It is a relatively rare but a very important kidney disease in children. It is diagnosed when long standing structural or functional abnormality of kidneys is detected and sometimes they are irreversible. CKD require detailed assessment and periodic monitoring of the renal parameters to reduce morbidity associated with it.
Some common questions which enhance the understanding of CKD are:
How is CKD detected?
CKD is detected when the elevation of blood Creatinine is above the normal range for the age and sex and remains so for more than 90 days (3 months) on repeated testing during this phase. The reference range of CKD is different in adults and children and hence must be analyzed differently. The normal value of Creatinine in children is much lower than adults owing to smaller size and muscle mass in kids.
What are the common causes of CKD in children?
In children, congenital anomalies of kidneys are most common cause followed by progressive Nephritic / Nephrotic Syndromes. Repeated Urine infections leading to Scarring can also lead to progressive damage to kidney and CKD. In Adults, uncontrolled Diabetes / Hypertension are most common causes of CKD.
What are the problems associated with CKD?
CKD associated with progressive elevation of creatinine comes with progressive reduction in functions of kidney and hence the issues come up. Common problems are Low Hemoglobin levels, Low calcium and High phosphorus levels affecting bones, high blood pressures, high levels of acid in body, Poor height and weight gain, delay in puberty in children etc.
Is CKD a very rapidly progressive condition?
Usually CKD is slow progressive condition and depends on the underlying cause. If the underlying disease process is aggressive, then it can make CKD progress rapidly and vice versa.
What are the stages of CKD as per the creatinine levels?
There are 5 stages of CKD. Stages 1&2 are mild / early CKD; Stages 3&4 are moderately advanced form of CKD and Stage 5 is severe form of CKD (End stage Kidney Disease).
What are the stages of CKD as per the creatinine levels?
There are 5 stages of CKD. Stages 1&2 are mild / early CKD; Stages 3&4 are moderately advanced form of CKD and Stage 5 is severe form of CKD (End stage Kidney Disease).
How is the CKD treated?
The treatment of CKD is based on Stage of CKD. Stage 1&2 usually require monitoring; stage 3&4 require prevention and managing the complications and stage 5 require Dialysis and Kidney transplantation to minimize the suffering due to CKD.
How is CKD progression delayed?
CKD is usually a very silent condition and is not detectable physically until in advanced stages. In Adults, CKD is preventable by good control of Diabetes and Hypertension along with healthy life style. In children, CKD progression can be delayed by early detection of kidney diseases and appropriate institution of therapy. Urine infections must be treated adequately in small children along with simultaneous evaluation to prevent the damage to kidneys and hence preventing CKD.
Who handles pediatric CKD?
Pediatric CKD is always treated by Pediatric Nephrologists who are trained towards issues in children.