Abstract: TH-PO1199
Understanding Trauma and Mood-Related Symptoms in Children with CKD
Session Information
- Pediatric Nephrology: CV Health, CKD, AKI, Dialysis, Transplantation, and Health Services Research
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Pediatric Nephrology
- 1800 Pediatric Nephrology
Authors
- Furman, Ioulia, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, United States
- Hidalgo, Guillermo, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, United States
- Alomia-Plavin, Domenica V., Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
- Cahill, James, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, United States
Background
Mood and anxiety disorders are common and clinically important in pediatic CKD, yet trauma related symptoms may be under recognized due to overlapping presentations and lack of trauma focused screening. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of trauma symptoms relative to anxiety and depression and to assess the feasibility of routine trauma and stress screening in nephrology clinic.
Methods
This prospective, crosssectional feasibility pilot included children with CKD aged 8–17 years. Participants completed the BRIEF Screen for Children’s Trauma and the RCADS for anxiety and depression, and provided feedback on the screening process. Clinically significant scores triggered safety follow up and behavioral health referral. Descriptive statistics characterized symptom prevalence; exploratory correlations examined relationships between clinical variables and symptom scores.
Results
Twenty five children with CKD (mean age 14.4 ± 3.0 years; 60% female; 52% Hispanic/Latinx) completed both scales. PTSD scores indicated mild symptoms in 10 (40%), and scores warranting full PTSD assessment in 10 (40%). RCADS T scores ≥65 occurred in 3 patients (12%) for depression, 2 (8%) for total anxiety, 3 (12%) for total anxiety plus depression (A+D), and on subscales for separation anxiety (8%), generalized anxiety (12%), panic (16%), and obsessions/compulsions (8%). PTSD scores correlated positively with total A+D burden (Spearman’s rho 0.531, p=0.008), generalized anxiety (rho 0.531, p<0.01), panic (rho 0.493, p=0.012), and depressive symptoms (rho 0.536, p=0.06). Although 24% of patients had a prior psychiatric diagnosis, it was not significantly associated with the symptom scores. Potential PTSD was more frequent in females,although not statistically significant. Responders found the surveys understandable and of acceptable length, believed they helped clinicians appreciate children's experience, preferred online completion, and suggested screening at least annually.
Conclusion
This pilot indicates that mental health screening in pediatric CKD clinics is feasible and can identify clinically relevant trauma related and mood symptoms in many patients. The high proportion with potential PTSD supports trauma specific assessment and trauma informed care in nephrology practice. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and to define how routine screening should be integrated into longitudinal care.
Acknowledgment
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the children, adolescents, and families who took part in this research. Their willingness to share their time and experiences was essential to this work. Our thanks also go to the dedicated ancillary staff for their vital contributions to this project.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support