Pattern of Childhood Renal Diseases in Jos, Nigeria: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Background : Childhood kidney diseases remain important causes of significant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. This is characterized by late presentation, missed diagnosis in certain cases and failure to offer renal replacement therapy to many renal failure patients who required it. Methodology : This was a retrospective study of children managed at the Jos University Teaching Hospital Jos, Nigeria, over a three- year period. Results : Acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) was the commonest renal disease (37.7%). Other conditions included chronic renal failure (20.3%), nephrotic syndrome (16%), urinary tract infection (11.6%), nephroblastoma (7.2%), hemolytic uremic syndrome (5.3%) and polycystic kidney disease (1.5%). The commonest complication of AGN was hypertensive encephalopathy. Chronic glomerulonephritis was the commonest cause of CRF (50%). Conclusions : AGN is the most common childhood renal disease in Jos, Nigeria. Improved socioeconomic and environmental conditions are needed in Nigeria to reduce the incidence of preventable renal diseases.