Solitary kidney: the importance of a correct diet and adequate physical activity even in adolescence

Introduction: The probability of solitary kidney patients developing chronic kidney disease is higher than that of the general pediatric population. Modifiable risk factors such as diet, hydration, physical activity and obesity can influence the prognosis of these patients. The following study aims to quantify adherence to the Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity in solitary kidney children by surveying the parents of these children. In addition, parents were asked other questions about their child’s adherence to a low-sodium diet and physical activity, as well as any concerns they may have about their child’s physical activity. Finally, the prevalence of hypertension was evaluated. Methods: This cross-sectional study includes 47 patients (aged 3-17 years) of the pediatric nephrological ambulatory of Ospedale della Donna e del Bambino of Borgo Trento (Verona), carried out from October 2023 to January 2024. During the visit, we measure the blood pressure of the patient. The parents were subjected to completion of the questionnaires KIDMED: Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents and Godin-Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, and we asked three questions to investigate the parents’ opinions about low sodium diet and physical activity. Conclusion: The nutritional and exercise-related aspects must complement the nephrological one in the follow-up of children affected by solitary kidney. KIDMED and Godin questionnaires can be incorporated into clinical practice to detect individuals at risk early, such as females and subjects with low scores on the KIDMED and GODIN questionnaires. The aim is to refine these patients’ nutritional and physical activity-related follow-up, decreasing the risk of short-and long-term consequences. The Adolescence represents an age historically known for poor compliance with appropriate dietary regimes and adequate levels of physical activity. It could represent a period of life in which the nutritional aspects of the follow-up of solitary kidney should not be underestimated