Long-term hemodialysis and nerve conduction in children

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Peripheral neuropathy is common in adults with chronic renal failure, often correlating with disease severity.
• Previous studies in children on dialysis showed decreased motor nerve conduction velocities, unlike adult findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in children undergoing long-term hemodialysis.
• To assess nerve conduction velocities in pediatric patients on dialysis and compare findings with adult data.

Main Methods:

• Nerve conduction velocities were measured in 11 children on long-term hemodialysis.
• Clinical assessment for neuropathy symptoms was performed.
• Study duration for dialysis was up to 5 years with a schedule of 12-14 hours per week.

Main Results:

• Most children exhibited normal nerve conduction velocities.
• No significant peripheral neuropathy was clinically evident in the studied pediatric population.
• Conduction velocities did not show progressive deterioration over time.

Conclusions:

• Long-term hemodialysis with a 12-14 h/wk schedule appears to prevent progressive neuropathy in children.
• Pediatric patients on hemodialysis may have a different neuropathy progression compared to adults.
• Current dialysis regimens seem protective against nerve conduction defects in children.