Oedema with proteinuria in Gambian children--a descriptive study

The clinical syndrome of oedema with proteinuria is an important cause of paediatric morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess its prevalence, clinical presentation and outcome in The Gambia, where the syndrome is perceived to be common but has not previously been studied. All children admitted with oedema and proteinuria to three hospitals in the Western region of The Gambia between January 1995 and June 1998 were identified retrospectively. Hospital records were retrieved to assess admission characteristics. All traceable children were clinically reviewed, and urinalysis was performed between 3 months and 4 years after admission. Two hundred and two children who presented with proteinuria and oedema were identified, accounting for 1.2% of paediatric hospital admissions in The Gambia. Haematuria on dipstick testing was common (76.5%). Of 39 children who were traced, four (10.3%) were dead. Eighteen of the remaining 35 (51.4%) had proteinuria at follow up. Older age at first presentation was significantly associated with increased long-term morbidity. These preliminary data suggest that oedema with proteinuria may be common and could cause long-term morbidity and mortality in Gambian children. Further studies on its aetiology and treatment are warranted.