Increasingly, kidney problems are recognized in children with intestinal failure/short bowel syndrome who receive long-term parenteral nutrition. A recent study (H Billing et al JPGN 2018; 66: 751-54) highlights the experience with this issue at a pediatric intestinal rehabilitation center in Germany.
Key findings:
- Among 50 patients with a median age of 4.2 years, 76% had proteinuria
- 30% had chronic kidney disease –indicated by reduced creatinine clearance of <90 min (1.73 squared)/min
- Hypercalciuria was identified in 30 patients (60%)
- Nephrocalcinosis was identified in 9 patients (18%)
The authors note that end-stage renal failure has not been reported in association with intestinal failure, though proteinuria is associated as a risk factor.
My take: This observational study shows a high frequency of kidney issues in children with intestinal failure. With improvements in survival, chronic kidney disease could become a more significant clinical issue.
Tweet below indicates need for careful nutrition input when children are placed on unusual diets, including the ketogenic diet.