Children with hypoalbuminemia on continuous peritoneal dialysis are at risk for technique failure

Background. Few data are available on the clinical significance of hypoalbuminemia [serum albumin (SA) <35 g/L] in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD). This study was conducted to analyze the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia, its predictive factors, and its clinical impact in these children. Methods. A retrospective analysis was done of 180 patients on CPD over the last 22 years. Patients were excluded from the study if they were on CPD for less than four months or had nephrotic syndrome. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical variables were studied. Children continued on CPD until they received a transplant or were transferred to an adult unit or to hemodialysis as a result of technique failure. The subjects were divided into two groups based on SA levels at last follow-up. Results. A total of 135 children was included. After a mean duration of CPD of 573 +/- 437 (120 to 2960) days, 54 children (40%) were observed to have hypoalbuminemia. Four patients (2.9%) died, 7 (5.2%) continued on continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis, and 13 (9.6%) were transferred to an adult unit for continuation of CPD. Ninety-five (70.3%) were transplanted, and 16 (11.8%) were transferred to hemodialysis because of technique failure. Children in group I (N = 54, SA <35 g/L), compared with group II (N = 81, SA greater than or equal to 35 g/L), were younger at initiation of PD, more likely to have hypoalbuminemia at one month and six months after initiation of PD, and have more episodes of peritonitis. No differences were seen between the groups in gender, modality of CPD, body surface area, initial body mass index, and presence of hypertension or acidosis. The only factors predictive of hypoalbuminemia on follow-up were low SA at one month after PD and recurrent peritonitis using multiple logistic regression analysis. Evaluating the clinical impact of hypoalbuminemia, we observed a higher incidence of failed PD in children who had hypoalbuminemia. Conclusion. Low SA at one month after PD and recurrent peritonitis are predictive of hypoalbuminemia in children on CPD, which is associated with an increased incidence of CPD failure.