Dialysis for paediatric acute kidney injury in Cape Town, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Dialysis is lifesaving for acute kidney injury (AKI), but access is poor in less resourced settings. A "peritoneal dialysis (PD) first" policy for paediatric AKI is more feasible than haemodialysis in low-resource settings.

METHODS

Retrospective review of modalities and outcomes of children dialysed acutely at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital between 1998 and 2020.

RESULTS

Of the 593 children with AKI who received dialysis, 463 (78.1%) received PD first. Median age was 9.0 (range 0.03-219.3; IQR 13.0-69.6) months; 57.6% were < 1 year old. Weights ranged from 0.9 to 2.0 kg (median 7.0 kg, IQR 3.0-16.0 kg); 38.6% were < 5 kg. PD was used more in younger children compared to extracorporeal dialysis (ECD), with median ages 6.4 (IQR 0.9-30.4) vs. 73.9 (IQR 17.5-113.9) months, respectively (p = 0.001). PD was performed with Seldinger soft catheters (n = 480/578, 83%), predominantly inserted by paediatricians at the bedside (n = 412/490, 84.1%). Complications occurred in 127/560 (22.7%) children receiving PD. Overall, 314/542 (57.8%) children survived. Survival was significantly lower in neonates (< 1 month old, 47.5%) and infants (1-12 months old, 49.2%) compared with older children (> 1 year old, 70.4%, p < 0.0001). Survival was superior in the ECD (75.4%) than in the PD group (55.6%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

"PD First for Paediatric AKI" is a valuable therapeutic approach for children with AKI. It is feasible in low-resourced settings where bedside PD catheter insertion can be safely taught and is an acceptable dialysis modality, especially in settings where children with AKI would otherwise not survive.

Evaluation of the implementation of a "Pediatric Feasibility Assessment for Transplantation" tool in children and adolescents at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplantation remains the treatment of choice for children with kidney failure (KF). In South Africa, kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is restricted to children eligible for transplantation. This study reports on the implementation of the Paediatric Feasibility Assessment for Transplantation (pFAT) tool, a psychosocial risk score developed in South Africa to support transparent transplant eligibility assessment in a low-resource setting.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective descriptive analysis of children assessed for KRT using pFAT tool from 2015 to 2021.

RESULTS

Using the pFAT form, 88 children (median [range] age 12.0 [1.1 to 19.0] years) were assessed for KRT. Thirty (34.1%) children were not listed for KRT, scoring poorly in all domains, and were referred for supportive palliative care. Fourteen of these 30 children (46.7%) died, with a median survival of 6 months without dialysis. Nine children were reassessed and two were subsequently listed. Residing >300 km from the hospital (p = .009) and having adherence concerns (p = .003) were independently associated with nonlisting. Of the 58 (65.9%) children listed for KRT, 40 (69.0%) were transplanted. One-year patient and graft survival were 97.2% and 88.6%, respectively. Only one of the four grafts lost at 1-year posttransplant was attributed to psychosocial issues.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term outcomes among children listed using the pFAT form are good. Among those nonlisted, the pFAT highlights specific psychosocial/socioeconomic barriers, over which most children themselves have no power to change, which should be systemically addressed to permit eligibility of more children and save lives.

Protein loss and glucose absorption in children with AKI treated with peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

Protein loss and glucose absorption in children on acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) is important to inform dietary prescription, yet data are lacking in this regard. This study was a secondary analysis of a previously published crossover randomised controlled trial, aiming to describe glucose uptake and protein loss into dialysate among children with acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving PD.

METHODS

This secondary analysis described and compared dialysate albumin loss and glucose absorption in 15 children with AKI receiving PD or continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD). In addition, correlations between albumin loss, glucose absorption and other patient and dialysis factors were analysed.

RESULTS

Median (range) age and weight of participants were 6.0 (0.2-14) months and 5.8 (2.3-14.0) kg, respectively. Patients received approximately 8 h of dialysis on each modality; however, results were extrapolated and expressed per day. The mean ± SD albumin loss on conventional PD and CFPD was 0.3 ± 0.19 g/kg/day and 0.56 ± 0.5 g/kg/day, respectively, and the mean ± SD glucose absorption was 4.67 ± 2.87 g/kg/day and 3.85 ±4.1 g/kg/day, respectively. There was a moderate correlation between ultrafiltration and albumin loss during CFPD only (Pearson's R = 0.61; p = 0.02). There were no significant differences between PD and CFPD for either glucose absorption or albumin loss; however, the study was not powered for this outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Protein losses and glucose absorption in children on PD with AKI are significant and should be considered when prescribing nutritional content. Protein losses on CFPD were twice as high as on conventional PD.

Effects of aminophylline therapy on urine output and kidney function in children with acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit. One key management modality of AKI is the use of diuretics to reduce fluid overload. Aminophylline, a drug that is well known for its use in the treatment of bronchial asthma, is also purported to have diuretic effects on the kidneys. This retrospective cohort study assesses the effect of aminophylline in critically ill children with AKI.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH) with AKI who received aminophylline (from 2012 to June 2018) was carried out. Data captured and analyzed included demographics, underlying disease conditions, medications, urine output, fluid balance, and kidney function.

RESULTS

Data from thirty-four children were analyzed. Urine output increased from a median of 0.4 mls/kg/hr [IQR: 0.1, 1.1] at six hours prior to aminophylline administration to 0.6 mls/kg/hr [IQR: 0.2, 1.9] at six hours and 1.6 mls/kg/hr [IQR:0.2, 4.2] at twenty-four hours post aminophylline therapy. The median urine output significantly varied across the age groups over the 24-h time period post-aminophylline, with the most response in the neonates. There was no significant change in serum creatinine levels six hours post-aminophylline administration [109(IQR: 77, 227)-125.5(IQR: 82, 200) micromole/l] P-value = 0.135. However, there were significant age-related changes in creatinine levels at six hours post-aminophylline therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Aminophylline increases urine output in critically ill children with AKI. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Lessons learned from regional training of paediatric nephrology fellows in Africa

BACKGROUND

Access to care for children with kidney disease is limited in less well-resourced regions of the world and paediatric nephrology (PN) workforce development with good practical skills is critical.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a PN training program and trainee feedback from 1999 to 2021, based at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH), University of Cape Town.

RESULTS

A regionally appropriate 1-2-year training program enrolled 38 fellows with an initial 100% return rate to their country of origin. Program funding included fellowships from the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA), International Society of Nephrology (ISN), International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD), and the African Paediatric Fellowship Program (APFP). Fellows were trained on both in- and out-patient management of infants and children with kidney disorders. "Hands-on skills" training included examination, diagnosis and management skills, practical insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters for management of acute kidney injury and kidney biopsies. Of 16 trainees who completed > 1 year of training, 14 (88%) successfully completed subspecialty exams and 9 (56%) completed a master's degree with a research component. PN fellows reported that their training was appropriate and enabled them to make a difference in their respective communities.

CONCLUSIONS

This training program has successfully equipped African physicians with the requisite knowledge and skills to provide PN services in resource-constrained areas for children with kidney disease. The provision of funding from multiple organizations committed to paediatric kidney disease has contributed to the success of the program, along with the fellows' commitment to build PN healthcare capacity in Africa. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Gravity-assisted continuous flow peritoneal dialysis technique use in acute kidney injury in children: a randomized, crossover clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Our previously demonstrated continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) technique in children with acute kidney injury (AKI), although effective, was manpower heavy and expensive due to the high-volume pumps required. The aim of this study was to develop and test a novel gravity-driven CFPD technique in children using readily available, inexpensive equipment and to compare this technique to conventional PD.

METHODS

After development and initial in vitro testing, a randomised crossover clinical trial was conducted in 15 children with AKI requiring dialysis. Patients received both conventional PD and CFPD sequentially, in random order. Primary outcomes were measures of feasibility, clearance and ultrafiltration (UF). Secondary outcomes were complications and mass transfer coefficients (MTC). Paired t-tests were used to compare PD and CFPD outcomes.

RESULTS

Median (range) age and weight of participants were 6.0 (0.2-14) months and 5.8 (2.3-14.0) kg, respectively. The CFPD system was easily and rapidly assembled. There were no serious adverse events attributed to CFPD. Mean ± SD UF was significantly higher on CFPD compared to conventional PD (4.3 ± 3.15 ml/kg/h vs. 1.04 ± 1.72 ml/kg/h; p < 0.001). Clearances for urea, creatinine and phosphate for children on CFPD were 9.9 ± 3.10 ml/min/1.73 m², 7.9 ± 3.3 ml/min/1.73 m² and 5.5 ± 1.5 ml/min/1.73 m² compared to conventional PD with values of 4.3 ± 1.68 ml/min/1.73 m², 3.57 ± 1.3 ml/min/1.73 m² and 2.53 ± 0.85 ml/min/1.73 m², respectively (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Gravity-assisted CFPD appears to be a feasible and effective way to augment ultrafiltration and clearances in children with AKI. It can be assembled from readily available non-expensive equipment. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

A 15-year retrospective review of urodynamic studies in children at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape town, South Africa

Background

Despite the undeniable diagnostic benefits of urodynamic studies (UDS), their adoption into clinical practice in Africa has been slow. This study aimed to review the use of invasive UDS in children at a tertiary paediatric hospital in South Africa.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1108 UDS was conducted. Patient demographic characteristics, primary diagnosis, indication and urodynamic outcomes were reviewed. Presence of urodynamic high-risk features were documented, and a comparison was made between the first study and follow-up study.

Results

This study revealed increasing trends in the use of UDS from 2015. Referrals were from Urology (37.7%), Spinal defects clinic (34.4%), Nephrology (20.8%) and other departments (7.0%). The most common reason for referral was review of medical treatment (36.5%). Spinal dysraphism (58.3%) accounted for the majority of conditions seen. Majority (59.1%) of the patients were receiving more than one type of bladder treatment at the time of their first study, with clean intermittent catheterisation (46.5%) being the most common form of bladder management. 97.5% of studies were performed using transurethral bladder catheterization. Urodynamic diagnosis was neurogenic in 74.0%, anatomical (12.2%), functional (8.8%) and normal (5.0%). There was statistically significant improvement in bladder compliance, detrusor leak point pressure and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia between the first study and a subsequent study following therapeutic intervention.

Conclusions

The unique ability of UDS to demonstrate changes in detrusor pressures, which is a common reason for therapy failure, makes UDS an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and management of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03462-4.

TB in paediatric kidney transplant recipients - A single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

TB remains a major challenge in transplantation, particularly in endemic countries. This study aimed to describe the incidence, clinical presentation and outcomes of TB in paediatric kidney transplant recipients and to assess the impact of INH prophylaxis.

METHODS

Single-centre retrospective descriptive analysis of children who received kidney transplants from 1995 to 2019 was carried out. The cohort was stratified according to receipt of INH prophylaxis which began in 2005.

RESULTS

A total of 212 children received a kidney transplant during the study period. Median age at transplantation was 11.2 years (IQR: 2.2-17.9), and 56% were males. TB was diagnosed in 20 (9%) children, with almost two-thirds (n = 12) occurring within the first year. Most infections were pulmonary. The main presenting symptoms included fever (n = 13/20), weight loss (n = 12/20) and cough (n = 10/20). TST was positive in four of 20 children. Coinfection with EBV, CMV or Staph was found in five children. Due to drug interactions, an up to threefold increase in calcineurin inhibitor dose was required to maintain therapeutic blood levels. INH prophylaxis was protective against development of TB (p = .04). Gender, age and type of allograft were not significant risk factors. Graft and patient survival was 100% upon completion of TB treatment.

CONCLUSION

Kidney transplant recipients in endemic countries have a high risk of developing TB. Diagnosis remains a challenge. Frequent and meticulous monitoring of immunosuppression drug levels during treatment of TB is required to avoid loss of patient or graft. INH prophylaxis protects against development of TB in this population.

Paediatric Nephrology in Africa

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We highlight the unique facets of paediatric nephrology in Africa in terms of the spectrum of kidney diseases, available diagnostic and treatment modalities, kidney healthcare financing options, paediatric nephrology manpower and the contribution of geography and demographics.

RECENT FINDINGS

Paediatric acute kidney injury in Africa is now commonly due to sepsis rather than gastroenteritis. Steroid-sensitive form of nephrotic syndrome is far more common than was two decades ago.

SUMMARY

The hot arid climate in North Africa and the tropical climate in most of sub-Saharan Africa, and the high rate of consanguinity, sickle cell disease and HIV drive the spectrum of paediatric kidney diseases in the continent. Kidney diseases are often precipitated by infectious triggers associated with poor living conditions and little access to medical care thus resulting in late presentation and often end-stage kidney disease. Although accessibility to kidney care has improved in the continent due to training opportunities provided by international professional organisations, most children still face significant barriers to kidney care because they live in rural areas, governments spend the least on healthcare and the continent has the least density of healthcare practitioners and nephrology trainees.

ISPD guidelines for peritoneal dialysis in acute kidney injury: 2020 Update (paediatrics)

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

1.1 Peritoneal dialysis is a suitable renal replacement therapy modality for treatment of acute kidney injury in children. (1C)2. Access and fluid delivery for acute PD in children.2.1 We recommend a Tenckhoff catheter inserted by a surgeon in the operating theatre as the optimal choice for PD access. (1B) (optimal)2.2 Insertion of a PD catheter with an insertion kit and using Seldinger technique is an acceptable alternative. (1C) (optimal)2.3 Interventional radiological placement of PD catheters combining ultrasound and fluoroscopy is an acceptable alternative. (1D) (optimal)2.4 Rigid catheters placed using a stylet should only be used when soft Seldinger catheters are not available, with the duration of use limited to <3 days to minimize the risk of complications. (1C) (minimum standard)2.5 Improvised PD catheters should only be used when no standard PD access is available. (practice point) (minimum standard)2.6 We recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to PD catheter insertion. (1B) (optimal)2.7 A closed delivery system with a Y connection should be used. (1A) (optimal) A system utilizing buretrols to measure fill and drainage volumes should be used when performing manual PD in small children. (practice point) (optimal)2.8 In resource limited settings, an open system with spiking of bags may be used; however, this should be designed to limit the number of potential sites for contamination and ensure precise measurement of fill and drainage volumes. (practice point) (minimum standard)2.9 Automated peritoneal dialysis is suitable for the management of paediatric AKI, except in neonates for whom fill volumes are too small for currently available machines. (1D)3. Peritoneal dialysis solutions for acute PD in children3.1 The composition of the acute peritoneal dialysis solution should include dextrose in a concentration designed to achieve the target ultrafiltration. (practice point)3.2  Once potassium levels in the serum fall below 4 mmol/l, potassium should be added to dialysate using sterile technique. (practice point) (optimal) If no facilities exist to measure the serum potassium, consideration should be given for the empiric addition of potassium to the dialysis solution after 12 h of continuous PD to achieve a dialysate concentration of 3-4 mmol/l. (practice point) (minimum standard)3.3  Serum concentrations of electrolytes should be measured 12 hourly for the first 24 h and daily once stable. (practice point) (optimal) In resource poor settings, sodium and potassium should be measured daily, if practical. (practice point) (minimum standard)3.4  In the setting of hepatic dysfunction, hemodynamic instability and persistent/worsening metabolic acidosis, it is preferable to use bicarbonate containing solutions. (1D) (optimal) Where these solutions are not available, the use of lactate containing solutions is an alternative. (2D) (minimum standard)3.5  Commercially prepared dialysis solutions should be used. (1C) (optimal) However, where resources do not permit this, locally prepared fluids may be used with careful observation of sterile preparation procedures and patient outcomes (e.g. rate of peritonitis). (1C) (minimum standard)4. Prescription of acute PD in paediatric patients4.1 The initial fill volume should be limited to 10-20 ml/kg to minimize the risk of dialysate leakage; a gradual increase in the volume to approximately 30-40 ml/kg (800-1100 ml/m²) may occur as tolerated by the patient. (practice point)4.2 The initial exchange duration, including inflow, dwell and drain times, should generally be every 60-90 min; gradual prolongation of the dwell time can occur as fluid and solute removal targets are achieved. In neonates and small infants, the cycle duration may need to be reduced to achieve adequate ultrafiltration. (practice point)4.3 Close monitoring of total fluid intake and output is mandatory with a goal to achieve and maintain normotension and euvolemia. (1B)4.4 Acute PD should be continuous throughout the full 24-h period for the initial 1-3 days of therapy. (1C)4.5  Close monitoring of drug dosages and levels, where available, should be conducted when providing acute PD. (practice point)5. Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD)5.1   Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis can be considered as a PD treatment option when an increase in solute clearance and ultrafiltration is desired but cannot be achieved with standard acute PD. Therapy with this technique should be considered experimental since experience with the therapy is limited. (practice point) 5.2  Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis can be considered for dialysis therapy in children with AKI when the use of only very small fill volumes is preferred (e.g. children with high ventilator pressures). (practice point).

Advances in Kidney Replacement Therapy in Infants

Acute kidney injury continues to be a highly occurring disease in the intensive care unit, specifically affecting up to a third of critically ill neonates as per various studies. Although first-line treatments of acute kidney injury are noninvasive, kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is indicated when conservative management modes fail. There are various modalities of KRT which can be used for neonatal populations, including peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and continuous KRT. However, these KRT modalities present their own challenges in this specific patient population Thus, it is the aim of this review to introduce each of these KRT modalities in terms of their challenges, advances, and future directions, with specific emphasis on new technology including the Cardio-Renal Pediatric Emergency Dialysis Machine, Newcastle infant dialysis and ultrafiltration system, and the Aquadex system for ultrafiltration.

ISPD guidelines for peritoneal dialysis in acute kidney injury: 2020 update (adults)

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

(1) Peritoneal dialysis (PD) should be considered a suitable modality for treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) in all settings (1B).

GUIDELINE 2: ACCESS AND FLUID DELIVERY FOR ACUTE PD IN ADULTS

(2.1) Flexible peritoneal catheters should be used where resources and expertise exist (1B) (optimal).(2.2) Rigid catheters and improvised catheters using nasogastric tubes and other cavity drainage catheters may be used in resource-poor environments where they may still be life-saving (1C) (minimum standard).(2.3) We recommend catheters should be tunnelled to reduce peritonitis and peri-catheter leak (practice point).(2.4) We recommend that the method of catheter implantation should be based on patient factors and locally available skills (1C).(2.5) PD catheter implantation by appropriately trained nephrologists in patients without contraindications is safe and functional results equate to those inserted surgically (1B).(2.6) Nephrologists should receive training and be permitted to insert PD catheters to ensure timely dialysis in the emergency setting (practice point). (2.7) We recommend, when available, percutaneous catheter insertion by a nephrologist should include assessment with ultrasonography (2C).(2.8) Insertion of PD catheter should take place under complete aseptic conditions using sterile technique (practice point).(2.9) We recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to PD catheter implantation (1B).(2.10) A closed delivery system with a Y connection should be used (1A) (optimal). In resource poor areas, spiking of bags and makeshift connections may be necessary and can be considered (minimum standard).(2.11) The use of automated or manual PD exchanges are acceptable and this will be dependent on local availability and practices (practice point).

GUIDELINE 3: PERITONEAL DIALYSIS SOLUTIONS FOR ACUTE PD

(3.1) In patients who are critically ill, especially those with significant liver dysfunction and marked elevation of lactate levels, bicarbonate containing solutions should be used (1B) (optimal). Where these solutions are not available, the use of lactate containing solutions is an alternative (practice point) (minimum standard).(3.2) Commercially prepared solutions should be used (optimal). However, where resources do not permit this, then locally prepared fluids may be life-saving and with careful observation of sterile preparation procedure, peritonitis rates are not increased (1C) (minimum standard).(3.3) Once potassium levels in the serum fall below 4 mmol/L, potassium should be added to dialysate (using strict sterile technique to prevent infection) or alternatively oral or intravenous potassium should be given to maintain potassium levels at 4 mmol/L or above (1C).(3.4) Potassium levels should be measured daily (optimal). Where these facilities do not exist, we recommend that after 24 h of successful dialysis, one consider adding potassium chloride to achieve a concentration of 4 mmol/L in the dialysate (minimum standard) (practice point).

GUIDELINE 4: PRESCRIBING AND ACHIEVING ADEQUATE CLEARANCE IN ACUTE PD

(4.1) Targeting a weekly K _t/V _urea of 3.5 provides outcomes comparable to that of daily HD in critically ill patients; targeting higher doses does not improve outcomes (1B). This dose may not be necessary for most patients with AKI and targeting a weekly K _t/V of 2.2 has been shown to be equivalent to higher doses (1B). Tidal automated PD (APD) using 25 L with 70% tidal volume per 24 h shows equivalent survival to continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration with an effluent dose of 23 mL/kg/h (1C).(4.2) Cycle times should be dictated by the clinical circumstances. Short cycle times (1-2 h) are likely to more rapidly correct uraemia, hyperkalaemia, fluid overload and/or metabolic acidosis; however, they may be increased to 4-6 hourly once the above are controlled to reduce costs and facilitate clearance of larger sized solutes (2C).(4.3) The concentration of dextrose should be increased and cycle time reduced to 2 hourly when fluid overload is evident. Once the patient is euvolemic, the dextrose concentration and cycle time should be adjusted to ensure a neutral fluid balance (1C).(4.4) Where resources permit, creatinine, urea, potassium and bicarbonate levels should be measured daily; 24 h K _t/V _urea and creatinine clearance measurement is recommended to assess adequacy when clinically indicated (practice point).(4.5) Interruption of dialysis should be considered once the patient is passing >1 L of urine/24 h and there is a spontaneous reduction in creatinine (practice point).

The use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) to treat patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) has become more popular among clinicians following evidence of similar outcomes when compared with other extracorporeal therapies. Although it has been extensively used in low-resource environments for many years, there is now a renewed interest in the use of PD to manage patients with AKI (including patients in intensive care units) in higher income countries. Here we present the update of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines for PD in AKI. These guidelines extensively review the available literature and present updated recommendations regarding peritoneal access, dialysis solutions and prescription of dialysis with revised targets of solute clearance.

Use of locally prepared peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid for acute PD in children and infants in Africa

BACKGROUND

In less well-resourced countries, the high cost of commercially available peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid limits its use. The major concerns regarding bedside-prepared PD fluid is peritonitis as well as electrolyte disorders. The aim of this study was to review our experience with the use of PD fluids prepared at the bedside using the intravenous infusion solution Balsol (Fresenius Kabi).

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of all patients who received PD for acute kidney injury (AKI) using a bedside-prepared PD solution adapted from the intravenous solution Balsol in our intensive care unit.

RESULTS

In total, 49 cases of acute PD were performed. Of the 49 children, 21 (43%) were male. The ages of the patients ranged from newborn to 10.2 years (median 0.33 years). The weight of children ranged from 1.3 kg to 50 kg (median 4.1 kg). The type of PD catheters used: Cook catheters, 41 patients; Kimal peel-away, 10 patients; and surgical inserted Tenckhoff type of catheter, 2 patients. The duration of PD was 1-17 days (median 3 days) Complications included peritonitis in 2 of 49 patients and blocked catheter in 6 of 49 patients. There were no electrolyte disturbances as a result of the PD. Overall survival was 43% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Locally prepared PD solutions at the bedside adapted from intravenous solutions can be used safely and effectively. This has important relevance for centres in less well-resourced countries, where commercially produced PD fluid is not available for the management of AKI.

No Significant Differences in Peritoneal Fluid Handling in Children Using pH-Neutral or Acidic Solutions

Objectives

Differences in peritoneal fluid handling in the acute setting can be expected if children are converted to pH-neutral dialysis solutions because conventional acidic solutions exert toxic effects on peritoneal mesothelial cells and microcirculation. Peritoneal fluid kinetics was therefore investigated with both types of solutions in a group of children.

Design

Peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) were performed in 12 patients [mean age 70 months, mean time on peritoneal dialysis (PD) 18 months] using a pH-neutral PD fluid (Physioneal 3.86%; Baxter Ltd, Castlebar, Ireland) and dextran 70 as a volume marker. The results of these PETs were compared to those of a historic group of 12 children (mean age 75 months, mean time on PD 17 months).

Setting

Pediatric dialysis unit in a tertiary institute.

Patients

Stable pediatric PD patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Transcapillary ultrafiltration (TCUF) and marker clearance, dialysate-to-plasma (D/P) ratios for urea and creatinine, and Dt/D0ratio for glucose.

Results

TCUF and lymphatic absorption were not different between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in small solute clearance measured by D/P ratio for urea and creatinine and Dt/D0ratio for glucose.

Conclusion

Peritoneal fluid kinetics is not significantly altered if pH-neutral dialysis solutions are applied compared to acidic solutions. An altered TCUF, as is hypothetically possible using an acidic solution, was not established.

Vitamin D status of children with moderate to severe chronic Kidney Disease at a Tertiary Pediatric Center in Cape Town

The prevalence of suboptimal Vitamin D levels is higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in the general population. Recent findings suggest that progression of CKD is linked to a suboptimal Vitamin D level. A high percentage of CKD patients have severe Vitamin D deficiency. These patients also have a low level of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] and consequently, a reduced ability to form active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Various factors underlie the low level of 25(OH)D, including a sedentary lifestyle, decreased intake of Vitamin D due to CKD-related dietary restrictions, and decreased synthesis of Vitamin D in skin due to uremia. All these factors may be particularly influential in patients with progressively worsening CKD, including those receiving chronic dialysis. The objective of our study is to determine the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in children with CKD stages three to five and those receiving chronic dialysis, to ascertain whether there is a relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and the stage of CKD, and to identify any clinical correlates associated with the Vitamin D status. A single-center, retrospective review was conducted of 46 children (younger than 18 years) with CKD stages 3-5D who attended the renal clinic of the Red Cross Children's Hospital between October 2013 and November 2014. In total, 73.9% of the study population had suboptimal Vitamin D levels (43.5% and 30.4% had Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively). The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in older children (≥10 years of age) than in younger children (P = 0.000) but did not significantly differ between males and females (P = 0.693). In total, 12 of 15 black children (80%), 19 of 26 colored children (73.1%), two of four white children (50%), and one Asian child (100%) had suboptimal Vitamin D levels. Neither white nor Asian child had Vitamin D deficiency. In addition, 90% of patients undergoing chronic dialysis, 80% of whom were receiving peritoneal dialysis, had suboptimal Vitamin D levels. Age, weight, height, and the albumin concentration were significantly associated with the Vitamin D level. There was a positive linear relationship between the Vitamin D level and the serum albumin concentration (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient = 0.397, P = 0.007). In total, 87.5% of patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria had suboptimal Vitamin D levels, and 80% were Vitamin D deficient (P = 0.004). A higher percentage of Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency cases was documented during the winter (24/34, 70.6%) than during the summer (10/34, 29.4%); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.685). Sub-optimal Vitamin D is high among children with moderate to severe CKD and significantly higher in those undergoing chronic dialysis. The emerging evidence of the role of Vitamin D in slowing progression of CKD highlights the need for monitoring and correction of Vitamin D levels in predialysis children.

Multisystem impairment in South African adolescents with Perinatally acquired HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART)

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) are at risk of chronic disease due to long-standing immune suppression, HIV disease and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure. However, there are few data on multisystem disease in this population. We investigated the overlapping burden of neurocognitive, cardiovascular, respiratory and/or renal impairment among PHIV positive (PHIV+) adolescents.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional analysis, participants aged 9 to 14 years on ART for >6 months were recruited from seven sites across Cape Town from July 2013 through March 2015, together with age-matched HIV-negative (HIV-) adolescents. Impairment at enrolment was assessed across neurocognitive functioning (using the youth-International HIV Dementia Scale); cardiac function (echocardiogram abnormality); respiratory function (abnormal spirometry) and renal function (abnormal glomerular filtration rate).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Overall, 384 PHIV+ and 95 HIV- adolescents were included (mean age, 11.9 years; 49% female). Median age of ART initiation was 4.2 years (IQR: 1.7 to 7.6) and median CD4 count was 709 (IQR: 556 to 944) with 302 (79%) of PHIV+ adolescents virologically suppressed. Abacavir and Zidovudine were the most commonly used nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) with 60% of adolescents on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) and 38% on a protease inhibitor (PI). Among PHIV+ adolescents, 167 (43.5%) had single system impairment only, 110 (28.6%) had two systems involved, and 39 (10.2%) had three or four systems involved. PHIV+ participants had more 2-system and 3-system impairment than HIV-, 110 (28.6%) versus 17 (17.9%), p = 0.03 and 39 (10.2%) versus 3 (4.3%), p = 0.03. PHIV+ participants who had failed a year of school (73.8% vs. 46.4%, p = 0.00) and with a viral load >1000 copies/mL at enrolment (16.8% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.03) were more likely to have dual or multisystem impairment. Of those with cardiac impairment, 86.7% had an additional system impaired. Similarly, in those with neurocognitive impairment, almost 60% had additional systems impaired and of those with respiratory impairment, 74% had additional systems impaired.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite relatively early ART initiation, there is a substantial burden of multisystem chronic impairment among PHIV+ adolescents. This phenomenon needs to be further explored as this population ages and begins to engage in adult lifestyle factors that may compound these impairments.

Prevalence of risk factors for chronic kidney disease in South African youth with perinatally acquired HIV

BACKGROUND

Little is known about renal pathology among perinatally HIV-infected children and adolescents in Africa. We assessed the prevalence of risk factors for chronic kidney disease in South African children and adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV-1 (HIV+) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV-negative children and adolescents.

METHODS

HIV+ youth aged 9-14 years, on ART for > 6 months and age-matched HIV-negative children and adolescents were eligible for assessment of proteinuria and microalbuminuria using urine dipstick and Vantage analyser method. Blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, HIV-related variables and metabolic co-morbidities were assessed at enrolment.

RESULTS

Among 620 children and adolescents, 511 were HIV+. The median age was 12.0 years and 50% were female. In HIV+ children and adolescents, 425 (83.2%) had a CD4 count > 500 cells/mm3 and 391 (76.7%) had an undetectable viral load. The median duration of ART was 7.6 years (IQR 4.6-9.3) with 7 adolescents receiving Tenofovir. The prevalence of any proteinuria, microalbuminuria and hypertension was 6.6%, 8.5% and 13.9%, respectively, with no difference between HIV+ and negative children and adolescents. All participants had a normal glomerular filtration rate. There was no association between metabolic co-morbidities and microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteinuria and microalbuminuria appear to be uncommon in this population. Follow up of those with microalbuminuria may inform long-term outcomes and management of this growing population of HIV+ youth.

A cost comparison of rasburicase versus dialysis in the management of children with acute leukaemia and lymphoma at a South African centre

Background: Tumour lysis syndrome is a common complication of haematological malignancies and has historically been managed with hyperhydration, urine alkalinisation and allopurinol with renal dialysis reserved for patients in acute renal failure. Rasburicase has been shown to drastically reduce the need for dialysis; however, its use is limited in developing countries owing to its cost and availability.Aim: This retrospective analysis aimed to compare the cost to state per patient of rasburicase compared to dialysis in the management and prevention of tumour lysis syndrome in paediatric patients presenting with haematological malignancies admitted to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH).Setting: Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.Methods: Patients from two consecutive 35 month periods, before and after the availability of rasburicase at RCWMCH, were grouped according to treatment modality, and the cumulative costs of hospitalisation, dialysis and drug administration were compared.Results: The groups were comparable in mean age and gender. The mean total length of hospital stay was 10.04 days shorter for the rasburicase group than the dialysis group with the average cost per patient in the rasburicase group being R40 989.64 lower than the dialysis group.Conclusion: The use of rasburicase results in a significant per patient cost saving when compared to dialysis, which often requires intensive care admission, and results in extended hospitalisation. The study supports the continued use of rasburicase as an essential adjunct in the management and prevention of tumour lysis syndrome, reaffirming its use as a cost-effective and efficient drug.

Growing international evidence for urinary biomarker panels identifying lupus nephritis in children - verification within the South African Paediatric Lupus Cohort

BACKGROUND

A urinary biomarker panel including alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP), lipocalin-like-prostaglandin-D-synthase (LPGDS), transferrin and ceruloplasmin demonstrates an 'excellent' ability for identifying active lupus nephritis in UK/US children. This study aimed to assess whether this panel identifies active lupus nephritis within the South African Paediatric Lupus Cohort.

METHODS

Juvenile-onset-systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients aged < 19 years at diagnosis and healthy controls were recruited. Patients were categorized as having active lupus nephritis (renal BILAG score; A/B and previous histological confirmation) or inactive lupus nephritis (renal BILAG score: D/E). Urinary biomarkers were quantified by ELISA. Mann-Whitney U-test compared biomarker levels between groups. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating curve analysis assessed biomarker combinations.

RESULTS

Twenty-three juvenile-onset-systemic lupus erythematosus patients were recruited with a median age of 13.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 12.7-14.9) and disease duration of 2.6 years (IQR 1.8-4.0). Eighteen healthy controls had a median age of 11.0 years (IQR 10.0-12.0). AGP, LPGDS, transferrin, ceruloplasmin and VCAM-1 were significantly higher in active than in inactive lupus nephritis patients (corrected p-values, all p_c < 0.05), with no difference between inactive lupus nephritis patients and healthy controls (all p_c = 1.0). The optimal biomarker combination included AGP, ceruloplasmin, LPGDS and transferrin (area under the curve = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

A urinary biomarker panel comprising AGP, ceruloplasmin, LPGDS and transferrin previously validated within UK/US cohorts also performed excellently within a racially distinct South African cohort which displayed more severe lupus nephritis.

Urological complications following unstented pediatric renal transplantation

Urological complications which develop post-renal transplantation can be associated with significant morbidity especially in children. We evaluated the occurrence and management of all urological complications in a series of unstented pediatric renal transplants in a tertiary pediatric hospital. We reviewed the medical records of children who underwent unstented renal transplant between January 1996 and December 2014. Postoperative urological complications and the outcomes of their management were analyzed. A total of 160 unstented renal transplants were performed, and 32 urological complications were noted in 29 transplants (18%). There were 20 boys and nine girls with an age range of 2.5 years to 18.4 years. Nine (31%) of these patients had LUTD. The most common complication was VUR occurring in 17 patients (10.6%). Urine leaks occurred in six patients (3.8%) and ureteric obstruction in six patients (3.8%), and three patients (1.9%) had unexplained hydronephrosis. Loss of graft occurred in three patients (1.9%), and one patient died from sepsis post-uretero-ureterostomy. Patients with LUTD had more urological complications (P = .037). Unstenting is feasible in most pediatric renal transplants. LUTD is associated with a higher incidence of urological complications, especially VUR.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: perspectives on patient selection in low- to middle-income countries

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem that continues to show an unrelenting global increase in prevalence. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease has been predicted to grow the fastest in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). There is evidence that people living in LMICs have the highest need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) despite the lowest access to various modalities of treatment. As continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) does not require advanced technologies, much infrastructure, or need for dialysis staff support, it should be an ideal form of RRT in LMICs, particularly for those living in remote areas. However, CAPD is scarcely available in many LMICs, and even where available, there are several hurdles to be confronted regarding patient selection for this modality. High cost of CAPD due to unavailability of fluids, low patient education and motivation, low remuneration for nephrologists, lack of expertise/experience for catheter insertion and management of complications, presence of associated comorbid diseases, and various socio-demographic factors contribute significantly toward reduced patient selection for CAPD. Cost of CAPD fluids seems to be a major constraint given that many countries do not have the capacity to manufacture fluids but instead rely heavily on fluids imported from developed countries. There is need to invest in fluid manufacturing (either nationally or regionally) in LMICs to improve uptake of patients treated with CAPD. Workforce training and retraining will be necessary to ensure that there is coordination of CAPD programs and increase the use of protocols designed to improve CAPD outcomes such as insertion of catheters, treatment of peritonitis, and treatment of complications associated with CAPD. Training of nephrology workforce in CAPD will increase workforce experience and make CAPD a more acceptable RRT modality with improved outcomes.

Severe disease presentation and poor outcomes among pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients in South Africa

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a life-threatening multisystem autoimmune disease that is more severe in patients of African ancestry and children, yet pediatric SLE on the African continent has been understudied. This study describes a cohort of pediatric SLE (PULSE) patients in South Africa. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of SLE (1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria) diagnosed prior to age 19 years in Cape Town, South Africa, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from September 2013 to December 2014. Information on clinical and serological characteristics was extracted from medical records. Results were compared to a well-described North American pediatric SLE cohort. Results Seventy-two South African patients were enrolled in the study; mean age 11.5 years; 82% were girls. The racial distribution was 68% Coloured, 24% Black, 5% White and 3% Asian/Indian. Most patients presented with severe lupus nephritis documented by renal biopsy (61%). Of patients with lupus nephritis, 63% presented with International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society class III or IV. Patients in the PULSE cohort were more likely to be treated with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and azathioprine. The PULSE cohort had high disease activity at diagnosis (mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2K (SLEDAI-2K) 20.6). The SLEDAI-2K at enrolment in the PULSE cohort (5.0) did not differ from the North American pediatric SLE cohort (4.8). Sixty-three per cent of the PULSE cohort had end organ damage with Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SLICC-DI) score >0 (mean SLICC-DI 1.9), compared to 23% in a previously reported US cohort. Within the PULSE cohort, nine (13%) developed end-stage renal disease with six (8%) requiring transplant, strikingly higher than North American peers (transplant rate <1%). Conclusions The PULSE cohort had highly active multiorgan disease at diagnosis and significant disease damage at enrolment in the South African registry. South African patients have severe lupus nephritis and poor renal outcomes compared to North American peers. Our study revealed a severe disease phenotype in the PULSE cohort resulting in poor outcomes in this high-risk population.

Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) improves ultrafiltration in children with acute kidney injury on conventional PD using a 4.25 % dextrose solution

BACKGROUND

Criticism against the use of acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been its low clearance and low ultrafiltration (UF) volumes compared to extracorporeal techniques. The aim of our study was to determine whether continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) would improve UF in children with acute kidney injury (AKI) in cases where UF on conventional PD was inadequate using 4.25 % glucose concentrations.

METHODS

Five infants were prospectively studied. All had AKI with fluid overload. The median age of the patients was 6 (range 0.43-9) months; the median weight was 6.5 (range 2.7-8.4) kg. Each patient served as his or her own control, undergoing both CFPD and conventional PD. CFPD was performed with two bedside-placed catheters using a 2.5 % glucose concentration. After initial filling, a dialysate flow rate of 100 ml/min/1.73 m(2) was maintained with an adapted continuous venovenous haemofiltration machine. The UF flow rate was set at 2.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and adapted as necessary. UF and clearance rates were measured for both PD and CFPD.

RESULTS

The median UF rate achieved was 1.7 (range 0.01-5.30) mg/kg/h with conventional PD versus 6.7 (range 2.17-15.7) mg/kg/h with CFPD (p = 0.042). The clearances of urea and creatinine were 6.89 (range 4.50-7.55) and 7.46 (range 4.79-10.50) mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively, with conventional PD and 19 (17.0-30.0) and 41 (standard deviation17.4, range 12.0-52.0) mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively, with CFPD (both p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis improves UF in fluid overloaded infants who are not achieving adequate UF on conventional PD.

A case-based approach to UTI imaging – making sense of the guidelines

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common amongst children and invariably result in imaging tests to look for correctable causes that may predispose the child to infection. The objective of imaging is to identify those children at risk of long-term renal damage. The ideal imaging algorithm is extensively debated in the literature owing to the lack of evidence-based data, evolving theories on the pathophysiology of UTI and vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). The present article provides a case-based approach to the imaging of UTIs and proposes guidelines relevant to the South African setting.

Impact of revascularization on hypertension in children with Takayasu's arteritis-induced renal artery stenosis: a 21-year review

BACKGROUND

Surgery for reno-vascular hypertension (RVH) is complex, and the techniques utilized vary with anatomical presentations of the disease. The long-term outcome of revascularization on RVH in children with Takayasu's arteritis (TA)-induced renal artery stenosis (RAS) at our centre was reviewed.

METHODS

This study was a 21-year retrospective review of pre- and post-intervention RVH in children with angiographically confirmed RAS. The outcome of hypertension was defined as follows: (1) cured (normotensive off anti-hypertensives), (2) improved (normotensive on same or reduced number of medications), or (3) failure (no cure or improvement in number of medications).

RESULTS

The medical histories of 59 children (median age 9.98 years) were reviewed, of whom 20 (44 %) had revascularization procedures. All were hypertensive, with a mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 161.5 ± 36 and 106.5 ± 31 mmHg, respectively. RAS was present in 45 (76.3 %) children. Twenty-four revascularization procedures were performed in 20 children (44 %), of whom five had contralateral nephrectomies. Outcome was available for 17 patients at the 3- and 6-months follow-up, with cure, improvement and failure rates at 3 months of 2/17 (11.8 %), 7/17 (41.2 %) and 8/19 (47 %), respectively, and similar rates at 6 months. Associations between outcome and age (p = 0.51), sex (p = 0.32), number of pre-surgery anti-hypertensives (p = 0.18) and stenosis sites (p = 0.22) were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Revascularization was beneficial to the management of blood pressure control in about half of our RVH patients.

Microsporidiosis in pediatric renal transplant patients in Cape Town, South Africa: two case reports

Microsporidia are an emerging group of pathogens associated with life-threatening opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts, particularly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. There have, however, been recent reports of infection in adult solid organ transplant recipients. We report two cases in children, to our knowledge the first in the paediatric literature. Two 13-yr-old, HIV-seronegative females received deceased donor renal transplants from the same donor. Both patients suffered acute cell-mediated rejection and CMV infection reactivation, managed with intensified immunosuppression and ganciclovir. Pyrexia of unknown origin and intermittent diarrhea in both prompted extensive investigations. In both patients, numerous spores of a microsporidial species were demonstrated in renal tissue on biopsy and in the urine, using modified trichrome and quick-hot Gram-chromotrope staining. Electron microscopy and PCR confirmed Encephalitozoon cuniculi infections. Both patients were successfully treated with 400 mg twice daily of albendazole, with sustained clinical improvement. We recommend that microsporidiosis be considered in the differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin in severely immunocompromised pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, particularly when associated with diarrhea.

Pelvi-Ureteric Junction Obstruction at Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town: a Six Year Review

INTRODUCTION

Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are significant causes of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. Some of these abnormalities, when identified early, are amenable to treatment. In developing countries, very few published reports exist concerning the pattern and scope of CAKUT in childhood.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of all patients with confirmed Pelvi-Ureteric Junction (PUJ) obstruction who were diagnosed antenatally with hydronephrosis between Jan 2002 and Dec 2007 at the Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town. The clinical course of every patient was reviewed for a twelve-month period after confirmation of the diagnosis.

RESULTS

One hundred patients, 80 males and 20 females, were included in the analysis. Thirty-two children (32%) had bilateral PUJ obstruction while the rest had unilateral involvement of the left (40%) or right (28%) kidney; overall, 132 kidneys were affected. mild, moderate and severe pelvic dilatation was present in 44.7%, 36.4% and 18.9% of affected kidneys respectively. One child required nephrostomy during the first day of life while eighteen children were treated by pyeloplasty. Urinary tract infection was confirmed in eleven children. At 12 months of follow-up, 83 affected kidneys (62.9%) demonstrated spontaneous resolution of PUJ obstruction while 14 (18.5%) kidneys improved after surgical intervention. Spontaneous resolution occurred more often in kidneys with mild to moderate pelvic dilatation.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous resolution of the PUJ obstruction occurred in a substantial proportion of children by twelve months of follow-up and complete resolution is more likely in mild to moderate dilatation.

Urinary tract infection following kidney transplantation: frequency, risk factors and graft function

The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of children who develop urinary tract infection (UTI) after kidney transplantation (KTx) and to identify the factors associated with UTI and its impact on graft function. To this end, we undertook a chart review of children who underwent KTx at Red Cross Children's Hospital between January 2003 and December 2009 and were followed-up for at least 6 months after transplantation. Sixty-two children (53.2% males) were followed-up for a mean (standard deviation) period of 36.9 (19.7) months. Mean age at transplantation was 10.0 (4.6) years. Twenty-five (40.3%) children had 89 UTI episodes during the study period, equivalent to 0.94 UTI episodes per one patient-year of follow-up. Acute pyelonephritis occurred in 17 (27.4%) children; another 17 (27.4%) had multiple post-KTx UTI. Klebsiella (40.0%) and Escherichia (28.0%) were the commonest organisms. Those with post-KTx UTI were, at transplantation, younger (8.3 vs. 11.2 years; p = 0.017), had lower urinary tract abnormality (LUTA) (13 vs. 1; p = 0.000) and had pre-KTx UTI (13 vs. 5; p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that only age <5 years at transplantation and LUTA remained significant and that UTI KTx was not associated with worsening graft function. UTI is common after post-KTx. Among our patient cohort, younger age and LUTA were risk factors, but UTI did not affect graft function.

Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis: first experience in children with acute renal failure

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Acute renal failure can be treated with different dialysis modalities, depending on patient characteristics and hospital resources. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be first choice in situations like hypotension, disturbed coagulation, or difficult venous access. The main disadvantage of PD is the relatively limited efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) is a more effective treatment than conventional PD in acute renal failure.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

A pilot study was performed at The Red Cross University Hospital in Cape Town in six patients. Patients were treated with both CFPD and conventional PD for 8 to 16 hours. CFPD was performed with two bedside-placed catheters. After initial filling, dialysate flow rate (100 ml/1.73 m2 per minute) was maintained with an adapted continuous venovenous hemofiltration machine. Ultrafiltration flow rate was set at 2.5 ml/1.73 m2 per minute.

RESULTS

Mean ultrafiltration was 0.20 ml/1.73 m2 per minute with conventional PD versus 1.8 ml/1.73 m2 per minute with CFPD. Mean clearances of urea and creatinine were 5.0 and 7.6 ml/1.73 m2 per minute with conventional PD versus 15.0 and 28.8 ml/1.73 m2 per minute with CFPD, respectively. No complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

In this first report of CFPD in six pediatric patients with acute renal failure, CFPD was on average three to five times more effective for urea and creatinine clearance and ultrafiltration than conventional PD, without any complications observed. CFPD has the ability to improve therapy for acute renal failure.

No significant differences in peritoneal fluid handling in children using PH-neutral or acidic solutions

OBJECTIVES

Differences in peritoneal fluid handling in the acute setting can be expected if children are converted to pH-neutral dialysis solutions because conventional acidic solutions exert toxic effects on peritoneal mesothelial cells and microcirculation. Peritoneal fluid kinetics was therefore investigated with both types of solutions in a group of children.

DESIGN

Peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) were performed in 12 patients [mean age 70 months, mean time on peritoneal dialysis (PD) 18 months] using a pH-neutral PD fluid (Physioneal 3.86%; Baxter Ltd, Castlebar, Ireland) and dextran 70 as a volume marker. The results of these PETs were compared to those of a historic group of 12 children (mean age 75 months, mean time on PD 17 months).

SETTING

Pediatric dialysis unit in a tertiary institute.

PATIENTS

Stable pediatric PD patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Transcapillary ultrafiltration (TCUF) and marker clearance, dialysate-to-plasma (D/P) ratios for urea and creatinine, and D(t)/D(0) ratio for glucose.

RESULTS

TCUF and lymphatic absorption were not different between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in small solute clearance measured by D/P ratio for urea and creatinine and D(t)/D(0) ratio for glucose.

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal fluid kinetics is not significantly altered if pH-neutral dialysis solutions are applied compared to acidic solutions. An altered TCUF, as is hypothetically possible using an acidic solution, was not established.

Untoward cardiac changes during CO2 insufflation in laparoscopic cholecystectomies in low-risk patients

In the past decade, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard treatment for gallbladder disease. A debate has arisen about using CO2 to distend the abdomen because of negative effects on venous return to the heart and declining cardiac output. Some authors have supported the use of pulmonary artery catheters for intraoperative monitoring while others have recommended gasless techniques to avoid these negative effects for high-risk patients. In this study, four cases of bradycardia and/or asystole during CO2 pneumoinsufflation at the beginning of planned, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies are described. These patients were ASA category II, without history of cardiac disease. To determine the frequency and any underlying common denominators, we analyzed these laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Each patient experienced bradycardia shortly after the start of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. None had known cardiac disease or symptoms. Two were on antihypertensive medications, and one had experienced an episode of unexplained bradycardia 6 years earlier. These cases occurred during 725 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (0.6% approximately). Using the senior author's conversion rate of 10% to open cholecystectomies, the entire group would be approximately 800, and the risk of bradycardia upon induction of CO2 is 4 per 800, or 0.5%. Although cardiovascular changes were noted during laparoscopic gynecologic surgery approximately 20 years ago, only in the last few years have cardiovascular changes been reported during laparoscopic cholecystectomies. This study reviews four cases of bradycardia during CO2 insufflation in patients that were considered to be low-risk. Surgeons should be prepared to encounter such cardiovascular changes even with low-risk patients.