Dietary intakes of children with nephrotic syndrome

Our multidisciplinary clinical pathway for treatment of childhood nephrotic syndrome (NS) was established with the goal of standardizing local clinical practice. This descriptive study aimed to assess nutrient intakes of children with newly diagnosed NS compared with nutrition goals defined by our pathway.

Our pathway includes evidence-based recommendations that target daily intakes during corticosteroid induction therapy: energy (Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) × Sedentary Physical Activity (PA)), sodium (1 mg/kcal), calcium (Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) + 500 mg elemental calcium), and vitamin D (DRI +800-1000 IU). After dietitian-led education at initial diagnosis, 3-day food records were completed at 4 weeks post-diagnosis. Daily nutrient intakes were compared to pathway targets and DRIs.

Thirty-six children (median age 4.8 years, 44% female) with newly diagnosed NS submitted food records. Mean energy and sodium intakes were 103±22% and 99±53% of pathway targets, respectively. Fourteen (39%) children exceeded pathway sodium recommendations, with four (11%) exceeding them by greater than 50%. Seven (19%) children met DRI for calcium, while six (17 %) met pathway targets for calcium. No children met DRI for vitamin D from diet alone; and only one met the target with supplementation.

This is the first study to describe dietary intakes of children with newly diagnosed NS. Our clinical pathway targets for energy and sodium were achievable; however, calcium and vitamin D intakes fell short of pathway guidelines and DRIs. Prescription of supplemental calcium and vitamin D may be needed to achieve target intakes of calcium and vitamin D.