Body composition with bioelectrical impedance analysis and body growth in late-diagnosed vesicoureteral reflux

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Growth and Development
• Body Composition Analysis

Background:

• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition affecting children, often associated with recurrent urinary tract infections.
• Evaluating body composition and growth alongside VUR is essential for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare body composition and growth parameters in children diagnosed with VUR.
• To identify potential growth deficits and body composition alterations in children with VUR.

Main Methods:

• Children with recurrent urinary tract infections were categorized into VUR(+) and VUR(-) groups, with a healthy control group.
• Key anthropometric measurements (weight, height, Z-scores) and body composition analysis (including body cell mass) were performed using a bioimpedance analyzer.
• Statistical comparisons were made across the three groups to identify significant differences.

Main Results:

• While age, sex, weight, and height did not differ significantly, children with VUR exhibited lower weight-for-height (WHI) and Z-scores for weight (WZ) and height (HZ) compared to controls.
• Body cell mass was significantly lower in the VUR(+) group compared to both the VUR(-) and control groups.
• No significant differences in growth or body composition were observed between the VUR(-) and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Children with VUR demonstrate impaired body growth and reduced body cell mass, highlighting a distinct physiological impact.
• Early detection and timely intervention for VUR in children experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections are critical for mitigating these growth and compositional deficits.