Chronic Kidney Disease in Children

Dr.Neha Bhandari, 4 mins read

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not only limited to adults or older people, but it has also affected many children across the globe. Over the past few years, the cases of chronic kidney diseases in children have continuously increased owing to the changing lifestyle and several health conditions. 

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease develops over a long period (usually months to years). And if not managed properly, it can lead to permanent kidney failure. CKD is also known as chronic renal disease or chronic kidney failure. Kidney failure means the kidney can't perform its function, and the patient may need to undergo a kidney transplant procedure or dialysis to live a near-healthier life.

In addition to the increased risk of kidney failure, CKD also leads to problems related to behaviour, relationships and self-esteem. Children with CKD may also experience difficulty learning and concentrating. They also develop motor skills slightly slower than their peers. 

Male children are more prone to getting CKD than female children. Researchers say that most children don’t notice any symptoms in the early stage. As the disease progresses, they start seeing the symptoms.

Symptoms 

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic nausea
• Anaemia
• Stunted or poor growth
• Swelling or puffiness in the eyes, feet and ankles
• Increased or decreased urine output
• Pallor from decreased red blood cells production
• Proteinuria (foamy urine due to too much protein in the urine)
• Hematuria (cola or pink-colored urine due to blood in the urine)
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

Causes 

• Birth defects (like renewal agenesis, kidney dysplasia and kidney hypoplasia) 
• Congenital abnormalities
• Hereditary disease (like polycystic kidney syndrome)
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Glomerulonephritis (damage to the tiny filters inside the kidney)
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Infection
• Systemic diseases
• Trauma
• High blood pressure
• Mineral and bone disorder
• Metabolic acidosis (acid buildup in the body)

Diagnosis

There are many ways to diagnose CKD. Even some kidney diseases can be diagnosed before childbirth using ultrasound. The diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms or health issues of the child.

• Blood tests: The doctor may advise blood tests to know the patient’s kidney function level, red blood cells and blood chemical levels. In addition, there are also some specific blood tests performed to check for specific kidney diseases like lupus.
• Kidney biopsy: In this test, a small piece of the kidney is harvested and examined under a microscope to know the cause and extent of damage to the kidney.
• Urinalysis: This test is performed to check for the protein. The presence of protein in the urine is an indication of kidney damage. For this test, a urine sample is collected from the child and analysed.
• Ultrasound & X-ray: These imaging tests help to see any damage to the kidney and its surrounding area. It even helps in knowing the cause of the damage.
• Genetic test: It is performed to look for a genetic mutation.

Treatment 

Although there is no potent cure for chronic kidney disease, early diagnosis and proper medical treatment and care can slow the progression of the disease. The main goal of CKD treatment is to control the symptoms and treat its causes.

For the treatment, the doctor will first analyse the patient’s condition, symptoms, and medical reports. Based on that, the doctor may advise on medicines and dietary changes.

There are several medications like angiotensin receptor blockers (ARMs), angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE), phosphate binders, etc. The doctor may also ask the patient to take vitamin & mineral supplements, monitor their protein, potassium & liquid intake and limit phosphorus intake.

If the child is diagnosed with permanent kidney failure, the doctor may advise hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplant.

Takeaway!

Chronic kidney disease is a debilitating condition that affects the overall well-being of a person. Early diagnosis or the right treatment can help slow down the progress. To prevent this disease, encourage your child to adopt a healthy lifestyle and maintain a balanced diet. 

Also, Read: Chronic Kidney disease & its prevention