Burden of Paediatric Kidney Diseases in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND: The pattern of paediatric kidney diseases across different regions is influenced by genetic, racial, and environmental differences. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the current spectrum and outcome of childhood kidney diseases at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and highlight the challenges of care. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Data on all children below 16 years of age hospitalised for any kidney disease over an 8-month period (1 January-31 August 2022) were retrieved and retrospectively analysed. Kidney diseases were categorised as per standard definitions. RESULTS: Kidney disease accounted for 2.2% (n = 50) of all 2264 admissions in the paediatric unit, with males constituting 60% (n = 30). Age ranged from 2 weeks to 13 years (mean 5.5 ± 3.5 years) with 58.0% being under 5 years. The commonest diagnoses in the unit were acute kidney injury (AKI) (n = 16, 32%) nephrotic syndrome (n = 16, 32%), hypertension (n = 12, 24%) and end stage kidney disease (ESKD) (n = 11, 22%) with some children presenting with more than 1 diagnosis. Only 3 out of 11 children with ESKD and 3 out of 8 children with AKI who required dialysis could be offered dialysis due to limited resources. Overall mortality rate was 32% (16/50): 5 children with AKI, 2 with nephrotic syndrome and normal kidney function, 8 with ESKD and 1 with Fanconi syndrome. CONCLUSION: Childhood kidney disease contributes significantly to hospitalisations at our institution with highest mortality among children with ESKD. The study highlighted the need for provision of essential drugs and kidney replacement therapy for children with kidney disease at our institution.