Hypoalbuminemia and risk of death in pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease

Nutritional profile and infection-related hospital admissions in children with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Protein energy wasting (PEW) and undernutrition are highly prevalent in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but their impact on clinical outcomes is not well described. This prospective longitudinal study in children with CKD assessed the association of nutritional parameters with infection-related hospital admissions (IRHA).

METHODS

Children with CKD2-5D aged 2-18 years and infection-free for 1 month were recruited over 5 years. Evaluation for undernutrition by subjective global nutritional assessment and for PEW using paediatric criteria was undertaken and categorized as mild (>2 criteria), standard (>3 criteria) and modified PEW (>3 criteria with short stature). The IRHA (severe viral, bacterial or fungal infections) were recorded.

RESULTS

Among 137 children (45 on dialysis; age 123 ± 46 months; 70% males), undernutrition was seen in 60% and PEW in 52%. In over 38 ± 21 months follow-up, 107 (78%) required hospital admissions (67% IRHA). The incidence rate of IRHA in days per patient-year was higher in those with undernutrition compared to well-nourished children [1.74 (1.27, 2.31) vs. 0.65 (0.44, 0.92) p < 0.0001] and higher in those with PEW compared to no PEW [1.74 (1.30, 2.28) vs. 0.56 (0.36, 0.82) p < 0.0001] respectively. On adjusted analysis, independent risk factors for IRHA were undernutrition, low BMI, hypoalbuminemia and dialysis status with modified PEW [OR 5.34 (2.16, 13.1) p < 0.001] and raised CRP [OR 4.66 (1.56, 13.9) p = 0.006] having the highest risk. Additionally, modified PEW and BMI were noted to have a twofold risk for recurrent infections.

CONCLUSION

In children with CKD2-5D, incidence rate of IRHA was significantly higher in those with undernutrition and PEW. While dialysis, poor nutritional status and inflammation were risk factors for IRHA, modified PEW and BMI were associated with recurrent infections.

Exploring systemic inflammation in children with chronic kidney disease: correlates of interleukin 6

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammation (SI) is linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and multiple complications. Data regarding SI biomarkers in pediatric patients are scarce. This case-control and cross-sectional study investigates the correlation of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum albumin to serum interleukin-6 (IL-6).

METHODS

NLR and PLR were measured in 53 patients (median age: 12.9 years), including 17 on dialysis and 36 with a median glomerular filtration rate of 39 ml/min/1.73m2, and in 25 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Iron profile, serum albumin and IL-6 were measured in the patient group. IL-6 levels > 3rd quartile were classified as high.

RESULTS

Patients presented higher NLR and PLR and particularly those on dialysis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). We observed a significant correlation between natural logarithm (ln) of IL-6 (lnIL-6) and NLR (rs = 0.344, p = 0.014), serum albumin (rs = -0.350, p = 0.011) and TIBC (rs = -0.345, p = 0.012) after adjustment for CKD stage, while the correlation between lnIL-6 and PLR was not significant (rs = 0.206, p = 0.151). Combination of NLR, serum albumin and TIBC predicted high IL-6 (13 patients) with an AUC of 0.771 (95% CI 0.608-0.943). Pairing of NLR ≥ 1.7 and TIBC ≤ 300 μg/dL exhibited the highest sensitivity (76.9%), while incorporating serum albumin ≤ 3.8 g/dL along with them achieved the highest specificity (95%) for detecting high IL-6 levels.

CONCLUSION

Both NLR and PLR levels increase in CKD, especially in patients on chronic dialysis. NLR, rather than PLR, along with TIBC and serum albumin, are associated with IL-6 in pediatric CKD.

Malnutrition and protein energy wasting are associated with severity and progression of pediatric chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Protein energy wasting (PEW), a state of deficient protein storage, is not well understood in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to re-define PEW using pediatric malnutrition guidelines from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND/ASPEN), and to describe the relationship between PEW, malnutrition, and kidney function.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of outpatients ≤ 20 years old with a diagnosis of CKD from January 1, 2013, to August 31, 2018. Malnutrition was diagnosed by a licensed dietitian, and PEW was diagnosed using an updated definition incorporating AND/ASPEN malnutrition guidelines. Logistic regression and linear mixed effects modeling were performed on the relationship of malnutrition and PEW to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESULTS

The 142 patients included in this analysis had a median age of 11.1 years and median eGFR of 57 ml/min/1.73 m2 at initial visit. Malnutrition was diagnosed in 50% of patients in at least one visit, and 17.6% met ≥ 2 PEW criteria. Patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 had significantly increased risk of malnutrition [OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.0-3.3] (p < 0.001) and PEW [OR 4.9, 95% CI 3.0-8.0] (p < 0.001). A diagnosis of malnutrition or PEW was associated with worse eGFR by logistic regression (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively) and more rapid eGFR decline by linear mixed effects model (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to those without these diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition and PEW are prevalent in pediatric CKD and are associated with significantly lower eGFR and more rapid decline in eGFR, emphasizing the need to address nutritional status. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Dietary acid load in children with chronic kidney disease: its association with nutritional status and health-related quality of life

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the dietary acid load of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to evaluate the relationship between dietary acid load, nutritional status, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHOD

A total of 67 children aged 3-18 years with a diagnosis of CKD stages II-V were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, waist, and neck circumference) and 3-day food consumption records were taken to evaluate the nutritional status. The net endogenous acid production (NEAP) score was calculated to determine the dietary acid load. "Pediatric Inventory of Quality of Life (PedsQL)" was used to assess the participants' HRQOL.

RESULTS

The mean NEAP was 59.2 ± 18.96 mEq/day. Stunted and malnourished children had significantly higher NEAP than those who were not (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of HRQOL scores according to NEAP groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that waist circumference (OR: 0.890, 95% CI: 0.794-0.997), serum albumin (OR: 0.252, 95% CI: 0.068-0.929), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (OR: 0.985, 95% CI: 0.970-1.000) were negatively associated with high NEAP.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that a diet shifted in an acidic direction in children with CKD and a higher dietary acid load are associated with lower serum albumin, GFR, and waist circumference, but not HRQOL. These results suggest that dietary acid load might affect nutritional status and CKD progression in children with CKD. Future studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these results and to understand underlying mechanisms. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Risk Factors Affecting Muscle Mass Decline in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Objective

There is a high prevalence of sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, which is known to be associated with increased mortality. This study is aimed at analyzing the risk factors affecting muscle mass decline in MHD patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included MHD patients who underwent two body composition assessments in October 2013 and November 2017. Depending on whether there was muscle loss or not, the patients were divided into a normal muscle mass (NMM) group and a muscle mass decline (MMD) group. According to the muscle mass decline rate, patients in the MMD group were further classified into a low-rate group and a high-rate group. Biochemical variables, serum vitamin concentrations, anthropometric data, SGA, muscle mass, handgrip, and daily steps were assessed. Risk factors for muscle mass decline were screened by multivariate logistic analysis and linear regression analysis.

Results

Of the 72 MHD patients included in this study, 33 were male and 39 were female with a mean age of 56.80 ± 10.86 years and a mean dialysis duration of 7.50 ± 5.20 years. Age (P = .014) and serum 25(OH)D (P = .040) were found to be associated with a higher risk of muscle mass decline after adjusting for gender, dialysis vintage, albumin, and hs-CRP (P = .040). Further analysis found that dialysis vintage (β = 0.285, P = .030), 25(OH)D (β = -0.351, P = .007), and log NT-proBNP (β = 0.312, P = .020) were risk factors associated with the muscle mass decline rate in MHD patients.

Conclusion

Age and serum 25(OH)D were associated with a higher risk of muscle mass decline, while 25(OH)D, dialysis vintage, and NT-proBNP were associated with the muscle mass decline rate in MHD patients.

Epidemiology of pediatric chronic kidney disease/kidney failure: learning from registries and cohort studies

Although the concept of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is similar to that in adults, pediatric CKD has some peculiarities, and there is less evidence and many factors that are not clearly understood. The past decade has witnessed several additional registry and cohort studies of pediatric CKD and kidney failure. The most common underlying disease in pediatric CKD and kidney failure is congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), which is one of the major characteristics of CKD in children. The incidence/prevalence of CKD in children varies worldwide. Hypertension and proteinuria are independent risk factors for CKD progression; other factors that may affect CKD progression are primary disease, age, sex, racial/genetic factors, urological problems, low birth weight, and social background. Many studies based on registry data revealed that the risk factors for mortality among children with kidney failure who are receiving kidney replacement therapy are younger age, female sex, non-White race, non-CAKUT etiologies, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and high estimated glomerular filtration rate at dialysis initiation. The evidence has contributed to clinical practice. The results of these registry-based studies are expected to lead to new improvements in pediatric CKD care.

Social Deprivation Is Associated With Lower Access to Pre-emptive Kidney Transplantation and More Urgent-Start Dialysis in the Pediatric Population

Introduction

Socioeconomic status (SES) is recognized as an important determinant of kidney health. We aimed to evaluate the association of social deprivation with different indicators at kidney replacement therapy (KRT) initiation in the French pediatric metropolitan population.

Methods

All patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who started KRT before 20 years old in France between 2002 and 2015 were included. We investigated different indicators at KRT initiation, which are as follows: KRT modality (dialysis vs. pre-emptive transplantation), late referral to a nephrologist, and dialysis modality (hemodialysis [HD] vs. peritoneal dialysis [PD], urgent vs. planned start of dialysis, use of catheter vs. use of fistula for HD vascular access). An ecological index (European Deprivation Index [EDI]) was used as a proxy for social deprivation.

Results

A total of 1115 patients were included (males 59%, median age at dialysis 14.4 years, glomerular/vascular diseases 36.8%). The most deprived group represented 38.7% of the patients, suggesting pediatric patients with ESKD come from a more socially deprived background. The most deprived group was more likely to initiate KRT with dialysis versus kidney transplantation. Among patients on HD, the odds of starting treatment in emergency with a catheter was >2-fold higher for the most deprived compared with the least deprived children (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.78).

Conclusion

Children from the most deprived area have lower access to pre-emptive transplantation, have lower access to PD, tend to be late referred to a nephrologist, and have more urgent initiation of HD with a catheter.

Peritoneal Dialysis Guidelines 2019 Part 1 (Position paper of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy)

Approximately 10 years have passed since the Peritoneal Dialysis Guidelines were formulated in 2009. Much evidence has been reported during the succeeding years, which were not taken into consideration in the previous guidelines, e.g., the next peritoneal dialysis PD trial of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) in Japan, the significance of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), the effects of icodextrin solution, new developments in peritoneal pathology, and a new international recommendation on a proposal for exit-site management. It is essential to incorporate these new developments into the new clinical practice guidelines. Meanwhile, the process of creating such guidelines has changed dramatically worldwide and differs from the process of creating what were “clinical practice guides.” For this revision, we not only conducted systematic reviews using global standard methods but also decided to adopt a two-part structure to create a reference tool, which could be used widely by the society’s members attending a variety of patients. Through a working group consensus, it was decided that Part 1 would present conventional descriptions and Part 2 would pose clinical questions (CQs) in a systematic review format. Thus, Part 1 vastly covers PD that would satisfy the requirements of the members of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT). This article is the duplicated publication from the Japanese version of the guidelines and has been reproduced with permission from the JSDT.

Overview of Albumin Physiology and its Role in Pediatric Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Albumin plays a critical role in a wide range of disease processes; however, the role of albumin in pediatric patients has not been well described. This article aims to review albumin physiology and kinetics in children, albumin's impact on pediatric diseases, and the utility of albumin as a predictor of clinical outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hypoalbuminemia is seen in a wide range of conditions, including protein-losing enteropathy, hepatic synthetic failure, malnutrition, inflammatory states, and renal disease. While the impact of hypoalbuminemia has been more extensively studied in adult patients, there is a relative paucity of literature in the pediatric population. Hypoalbuminemia is a marker of poor outcome in critically ill children and those undergoing a wide range of medical interventions. Albumin infusions may be an effective therapy for fluid resuscitation and for patients with severe hypoalbuminemia.

Efficacy of intradialytic amino acids on nutritional status in children with stage 5 chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Protein energy wasting (PEW) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD 5). Intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) has been used as a therapy for preventing and treating PEW in children with CKD 5 when other conventional modalities fail. However, not enough data is available to define its effectiveness in treating malnutrition in children. This study aims to investigate potential benefits of IDPN in Egyptian children with CKD 5.

METHODS

In this prospective, placebo-controlled, parallel-group single blinded study, we enrolled 50 CKD 5 patients; 25 patients (intervention group) received intravenous amino acids (KIDIMN), while 25 patients (control group) received normal saline as placebo, each given during regular dialysis 3 times a week for 9 months. Patients were subjected to nutritional assessment at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up using height Z-score, hand grip strength (HGS) for muscle power assessment, body composition monitor (BCM) for assessing lean tissue mass (LTM) and adipose tissue mass (ATM), and biochemical measures including serum albumin, serum triglyceride, and serum cholesterol.

RESULTS

When comparing baseline and 9-month follow-up values, significant improvement was recorded in height Z-score, LTM, and serum albumin in the intervention group unlike the control group where no significant changes were recorded.

CONCLUSION

IDPN is proposed to be an effective method for preventing and treating malnutrition in children with CKD 5. However, further multi-centric studies with larger sample size and longer duration of follow-up are still recommended.

Intravenous Albumin for Mitigating Hypotension and Augmenting Ultrafiltration during Kidney Replacement Therapy

Among its many functions, owing to its oversized effect on colloid oncotic pressure, intravascular albumin helps preserve the effective circulatory volume. Hypoalbuminemia is common in hospitalized patients and is found especially frequently in patients who require KRT either for AKI or as maintenance hemodialysis. In such patients, hypoalbuminemia is strongly associated with morbidity, intradialytic hypotension, and mortality. Intravenous albumin may be administered in an effort to prevent or treat hypotension or to augment fluid removal, but this practice is controversial. Theoretically, intravenous albumin administration might prevent or treat hypotension by promoting plasma refilling in response to ultrafiltration. However, clinical trials have demonstrated that albumin administration is not nearly as effective a volume expander as might be assumed according to its oncotic properties. Although intravenous albumin is generally considered to be safe, it is also very expensive. In addition, there are potential risks to using it to prevent or treat intradialytic hypotension. Some recent studies have suggested that hyperoncotic albumin solutions may precipitate or worsen AKI in patients with sepsis or shock; however, the overall evidence supporting this effect is weak. In this review, we explore the theoretical benefits and risks of using intravenous albumin to mitigate intradialytic hypotension and/or enhance ultrafiltration and summarize the current evidence relating to this practice. This includes studies relevant to its use in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and critically ill patients with AKI who require KRT in the intensive care unit. Despite evidence of its frequent use and high costs, at present, there are minimal data that support the routine use of intravenous albumin during KRT. As such, adequately powered trials to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous albumin in this setting are clearly needed.

Assessment of nutritional status in children with kidney diseases-clinical practice recommendations from the Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce

In children with kidney diseases, an assessment of the child's growth and nutritional status is important to guide the dietary prescription. No single metric can comprehensively describe the nutrition status; therefore, a series of indices and tools are required for evaluation. The Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce (PRNT) is an international team of pediatric renal dietitians and pediatric nephrologists who develop clinical practice recommendations (CPRs) for the nutritional management of children with kidney diseases. Herein, we present CPRs for nutritional assessment, including measurement of anthropometric and biochemical parameters and evaluation of dietary intake. The statements have been graded using the American Academy of Pediatrics grading matrix. Statements with a low grade or those that are opinion-based must be carefully considered and adapted to individual patient needs based on the clinical judgment of the treating physician and dietitian. Audit and research recommendations are provided. The CPRs will be periodically audited and updated by the PRNT.

Clinical Features and Risk Factors of Fungal Peritonitis in Children on Peritoneal Dialysis

Objective: To analyse the clinical manifestations, aetiology, prognosis, and risk factors of fungal peritonitis (FP) in children on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: Among 322 children undergoing PD at Children's Hospital of Fudan University, between January 2001 and December 2019, FP cases were retrospectively analysed and compared with those of bacterial peritonitis (BP) to analyse the risk factors of FP. Results: A total of 124 cases of peritonitis were treated, including 11 FP cases in 11 children (0.0019 episodes/patient^*month) and 113 BP cases in 64 children (0.02 episodes/patient^*month). Among the 11 FP cases, 7 cases (63.64%) were caused by Candida and Candida parapsilosis (5/7) was the most common pathogen of Candida. All FP patients were converted to haemodialysis (HD) and did not resume PD during follow-up. Two patients (18.2%) died after 6 months of HD due to heart failure, 2 patients underwent kidney transplant after 2 years of infection, and the other 7 patients were still on HD. The univariate analysis showed the usage rate of antibiotics in the month before the onset of peritonitis was higher (45.45 vs. 15.93%) and the mean serum albumin was lower (31.4 vs. 34.4 g/L) in the FP group when compared with BP group (P < 0.05), while multivariate analysis showed that serum albumin ≤ 30 g/L was an independent risk factor for FP (odds ratio 4.896, 95% confidence interval 1.335-17.961). Conclusion: FP is a rare complication of PD in children, but it is associated with high technique failure. Attention should be paid to hypoproteinaemia and antibiotic use in children on PD.

Protein Energy Wasting in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Kidney Disease: An Observational Study

OBJECTIVES

Protein energy wasting (PEW), a specific nutritional comorbidity associated with increased mortality, is underrecognized in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to determine the burden and factors associated with PEW and assess the utility of parameters used to diagnose PEW in children with CKD and End stage kidney disease (ESKD).

METHODS

Children between 2 and 18 years of age with CKD stages 2-5 were recruited over 30 months. Parameters of PEW assessed included body mass index for height, mid-upper arm circumference, height for age, appetite, serum albumin, cholesterol, transferrin, and C-reactive protein. Based on number of criteria fulfilled in each subject, PEW was further stratified as mild, standard, and modified PEW.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-three children (male:female 3:1, 73 in CKD stages 2-4, 50 with ESKD) were recruited. PEW was observed in 58% (47% in CKD stages 2-4 vs. 73% ESKD, P = .035). Longer duration and severity of disease was associated PEW. Reduced appetite (P = .001, P = .04), low mid-upper arm circumference (P = .000, P = .006), and low body mass index for height (P = .000, P = .007) were useful criteria to diagnose PEW in CKD stages 2-4 and ESKD, while most children did not meet biochemical criteria. Inflammation observed in 47% was higher in those with ESKD [CKD stages 2-4: 72 (39%) vs. ESKD: 29 (59%), P = .02] but was associated with PEW only in CKD stages 2-4.

CONCLUSION

PEW was highly prevalent in children with CKD and ESKD. Appetite and anthropometry measures were more useful than biochemical criteria for diagnosis of PEW. Whereas inflammation was common, it was associated with PEW only in CKD stages 2-4. Pediatric CKD and ESKD may need exclusive diagnostic criteria for PEW based on anthropometry, appetite, and inflammation.

Long-term all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in Scottish children after initiation of renal replacement therapy: a national cohort study

BACKGROUND

Data on long-term outcomes in children who have received renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease are limited.

METHODS

We studied long-term survival and incidence of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and determinants of these outcomes in children who initiated RRT between 1961 and 2013 using data from the Scottish Renal Registry (SRR). Linkage to morbidity records was available from 1981.

RESULTS

A total of 477 children of whom 55% were boys, almost 50% had congenital urinary tract disease (CAKUT), 10% received a transplant as the first mode of RRT and almost 60% were over 11 years of age at start of RRT were followed for a median of 17.8 years (interquartile range (IQR) 8.7-26.6 years). Survival was 87.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 84.0-90.1) at 10 years and 77.6% (95% CI 73.3-81.7) at 20 years. During a median follow-up of 14.96 years (IQR 7.1-22.9), 20.9% of the 381 patients with morbidity data available had an incident of CVD event. Age < 2 years at start of RRT, receiving dialysis rather than a kidney transplant and primary renal disease (PRD) other than CAKUT or glomerulonephritis (GN), were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Male sex, receiving dialysis rather than a kidney transplant and PRD other than CAKUT or GN, was associated with a higher risk of CVD incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality and CVD incidence among children receiving RRT are high. PRD and RRT modality were associated with increased risk of both all-cause mortality and CVD incidence.

Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Nutritional Status in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for human beings and its deficiency affects their normal growth and development.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim was to evaluate the effect of two doses of zinc supplementation (ZS) on the nutritional status in chronic kidney disease (CKD) children.

METHODS

A randomized-trial multicentric study was conducted in 48 CKD (23 females) patients under 18-years-old, for a year. At random, participants took 30 or 15 mg/day of ZS, respectively. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis were performed. Hypozincemia was determined by serum zinc concentration (SZC) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The positive or negative change in patients' body mass index (BMI) Z-score, serum albumin, zinc and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were used to evaluate the effect of ZS.

RESULTS

Mean SZC was normal before and after ZS. Despite ZS, there were no significant changes in serum albumin, zinc and CRP levels. A positive and significant association was observed between SZC and serum albumin before (p = 0.000) and after (p = 0.007) ZS. In both groups of ZS, there was a small but positive and significant change in body mass and normalization in BMI Z-score, hypoalbuminemia, hypozincemia and high CRP, especially with 30 mg/day of ZS.

CONCLUSIONS

Zinc supplementation may be beneficial for nutritional status in children and adolescents with CKD.

Serum albumin and hospitalization among pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease who started dialysis therapy

BACKGROUND

Hypoalbuminemia is a strong predictor of hospitalization and mortality among adult dialysis patients. However, data are scant on the association between serum albumin and hospitalization among children new to dialysis.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study of children 1-17 years old with end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis therapy in a large US dialysis organization 2007-2011, we examined the association of serum albumin with hospitalization frequency and total hospitalization days using a negative binomial regression model.

RESULTS

Among 416 eligible patients, median (interquartile range) age was 14 (10-16) years and mean ± SD baseline serum albumin level was 3.7 ± 0.8 g/dL. Two hundred sixty-six patients (64%) were hospitalized during follow-up with an incidence rate of 2.2 (95%CI, 1.9-2.4) admissions per patient-year. There was a U-shaped association between serum albumin and hospitalization frequency; hospitalization rates (95%CI) were 2.7 (2.2-3.2), 1.9 (1.5-2.4), 1.6 (1.3-1.9), and 2.7 (1.7-3.6) per patient-year among patients with serum albumin levels < 3.5, 3.5- < 4.0, 4.0- < 4.5, and ≥ 4.5 g/dL, respectively. Case mix-adjusted hospitalization incidence rate ratios (IRRs) (95%CI) were 1.63 (1.24-2.13), 1.32 (1.10-1.58), and 1.25 (1.06-1.49) at serum albumin levels 3.0, 3.5, and 4.5 g/dL, respectively (reference: 4.0 g/dL). Similar trends were observed in hospitalization days. These associations remained robust against further adjustment for laboratory variables associated with malnutrition and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Both high and low serum albumin were associated with higher hospitalization in children starting dialysis. Because the observed association is novel and not fully explainable especially for high serum albumin levels, interpreting the results requires caution and further studies are needed to confirm and elucidate this association before clinical recommendations are made.

Evaluation of nutritional status and prognostic impact assessed by the prognostic nutritional index in children with chronic kidney disease

To evaluate the nutritional status of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) before dialysis via a series of indexes, and investigate the prognostic impact of nutritional status in these patients assessed by the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI).Fifty-four children with CKD before dialysis were enrolled in this study. The nutritional status was evaluated by different indexes, including dietary intake, anthropometry data and biochemical parameters. Additionally, PNI is calculated as 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × lymphocyte count (/mm). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of patients with different PNI scores was followed up.Thirty-four patients (63.0%) experienced unreasonable dietary intake, and the patients with CKD stage 4 were characterized by lower energy intake. The height was the most affected anthropometry parameter. Additionally, 46 patients (85.2%) suffered from anemia. The serum albumin of 42 patients (77.8%) was <35 g/L, while 34 cases (63.0%) had increased cholesterol and triglyceride. According to the PNI scores, the patients were divided into 3 groups: high-PNI (PNI ≥ 38), middle-PNI (35 ≤ PNI < 38), and low-PNI (PNI < 35). Of the 54 patients, the PNI was <35 in 29 (53.7%) and ≥38 in 13 (24.1%). The patients with CKD stage 4 were belonged to the low-PNI group. At follow-up, GFR decreased significantly in patients with low-PNI scores compared with the high-PNI group (P < .05).Malnutrition, as a common complication of CKD, has a prognostic impact in children with CKD before dialysis, as assessed by the PNI score.

An update on possible pathogenic mechanisms of periodontal pathogens on renal dysfunction

Periodontitis is a potential source of permanent systemic inflammation that initiates renal dysfunction and contributes to the development of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). Although numerous studies have confirmed the bidirectional role of periodontal infection and renal inflammation, no literature has yet highlighted the sophisticated pathogenic mechanisms by which periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphynomonas Gingivalis, induce renal dysfunction and contributed in the development of CKDs. The present review aims to critically analyze and highlight the novel pathogenesis of periodontitis induced CKDs.

The prevalence and outcome of children with failure to thrive after pediatric kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Prior to transplantation, effects of advanced CKD contribute to malnutrition and impaired growth. After transplant, children are expected to thrive, however, in a subset of transplant recipients this does not occur. Factors associated with post-transplant FTT are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine factors associated with FTT and association of FTT with infections and hospitalizations.

METHODS

Records of 119 children transplanted between 2005 and 2016 were reviewed. FTT was defined by ≥2 of the following post-transplant criteria: (a) low BMI or deceleration in BMI z-score, (b) poor growth velocity, and (c) chronic hypoalbuminemia at 1 or 3 years post-transplant. Association of FTT with deceased donor transplant, de novo DSA, intolerance to MMF, anemia, vitamin D deficiency, and CIC was investigated by logistic regression. Poisson regression was used to identify outcomes associated with FTT.

RESULTS

Low pre-transplant BMI and post-transplant CIC dependence were independently associated with FTT after transplant. Odds of FTT at 1 year post-transplant decreased by 0.5 for each 1 unit increase in pre-transplant BMI z-score. Requirement for CIC conferred 3.8 and 7.8 higher odds of FTT at 1 and 3 years. Patients with FTT had 2.7 and 2.6 times infections and hospitalizations during the first year, and 4.2 and 4.3 times infections and hospitalizations over 3 years post-transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with low BMI prior to transplant and those requiring CIC after transplant are at increased risk for post-transplant FTT. FTT is associated with adverse outcomes, evidenced by increased infections and hospitalizations.

Muscle wasting in chronic kidney disease

Loss of lean body mass is a relevant component of the cachexia, or protein energy wasting (PEW), syndrome. Reduced muscle mass seems to be the most solid criterion for the presence of cachexia/PEW in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and those with greater muscle mass loss have a higher risk of death. Children with CKD have many risk factors for lean mass and muscle wasting, including poor appetite, inflammation, growth hormone resistance, and metabolic acidosis. Mortality risks in patients with CKD increases as body mass index (BMI) and weight decreases. However, data regarding cachexia/PEW and muscle wasting in children with CKD is scarce due to lack of consensus in diagnostic criteria and an appropriate investigative methodology. Further research is urgently needed to address this important complication in the pediatric CKD setting, which may have fundamental impact on clinical outcomes.

Survival in children requiring chronic renal replacement therapy

Survival in the pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population has improved substantially over recent decades. Nonetheless, mortality remains at least 30 times higher than that of healthy peers. Patient survival is multifactorial and dependent on various patient and treatment characteristics and degree of economic welfare of the country in which a patient is treated. In this educational review, we aim to delineate current evidence regarding mortality risk in the pediatric ESRD population and provide pediatric nephrologists with up-to-date information required to counsel affected families.

Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition in Pediatrics

Children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis are at increased risk for malnutrition. Aggressive nutrition intervention such as intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) should be considered to prevent further co-morbidities and mortality associated with malnutrition when other interventions fail. IDPN is a non-invasive method of providing nutrition to malnourished hemodialysis (HD) patients via the HD access throughout the HD treatment. Although the evidence on the long-term benefits of IDPN is scant in pediatrics, there is evidence that it improves metabolic parameters and nutritional status. In this paper, therapy with IDPN including indications, goals of therapy, and elements to monitor will be described. In addition, a practice guideline for prescribing IDPN is provided.

Malnutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease are at substantial risk for malnutrition, characterized by protein energy wasting and micronutrient deficiency. Studies show a high prevalence rate of malnutrition in both children and adults with chronic kidney disease. Apart from abnormalities in growth hormone-insulin like growth factor axis, malnutrition also plays a role in the development of stunted growth, commonly observed in children with chronic kidney disease. The pathogenic mechanisms of malnutrition in chronic kidney disease are complex and involve an interplay of multiple pathophysiologic alterations including decreased appetite and nutrient intake, hormonal derangements, metabolic imbalances, inflammation, increased catabolism, and dialysis related abnormalities. Malnutrition increases the risk of morbidity, mortality and overall disease burden in these patients. The simple provision of adequate calorie and protein intake does not effectively treat malnutrition in patients with chronic kidney disease owing to the intricate and multifaceted derangements affecting nutritional status in these patients. A clear understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the development of malnutrition in chronic kidney disease is necessary for developing strategies and interventions that are effective, and capable of restoring normal development and mitigating negative clinical outcomes. In this article, a review of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of malnutrition in chronic kidney disease is presented.

Cyclosporine A exhibits gender-specific nephrotoxicity in rats: Effect on renal tissue inflammation

Cyclosporine A (CSA) is a widely used immunosuppressant drug known to commonly cause cardio and nephrotoxicity. A study looking at the sex specificity of the cardiotoxicity of CSA revealed that sexual dimorphism existed when looking at the electrocardiographs and left ventricles of CSA-treated rats. We hypothesized that cyclosporine A exhibited gender-specific nephrotoxicity by testing various parameters of kidney function in male and female rats treated for 21 days with 15 mg/kg CSA versus control male and female rats that received a vehicle consisting of 18% kolliphore and 2% ethanol in sterile saline. It was found that male rats treated with CSA had significantly higher levels of serum creatinine and lower creatinine clearance than control males. However, serum creatinine and creatinine clearance were not affected by CSA treatment in females. Histopathological examination of kidney cross-sections revealed a heavy aggregation of inflammatory cells and significant vascular congestion in males treated with CSA, which was less prominent in female rats receiving CSA. In addition CSA treated male rats had higher levels of serum cholesterol compared with control while, CSA did not affect serum cholesterol in female rats. Kidney tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were found to drop in female rats following CSA treatment, whereas no change was observed in male rats before and after treatment. These results suggest that CSA exhibits gender-related nephrotoxicity in rats that might be mediated by differences in the inflammatory response between males and females.

Long-term outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease stage 5 over the last 40 years

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD 5) treated in the first pediatric dialysis unit in Poland during 1973-2012.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The retrospective analysis included 208 children with CKD 5 undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT), stratified into four decades of treatment: 1973-1982, 1983-1992, 1993-2002, and 2003-2012.

RESULTS

The most common causes of CKD 5 included glomerulonephritis in 27.4% and pyelonephritis secondary to urinary tract anomalies in 25.5% of children. Among 208 children, 172 (82.7%) survived and 17.3% died. Kidney transplantation (KTx) was performed in 47.6% of children, including pre-emptive KTx in 1.92% of children. Chronic dialysis was continued in 34.1% of children, and RRT was withdrawn in 1%. The overall mortality rate was 6.2 per 100 patient-years, and 3-year survival was 83.9%. The highest mortality rate of 23.4 per 100 patient-years was observed among children in whom RRT was initiated in 1973-1982, with subsequent reduction of the mortality rate to 4.5 and 2.1 per 100 patient-years in 1993-2002 and 1983-1992 respectively. No deaths were noted after 2002. Cardiovascular problems were the most common cause of death, found in 36.1% of patients (p < 0.01). Identified risk factors for mortality included young age, low residual diuresis, anemia at the time of RRT initiation, and hypertriglyceridemia and hypoalbuminemia during RRT.

CONCLUSIONS

In years 1973-2012 significant improvement in prognosis among children with CKD 5 was achieved. Identified predictors of mortality included young age at initiation of RRT, low residual diuresis, anemia and hypertriglyceridemia.

Effect of center practices on the choice of the first dialysis modality for children and young adults

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains the modality of choice in children, but there is no clear evidence to support a better outcome in children treated with PD. We aimed to assess factors that have an impact on the choice of dialysis modality in children and young adults in France and sought to determine the roles of medical factors and center practices.

METHODS

We included all patients aged <20 years at the start of renal replacement therapy (RRT), recorded in the French RRT Registry between 2002 and 2013. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to study the association between the patient/center characteristics and the probability of receiving PD as the first dialysis modality.

RESULTS

We included 806 patients starting RRT in 177 centers, 23 of which were specialized pediatric centers. Six hundred and one patients (74.6 %) started with hemodialysis (HD), whereas 205 (25.4 %) started with PD. A greater probability of PD was found in younger children, whereas starting the treatment in an emergency setting was associated with a low use of PD. We found a significant variability among centers that accounted for 43 % of the total variability. The probability of PD was higher in adult centers and was proportional to the rate of PD in the center.

CONCLUSIONS

Center practices are a major factor in the choice of dialysis modality. This raises concerns about patient and family choices and to what extent doctors may influence the final decision. Further pediatric studies focusing on children's and parents' wishes are needed to provide care as close as possible to patients' and families' expectations.

The Effect of Intradialytic Intralipid Therapy in Pediatric Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVE

Growth of children on maintenance hemodialysis is poor. Oral nutritional supplements are the preferred way to augment nutrition; however, many children have difficulties adhering to prescribed oral supplements. In our unit, we have been utilizing intralipid (IL) therapy as nutritional supplement during hemodialysis sessions. The aim of this study was to assess the safety, efficacy, and benefits of intradialytic IL therapy.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review.

SUBJECTS

Fifteen pediatric hemodialysis patients receiving intradialytic IL therapy for at least 3 months from July 2011 through July 2014.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

For each patient, anthropometric measurements and laboratory nutritional parameters were compared prior to and at the end of IL therapy. Anthropometric measurements evaluated were dry weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and BMI corrected for height age. Laboratory nutritional parameters evaluated were albumin, normalized protein catabolic rate, predialysis blood urea nitrogen, transferrin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Adverse events during therapy were also noted.

RESULTS

Significant improvement was noted in albumin levels, predialysis blood urea nitrogen, and normalized protein catabolic rate during therapy (P = .02; P = .03; P = .03, respectively). Six patients (37.5%) improved their weight standard deviation score, and eight patients (50%) improved their BMI standard deviation score though not statistically significant (P = .59; P = .9, respectively). No significant side effects were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of IL alone during hemodialysis is well tolerated with beneficial effects on nutritional parameters. The provision of IL alone is relatively cheap and does not require additional resources. In conjunction with other measures of nutritional support, it can help improve nutritional status of pediatric hemodialysis patients.

Perceived appetite and clinical outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may have impaired caloric intake through a variety of mechanisms, with decreased appetite as a putative contributor. In adult CKD, decreased appetite has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. There is limited information about this relationship in pediatric CKD.

METHODS

A total of 879 participants of the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study were studied. Self-reported appetite was assessed annually and categorized as very good, good, fair, or poor/very poor. The relationship between appetite and iohexol or estimated glomerular filtration rate (ieGFR), annual changes in anthropometrics z-scores, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and quality of life were assessed.

RESULTS

An ieGFR < 30 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) was associated with a 4.46 greater odds (95 % confidence interval: 2.80, 7.09) of having a worse appetite than those with ieGFR >90. Appetite did not predict changes in height, weight, or BMI z-scores. Patients not reporting a very good appetite had more hospitalizations over the next year than those with a very good appetite. Worse appetite was significantly associated with lower parental and patient reported quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported appetite in children with CKD worsens with lower ieGFR and is correlated with clinical outcomes, including hospitalizations and quality of life.

Association of Serum Albumin Level and Mortality in Premature Infants

BACKGROUND

Hypoalbuminemia has been proven to be a powerful predictor of mortality in adult patients. However, prognostic value of serum albumin in neonates is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between serum albumin level within the first day of life and outcome in preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

The study was conducted prospectively in Baskent University Hospital between October 2008 and November 2009. Patients were divided by gestational age into two groups as below or of 28 weeks and above 28 weeks. Then serum albumin percentile groups were established within each gestational age group and were defined as <25, 25-75, and >75 percentile groups by combining percentile groups between the two gestational age groups. Three serum albumin percentile groups were compared regarding neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 199 infants with mean birth weight of 1,272 ± 390 g and mean gestational age of 29.2 ± 2.2 weeks were admitted to the study. The mean serum albumin level was 30.6 ± 4.7 g/l for all patients. The mean serum albumin levels were 25.5 ± 3.8, 30.1 ± 2.7, and 35.3 ± 3.7 g/l for <25, 25-75, and >75 percentile groups, respectively. Prevalence of infants with respiratory distress syndrome and prevalence of infants with sepsis and mortality were significantly higher in <25 percentile group. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum albumin <25 percentile and birth weight were independent predictive variables of mortality. Albumin concentrations lower than 27.2 g/l was associated with mortality, with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 86%.

CONCLUSION

Low serum albumin level within the first day of life is an independent predictor of mortality in preterm infants.

In Quality We Trust; but Quality of Life or Quality of Care?

The ESRD program provides medical care to a diverse and medically complex patient population. The care for the ESRD patient population has become increasingly benchmarked with process of care measures. These measures include dialysis adequacy, anemia, nutrition, and vascular access outcomes. These process-related dialysis measures may not improve the care of the individual patient as care relates to the individual's goals and values. There is also evidence that these process measures may not be causally related to quality of life, hospitalization, and survival. The adoption of patient-reported outcomes may shift the balance toward more patient-centered care. However, the extent to which mandated measures of health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction result in improved outcomes remains unclear.

Sustaining life or prolonging dying? Appropriate choice of conservative care for children in end-stage renal disease: an ethical framework

Due to technological advances, an increasing number of infants and children are surviving with multi-organ system dysfunction, and some are reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Many have quite limited life expectancies and may not be eligible for kidney transplantation but families request dialysis as alternative. In developed countries where resources are available there is often uncertainty by the medical team as to what should be done. After encountering several of these scenarios, we developed an ethical decision-making framework for the appropriate choice of conservative care or renal replacement therapy in infants and children with ESRD. The framework is a practical tool to help determine if the burdens of dialysis would outweigh the benefits for a particular patient and family. It is based on the four topics approach of medical considerations, quality-of-life determinants, patient and family preferences and contextual features tailored to pediatric ESRD. In this article we discuss the basis of the criteria, provide a practical framework to guide these difficult conversations, and illustrate use of the framework with a case example. While further research is needed, through this approach we hope to reduce the moral distress of care providers and staff as well as potential conflict with the family in these complex decision-making situations.

Prevention of nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine-A: role of antioxidants

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a powerful immunosuppressive drug used to prevent allograft rejection after organ transplantation as well as in human and veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, its use is hampered by its nephrotoxic effects. The mechanisms of CsA-induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity are not clear, but several studies suggest the possible involvement of free radicals. In this review we have summarized the effect of some antioxidants that we have used in the recent years, in combination with CsA, to better understand the exact mechanism of action of CsA and to try to open new perspectives in the treatment of CsA nephrotoxicity.

Anthropometric and biochemical profile of children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease in a predialysis pediatric interdisciplinary program

This is longitudinal retrospective observational cohort study that evaluated anthropometric and biochemical variables of children and adolescents admitted to a Predialysis Interdisciplinary Management Program (PDIMP) responsible for the follow-up of children and adolescents at stages 2 to 4 of chronic kidney disease (CKD) at a tertiary center. One hundred thirty-eight patients with CKD on predialysis treatment with median age at admission of 9 years and the median follow-up time of 5 years were evaluated. Seventy-four (53%) had CKD stage 3 at admission and 70 (51%) reached CKD stage 5 at the end of the follow-up. There was no significant difference between the mean initial and final hemoglobin and serum albumin. However, the final serum bicarbonate presented a significant improvement. Analyses stratified according to clinical variables of interest showed a significant improvement in body mass index (BMI) Z score, especially in the subgroup of children admitted under two years of age. In relation to stature-for-age Z score, data show a significant improvement in stature SD at the end of the study. In conclusion, the present study showed improvement of nutritional status of CKD patients and that the deterioration of renal function was not correlated with BMI-for-age Z score.

Hemoglobin level and risk of hospitalization and mortality in children on peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical practice guidelines for management of anemia in children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) remain largely opinion-based. In this study, we evaluated the risk of mortality and hospitalization by hemoglobin (Hb) level in a large prevalent population of U.S. children on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

METHODS

Hemoglobin levels in prevalent PD patients from the 2005 End Stage Renal Disease Clinical Performance Measures Project were linked with 5-year mortality and 4-year hospitalization records from the United States Renal Data System.

RESULTS

Of the 468 patients included in the study, the mean age was 11 years, 55 % were male, 67 % were white, 254 (54 %) were hospitalized, and 23 (5 %) died. Median (interquartile range) Hb levels were 11.7 (10.7-12.6) g/dl, and 30 % had Hb levels of <11 g/dl. In adjusted survival analysis, Hb thresholds of 10, 11, or 12 g/dl were not associated with a significant difference in risk of death. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of hospitalization for patients with a mean Hb of ≥11 g/dl was 0.56 (95 % CI 0.43-0.73). Compared to a reference range of Hb of 11 to <12, Hb of ≥12 g/dl was not associated with a significant difference in hospitalization risk (IRR 0.88; 95 % CI 0.61-1.25). Using age- and sex specific cut-offs for anemia, children who were not anemic had a 27 % decreased risk of hospitalization compared to those with anemia (IRR 0.73; 95 % CI 0.55-0.97). Compared to the first erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) dosing quartile, higher ESA doses were associated with an increased risk of both hospitalization and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

U.S. children on PD with Hb levels of ≥11 g/dl were less likely to be hospitalized but had no observed difference in mortality. Children who were not anemic were also less likely to be hospitalized. Further study is necessary to elucidate whether a single optimal Hb level or a range applies to the pediatric ESKD population.

Chronic kidney disease in the neonate

An increased emphasis has been placed on the early identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the neonatal population, given the long-term health consequences that can accompany this diagnosis. The definition of CKD in neonates and young infants differs from that of children older than 2 years and, if severe, treatment may mandate dialysis with appropriate ethical considerations. Special attention must also be directed to optimal nutrition because of its impact on height, weight, and brain development in the young child experiencing impaired kidney function. There has been steady improvement in patient survival over the last decade.

Assessment of nutritional status in children with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is defined as a state of decreased body protein mass and fuel reserves (body protein and fat mass) and is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is multifactorial: the main causative factors are hormonal imbalances and a low nutrient intake, but low residual renal function, inadequate dialysis dose, chronic inflammation and metabolic acidosis are other important contributory factors. Adult PEW has been defined, but there is no accepted definition of pediatric PEW and consequently no precise diagnostic criteria. Assessing nutritional status in children is also complicated by the absence of a gold standard, specific abnormalities in body composition, and the slowly progressive course of the disease. The evaluation of PEW should take into account all of its pathogenetic aspects, which include dietary assessment, clinical and anthropometric assessment (based on weight, height, and body mass index), a panel of biochemical parameters, and a normalized protein catabolic rate (in the case of adolescents on hemodialysis). Bioimpedance indices can be used in individual patients on a regular basis in centers with expertise. The longitudinal follow-up data relating to the above parameters are valuable for comparing patient and normative data. Given the complex nature of PEW, only a multidisciplinary approach can provide an accurate assessment of nutritional status and its derangements in children with CKD and on dialysis.

Protein energy wasting in children with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

In adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a risk factor for hospitalization and death. However, PEW in children with CKD is not well characterized or defined.

METHODS

Using data from the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children study, we assessed three alternate definitions of PEW using biochemical parameters, body and muscle mass measurements, and reported appetite as described in adults: (1) a minimal PEW definition (≥2 of the four criteria); (2) a standard PEW definition (≥3 of the four criteria); (3) a modified PEW definition (≥3 of the four criteria plus a pediatric-focused criterion of short stature or poor growth).

RESULTS

Of the 528 children analyzed in this study (median age 12 years, median glomerular filtration rate 45 mL/min/1.73 m(2), 39% female, 18% African American), 7-20% met the spectrum of definitions for PEW. The unadjusted incidence rates for incident hospitalizations were 1.9-, 2.1-, and 2.2-fold higher for those children diagnosed with PEW using the minimal, standard, and modified definitions, respectively (P = 0.08, 0.09 and 0.03). Following adjustment, only the modified PEW definition, which added short stature or poor growth as a criterion, showed modest significance (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

The inclusion of a criterion based on growth may augment the definition of PEW and improve risk discrimination in children with CKD.

Bidirectional Relationship between Chronic Kidney Disease & Periodontal Disease

Non communicable diseases (NCDs) affect the life of an individual in terms of mortality, morbidity and financial crises. Main NCDs are diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), pulmonary diseases, osteoporosis and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). About 40% of the total deaths can be controlled by eliminating the risk factors for NCDs. Periodontitis have recently been labeled as an important potential risk factor for NCDs. CKD affect the oral health status of patients by inducing gingival hyperplasia, xerostomia, calcification of root canals and delayed eruption of teeth. Periodontitis increases systemic inflammatory burden leading to worsening of CKD which in turn has been has been found to negatively affect CKD of patients on hemodialysis therapy by altering their serum albumin and C-reactive protein levels. As hypoalbuminemia leads to increased mortality in CKD patients, it needs to be avoided by reducing systemic inflammatory burden in patients receiving HD therapy. Treating periodontal disease could be one factor that might decrease the systemic inflammatory burden and thereby improve quality of life of these patients.

Sources of Data: Data from descriptive, cross sectional and longitudinal studies published between 2000 and 2012 were included. Data searches based on human studies only.

Data Extraction: The key words, periodontitis, chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis, on MEDLINE, approximately 120 studies were identified. 35 of them were relevant to all three keywords. Most of them were cross sectional studies and total 7 clinical trials were identified regarding checking of serum levels after periodontal therapy with variable results.

Conclusion: Patients with CKD have higher prevalence of periodontal disease while non-surgical periodontal therapy has been indicated to decrease the systemic inflammatory burden in patients with CKD specially those undergoing HD therapy.

Strategies for the preservation of residual renal function in pediatric dialysis patients

In adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the preservation of residual renal function (RRF) has been shown to be associated with decreased mortality and improved control of complications of chronic kidney disease. However, less is known on the benefits of RRF in the pediatric dialysis population. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical significance of RRF and to discuss strategies for the preservation of RRF in children with ESRD.

Residual renal function in children treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis

Residual renal function (RRF) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving renal replacement therapy is defined as the ability of native kidneys to eliminate water and uremic toxins. Preserved RRF improves survival and quality of life in adult ESRD patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. In children, RRF was shown not only to help preserve adequacy of renal replacement therapy but also to accelerate growth rate, improve nutrition and blood pressure control, reduce the risk of adverse myocardial changes, facilitate treatment of anemia and calcium-phosphorus balance abnormalities, and result in reduced serum and dialysate fluid levels of advanced glycation end-products. Factors contributing to RRF loss in children treated with peritoneal dialysis include the underlying renal disease such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome and hereditary nephropathy, small urine volume, severe proteinuria at the initiation of renal replacement therapy, and hypertension. Several approaches can be suggested to decrease the rate of RRF loss in pediatric patients treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis: potentially nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides), episodes of hypotension, and uncontrolled hypertension should be avoided, urinary tract infections should be treated promptly, and loop diuretics may be used to increase salt and water excretion.

Comorbidities in chronic pediatric peritoneal dialysis patients: a report of the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network

BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES, AND METHODS: Hospitalization and mortality rates in pediatric dialysis patients remain unacceptably high. Although studies have associated the presence of comorbidities with an increased risk for death in a relatively small number of pediatric dialysis patients, no large-scale study had set out to describe the comorbidities seen in pediatric dialysis patients or to evaluate the impact of those comorbidities on outcomes beyond the newborn period. In the present study, we evaluated the prevalence of comorbidities in a large international cohort of pediatric chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) patients from the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network registry and began to assess potential associations between those comorbidities and hospitalization rates and mortality.

RESULTS

Information on comorbidities was available for 1830 patients 0 - 19 years of age at dialysis initiation. Median age at dialysis initiation was 9.1 years [interquartile range (IQR): 10.9], median follow-up for calculation of hospitalization rates was 15.2 months (range: 0.2 - 80.9 months), and total follow-up time in the registry was 2095 patient-years. At least 1 comorbidity had been reported for 602 of the patients (32.9%), with 283 (15.5%) having cognitive impairment; 230 (12.6%), motor impairment; 167 (9.1%), cardiac abnormality; 76 (4.2%), pulmonary abnormality; 212 (11.6%), ocular abnormality; and 101 (5.5%), hearing impairment. Of the 150 patients (8.2%) that had a defined syndrome, 85% had at least 1 nonrenal comorbidity, and 64% had multiple comorbidities. The presence of at least 1 comorbidity was associated with a higher hospitalization rate [hospital days per 100 observation days: 1.7 (IQR: 5.8) vs 1.2 (IQR: 3.9), p = 0.001] and decreased patient survival (4-year survival rate: 73% vs 90%, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one third of pediatric CPD patients in a large international cohort had at least 1 comorbidity, and multiple comorbidities were frequently reported among patients with a defined syndrome. Preliminary analysis suggests an association between comorbidity and poor outcome in those patients. As this powerful international registry matures, further multivariate analyses will be important to more clearly define the impact of comorbidities on hospitalization rates and mortality in pediatric CPD patients.

Two-point normalized protein catabolic rate overestimates nPCR in pediatric hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) calculation depends on estimating the urea generation between consecutive hemodialysis (HD) treatments. Two-point nPCR using blood urea nitrogen (BUN) before and after the same HD treatment has not been validated in pediatric patients, who typically receive a more intense HD dose than adults. This study aimed to compare nPCR calculated with a two-point vs. a three-point nPCR model in pediatric HD patients.

METHODS

Pediatric patients receiving HD at 2 units were enrolled. Three BUN measurements were obtained around a midweek HD treatment: one prior to HD (preBUN1), one 30 s after HD (30sBUN), and one prior to the subsequent HD (preBUN2). The two-point nPCR model was calculated using preBUN1 and 30sBUN and the three-point nPCR model was calculated using preBUN2 and 30sBUN.

RESULTS

Seventy-six BUN sets from 35 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 16.4 ± 3.5 years. Mean dry weight was 51.4 ± 17.1 kg. Mean spKt/V was 1.54 ± 0.23. Mean preBUN2 was significantly lower than mean preBUN1 (60.2 ± 18.6 vs. 64.0 ± 18.9 mg/dl, p = 0.0001). nPCR obtained from the three-point model was significantly lower than nPCR obtained from the two-point model (1.07 ± 0.31 vs. 1.17 ± 0.31 g/kg/day, p = 0.00001). Seven of 76 (9.2 %) paired comparisons yielded three-point nPCR <1 vs. two-point nPCR >1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that in pediatric patients receiving HD, the ((1) two-point and three-point models lead to significantly different nPCRs, and (2) inaccurate protein intake assessment may result from reliance on a two-point model for nPCR estimates.

Nutritional management and growth in children with chronic kidney disease

Despite continuing improvements in our understanding of the causes of poor growth in chronic kidney disease, many unanswered questions remain: why do some patients maintain a good appetite whereas others have profound anorexia at a similar level of renal function? Why do some, but not all, patients respond to increased nutritional intake? Is feed delivery by gastrostomy superior to oral and nasogastric routes? Do children who are no longer in the 'infancy' stage of growth benefit from enteral feeding? Do patients with protein energy wasting benefit from increased nutritional input? How do we prevent obesity, which is becoming so prevalent in the developed world? This review will address these issues.

The effect of a multidisciplinary care clinic on the outcomes in pediatric chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Current best evidence-based practice for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) attempts to achieve good clinical outcomes through careful management of comorbidities and is likely best achieved with a multidisciplinary care (MDC) CKD clinic.

METHODS

In this retrospective study of children with CKD in British Columbia, Canada, we analyzed clinical outcomes in a cohort of 73 CKD patients from 2003 under a standard care model and a second cohort of 125 CKD patients from 2009 under a MDC clinic model.

RESULTS

Patient demographics were similar, but there was a decrease in the percentage of patients with CKD stage 3-5 in 2009 (59 vs. 75 %; p = 0.002), although the absolute number increased. After adjustment for severity of CKD, hemoglobin was significantly higher (13.0 g/dl vs. 12.2 g/dl, p < 0.03), calcium was significantly higher (9.6 mg/dl vs. 9.1 mg/dl, p < 0.001), and albumin was significantly higher (4.4 g/dl vs. 3.8 g/dl, p < 0.001) in the 2009 MDC cohort. The rate of disease progression, assessed by annualized estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope, improved from -4.0 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in the 2003 cohort to 0.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in the 2009 cohort (p < 0.01). Blood pressure control was better in 2009 although not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary care improved the outcomes of children with CKD especially in anemia management, bone mineral metabolism, nutrition, and renal disease progression.

Nutritional status and clinical outcome of children on continuous renal replacement therapy: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

No studies on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have analyzed nutritional status in children. The objective of this study was to assess the association between mortality and nutritional status of children receiving CRRT.

METHODS

Prospective observational study to analyze the nutritional status of children receiving CRRT and its association with mortality. The variables recorded were age, weight, sex, diagnosis, albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, severity of illness scores, CRRT-related complications, duration of admission to the pediatric intensive care unit, and mortality.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 174 critically ill children on CRRT. The median weight of the patients was 10 kg, 35% were under percentile (P) 3, and 56% had a weight/P50 ratio of less than 0.85. Only two patients were above P95. The mean age for patients under P3 was significantly lower than that of the other patients (p = 0.03). The incidence of weight under P3 was greater in younger children (p = 0.007) and in cardiac patients and in those who had previous chronic renal insufficiency (p = 0.047). The mortality analysis did not include patients with pre-existing renal disease. Mortality was 38.9%. Mortality for patients with weight < P3 was greater than that of children with weight > P3 (51% vs 33%; p = 0.037). In the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the only factor associated with mortality was protein-energy wasting (malnutrition) (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.067-4.173; p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of protein-energy wasting in children who require CRRT is high, and the frequency of obesity is low. Protein-energy wasting is more frequent in children with previous end-stage renal disease and heart disease. Underweight children present a higher mortality rate than patients with normal body weight.