How does chronic renal insufficiency affect a child's ability to grow?
Chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to perform their primary functions, the removal of wastes and extra fluid from the body. Another important function of the kidneys is to regulate the amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and iron, involved in the growth process. Children with CRI may have difficulty attaining a normal height and weight for several reasons, including slow bone growth, malnutrition, and problems using protein.
Most young people with CRI have normal growth hormone levels, but they don't always grow as well as others their age because their bodies aren't able to use the growth hormone completely.
References
Guyton AC, Hall JE. Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1996.Wilson JD, Foster DW, Kronenberg HM, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1998.
