Many teenagers who struggle with chronic fatigue have symptoms suggestive of autonomic dysfunction that may include lightheadedness, headaches, palpitations, nausea, and abdominal pain. Inadequate sleep habits and psychological conditions can contribute to fatigue, as can concurrent medical conditions. One type of autonomic dysfunction, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, is increasingly being identified in adolescents with its constellation of fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, and excessive postural tachycardia (more than 40 beats/min). A family-based approach to care with support from a multidisciplinary team can diagnose, treat, educate, and encourage patients. Full recovery is possible with multi-faceted treatment. The daily treatment plan should consist of increased fluid and salt intake, aerobic exercise, and regular sleep and meal schedules; some medications can be helpful. Psychological support is critical and often includes biobehavioral strategies and cognitive–behavioral therapy to help with symptom management. More intensive recovery plans can be implemented when necessary.
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-documented complication of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Dialysis after HSCT is associated with a lower overall survival (OS); however, the association between less severe AKI and OS is unclear.
Method
We retrospectively studied 205 consecutive pediatric HSCT patients to determine the incidence and impact of all stages of AKI on OS in pediatric HSCT recipients. We used the peak pRIFLE grade during the first 100 days to classify AKI (R=risk, I= injury, F= failure, L= loss of function, E= End-stage renal disease) and used the modified Schwartz formula to estimate glomerular filtration rate.
Results
AKI was observed in 173 of the 205 patients (84%). The 1-year OS decreased significantly with an increasing severity of pRIFLE grades (p < 0.01). There was no difference in the OS between patients without AKI and the R/I group. Regardless of the dialysis status, stages F/L/E had significantly lower OS compared with patients without AKI or R/I (p < 0.01). There was no difference in OS among patients with dialysis and F/L/E without dialysis (p 0.65). Stages F/L/E predicted mortality independent of acute graft versus host disease, gender, and malignancy.
Conclusion
The OS of children after HSCT decreases significantly with an increasing severity of AKI within the first 100 days posttransplant. While our data did not show an increased risk of mortality with stages R/I, stages F/L/E predicted mortality regardless of dialysis. Prevention and minimization of AKI may improve survival after pediatric HSCT.
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