Growth of prepubertal children on dialysis

Pediatr Nephrol. 2007 Sep;22(9):1251-9. doi: 10.1007/s00467-007-0481-7. Epub 2007 Mar 31.

Abstract

Growth failure is a common and significant clinical problem for children on dialysis and often remains a major impediment to their rehabilitation. Early referral to a paediatric nephrology centre and appropriate management before the initiation of dialysis may significantly prevent growth deterioration. Growth in children on dialysis can be affected by nutritional, metabolic, and hormonal changes. Early diagnosis of malnutrition and aggressive management should be a priority. Gastrostomy feeding should be used when adequate oral intake to maintain normal height and weight velocity cannot be achieved. Active vitamin D metabolites should be used carefully, to prevent low-turnover bone disease. All children should have an adequate regimen of dialysis and an appropriate management of malnutrition, renal osteodystrophy, metabolic acidosis, salt wasting and anaemia, before recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration is considered. The current challenge of reversing growth impairment in children on dialysis can only be achieved by optimization of their care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Development*
  • Growth Disorders / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition / complications
  • Malnutrition / etiology
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects*