Etiology and pediatric chronic kidney disease progression: Taiwan Pediatric Renal Collaborative Study

Background/Purpose This study aims to examine the characteristics of Taiwanese children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and delineate the factors that lead to disease progression in this population. Methods We reviewed the records of the Taiwan Pediatric Renal Collaborative Study, a multicenter database of Taiwanese children with CKD. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify the main factors associated with disease progression. Results A total of 382 children aged 1–18 years were included in the study (median age was 10.6 years; interquartile range: 6.4–13.8). There were 197 males (51.6%) and 185 females. CKD Stage 1 was diagnosed in 159 children (41.6%), Stage 2 in 160 (41.9%), Stage 3 in 51 (13.4%), and Stage 4 in 12 (3.1%). Fifty-six children (14.7%) experienced CKD progression. A multivariate analysis for all patients indicated that the risk for disease progression was increased in children with CKD secondary to a structural abnormality, genetic disease, anemia, elevated diastolic blood pressure, or elevated blood urea nitrogen. Compared with children with Stage 1 CKD, those with Stage 2 and Stage 4 CKD had decreased risk for CKD progression in this short-term cohort follow-up. Conclusion CKD etiology affects disease progression. Careful monitoring and treatment of anemia and elevated blood pressure in children with CKD may slow disease progression.