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'Children Kidney Care Centers': Rationale, requirements and recommendations for best facilities and better future
1Department of Paediatrics, Military Hospital Secunderabad, Secunderabad 500015, India. sunil_jain700@rediff.com.
Insights
Dedicated pediatric nephrology and urology centers are essential to manage the rising cases of kidney disease in children. These specialized facilities will improve care quality and outcomes for affected youth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology and Urology
- Child Health Services Research
Background:
- Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts quality of life and survival rates.
- Current pediatric care models struggle with increasing chronic disease demands.
- Kidney diseases represent a significant portion of pediatric outpatient visits and hospital admissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the establishment of specialized centers for pediatric nephrology and urology care.
- To highlight the necessity of advanced and equitable care for children with kidney conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current pediatric kidney disease incidence and prevalence.
- Analysis of existing pediatric practice structures and their limitations.
- Examination of the roles of pediatric nephrologists and urologists.
Main Results:
- Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract are the leading causes of pediatric CKD.
- Specialized nephrology and urology services are crucial for comprehensive management.
- Existing structures are inadequate for the growing burden of pediatric kidney disease.
Conclusions:
- Specialized 'Child Kidney Care Centers' are imperative for addressing the unique needs of children with kidney and urinary tract disorders.
- Establishing these centers will enhance treatment efficacy and ensure equitable access to advanced medical resources for all children.
Abstract:
Specialized centers are needed for nephrology and urology care of children. The justifications are the specialized nature of care needed and the growing incidence and prevalence. Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk of morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life. Current pediatric practice structures are apparently poorly suited for the increasing demands of chronic disease in children. Kidney diseases account for around 8%-10% of total outpatients and 12% of admissions to the pediatric ward in hospitals. The major causes of pediatric CKD in registries are congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (around 50%), followed by inherited nephropathies and glomerulonephritis. The nephrologist's role is important for specialized investigations and treatment. Urologist's services are essential for the wide variety of conditions from birth to early adult age for complete cure and complementing medical management. Children have a right to treatments and to resources that are as sophisticated and advanced as those available to adults. Simple and sophisticated care for all children with ailments of the kidneys and related structures is important for ensuring 'health for all'. The availability of 'Child Kidney Care Centers' will go a long way in improving the lives of affected children.
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