brain kidneys, heart, lungs, and skin.

AIM

The aim of the study was to summarize center's experience in the first year of program of nephrologic follow-up in patients with TSC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During 12 months 30 children with TSC (14 boys and 16 girls aged from 3 months to 17 years 11 months, mean 7.57±5.02 years) were hospitalized. Following parameters were evaluated: genetic and biochemical tests, blood pressure in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), kidney lesions in ultrasonography (30 patients) and in magnetic resonance (14 patients).

RESULTS

Genetic tests were performed in 6 children - in 5 TSC2 mutation was found, in one boy with TSC and numerous renal cysts only PKD1 mutation was revealed. Mean GFR was 130.81±23.23 mL/ min/1.73 m2. Four children (13.3%) had arterial hypertension. Renal lesions were found in 28 (93.3%) children: 18 patients had angiomyolipomas (AML) (mean diameter 15.4±12.5, max 38 mm), 23 patients had renal cysts (mean diameter 7.6±7.0, max 30 mm); 13 patients had AMLs and cysts. A dysplastic lesion (39x26x15 mm) in right kidney was found in one girl. Children with AML were older than remaining patients (10.08±4.55 vs. 4.25±3.50 [years], p<0.001). Children with cysts were characterized by higher systolic (p=0.017), diastolic (p=0.027) and mean (p=0.014) arterial pressure, and mean arterial pressure Z-score (p=0.025) in ABPM. Maximal kidney cyst diameter correlated positively with systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure Z-score, and diastolic blood pressure load in ABPM (r = 0.61-0.75, p = 0.033-0.005). Two children with numerous AML with diameter >30 mm were treated with sirolimus.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of common focal lesions in kidneys children with TSC should be kept under regular nephrologic follow-up. Presence of large renal cysts may predispose children with TSC to arterial hypertension.

Renalase in children with chronic kidney disease

Background: Renalase is kidney-derived molecule initially considered as catecholamine-inactivating enzyme. However, recent studies suggest that renalase exerts potent cardio- and nephroprotective actions, not related to its enzymatic activity. Purpose: To assess renalase level in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Material and methods: Serum renalase, BMI, arterial stiffness, peripheral and central blood pressure, intima-media thickness (IMT), medications, and biochemical parameters were analyzed in 38 children with CKD (12.23 ± 4.19 years) (stage G2-5). Control group consisted of 38 healthy children. Results: In the study group, GFR was 25.74 ± 8.94 mL/min/1.73 m²; 6 children were dialyzed; 26 had arterial hypertension. Renalase level was higher in the study group compared to control group (p < 0.001). In CKD children renalase correlated (p < 0.05) with BMI Z-score (r = -0.36), alfacalcidol dose (r = 0.41), GFR (r = -0.69), hemoglobin (r = -0.48), total cholesterol (r = 0.35), LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.36), triglycerides (r = 0.52), phosphate (r = 0.35), calcium-phosphorus product (r = 0.35), parathormone (r = 0.58), and pulse wave velocity Z-score (r = 0.42). In multivariate analysis GFR (β = -0.63, p < 0.001), triglycerides (β = 0.59, p = 0.002), and alfacalcidol dose (β = -0.49, p = 0.010) were determinants of renalase. Conclusions: In children with CKD there is a strong correlation between renalase level and CKD stage. Furthermore, in these patients renalase does not correlate with blood pressure but may be a marker of arterial stiffness.