PATTERN OF RENAL DISEASES AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING PAEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY CLINIC, FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE

Introduction: Children present with a spectrum of renal diseases depending on age, sex, and geographic location among other factors. With the absence of a paediatric renal registry in Nigeria, this will provide part of the regional data necessary for the Nigerian renal registry.

Methodology: A retrospective study where cases of renal diseases that presented in a nephrology clinic over a 2-year period were retrieved from the nurses' and doctors' records and analysed.

Results: A total of 147 children were reviewed, male and female were 101 and 46 respectively with M: F being 2.2: 1. Mean age was 9.59 ± 4.58 years, age distribution were <5 years (23.0; 15.6%), 5-9 years (52; 35.4%) and ≥ 10 years (72.0; 49.0%). The majority (77.0; 52.4%) had low socioeconomic status. Majority (145; 98.6%) were acquired renal diseases while ectopic kidney (2.0; 1.4%) was the only CAKUT. Acute glomerulonephritis (49; 33.3%), urinary tract infections (37; 25.2%) and nephrotic syndrome (30.0; 20.4%) were the major acquired renal diseases. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were seen in 9 (6.1%) and 13 (8.8%) respectively. Urolithiasis, sickle cell nephropathy, and primary enuresis were seen in 5(3.4%) and 1 (0.7%) respectively. The mean age of children with CAKUT and acquired renal diseases were13.00 ±1.41 and 9.54±4.59 years (P=0.290) while that of AKI and CKD were 10.89±5.21 and 14.15±3.24 years respectively (P= 0.084).

Conclusion: Childhood renal diseases increase with age and are more common among adolescents, especially the chronic forms. Regular screening and aggressive treatment are recommended in adolescents.