[Multicenter study of children with terminal renal failure in Lebanon].

A retrospective study was conducted in June 1997 concerning all Lebanese children with end stage renal failure. This study was able to recognize 20 children and infants (age less than 15) dialysed regularly in 8 hemodialysis centers. The other 23 centers are not following children. Thirteen children are dialysed on bicarbonate and seven on acetate. Children receive erythropoietin occasionally; 30% of them are polytransfused, 60% of them suffer from anemia. Four children have never received immunization against hepatitis B and three are seropositive for hepatitis C. None of these children has regular school attendance and psychological support for the child and his family do not exist. We conclude that the situation of children on hemodialysis in Lebanon is alarming. Solutions are possible and available; they need to be undertaken urgently.