1. Long-term outcome after combined or sequential liver and kidney transplantation in children with infantile and juvenile primary hyperoxaluria type 1Sebastian Loos, Markus J. Kemper, Kaja Schmaeschke, Uta Herden, Lutz Fischer, Bernd Hoppe, Tanja Kersnik-Levart, Enke Grabhorn, Raphael Schild, Jun Oh, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Introduction: Combined or sequential liver and kidney transplantation (CLKT/SLKT) restores kidney function and corrects the underlying metabolic defect in children with end-stage kidney disease in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1). However, data on long-term outcome, especially in children with infantile PH1, are rare. Methods: All pediatric PH1-patients who underwent CLKT/SLKT at our center were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Eighteen patients (infantile PH1 n=10, juvenile PH1 n = 8) underwent transplantation (CLKT n=17, SLKT n = 1) at a median age of 5.4 years (1.5–11.8). Patient survival was 94% after a median follow-up of 9.2 years (6.4–11.0). Liver and kidney survival-rates after 1, 10, and 15 years were 90%, 85%, 85%, and 90%, 75%, 75%, respectively. Age at transplantation was significantly lower in infantile than juvenile PH1 (1.6 years (1.4–2.4) vs. 12.8 years (8.4–14.1), P = 0.003). Median follow-up was 11.0 years (6.8–11.6) in patients with infantile PH1 vs. 6.9 years (5.7–9.9) in juvenile PH1 (P = 0.15). At latest follow-up kidney and/or liver graft loss and/or death showed a tendency to a higher rate in patientswith infantile vs. juvenile PH1 (3/10 vs. 1/8, P=0.59). Discussion: In conclusion, the overall patient survival and long-term transplant outcome of patients after CLKT/SLKT for PH1 is encouraging. However, results in infantile PH1 tended to be less optimal than in patients with juvenile PH1. Ključne besede: hyperoxaluria, infantile, juvenile, transplantation, outcome Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.03.2026; Ogledov: 130; Prenosov: 105
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2. Diversity of kidney care referral pathways in national child health systems of 48 European countriesVelibor Tasić, Vidar O. Edvardsson, Evgenia Preka, Larisa Prikhodina, Constantinos J. Stefanidis, Rezan Topaloglu, Diamant Shtiza, Ashot Sarkissian, Thomas Müller-Sacherer, Tanja Kersnik-Levart, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: Primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services in Europe create complex networks covering pediatric subspecialties, sociology, economics and politics. Two surveys of the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology (ESPN) in 1998 and 2017 revealed substantial disparities of kidney care among European countries. The purpose of the third ESPN survey is to further identify national differences in the conceptualization and organization of European pediatric kidney health care pathways during and outside normal working hours. Methods: In 2020, a questionnaire was sent to one leading pediatric nephrologist from 48 of 53 European countries as defined by the World Health Organization. In order to exemplify care pathways in pediatric primary care nephrology, urinary tract infection (UTI) was chosen. Steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) was chosen for pediatric rare disease nephrology and acute kidney injury (AKI) was analyzed for pediatric emergency nephrology. Results: The care pathways for European children and young people with urinary tract infections were variable and differed during standard working hours and also during night-time and weekends. During daytime, UTI care pathways included six different types of care givers. There was a shift from primary care services outside standard working hours to general outpatient polyclinic and hospital services. Children with SNSS were followed up by pediatric nephrologists in hospitals in 69% of countries. Patients presenting with community acquired AKI were admitted during regular working hours to secondary or tertiary care hospitals. During nights and weekends, an immediate shift to University Children’s Hospitals was observed where treatment was started by intensive care pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists. Conclusion: Gaps and fragmentation of pediatric health services may lead to the risk of delayed or inadequate referral of European children with kidney disease to pediatric nephrologists. The diversity of patient pathways outside of normal working hours was identified as one of the major weaknesses in the service chain. Ključne besede: pediatric nephrology, healthcare services, referral clinical pathways, urinary tract infections, nephrotic syndrome, acute kidney injury Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.03.2026; Ogledov: 123; Prenosov: 73
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3. Achievements, priorities and strategies in pediatric nephrology in Europe : need for unifying approaches or acceptance of differences?Jochen Ehrich, Velibor Tasić, Vidar O. Edvardsson, Evgenia Preka, Larisa Prikhodina, Constantinos J. Stefanidis, Rezan Topaloglu, Diamant Shtiza, Ashot Sarkissian, Tanja Kersnik-Levart, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: There is a lack of information on the current healthcare systems for children with kidney diseases across Europe. The aim of this study was to explore the different national approaches to the organization and delivery of pediatric nephrology services within Europe. Methods: In 2020, the European society for Paediatric Nephrology (ESPN) conducted a cross-sectional survey to identify the existing pediatric nephrology healthcare systems in 48 European countries covering a population of more than 200 million children. Results: The reported three most important priorities in the care of children with kidney diseases were better training of staff, more incentives for physicians to reduce staff shortages, and more hospital beds. Positive achievements in the field of pediatric nephrology included the establishment of new specialized pediatric nephrology centers, facilities for pediatric dialysis and transplant units in 18, 16, and 12 countries, respectively. The most common problems included no access to any type of dialysis (12), inadequate transplant programs for all ages of children (12), lack of well-trained physicians and dialysis nurses (12), inadequate reimbursement of hospitals for expensive therapies (10), and lack of multidisciplinary care by psychologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, social workers and vocational counsellors (6). Twenty-five of 48 countries (52%) expected to have a shortage of pediatric nephrologists in the year 2025, 63% of clinical nurses and 56% of dialysis nurses. All three groups of health care professionals were expected to be lacking in 38% of countries. Prenatal assessment and postnatal management of renal malformations by a multidisciplinary team including obstetricians, geneticists, pediatricians, and pediatric surgeons was available in one third of countries. Conclusions: Our study shows that there are still very marked differences in pediatric health care systems across the European countries and highlights the need need for appropriate services for children with kidney disease in all European countries. Ključne besede: European child healthcare services, nephrology, achievements, needs, workforce, prevention, rehabilitation Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.03.2026; Ogledov: 131; Prenosov: 78
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4. Eculizumab for thrombotic microangiopathy induced by onasemnogene abeparvovec in spinal muscular atrophyTanja Kersnik-Levart, Nina Olas Kar, Chiara Močnik Pegan, Eva Vrščaj, Anja Troha Gergeli, Tanja Loboda, Damjan Osredkar, 2025, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: Introduction: Onasemnogene abeparvovec is one of the three disease-modifying therapies available that can significantly improve the outcome of patients with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy. Therapy-induced thrombotic microangiopathy is an ultra-rare, but potentially life-threatening condition of not yet clearly defined aetiology. Case Presentation: A case of a 2-year-old patient with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy, who developed thrombotic microangiopathy after gene replacement therapy with onasemnogene abeparvovec, is described. This severe adverse event was promptly recognized and successfully treated with the complement C5 inhibitor. Conclusion: Thrombotic microangiopathy is an ultra-rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur after onasemnogene abeparvovec therapy. Anticipation of these serious adverse events, its prompt recognition and treatment is crucial for a better outcome. Ključne besede: spinal muscular atrophy, gene replacement therapy, onasemnogene abeparvovec, thrombotic microangiopathy, eculizumab Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.03.2026; Ogledov: 100; Prenosov: 76
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5. VIPAS39 related arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis syndrome : case report and systematic reviewJan Kafol, Barbara Gnidovec Stražišar, Ana Drole Torkar, Matjaž Homan, Sara Bertok, Matej Mlinarič, Jaka Šikonja, Jernej Kovač, Mirjana Perković-Benedik, Tanja Kersnik-Levart, Mojca Žerjav-Tanšek, Marina Praprotnik, Tadej Battelino, Maruša Debeljak, Urh Grošelj, 2024, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: Arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis (ARC) syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, exhibits genetic heterogeneity with the VIPAS39 gene pathological variants being a distinct contributor. Results: We present two related patients from Kosovo, describing the clinical, genetic, and therapeutic aspects of the syndrome. The identified novel VIPAS39 pathological variants (c.762G > A; c.1064_1082delinsAGTG) emphasize the complex phenotypic expression of ARC syndrome. A systematic literature review identified 8 VIPAS39-related ARC cases with notable variability in clinical features. Prognostically, patients fell into severe and milder groups, with some reaching adolescence. Our report aligns with others noting milder ARC courses and emphasizes the value of genetic testing, especially in atypical presentations. Challenges included incomplete literature data, early mortality affecting diagnostic workup, and limited VIPAS39-related ARC cases. Comparisons with the more prevalent VPS33B pathological variants revealed no distinct clinical differences. Conclusion: Our study expands understanding of ARC syndrome, highlighting its genetic diversity and clinical variability. Milder presentations underscore diagnostic challenges and the potential prevalence of undiagnosed cases. Increased awareness and comprehensive genetic testing are crucial for early and accurate diagnosis. Ključne besede: ARC syndrome, ARCS2, Arthrogryposis–renal dysfunction–cholestasis syndrome, VIPAR, VIPAS39 Objavljeno v DiRROS: 26.02.2026; Ogledov: 187; Prenosov: 74
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6. Antimeningococcal protection in patients receiving terminal complement inhibitorsAleksandra Vujović, Franz Schaefer, Anne-Laure Sellier-Leclerc, Mattia Parolin, Víctor Pérez-Beltrán, Jonas Hofstetter, Olivia Boyer, Tanja Kersnik-Levart, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Introduction: C5 inhibitor (C5i) therapy markedly increases susceptibility to invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) by blocking the terminal complement pathway essential for defense against Neisseria meningitidis. Vaccination is recommended for all recipients, yet breakthrough infections persist. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not universally endorsed, resulting in variable practices. We aimed to assess whether antibiotic prophylaxis provides additional protection beyond vaccination in C5i-treated patients. Methods: The analysis included 124 C5i recipients treated for > 6 months. Patients were classified as receiving single protection (vaccination or antibiotic prophylaxis alone) or combined protection (vaccination and continuous antibiotic prophylaxis). The outcomes were analyzed by prescribed and by implemented regimen; the latter accounting for patient adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis. Results: Of the patients, 60% were prescribed combined protection. Booster vaccination coverage was low (< 40%), and one-quarter of patients did not adhere to antibiotic prophylaxis. The overall incidence of IMD was 0.74 cases per 100 patient-years (PY) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37–1.32). After accounting for noncompliance, the incidence of IMD remained significantly lower in the combined protection group (3.1 [95% CI: 1.5–4.8] vs. 0.5 [95% CI: 0.0–2.7], P = 0.03), corresponding to a 6-fold reduction in risk. Eleven infections were reported, predominantly because of serogroup B (45.5%). Ten patients recovered completely, and 1 had mild residual disability. Conclusion: Although guidelines recommend vaccination alone, our findings indicate that combined protection offers substantially greater protection against IMD in patients receiving long-term C5i. Continued prospective monitoring will be essential to define the optimal preventive strategies in this high-risk population. Ključne besede: antibiotic prophylaxis, antimeningococcal protection, antimeningococcal vaccination, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, complement inhibitors, meningococcal infection Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.02.2026; Ogledov: 151; Prenosov: 50
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7. Variation of the clinical spectrum and genotype-phenotype associations in Coenzyme Q10 deficiency associated glomerulopathyStefania Drovandi, Beata Lipska-Zietkiewicz, Fatih Ozaltin, Francesco Emma, Bora Gülhan, Olivia Boyer, Agnes Trautmann, Szymon Ziętkiewicz, Tanja Kersnik-Levart, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: PPrimary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency is a rare mitochondriopathy with a wide spectrum of organ involvement, including steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome mainly associated with disease-causing variants in the genes COQ2, COQ6 or COQ8B. We performed a systematic literature review, PodoNet, mitoNET, and CCGKDD registries queries and an online survey, collecting comprehensive clinical and genetic data of 251 patients spanning 173 published (47 updated) and 78 new cases. Kidney disease was first diagnosed at median age 1.0, 1.2 and 9.8 years in individuals with disease-causing variants in COQ2, COQ6 and COQ8B, respectively. Isolated kidney involvement at diagnosis occurred in 34% of COQ2, 10.8% of COQ6 and 70.7% of COQ8B variant individuals. Classic infantile multiorgan involvement comprised 22% of the COQ2 variant cohort while 47% of them developed neurological symptoms at median age 2.7 years. The association of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss was confirmed as the distinctive phenotype of COQ6 variants, with hearing impairment manifesting at average age three years. None of the patients with COQ8B variants, but 50% of patients with COQ2 and COQ6 variants progressed to kidney failure by age five. At adult age, kidney survival was equally poor (20-25%) across all disorders. A number of sequence variants, including putative local founder mutations, had divergent clinical presentations, in terms of onset age, kidney and non-kidney manifestations and kidney survival. Milder kidney phenotype was present in those with biallelic truncating variants within the COQ8B variant cohort. Thus, significant intra- and inter-familial phenotype variability was observed, suggesting both genetic and non-genetic modifiers of disease severity. Copyright (C) 2022, International Society of Nephrology. Ključne besede: coenzyme Q10, mitochondria, steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome Objavljeno v DiRROS: 21.11.2025; Ogledov: 488; Prenosov: 192
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8. Oral Coenzyme Q10 supplementation leads to better preservation of kidney function in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome due to primary Coenzyme Q10 deficiencyStefania Drovandi, Beata Lipska-Zietkiewicz, Fatih Ozaltin, Francesco Emma, Bora Gülhan, Olivia Boyer, Agnes Trautmann, Hong Xu, Tanja Kersnik-Levart, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Primary Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ(10)) deficiency is an ultra-rare disorder caused by defects in genes involved in CoQ(10) biosynthesis leading to multidrug-resistant nephrotic syndrome as the hallmark kidney manifestation. Promising early results have been reported anecdotally with oral CoQ(10) supplementation. However, the long-term efficacy and optimal prescription remain to be established. In a global effort, we collected and analyzed information from 116 patients who received CoQ(10) supplements for primary CoQ(10) deficiency due to biallelic pathogenic variants in either the COQ2, COQ6 or COQ8B genes. Median duration of follow up on treatment was two years. The effect of treatment on proteinuria was assessed, and kidney survival was analyzed in 41 patients younger than 18 years with chronic kidney disease stage 1-4 at the start of treatment compared with that of an untreated cohort matched by genotype, age, kidney function, and proteinuria. CoQ(10) supplementation was associated with a substantial and significant sustained reduction of proteinuria by 88% at 12 months. Complete remission of proteinuria was more frequently observed in COQ6 disease. CoQ(10) supplementation led to significantly better preservation of kidney function (5-year kidney failure-free survival 62% vs. 19%) with an improvement in general condition and neurological manifestations. Side effects of treatment were uncommon and mild. Thus, our findings indicate that all patients diagnosed with primary CoQ(10) deficiency should receive early and life-long CoQ(10) supplementation to decelerate the progression of kidney disease and prevent further damage to other organs. Ključne besede: coenzyme Q10, deficiency, supplementation therapy, end-stage kidney disease, ESKD, genetic kidney disease, hereditary, kidney survival, outcome, proteinuria reduction Objavljeno v DiRROS: 21.11.2025; Ogledov: 347; Prenosov: 175
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