Ghada M. El-Kassas
Protein energy wasting (PEW) and growth retardation are common problems in pediatric patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Disturbances in anorexigenic/orexigenic hormonal balance may be key in the pathogenesis of PEW in CRF children.
Aim: In this study we investigated the association between serum unacylated ghrelin and obestatin (two hormones involved in energy balance) and the nutritional status in a group of Egyptian children with CRF on regular hemodialysis.
Subjects & Methods: This case control study was conducted on fifty CRF children on regular hemodialysis aged (7-15years) who recruited from Nephrology department, Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University. Forty age and sex matched healthy children were included as a controls. Full history taking, clinical examination and anthropometric measurements were done. Standard deviation score (SDS) for all measurements were calculated. BMI-SDS, waist-hip ratio (WHR), the percentage of fat mass (FM%) and fat-free mass (FFM%) were calculated. Hemoglobin level, serum urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, ghrelin and obestatin were measured. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and LDL were calculated.
