Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors are associated with severity of kidney dysfunction in pediatric chronic kidney disease

Background: In adult chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, there is a positive association between inflammation and progressive renal dysfunction. Higher levels of soluble receptors of tumor necrosis factor (sTNFR) have been related to worst prognosis of adult CKD patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate soluble TNF receptors in children and adolescents with CKD and to search for an association with clinical and laboratory features. Methods: Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory data were evaluated in 34 pediatric patients with CKD and in 34 healthy sex- and age-matched controls. Blood samples were collected in both groups to measure sTNFR by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The modified Schwartz formula was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Results: Pediatric patients with CKD had significantly higher plasma concentrations of soluble TNF receptors types 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) in comparison to sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Plasma levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 increased progressively as renal function worsened, being inversely and significantly correlated with GFR (r = − 0.853 for sTNFR1 and GFR, r = − 0.729 for sTNFR2 and GFR). Conclusions: Children and adolescents with CKD exhibited higher plasma levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 than healthy controls, which increased in relation to renal function deterioration. Plasma levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 emerge as markers of progressive CKD in pediatric patients.