[A retrospective study on nutritional status and growth and development of 37 children with chronic kidney disease

R Bao1, C Y Chen

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China.

Insights

Growth retardation is common in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-5, worsening with disease progression. Nutritional status varies, with both underweight and obesity observed, and hypertriglyceridemia being prevalent.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Growth and Development Studies

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children significantly impacts overall health.
  • Nutritional status and growth are critical indicators in pediatric CKD management.
  • Understanding these factors at diagnosis is essential for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the nutritional status and growth/development of children diagnosed with CKD stages 3-5.
  • To identify the prevalence of growth retardation, malnutrition, and metabolic abnormalities at initial diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 37 pediatric patients with CKD stages 3-5.
  • Data collected included anthropometrics (height, weight, BMI), serum albumin, blood lipids, and acid-base status.
  • Statistical analysis of nutritional and developmental parameters based on CKD stage.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of growth retardation: 62% shorter than the third percentile, 49% lower weight.
  • Abnormal lipid profiles were common, with hypertriglyceridemia (62%) being the most frequent.
  • Metabolic acidosis was more severe in stage 5 CKD (69%) compared to stages 3-4 (38%).

Conclusions:

  • Growth retardation is highly prevalent in pediatric CKD stages 3-5 and worsens with disease progression.
  • Nutritional status is complex, with both underweight and obesity present; low albumin is not a sensitive malnutrition marker.
  • Hypertriglyceridemia is the most common lipid abnormality, and severe metabolic acidosis is more frequent in advanced CKD stages.
Abstract

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