Protein restriction in patients with chronic renal failure may be potentially beneficial, however the dangers in growing children of such restrictions must be considered. We analyzed the nitrogen balance in 60 chronic renal failure children (47 male y 13 female) Group A: 36 preadolescents. GFR was 54.5 +/- 25.6 ml/min/1.73 m2. Group B: 24 adolescents. GFR 52.7 +/- 25.4 ml/min/1.73 m2.
Results: 55% of patients had a negative balance. 72% preadolescents and 17% of adolescents had positive nitrogen balance A good correlation was found between the range of energy and protein intake and nitrogen balance.
Conclusions: 1. A good correlation was found between nitrogen balance and the range of energy and protein intake but no correlation with the renal function degree. 2. Adolescents had nitrogen balance negative. 3. It is necessary turn-over protein studies in this patients to know the requirements in children with chronic renal failure.