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Published on: July 19, 2018
Nutritional and metabolic studies in children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Insights
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in children and adolescents may lead to decreased plasma albumin levels, particularly in younger patients. This reduction is linked to protein loss during dialysis, not dietary intake.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Renal Replacement Therapy
Background:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a treatment for end-stage renal disease in children.
- Nutritional status and protein balance are critical concerns during CAPD therapy.
- Understanding the impact of CAPD on pediatric patients' biochemical parameters is essential for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of CAPD on plasma albumin and amino acid levels in pediatric patients.
- To investigate the relationship between peritoneal protein loss and nutritional markers.
- To assess changes in glucose metabolism and lipid profiles during CAPD.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study was conducted on 15 children and adolescents undergoing CAPD for 6-24 months.
- Plasma albumin, free amino acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured.
- Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed.
- Peritoneal protein loss and dietary protein intake were assessed.
Main Results:
- Plasma albumin concentration decreased significantly over 19-24 months of CAPD.
- Younger children (<6 years) exhibited lower baseline albumin levels compared to older children.
- Peritoneal protein loss correlated with lower plasma albumin, independent of protein intake.
- Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were elevated, correlating with peritoneal protein loss.
Conclusions:
- CAPD in pediatric patients is associated with a decline in plasma albumin, primarily due to peritoneal protein loss.
- Nutritional management should consider the increased protein losses in children on CAPD.
- Elevated lipid profiles require monitoring and potential intervention in pediatric CAPD patients.
Abstract:
A study was done of 15 children and adolescents, aged 2.5 to 17.5 years, who were treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for 6 to 24 months. Plasma albumin concentration decreased from 34.4 +/- 4.8 g/liter at the onset of therapy to 31.3 +/- 5.3 g/liter after 19 to 24 months. Children less than 6 years old had lower albumin levels (29.4 +/- 1.7 g/liter) than did the older group (36.3 +/- 4.2 g/liter). The lower plasma albumin was related to peritoneal protein loss but not to protein intake. Plasma free amino acid concentrations were not significantly modified. No changes occurred in the oral glucose tolerance test during the course of CAPD. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were abnormally high for age, with a correlation seen between cholesterolemia and peritoneal protein loss.
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