The theme for World Kidney Day 2019 (observed on 8 March) is “Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere” – which highlights the increasing burden of kidney disease and the need to provide basic health care and screening to the general population, to detect and treat conditions early and prevent progression to kidney failure. Kidney disease often goes undetected in the general population, but children and adolescents are at an even greater risk as the causes of kidney disease differ from that of adults and the signs are often subtle. Babies can be born with kidney and bladder defects due to developmental abnormalities during pregnancy. Kidney disease in children can occur as a result of congenital abnormalities, genetic or immune abnormalities, or infection.
Parents should look out for:
• Decreased or increased amounts of urine passed
• Swelling of the face and body
• Burning or pain when passing urine
• Blood in the urine
• Change in colour or odour of urine
• Bed wetting
Patients may present to their doctor with other signs such as failure to gain weight, unexplained fevers, vague abdominal pains, anaemia, abdominal mass, or headaches. Depending on the cause, kidney conditions can be treated with steroids, other immunosuppressant drugs or antibiotics. Obstructive/developmental abnormalities of the urinary system may require surgical intervention. Dialysis may be required when kidney failure develops. Transplantation is the definitive treatment, however in childhood this can be a challenge due to the age, size and long term adherence to treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease in children is therefore important to prevent progression to end stage kidney failure where possible.
Source: Dr Rashinta Moodley, Specialist Paediatrician & Paediatric Nephrologist.