Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Children with CKD are considered at high risk for proteinenergy malnutrition. The children on dialysis, especially those on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), need a higher protein intake. Growth and development retardation occur in 36% of the children with CKD. Diet therapy is very important during infancy when nutritional requirements and growth rate are very high. It is considered that the outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) during childhood could significantly affect nutritional status and that it would usually cause the growth rate to decrease. Continuous muscle protein metabolism in CKD leads to the loss of muscle proteins. Protein intake should be sufficient so that it provides growth and development and preserves positive nitrogen balance and also 60-70% of it should be of high biological value. As a result nutritional support in children with CKD is very important. Children with CKD should be directed to dietitian support. Nutritional support should be in the light of scientific guidelines.

Keywords: Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease; Malnutrition; Protein Energy Wasting

Abbreviations: CAPD: Chronic Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis; CKD: Chronic Kidney Disease; BMI: Body Mass Index; UPS: Ubiquitin Proteasome System; DRI: Dietary Reference Intake