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Published on: July 3, 2013
Head circumference in chronic renal failure from birth
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Clinical Nephrology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Children with chronic renal failure from birth experience poor growth. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment significantly improved head circumference and height in these pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Chronic renal failure (CRF) in childhood significantly impacts growth and development.
- Limited data exists on head circumference growth in infants with congenital CRF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze growth patterns, including head circumference, in children with CRF from birth.
- To evaluate the effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on growth parameters.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 19 children with CRF from birth was monitored until age 5.
- Analyzed variables included body height, body mass index, and head circumference (SDS).
- Eight patients received rhGH treatment after 2 years of age.
Main Results:
- A significant drop in height, BMI, and head circumference SDS occurred within the first 3 months.
- Stable growth velocity was observed post-3 months, with BMI improving after 36 months.
- rhGH treatment led to significant increases in height and head circumference SDS.
Conclusions:
- Head circumference growth parallels body height growth in young children with CRF.
- This correlation holds true before and during rhGH treatment.
- rhGH therapy demonstrates a positive impact on both linear and cranial growth in this cohort.
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