A Single-System Ectopic Ureter in a Child: A Challenge for Early Diagnosis

An ectopic ureter is an uncommon anomaly, usually associated with a duplicated urinary system. Up to 20% of ectopic ureters occur in a single system. In females, only 25% of ectopic ureters insert into the vagina and usually cause urinary incontinence, which can be confused with vaginal discharge. The diagnostic investigation includes urinary tract ultrasound, DMSA, and urethrocystography, which evaluate renal morphology and function, determining factors for surgical treatment decision that aims to preserve renal function, prevent the recurrence of infections, and reestablish urinary continence. The rarity of this anomaly and the delay in recognizing symptoms are factors related to late diagnosis.

Zero Ischemia Open Partial Nephrectomy in Crossed Fused Ectopic Kidney - A Rare but Real Challenge

Crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is a rare congenital anomaly with both kidneys located on the same side of the retroperitoneal space. Due to complex anatomy, any renal tumours arising from this congenital anomaly will require careful pre-operative planning and intra-operating management to ensure oncological clearance while maximizing renal function. In this clinical case, a 57-year-old lady was referred to our center with a left to right CFRE and a 10cmx8cmx8cm mass arising from the interpolar region of left ectopic kidney on a background of multiple medical co-morbidities including stage 3a chronic kidney disease (CKD). Careful pre-operative planning and optimization was done, including 3D reconstruction of CT images, and the decision was made to perform a zero ischemia open partial nephrectomy to give her kidneys the best fighting chance. She recovered well postoperatively with only a mild increase in creatinine and histopathology revealing a renal cell carcinoma. The case emphasizes the need for adequate pre-operative planning with the use of upcoming imaging modalities like 3D reconstruction for optimum planning to ensure the best postoperative outcomes.

Childhood Albuminuria and Chronic Kidney Disease is Associated with Mortality and End-Stage Renal Disease

BACKGROUND

We do not yet fully grasp the significance of childhood albuminuria. Based on mass urinary screening (MUS) using albumin-specific dipsticks in school children, we studied the independent association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria with mortality and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 5351 children with albuminuria detected by school MSU during the period 1992-1996, followed up to 2009.

RESULTS

Cumulative mortality rate, prevalence of CKD, and ESRD were higher in children with albuminuria than those without. Albuminuria category was associated with the risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 3.4] and ESRD (HR 3.24). Lower eGFR and albuminuria predicted mortality and ESRD among children with albuminuria and CKD. We found that being below a threshold of 45 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was significantly associated with ESRD. The highest renal function decline, along with the steepest slope of cumulative ESRD number, occurred in Stage 3, the critical point in renal progression. Risk factors for renal progression among different age groups with albuminuria were hypercholesterolemia and low serum albumin at 7-17 years of age. Beyond 18 years of age, besides the risk factor, a higher fasting blood sugar (BS) was also noted.

CONCLUSION

Childhood albuminuria is a risk factor for CKD in later life, albuminuria provides additional prognostic information, and complications of CKD should be defined in each case.