Growth and puberty development in pediatric chronic kidney disease patients: Role of dialysis and transplantation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with growth retardation and delayed pubertal development in the pediatric population. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CKD on growth and pubertal development in children and adolescents by considering factors such as dialysis and transplantation. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in a cohort of 52 pediatric patients aged 0 to 18; the patients had been diagnosed with stages 2 to 5 CKD and were undergoing dialysis treatment or kidney transplantation. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, pubertal development, and treatment methods were also collected. The relationships between these factors and pubertal development were also analyzed. This study revealed significant delays in growth and pubertal development in children and adolescents with CKD. The mean age at menarche was 12.79, and 32.8% of the patients had primary amenorrhea. Patients on dialysis and those who underwent transplantation displayed further growth and pubertal outcomes. Factors such as the CKD stage (r = 0.35; P = .02) and age at diagnosis (r = -0.28; P = .01) significantly influenced the relationship between CKD and pubertal development. The results of this study were associated with delayed pubertal growth in this population. Our findings underscore the significant impact of CKD on the growth and pubertal development of children and adolescents. The early detection, intervention, and comprehensive management of CKD and its complications could aid in improving growth and pubertal outcomes in this vulnerable population.