Evaluation of Nutritional Habits and Dietary Management in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary habits, nutritional status and dietary management practices of children with chronic kidney disease. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 16 patients aged 2 to 18 years (9 boys, 7 girls) who were followed at our clinic with predialysis chronic kidney disease and with peritoneal dialysis. The nutritional status of the patients was determined by 24-hour dietary recall and subjective global nutritional assessment. In addition, anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: When the anthropometric measurements of the children were evaluated; 56.2% of them were found to be wasted and 62.5% were found to be stunted. According to subjective global nutritional assessment, 60% were found to be severely malnourished. Iron binding capacity, glomerular filtration rate and albumin levels were significantly higher in the predialysis group than in the peritoneal dialysis group (p<0.05). When uric acid, total protein, hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, iron, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus levels were examined, no difference was found between the groups (p>0.05) The average daily energy intake of the children was 1564.3±982.4 kcal. Carbohydrates were found to be the source of 45.6±9.0% of the daily energy intake while 12.4±4.1% of the energy intake was from proteins and 41.9±7% from fats. We found that children with chronic kidney disease had consumed dietary fibers, calcium and magnesium inadequately while consuming salt more than their requirements. Conclusion: Children with chronic kidney disease had irregular eating habits and their dietary management was inadequate. Attitudes, behaviors and knowledge of these children and their families were inadequate regarding the patients’s dietary needs. For this reason, it is believed that a diet based on individual nutrition rather than a nutrient-based dietary approach consisting of a chain of restrictions is more suitable for children with chronic kidney disease