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Background and objectives People with CKD stages 3-5 and on dialysis (5D) have dramatically increased mortality, which has been associated with hyperphosphatemia in many studies. Oral phosphate binders are commonly prescribed to lower serum phosphate. We conducted an updated meta-analysis of the noncalcium-based binder (non-CBB) sevelamer versus CBBs in CKD stages 3-5D.Design, setting, participants, & measurements Randomized, controlled trials comparing sevelamer with CBBs were identified through MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Patient-level outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events and mortality, hospitalization, and adverse effects. Intermediate outcomes included vascular calcification and bone changes. Biochemical outcomes included serum phosphate, calcium, parathyroid hormone, lipids, and hypercalcemia. We conducted and reported this review according to Cochrane guidelines. ResultsWe included 25 studies to March 31, 2015 with 4770 participants (88% on hemodialysis). Patients receiving sevelamer had lower all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.32 to 0.93), no statistically significant difference in cardiovascular mortality (n=2712; RR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.07 to 1.64), and an increase in combined gastrointestinal events of borderline statistical significance (n=384; RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.97 to 2.08). For biochemical outcomes, patients receiving sevelamer had lower total serum cholesterol (mean difference [MD], 220.2 mg/dl; 95% CI, 225.9 to 214.5 mg/dl), LDL-cholesterol (MD, 221.6 mg/dl; 95% CI, 227.9 to 215.4 mg/dl), and calcium (MD, 20.4 mg/dl; 95% CI, 20.6 to 20.2 mg/dl) and a reduced risk of hypercalcemia (RR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.48). End of treatment intact parathyroid hormone was significantly higher for sevelamer (MD, 32.9 pg/ml; 95% CI, 0.1 to 65.7 pg/ml). Serum phosphate values showed no significant differences.Conclusions Patients with CKD stages 3-5D using sevelamer have lower all-cause mortality compared with those using CBBs. Because of a lack of placebo-controlled studies, questions remain regarding phosphate binder benefits for patients with CKD stages 3-5 and not on dialysis.

Introduction: Neuroglycopenia is recognized to be associated with abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes in 26–44% of children with persistent congenital hyperinsulinism (P-CHI). The prevalence of abnormal neurodevelopment in transient CHI (T-CHI) is not known. We have aimed to investigate abnormal neurodevelopment and associated factors in T-CHI and P-CHI.Materials and Methods: A cohort of children with CHI (n = 67, age 2.5–5 years) was assessed at follow-up review and noted to have normal or abnormal (mild or severe) neurodevelopmental outcomes for the domains of speech and language, motor, and vision. Children were classified as P-CHI (n = 33), if they had undergone surgery or remained on medical therapy, or T-CHI (n = 34), if medical treatment for hypoglycemia was stopped.Results: Overall, abnormal neurodevelopment was present in 26 (39%) children with CHI, of whom 18 (69%) were severe. Importantly, the incidence of abnormal neurodevelopment in T-CHI was similar to that in P-CHI (30 vs. 47% respectively, p = 0.16). The prevalence of severe abnormal neurodevelopment in speech, motor, and vision domains was similar in both T-CHI and P-CHI children. For this cohort, we found that the severity of disease [based upon maximal diazoxide dose (odds ratio 95% confidence intervals) 1.3 (1.1; 1.5), p = 0.03], and early presentation of CHI <7 days following birth [5.9 (1.3; 27.8), p = 0.02] were significantly associated with abnormal neurodevelopment. There was no significant association with gender, genotype, or the histopathological basis of CHI.Conclusion: Abnormal neurodevelopment was evident in one third of children with both T-CHI and P-CHI, early presentation and severe CHI being risk factors. Early recognition and rapid correction of hypoglycemia are advocated to avoid abnormal neurodevelopment in children with CHI.

Objective: In children with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), K ATP channel genes (ABCC8 and KCNJ11) can be screened rapidly for potential pathogenic mutations. We aimed to assess the contribution of rapid genetic testing to the clinical management of CHI. Design: Follow-up observational study at two CHI referral hospitals. Methods: Clinical outcomes such as subtotal pancreatectomy, 18 F-Dopa positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scanning, stability on medical treatment and remission were assessed in a cohort of 101 children with CHI. Results: In total, 32 (32%) children had pathogenic mutations in K ATP channel genes (27 in ABCC8 and five in KCNJ11), of which 11 (34%) were novel. In those negative at initial screening, other mutations (GLUD1, GCK, and HNF4A) were identified in three children. Those with homozygous/compound heterozygous ABCC8/KCNJ11 mutations were more likely to require a subtotal pancreatectomy CHI (7/10, 70%). Those with paternal heterozygous mutations were investigated with 18 F-Dopa PET-CT scanning and 7/13 (54%) had a focal lesionectomy, whereas four (31%) required subtotal pancreatectomy for diffuse CHI. Those with maternal heterozygous mutations were most likely to achieve remission (5/5, 100%). In 66 with no identified mutation, 43 (65%) achieved remission, 22 (33%) were stable on medical treatment and only one child required a subtotal pancreatectomy. Conclusions: Rapid genetic analysis is important in the management pathway of CHI; it provides aetiological confirmation of the diagnosis, indicates the likely need for a subtotal pancreatectomy and identifies those who require 18 F-Dopa PET-CT scanning. In the absence of a mutation, reassurance of a favourable outcome can be given early in the course of CHI.

The HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase has emerged as one of the key targets for novel anti-HCV therapy development. Herein, we report the optimization of the dihydropyrone series inhibitors to improve compound aqueous solubility and reduce CYP2D6 inhibition, which led to the discovery of compound 24 (PF-00868554). Compound 24 is a potent and selective HCV polymerase inhibitor with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and has recently entered a phase II clinical evaluation in patients with genotype 1 HCV.

We here: 1) describe the phenotypic spectrum, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of the pituitary stalk and anterior and posterior pituitary [H-P (hypothalamic-pituitary) axis], in children with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) with or without an abnormal septum pellucidum (SP); and 2) define endocrine dysfunction according to the MRI findings. Medical records of 55 children with ONH who had been assessed by ophthalmology and endocrine services were reviewed. All had MRI of the brain and H-P axis. Forty-nine percent of the ONH patients had an abnormal SP on MRI, and 64% had a H-P axis abnormality. Twenty-seven patients (49%) had endocrine dysfunction, and 23 of these had H-P axis abnormality. The frequency of endocrinopathy was higher in patients with an abnormal SP (56%) than a normal SP (39%). Patients were divided into four groups based on SP and H-P axis appearance: 1) both normal; 2) abnormal SP and normal H-P axis; 3) normal SP and abnormal H-P axis; and 4) both abnormal. The frequency of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency was highest (56%) in group 4, lower (35%) in group 3, and even lower (22%) in group 2. Precocious puberty was most common in group 2. None of the patients in group 1 had endocrine dysfunction. Thus, SP and H-P axis appearances on MRI can be used to predict the likely spectrum of endocrinopathy.

Symptomatic adrenal insuYciency, presenting as hypoglycaemia or poor weight gain, may occur on withdrawal of corticosteroid treatment but has not previously been reported during inhaled corticosteroid treatment. This case series illustrates the occurence of clinically significant adrenal insuYciency in asthmatic children while patients were on inhaled corticosteroid treatment and the unexpected modes of presentation. General practitioners and paediatricians need to be aware that this unusual but acute serious complication may occur in patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids. (Arch Dis Child 2001;85:330-334)

HPA suppression was rarely found in children or adolescents with moderate to severe AD who used mild or moderately potent topical GCs over many years. However, HPA suppression was common in those receiving potent topical GC preparations or a combination of GC routes of administration. In those with severe AD, evidence of HPA suppression but lack of clinical response to GC treatment excluded significant generalized GC resistance. This would suggest that localized resistance to GCs within the diseased skin may be part of the aetiopathogenesis of severe AD.