Statural growth of children with renal disease.

Growth retardation occurs in 35 to 65% of children with kidney disease. It is especially common in children with congenital diseases of the kidney, anomalies, and inherited disorders. Acquired disease, however, also may impair growth, particularly where renal function (GFR) is below 25 ml/min/1.73 m2. Therapy used in renal disease, notably prednisone, also impairs growth. Chronic dialysis therapy, both hemodialysis and peritoneal, are associated with poor growth. Several specific changes in renal disease are associated with growth failure. These include, in addition to azotemia, acidosis, hyposthenuria, renal osteodystrophy, endocrine disorders and resistance to hormone action, and nutritional disturbances.