Statural growth of children with renal disease

It has been recognized for decades that children with kidney disease often do not grow normally. Growth failure has been identified in children with tubular disorders who have normal glomerular function and in those with renal insufficiency due to any etiology. In the last decade, growth failure also has been described in children undergoing chronic dialysis and after renal transplantation. Thus, the potential for growth impairment exists in all stages, from the onset of renal disease to renal failure, and through phases of treatment with dialysis and transplantation. We will review the prevalence of growth retardation during the stages of disease and treatment, the patterns of growth in renal disease, and the causes of growth failure.