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Updated: May 24, 2025

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Evaluation of Functional Capacity and Pulmonary Functions in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A
Irmak Çavuşoğlu1, Elif Esma Safran1, Sevgi Yavuz2
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul,Turkey.
Insights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children significantly reduces functional and pulmonary capacity, worsening with disease progression. Early monitoring and intervention for respiratory and physical health are crucial for managing pediatric CKD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts multiple organ systems, including the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems.
- Pediatric CKD presents unique challenges affecting growth, development, and overall health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional and pulmonary capacity in pediatric patients across all stages (1-5) of chronic kidney disease.
- To identify correlations between CKD severity, pulmonary function, and functional capacity in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for 30 pediatric CKD patients (stages 1-5).
- Assessment of functional capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).
- Measurement of pulmonary function via spirometry; analysis of body mass index z scores and height z scores.
Main Results:
- Functional capacity, measured by 6MWT, significantly decreased with advancing CKD stages.
- Pediatric CKD patients exhibited reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second and peak expiratory flow compared to healthy children.
- Restrictive pulmonary patterns were seen in early CKD, evolving to obstructive patterns in advanced stages; height z score predicted pulmonary outcomes.
Conclusions:
- CKD progressively impairs functional and pulmonary capacity in children, with more pronounced effects in later stages.
- Comprehensive care addressing physical and respiratory health is essential for pediatric CKD management.
- Further prospective studies are recommended to validate findings and develop targeted interventions.
Purpose:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. This study evaluates functional and pulmonary capacity in pediatric patients with CKD stages 1 to 5.
Methods:
Medical records of 30 pediatric CKD patients (stages 1-5) from December 2019 to February 2021 were analyzed. Functional capacity was assessed with the 6-minute walk test and spirometry measured pulmonary function. Data on body mass index z scores, height z scores, and CKD etiology (congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, glomerulonephritis, or others) were included. Correlation and regression analyses evaluated relationships between CKD severity, pulmonary function, and functional capacity.
Results:
Functional capacity worsened with CKD progression, with stage 5 patients showing the lowest 6-minute walk test distances (384 [71] m). Pulmonary function tests revealed lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second and peak expiratory flow values compared with healthy peers (P = .04, P < .001). Restrictive patterns were observed in early CKD, with obstructive changes in advanced stages. Positive correlations were noted between 6-minute walk test and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (r = .42) and peak expiratory flow (r = .48). Height z score emerged as an independent predictor of pulmonary outcomes.
Conclusions:
CKD progressively impairs functional and pulmonary capacity in children, especially in advanced stages. These findings underline the importance of comprehensive care focusing on physical and respiratory health. Prospective studies are needed to validate these results and develop targeted interventions.
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