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The nervous system and chronic kidney disease in children

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Abstract

This paper provides a review of the literature on the nervous system involvement incurred by children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with a particular focus on neuropsychological functioning. In addition to an historical overview of earlier literature, published studies from the past 14 years that address both central and peripheral nervous system function in children with CKD are reviewed (1990–2003). These studies span work in neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and neuropsychology. A key focus for this review is on variables that might affect neurodevelopmental status in these children. The paper concludes with suggestions for achieving progress in the understanding of this complication of kidney disease in children.

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Acknowledgements

This research was conducted with grant support from the Renal Research Institute, and from grants awarded to The Clinical Center for the Study of Development and Learning from the Maternal Child Health Bureau (no. MCJ379154A) and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (no. 90DD043003).

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Correspondence to Debbie S. Gipson.

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Gipson, D.S., Wetherington, C.E., Duquette, P.J. et al. The nervous system and chronic kidney disease in children. Pediatr Nephrol 19, 832–839 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-004-1532-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-004-1532-y

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