[Chronic renal failure in childhood]

Abstract

Chronic renal failure is rare in children. About one child per year per million population reaches terminal renal insufficiency. The breakdown of the excretory and incretory renal function leads to a damage of nearly all organ systems. Growth retardation and renal osteodystrophy are the most important manifestations in childhood. In the predialytic stage, therapy consists in a low protein, high caloric diet with calcium and vitamin D supplementation as well as the parenteral application of erythropoetin and growth hormone. In terminal renal failure, artificial kidney support is necessary either as hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The ultimate aim is a successful transplantation for full rehabilitation. The multiple medical and psychological problems need a good cooperation between family physician and the center of pediatric nephrology.