Impaired renal function among children in Alexandria, Egypt

OBJECTIVE: Impairment of renal function may occur as a result of a variety of conditions. Progression to chronic renal-disease may be prevented by early detection. This epidemiologic study aimed at revealing the predisposing factors and determinants for the development of impaired renal function among Egyptian children.

METHODS: This is a case-control study conducted at Alexandria University Children's Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. All cases below 12 years of age diagnosed with impaired renal function over a total duration of 6 months (October 1999 through to March 2000) were investigated. The primary study tool was a structured questionnaire, which focused on variables suspected to play a role in the impairment of renal function. For each patient, one control matched for age and sex was selected.

RESULTS: Primary renal disease tends to account for a relatively small proportion of the etiologies of renal impairment in Egyptian children. Most of the cases encountered in this study suffered functional renal impairment secondary to severe dehydration or sepsis. Presence of congenital abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, heart or urinary tract, increased the possibility of suffering from impaired renal function approximately 9 times. Delays in seeking medical advice increased the risk substantially.

CONCLUSION: Awareness of individuals at an increased risk, along with early diagnosis and adequate management of many predisposing conditions could prevent progression to more severe renal disease which has potentially devastating effects on every aspect of a childs' life.