Assessing the intelligence of children with chronic kidney diseases

To evaluate the level of intelligence in children with chronic kidney diseases (CKDs),12 children with CKD stage 5 on regular hemodialysis,12 children in the predialysis stage,and 12 as controls were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). Mean scores on the verbal,performance,and full scale IQ were significantly lower in the predialysis and dialysis children than in the healthy children,while the mean score on the arithmetic subtests was significantly lower in the predialysis children than in the dialysis group. In conclusion,a better understanding of the neurocognitive function in children with CKDs is a critical element to be ascertained early with proper assessment programs so as to design appropriate educational interventions for this handicapping illness.