What condition is characterized by a child with poor growth, fatigue, hypertension, and proteinuria?

The symptoms described—poor growth, fatigue, hypertension, and proteinuria—are indicative of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a pediatric patient. In children, CKD can lead to several systemic effects due to the kidneys’ impaired ability to filter waste products and regulate blood pressure.

Poor growth is prevalent in children with CKD because the kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance, which is essential for growth and development. The accumulation of waste products from the kidneys can also cause fatigue as the body struggles to cope with the toxins. Hypertension is common in CKD due to fluid overload and the body’s difficulties in controlling blood pressure, while proteinuria occurs as damaged kidney glomeruli allow proteins to leak into the urine.

While nephrotic syndrome shares some overlapping symptoms, it is primarily characterized by significant proteinuria, edema, and low serum albumin levels, and does not typically present with hypertension in the same way that CKD does. Diabetes mellitus and hepatic failure do not primarily present with this constellation of symptoms, particularly in the context of poor growth and the specific manifestation of proteinuria.

In summary, the combination of poor growth, fatigue, hypertension, and proteinuria is most consistent with pediatric chronic kidney disease,