Prevalence of uremic neuropathy and the effect of dialysis in children with end-stage renal disease: A cohort study

Abstract

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. Uremic neuropathy (UN) is a common neurological complication, but data on its relationship with dialysis in pediatric populations are limited. This prospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of UN in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in a Tunisian population and explore the association between dialysis and UN. Conducted between July and September 2023 in the nephrology and neurophysiology units of a Tunisian hospital, the study included 31 children with CKD G5. Clinical data, biological analyses, and nerve conduction studies via electroneuromyography (EMG) were performed at baseline and six months later. Participants were divided into pre-dialysis and dialysis groups for comparison. The mean age was 11 ± 3.5 years, and the average age at CKD diagnosis was 7.5 ± 4.2 years. UN was diagnosed in 45% of participants using EMG, including 13% with silent neuropathy. Axonal neuropathy was predominant, with no cases of demyelinating neuropathy identified. Initial comparisons between dialysis and pre-dialysis groups showed no significant differences in UN characteristics. However, clinical neuropathy, weight-for-age, and glomerular nephritis were significantly associated with UN. Follow-up revealed a significant improvement in UN in the dialysis group. From this study, we conclude the importance of screening for UN in pediatric ESRD care and recommend routine EMG evaluations, even in asymptomatic patients, to ensure early diagnosis and management.