The aim of the study: The echocardiography evaluation of cardiac function in children with CKD.
Patients and methods: 30 children (17 males, 13 females), aged 2-20 yrs with CKD 2-5. Left ventricular (LV) dimensions, LV ejection fraction (EF) and LV mass index (LVMI), as well mitral inflow velocity (E/A waves) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) were evaluated.
Results: Impaired diastolic heart function were ascertained in 12 patients (in 2 from 5 with CKD 3, in 3 from 10 with 4 and 7 from 14 with 5). Left ventricular hypertrophy was observed in 13 children with CDD 3-5 (4, 4, 5), and decreased ejection fraction in 2.
Conclusions: The vast majority of children with chronic kidney disease demonstrate an impairment of diastolic cardiac function.