ULTRASOUND EVALUATION OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Renal Disease is an irreversible condition affecting the kidney which eventually progresses to end stage renal failure. The main objective of this study is to determine the cause of Chronic Renal Failure in children with the use of Ultrasound.

Methodology: 50 Children with chronic renal failure aged 0-18 years presenting at he ultrasound department in Soba University Hospital in the period from January to October 2010 were included in this study. Appropriate tests were used for data analysis.

Results: The causes of chronic renal disease ranged from 44% of cases with chronic parenchymal disease ; 20% of cases with posterior urethral valve; 14% of the cases with obstruction due to stones; 2% of the cases with polycystic kidney disease; 8% of the cases with systemic diseases including tuberculosis, malaria and sickle cell anemia ; another 4% of the cases had dysplastic kidney and a further 2% had bladder outlet obstruction.

Conclusion: The age of presentation was found to be at any age from birth onwards. Congenital causes tend to appear earlier in life. The peak age of presentation in this study was found to be between 11 and 12 years of age because of chronicity of the disease which worsens as the child gets older.