Growth failure due to uremia and congenital nephrosis: growth enhancement by aggressive nutritional therapy

The metabolic and nutritional effects of long-term parenteral and enteral nutrition were studied in two infants and one child with severe growth failure due to chronic renal failure (two patients) and congenital nephrosis (one patient). Six periods of treatment were analyzed. Both the parenteral nutrition and continuous enteral nutrition were found efficient in enhancing growth and correcting the metabolic abnormalities of uremia. The beneficial effects of this intensive nutrition were smaller in congenital nephrosis, although growth accelerated. Nitrogen balance studies confirmed effective nutrient utilization. The serum levels of calcium and phosphate were normalized as anabolism was achieved in the uremia. In fact, the rapid development of severe hypophosphatemia in one of the patients proved that the "fatal hyperalimentation syndrome" appears to be a specific threat in parenteral nutrition applied in uremia.