This study examines the relationship between diabetes knowledge and compliance among Chinese with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data through structured self-report interviews based on validated scales assessing diabetes knowledge, compliance behaviours and demographic data. The Diabetes Knowledge Scale was used to sample knowledge in the major areas of basic physiology of diabetes and general principles of diabetes care. Compliance level was assessed by using the Compliance Behaviour Questionnaire, inspection of patients' feet and the value of HbA1c. A convenience sample of 52 Chinese with NIDDM receiving out-patient diabetes care participated in the study on a voluntary basis. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses were used to analyse the data. The findings indicated that there was no association between diabetes knowledge and compliance. There was a gap between what the patients were taught and what they were actually doing. Most of the patients gained higher marks on factual knowledge on diabetes but lost marks on the application of knowledge to their real life situations. Strategies are suggested to close the 'knowledge-action gap' and increase patients' motivation and ability to comply with the health regimen.
We herein report an unusual case of lupus with bleeding diathesis in a Chinese adolescent boy. In the presence of lupus anticoagulant and hypoprothrombinemia, the diagnosis of lupus anticoagulant-hypoprothrombinemia syndrome was made. He responded promptly to immunosuppressive agents and achieved disease remission.
Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) is a condition that occurs predominantly in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In contrast to hereditary cystic kidney disease, ACKD is characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts in bilaterally small kidneys. Limited pediatric data suggest a high incidence (21.6-45.8%) of ACKD in children on dialysis, comparable to that in adults, with an increased frequency associated with a longer duration of dialysis. Recent research has shed light on the pathogenesis of ACKD, such as activation of proto-oncogenes. Although most patients with ACKD are asymptomatic, the condition can be complicated by renal cell carcinoma. Routine surveillance should therefore be considered in at-risk populations.
Aim
To evaluate the demographics and long‐term patient outcomes of children with end‐stage kidney disease in Hong Kong.
Methods
We conducted a cohort study at the Paediatric Nephrology Centre, the designated site providing kidney replacement therapy (KRT) for children in Hong Kong. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of all children who initiated chronic KRT before 19 years, between 2001 and 2020, were analysed.
Results
One hundred forty‐seven children (50% male) received KRT at a mean age of 11.4 ± 5.7 years. The incidence of ESKD was 6.28 per million age‐related population (pmarp). The leading cause of ESKD was congenital anomalies (33%). Ten children (7%) had pre‐emptive kidney transplants, 104 (71%) and 33 (22%) patients received automated peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis as initial KRT. The incidence of ESKD increased over time, and were 4.38, 5.07, 6.15 and 9.17 pmarp during 2001–2005, 2006–2010, 2011–2015 and 2016–2020, respectively (p = .005). Ninty‐seven patients (66%) received kidney transplants and the median time to receive a kidney graft was 3.7 years (95% CI 3.1–4.3). Only 10 patients had pre‐emptive kidney transplants. The mortality rate was 9.1 deaths per 1000‐patient‐years (95%CI 4.6–16.2). The survival probabilities at 1‐, 5‐, 10‐ and 15‐year were 100%, 94.8% (95%CI 90.7–98.9%), 89.7% (95% CI 83.4%–95.9%), 87.1% (95% CI 79.3%–94.9%), respectively. Standardised mortality ratio was 54.5. 72% of deaths were due to infections. Young infants and those without kidney transplants were associated with worse survival (p < .01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that dialysis was the only factor associated with significantly increased risk of death (HRadj 12.9, 95% CI 2.7–63.2, p = .002).
Conclusion
We observed an increasing incidence of paediatric ESKD in Hong Kong with considerable waiting time to kidney transplant. Mortality risk is comparable to other developed countries and is highest among dialysis population. Efforts should be made to facilitate early access to paediatric kidney transplantation in Hong Kong.
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