Long-term health-related quality of life outcomes of adults with pediatric onset of frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome

A 5-Year Longitudinal Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients Who Have Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

The effects of surgical treatment on the quality of life (QOL) of patients who have osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) have been rarely reported. This multicenter study aimed to elucidate the longitudinal QOL in patients who have ONFH undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

Self-assessment QOL questionnaires, including the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey Version 2 (SF-12v2), were administered to 124 patients at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years postoperatively. These scores were compared according to age, sex, and associated factors from preoperative status to 2 years postoperatively (study 1) and from 2 to 5 years postoperatively (study 2).

RESULTS

Postoperative JHEQ satisfaction, pain, movement, mental, OHS, and SF-12v2 physical component summary (PCS) scores significantly improved 6 months postoperatively. The satisfaction level and OHS in men and patients aged < 60 years continuously improved significantly until 2 years postoperatively. Postoperative JHEQ movement scores gradually improved in patients aged ≥ 60 years. The SF-12v2 role component summary scores improved significantly 2 years postoperatively. Compared to the scores at postoperative 2 years, JHEQ satisfaction level in the patients aged ≥ 60 years and patients who had corticosteroid-associated ONFH, JHEQ pain and mental scores in women and corticosteroid-associated patients, and JHEQ movement and OHS in women improved significantly at 5 years postoperatively. Women showed better pain visual analog scale for up to 5 years postoperatively. The PCS at postoperative 2 years was significantly better in alcohol-associated patients than in patients who have corticosteroid-associated ONFH; however, there were no significant differences at 5 years postoperatively. The PCS was significantly better in patients aged < 60 years and in women at 5 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinal change in QOL scores of patients who have ONFH who underwent total hip arthroplasty indicated different improvement patterns according to age, sex, and associated factors.

Childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: recent advancements shaping future guidelines

Childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is an important pediatric kidney disease associated with significant morbidities and even mortality. Several guidelines have been developed to standardize the terminology and patient care among the pediatric nephrology community. Since the publication of these guidelines, there have been major breakthroughs in the disease management and the understanding of underlying pathogenesis through multi-omics investigations, including the identification of anti-nephrin autoantibodies, genetic susceptibility loci, and the pathogenic role of B cell subsets. In this educational review, we summarize the recent major advancements in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and attempt to provide potential therapeutic approaches in both steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome that may shape future guideline development.

Ongoing impacts of childhood-onset glomerular diseases during young adulthood

BACKGROUND

Childhood-onset glomerular disease often requires ongoing treatment and follow-up into adulthood. However, few studies have analyzed the associated impact and distress experienced by patients with this condition during the transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood.

METHODS

At three facilities, we recruited patients who developed idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or IgA nephropathy during childhood and were at least 18 years old at the time of study entry. Among them, a questionnaire-based survey was administered to patients who consented to participate, and the results were analyzed in conjunction with clinical information.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 38 patients were analyzed. Of these patients, 15 had idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and 23 had IgA nephropathy. The age of transition from pediatrics to the adult medicine department was correlated with the number of recurrences. Many patients also reported being significantly affected by exercise restrictions and physical decline associated with their diseases and medications. Various impacts, including distress, affected decision-making regarding higher education, with patients engaging in higher education at a significantly higher rate compared with the regional average (66.7% vs. 46.9%, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

We analyzed the impact of childhood-onset glomerular disease and distress during the transition period from pediatric to adult care. This study highlighted the significant impact of medications and exercise restrictions on patients' decisions regarding higher education. Future prospective studies will be needed to examine patients' distress in more detail and establish management approaches to enhance patient quality of life.

A Guide for Adult Nephrologists and Hematologists to Managing Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and C3 Glomerulopathy in Teens Transitioning to Young Adults

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathy/immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis are ultra-rare chronic, complement-mediated diseases with childhood manifestation in a majority of cases. Transition of clinical care of patients from pediatric to adult nephrologists-typically with controlled disease in native or transplant kidneys in case of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and often with chronic progressive disease despite treatment efforts in case of C3 glomerulopathy/immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis-identifies a challenging juncture in the journey of these patients. Raising awareness for the vulnerability of this patient cohort; providing education on disease pathophysiology and management including the use of new, high-precision complement antagonists; and establishing an ongoing dialog of patients, families, and all members of the health care team involved on either side of the age divide will be inevitable to ensure optimal patient outcomes and a safe transition of these patients to adulthood.