1.
Pediatric liver transplantation: a North American perspective.
Kerkar, N, Lakhole, A
Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. 2016;(8):949-59
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is an important component in the therapeutic armamentarium of managing end-stage liver disease. In North American children, biliary atresia remains the most common indication for LT compared to hepatitis C in adults, while hepatoblastoma is the most common liver tumor requiring LT, versus Hepatocellular carcinoma in adults. Rejection, lymphoproliferative disease, renal insufficiency, metabolic syndrome, recurrent disease, 'de novo' autoimmune hepatitis and malignancy require careful surveillance and prompt action in adults and children after LT. In children, specific attention to EBV viremia, growth, development, adherence and transition to the adult services is also required. Antibody mediated rejection and screening for donor specific antibodies is becoming important in managing liver graft dysfunction. Biomarkers to identify and predict tolerance are being developed. Machine perfusion and stem cells (iPS) to synthesize organs are generating interest and are a focus for research.
2.
[Hyperglycaemic crises in children and adolescents].
Mul, D, Meijer, CR
Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde. 2013;(50):A5185
Abstract
Recently the Paediatric Association of the Netherlands (NVK) published a new guideline on the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) in children and adolescents. DKA comprises hyperglycaemia, ketosis and acidosis. Cerebral oedema is a feared, life-threatening complication of DKA. HHS is characterized by hyperglycaemia, hyperosmolarity, severe dehydration, and little or no ketone production. Multi-organ failure, rhabdomyolysis and thrombosis are the most common complications. The NVK guideline distinguishes between treatment of DKA and treatment of HHS, in contrast with the draft version of the Netherlands Association of Internal Medicine guideline on diabetes. To prevent cerebral oedema in children with DKA, it is necessary that both rehydration and metabolic correction are done slowly and carefully. Use of hypotonic fluids is not recommended. Correction of hyperglycaemia is of secondary importance and insulin should be started at a low dosage. Correction of intravascular hypovolaemia is the most important treatment in children with HHS. If adequate fluid replacement does not cause serum glucose levels to drop sufficiently, then administration of insulin should be considered. Fluid replacement is the initial treatment of HHS. Insulin administration should be considered when serum glucose concentrations are no longer declining adequately with fluid administration alone.
3.
Diabetes screening, diagnosis, and therapy in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes.
Rodbard, HW
Medscape journal of medicine. 2008;(8):184; quiz 184
Abstract
The dramatic rise in the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the pediatric and adolescent populations has been associated with the ongoing epidemic of overweight, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome seen in these age groups. Although the majority of pediatric patients diagnosed with diabetes are still classified as having type 1 diabetes, almost 50% of patients with diabetes in the pediatric age range (under 18 years) may have type 2 diabetes. Screening of high-risk patients for diabetes and prediabetes is important. Prompt diagnosis and accurate diabetes classification facilitate appropriate and timely treatment and may reduce the risk for complications. This is especially important in children because lifestyle interventions may be successful and the lifelong risk for complications is greatest. Treatment usually begins with dietary modification, weight loss, and a structured program of physical exercise. Oral antidiabetic agents are added when lifestyle intervention alone fails to maintain glycemic control. Given the natural history of type 2 diabetes, most if not all patients will eventually require insulin therapy. In those requiring insulin, improved glycemic control and reduced frequency of hypoglycemia can be achieved with insulin analogs. It is common to add insulin therapy to existing oral therapy only when oral agents no longer provide adequate glycemic control.