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Background Two earthquakes on 6 February 2023 destroyed 10 cities in Türkiye. We report our experience with pediatric victims during these catastrophes, with a focus on crush syndrome related–acute kidney injury (Crush-AKI) and death. Method Web-based software was prepared. Patient demographics, time under rubble (TUR), admission laboratory data, dialysis, and kidney and overall outcomes were recorded. Results A total of 903 injured children (median age 11.62 years) were evaluated. Mean TUR was 13 h (interquartile range 32.5, max 240 h). Thirty-one of 32 patients with a TUR of >120 h survived. The patient who was rescued after 10 days survived. Two-thirds of the patients were given 50 mEq/L sodium bicarbonate in 0.45% sodium chloride solution on admission day. Fifty-eight percent of patients were given intravenous fluid (IVF) at a volume of 2000–3000 mL/m2 body surface area (BSA), 40% at 3000–4000 mL/m2 BSA and only 2% at >4000 mL/m2 BSA. A total of 425 patients had surgeries, and 48 suffered from major bleeding. Amputations were recorded in 96 patients. Eighty-two and 66 patients required ventilator and inotropic support, respectively. Crush-AKI developed in 314 patients (36% of all patients). In all, 189 patients were dialyzed. Age >15 years, creatine phosphokinase (CK) ≥20 950 U/L, TUR ≥10 h and the first-day IVF volume <3000–4000 mL/m2 BSA were associated with Crush-AKI development. Twenty-two deaths were recorded, 20 of 22 occurring in patients with Crush-AKI and within the first 4 days of admission. All patients admitted after 7 days survived. Conclusions These are the most extensive pediatric kidney disaster data obtained after an earthquake. Serum CK level was significantly associated with Crush-AKI at the levels of >20 950 U/L, but not with death. Adolescent age and initial IVF of less than 3000–4000 mL/m2 BSA were also associated with Crush-AKI. Given that mildly injured victims can survive longer periods in the disaster field, we suggest uninterrupted rescue activity for at least 10 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With the premise that the demanding educational process and associated factors could influence the work‐related quality of life (WRQoL) of dental students, this study aimed to investigate the influence of diverse sociodemographic and health‐related factors, clinical education status, and sleep quality on the WRQoL of dental students. Materials and Methods: A three‐part questionnaire was administered to a group of preclinical and clinical dental students studying in different classes. The first part of the questionnaire included various sociodemographic and health‐related questions. In the second part, the multidimensional 23‐item WRQoL scale, with established validity and reliability, was applied to evaluate the WRQoL of the students. The last part of the questionnaire included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, comprising 19 items. General linear models were created to predict subscale scores using sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics, as well as univariate significant independent variables. Results: It was observed that the majority of the participants (78.2%) had poor sleep quality. Being clinical dental students had a significant and positive effect on the stress at work domain of WRQoL (p =.006), while it had a significant and negative effect on the home‐work interface domain (p <.001). The decrease in sleep quality had a significant and negative effect on all domains of WRQoL (p <.05) except for the stress at work domain. Conclusions: Clinical education status, regular smoking, and sleep quality significantly affect different domains of dental students' WRQoL. Changes in these factors should be considered in approaches to increasing students' WRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 13-year-old girl who had a kidney transplant four weeks prior presented with a 10-day history of fatigue, paleness, and headache. On physical examination, tachycardia and paleness were noted. Laboratory testing was notable for severe anemia and mild leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were negative and for parvovirus B19 (PVB19) was positive. Despite lower immunosuppression and administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) it persisted for 15 months, and frequent red blood cell transfusions were needed. PVB19 is a less common but significant complication. The patient's clinical course demonstrates the importance of this complication and the challenges in its management. A notable void exists in the literature regarding standardized treatment protocols for PVB19-induced recurrent anemia after kidney transplant. This case indicates the need for further research and consensus to guide effective clinical interventions in similar cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is characterized by increased endogenous oxalate production and deposition as calcium oxalate crystals. The main manifestations are nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis, causing impaired kidney function. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and overall outcomes of paediatric PH1 patients in Turkey. Methods: This is a nationwide, multicentre, retrospective study evaluating all available paediatric PH1 patients from 15 different paediatric nephrology centres in Turkey. Detailed patient data was collected which included demographic, clinical and laboratory features. Patients were classified according to their age and characteristics at presentation: patients presenting in the first year of life with nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis (infantile oxalosis, Group 1), cases with recurrent nephrolithiasis diagnosed during childhood (childhood‐onset PH1, Group 2), and asymptomatic children diagnosed with family screening (Group 3). Results: Forty‐eight patients had a mutation consistent with PH1. The most common mutation was c.971_972delTG (25%). Infantile oxalosis patients had more advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure necessitating dialysis (76.9% vs. 45.5%). These patients had much worse clinical course and mortality rates seemed to be higher (23.1% vs. 13.6%). Patients with fatal outcomes were the ones with significant comorbidities, especially with cardiovascular involvement. Patients in Group 3 were followed with better outcomes, with no kidney failure or mortality. Conclusion: PH1 is not an isolated kidney disease but a systemic disease. Family screening helps to preserve kidney function and prevent systemic complications. Despite all efforts made with traditional treatment methods including transplantation, our results show devastating outcomes or mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: There is limited data on COVID-19 disease in children with kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of COVID-19 in pediatric nephrology patients in Turkey. Materials and methods: This was a national, multicenter, retrospective cohort study based on an online survey evaluating the data between 11th March 2020 and 11th March 2021 as an initial step of a detailed pediatric nephrology COVID-19 registry. Results: Two hundred and three patients (89 girls and 114 boys) were diagnosed with COVID-19. One-third of these patients (36.9%) were between 10-15 years old. Half of the patients were on kidney replacement therapy: kidney transplant (KTx) recipients (n = 56, 27.5%), patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (n = 33, 16.3%) and those on peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n = 18, 8.9%). Fifty-four (26.6%) children were asymptomatic. Eighty-two (40.3%) patients were hospitalized and 23 (28%) needed intensive care unit admission. Fifty-five percent of the patients were not treated, while the remaining was given favipiravir (20.7%), steroid (16.3%), and hydroxychloroquine (11.3%). Acute kidney injury developed in 19.5% of hospitalized patients. Five (2.4%) had MIS-C. Eighty-three percent of the patients were discharged without any apparent sequelae, while 7 (3.4%) died. One hundred and eight health care staff were infected during the study period. Conclusion: COVID-19 was most commonly seen in patients who underwent KTx and received HD. The combined immunosuppressive therapy and frequent exposure to the hospital setting may increase these patients' susceptibility. Staff infections before vaccination era were alarming, various precautions should be taken for infection control, particularly optimal vaccination coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the approaches of pediatric nephrologists in our country to the management of childhood hypertension. Methods: The pediatric nephrologists in our country were invited to fill out an online questionnaire including 24 questions. The answers were compared between those working in the field for ≤10 years (Group 1, n =74) and >10 years (Group 2, n = 62). Results: Of 136 participants (M/F = 101/35), 52% were following a single guideline [31% Fourth Report of 2004, 17% European Society of Hypertension in 2016, and 52% American Academy of Pediatrics in 2017], which is more common in Group 1 (P = .035). The most commonly used guideline was American Academy of Pediatrics of 2017 and Group 2 used Fourth Report of 2004 more commonly (P = .042). The most common choice to diagnose hypertension was office +home +ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (59%). The frequency of screening for end-organ damage at first evaluation was 96%. The time to wait for the effect of lifestyle modifications was 3 months in 52%. The first choice medication was angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (49%) or calcium-channel blockers (48%) in non-obese and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (74%) in obese children. Calcium-channel blockers were more commonly prescribed as the first choice in non-obese children in Group 1 (P = .035). The most accessible emergency drug was esmolol. Conclusion: Despite following recent guidelines, the time spent in the proficiency would change the practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to present the incidence of COVID-19 in pediatric patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) and to compare the severity and outcomes of the disease between the dialysis and kidney transplant (KTx) groups. This multicenter observational study was conducted between 1 April and 31 December 2020 in Istanbul. Members of the Istanbul branch of the Turkish Pediatric Nephrology Association were asked to report all confirmed cases of COVID-19 who were on RRT, as well as the number of prevalent RRT patients under the age of 20. A total of 46 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported from 12 centers, of which 17 were dialysis patients, and 29 were KTx recipients. Thus, the incidence rate of COVID-19 was 9.3% among dialysis patients and 9.2% among KTx recipients over a 9-month period in Istanbul. Twelve KTx recipients and three dialysis patients were asymptomatic (p = 0.12). Most of the symptomatic patients in both the dialysis and KTx groups had a mild respiratory illness. Only two patients, one in each group, experienced a severe disease course, and only one hemodialysis patient had a critical illness that required mechanical ventilation. In the entire cohort, one hemodialysis patient with multiple comorbidities died. Conclusion: While most cases are asymptomatic or have a mild disease course, pediatric patients undergoing dialysis and a kidney transplant are at increased risk for COVID-19. What is Known: • In adult population, both dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk for severe illness of COVID-19 and have higher mortality rate. • Children with kidney transplantation are not at increased risk for COVID-19 and most have mild disease course. • Data on children on dialysis are scarce. What is New: • Pediatric patients undergoing dialysis and kidney transplantation have an increased risk for COVID-19. • Most patients undergoing renal replacement therapy either on dialysis or transplanted develop asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 disease with a favorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab in children with difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome, considering the type of disease (steroid-sensitive or –resistant) and the dosing regimen. Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study enrolled children with difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome on rituximab treatment from 13 centers. The patients were classified based on low (single dose of 375 mg/m² ) or high (2-4 doses of 375 mg/m² ) initial dose of rituximab and the steroid response. Clinical outcomes were compared. Results: Data from 42 children [20 steroid-sensitive (frequent relapsing / steroid-dependent) and 22 steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, aged 1.9–17.3 years] were analyzed. Eleven patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (55%) had a relapse following initial rituximab therapy, with the mean time to first relapse of 8.4 ± 5.2 months. Complete remission was achieved in 41% and 36% of steroid-resistant patients, with the median remission time of 3.65 months. At Year 2, eight patients in steroid-sensitive group (40%) and four in steroid-resistant group (18%) were drug-free. Total cumulative doses of rituximab were higher in steroid-resistant group (p = 001). Relapse rates and time to first relapse in steroid-sensitive group or remission rates in steroid-resistant group did not differ between the low and high initial dose groups. Conclusion: The current study reveals that rituximab therapy may provide a lower relapse rate and prolonged relapse-free survival in the steroid-sensitive group, increased remission rates in the steroid-resistant group, and a significant number of drug-free patients in both groups. The optimal regimen for initial treatment and maintenance needs to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is characterized by heterogeneous clinical presentation, outcome, and predominant C3 accumulation in glomeruli without significant IgG. There is scarce outcome data regarding childhood C3G. We describe clinical and pathological features, treatment and outcomes, and risk factors for progression to chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) in the largest pediatric series with biopsy-proven C3G. Methods: Sixty pediatric patients with C3G from 21 referral centers in Turkey were included in this retrospective study. Patients were categorized according to CKD stage at last visit as CKD5 or non-CKD5. Demographic data, clinicopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome data were compared and possible risk factors for CKD5 progression determined using Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 10.6 ± 3.0 years and follow-up time 48.3 ± 36.3 months. Almost half the patients had gross hematuria and hypertension at diagnosis. Nephritic-nephrotic syndrome was the commonest presenting feature (41.6%) and 1/5 of patients presented with nephrotic syndrome. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was the leading injury pattern, while 40 patients had only C3 staining. Patients with DDD had significantly lower baseline serum albumin compared with C3GN. Eighteen patients received eculizumab. Clinical remission was achieved in 68.3%. At last follow-up, 10 patients (16.6%) developed CKD5: they had lower baseline eGFR and albumin and higher frequency of nephrotic syndrome and dialysis requirement than non-CKD5 patients. Lower serum albumin and eGFR at diagnosis were independent predictors for CKD5 development. Conclusions: Children with C3G who have impaired kidney function and hypoalbuminemia at diagnosis should be carefully monitored for risk of progression to CKD5. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), particularly urgency, incontinence and intermittency are common in children and it is suggested that the specific symptoms may be used for definite diagnosis for LUT dysfunction (LUTD). This study was performed to investigate the relationship between each LUTD and its associated symptoms, using uroflowmetry/electromyography (UF/EMG) as a diagnostic tool. Methods: Each patient was categorized into one of four LUT conditions which were overactive bladder (OAB), dysfunctional voiding (DV), underactive bladder and primary bladder neck dysfunction (PBND), according to UF/EMG results. Patients' complaints and findings were documented by using voiding dysfunction symptom score, bladder diary, urine analysis and ultrasonography. In addition, a detailed history of bowel habits (including use of Rome III criteria) was obtained. Results: There were 189 children of which 106 were female. The OAB was the largest group including 91 patients, followed by the DV group which had 61 patients. The symptoms specific to any LUTD group were constipation and hesitancy (P <.05). Hesitancy was present in 89.4% with PBND and constipation was present in 78.6% of patients with DV. None of other symptoms were able to differentiate any LUTD group from the other. Conclusions: While certain symptoms are often presumed by clinicians to imply specific diagnoses, the main outcome of this study is that there is a generally weak correlation between the specificity of symptoms and LUTD. Symptoms‐based approach may lead to misdiagnosis in LUTD. Thus, it may be essential to focus on the underlying pathologies and UF/EMG test may help this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses hyperphosphatemia in children has caused by different etiologies including kidney failure, vitamin D toxicity, tumor lysis syndrome, tissue necrosis, and endocrine disorders including hypoparathyroidism. Topics include the principal causes of hyperphosphatemia have low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), decreased renal response to PTH; and the blood calcium levels of the parents have investigated and found to be normal.

Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction:  Delayed presentation of posterior urethral valves (PUVs) is a rare condition. Presentation and diagnosis of the patients with late PUVs are challenging. Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is mainly practiced. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the children with late-presented PUVs, and the reliability of VCUG in this group.Materials and Methods:  Between January 2003 and December 2017 records of patients who were diagnosed with late-presented PUVs were analyzed. Delayed presentation of PUV was defined as patients who were diagnosed and treated after infancy. Cases were examined in terms of age at diagnosis, presenting symptoms, urinalysis, urinary ultrasound, urodynamic studies, VCUG, and dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy findings. Postoperative follow-up conditions were also assessed.Results:  Seventeen boys were diagnosed with late-presented PUVs (mean age was 7.35 years). The most common symptoms at presentation were frequency (58.8%), day and nighttime incontinence (47%), and febrile urinary infection (41%). PUV was noted by VCUG in 10 patients alone. The classical sign of dilated posterior urethra was detected in 9 patients. The 10th patient had posterior urethral irregularity. Urethra could not be evaluated due to unsuccessful voiding in one patient. Six patients had normally appearing urethra on VCUG. Reflux was detected in nine (52.9%) patients.Conclusion:  Late-presented PUVs may be missed on VCUG. Whether a PUV might be present is crucial in boys with a history of recurrent urinary infection, persistent reflux, and repetitive daytime incontinence. Based on our results, we conclude that cystoscopic examination should be preferred for those cases to diagnose PUVs regardless of VCUG results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a discussion on the questions related to the chronic hyponatremia in an infant. Topics discussed include findings of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy examination were unremarkable and anti-reflux medications; rare causes of impaired adrenal steroidogenesis, adrenal hypoplasia, and genetic or acquired etiologies; and Clinical presentation along with a typical biochemical profile including hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, normal cortisol, and sex steroids.

Mechanical and chemical trauma are a widely accepted theories to explain the pathogenesis of meatalstenosis after newborn circumcision. The aim of the present study was to explore the theory that an exposed glans is prone to meatal stenosis. This was done by a novel investigation of boys who were born with "hooded prepuce", a condition in which the glans is completely exposed. Physical examination, lower urinary tract symptoms, urethral meatus configuration, and surgical procedures of 18 children admitted for routine circumcision, who had congenital hooded prepuce with normally located urethral meatus, were analyzed. The study period was 2013 and 2018. All the cases have been seen because of neonatal circumcision request, but was postponed due to hooded prepuce. The only presenting complaint in children was a cosmetically unattractive appearance. There were no symptoms associated with meatal stenosis, they circumcised in an average of 6 years and non of them required any additional procedure.Conclusion: Meatal stenosis did not occur in cases whose glans penis are naked with hooded prepuce. These findings do not support the default chemical and mechanical trauma theories. Hooded prepuce without any penile anomalies is only a cosmetically unattractive appearance and circumcision can correct this. What is known: • The common theory of meatal stenosis etiology is that the meatus undergoes irritation with chemical/mechanical trauma in the absence of a prepuce after newborn circumcision. • Circumcision is usually postponed in newborns with hooded prepuce. What is new: • We did not notice meatal stenosis in cases whose urethral meatus were not covered with a prepuce congenitally. Ammoniacal dermatitis or mechanical trauma theories may not explain the cause of meatal stenosis. • Hooded prepuce is not a handicap to newborn circumcision. It is just a cosmetic problem and circumcision can solve it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to identify epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients and report our experience with eculizumab treatment during an outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Istanbul in 2015.Methods: Thirty-two children (21 females, median age 3.25 years) were included in this study. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data, and treatment details were retrospectively collected. Renal outcomes were assessed at last follow-up visit. To assess the effect of eculizumab on prognosis of STEC-HUS, subgroup analysis was performed on patients who required dialysis.Results: A high number of cases occurred within a certain region of Istanbul. Stool samples were cultured from 21 patients (65%), and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC; n = 7) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC; n = 3) strains were detected. Rates of dialysis treatment, neurological manifestations, and death were 59%, 25%, and 3%, respectively. Mean follow-up duration was 8.6 ± 2.6 months (range 3-12 months). None of the patients (n = 25) was on dialysis at the final visit. The complete renal recovery rate was 54%. Nine patients were treated with eculizumab. At final follow-up visit, no differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria level, or hypertension incidence were observed between patients treated with eculizumab and those not treated with eculizumab.Conclusions: An outbreak of EAEC occurred in a specific region of Istanbul. Livestock markets were suspected as the source. Evidence for beneficial effects of eculizumab on renal outcome was not clear in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the serum and urine levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), osteopontin (OPN), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and serum Cystatin-C to determine the renal effect of obesity in obese children. Methods: Seventy-two obese and 35 non-obese healthy children were included in this study. Blood pressure (BP) was evaluated with office measurement. Creatinine, cystatin C, lipids, fasting glucose, and insulin levels were measured, and homeostasis model assessment -insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The urine albumin/creatinine ratio was calculated. The serum and urine KIM-1, NGAL, OPN, and MMP-9 levels were measured. Results: Serum cystatin-C, triglyceride, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were found to be significantly higher in the obese group (p = .0001), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was found to be significantly lower (p = .019) in the obese group. No significant differences were found in serum KIM-1, NGAL, OPN or MMP-9 levels between groups (p > .05). No significant differences were found in urine KIM-1 and MMP-9 levels (p > .05), Urine NGAL, and OPN levels were found significantly higher in obese groups (p < .05). Conclusions: According to our results, although serum KIM-1, NGAL, OPN, MMP-9, and urine MMP-9, urine KIM-1 do not appear to be ideal markers to evaluate renal injury in the early period of obesity, the serum levels of cystatin C and urine NGAL, urine OPN can be used as a good marker for assessing the renal effect of obesity which can lead end stage renal disease in pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment, hemoglobin (Hb) levels usually fluctuate; this phenomenon is known as “Hb cycling (HC).” In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictors of HC and its impact on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) as a patient-important outcome parameter in pediatric dialysis patients.Methods: Records of patients followed up in nine pediatric nephrology centers between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed. More than 1 g/dL decrease or increase in Hb level was considered as HC. Patients were divided into two groups according to 12-month Hb trajectory as rare cycling (RC) (≤ 3) and frequent cycling (FC) (> 3 fluctuation) as well as three groups based on T-A-Hb levels: < 10, 10-11, and > 11 g/dL.Results: Two hundred forty-five dialysis (160 peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 85 hemodialysis (HD)) patients aged 12.3 ± 5.1 (range 0.5-21) years were enrolled in this study. Fifty-two percent of the patients had RC, 45% had FC, and only 3% had no cycling. There were no differences between HC groups with respect to age, dialysis modality, having anemia, hospitalization rate, residual urine volume, and mortality. Although left ventricular mass index (LVMI) tended to be higher in RC than FC group (65 ± 37 vs 52 ± 23 g/m2.7, p = 0.056), prevalence of LVH was not different between the groups (p = 0.920). In regression analysis, FC was not a risk factor for LVH, but low T-A Hb level (< 10 g/dL) was a significant risk for LVH (OR = 0.414, 95% CI 0.177-0.966, p = 0.04). The target Hb levels were more often achieved in PD patients, and the number of deaths was significantly lower in non-anemic patients (Hb level > 11 g/dL).Conclusion: Hb cycling is common among dialysis patients. Severity of anemia rather than its cycling has more significant impact on the prevalence of LVH and on inflammatory state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate relationships among urinary biomarkers [kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG)], neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and renal tubular injury in childhood urolithiasis.Methods: Seventy children [36 girls, mean age: 7.3 ± 5.0 years (0.5–18.2)] with urolithiasis/microlithiasis and 42 controls [18 girls, mean age: 8.5 ± 3.8 years (0.9–16.2)] were included in this multicenter, controlled, prospective cohort study. Patients were evaluated three times in 6-month intervals (0, 6 and 12th months). Anthropometric data, urinary symptoms, family history and diagnostic studies were recorded. Urine samples were analyzed for metabolic risk factors (urinary calcium, uric acid, oxalate, citrate, cystine, magnesium, and creatinine excretion), and the urinary KIM-1, NAG, and NGAL levels were measured.Results: Stones were mostly located in the upper urinary system (82.9%), and six patients (8.6%) had hydronephrosis. Thirty patients (42.9%) had several metabolic risk factors, and the most common metabolic risk factor was hypocitraturia (22.9%). Urinary KIM-1/Cr, NAG/Cr and NGAL/Cr ratios were not significantly different between patients and controls. Furthermore, no significant changes in their excretion were shown during follow-up. Notably, the urinary KIM-1/Cr, NAG/Cr, and NGAL/Cr levels were significantly higher in children under 2 years of age (p = 0.011, p = 0.006, and 0.015, respectively). NAG/Cr and NGAL/Cr ratios were significantly increased in patients with hydronephrosis (n = 6, p = 0.031 and 0.023, respectively).Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that none of the aforementioned urinary biomarkers (KIM-1, NAG and NGAL levels) may be useful for the early detection and/or follow-up of renal tubular injury and/or dysfunction in childhood urolithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences / Uluslararasi Avrasya Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of International Journal of Eurosia Social Sciences / Uluslararasi Avrasya Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Urinary silicate calculi in humans are extremely rare. Reported cases of silicate calculi are mostly documented in adults and are commonly related to an excessive intake of magnesium trisilicate in food or drugs. Published studies on the presence of silicate calculi in children are scarce. Cases: Three cases of silicate kidney stones without prior silicate intake are reported. Two patients underwent surgical treatment, and the third patient was treated using conservative methods. Urinalysis revealed no underlying metabolic abnormalities. Analyses revealed that silicate was the major component of the stones. Conclusion: Siliceous deposits in urinary stones may be more common than anticipated, and the underlying pathophysiology remains to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the causes of AA amyloidosis & end-stage kidney failure. Topics include, deposition of serum amyloid A protein as a consequence of chronic inflammation; juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are disorders associated with AA amyloidosis; & diagnosis of patient with hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome (HIDS).

The article presents a case study of a 14-year-old girl with fatigue, diarrhea, and generalized edema lasting for 10 days. Topics include, referred to the pediatric hematology with a pre-diagnosis of leukemia due to hyperleukocytosis with the nephrotic syndrome; obtaining of peripheric smear with the result of dense myeloid cells; & performing of a kidney biopsy to assess the underlying etiology.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children. However, it is not well known when and how cardiovascular alterations start. Methods: This cross-sectional, controlled study consisted of 25 patients and 28 healthy controls. 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid distensibility (distensibility coefficient and β stiffness index), and echocardiography were assessed to evaluate CVD. Routine biochemical parameters, fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) and high sensitive C- reactive protein were measured to determine cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Hypertension was found in 12 patients (48 %). Patients had higher FGF23 levels and aPWV-standard deviation score (SDS) as compared to the controls ( p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). Aortic PWV-SDS was predicted by increased daytime systolic blood pressure load ( β = 0.512, p = 0.009, R = 0.262). Neither cIMT nor distensibility differed between the groups; however, older age and high level of FGF23 were independent predictors of β stiffness index in patients ( β = 0.507, p = 0.005, R = 0.461 and β = 0.502, p = 0.005, R = 0.461, respectively). As compared to controls, patients had worse left ventricular diastolic function [lower E/A ratio p = 0.006) and increased left atrial dimension ( p < 0.001)]. Conclusions: Cardiovascular deteriorations appear in children with stage-2 CKD. Good control of BP and decreasing the level of FGF23 may be useful to slow down the progression of cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In applications of concrete for shielding against hazardous radiation or for being used as counterweight, as well as in various other applications that involve the use of heavyweight concrete, the most significant method of mix design involves the use of heavyweight aggregates. Concrete mixes that were produced for this work contained iron ore, steel mill scale, two types of barite, and steel slag, which are the heavyweight aggregates available in Turkey. An additional heavyweight concrete mixture was also produced using magnetite as a natural mineral heavyweight aggregate. In all concrete mixes produced, water/cement ratio, cement content, and the maximum aggregate size of the aggregates used were kept constant. In terms of the main mechanical properties, the best performances were obtained when iron ore was used, while the highest fracture energy values were reached in concretes with steel mill scale, magnetite, or with the combination of steel slag, iron ore, and crushed sand. Another important objective of this research was to evaluate the radiation shielding properties of heavyweight concretes containing iron ore, steel mill scale, two types of barite, or steel slag as aggregates. The experimental results showed that the attenuation coefficient varied from 0.224 to 0.265 1/cm, while the unit weight of heavyweight concrete was increased from 3012 to 3820 kg/m. On the other hand, there is reasonably good agreement between theoretical and experimental results of linear attenuation coefficients. It can be concluded that the dominant factor in the determination of attenuation coefficient is the unit weight of heavyweight concrete and that the value of the coefficient is independent of the type of heavyweight aggregate used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genitourinary system tuberculosis (GUTB) is a chronic granulomatous infection in which tuberculous bacilli affect one or more organs in the genitourinary system. In this report, an unusual presentation of miliary tuberculosis was presented as GUTB. A 15-year-old girl presented with complaints of severe abdominal pain and dysuria. Abdominal examination showed tenderness and defense. Pyuria and microscopic hematuria were observed. Acute abdominal causes could not be excluded through abdominal ultrasound. On abdominal computed tomography, a necrotic lesion was detected in the right kidney. Acid-fast bacilli were detected in the urine. Quartet anti-tuberculosis therapy was started. After treatment, static renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-dimer captosuccinic acid and single-photon emission CT imaging showed parenchymal injury. In any suspected patient, voiding symptoms, abdominal or flank pain, sterile pyuria, and hematuria should be kept in mind as the presenting manifestations of GUTB in the differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents answers for various questions in whether pyuria always suggest urinary tract infection with common microorganisms.

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Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, the influence of aggregate grading and steel fibre properties on the flow properties and fracture energy of steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) has been investigated. Two types of hooked-end steel fibres at three different dosages (20, 40 and 60 kg/m) were incorporated into self-compacting mixtures having similar paste contents but different fine to coarse aggregate (FA/CA) ratios (0.94, 1.72 and 2.50 by weight). Besides the flowability and passing ability of fresh concrete, the mechanical properties of hardened concrete including the fracture energy have also been investigated. The relations between flexural parameters and fibre orientation were established by image analysis technique. Test results showed that hooked-end steel fibre inclusion into the plain self-compacting concrete negatively affects the flowability and passing ability of the mixture. Increasing FA/CA ratio enhances these rheological parameters and provides better fibre orientation. On the other hand, increasing FA/CA ratio decreases the fracture energy of plain SCC mixtures and the fibre incorporated series which were less affected from fibre inclusion follow the same trend with the plain SCC. The proper FA/CA ratio for the best rheological and mechanical performance depends on the fibre content, aspect ratio and their influence on the flowability of the mixture. In order to obtain better fibre orientation and hence higher fracture energy, relatively higher FA/CA ratios should be used when the fibre content and aspect ratio are relatively high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a case study of an 8-month-old male infant has brought to the outpatient clinic having experienced 5 days of fever, coughing, and diarrhea following craniosynostosis surgery. Topics include voiding cystourethrography has performed with the pre-diagnosis of posterior urethral valves; and the laboratory work-up showed a leukocyte count of 13.700/mm3 with 41% polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its relation to risk factors in pediatric patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (NS). Methods: Thirty-seven patients with normal renal function were compared with 22 healthy controls regarding the presence of subclinical CVD. Measurements included aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima media thickness (IMT), and left ventricular mass (LVM). Patients were additionally assessed for blood pressure (BP) pattern and the presence of hypertension by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: Compared with the controls, patients had significantly higher mean aortic PWV-standard deviation scores (SDS), mean carotid IMT-SDS, and LVM index ( p < 0.001 for all). Increased aortic PWV was noted in 5 % of patients, increased carotid IMT in 22 %, and increased LVM index in 19 %. Five patients (14 %) were hypertensive, and mean BP indexes, SDS, and BP loads during nighttime were significantly higher than those during daytime ( p < 0.001 for all). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between PWV-SDS and ferritin ( R2 = 0.269, p = 0.006) and between carotid IMT-SDS and proteinuria ( R2 = 0.141, p = 0.022). The LVM index was independently associated only with higher body mass index SDS ( R2 = 0.317, p < 0.001). In addition, six patients (16 %) had multiple abnormal subclinical CVD markers, and increased subclinical CVD risk was independently associated only with higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( R2 = 0.292, p = 0.044). Conclusions: Based on these results, steroid-resistant NS children generally are at high risk of cardiovascular complications, but the increased risk is likely to be multifactorial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Türk Pediatri Arşivi is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We have presented a patient with brucellar spondylodiscitis who developed paraparezi secondary to spinal cord compression, and responded well to the medical treatment A 55 year-old male farmer presented with a 7-day history headache, urinary retention, weakness in his lower extremities and a 3-month history of back pain. Blood brucella Wright antibody titer was 1/160 and Rose Bengal test was positive. Our case did not need a surgical intervention and gave a good response to medical treatment and rehabilitation. Thus, we suggest that in cases with brucella spondylitis, medical treatment should be considered at first, even in cases with spinal cord compression due to prevertebral abscess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of seven-month-old female infant who is diagnosed with chronic hypernatremia is presented. Topics discussed include abdominal ultrasonography showed normal findings; consultation with a pediatric gastroenterologist and dietician was obtained for failure to thrive and vomiting; and metabolic screening tests including lactate and pyruvate levels, and tandem mass spectroscopy.

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Copyright of Türk Pediatri Arşivi is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with a case of non-secretory multiple myeloma in a hemodialysis patient with hypercalcemia.