Nutritional Characterisation of Childhood Chronic Kidney Disease: Trace Element Malnutrition in Paediatric Renal Disease (TeMPeReD) Study.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), poor nutrition is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. There are limited data on milder stages of childhood CKD.

METHODS

This study characterised the nutritional state of a cohort of children with CKD.

RESULTS

Within the cohort (mean age 10.5 years, mean eGFR = 57 mL/min/1.73 m2), obesity defined by body mass index rates was comparable to that in the general population, but central obesity (waist-to-height ratio > 0.5) was evident in 44% of children. Although average nutrient intakes for the cohort were acceptable, there was marked variability in the risk of poor nutrient intake (<LRNI): selenium (35%), magnesium (35%), iodine (30%), and zinc (30%). No child met the recommended dietary fibre intake. The prevalence of frank deficiency of vitamins and minerals in blood concentrations was low. Blood concentrations of vitamins A and E were near-universally elevated. In those who had a decline in kidney function at the 12-month follow-up, dietary intake of fibre correlated with the degree of decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Much work is needed to optimise the nutritional status of children with CKD as an important modifiable risk factor for disease progression and other important outcomes.