Evaluation of dialysis practice patterns in children having end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis at a pediatric nephrology unit

Abstract

Hemodialysis (HD) involves purifying the blood of waste products through diffusion through a semipermeable membrane. We aimed to evaluate dialysis practice patterns among children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance HD (MHD). This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 children with ESRD on MHD at the pediatric nephrology unit of Menoufia University and 18 age- and sex-matched children who served as the control group. Consent was obtained from children more than seven years old and their parents and from parents of younger children. They were all subjected to full history, complete physical examination, efficiency measures estimation (for cases), and laboratory investigations. Risk factors for death were determined using the logistic regression model; data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. The study showed that the causes of ESRD in children were unknown in 43.3%; about 73.3% of cases were short-statured and 53.3% were underweight. About 40% of the cases were hypertensive showing a significant difference from controls (P <0.01). A double-lumen jugular catheter (DLJC) was the initial access in 80% of cases. The urea reduction ratio and Kt/V were significantly higher in children with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) than those with DLJC (P <0.0001 and 0.004), respectively. About 66.7% of cases had anemia showing a significant difference from controls (P <0.01). Hypoalbuminemia, anemia, elevated C-reactive protein, and left ventricular hypertrophy were the significant risk factors resulting in death (P <0.0001). Although the most common initiating vascular access used for HD patients was a DLJC, the efficiency of dialysis was significantly higher in patients who had AVF. Stature was affected more than weight in HD patients in the study group.