Clinical and genetic features of glomerulocystic kidney in childhood

The review provides historical information on the study of renal cystosis that occurs with glomerular cysts, discusses terminology issues and classification of diseases that occur with glomerulocystic kidney. The course features, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prognosis of renal glomerulocystosis in children, renal and extrarenal manifestations of two subtypes of hereditary glomerulocystic kidney disease: autosomal dominant glomerulocystic kidney disease associated with mutations of uromodulin (OMIM 609886) and familial hypoplastic glomerulocystic kidney disease associated with mutations of the HNF-1β (TCF2) gene (OMIM 137920). Diagnostic tetrad of familial hypoplastic glomerulocystic kidney disease, features of course and prognosis of HNF-1β-associated kidney disease with very early onset (VEO), MODY5 diabetes caused by HNF-1β mutation and 17q12 microdeletion syndrome in children were detected. According to the results of ultrasound examination (US), the fetus and newborn reveal hyperechogenicity of the kidney parenchyma, the volume of which is increased or corresponds to normal values. Renal cysts in glomerulocystic kidney are small, located in the cortical layer or subcapsularly, single or multiple, rarely diagnosed in the neonatal period. In young children, US shows a picture of increasing hyperechogenicity of the parenchyma with visualization of renal cysts in the cortical layer or subcapsularly, a decrease in the volume or asymmetry in the size of the kidneys. Urinary syndrome in glomerulocystic kidney in childhood is characterized by hematuria, microproteinuria, magniuria and uraturia in combination with hypostenuria and polyuria. Molecular genetic research reveals the mutation of genes responsible for the development of inherited diseases that occur with glomerulocystic kidney, and largely determines the prognosis and management tactics of the patient. A systematic approach is needed in the diagnosis and treatment of glomerulocystic kidney in children in order to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and extrarenal manifestations, and to maintain continuity of observation of patients in pediatric and adult nephrological structures.

Glomerulocystic Kidney Disease and Hepatoblastoma in an Infant: A Rare Presentation

Glomerulocystic kidney disease (GCKD) is a rare condition comprising heritable and nonheritable types [Oh et al.: Nephron 1986;43:299-302]. Hepatoblastoma is a sporadically occurring tumor of embryonal origin that is associated with overgrowth syndrome and renal cysts. A concurrent presentation of GCKD with hepatoblastoma was first described in 1989 [Rao et al.: Jpn J Surg 1989;19:583-585]. We report the simultaneous presentation of hepatoblastoma and GCKD in a 5-month-old child and explore the probability of insulin-like growth factors, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein and Beckwith-Wiedemann gene mutation as a putative cause.