| Theme | Care of Patients with Chronic Renal Failure under Malnutrition -- The Teamplay of Physicians, Nutritionists, and Nurses | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Nutritional management for infants and children with chronic renal failure | |
| Publish Date | 2002/12 | |
| Author | Sakurako Hoshii | Department of Pediatrics, Nishi-Sapporo National Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | The ultimate goal for treatment of children with chronic renal failure is the achievement of normal growth and development, for which adequate nutritional management is essential from infancy. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the main dialysis modality for children, however, it is difficult to attain adequate nutrition, because of anorexia and vomiting, which are sometimes present in children at the start of PD. This article, describes how the pediatrician, dieticians, nurses and psychologists worked together to support children with these eating problems. Case 1 was an infant on PD who had gastroesophageal reflux. Continuous tube feeding during automated peritoneal dialysis and growth hormone therapy were helpful for the improvement of her nutritional state and growth. Case 2 was an eight-year-old boy who refused to eat. We felt that it was most important, that we do not try to force him to eat. Because chronic renal disease results in severe psychological stress, supportive care for both the patient and his family was needed to manage his eating problem. |
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