Sequential hypertonic dialysis (SHD) was studied in two binephrectomized children over a period of 6 weeks. Each dialysis session comprised four periods of 45 min. The concentration of sodium in the dialysate [Na(D)] during the first period was 190 mmol/l and during the second period 140 mmol/l. The sequence was then repeated. The sodium-free water clearance [C(ONa)] was calculated from the measurements of the ultrafiltrate clearance and of the sodium clearance. Despite the short periods of hypertonic dialysis, C(ONa) was positive, suggesting that water was removed from the intracellular compartment as well as from the extracellular fluid. The transfer of fluid from the intracellular space improved circulatory stability during rapid removal of large volumes of fluid by ultrafiltration. SHD was also associated with increased removal of potassium and phosphate. Comparison of clinical parameters before and during SHD showed a tendency towards increased sodium balance and the possibility of raised cardiovascular morbidity. SHD stabilized blood volume during ultrafiltration, encouraging removal of uraemic toxins. SHD with this level of Na(D) is only a study dialysis method.

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BackgroundImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a childhood disorder that is often life-altering for children and their parents. Health related quality of life (HRQL) has never been chronologically monitored in children with ITP. We initiated a prospective study to assess HRQL from diagnosis to six months and define factors that influence this outcome in children with ITP.Methods73 children with acute ITP aged from 2 to 18 years were prospectively enrolled in the study. According to the presence of bleeding, they were or were not given a 4-day course of corticosteroid treatment. The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scale was completed by children and parents upon their inclusion in the study and 6 months after diagnosis.ResultsOver the six month period, quality of life improved in terms of their global, physical and psychosocial well-being for 54.5%, 35.6% and 36.2% of patients respectively. This improvement is clinically relevant compared to scores at diagnosis, corresponding at least to a minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Factors such as sex, age, platelet count, bleeding scores, bone marrow aspiration and persistence of ITP at 6 months were not significantly associated with HRQL scores. However, preceding viral infection was identified to have an impact on HRQL.ConclusionsThis first longitudinal study assessing HRQL in children with ITP reveals a global improvement in PedSQL™ 4.0. However, these results should be considered with caution since our data also confirm that self-report HRQL scores are not influenced by any analyzed biologic or clinical parameters. Others tools, such as Kids’ ITP Tools, would probably be required to assess the HRQL of this population.Trial registrationTrial registration clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT00331357.

Flecainide-induced QRS prolongation did not differ between the new controlled-release form and the immediate-release form. Flecainide plasma concentrations associated with the new controlled-release form predicted QRS prolongation with less variability compared with the immediate-release form. The CYP2D6 polymorphism did not appear to influence flecainide disposition kinetics or electrocardiographic effects at steady state.