AbstractsMedical & Health Science

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children with chronic kidney disease: before an after renal transplantation

by Helena Öborn




Institution: Karolinska Institute
Department:
Year: 2014
Record ID: 1338204
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10616/42180


Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is a complex condition with the risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or renal transplantation. Children with CKD and pediatric renal transplant recipients face a variety of complications, such as side effects of the treatment and concerns about deterioration of graft function. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common complications that may harm renal function. In the general population lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction is a major risk factor for UTI, but less is known about LUT dysfunction in children with CKD or a renal transplant. The overall aim of this thesis was to evaluate LUT function in children with CKD before and after renal transplantation, and to study the role of LUT dysfunction in relation to UTIs. An additional aim was to gain knowledge about associations between LUT dysfunction and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with CKD before and after transplantation. All studies were cross-sectional and included 40 children with CKD stages 3–5 (Studies III and IV), 68 children with a renal transplant (Studies I and II), and 59 children (Study V) with CKD stage 3–5 (n=23), or with a renal transplant (n=36). The documents and investigations used to evaluate LUT function were bladder diaries/questionnaires, uroflowmetry, bladder ultrasound (for measuring post-void residual urine), and, in Study IV, cystometry. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was assessed by the renal clearance of inulin or iohexol, or estimated by the plasma level of cystatin C. The history of UTI was obtained by reviewing the medical records. Two questionnaires, the Kidscreen-27 and Disabkids-37, were used for self-ratings of HRQoL and the modified Symptom Inventory for assessing associated subjective symptoms (Study V). One or more signs of LUT dysfunction were found in 72.5% of children with CKD and in 72% of those with a renal transplant. Signs of LUT dysfunction were observed in all (100%) of the children with CKD along with underlying urological disorders and in 59% with non-urological disorders (p = 0.0074). Regarding LUT function in children with a renal transplant, no significant difference was found in groups with and without urinary tract malformations (74% vs. 71%, NS). In children with CKD, 47.5% had a bladder capacity larger than expected and the large bladder was often combined with reduced bladder sensation. A discontinuous urinary flow was found in 20% and 15% had residual urine. Corresponding figures in children with a renal transplant were 26%, 50% (17.6%, with a tower pattern excluded), and 32%. UTIs were more common in children with CKD and signs of LUT dysfunction than in those without (55% vs. 0%, p = 0.0012). In children with a renal transplant, recurrent UTIs were equally common in children with and without LUT dysfunction (35% vs. 42%, NS). Recurrent UTIs were, however, associated with a faster deterioration of GFR than in those without UTIs (p = 0.02). Children with CKD or a renal transplant with or without…