Acute kidney injury in children hospitalised for febrile urinary tract infection

AIM

To determine (i) prevalence and the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in children hospitalised for febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) and (ii) role of AKI as indicator of an underlying VUR. AKI, in fact, is favoured by a reduced nephron mass, often associated to VUR.

METHODS

This retrospective Italian multicentre study enrolled children aged 18 years or younger (median age = 0.5 years) discharged with a primary diagnosis of fUTI. AKI was defined using Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcomes serum creatinine criteria.

RESULTS

Of 849 children hospitalised for fUTI (44.2% females, median age 0.5 years; IQR = 1.8), 124 (14.6%) developed AKI. AKI prevalence rose to 30% in the presence of underlying congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). The strongest AKI predictors were presence of CAKUT (OR = 7.5; 95%CI: 3.8-15.2; p = 9.4e-09) and neutrophils levels (OR = 1.13; 95%CI: 1.08-1.2; p = 6.8e-07). At multiple logistic regression analysis, AKI during fUTI episode was a significant indicator of VUR (OR = 3.4; 95%CI: 1.7-6.9; p = 0.001) despite correction for the diagnostic covariates usually used to assess the risk of VUR after the first fUTI episode. Moreover, AKI showed the best positive likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and specificity for VUR.

CONCLUSION

AKI occurs in 14.6% of children hospitalised for fUTI and is a significant indicator of VUR.

Uromodulin and Vesico-Ureteral Reflux: A Genetic Study

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is associated with urinary tract infections (UTI) and renal scars. The kidney damage is correlated with the grade of reflux and the number of UTI, but other factors may also play a role. Uromodulin (UMOD) is a protein produced by kidney tubular cells, forming a matrix in the lumen. We evaluated whether the common variant rs4293393 in the UMOD gene was associated with febrile UTI (FUTI) and/or scars in a group of children with VUR. A total of 31 patients with primary VUR were enrolled. Renal scars were detected in 16 children; no scar was detected in 15 children. Genotype rs4293393 TC (TC) was present in 8 patients, 7 (88%) had scars; genotype rs4293393 TT (TT) was found in 23 patients, and 9 (39%) had scars. Among children with scars, those with TC compared with those with TT were younger (mean age 77 vs. 101 months), their reflux grade was comparable (3.7 vs. 3.9), and the number of FUTI was lower (2.9 vs. 3.7 per patient). Children with VUR carrying UMOD genotype rs4293393 TC seem more prone to developing renal scars, independent of FUTI.

A novel NF1 mutation in a pediatric patient with renal artery aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurocutaneous syndrome, due to heterozygous pathogenic variants in NF1 gene. The main clinical manifestations are multiple café au lait spots, axillary and inguinal freckling, cutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas, optic glioma, Lisch nodules and osseous lesions, such as sphenoid and tibial dysplasia. Vasculopathy is another feature of NF1; it consists of stenosis, aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations, frequently involving renal arteries.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report on a 9-year-old girl with a novel mutation in NF1 gene and renal artery aneurysm, treated by coil embolization and complicated with hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Vasculopathy is a complication of NF1, affecting from 0.4 to 6.4% of patients with NF1. Among the vascular abnormalities, renal artery aneurysm is a rare manifestation, with only a few cases regarding adult patients and no pediatric reports described in current literature. The finding of a vascular abnormality in a specific site requires the evaluation of the entire vascular system because multiple vessels could be involved at the same time.

Interpolation of electrophysiology parameters using OpenEP: technology development and clinical application

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation

Background

Interpolation of data is common during clinical electrophysiology procedures. Applications include local activation mapping, voltage mapping and novel techniques including Sparkle and Coherence mapping. Nevertheless, underlying interpolation algorithms are proprietary and therefore challenging to reproduce. Importantly, direct comparison of electroanatomic datasets between system vendors is therefore not possible.

Purpose

We sought to (1) develop an open-source architecture for interpolation within the Open Electrophysiology Framework for Research (OpenEP; https://openep.io); (2) to provide three interpolation methods within this architecture and (3) to evaluate their performance against clinical data.

Method

The software architecture is shown in Figure 1A. The currently available methods are Radial Basis [1], Scattered Interpolant [2] and Local Smoothing [3]. Default parameters for each method are shown in Figure 1B.

The performance of each method was assessed using clinical left atrial mapping data, using the default options for each scheme. Following interpolation, a sample of 1000 activation/voltage points per mesh was used for analysis. For each interpolation method, correlation with clinical data was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient, whilst agreement was assessed using Bland Altman limits of agreement.

Results

For activation mapping, radial basis interpolation resulted in a smoother field than local smoothing, whilst scattered interpolation required more filtering of extreme values. Correlations between interpolated and original activation times were excellent for all interpolation schemes (radial basis R=0.91, p<0.0001; local smoothing R=0.95, p<0.0001; scattered interpolant R=0.92, p<0.0001). Local smoothing resulted in the narrowest 95 percent limits of agreement (-19 to +20ms), compared to radial basis (-24 to +28ms) and scattered interpolation (-22 to +25ms).

For voltage mapping, the interpolation schemes resulted in similar appearances of low voltage areas, however correlations with clinical data were weaker than for activation mapping (radial basis R=0.84, p<0.0001; local smoothing R=0.82, p<0.0001; scattered interpolant R=0.79, p<0.0001). The 95 percent limits of agreement were wide as a proportion of the mean data values, ranging from 83% (-0.8 to +0.66mV) for local smoothing to 97% (-0.78 to +0.63mV) for radial basis interpolation.

Conclusion

An extensible architecture is provided for data interpolation in OpenEP together with three interpolation methods. The methods performed wellfor local activation time interpolation but variation compared to clinical data was greater for voltage mapping. This new architecture will permit the optimisation of interpolation methods against "gold standard" simulation or histological data and facilitate comparison of datasets between system vendors.

Management of the congenital solitary kidney: consensus recommendations of the Italian Society of Pediatric Nephrology

In recent years, several studies have been published on the prognosis of children with congenital solitary kidney (CSK), with controversial results, and a worldwide consensus on management and follow-up is lacking. In this consensus statement, the Italian Society of Pediatric Nephrology summarizes the current knowledge on CSK and presents recommendations for its management, including diagnostic approach, nutritional and lifestyle habits, and follow-up. We recommend that any antenatal suspicion/diagnosis of CSK be confirmed by neonatal ultrasound (US), avoiding the routine use of further imaging if no other anomalies of kidney/urinary tract are detected. A CSK without additional abnormalities is expected to undergo compensatory enlargement, which should be assessed by US. We recommend that urinalysis, but not blood tests or genetic analysis, be routinely performed at diagnosis in infants and children showing compensatory enlargement of the CSK. Extrarenal malformations should be searched for, particularly genital tract malformations in females. An excessive protein and salt intake should be avoided, while sport participation should not be restricted. We recommend a lifelong follow-up, which should be tailored on risk stratification, as follows: low risk: CSK with compensatory enlargement, medium risk: CSK without compensatory enlargement and/or additional CAKUT, and high risk: decreased GFR and/or proteinuria, and/or hypertension. We recommend that in children at low-risk periodic US, urinalysis and BP measurement be performed; in those at medium risk, we recommend that serum creatinine also be measured; in high-risk children, the schedule has to be tailored according to kidney function and clinical data.

Childhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: Does the Initial Steroid Treatment Modify the Outcome? A Multicentre, Prospective Cohort Study

Background: A great majority of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome will relapse after successful treatment of the initial episode. The possibility that different steroid dosing regimens at onset, adjusted for risk factors, can reduce the rate of relapse represents an interesting option to investigate. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the initial steroid regimen, adjusted for time to remission (TTR), on the frequency of relapses and steroid dependence, and to verify the influence of prognostic factors on disease course. Methods: A multicentre, prospective, cohort study. Children with nephrotic syndrome, with TTR ≤ 10 days (Group A), were given a 20-week prednisone regimen (2,828 mg/m2) and those with a TTR >10 days, a 22-week regimen (3,668 mg/m2) (Group B). Previously published retrospective data from the same centers were also evaluated. Main outcomes were: relapse rate, number of frequent relapsers + steroid dependent children and total prednisone dose after induction. Results: 143 children were enrolled. Rate of relapsed subjects (77 vs. 79%) and frequent relapsers + steroid dependent subjects (40 vs. 53%) did not differ between Groups A and B, or between the retrospective and prospective cohorts. The cumulative prednisone dose taken after the induction treatment was similar in both groups and in the retrospective and prospective cohorts. TTR was not associated with relapse risk. Age at onset and total serum protein were significantly lower in relapsing patients. At ROC analysis, the best cut-off was 5.3 years for age at onset and 4.2 g/dL for total serum protein. According to these cut-offs, older children with higher total serum protein had a higher relapse free survival rate (58%) than younger children with lower total serum protein (17%). Conclusions: TTR was not found to be a prognostic factor of relapse; because of this, different steroid regimens, adjusted for TTR, did not modify the relapse rate in any relevant measure. Conversely, younger age and low total serum protein were independent predictors of relapse risk, however this outcome was not modified by higher prednisone regimens. Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov/, identifier: NCT01386957 (www.nefrokid.it).

Creation and application of virtual patient cohorts of heart models

Patient-specific cardiac models are now being used to guide therapies. The increased use of patient-specific cardiac simulations in clinical care will give rise to the development of virtual cohorts of cardiac models. These cohorts will allow cardiac simulations to capture and quantify inter-patient variability. However, the development of virtual cohorts of cardiac models will require the transformation of cardiac modelling from small numbers of bespoke models to robust and rapid workflows that can create large numbers of models. In this review, we describe the state of the art in virtual cohorts of cardiac models, the process of creating virtual cohorts of cardiac models, and how to generate the individual cohort member models, followed by a discussion of the potential and future applications of virtual cohorts of cardiac models. This article is part of the theme issue 'Uncertainty quantification in cardiac and cardiovascular modelling and simulation'.

Correlation between hypertrophy and risk of hypertension in congenital solitary functioning kidney

PURPOSE

Solitary functioning kidney (SFK) may be associated to hypertrophy, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. We evaluated blood pressure (BP) of children with congenital SFK comparing agenesis to multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) and correlated BP profiles with renal dimensions of affected and contralateral kidney.

METHODS

We compared 40 patients with MCDK, grouped for either treatment options (A: conservative vs B: nephrectomy) or involution time (A1: before 4 years-of-age vs A2: persistence-of-MCDK), to 10 unilateral agenesis (C). Patients were evaluated with ultrasound, scintigraphy, office-ambulatory BP monitoring.

RESULTS

Compensatory hypertrophy was demonstrated in most of the subjects, without differences between subgroups, with an increase over time (p < 0.001). A1-C showed an overall percentage of hypertrophy significantly higher than A2-B (83%-88% vs 70%-73%, respectively; p = 0.03); moreover, cumulative risk to develop hypertension in A1-C is significantly higher compared to A2-B in office and ambulatory BP monitoring (p = 0.03). Insufficient dipping in systolic and/or diastolic BP was found in 82% children, without differences between subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a small/absent dysplastic kidney have an increased risk to develop hypertrophy and hypertension compared to patients with a large residual, regardless of nephrectomy. ABPM revealed absent dipping in most patients with SFK, warning further investigations in apparently not symptomatic patients.

Novelty in hypertension in children and adolescents: focus on hypertension during the first year of life, use and interpretation of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, role of physical activity in prevention and treatment, simple carbohydrates and uric acid as risk factors

The present article intends to provide an update of the article "Focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in children and adolescents" published in 2013 (Spagnolo et al., Ital J Pediatr 39:20, 2013) in this journal. This revision is justified by the fact that during the last years there have been several new scientific contributions to the problem of hypertension in pediatric age and during adolescence. Nevertheless, for what regards some aspects of the previous article, the newly acquired information did not require substantial changes to what was already published, both from a cultural and from a clinical point of view. We felt, however, the necessity to rewrite and/or to extend other parts in the light of the most recent scientific publications. More specifically, we updated and extended the chapters on the diagnosis and management of hypertension in newborns and unweaned babies, on the use and interpretation of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and on the usefulness of and indications for physical activity. Furthermore, we added an entirely new section on the role that simple carbohydrates (fructose in particular) and uric acid may play in the pathogenesis of hypertension in pediatric age.

Anterior ischemic optical neuropathy in children on chronic peritoneal dialysis: report of 7 cases

BACKGROUND

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is characterized by infarction of the optic nerve head due to hypoperfusion of the posterior ciliary arteries and causes sudden blindness in adults on chronic dialysis, but has rarely been described in children. Unlike adults, children do not have comorbidities related to aging.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of 7 children on nocturnal continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) who developed AION identified within the Italian Registry of Pediatric Chronic Dialysis. We also summarized data from 10 cases reported in the literature.

RESULTS

Our 7 patients suffered from acute onset bilateral blindness. Their mean age was 3.2 years and chronic hypotension had been observed prior the AION in 3 of the 7 children. Low systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with higher risk of developing AION according to statistical analysis. None recovered completely. In total, 11 out of 16 experienced a partial recovery and no clear evidence emerged favoring specific treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypotensive children treated with CCPD are at increased risk of developing AION, which often results in irreversible blindness.

[Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: experience of a pediatric center]

In the last two years we admitted in our Hospital 38 children with acute renal failure (ARF). Six of them were affected by hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) atypical. The aHUS is diagnosed in the presence of thrombotic microangiopathy (MAT), renal insufficiency (GFR 5%). The clinical presentation of our children has been varied and so also its evolution. Patients observed were all male, aged 2 to 12 years, and no one had a family history of kidney disease. In four patients we documented alterations of complement factors (MCP deficiency and factor H and presence of anti factor H). Repeated blood transfusions were required in 4 patients and in 3 patients the platelet count was slightly reduced. In 5 patients we did plasmapheresis and in 3 patients dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis). In three patients in whom the diagnosis was not clear, renal biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Eculizumab was administered in 3 patients resistant to plasma exchange. We obtain a rapid response on MAT with normalization of platelet count. The effect on renal function was variable (complete remission in a patient, partial improvement in another, and unresponsiveness in the last). The last had on Kidney biopsy signs of severe impairment and we documented the presence of antibodies to eculizumab. HUS is a rare condition, but probably much more common than reported. In children with ARF and microangiopathic anemia is necessary evaluated complement factors as early to obtain an improved clinical response to treatment with eculizumab.

[Nephrocalcinosis in children]

Nephrocalcinosis (NC) is a renal disease characterized by deposition of calcium salts into the renal medulla. There are several causes, organic, iatrogenic, hereditary and sometimes related to extrarenal diseases. We studied 34 children affected by NC, 21 M and 13 F (average age at diagnosis 7.8 months), with the aim of analyzing the associated diseases, clinical manifestations, metabolic abnormalities, growth and renal function at onset and after follow-up. At onset 70% of patients were asymptomatic and diagnosis was occasional. Renal function was normal in 33 patients. The most frequent clinical symptoms were failure to thrive (9%), abdominal pain (6%), proteinuria/hematuria (7%). The associated diseases were: tubulopathies (8 pcs - tubular acidosis, Dent, Bartter and Lowe Syndromes), medullary sponge kidney, policalicosis (3 pcs ), Short bowel Syndrome (3 pcs), hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism (2 pcs), thalassemia (1pc), tyrosinemia (1 pc.). We recognized two forms of hypervitaminosis D. In a pc NC would be correlated with prematurity, another one with lipid necrosis. Among the metabolic abnormalities, observed in 25% of pcs, hyperoxaluria is the most frequent (47%), hypercalciuria (20%), hypercalcemia (15%). In some cases we found endocrine non pathogenic alterations: hypovitaminosis D (2 pcs) and hypoparathyroidism (6 pcs). During follow-up the growth was normal in 87% of cases and glomerular function was stable in 90% of pcs; IRC developed in 3 cases. From our analysis, it appears that the treatment of the underlying condition of NC is associated with catch-up growth and stabilization of renal function in most patients, but not with the reduction of the degree of the NC.

[Cardiovascular Disease In Children With Ckd]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most important risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac and vascular geometry in children with CKD stages 2, 3 and 4.Twenty-seven patients (18 males and 9 females) mean age 10.9 +/- 5.4 years with CKD and 30 children (control group) were enrolled with comparable age and sex. Weight, height, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were evaluated. We also analyzed biochemical assessments and proteinuria. We performed echocardiography with Philips iE33 and pulse wave velocity (PWV) with Vicorder PWS system. We documented significantly higher level of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (30.3 +/- 7.6 g/m2.7) and PWV (4.7 +/- 1.6 m/sec) in CKD patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was present in 12 % and concentric remodelling in 36% of our patients. PWV values were significantly correlated with interventricular septal thickness (p<0.01) and with LVMI (p<0.05). In this study we documented the alterations of cardiac and vascular geometry since the early stages of CKD. PWV and echocardiographic measurements must be considered to assess cardiovascular risk in children with CKD stages 2-4.

Adiponectin, resistin and leptin in paediatric chronic renal failure: correlation with auxological and endocrine profiles

INTRODUCTION

Chronic renal failure (CRF) compromises nutrition, growth, puberty, glycometabolic homeostasis, and adipokine secretion (i.e. adiponectin, resistin, and leptin). Adipokines play a role in the clinical outcome, but data in paediatric patients is scant.

AIM

To evaluate the link between kidney function, adiponectin, resistin, leptin, hormonal status, nutritional state and late outcome of CRF children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels in 31 CRF patients (19 males, 12 females, aged 12.1 ± 4.47 years) managed conservatively, and 30 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Clinical, auxological, biochemical, hormonal data, glucose and insulin levels were correlated with adipokine levels.

RESULTS

Six percent of patients had glycaemia T0' > 126 mg/dl, 23 % glycaemia T60' > 126, and 23 % glycaemia T120' ≥ 140. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measured during follow-up was in the normal range in all patients (4-5.6 %). Insulinaemia was significantly higher in CRF patients than controls. Homeostatic model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were more elevated in patients (32 % had HOMA-IR > 2.5) than controls. Leptin levels were significantly higher in CRF patients than controls and differed significantly between males and females. Leptin correlated significantly with creatinine, body mass index (BMI), BA, pubertal stage, insulin-like growth factor 1, and HOMA-IR in females. Adiponectin levels were significantly higher in patients than controls, higher in patients with BMI < 85th centile and significantly inversely correlated to BMI, BA, haemoglobin, ferritin, proteins, albumin, and creatininuria. Resistin levels showed a direct correlation with C-reactive protein and an inverse correlation with haemoglobin.

CONCLUSION

Normal resistin levels are an expression of both adequate nutritional state and controlled inflammatory state. Adiponectin could protect against chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Preventing obesity and ensuring a correct nutritional state are primary goals for physicians following children with CRF. Adipokines could be a useful marker in the follow-up.

Core elements of physiotherapy in cerebral palsy children: proposal for a trial checklist

BACKGROUND

Currently international literature describes physiotherapy in cerebral palsy (CP) children only in generic terms (traditional / standard / background / routine).

AIM

The aim of this study is to create a checklist capable of describing the different modalities employed in physiotherapeutic treatment by means of a non-bias, common, universal, standardised language.

DESIGN

A preliminary checklist was outlined by a group of physiotherapists specialised in child rehabilitation.

SETTING

For its experimentation, several physiotherapists from various paediatric units from all over Italy with different methodological approaches and backgrounds, were involved.

METHODS

Using the interpretative model, proposed by Ferrari et al., and through collective analysis and discussion of clinical videos, the core elements were progressively selected and codified. A reliability study was then carried out by eight expert physiotherapists using an inter-rate agreement model.

RESULTS

The checklist analyses therapeutic proposals of CP rehabilitation through the description of settings, exercises and facilitations and consists of items and variables which codify all possible physiotherapeutic interventions. It is accompanied by written explanations, demonstrative videos, caregiver interviews and descriptions of applied environmental adaptations. All checklist items obtained a high level of agreement (according to Cohen's kappa coefficient), revealing that the checklist is clearly and easily interpretable.

CONCLUSION

The checklist should facilitate interaction and communication between specialists and families, and lead to comparable research studies and scientific advances.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The main value is to be able to correlate therapeutic results with core elements of adopted physiotherapy.

Hydrogen breath test--diet and basal H2 excretion: a technical note

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen breath tests are widely used in clinical practice. For a correct evaluation of data, low basal H2 excretion is required, thus, 12-hour fasting is usually prescribed. An additional reduction in the intake of complex carbohydrates in the preceding 24 h is suggested in some centers. The issue, however, has never been directly investigated.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of the pretest diet on the basal H2 excretion and the number of subjects excluded from the test due to high basal H2 excretion.

METHODS

Two cohorts of 500 consecutive patients undergoing a lactose tolerance test in the years 1997-1998 (when 12-hour fasting was required) and in 2007-2008 (when a low-carbohydrate diet in the preceding 24 h was also prescribed) were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean basal H2 excretion was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in the low-carbohydrate diet group (2.46 +/- 6.8 vs. 4.73 +/- 3.3 ppm). In 1997-1998, 46/500 patients (9.2%) were excluded from the test due to basal H2 values as compared to 7/500 (1.4%) in the period 2007-2008.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study to provide objective data on the advantage offered by reducing the intake of complex carbohydrates before H2 breath tests.

Identification and phenotypic characterization of a subpopulation of T84 human colon cancer cells, after selection on activated endothelial cells

The extravasation of metastatic cells is regulated by molecular events involving the initial adhesion of tumor cells to the endothelium and subsequently the migration of the cells in the host connective tissue. The differences in metastatic ability could be attributed to properties intrinsic of the various primary tumor types. Thus, the clonal selection of neoplastic cells during cancer progression results in cells better equipped for survival and formation of colonies in secondary sites. A cell line (T84SF) exhibiting an altered phenotypic appearance was selected from a colon cancer cell line (T84) by repetitive plating on TNFalpha-activated human endothelial cells and subsequent selection for adherent cells. Cell growth, motility, chemoinvasive abilities, tyrosine phosphorylation signaling, and the metastasis formation in nude mice of the two cell lines was compared. T84SF cells displayed in vitro an higher proliferation rate and a more invasive behavior compared to the parental cells while formed in vivo a greater number of metastatic colonies in nude mice. As concerns the signaling underlying the phenotypes of the selected cells, we examined the general tyrosine phosphorylation levels in both cell lines. Our results indicate that T84SF have an increased basal tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins among which src kinase was identified. Treatment of cells with a specific inhibitor of src activity caused a greater in vitro inhibition of proliferation and invasive properties of T84 parental cells with respect to T84SF cells and diminished metastasis formation in vivo. Altogether, these data provide evidences that this new cell line may be valuable for identifying molecular mechanisms involved in the metastatic progression of colon cancer.

Prevalence of biliary lithiasis in a Sicilian population of chronic renal failure patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of biliary lithiasis (BL) and associated risk factors in a population of undialysed patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), and to compare these with findings we had obtained previously in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients and in subjects from the general population located in the same geographic region.

METHODS

A total of 118 CRF patients on conservative treatment were included in the study. In all subjects, we measured several clinical and humoral parameters potentially correlated with BL. Liver and biliary tract ultrasonography was performed with a 3.5 MHz linear probe after at least 12 h of fasting.

RESULTS

The prevalence of BL in CRF patients was 22%, which was higher than in the general population (chi(2) = 9.4, P < 0.002) but lower than in HD patients (chi(2) = 25.9, P < 0.0001). Age was similar in the three groups. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the CRF group than in both HD patients (P < 0.0001) and the general population (P < 0.0001). When the CRF group was divided into subjects with or without BL, the only difference was lower serum calcium levels in the subgroup with BL (P < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of BL in a Sicilian population of CRF patients was higher than in the general population, but lower than in patients with CRF on chronic HD. Apart from BMI, none of the risk factors traditionally associated with BL in the general population were related to BL in the CRF patients. These data suggest that other factors inherent to kidney pathology contribute to the high prevalence of BL in CRF patients.

Autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation mobilized with high-dose cytarabine in acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to increase disease-free survival (DFS) in AML in CR1 using a high-dose cytarabine consolidation plus G-CSF as in vivo purging and mobilization of CD34+ cells before ablative therapy and peripheral blood autograft.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-six consecutive AML patients (pts) (including 11 children < 15 years), with a median age of 32 years, were analyzed. After achievement of CR with cytarabine-mitoxantrone (7 + 3) in adults and a BFM-like protocol in children, pts were intensified with cytarabine 2 g/m2 x six doses plus mitoxantrone for adults, or, 3 g/m2 x six doses plus etoposide for children, followed by G-CSF 5 micrograms/kg SC daily. The ablative regimens used were busulfan and cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) in standard-risk pts plus etoposide (2400 mg/m2) for high-risk pts.

RESULTS

For the 54 pts who underwent autologous transplant, the median time to reach > 1.0 x 10(9)/l neutrophils was 13 days (8-48), and to reach platelets > 25 x 10(9)/l 32 days (8-364), and the median numbers of red blood cell and platelet units transfused were 3 and 5, respectively. Six pts had treatment-related deaths (11%). The disease-free survival and overall survival at 30 months (mos) for the 56 eligible pts were 61% and 62%, respectively. Only two relapses were observed after 21 mos, while there were 12 relapses within 12 mos.

CONCLUSIONS

The above treatment results in a similar DFS rate as does rescue with bone marrow cells, with faster neutrophil and platelet recovery.

Randomized trial of CVPP for three versus six cycles in favorable-prognosis and CVPP versus AOPE plus radiotherapy in intermediate-prognosis untreated Hodgkin's disease

PURPOSE

To evaluate in a randomized trial the impact of three versus six cycles of cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisone (CVPP) chemotherapy in favorable-prognosis and CVPP versus doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and etoposide (AOPE) plus involved-field radiotherapy (RT) in intermediate-prognosis previously untreated Hodgkin's disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 256 patients evaluated, 80 with a favorable prognosis according to a prognostic index designed by the Grupo Argentina de Tratamiento de Leucemia Aguda (GATLA) were randomized to three versus six cycles of CVPP without RT and 176 with intermediate risk to CVPP versus AOPE, both for six cycles with RT between the third and fourth cycles of 30 Gy to the involved areas at diagnosis. CVPP consisted of intravenous (I.V.) cyclophosphamide and vinblastine on days 1 and 8, and oral procarbazine and prednisone on days 1 to 14, every 28 days. AOPE consisted of I.V. doxorubicin and vincristine on day 1, oral prednisone on days 1 to 5, and I.V. etoposide on days 1 and 3, every 28 days.

RESULTS

Complete remission was obtained in 39 of 41 (95%) patients treated with three cycles of CVPP and 36 of 39 (92%) treated with six cycles in the favorable-risk group (difference not significant [NS]). In the intermediate-risk group, 89 of 92 (97%) treated with CVPP plus RT versus 75 of 84 (89%) treated with AOPE plus RT achieved a complete remission (P = .05). At 60 months, the event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival rates in the favorable-risk group were 80% and 91% for CVPP x 3 and 84% and 97% for CVPP x 6, respectively (P = NS). In the intermediate-risk group, 60-month EFS rate for CVPP plus RT was 85%, compared with 66% for AOPE plus RT (P = .009). The overall survival rate was 95% versus 87% respectively (P = .157).

CONCLUSION

Three cycles of CVPP without RT are equally effective as six cycles in the favorable-risk group. However, in the intermediate-group, CVPP plus RT is superior to AOPE plus RT, with significantly fewer events before and after induction (P = .009), without a difference in overall survival.

Multivariate analyses of prognostic factors associated with hematopoietic recovery in autograft patients with different sources of progenitor cells. A GATMO experience. Argintine Group of Bone Marrow Transplant

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in a multivariate analysis the prognostic factors associated with hematopoietic recovery and the supportive care requirements after autotransplant of progenitor cells (PC) from various sources: bone marrow (BMPC), BMPC & peripheral blood (PBPC), and PBPC alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 570 patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors underwent high-dose therapy followed by autotransplant. PBPC were obtained after mobilization with chemotherapy and/or cytokines. One-hundred five patients received BMPC, 217 received BMPC & PBPC and 248 PBPC alone; all of the patients received G-CSF or GM-CSF after infusion.

RESULTS

In a multivariate analysis the recovery of neutrophils was adversely associated with low numbers of nucleated cells infused (P < 0.13), bone marrow progenitor cell source, and diagnosis of multiple myeloma and acute leukemia (P < 0.001). The factors that adversely affected platelet recovery were low number of nucleated cells and diagnosis of multiple myeloma and acute leukemia (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that BMPC adversely affect neutrophil recovery while low numbers of nucleated cells and diagnosis of multiple myeloma and acute leukemia adversely affect both neutrophil and platelet recovery.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in elderly patients

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical and biologic characteristics, response to therapy and outcome of adult patients with ALL above and below the age of 55.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data.

SETTING

University affiliated Cancer Center and Veteran's Hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-three newly diagnosed, consecutive, adults with ALL seen over a nine-year period.

RESULTS

while no differences were demonstrated in the distribution of recognized prognostic indicators (such as cytogenetic abnormalities or immunophenotype), individuals over the age of 55 had significantly lower remission rates and shorter survivals.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of elderly patients with ALL is very poor. This is primarily related to an increase in the number of early deaths during induction, as well as a higher prevalence of disease refractory to standard chemotherapy programmes. There is a need for new treatment protocols designed for the elderly ALL patient, as well as a better understanding of the unique biological characteristics of the disease in this age group.

[Comparative study of 1st generation versus 2d generation (CAVPE) combinations in intermediate and high-grade lymphomas]

PURPOSE

To compare four first generation chemotherapy regimes (FGR) used by GATLA in low and intermediate grade lymphomas. Versus a second generation regimen called CAVPE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A group of 205 patients treated with FGR (79 with BACOP, 89 with COPP, 19 with CHOP, and 18 with CNOP), and 244 others treated with the combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and etoposide (CAVPE) were included. Two randomized phase III multicentric studies, COPP vs BACOPP and CHOP vs CNOP, as a whole group, were compared with the second generation scheme, CAVPE. All the patients with FGR received 6 monthly treatment courses, and the CAVPE patients were given 8 monthly courses.

RESULTS

The median age was 55 years (18-85) for the FGR group and 51 years (15-79) for the CAVPE group. The stage distribution for both FGR and CAVPE groups was, respectively, as follows: II: 38 and 55 cases; III 80 and 84 cases; IV: 87 and 105 cases. No significant differences were found between both groups when comparing other characteristics of the patients, namely, sex, symptoms, mediastinal, abdominal or extranodal involvement, liver, spleen or bone-marrow infiltration, and bulky tumoural mass. The percentage of complete remission (CR) was 52% (107/205) in the patients treated with FGR, and 67% (163/244) in the CAVPE group (p < 0.001). The estimated probability of sustained first CR at 72 months was 38% for the FGR group and 54% for the CAVPE group (p = 0.0167), whereas 17% and 36%, respectively, of the evaluable patients were alive and well, with no signs of disease progression (p = 0.000). The 72-month survival was estimated in 32% and 51%, respectively, for each group (p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

1. CAVPE seems to offer better responses and disease-free survival in this non-selected group of low and intermediate lymphoma patients. 2. The better results in terms of CR and lower incidence of relapses attained with CAVPE with regard to FGR are probably related with a number of facts, such as the use of more aggressive drugs, higher doses, a better drug combination rationale, the inclusion of new drugs, such as etoposide, or a selection of the patients.

Results of a randomized study of previously-untreated intermediate and high grade lymphoma using CHOP versus CNOP

A randomized multicenter phase III study was conducted to compare the efficacy and toxicity of CHOP and CNOP in intermediate and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. CHOP consisted of cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 on day 1 and prednisone 50 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5. The CNOP regimen was identical to CHOP except for replacement of doxorubicin by 10 mg/m2 mitoxantrone. Patient characteristics were evenly distributed in the two arms, except for age and stage, which slightly favoured the CHOP arm. The rate of complete remission was 70% (31/44) in patients treated with CHOP and 51% (23/45) in those receiving CNOP (P = 0.09). At 48 months and with a median follow-up of 41 months, 44% of the complete responders treated with CHOP and 64% of those treated with CNOP were estimated to still be in their first complete remission (P = 0.14), while 31% and 34% remained alive and free of progression. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of overall survival at 48 months is 53% and 50%, respectively. The higher response rate obtained with CHOP probably reflected a less aggressive lymphoma population. The mean WBC nadir was 2.0 x 10(9)/l for CHOP and 1.8 x 10(9)/l for CNOP. One and three patients, respectively, died during induction. Nausea, vomiting and cardiac toxicity were similar. More alopecia and mucositis were observed with CHOP. We conclude that CHOP and CNOP have similar toxicities and are equivalent in previously untreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in terms of complete response rate, event-free survival and overall survival.

Improved results of an intensified therapy in adult acute lymphocytic leukemia

Two consecutive studies for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia without previous treatment were analyzed and compared. Protocol ALL-79 included 137 patients treated with a 'standard therapy' consisting of prednisone, vincristine and daunomycin as induction, CNS prophylaxis with IT chemotherapy and maintenance with 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate and pulses with vincristine and prednisone. Protocol ALL-82 included 145 patients treated with an 'intensive therapy' consisting of 8 weeks of induction with vincristine, prednisone, daunomycin and L-asparaginase, followed by 6-mercaptopurine, cyclophosphamide and cytosine arabinoside. At 3 months after induction, a 6-week consolidation therapy was given, with vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone and L-asparaginase, followed by cyclophosphamide, cytosine arabinoside and 6-mercaptopurine. Rates of complete remission were 80% and 78% for protocols ALL-79 and ALL-82 respectively. The probability of remaining in complete remission at 80 months was 20% and 34%, respectively (p = 0.0014). Median survival for protocol ALL-79 was 14 months, and 34 months for protocol ALL-82; at 80 months the probability of survival is 22% and 35% for the two protocols (P = 0.0024). In protocol ALL-82, the probability of remaining in CR for favorable prognosis patients (age = less than 35 years and WBC = less than 50.000) is 56% at 80 months, and only 8% at 50 months for the unfavorable group (age greater than 35 and/or WBC greater than 50.000) (P = 0.0012). The probability of survival was statistically superior in patients with favorable prognoses, with 54% of them still alive at 60 months compared to only 13% of patients with unfavorable prognoses (P = 0.0085).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prognostic factors in multiple myeloma: definition of risk groups in 410 previously untreated patients: a Grupo Argentino de Tratamiento de la Leucemia Aguda study

Four hundred ten previously untreated multiple myeloma patients entered onto two consecutive Grupo Argentino de Tratamiento de la Leucemia Aguda (GATLA) protocols were analyzed to identify significant prognostic factors influencing survival. The univariate analysis selected the following variables: performance status, renal function, percentage of bone marrow plasma cells at diagnosis, hemoglobin, and age. A multivariate analysis showed that performance status, renal function, percentage of bone marrow plasma cells, hemoglobin, and age were the best predictive variables for survival. A score was assigned to each patient according to these variables, which led to their classification in three groups: good, intermediate, and poor risk, with a probability of survival of 26% and 10% at 96 months, and 5% at 56 months, and median survival of 60, 37, and 14 months, respectively (P = .0000). In our patient population, this model proved to be superior to the Durie-Salmon staging system in defining prognostic risk groups, and separating patients with significantly different risks within each Durie-Salmon stage.

Randomized trial of chemotherapy versus chemotherapy plus radiotherapy for stage I-II Hodgkin's disease

A total of 277 patients with untreated Hodgkin's disease, clinical stages I-II, were randomized to cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisone (CVPP) alone for 6 monthly cycles or to CVPP plus radiation therapy (RT), 3,000 rad, to involved areas (CVPP plus RT). One or more of the following factors were considered as unfavorable prognosis: age greater than 45 years, more than two lymph node areas involved, or bulky disease. In the favorable group, disease-free survival (77% vs. 70%) or overall survival (92% vs. 91%) at 84 months for CVPP versus RT plus CVPP was similar. Patients with unfavorable prognosis treated with RT plus CVPP had longer disease-free survival (75% vs. 34%) (P = .001) and overall survival (84% vs. 66%) than patients treated with CVPP alone.

An update of two randomized trials in previously untreated multiple myeloma comparing melphalan and prednisone versus three- and five-drug combinations: an Argentine Group for the Treatment of Acute Leukemia Study

An update of two consecutive randomized studies in previously untreated multiple myeloma was performed. The first study (10-M-73) began in 1973; 150 patients were treated with melphalan and prednisone (MP) or semustine, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (MeCP). In a second randomized study (3-M-77), begun in 1977, 260 patients were treated with MP or melphalan, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, semustine, and vincristine (MPCCV). A total of 27 of the 67 patients (40%) treated with MP and 33 of the 83 patients (40%) treated with MeCP showed a good response in protocol 10-M-73; 48 of 145 patients (33%) treated with MP and 51 of the 115 patients (44%) treated with MPCCV in protocol 3-M-77 obtained a good response (P is not significant). Median survival in protocol 10-M-73 was 30 months for MeCP and 38 months for MP. At 84 months, 19% and 9% remain alive, respectively. Median survival for protocol 3-M-77 was 44 months for those treated with MPCCV and 42 months for MP. At 60 months, 9% and 11% remain alive; this difference was not significant. Also, there was no survival difference for favorable or unfavorable prognostic groups among the four treatment arms of both protocols. It can be concluded, with a long-term follow-up of both protocols, that the combination of MP is as effective as the three- and five-drugs combinations, and in view of its simplicity and cost-saving advantages, it should be favored for initial therapy of multiple myeloma patients.

Monitoring of sensory evoked potentials during surgery of skull base tumours

Despite advances in instrumentation and the use of microsurgical techniques, neurosurgical procedures involving extensive areas of skull base or other critical areas of brain still carry significant risk for neurological injury. The use of intraoperative recording of sensory evoked potentials (SEP) has been advocated to monitor neurologic function during these major neurosurgical procedures to reduce the risk of injury to neural structures. This report summarizes our experience with intraoperative monitoring of SEP in over 200 patients, and details our findings in a group of 12 patients with skull base and posterior fossa tumours. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) were monitored in all patients, and brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in five. While minor changes in BAEP and SSEP parameters were noted in most patients, significant changes occurred in five. Irreversible loss of BAEP in one patient was associated with complete hearing loss postoperatively. Marked, persistent alteration of both BAEP and SSEP was associated with postoperative brainstem dysfunction. No patient with stable BAEP and SSEP at the end of the procedure suffered additional neurological deficit. We conclude that intraoperative SEP monitoring may be valuable in minimizing neural injury during major neurosurgical procedures.