Challenges in Liver and Nephrology Diseases in Pediatrics

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Pediatrics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 2561

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: pediatric nephrology; pediatric urology; pediatric endocrinology and metabolism; general pediatrics; pediatric fatty liver disease
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decades, the field of pediatric liver and nephrology has expanded as research has progressed. Both the liver and kidneys are key organs for homeostasis and metabolism regulation in the body, with a multifaceted involvement in several conditions.

In parallel with the worldwide obesity epidemic, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children. It is now clear that NAFLD is not only a risk factor for liver failure and liver cancer but is also associated with a range of extrahepatic outcomes, as highlighted by the new nomenclature of metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Noteworthy is recent evidence that supports a pathogenic link between fatty liver and renal dysfunction since childhood.

On the other hand, pediatric nephrology is rapidly evolving. Among the wide spectrum of renal diseases in children, fundamental questions also remain regarding the assessment and management of children with renal and urinary tract diseases. Impaired kidney function leading to chronic kidney disease is a major clinical problem in children/adolescents due to its clinically relevant prognostic implications.

In addition to conventional management approaches, more recent research efforts have focused on novel therapeutic strategies (e.g., omics, etc.) that might significantly change the landscape of several liver and renal diseases in childhood.

We invite researchers to contribute original research articles, as well as review articles, that will inspire us to improve our understanding of this challenging field in diagnosis and treatment. As the title suggests, we encourage articles that describe new developments or provide unconventional or inspiring contributions.

Dr. Anna Di Sessa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • pediatric
  • liver disease
  • nephrology disease
  • renal and urinary tract diseases
  • nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • metabolic syndrome
  • liver transplantation
  • diagnosis
  • treatment
  • challenges
  • metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)
  • omics
  • biomarkers
  • early diagnosis

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1307 KiB  
Article
Circulating Levels of Soluble α-Klotho and FGF23 in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Lack of Association with Nephro- and Cardiotoxicity—A Preliminary Study
by Kacper Kozłowski, Katarzyna Konończuk, Katarzyna Muszyńska-Rosłan, Beata Żelazowska-Rutkowska, Katarzyna Taranta-Janusz, Katarzyna Werbel, Maryna Krawczuk-Rybak and Eryk Latoch
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2968; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102968 - 17 May 2024
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: The survival rate among pediatric cancer patients has reached 80%; however, these childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at a heightened risk of developing chronic conditions in adulthood, particularly kidney and cardiovascular diseases. The aims of this study were to assess the serum [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The survival rate among pediatric cancer patients has reached 80%; however, these childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at a heightened risk of developing chronic conditions in adulthood, particularly kidney and cardiovascular diseases. The aims of this study were to assess the serum α-Klotho and FGF23 levels in CCSs and to determine their association with nephro- and cardiotoxicity. Methods: This study evaluated a cohort of 66 CCSs who remained in continuous remission, with a mean follow-up of 8.41 ± 3.76 years. Results: The results of this study revealed that CCSs exhibited significantly higher levels of soluble α-Klotho compared to healthy peers (1331.4 ± 735.5 pg/mL vs. 566.43 ± 157.7 pg/mL, p < 0.0001), while no significant difference was observed in their FGF23 levels. Within the participant cohort, eight individuals (12%) demonstrated a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. The relationship between treatment with abdominal radiotherapy and reduced eGFR was confirmed (p < 0.05). No correlations were found between potential treatment-related risk factors, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, serum levels of α-Klotho and FGF23, and nephro- and cardiotoxicity. Conclusions: In conclusion, this preliminary cross-sectional study revealed elevated levels of α-Klotho among childhood cancer survivors but did not establish a direct association with anticancer treatment. The significance of elevated α-Klotho protein levels among CCSs warrants further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Liver and Nephrology Diseases in Pediatrics)
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Review

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18 pages, 2351 KiB  
Review
Renal Artery Stenosis and Mid-Aortic Syndrome in Children—A Review
by Jakub Pytlos, Aneta Michalczewska, Piotr Majcher, Mariusz Furmanek and Piotr Skrzypczyk
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(22), 6778; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13226778 - 11 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Background: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) and mid-aortic syndrome (MAS) are significant yet under-recognized causes of pediatric hypertension. RAS is characterized by the narrowing of the renal arteries, while MAS involves the stenosis of the abdominal aorta along with its associated vessels. The etiologies [...] Read more.
Background: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) and mid-aortic syndrome (MAS) are significant yet under-recognized causes of pediatric hypertension. RAS is characterized by the narrowing of the renal arteries, while MAS involves the stenosis of the abdominal aorta along with its associated vessels. The etiologies of RAS and MAS often involve genetic factors and acquired conditions such as fibromuscular dysplasia and Takayasu arteritis, contributing to their complex clinical presentations. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging, challenges remain in effectively identifying these conditions. Pharmacological treatment can achieve partial blood pressure control, but it usually does not lead to complete recovery. Treatment options range from angioplasty to more definitive surgical interventions such as renal artery reimplantation and aorto-aortic bypass, tailored according to the specific pathology and extent of the disease. Methods: This review explores the diagnosis and management of RAS and MAS in children, highlighting the necessity for early detection and showcasing the evolving landscape of treatment. Conclusions: We advocate for a multidisciplinary approach that includes advanced imaging for effective diagnosis and tailored therapy. By integrating the latest research and clinical practices, this article provides valuable insights into managing complex vascular conditions in the pediatric population, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Liver and Nephrology Diseases in Pediatrics)
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