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Kidney Function and Size in Children With Down Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Flavia Padoan1, Rossella Stifano1, Milena Brugnara1

  • 1Pediatric Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.

Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.)
|February 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a high risk of kidney problems. Early kidney evaluations are crucial for detecting chronic kidney disease (CKD) in DS patients, especially adolescents.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Down syndrome (DS) is linked to significant congenital anomalies, including renal and urinary tract issues.
  • Renal anomalies in DS occur 4-5 times more frequently than in the general population.
  • Current DS management guidelines do not mandate routine kidney evaluations, despite risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze kidney size and function in children with Down syndrome.
  • To highlight the need for early kidney assessments in DS patients.
  • To underscore the importance of monitoring renal health, particularly in adolescents with DS.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study design.
  • Analysis of kidney size and function in 54 children with Down syndrome.
  • Assessment of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), prevalence of renal hypoplasia, and body mass index (BMI).

Main Results:

  • 25% of DS patients exhibited renal hypoplasia.
  • 26% of DS patients had an eGFR below 90 mL/min/1.73 m².
  • 55.5% of DS adolescents showed eGFR values below 90 mL/min/1.73 m²; 29.6% were overweight and 7.4% obese.

Conclusions:

  • Early kidney assessments are necessary to detect early renal decline in DS.
  • Close monitoring for CKD is vital in DS patients, with a particular focus on adolescents.
  • Further research is needed to identify prognostic factors for CKD risk and renal replacement therapies in DS.

Keywords:
down syndromeeGFRrenal functionrenal hypoplasia

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