[Blood serum hepatocyte growth factor in children with chronic renal failure treated with CAPD and HD].

HGF--hepatocyte growth factor--belongs to the growth factors family, derivatives of plasminogen. HGF is a potent mitogen for hepatocytes, and has also renotropic properties. The study aimed at analysing HGF serum concentration in 20 children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and haemodialysis (HD) treatment. 10 healthy children served as a control group (K). CAPD group has been examined during routine monthly control, whereas HD group before a haemodialysis session. In HD treated children the highest HGF concentration was obtained in comparison to children on CAPD and control group. There was no significant difference HGF levels between children on HD and healthy ones. We found no relationship between the dialysis treatment duration, mean arterial pressure values, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, ionised calcium concentration, haemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and serum HGF concentration. In examined group of children with chronic renal failure the highest HGF values were noted in children on HD, not strictly observing the dietetic regime and proper daily fluid intake. Diminished HGF concentration in children on CAPD could be explained by the absence of stimulating action of heparin and by transperitoneal removal of substances false by elevating HGF. It is necessary to carry out studies in larger group of children with chronic renal failure on CAPD in order to estimate transperitoneal clearance of HGF and its metabolites.