Assessment of nutritional status of children with end-stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis

Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to a condition related to irreversible kidney damage that can further progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Malnutrition is an ongoing problem among children with ESRD. Children are at greater risk due to accelerated growth velocity and brain development. The provision of adequate nutrition and regular evaluation of nutritional status are key points in the management of children with CKD. Objectives To assess the nutritional status of ESRD children on regular hemodialysis attending the Nephrology Unit at Assiut University Children's Hospital (AUCH). Patient and methods A descriptive study included children with ESRD on regular hemodialysis, who attended Assiut University Children's Hospital during the 1-year period from 1st Jan 2020 to 31st December 2020. The patients were assessed after 6 months from enrollment in the study. The patients were carefully assessed for signs of growth failure and malnutrition by measuring weight, height, and BMI putting them on percentile using clinical growth charts according to their genders and ages. There was growth failure if weight and height were less than equal to third percentile and BMI less than fifth percentile. Results This study included 60 patients with ESRD on regular hemodialysis. Their ages ranged from 6months to 18 years old with mean ± SD (9.7 ± 5.2); 40 patients were males and 20 patients were females. Congenital anomalies of the urinary tract system were the most common cause of ESRD in the studied patients. Body weight in 55% of the studied patients was less than the 3rd percentile, height in 62% of them was less than the third percentile, and BMI was less than the 5th percentile in 65% of the patients; 35% of the patients were within normal BMI (5th–84th), all those cases had limitations in nutrients supplementation. Conclusion Children with ESRD on hemodialysis are at risk of developing malnutrition and growth failure.