To spread awareness on paediatric kidney ailments, the International Society of Nephrology has kept 'Kidney disease & Children' as the theme to celebrate World Kidney Day. According to nephrologists, in children, the symptoms of kidney disease are often non-specific, leading to late diagnosis.
"The leading causes of kidney failure in children are hereditary often lacking obvious indicators such as hematuria (red blood cells in the urine), hypertension (high blood pressure) or edema (swelling)," said Dr Bharat Shah, director of renal science department in Global Hospital, who also runs an NGO: Narmada Kidney Foundation. He said that additionally, kidney disease that becomes evident in adulthood, may occur more often in persons with risk factors that can be detected in childhood.
"It is important that we spread awareness on paediatric kidney diseases for early detection," said Shah.
According to ISN, 10% of the population worldwide is impacted by some form of kidney damage. The latest numbers show that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is predicted to increase by 17% over the next decade and is now recognised by WHO and other organisations as a global public health issue.
Doctors say that in the past 2 decades, the incidence of the chronic kidney disease in children has steadily increased. "Early diagnosis of chronic kidney diseases in children can help a child grow and develop normally. We can prevent the bone disease and improved the strength of bone and growth," said Dr Rajesh Kumar, nephrologist, Dr LH Hiranandani hospital.
According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases, children with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure face many challenges, which can include:
a negative self-image
relationship problems
behavior problems
learning problems
trouble concentrating
delayed language skills development
delayed motor skills development
Kidney disease in children can be caused by
birth defects
hereditary diseases
infection
nephrotic syndrome
systemic diseases
trauma
urine blockage or reflux
