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Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
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Paediatric Nephrology in Africa.
Christopher I Esezobor1,2, Adebimpe E Alakaloko2, Bashir Admani3
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos State Nigeria.
Current Pediatrics Reports
|November 1, 2021
Summary
Paediatric kidney diseases in Africa are influenced by climate, genetics, and infections, often leading to late-stage disease. Access to care remains a major challenge for children, particularly in rural areas.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Nephrology
- Global Health
- Renal Medicine
Background:
- Paediatric kidney diseases present unique challenges in Africa.
- Factors influencing disease spectrum include geography, demographics, and socioeconomic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unique aspects of paediatric nephrology in Africa.
- To examine the spectrum of kidney diseases, diagnostics, treatments, financing, and workforce.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on paediatric nephrology in Africa.
Main Results:
- Paediatric acute kidney injury is increasingly linked to sepsis, unlike in previous decades.
- Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome is more prevalent now than 20 years ago.
Conclusions:
- Climate, consanguinity, sickle cell disease, and HIV significantly shape paediatric kidney disease patterns in Africa.
- Infectious triggers and limited access to care contribute to late presentation and end-stage kidney disease.
- Despite improved training, significant barriers to paediatric kidney care persist due to rural populations, low healthcare spending, and workforce shortages.
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