Nutritional status and growth in children less than 12 kg treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Various parameters of nutritional status and growth in 13 children with weight less than 12 kg were estimated at the start of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 1 year later. A significant improvement in weight, triceps skinfold, and serum albumin was noticed. Height and midarm muscle circumference did not change significantly. However, a significant improvement in height occurred in patients with initial abnormal height (<--2 SDS). There was no significant change in protein intake and urea nitrogen appearance (UNA) during the study period. A significant correlation between protein intake and UNA was noticed. All patients had normal serum insulinlike growth factor. In conclusion, there was no significant change in either height velocity or muscle mass despite the improvement in many nutritional parameters.