Cognitive function in children and adolescents with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis

Background Cognitive impairment is a common problem in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aim of this work was to study the effect of ESRD on cognitive function in children and adolescents on regular hemodialysis (HD), and to identify the possible risk factors affecting their cognitive function. The patients selected were those with ESRD on regular HD attending Alexandria University Children’s Hospital, between January 2017 and December 2018. Patients and methods Cognitive function was assessed using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: 4th edition. At initial assessment, total intelligence quotient (IQ) and its four subdivisions (abstract visual reasoning, quantitative reasoning, short-term memory, and verbal reasoning) were measured for each patient. This was repeated for each patient after 1 year. Statistical analysis used Data was collected and analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) program for statistical analysis (vs 21). Results In all, 47 and 41 patients were included in the first and second assessments, respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease in total IQ and its four subdivisions between the first and second assessments. Total IQ and its four subdivisions showed a negative correlation with patients’ age, age of onset of ESRD, age at start of HD, duration of ESRD, and duration of HD. Conclusions ESRD has a negative effect on cognitive function in children and adolescents with ESRD, and this continues to progress despite regular HD. Age of onset of ESRD, age upon starting HD, and duration of ESRD and HD are risk factors for decreased cognitive function in patients with ESRD on HD.