[Height-weight development of uremic children undergoing dialysis and after kidney transplantation].

Fifty-nine children with end stage renal disease treated by hemodialysis or renal transplantation have been assessed for linear growth. Mean follow-up duration of study was 6 years (0.25 to 15.5 yr). At the beginning of hemodialysis, the mean growth delay was 2 SD. Every year, prepubertal children were affected by a growth delay of 0.50 SD whereas pubertal children caught up by +0.10 SD. In patients with renal transplantation, the mean growth curve remained at the same standard deviation once the transplant had been performed. An increase in growth was exhibited in about one-third of this group provided the transplant functioned satisfactorily and the patient was under 11 years of age. The characteristic pubertal linear growth spurt was delayed and demonstrated a lower amplitude than in normal children; but if it took place over a prolonged period, a better final height was obtained. The mean final stature was about 2 SD. There was strong variability in the final height according to the age of renal failure onset, renal transplantation and the level of renal function. Bone age allowed adult height to be predicted. Metabolic disorders have to be dealth with as soon as possible in order to limit growth impairment.