Random proteinuria screening in elementary school children in Jos metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Proteinuria in children may represent a benign condition or a serious underlying renal disease or systemic disorder.
Methods: A total of 249 pupils were selected for screening from three different primary schools in Jos metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. Proteinuria was determined qualitatively using bromophenol blue method impregnated in combi 10 dip stick. Those positive for proteinuria were quantified using 3% sulphur salicylic acid technique.
Results: Out of the 249 pupils who participated in this study, 12 (4.8%) had proteinuria [5 (2.0%) females and 7 (2.8%) males respectively]. Urinary levels of above 150mg/dl or 5mg/ml gave a positive result with the dipstick and were considered to increase the risk for kidney disease.
Conclusion: Prevalence of proteinuria in elementary school children in Jos metropolis is on the increase. More work should be done on evaluation of urinary protein creatinine ratio in children to assist in diagnosis of renal disease in children.

Keywords: Proteinuria, kidney disease, elementary school children.