A systematic review of gut microbiota composition in observational studies of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

The emerging understanding of gut microbiota as 'metabolic machinery' influencing many aspects of physiology has gained substantial attention in the field of psychiatry. This is largely due to the many overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms associated with both the potential functionality of the gut microbiota and the biological mechanisms thought to be underpinning mental disorders. In this systematic review, we synthesised the current literature investigating differences in gut microbiota composition in people with the major psychiatric disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ), compared to 'healthy' controls. We also explored gut microbiota composition across disorders in an attempt to elucidate potential commonalities in the microbial signatures associated with these mental disorders. Following the PRISMA guidelines, databases were searched from inception through to December 2021. We identified 44 studies (including a total of 2510 psychiatric cases and 2407 controls) that met inclusion criteria, of which 24 investigated gut microbiota composition in MDD, seven investigated gut microbiota composition in BD, and 15 investigated gut microbiota composition in SZ. Our syntheses provide no strong evidence for a difference in the number or distribution (α-diversity) of bacteria in those with a mental disorder compared to controls. However, studies were relatively consistent in reporting differences in overall community composition (β-diversity) in people with and without mental disorders. Our syntheses also identified specific bacterial taxa commonly associated with mental disorders, including lower levels of bacterial genera that produce short-chain fatty acids (e.g. butyrate), higher levels of lactic acid-producing bacteria, and higher levels of bacteria associated with glutamate and GABA metabolism. We also observed substantial heterogeneity across studies with regards to methodologies and reporting. Further prospective and experimental research using new tools and robust guidelines hold promise for improving our understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in mental and brain health and the development of interventions based on modification of gut microbiota.

Transanal mesorectal excision: early outcomes in Australia and New Zealand

BACKGROUND

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) aims to overcome some of the technical challenges faced when operating on mid and low rectal cancers. Specimen quality has been confirmed previously, but recent concerns have been raised about oncological safety. This multicentre prospective study aimed to evaluate the safety of taTME among early adopters in Australia and New Zealand.

METHODS

Data from all consecutive patients who had taTME for rectal cancer from July 2014 to February 2020 at six tertiary referral centres in Australasia were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 308 patients of median age of 64 years underwent taTME. Some 75.6 per cent of patients were men, and the median BMI was 26.8 kg/m2. The median distance of tumour from anal verge was 7 cm. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was administered to 57.8 per cent of patients. The anastomotic leak rate was 8.1 per cent and there was no mortality within 30 days of surgery. Pathological examination found a complete mesorectum in 295 patients (95.8 per cent), a near-complete mesorectum in seven patients (2.3 per cent), and an incomplete mesorectum in six patients (1.9 per cent). The circumferential resection margin and distal resection margin was involved in nine patients (2.9 per cent), and two patients (0.6 per cent) respectively. Over a median follow-up of 22 months, the local recurrence rate was 1.9 per cent and median time to local recurrence was 30.5 months.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that, with appropriate training and supervision, skilled minimally invasive rectal cancer surgeons can perform taTME with similar pathological and oncological results to open and laparoscopic surgery.

Eating marshmallows reduces ileostomy output: a randomized crossover trial

AIM

Anecdotally, many ostomates believe that eating marshmallows can reduce ileostomy effluent. There is a plausible mechanism for this, as the gelatine contained in marshmallows may thicken small bowel fluid, but there is currently no evidence that this is effective.

METHOD

This was a randomized crossover trial. Adult patients with well-established ileostomies were included. Ileostomy output was measured for 1 week during which three marshmallows were consumed three times daily, and for one control week where marshmallows were not eaten. There was a 2-day washout period. Patients were randomly allocated to whether the control or intervention week occurred first. In addition, a questionnaire was administered regarding patient's subjective experience of their ileostomy function.

RESULTS

Thirty-one participants were recruited; 28 completed the study. There was a median reduction in ileostomy output volume of 75 ml per day during the study period (P = 0.0054, 95% confidence interval 23.4-678.3) compared with the control week. Twenty of 28 subjects (71%) experienced a reduction in their ileostomy output, two had no change and six reported an increase. During the study period, participants reported fewer ileostomy bag changes (median five per day vs six in the control period, P = 0.0255). Twenty of 28 (71%) reported that the ileostomy effluent was thicker during the study week (P = 0.023). Overall 19 (68%) participants stated they would use marshmallows in the future if they wanted to reduce or thicken their ileostomy output.

CONCLUSION

Eating marshmallows leads to a small but statistically significant reduction in ileostomy output.

Renal transplantation in 4 patients with methylmalonic aciduria: a cell therapy for metabolic disease

INTRODUCTION

Patients with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) may develop many complications despite medical treatment, in particular, severe central nervous system damage and chronic kidney disease (CKD). A kidney transplant may partially correct the metabolic dysfunctions. Liver, kidney and combined liver-kidney transplantations have been advocated but no guidelines are available to identify the most suitable organ to transplant.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four patients with MMA (mut° phenotype) received a kidney graft because of repeated metabolic decompensations, with progression to CKD in 3 patients (end-stage kidney disease in two patients and CKD stage III in one patient with an estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] of 40ml/min/1.73m(2)) but normal renal function in one (eGFR of 93ml/min/1.73m(2)) before transplantation.

RESULTS

The medium age at transplantation was 7.9y (5-10.2) and the median follow-up was 2.8years (1.8-4.6). Renal transplantation improved the relevant metabolic parameters in 4/4 patients and renal function in the patients with CKD. Plasma and urinary MMA levels immediately decreased and remained normal or subnormal (mean values of plasma MMA before transplantation 1530μmol/L versus 240μmol/L after transplantation, and mean values of urine MMA before transplantation 4700mmol/mol creatinine versus 2300mmol/mol creatinine after transplantation). No further acute metabolic decompensation was observed and protein-intake was increased from 0.60 to 0.83g/Kg/day. One patient transplanted at age 9.7years developed a hepatoblastoma at age 11years with subsequent neurological complications and eventually died. The three other patients are alive. Two of them remained neurologically stable. The 3rd patient who displayed choreoathetosis transiently improved his neurological condition immediately after transplantation and then remained stable.

CONCLUSION

Kidney transplantation represents an interesting alternative therapeutic option in methylmalonic aciduria, for renal complications but also as a "cellular therapy" that may significantly reduce metabolic decompensations and hospitalizations. However, further neurological impairment remains possible.

HIV vaccine efficacy trial participation: men who have sex with men's experiences of risk reduction counselling and perceptions of risk behaviour change

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 35 men who have sex with men, enrolled in the world's first phase III HIV vaccine efficacy trial at five US sites, regarding their risk reduction counselling experiences and their perceptions of its impact on risk behaviour. Respondents ranged in age from 20 to 58 years and were predominately white (71.4%) in racial/ethnic origin. Systematic qualitative analysis revealed that a positive counselling experience meant having good rapport with clinic staff. Differences in attitudes toward counselling were related to either a personal approach of balancing an enjoyable sex life with safe sex behaviours (balancing risks) or accepting the consequences of risky sexual behaviour rather than making changes (risk homeostasis). Respondents seeking to balance risks indicated that they saw themselves engaging in safer sexual behaviour almost twice as often as in riskier behaviours. They perceived counselling and behavioural risk assessments to help increase their awareness of personal risk-taking behaviours. Conversely, those with a risk homeostasis approach reported that they had established sexual boundaries prior to trial participation that had thus far proven to be effective in avoiding HIV infection, and that they were comfortable with the level of risk taken. Thus, risk reduction counselling had little to no influence on their sexual practices. Some of these men also indicated that while they had not found the risk reduction information imparted to them by clinic staff to be novel, counselling was beneficial in reinforcing their HIV/AIDS and safe sex knowledge base.

Mortality in pediatric renal transplantation: a study of the French pediatric kidney database

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

To assess patient survival in pediatric renal transplantation, we retrospectively reviewed 573 transplants in 553 patients, registered from 1995 to 2005.

RESULTS

Mean age at transplantation was 9.9 years. Patient survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was respectively 99%, 97% and 96%. Death occurred at a median time of 2.6 years after transplantation. Long-term patient survival was significantly lower in recipients younger than 5 years old. Seventeen patients (3.1%) died. Two deaths occurred while under maintenance dialysis. Among the remaining patients, the two main causes of death were infections (33%) and malignancies (27%). Interestingly, initial disease-related complications were a major cause of death (34%).

CONCLUSION

A low mortality rate was observed, with the majority of deaths due to malignancies and infections, and with a notable participation of complications related to the initial disease. No impact of cardiovascular disease was noted with the given follow-up period. Improvements in managing immunosuppression may contribute to reducing mortality in pediatric renal transplantation.

Training in the private sector: what works and how do we increase opportunities?

In Australia 61% of elective surgery takes place in private hospitals where current opportunities for surgical education and training (SET) are limited. The situation will shortly be compounded because of the large increase in local medical graduates, many of whom will aspire to be surgeons. How and where to train these extra surgeons to meet the expanding needs of the community must be addressed. Two models of private sector training are reviewed both of which involved combined training in both private and public sectors. Two second-year (SET 2) positions were created from one public hospital SET position by using the private sector for 3.5 days per week for 3 months of a 6-month rotation. The second model was applicable to post-fellowship training with a fairly even split between public and private sector responsibilities. In the first year, four registrars shared the two 6-month rotations for the SET 2 position. Trainees did the required minimum procedures (range 109-139) with primary operating targets of 20-25% (range 21-32%). The post-fellowship position in colorectal surgery was greatly enhanced by the private sector involvement with regard to operating experience as well as meeting part of the remuneration of the trainee. Successful models for training within the private sector in Australia can be found. To expand training in the private sector there will need to be a cultural shift in the perceptions of surgeons, patients, administrators, and trainees. Funding for posts may be available to those private hospitals that can meet the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons' accreditation standards for posts and hospitals.

Liver hepatoblastoma and multiple OXPHOS deficiency in the follow-up of a patient with methylmalonic aciduria

A boy who was diagnosed with methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) at the age of 10 days developed persistent hepatomegaly and raised transaminases from the age of 4 years. He was subsequently diagnosed with Leigh syndrome and required a kidney transplantation for end-stage renal failure. A massive hepatoblastoma led to his death by the age of 11 years. Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase activity was undetectable on both cultured skin fibroblasts and kidney biopsy and multiple respiratory chain deficiency was demonstrated in the kidney. Mitochondrial dysfunction and/or post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy should be considered as a possible cause of liver cancer in this patient.

Long term results of liver-kidney transplantation in children with primary hyperoxaluria

From 1990 to 2000, we performed eight liver-kidney transplants in eight children, aged 1-16 years, with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) due to primary hyperoxaluria (PH1). The duration of dialysis before transplantation ranged from 2 to 42 months (mean 14 months) and was <1 year in four patients. Only the first patient underwent postoperative hemodialysis; in the other five, we chose to induce maximal diuresis from the first hours with intravenous and intragastric hyperhydration (> or =3 l/m2 per day). High water intake with nocturnal tube hydration was maintained for 6 months to 5 years, as long as oxaluria exceeded 0.5 mmol/day. A quadruple sequential immunosuppressive regimen was used. Two patients died during liver graft surgery. The other six patients are alive and well, with a mean follow-up of 7.4 years (range 5-11 years). Patient and graft survival is 75% at 5 years. At latest follow-up, liver tests were normal in all six patients; creatinine clearance ranged from 55 to 95 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (mean=74). Oxaluria was lower than 0.4 mmol/day in all patients (mean=0.22). The six patients underwent 15 renal biopsies, 1-11 years after transplantation. Chronic transplant nephropathy was present in four patients and mild cyclosporin nephrotoxicity in another. No oxalate crystals were seen and repeat ultrasonography has been consistently normal in all patients. The three patients with bone oxalosis showed progressive complete healing of bone lesions. All six children or adolescents now live a normal life. From this series, we conclude that early combined liver-kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with ESRF due to primary hyperoxaluria.

Effects of growth hormone on growth factors after renal transplantation

Growth retardation occurs frequently in renal transplanted children (RTx) and can be improved by growth hormone (GH) treatment. This study retrospectively examines the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) profile of ten growth-retarded children previously given renal allografts, after 1 year of GH treatment period. Ten prepubertal patients (nine boys and one girl) were investigated. They had a mean chronological age (CA) of 11.4 +/- 1.1 years and a mean bone age (BA) of 7.3 +/- 0.9 years. Mean height was -3.9 +/- 0.4 SD units below the mean for CA. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 16.9 +/- 0.6 and the mean inulin clearance was 36.5 +/- 4.9 ml/min/1.73 m2. Recombinant hGH was given at 4 IU/m2/day. Plasma GH, total and free IGF-1, IGFBP-2 and -3 were measured by specific radioimmunoassay (RIA). IGFBPs were characterized by SDS PAGE techniques and ligand and immunoblot analyses. Mean velocity was markedly increased (P < 0.01) after 1 year of GH therapy, expressed as SD score for BA. The range of growth response was wide. The total and free plasma IGF-1 increased (P < 0.01) by about 100% (mean values after GH therapy: 95.9 +/- 2.1 nM and 165 +/- 29 pM, respectively). Plasma IGFBP-3 concentrations increased by about 40% (mean value: 148 +/- 18 pM, P < 0.01), with a concomitant increase in both intact IGFBP-3 and its 30-kDa proteolytic fragment. There was no change in plasma IGFBP-2 concentration. Both mean values of inulin clearance and BMI were unchanged during the treatment. In view of the IGF-1/IGFBP concentration changes, there should have been an even better growth response to GH therapy in these patients. This strongly suggests IGF-1 insensitivity, probably as a result of corticosteroid therapy.

Role of the bladder in delayed failure of kidney transplants in boys with posterior urethral valves

PURPOSE

There is a tendency toward less favorable long-term graft function in patients with posterior urethral valves than in controls. We studied the role of the bladder in boys who underwent transplantation by simultaneously evaluating renal graft and voiding function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1972 and 1994, 66 boys with posterior urethral valves underwent kidney transplantation. Of these boys 44 with a mean age of 9.7 years who retained a functional renal graft did not undergo any surgery on the lower urinary tract except for the initial treatment of posterior urethral valves. Long-term evaluation included a voiding questionnaire, radiological assessment and serum creatinine measurement.

RESULTS

Average followup was 9.01 years (range 2.4 to 19.6). There was no voiding dysfunction symptomatology in 23 boys, while 3 (14.2%) and 8 (38.1%) of the remaining 21 had daytime and nighttime frequency, respectively. Dysuria and incontinence were present in 11 (52.4%) and 12 (57.1%) patients, respectively. Urodynamics in 11 cases revealed a mean bladder compliance plus or minus standard deviation of 11.3+/-2.8 ml./cm. water. In boys with a voiding disorder mean serum creatinine increased after 5 years of followup. At 10 years after kidney transplantation mean serum creatinine was 140.3+/-36.0 and 285.7+/-36.2 micromol./l. in asymptomatic boys and those with a voiding disorder, respectively (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Valve bladder has a role in the deterioration of renal transplants in boys with posterior urethral valves. In those with a voiding disorder closer followup is needed, including urodynamic and radiological studies. Bladder dysfunction, such as hypocompliance and/or hyperreflexia, requires medical or surgical treatment.

[Passage from sandimmun to neoral in kidney transplantation in children]

BACKGROUND

The cyclosporine microemulsion formulation Neoral, which allows a better absorption and a more regular pharmacokinetic profile, is proposed for replacing the original formulation, Sandimmun. The present study reports the results of conversion from Sandimmun to Neoral in children with a kidney graft, a population for which information remains limited.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

Twenty children, 2.5 to 10.5 years of age, who had a kidney graft with a stable renal function for between six months to five years (m = 2.6) were the subjects of this study. The patients were switched from Sandimmun to Neoral at the same dose, adjusted afterwards on a cyclosporine trough level.

RESULTS

After six months, the mean dose decreased from 9.1 mg/kg/d to 8.4 mg/kg/d, i.e., 12.5%. After one year, the mean dose was 7 mg mg/kg/d, i.e., 28%. Of the 65% of patients who had a decreased dose, most of them had the highest dose of Sandimmun at the start. Mean serum creatininemia levels slightly increased from 85.6 to 89.5 mumol/L after six months (P = 0.03). None of the patients had a rejection crisis during the first six months under Neoral. Blood pressure did not change significantly, hirsutism improved in two cases but increased or appeared in two cases as well. Gingival hypertrophy increased or appeared in four cases.

DISCUSSION

A decrease in the dose was decided on either to maintain the trough CsA blood level in the desired range or because of the appearance of a symptom suggesting a side effect of cyclosporine, especially the increase of creatinemia. The trough level did not appear to be the best index for adapting the dose.

CONCLUSION

In stable pediatric kidney transplant recipients, the switch from Sandimmun to Neoral provided a reduction in drug dosage in 65% of cases without an increase in adverse events.

Diabetes mellitus in patients with infantile cystinosis after renal transplantation

Diabetes mellitus is a frequent long-term complication of infantile nephropathic cystinosis. We studied 44 cystinotic patients, aged 22.1+/-5.4 years, transplanted at a mean age of 11.3+/-2.5 years; 25% were treated with insulin at 20 years of age or 10 years after transplantation, and over half required insulin at latest follow-up. In comparison, diabetes mellitus occurred in only 1% of non-cystinotic transplanted patients. Sequential oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in these patients showed the progressive deterioration of glucose metabolism. All but 2 patients had an abnormal response at latest follow-up. The high doses of corticosteroid given after transplantation or during rejection episodes were responsible for transient insulin dependency. However, the development of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus depended mainly on the cystinotic process, which developed slowly with time. The deterioration of glucose tolerance was correlated with a decreased early phase of insulin secretion, estimated from the plasma insulin level at 30 min of the OGTT, while there was no evidence of insulin resistance. The occurrence of diabetes mellitus correlated with a worsening of the vital prognosis.

Effects of growth hormone in short children after renal transplantation. French Society of Pediatric Nephrology

From 1991 to 1993, 90 children having received a kidney graft with a post-transplantation period of at least 12 months were included in a prospective study carried out in 18 French pediatric centers. After informed consent and randomization, children received recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (Genotonorm, Pharmacia peptide hormones) 30 U/m2 per week, either immediately on enrollment, for the treated group, or after 1 year of follow-up for the group serving as a control. After 1 year both groups were treated and we analyzed data during the subsequent years. Eighty-five children completed the 1-year study. Growth velocity was significantly increased by rhGH: 7.7 cm with a gain of +0.3 standard deviation score in the treated group versus 4.6 cm in the control group (P<0.0001) during the 1st year. Four factors predicted response to therapy: growth velocity prior to GH therapy, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at the start, mode of corticosteroid administration, and degree of insulin resistance. After 1 year we observed a moderate, significant decrease in GFR in both groups. Biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes were not significantly more frequent during the 1st year in the group of patients who received rhGH: 9 in 44 versus 4 in 46 patients. The patients who rejected did not differ in terms of age, renal function at the start, and type of immunosuppression, but history of rejection before GH treatment was discriminatory: 6 of 17 children with two or more episodes had a new rejection versus 1 of 22 who had no or only one episode (P=0.01). Glucose tolerance was not modified after 1 year of GH therapy. During the subsequent years of treatment a decrease in growth velocity was noted: 5.9 cm at 2 years, 5.5 at 3 years, and 5.2 cm at 4 years. In conclusion, GH is efficient for improving growth velocity in short transplanted children, inducing clear-cut but limited catch-up growth. The risk of rejection was shown only in patients with a prior history of more than one rejection episode.

A controlled study of deflazacort in the treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

Forty patients with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), a mean follow-up of 5.5 years, and a mean number of relapses of ten were blindly assigned to either deflazacort (DFZ) (n = 20) or prednisone (PDN) (n = 20) according to a ratio of equivalence of DFZ/ PDN = 0.8. This treatment was given for 1 year. The number of relapses was significantly lower in patients receiving DFZ. After 1 year, 12 remained in remission with DFZ compared with 2 with PDN. Growth velocity was not different in the two groups. Bone mineral content, assessed by quantitative computed tomography of L1 L2 vertebrae, decreased after 1 year by 6% in the DFZ group versus 12% in the PDN group (NS). The mean body weight increase of +3.9 +/- 4.1 kg in the PDN group was higher than that of the DFZ group, +1.7 +/- 2.8 kg (P = 0.06). Cushingoid symptoms tended to be less after 12 months in the DFZ group. In conclusion, this study shows that DFZ was more effective than PDN in limiting relapses in steroid-dependent INS, and that cushingoid symptoms, weight gain, and decrease in bone mineral content tended to be less marked with this drug than with PDN.

Varicella and zoster in children after kidney transplantation: long-term results of vaccination

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term prevalence of varicella infection and herpes zoster after kidney transplantation and to assess the effectiveness of varicella immunization with the Oka attenuated strain.

METHODS

This study involved 704 children and adolescents who received a kidney graft in our institution from 1973 to 1994 and had routinely been given varicella vaccine beginning in 1980 in preparation for transplantation.

RESULTS

After vaccination 62% of these patients still had varicella/zoster (VZ) antibodies at 1 year and 42% after 10 years. After transplantation the incidence of varicella was significantly lower, 26/212 (12%), in patients who received immunization than in those who did not and had no history of varicella, 22/49 (45%). The disease was also significantly less severe in the vaccinated patients (three deaths among naive patients vs none among vacciness). In the vaccinees, varicella infection was observed only in those who did not develop or lost VZ antibodies; in addition, 21 patients of this subgroup had an asymptomatic seroconversion. Four of the 415 patients with a history of varicella had another episode of benign varicella after grafting. Herpes zoster was observed in 76 of the 704 patients included in the study. The prevalence differed according to VZ status at the time of grafting: 13% in patients with a history of varicella, 7% in the vacciness, and 38% in the naive patients at grafting who developed varicella. Three rejection episodes occurred in association with a varicella episode and four with a zoster episode, but graft function was only transiently impaired, and as a whole varicella or zoster did not significantly affect graft function or survival.

CONCLUSION

Naive VZ patients with a kidney graft are at risk to develop severe varicella and this may be effectively prevented by available immunization.

Clinical polymorphism of cystinosis encephalopathy. Results of treatment with cysteamine

Of the 26 cystinotic patients over 19 years of age followed in our institution, 7 developed CNS complications at a mean age of 23 years. Two forms were observed. The first, associating cerebellar and pyramidal signs, mental deterioration and finally pseudo-bulbar palsy, may be called cystinosis encephalopathy. The other form resembled a stroke-like episode with coma and hemiplegia or milder symptoms. Hydrocephalus was rare and not associated with clinical symptoms in this series. Cysteamine was administered for longer than 6 months to 4 of the patients with encephalopathy. Two had an almost complete disappearance of their symptoms including the gross abnormalities of MR imaging in one; one improved partially and remained stable, and one continued to deteriorate but was suspected of non-compliance. These results suggest that cysteamine may be an effective treatment of cystinosis encephalopathy and encourage prescription of this drug in cystinosis in order to prevent this complication.

Deletion of mitochondrial DNA in patient with chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis

We report a mitochondrial DNA deletion (2.6 kb) in a boy with tubulointerstitial nephritis in whom chronic renal failure and leukodystrophy subsequently developed. Elevated lactate values in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were suggestive of a defect in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. High amounts of deleted mitochondrial DNA were present in muscle and cerebral white matter. On the basis of this observation, we suggest giving consideration to genetic defects of oxidative phosphorylation in any attempt to determine the origin of unexplained chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis, especially when seemingly unrelated organs are involved.

[Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in children with chronic kidney failure or renal transplantation]

BACKGROUND

Administration of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to children with chronic renal failure (CRF), on conservative treatment or kidney transplanted, may induce acceleration of growth. We report our experience of the first 3 years of treatment in such children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight children with CRF on conservative treatment and six kidney transplanted children were included in a European multicentric trial. All children were given rhGH, 30 Ul/m2 body surface area/week, as daily subcutaneous injections, for 12-36 months.

RESULTS

The mean growth velocity in children with CRF increased from 3.8 +/- 0.4 cm/yr before treatment to 9.0 +/- 0.4 (P < 0.001), 6.5 +/- 0.3 (P < 0.002) and 5.4 +/- 0.5 cm/yr, after 12, 24 and 36 months of treatment, respectively. The height gain after 2 years of treatment was 1.2 SD (P < 0.001) with bone age advancement not greater than the increase in chronological age. There was a significant decrease in the inulin clearance after 1 year of treatment. In transplanted children, the mean height gain was less important, increasing from 3.2 +/- 0.4 cm/yr before treatment to 6.2 +/- 0.6 cm/yr after 12 months of treatment (P < 0.001). There was no significant decrease in the mean inulin clearance, but two patients experienced rejection crisis.

CONCLUSIONS

A short-term rhGH treatment may improve growth velocity of CRF or transplanted children. The possible role of GH on decrease in glomerular filtration in CRF and on incidence of acute kidney rejection after transplantation remains to be evaluated in a large cohort of patients.

[Urinary lithiasis after kidney transplantation. Experience at a pediatric center]

BACKGROUND

Urologic complications are still a frequent and significant problem in renal transplant recipients. The search for risk factors is therefore mandatory.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

652 renal transplantations were performed in children and adolescents between January 1973 and December 1988. 33 patients (5%) developed urolithiasis; their files were retrospectively analysed at the same time as the files of 28 patients transplanted during the same period and having similar ages, reasons for transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy.

RESULTS

The stones contained calcium in 27 patients and uric acid in 6. The first symptoms were hematuria (27 times) with or without dysuria (9 cases), urine retention (2 cases) and anuria (2 cases). Repeated urine infections frequently led to the use of imaging techniques that permitted diagnosis. Urolithiasis was responsible for urinary obstruction in 13 cases; 9 of these required surgery. The course was always good without any modification of renal functions. The main risk factors were local: ureteral reimplantation on intestinal bladder, use of nonresorbable stitches and repeated urinary infections. Metabolic factors were less frequent and included hypercalciuria (18 cases) and hyperparathyroidism (2 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Some of the risk factors such as urinary infections, changes in the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium or insufficient diuresis, can be prevented. Repeated imaging techniques during the follow-up are mandatory.

Growth rate in children receiving alternate-day corticosteroid treatment after kidney transplantation

A controlled study of growth in children receiving alternate-day versus daily corticosteroid regimens was performed with 60 children and adolescents with kidney grafts. The study started 14 to 27 months after transplantation in patients with normal graft function, after a graft biopsy. Thirty-five patients were available for the growth study; 17 were randomly allocated to receive alternate-day therapy and 18 remained on a daily regimen. The cumulative dose was similar in the two groups, as were bone age and renal function. After 1 year of follow-up, the mean statural growth, expressed as change in SD score, was significantly better in those on the alternate-day regimen (+0.49 +/- 0.42 SD/yr) than in those on the daily regimen (-0.12 +/- 0.53 SD/yr; p less than 0.005). The difference was also significant when prepubertal and pubertal children were analyzed separately. During the second year of the study most children who were receiving daily treatment were given alternate-day therapy; their mean growth velocity increased to +0.29 +/- 0.35 SD/yr (p less than 0.05 vs the first year); children who had been on the alternate-day regimen since the outset of the study continued to have similar positive SD scores (0.52 +/- 0.37 SD/yr). Renal function remained stable throughout the study regardless of corticosteroid regimen, except in the case of one patient undergoing daily therapy who had a rejection crisis. We conclude that in children with a kidney graft a given cumulative dose of corticosteroid has a significantly lesser inhibitory effect on growth velocity when given on alternate days.

[Clinical evaluation of 70 pediatric renal transplants after 10 to 17 years]

Among 149 kidneys transplanted in 141 children and teenagers aged 4 1/2 to 20 years, from November 1972 through December 1979, 70 (47%) were still functioning after ten years (67/145 cadaver donor grafts and 3/4 living related donor grafts). Medical and social status at the last follow-up visit (10 to 16 1/2 years after transplantation; m = 12 years) was analyzed. Patients were divided into five groups on the basis of glomerular filtration rate (GFR; ml/min/1.73 m2) and blood pressure (BP): 1) GFR greater than 80 ml and normal BP: 23 patients (33%); 2) GFR in the 60-80 ml range and/or high BP: 24 patients (34%/3) GFR in the 40-60 range: 6 patients; 4) GFR in the 15-40 range: 7 patients; and 5) hemodialysis restarted 10 1/2 to 13 years after transplantation. Mean adult stature was 155.7 +/- 10.4 cm in males and 149.8 +/- 10 cm in females. Osteoporosis was found in 88% of patients who underwent bone density quantitation. Twenty-four per cent of patients had aseptic osteonecrosis with variable degrees of impairment as a result. Chronic HBsAg carrier status was found in 37% of patients and was accompanied with persistent cytolysis in half the cases. Only one malignancy was seen (carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a child under cyclophosphamide). Six deaths were recorded between 10 and 13 years after transplantation; causes included septicemia (2 cases), cancer (1 case), hepatitis B (1 case), cerebral cystinosis (1 case), and unexplained sudden death (1 case).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Alternate day corticosteroid therapy and growth in renal transplant children]

Corticosteroid therapy is probably the main factor inducing stunted growth in pediatric renal transplant recipients. Results of a randomized study in 35 children who received their kidney between 1981 and 1984 are reported. All patients had normal renal function and were taking azathioprine and prednisone to ensure immunosuppression. Eighteen months after transplantation, patients with normal renal biopsy results were randomized to receive further daily corticosteroid therapy (group A) for an additional year or to alternate-day corticosteroid therapy (group B). Chronologic age, bone age, renal function, and previous growth retardation were strictly comparable, in the two groups. During the first year, only prepubertal children in group B exhibited catch-up growth. In children undergoing puberty, annual statural gain was greater in group B (5.6 cm versus 3.2 cm in group A: p less than 0.001). Group A children were switched to alternate-day corticosteroid therapy one year after initiation of the study and exhibited improved growth after this change. No patient had renal function deterioration under alternate-day corticosteroid therapy, throughout the study period. Alternate-day prednisone should be offered to pediatric renal transplant recipients with satisfactory renal function as a mean for protecting growth potential.

Growth after renal transplantation: correlation with immunosuppressive therapy

The growth data for children transplanted between 1973 and 1987 were analysed according to their immunosuppressive regimen. All patients treated before 1985 received conventional treatment (prednisone, azathioprine); 37% of the prepubertal children with a follow-up of longer than 2 years showed catch-up growth, and 30% of the pubertal children exhibited a normal adolescent growth spurt. Reduced renal function and corticosteroid treatment are the two main causes of growth delay. The children transplanted between January 1985 and September 1987 were given either triple therapy [cyclosporine (CsA), prednisone, azathioprine] or conventional treatment after randomisation. Growth data were significantly better with CsA. The mean height gain for prepubertal children was +0.24 SD/year on triple therapy and +0.14 SD/year on conventional therapy during the 1st year after transplantation; and 0.4 SD/year and 0 SD/year during the 2nd year (P less than 0.05). The mean height gain for pubertal children was 5.6 cm/year on triple therapy and 3.6 cm/year on conventional therapy (P less than 0.005). The patients on triple therapy also received a significantly lower cumulative dose of prednisone. Some selected patients on triple therapy were taken off prednisone 12 months after transplantation. All patients showed catch-up growth (+0.83 SD/year in prepubertal children, 7.2 cm/year in pubertal children). In conclusion, protocols including CsA and the lowest cumulative dose of steroid (with alternate-day or even steroid withdrawal) allow the best restoration of growth.

Hypertension following renal transplantation in children

The files of 334 consecutive cadaver kidney (CK) and of 27 living related (LR) transplantations (T) in children and adolescents performed from 1973 to 1984 have been reviewed. Following cadaver transplantation, 52 patients (15%) never had hypertension (HT), 41 patients (12%) had only initial HT up to 6 months after transplantation and 18 other patients (5%) exhibited transient HT episodes while on high-dose steroid therapy. Finally, 209 patients (62%) had HT for periods longer than 6 months and 16 patients (5%) until death or graft failure within the first 3 months. Chronic graft rejection was the major cause of HT, but other factors either isolated or in association were also present. Renal artery stenosis (RAS) was diagnosed in 43 cases (13%) 2-17 months post-transplantation; 10 of these were operated upon (5 successfully) and 9 underwent transluminal angioplasty with a single success. Nine cases of RAS resolved spontaneously. HT was attributed to the host kidney in 10 cases (3%) and to recurrence of primary renal disease in 9 (3%). HT observed after CKT was sometimes severe and difficult to control. Acute complications from HT were recorded in 35 cases, with 6 deaths and 2 severe neurological sequelae. Among 25 LRT, 11 cases (40%) had no HT 13 (48%) had HT for longer than 6 months. In this group, no case of RAS was observed and only one complication (without sequelae) was noted. In conclusion, HT is a frequent and sometimes severe complication post-transplantation in children and adolescents.

[Results of 310 cadaver kidney transplants in children and adolescents]

This study reports the results of 310 cadaver kidney transplantations in 295 children and adolescents performed from 1973 to 1983. The actuarial survival of patients was 97% at one year and 92% at 5 years; that of grafts was 79% at 1 year and 65% at 5 years, these rates having improved during the last years. Results were similar and even better for the 18 second transplantations. Among the causes of failure, rejection comes first (65%), then thromboses of renal artery (13%) and relapses of oxalosis or steroid resistant nephrosis (12%). Patients with cytotoxic antibodies have a less good survival of grafts, especially after 5 years. HLA A and B compatibility is a factor of success. Among complications hypertension is frequent, 53% of patients receiving antihypertensive treatment after 1 year. It is sometimes severe and was responsible for death in 5 cases. Growth was variable after transplantation: 25% of children before puberty had a catch-up curve, 25% had an unchanged growth and 50% an increased retardation. The average standard deviation was near zero but it was -0.49 SD/year in patients with creatinine level greater than or equal to 150 mumol and +0.24 SD in children under alternate day steroid therapy. Rehabilitation was excellent, less than 3% of patients not being engaged in any activity 1 year after transplantation.

[Captopril treatment of arterial hypertension in children after renal transplantation]

52 children with renal allograft received captopril during 56 periods of treatment. High blood pressure (BP) was due to renal artery stenosis in 22 patients, to diffuse vascular lesions (mainly due to chronic rejection) in 13, to high-dose corticosteroid treatment in the early phase in 11, and to various or unknown causes in 10 patients. In the last 3 groups (including 34 cases) captopril use did not induce any marked drawback. In the absence of overload, a good control of BP was obtained with a mean dosage of 2.2 mg/kg (0.7----5 mg/kg). A mild, transient renal failure (RF) was observed in 6 patients, who were given diuretics without any need. The 22 patients with renal artery stenosis received captopril during 26 periods of treatment. The mean dosage was 1.6 mg/kg (0.3-4.4). The result was excellent in 12 cases (normal BP without any RF), less good in 8 cases (moderate RF +/- borderline BP) and poor (acute RF) in 6. Sodium depletion, due to diuretics in 9, was present in all 14 cases with RF and in 10 of them captopril could be continued or reintroduced without any reappearance of RF after the correction of salt depletion. We conclude that sodium depletion is the main cause of renal failure in transplanted patients receiving captopril and that avoidance of diuretics largely diminishes the risk of RF.

[Occurrence of severe striae in adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 21-hydroxylation deficiency treated with dexamethasone]

Dexamethasone has been proposed as therapy of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in adolescents with menstrual abnormalities. Seven patients previously treated with hydrocortisone (mean dosage of 26 mg/m2/day) or prednisone (6 mg/m2/day), received dexamethasone doses between 0.3 and 0.73 mg/m2/day during at least 4 months. Regular menses and satisfactory adrenal suppression were obtained in most cases, but the occurrence of severe striae, sometimes with excessive weight gain, led to the cessation of this treatment. Analysis of data indicate that glucocorticoid activity of dexamethasone is 50-90 times more potent than that of hydrocortisone. Its use, after cessation of growth, should be carefully monitored, starting with much lower doses when necessary.