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B G Gauthier

Publications and source records attributed to B G Gauthier.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Yield of renal arteriography in the evaluation of pediatric hypertension.

The prevalence of renovascular disease is estimated to be 3%-5% in pediatric patients with hypertension. The utility of non-invasive imaging tests has not been evaluated in children, and renal arteriography remains the diagnostic test of choice. However, there are no established guidelines for the application of this test and information is not available about the likelihood of detecting an abnormality if an arteriogram is performed in children with hypertension. Therefore, we reviewed the yield of renal arteriography in pediatric patients if the test was performed based on the following two criteria: (1) severe hypertension exceeding the 99th percentile for age and sex or (2) failure to control high blood pressure with one antihypertensive drug. During the period 1983-1998, 28 children (mean age 11.7 years) who satisfied one of the above criteria underwent renal arteriography to investigate hypertension. None of the patients were renal transplant recipients. The average duration of hypertension was 11 months and the peak blood pressure was 168/107 mmHg. The renal arteriogram was abnormal in 12 patients (43%). Unilateral renal artery stenosis was the most-common abnormality. When the patients were divided into two groups - those with an abnormal or normal test result - they did not differ in age, sex, or racial distribution. The peak systolic blood pressure was higher in children with an abnormal renal arteriogram (P<0.05). Among those undergoing the arteriogram on the basis of the first criterion, i.e., severe hypertension, 11 of 23 (48%) studies were abnormal. Five children had an arteriogram based on the second criterion--failure to control the blood pressure with one medication--and in 1 patient (20%) the test was abnormal. We conclude that the prevalence of renovascular disease in a population of hypertensive children subjected to renal arteriography is around 40%. Two clinical criteria--namely severe hypertension or failure to control hypertension effectively with one drug--are useful to guide the application of renal arteriography in children with hypertension.

Adolescent↗

Bartter syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a possible link between two diseases.

We describe a patient with signs and symptoms of classic Bartter syndrome. The patient tested negative for all known genetic abnormalities associated with this tubular disorder. Proteinuria was found within 1 year after the diagnosis of Bartter syndrome. A renal biopsy performed 6 months later, when her kidney function was normal, revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). We propose a link between stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system and sclerotic changes in the glomerulus. This lesion may explain previous reports of kidney failure in patients with Bartter syndrome.

Adolescent↗

Techniques for percutaneous renal biopsies.

The technique of renal biopsy includes the preparation of the patient, the localization of the kidneys, the biopsy itself and the postbiopsy care of the patient. A review of the literature and a survey of pediatric nephrologists practicing in the New York metropolitan area and in Philadelphia was used to determine what those techniques were. In preparation for biopsy, bleeding disorders are excluded and corrected if present. In units that localize the kidney by anatomical landmarks, a sonogram is performed at some earlier time to determine that the patient has two kidneys in the usual location. After sedation, patients are placed in the prone position, with a bolster under the abdomen. Sonography is the most commonly used localization method. This is followed by probing to confirm localization and depth. The Tru-Cut needle and the Franklin Vim Silverman needles are the two most commonly used. All nephrologists in the New York area then have the specimen examined to ensure adequacy of sampling. Postbiopsy care includes observation of vital signs, bed rest overnight and some limitation of activity for 2 days to 2 weeks subsequently. In the biopsy of renal allografts, palpation achieves adequate localization. The technique is otherwise the same as for the biopsy of native kidneys.

Biopsy, Needle↗