Nutritional status in children with chronic renal failure in outpatient pediatric nephrology clinic at the Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic renal disease (CRD) can compromise nutritional status in children. Nutritional assessment should be performed in early stages of CRD in order to maintain growth, as well as to prevent malnutrition and to diminish progression of renal diseases and metabolic consequences of uremia.
Objective: Evaluation of nutritional status of children with moderate CRD stages 2- 4 by means of anthropometry, biochemical profile and dietary survey by records of last three days.
Methods: A descriptive observational study was performed to a total of 17 patients that attended to pediatric nephrology service at the Hospital Universitario del Valle, from December 2007 to March 2008.
Results: Of the children 65% were males, mean age was 6.2 for males and 10.3 for females. Causes of CRD were reflux nephropathy in 41%. Malnutrition under-2 Standard Deviation for height and weight for the age was found in 30% of patients. The measurement of triceps fold, showed moderate undernourishment in 75% of the children. According to the biochemical data 5 patients (29%) had serum albumin < 3.5 mg/dl. Dietary records evidence diminution in the consumption of calories, calcium, iron, zinc. Sodium ingestion was over the recommended values.
Conclusions: These results support that an early nutritional intervention, is essential in children with of CRD in early stages; nutritional deficiencies were found in early stages of disease. It is essential to consume 100% of calories and other nutrients to avoid growth deficit and other important alterations.

Authors

• Adela Isabel Herrera Universidad del Valle
• Consuelo de Rovetto Universidad del Valle
• Iris de Castaño Universidad del Valle
• Alexander Maximiliano Martínez Universidad del Valle
• Alejandra Guerrero Universidad del Valle