Hyperlipidaemia in children on regular haemodialysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Children with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing regular hemodialysis often present with metabolic disturbances.
• Hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance are potential complications in pediatric CRF patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma lipid, insulin, and glucose concentrations in children with CRF on hemodialysis.
• To explore correlations between these metabolic parameters, dietary intake, and carbohydrate consumption.

Main Methods:

• Fasting plasma concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, immunoreactive insulin, and blood glucose were measured.
• Dietary intake was assessed as a percentage of recommended intake.
• Correlations between metabolic parameters and dietary factors were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Patients with CRF showed significantly higher plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, immunoreactive insulin, and blood glucose compared to healthy children.
• Plasma immunoreactive insulin positively correlated with plasma triglycerides.
• Plasma triglycerides showed a positive correlation with the proportion of calories derived from carbohydrates.

Conclusions:

• Children with CRF on hemodialysis exhibit hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia, potentially linked to glucose intolerance common in uremia.
• Despite normal nutritional markers, increased carbohydrate intake may contribute to hypertriglyceridemia.
• Monitoring plasma lipids and implementing dietary strategies are crucial to mitigate atherosclerosis risk in these children.