Protein Energy Wasting in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Kidney Disease: An Observational Study

Protein energy wasting (PEW), a specific nutritional comorbidity associated with increased mortality, is underrecognized in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to determine the burden and factors associated with PEW and assess the utility of parameters used to diagnose PEW in children with CKD and End stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Children between 2 and 18 years of age with CKD stages 2-5 were recruited over 30 months. Parameters of PEW assessed included body mass index for height, mid-upper arm circumference, height for age, appetite, serum albumin, cholesterol, transferrin, and C-reactive protein. Based on number of criteria fulfilled in each subject, PEW was further stratified as mild, standard, and modified PEW.

One hundred twenty-three children (male:female 3:1, 73 in CKD stages 2-4, 50 with ESKD) were recruited. PEW was observed in 58% (47% in CKD stages 2-4 vs. 73% ESKD, P = .035). Longer duration and severity of disease was associated PEW. Reduced appetite (P = .001, P = .04), low mid-upper arm circumference (P = .000, P = .006), and low body mass index for height (P = .000, P = .007) were useful criteria to diagnose PEW in CKD stages 2-4 and ESKD, while most children did not meet biochemical criteria. Inflammation observed in 47% was higher in those with ESKD [CKD stages 2-4: 72 (39%) vs. ESKD: 29 (59%), P = .02] but was associated with PEW only in CKD stages 2-4.

PEW was highly prevalent in children with CKD and ESKD. Appetite and anthropometry measures were more useful than biochemical criteria for diagnosis of PEW. Whereas inflammation was common, it was associated with PEW only in CKD stages 2-4. Pediatric CKD and ESKD may need exclusive diagnostic criteria for PEW based on anthropometry, appetite, and inflammation.