Journal article
Emotional, behavioural and adaptive function in children with chronic kidney disease: the Kids with CKD (KCAD) study
Pediatric nephrology
03/12/2025
PMID: 41335353
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Background: Children living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience significant psychological challenges, including emotional and behavioural difficulties linked to both the condition and its treatment. This study aimed to characterise the emotional, behavioural and adaptive functioning of children with CKD and to explore its relationship with CKD stage.
Methods: Participants aged 6-18 years with any stage of CKD were recruited, and the Behaviour Assessment System for Children (BASC-2) was used to assess emotional, behavioural and adaptive functioning. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of CKD stage with emotional and behavioural outcomes.
Results: The study included 53 participants, with a mean age of 12 years (s.d. 2.5). Among them, 27 (51%) were in CKD stages 1-5, 3 (6%) were receiving dialysis, and 22 (42%) had undergone kidney transplantation. In parent-report scales, an increased proportion of children with CKD were at risk for specific emotional difficulties (somatisation (n = 25, 47%), withdrawal (18, 33%), depression (17, 32%) and reduced adaptive skills (social skills and activities of daily living (17, 32%)) compared to general population norms. Children receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT) were at an increased risk of adaptive skill deficits (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.07-30.5) when compared to children with CKD stages 1-5, but there were uncertain differences between these groups for internalising (OR 1.1, 0.3-2.6) and externalising problems (OR 5.0, 0.85-29.5) and behavioural symptoms (OR 2.0, 0.4-9.4).
Conclusions: Children with CKD are at increased risk of emotional difficulties (withdrawal, depression) and reduced social skills and activities of daily living compared to population norms. Adaptive skill deficits were more prevalent among children with KRT compared to children with CKD stages 1-5.
Details
- Title
- Emotional, behavioural and adaptive function in children with chronic kidney disease: the Kids with CKD (KCAD) study
- Creators
- Campbell Drohan - The University of SydneyAnita van Zwieten - The University of SydneyKylie-Ann Mallitt - The University of SydneyAnne Durkan - Children's Hospital at WestmeadDeirdre Hahn - Children's Hospital at WestmeadChandana Guha - The University of SydneyRabia Khalid - The University of SydneyJennifer Lorenzo - Children's Hospital at WestmeadSuncica Lah - The University of SydneyMadeleine Didsbury - The University of SydneyAnna Francis - Queensland Children’s HospitalSteven McTaggart - Queensland Children’s HospitalAmanda Walker - TRCHPFiona E Mackie - Sydney Children's HospitalChanel Prestidge - Starship Children's Hospital (New Zealand, Auckland)Belinda Barton - Southern Cross UniversityArmando Teixeira-Pinto - The University of SydneyAllison Jaure - The University of SydneyJonathan C Craig - Flinders UniversityGermaine Wong - Westmead HospitalSiah Kim - Children's Hospital at Westmead
- Publication Details
- Pediatric nephrology
- Publisher
- Springer Nature; NEW YORK
- Grant note
- National Health and Medical Research BEAT-CKD program grant and the Ludwig Engel Research Fellowship.
- Identifiers
- 991013334903202368
- Copyright
- © Crown 2025.
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article