Evaluation of cardiovascular risk in children with solitary functioning kidney

Abstract

Background The present study investigates cardiovascular risk and kidney damage in patients with solitary kidneys. Methods Included in the study were 40 children with a unilateral functioning kidney and 60 healthy controls, all of whom were evaluated for carotid intima-media thickness, ischemia-modified albumin and oxidative stress parameters, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results Serum creatinine and urine microalbumin levels were higher and creatinine clearance was lower in the patient group than in the control group, and serum ischemia-modified albumin, carotid intima-media thickness, aldosterone, plasma renin activity and blood pressure were all higher in the patient group than in the control group. In addition, the patient group was showed a non-dipper pattern. Conclusion Children with a normal functioning solitary kidney are likely at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and such patients should be followed closely before marked kidney impairment occurs.