Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes
11:47

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes

Published on: March 4, 2022

Micro-albuminuria in Ugandan children with sickle cell anaemia: a cross-sectional study

M Mawanda1, J M Ssenkusu, A Odiit

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, St Mary's Hospital Lacor, Gulu, Uganda. Mawandamp@yahoo.co.uk

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|May 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Micro-albuminuria is common in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), affecting 28.2%. Older age, more transfusions, and urine nitrites increase risk, while higher hemoglobin levels are protective.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) causes progressive kidney damage due to repeated vaso-occlusive events in the renal cortex.
  • Micro-albuminuria, a marker of early kidney damage, arises from compensatory mechanisms to maintain glomerular filtration rate in SCA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of micro-albuminuria in children diagnosed with SCA.
  • To identify factors associated with the development of micro-albuminuria in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 305 children aged 2-18 years with SCA was conducted.
  • Urine and serum analyses were performed to assess micro-albuminuria, creatinine, and albumin levels.
  • Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with micro-albuminuria.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of micro-albuminuria was 28.2% among the studied children with SCA.
  • Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age, a higher number of blood transfusions, and the presence of urine nitrites were significantly associated with micro-albuminuria.
  • Conversely, higher hemoglobin levels demonstrated a protective effect against micro-albuminuria.

Conclusions:

  • Micro-albuminuria is prevalent in children with SCA, indicating a need for early detection and management.
  • Screening for micro-albuminuria is recommended for SCA patients over five years of age.
  • Close monitoring of SCA patients with lower hemoglobin levels is crucial due to its association with micro-albuminuria.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease09:16

Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease

Published on: June 30, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Urine Studies I: Urinalysis01:29

Urine Studies I: Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...
Diabetic Nephropathy01:28

Diabetic Nephropathy

Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Glucose Transporters01:27

Glucose Transporters

Glucose transporters facilitate the transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In addition to glucose, some glucose transporters can also aid the movement of other hexoses such as fructose, mannose, and galactose.
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...