Chronic kidney disease during a 12-year period at tertiary health institution

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in paediatric population. Objective. The aim of the study was analysis of aetiology, staging and associated complications of CKD at the time of diagnosis. Methods. Data of 97 patients (56 boys) of average age 7.8±5.8 years, referred for the first time to the Institute for Mother and Child Healthcare „Dr Vukan Čupić”, Belgrade in the period 1998- 2009, due to CKD, stage 2-5, were analysed. In each patient illness history was obtained, and physical examination, laboratory, X-ray and other investigations were performed according to the indications. CKD was classified according to the glomerular filtration rate into four grades: 2 - mild (60-90 ml/min/1.73 m2); 3 - moderate (30-60 ml/min/1.73 m2); 4 - advanced (15-30 ml/ min/1.73 m2); and 5 - terminal (<15 ml/min/1.73 m2). Results. The most frequent causes of CKD were congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (43.3%), followed by glomerular diseases (17.5%), hereditary kidney diseases (16.5%), metabolic diseases (7.2%) and other causes (15.5%). Mild CKD was found in 29.8%, moderate in 28.9%, advanced in 22.7%, and terminal in 18.6% children. Among patients with CKD stage 4 and 5, 75% of patients presented with acute renal failure, while 25% had earlier detected CKD (stage 1), but were not under regular follow-up. Associated complications included metabolic acidosis (63%), anaemia (60%), hypertension (42.3%), short stature (25.8%), renal osteodystrophy (13.4%) and cardiovascular diseases (7.2%). Conclusion. Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract are the leading cause of CKD in paediatric population. A significant proportion (41.3%) of patients had advanced and terminal CKD. In most patients CKD was diagnosed late and with associated complications.

Keywords

• chronic kidney disease
• aetiology
• associated complications
• children