Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective, Descriptive, and Analytical Study from a University Hospital Center in Dakar, Senegal

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by an alteration of kidney functions for more than three months. Its clinical symptoms are insidious and nonspecific, often leading to delayed diagnosis and disease progression to advanced stages. Its prevalence remains underestimated, especially in developing countries where national kidney diseases registries are often absent. We therefore conducted this study to assess the epidemiology, diagnosis, and outcomes of CKD in children attending Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. Methods: This was a retrospective, single centre, descriptive and analytical study between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. All children under 16 years of age with the diagnosis of CKD were included in the study. Results: During our study period, 276 (58%) cases of CKD out of 474 children with renal diseases were identified. The mean age was 96.4 months. The main presenting complaint was oedema (74.3%). About 22.8 % of children were malnourished. Ninety-seven children (35.4%) presented with hypertension. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 82.82 ml/min/1.73m². Forty-four-point nine percent (44.9%) of children had stage 1 CKD. Nephrotic syndrome (63.0%) and Congenital anomalies of Kidney and Urinary Tract (17.8%) were the main causes of pediatric CKD. Twenty children (7.2%) had haemodialysis and 6 (2.2%) peritoneal dialysis. Progression of CKD was significantly associated with hypertension and a haemoglobin level of < 11 g/dl. Death occurrence was significantly associated with CKD stages 1, 2 and 5. Conclusion: CKD in children is a global public health concern. Early diagnosis and prevention as well as progression factors control remain the cornerstones of management.