Health-related quality of life of children with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease

A cost-effective innovation in anaemia management for paediatric patients with haemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Paediatric patients undergoing haemodialysis typically require intravenous (IV) iron therapy to replenish iron stores. Upon establishing our home haemodialysis service, the need for an efficient IV iron administration method prompted exploration beyond the conventional use of iron sucrose, which is associated with anaphylaxis and requires frequent infusions. Ferric carboxymaltose has a favourable safety profile and corrects iron deficiency with less frequent infusions. We aimed to establish if ferric carboxymaltose was a viable alternative in this patient group.

METHODS

This single-centre, uncontrolled retrospective cohort study assessed the effectiveness of ferric carboxymaltose in maintaining laboratory parameters (haemoglobin level, transferrin saturation and reticulocyte haemoglobin content) within target range in our home haemodialysis population. Secondly, we conducted a comparative analysis to establish maintenance efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose, versus iron sucrose over a 12-month period. Finally, we performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of IV iron therapy, considering cost per dose and per month of treatment.

RESULTS

Following ferric carboxymaltose infusion, we observed significant increases in haemoglobin level, transferrin saturation and reticulocyte haemoglobin content, which was maintained at 3-month post-infusion. Ferric carboxymaltose demonstrated comparable efficacy to iron sucrose in maintaining laboratory parameters. Strikingly, ferric carboxymaltose treatment was associated with significantly decreased number of infusions per month (~ tenfold) and a significant cost-saving (~ fivefold).

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the clinical efficacy and economic benefits of ferric carboxymaltose as a viable treatment for iron deficiency anaemia in paediatric patients who are haemodialysis-dependent and highlights the potential for significant improvements in healthcare delivery, in terms of reducing frequency of hospital visits for this patient population.

Quality of life in children at different stages of chronic kidney disease in a developing country

BACKGROUND

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require comprehensive assessments, including medical and quality of life (QoL) evaluations. Few studies have been conducted in developing countries.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 2-18-year-old patients who were categorized into 4 groups: the CKD stage 2-3, stage 4-5, stage 5 with dialysis (D), and kidney transplantation (KT) groups. QoL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) version 4.0; relationships between different factors and QoL were determined using multivariable linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients (mean age: 13.3 (4.1) years) were included. The self-reported total scores were 77.5 (12.5), 78.9 (11.2), 77.4 (16.2), and 76.1 (10.9) in the stage 2-3, stage 4-5, stage 5D and KT groups, respectively. Parent-reported scores showed a weak-to-moderate correlation with self-reported scores (r = 0.12-0.42), with total scores of 71.8 (12.7), 69.5 (14.9), 63.4 (14.8), and 70.8 (18.1) in the stage 2-3, 4-5, 5D and KT groups, respectively. Multivariable linear regression revealed that the parent-reported score in the stage 5D group was 15.92 points lower than that in the stage 2-3 group (p = 0.02); the score in the low maternal education group was 10.13 points lower than that in the high maternal education group (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Parent-reported scores showed weak-to-moderate correlation with self-reported scores. Patients with CKD stage 5D and patients with low maternal education had lower QoL. Regular QoL assessment is recommended for patients with advanced CKD and those with socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

Effect of muscle stretching and isometric exercises on quality of life in children undergoing regular hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent health issue that can have detrimental effects on the quality of life (QoL) of children. Nevertheless, with adequate management and support, many children with CKD can have satisfying lives. The study aimed to investigate the effect of muscle stretching and isometric exercises on QoL of children undergoing hemodialysis.

METHODS

Sixty-eight children aged 6-18 years with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis at Assiut University Children Hospital were included. They were randomly assigned to two groups. The study group received a 40-min exercise program three times per week for 2 months, while the control group received routine hospital care. For outcome measures, two tools were used: a simple questionnaire sheet for personal and medical data and PedsQL™ scale.

RESULTS

After 2 months of exercise, it was shown that most children in the study group (66.7%) had good QoL, in contrast to only 3.3% in the control group, with a highly statistically significant variation between the two examined groups pertaining to the health-related QoL scale (P value = 0.001) after exercise.

CONCLUSION

The intensity of care for children on hemodialysis has a distinguished impact upon their quality of life. The implementation of muscle stretching and isometric exercises during hemodialysis represents an important aspect of such care that may be associated with significant improvement in all domains of QoL. Children undergoing hemodialysis need well-organized programs that cover all physical and psychological aspects with smart time manipulation and increased attention from their staff.

Common mental health conditions and considerations in pediatric chronic kidney disease

The mental health of youth with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasingly recognized as an area of clinical need. The development of mental health concerns is influenced by a range of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some of these factors are common across child development, but some are more unique to youth with CKD. Mental health concerns are associated with increased risk for a range of poor medical outcomes (e.g., adherence, risk of transplant rejection) and quality of life concerns. In this educational review, we discuss the current evidence base regarding the development of mental health concerns in youth with CKD. The review covers multiple domains including mood and anxiety disorders, traumatic stress, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Estimated prevalence and hypothesized risk factors are outlined, and the potential impact of mental health on medical care and functional outcomes are reviewed. Finally, we introduce options for intervention to support positive mental health and offer recommendations for building access to mental health care and improving the mental health education/training of medical professionals.

The Effect of Sleep Habits on Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance has been studied in adult patients with early and end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are limited publications on the pediatric patient population. This paper evaluated the association between sleep disturbances and quality of life (QoL) in pediatric patients with CKD.

METHODS

 The study included 22 patients and 22 healthy controls from the pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic. All participants completed the Turkish Generic Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (HRQoLQ) and the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Patients diagnosed with CKD were compared in terms of HRQoLQ and CSHQ scores within themselves as kidney replacement therapy (KRT) recipients and non-recipients and with the control group.

RESULTS

The mean HRQoLQ total score of the patients was 89.0 ± 12.4 and the mean CSHQ total score was 46.7 ± 5.6; there was no correlation between the total scores (p=0.599). CSHQ total and subgroup scores were similar in patients with and without KRT. The CSHQ total and subgroup median scores were not different in the patient and control groups. According to the HRQoL scale, the total QoL score and the physical and emotional well-being subscale scores were lower in patients receiving KRT than in those not receiving KRT.

CONCLUSION

Sleep problems and HRQoL should not be underestimated in the pediatric CKD population, especially in patients receiving KRT. Large-scale studies with long-term outcomes are needed to understand better and improve QoL.

Estimating Total Energy Expenditure to Determine Energy Requirements in Free-Living Children With Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: Can a Structured Approach Help Improve Clinical Care?

OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition and obesity are complex burdensome challenges in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) management that can adversely affect growth, disease progression, wellbeing, and response to treatment. Total energy expenditure (TEE) and energy requirements in children are essential for growth outcomes but are poorly defined, leaving clinical practice varied and insecure. The aims of this study were to explore a practical approach to guide prescribed nutritional interventions, using measurements of TEE, physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), and their relationship to kidney function.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional prospective age-matched and sex-matched controlled study, 18 children with CKD (6-17 years, mean stage 3) and 20 healthy, age-matched, and gender-matched controls were studied. TEE and PAEE were measured using basal metabolic rate (BMR), activity diaries and doubly labeled water (healthy subjects). Results were related to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The main outcome measure was TEE measured by different methods (factorial, doubly labeled water, and a novel device).

RESULTS

Total energy expenditure and PAEE with or without adjustments for age, gender, weight, and height did not differ between the groups and was not related to eGFR. TEE ranged from 1927 ± 91 to 2330 ± 73 kcal/d; 95 ± 5 to 109 ± 5% estimated average requirement (EAR), physical activity level (PAL) 1.52 ± 0.01 to 1.71 ± 0.17, and PAEE 24 to 34% EAR. Comparisons between DLW and alternative methods in healthy children did not differ significantly, except for 2 (factorial methods and a fixed PAL; and the novel device).

CONCLUSION

In clinical practice, structured approaches using supportive evidence (weight, height, BMI sds), predictive BMR or TEE values and simple questions on activity, are sufficient for most children with CKD as a starting energy prescription.

Assessing Health-related Quality of Life in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease in Indonesia: A Single Tertiary Hospital Study

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important patient-reported outcome. However, HRQOL research in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in developing countries is limited. This cross-sectional study involved children with CKD who attended Dr. Sardjito General Hospital between January 2017 and September 2018. In total, 82 child-parent pairs were enrolled. Total HRQOL scores were significantly lower in children with Stages 3a-5 CKD than in children with Stages 1-2 CKD in the child (69.89 vs. 82.12, P = 0.004) and parent questionnaires (72.26 vs. 81.20, P = 0.02). The scores for the physical, school, and social function domains were significantly decreased. This study showed that children with Stages 3a-5 CKD had significantly lower HRQOL scores compared with children in the Stages 1-2 CKD group. Multidisciplinary teams can provide patient-centered and comprehensive management to optimize HRQOL scores during childhood and in future adult life.

Longitudinal changes of health-related quality of life in childhood chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Few longitudinal studies have evaluated the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) duration on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The study's aim was to determine how HRQOL changes over time in childhood CKD.

METHODS

Study participants were children in the chronic kidney disease in children (CKiD) cohort who completed the pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) on three or more occasions over the course of two or more years. Generalized gamma (GG) mixed-effects models were applied to assess the effect of CKD duration on HRQOL while controlling for selected covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 692 children (median age = 11.2) with a median of 8.3 years duration of CKD were evaluated. All subjects had a GFR greater than 15 ml/min/1.73 m2. GG models with child self-report PedsQL data indicated that longer CKD duration was associated with improved total HRQOL and the 4 domains of HRQOL. GG models with parent-proxy PedsQL data indicated that longer duration was associated with better emotional but worse school HRQOL. Increasing trajectories of child self-report HRQOL were observed in the majority of subjects, while parents less frequently reported increasing trajectories of HRQOL. There was no significant relationship between total HRQOL and time-varying GFR.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer duration of the disease is associated with improved HRQOL on child self-report scales; however, parent-proxy results were less likely to demonstrate any significant change over time. This divergence could be due to greater optimism and accommodation of CKD in children. Clinicians can use these data to better understand the needs of pediatric CKD patients. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Quality of life, depression and anxiety in children and adolescents with CKD and their primary caregivers

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires long-lasting treatments and severe changes in the routine of children, which may favor a low quality of life (QoL) and damage to their mental health and that of their primary caregivers (PC). The present study aimed to investigate the presence of anxiety and depression and to analyze the QoL of children and adolescents diagnosed with CKD at stages 3, 4, and 5, and their PC.

METHODS

We carried out an observational case-control study with 29 children and adolescents and their PC as the case group and 53 as the control group. International instruments, validated for the Brazilian population, were used: Child Anxiety Inventory (STAI-C), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDSQL), Child Depression Inventory (CDI), Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory (BAI; BDI), and the WHOQOL-bref.

RESULTS

The study identified statistically significant differences in the PEDSQL total score (control group, 72.7 ± 19.5; case group, 63.3 ± 20.6; p = 0.0305) and in the psychosocial (control group, 70.5 ± 20.5 and case group, 61.4 ± 19.7; p = 0.0420) and school health dimensions (control group, 72.9 ± 21.0 and case group, 55.2 ± 19.8; p = 0.0003) and the presence of psychiatric comorbidity (depression and anxiety symptoms) in the case group (p = 0.02). As for PC, the study showed statistical significance for the prevalence of depression (p = 0.01) and anxiety (p = 0.02) symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CKD have lower QoL indices and more psychiatric comorbidities, and their PC are affected by the disease, with higher indices of depression and anxiety.

Qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade em crianças e adolescentes com DRC e seus cuidadores primários

RESUMO Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) requer tratamentos duradouros e alterações severas na rotina de crianças, o que pode favorecer baixa qualidade de vida (QV) e danos à sua saúde mental e à de seus cuidadores primários (CP). O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a presença de ansiedade e depressão e analisar a QV de crianças e adolescentes diagnosticados com DRC nos estágios 3, 4, 5, e seus CP. Métodos: Realizamos estudo observacional de caso-controle com 29 crianças e adolescentes e seus CP como grupo de casos e 53 como grupo controle. Utilizamos instrumentos internacionais, validados para a população brasileira: Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado Infantil (IDATE-C), Questionário Pediatric Quality of Life (PEDSQL), Inventário de Depressão Infantil (CDI), Inventário de Ansiedade e Depressão de Beck (BAI; BDI), e o WHOQOL-bref. Resultados: O estudo identificou diferenças estatisticamente significativas no escore total do PEDSQL (grupo controle, 72,7 ± 19,5; grupo de casos, 63,3 ± 20,6; p = 0,0305), no psicossocial (grupo controle, 70,5 ± 20,5; grupo de casos, 61,4 ± 19,7; p = 0,0420), nas dimensões de saúde escolar (grupo controle, 72,9 ± 21,0; grupo de casos, 55,2 ± 19,8; p = 0,0003) e na presença de comorbidade psiquiátrica (sintomas de depressão e ansiedade) no grupo de casos (p = 0,02). Quanto aos CP, o estudo demonstrou significância estatística para a prevalência de sintomas de depressão (p = 0,01) e ansiedade (p = 0,02). Conclusão: Pacientes com DRC apresentam índices mais baixos de QV e mais comorbidades psiquiátricas, e seus CP são afetados pela doença, com índices maiores de depressão e ansiedade.

Longitudinal assessment of the health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease

In this multi-center longitudinal cohort study conducted in Australia and New Zealand, we assessed the trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) over time. A total of 377 children (aged 6-18 years) with CKD stages 1-5 (pre-dialysis), dialysis, or transplant, were followed biennially for four years. Multi Attribute Utility (MAU) scores of HRQoL were measured at baseline and at two and four years using the McMaster Health Utilities Index Mark 3 tool, a generic multi-attribute, preference-based system. A multivariable linear mixed model was used to assess the trajectories of HRQoL over time in 199 children with CKD stage 1-5, 43 children receiving dialysis and 135 kidney transplant recipients. An interaction between CKD stage at baseline and follow-up time indicated that the slopes of the HRQoL scores differed between children by CKD stage at inception. Over half of the cohort on dialysis at baseline had received a kidney transplant by the end of year four and the MAU scores of these children increased by a meaningful amount averaging 0.05 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.09) per year in comparison to those who were transplant recipients at baseline. The mean difference between baseline and year two MAU scores was 0.09 (95% confidence interval -0.05, 0.23), (Cohen's d effect size 0.31). Thus, improvement in HRQoL over time of children on dialysis at baseline was likely to have been driven by their transition from dialysis to transplantation. Additionally, children with CKD stage 1-5 and transplant recipients at baseline had no changes in their disease stage or treatment modality and experienced stable HRQoL over time.

Differences in health-related quality of life in children with chronic kidney disease as reported by children and parent proxies

BACKGROUND

Correlation between reports of children and parent for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is not well studied. This study aims to assess the degree of agreement between child self- and parent proxy-rated HRQOL and to identify factors associated with discordance at baseline and during follow-up in Taiwanese children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

This study includes pediatric patients aged 5-18 years with confirmed CKD. Participants completed the generic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) at baseline and every 6 months during follow-up. Child-parent agreement on HRQOL reports was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Multivariate regression models were used to determine factors associated with child-parent discordance.

RESULTS

Of the 112 child-parent dyads included in the analysis, 97 dyads with 640 patient visits were assessed in 4.5 years. Children reported higher total scores on the physical and psychosocial domains as compared to their parent proxies. ICC was low (< 0.5) for the psychosocial domain and moderate for the physical health domain at initial assessment and slightly increased for the physical health (0.62) and for school functioning (0.51) during follow-up. Development of mineral bone disorder/anemia (β, 11.75 [3.77-19.72]) and proteinuria (β, 8.48 [1.15-15.81]) in the follow-up were associated with increased discordance in school functioning, and fathers with chronic disease were associated with increased discordance in social functioning (β, 4.21 [0.68-7.74]).

CONCLUSIONS

Parent proxy consistently estimated lower PedsQL score compared to self-reports of children. Child self-rated psychosocial health domains should be evaluated whenever possible to better elucidate treatment outcome over time. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Baseline characteristics of participants enrolled in the KoreaN cohort study for Outcomes in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-Ped CKD)

BACKGROUND

We developed the KoreaN cohort study for Outcomes in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-Ped CKD) as a subcohort of KNOW-CKD to investigate the different characteristics of pediatric CKD between countries and races.

METHODS

Children aged younger than 18 years with stage 1 ~ 5 CKD were recruited at seven major pediatric nephrology centers in Korea. Blood and urine samples, as well as demographic and clinical data, were collected. From 2011 to 2016, 458 children were enrolled, and the baseline profiles of 437 children were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median age of the cohort was 10.9 years old, and 68.0% were males. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 53.1 mL/min/1.73 m². The most common etiology of CKD was congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (42.6%), followed by glomerulopathies (25.6%).

CONCLUSION

We report a cross-sectional analysis of the overall baseline characteristics such as age, CKD stage, and underlying kidney disease of the KNOW-Ped CKD. The cohort will be longitudinally followed for ten years. "A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information."

Quality of life in older adults with chronic kidney disease and transient changes in renal function: Findings from the Oxford Renal cohort

Background

Quality of life (QoL) is an important measure of disease burden and general health perception. The relationship between early chronic kidney disease (CKD) and QoL remains poorly understood. The Oxford Renal Study (OxRen) cohort comprises 1063 adults aged ≥60 years from UK primary care practices screened for early CKD, grouped according to existing or screen-detected CKD diagnoses, or biochemistry results indicative of reduced renal function (referred to as transient estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction).

Objectives

This study aimed to compare QoL in participants known to have CKD at recruitment to those identified as having CKD through a screening programme.

Methods

Health profile data and multi-attribute utility scores were reported for two generic questionnaires: 5-level EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) and ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults (ICECAP-A). QoL was compared between patients with existing and screen-detected CKD; those with transient eGFR reduction served as the reference group in univariable and multivariable linear regression.

Results

Mean and standard deviation utility scores were not significantly different between the subgroups for EQ-5D-5L (screen-detected:0.785±0.156, n = 480, transient:0.779±0.157, n = 261, existing CKD:0.763±0.171, n = 322, p = 0.216) or ICECAP-A (screen-detected:0.909±0.094, transient:0.904±0.110, existing CKD:0.894±0.115, p = 0.200). Age, smoking status, and number of comorbidities were identified as independent predictors of QoL in this cohort.

Conclusion

QoL of participants with existing CKD diagnoses was not significantly different from those with screen-detected CKD or transient eGFR reduction and was similar to UK mean scores for the same age, suggesting that patient burden of early CKD is minor. Moreover, CKD-related comorbidities contribute more significantly to disease burden in earlier stages of CKD than renal function per se. Larger prospective studies are required to define the relationship between QoL and CKD progression more precisely. These data also confirm the essentially asymptomatic nature of CKD, implying that routine screening or case finding are required to diagnose it.

The Role of a Clinical Psychologist in Pediatric Nephrology

Renal disease in pediatric patients tends to have a broad clinical spectrum from milder disease to severe progressive renal dysfunction requiring renal replacement therapy. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can have additional comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which can add to the disease burden. The psychosocial or the mental component of the pediatric CKD patient is often overlooked by health care professionals due to a lack of resources and training in identifying psychological disorders. In addition, many components of kidney disease like fatigue from anemia and cognitive impairment make it difficult for the untrained physician to identify underlying psychological disorders. This review explores the complex psychosocial issues in patients with kidney disease and the need of more comprehensive multidisciplinary approach for treatment.

The Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Daily Clinical Practice of a Pediatric Nephrology Department

(1) Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to the general population. In 2011, the KLIK PROM portal was implemented in the Emma Children's Hospital to monitor and discuss HRQoL in daily care. This study describes and assesses the implementation and use of the KLIK PROM portal in the pediatric nephrology department. (2) Methods: CKD patients (self-report, if 8-18 years of age) and their parents (proxy-report, if 1-8 years) were invited to complete HRQoL patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): TNO-AZL Preschool children Quality Of Life (TAPQOL) or Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory for Children (PedsQL). The PROMs were completed before and discussed during outpatient consultations. The adaptation rate-the proportion of patients/parents who were invited and completed at least one PROM-was calculated. Reported HRQoL scores of CKD patients were compared to the general population. (3) Results: In total, 142 patients (proxy- and self-report) were invited, 112 patients completed at least one PROM (adaptation rate 79%). Patients (n = 84 with informed consent for scientific use) with CKD reported lower HRQoL and HRQoL was more often impaired compared to the general Dutch population. (4) Conclusions: The implementation of KLIK was successful and its use is feasible for daily care. Using KLIK, HRQoL problems can be easily identified and monitored.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are quantitative assessments of a patient's perspective on their health and are derived directly from the patient, as opposed to clinician interpretation. PROs can serve as unique tools to improve health care providers' understanding of the patient's daily lived experience and highlight salient domains that are specific to children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As such, PROs fill an important gap in achieving optimal health and well-being for children with CKD. However, several knowledge gaps remain in the implementation of PROs within both the clinical and research realms. This review provides a broad overview of PRO development, implementation for children with CKD, and highlights future directions and challenges.

Study of the association between generic and disease-specific quality of life and behavior problems in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3 or higher and the quality of life and mental health of their primary caregivers

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can affect quality of life and mental health of patients and their primary caregivers (PCs) in different disease stages.

METHODS

This prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative, and analytical study of patients with stage 3-5 CKD, aged 8-18 years, assesses the association between patients' general and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and behavioral problems and their PCs' QoL and mental health status. PedsQL 4.0, PedsQL ESRD, CBCL, and YSR questionnaires were used to evaluate 80 patients while their PCs were assessed by SF-36 and MINI questionnaires. The study participants were divided into three groups: G1: stage 3-4 CKD, G2: peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, and G3: kidney transplantation.

RESULTS

Lower indexes in PedsQL 4.0 and PedsQL ESRD were demonstrated in G2 patients. No deviant internalizing and/or externalizing conducts were shown by the CBCL questionnaire while the YSR questionnaire demonstrated significant differences in all domains with higher scores in G2 patients without reaching clinical range for individual syndromes. G3 PCs presented the lowest SF-36 scores and the highest occurrence of psychiatric diagnoses, according to MINI, when compared to other PCs. Parallelism was found between scores of PedsQL 4.0 and PedsQL ESRD with tendency to higher scores in the PC's view compared to the patient's view.

CONCLUSIONS

CKD affects HRQOL of patients and their PCs, as well as patients' behavior problems and their PCs' mental health. PCs' perceptions of patients' QOL and behavioral problems may be related to their mental health status and QOL self-perceptions.

Incidence of and risk factors for short stature in children with chronic kidney disease: results from the KNOW-Ped CKD

BACKGROUND

Preserving optimal growth has long been a significant concern for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to examine the incidence of and risk factors for short stature in Asian pediatric patients with CKD.

METHODS

We analyzed growth status by height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores (SDSs) for 432 participants in the KoreaN cohort study for Outcome in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease.

RESULTS

The median height, weight, and BMI SDSs were - 0.94 (interquartile range (IQR) - 1.95 to 0.05), - 0.58 (IQR - 1.46 to 0.48), and - 0.26 (IQR - 1.13 to 0.61), respectively. A high prevalence of short stature (101 of 432 patients, 23.4%) and underweight (61 of 432 patients, 14.1%) was observed. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, CKD stages 4 and 5 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.700, p = 0.001), onset before age 2 (aOR 2.928, p < 0.0001), underweight (aOR 2.353, p = 0.013), premature birth (aOR 3.484, p < 0.0001), LBW (aOR 3.496, p = 0.001), and low household income (aOR 1.935, p = 0.030) were independent risk factors associated with short stature in children with CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with CKD in Korea were shorter and had lower body weight and BMI than the general population. Short stature in children with CKD was most independently associated with low birth weight, followed by premature birth, onset before age 2, CKD stages 4 and 5, underweight, and low household income. Among these, underweight is the only modifiable factor. Therefore, we suggest children with CKD should be carefully monitored for weight, nutritional status, and body composition to achieve optimal growth.

Intellectual Functioning of Pediatric Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Results from the KNOW-Ped CKD

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a negative impact on growth and development in children and is a risk factor for neurocognitive impairment; however, there is limited research on the cognitive function of children and adolescents with CKD. This study therefore aimed to investigate the mean intelligence and risk factors for low intelligence in children and adolescents with CKD.

METHODS

Eighty-one patients with CKD under 18 years old were included in the KoreaN cohort study for Outcomes in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-Ped CKD). Participants completed either the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (6-16 years), or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (> 16 years).

RESULTS

The mean full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) was 91 ± 19; 24.7% of participants scored a full-scale IQ below 80. Participants with a short stature (height Z scores < -1.88), failure to thrive (weight Z scores < -1.65), more severe CKD stage (≥ IIIb), longer duration of CKD (≥ 5 years), and those who were Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries, had significantly lower mean full-scale IQs.

CONCLUSION

On linear regression analysis, the association between the full-scale IQ, and longer duration of CKD and growth failure, remained significant after controlling for demographic and clinical variables. It is therefore necessary to investigate cognitive impairment in pediatric patients with CKD who exhibit growth failure or for a longer postmorbid period. It is believed that early interventions, such as kidney transplantation, will have a positive effect on IQ in children with CKD, as the disease negatively affects IQ due to poor glomerular filtration rate over time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02165878.

A longitudinal analysis of the effect of anemia on health-related quality of life in children with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

To evaluate impact of anemia on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over time in a large pediatric cohort with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

Participants were enrolled in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children Study (CKiD), a multicenter, longitudinal cohort. HRQOL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 5th percentile for age, sex, and race. Two longitudinal analyses were conducted on consecutive visit pairs. Models examined effects of anemia status on both HRQOL score over time and change in HRQOL score between consecutive visits. The sample included 733 children with a median estimated GFR 54 ml/min/1.73 m². Thirty percent of children had anemia at index visit.

RESULTS

Analysis of HRQOL scores revealed the presence of anemia was associated with significantly lower overall HRQOL (β = - 2.90 (95% CI = - 7.74, - 0.21), p = 0.04) and physical functioning (β = - 5.72 (- 9.49, - 2.25), p = 0.001) according to children. On parent ratings, the development of anemia was associated with lower emotional functioning scores (β = - 4.87 (- 8.72, - 0.11), p = 0.045). In the second model, children who developed anemia were rated by caregivers as having more decreased physical functioning than children who remained anemia-free (β = - 3.30 per year (- 5.83, - 0.76), p = 0.01). Caregivers did not observe declines in their children's other PedsQL subscales in the presence of developed anemia. Children with resolved or persistence did not show improvement or decline in any aspect of HRQOL functioning relative to non-anemic subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with CKD, anemia has an adverse effect on HRQOL which persists over time but does not appear to be progressive.

Targeted Exome Sequencing Provided Comprehensive Genetic Diagnosis of Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in children. The search for genetic causes of CAKUT has led to genetic diagnosis in approximately 5-20 % of CAKUT patients from Western countries. In this study, genetic causes of CAKUT in Korean children were sought using targeted exome sequencing (TES) of 60 genes reported to cause CAKUT in human or murine models. We identified genetic causes in 13.8% of the 94 recruited patients. Pathogenic single nucleotide variants of five known disease-causing genes, HNF1B, PAX2, EYA1, UPK3A, and FRAS1 were found in 7 cases. Pathogenic copy number variations of 6 patients were found in HNF1B, EYA1, and CHD1L. Genetic abnormality types did not significantly differ according to CAKUT phenotypes. Patients with pathogenic variants of targeted genes had syndromic features more frequently than those without (p < 0.001). This is the first genetic analysis study of Korean patients with CAKUT. Only one-seventh of patients were found to have pathogenic mutations in known CAKUT-related genes, indicating that there are more CAKUT-causing genes or environmental factors to discover.

Platelet-to-lymphocyte and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios as markers of erythropoietin resistance in chronic haemodialysis patients: a multicentre cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratios are emerging markers of inflammation. Erythropoietin resistance is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease and is influenced by inflammation, among other factors. Therefore, it would be reasonable to expect a relationship between these markers and erythropoietin resistance.

METHODS

Multicentre cross-sectional study. The records of the haemodialysis sessions of 534 patients belonging to four of our dialysis centres were studied. 137 patients were excluded, so the final number of patients studied was 397. NLR, PLR and the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) were calculated.

RESULTS

The ERI was divided into quartiles and compared with the mean NLR and PLR of the four groups, with these differences being statistically significant (p=0.00058). In the regression analysis, the NLR value was able to predict ERI significantly (p<0.0001) (R²=0.029). The PLR value also predicted ERI significantly (p<0.0001) (R²=0.103). The ability of PLR to predict erythropoietin resistance was measured with the area under the ROC curve (AUC=0.681) (95% CI, 0.541-0.821). A PLR cut-off point of 125.5 would result in a sensitivity of 80.95% and 42.82% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Both PLR and NLR could be considered acceptable markers of erythropoietin resistance. The PLR was a better predictor for the ERI than the NLR.

Anemia and Iron Deficiency in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Data from the Know-Ped CKD Study

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of anemia, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and poor quality of life. The present study used baseline data from the Korean cohort study for Outcome in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-PedCKD). A Total of 437 patients was included in the analyses excluding missing data. The characteristics of patients with and without anemia and those of patients with and without iron deficiency were compared. Logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation were conducted to evaluate associated risk factors and correlations in children with CKD. Anemia in children with CKD was associated with older age, low body weight and body mass index (BMI) z-score, birth age, preceding glomerulonephritis, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), low levels of serum albumin and calcium, high levels of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and serum phosphorus. Anemia was correlated positively with changes in the BMI z-score, body weight, and serum albumin and cholesterol levels, but correlated negatively with serum calcium, iPTH, ferritin levels, and transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency in children with CKD was associated with young age, low hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, high BMI z-scores, and low levels of serum iPTH. This is the first nationwide cohort study of anemia in Korean children with CKD and the first prospective pediatric CKD cohort study in Asia. The study results demonstrated that anemia and iron deficiency are affected by various factors, including age, BMI, and levels of serum iPTH. To improve the retrospective outcome of affected children, it is important to understand the effect of each of these factors and to attempt an early intervention to prevent anemia and iron deficiency by regular measurement of these parameters in children at risk.