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Risk factors of chronic kidney disease in secondary school girls in Port Harcourt: a world kidney day activity
Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality. Screening for its risk factors will enhance early detection of renal impairment so that appropriate interventions can be commenced early to prevent further deterioration in renal function.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of risk factors for CKD in secondary school children.
Methods: A prospective study was carried out in March 2011 in an all girls secondary school as part of the World Kidney Day activity in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The weight and height of the students were measured, and body mass index calculated. Blood pressure was measured using mercury sphygmomanometer. Dipstick urinalysis was done on spot urine samples of the subjects. Obesity was defined as body mass equal to or index greater than the 95th percentile for age and sex. Hypertension was defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures equal to or greater than the 95th percentile for age, sex and height.
Results: There were 317 females aged 9 -17 years. Majority (44.8%) were aged 12-14 years. Seventy-two (22.7%) of the subjects were obese and six (1.9%) had hypertension. Urinary abnormalities were detected in 156 (49.2%) of the subjects; proteinuria in 136 (42.9%); haematuria in 20 (6.3%) and positive nitrite in 6 (1.9%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity, hypertension and proteinuria in secondary school girls is high. We recommend routine screening of all secondary school children to enhance early detection of risk factors for CKD.
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Risk factors, Children, World kidney day, Nigeria
Aim: To determine the prevalence of risk factors for CKD in secondary school children.
Methods: A prospective study was carried out in March 2011 in an all girls secondary school as part of the World Kidney Day activity in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The weight and height of the students were measured, and body mass index calculated. Blood pressure was measured using mercury sphygmomanometer. Dipstick urinalysis was done on spot urine samples of the subjects. Obesity was defined as body mass equal to or index greater than the 95th percentile for age and sex. Hypertension was defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures equal to or greater than the 95th percentile for age, sex and height.
Results: There were 317 females aged 9 -17 years. Majority (44.8%) were aged 12-14 years. Seventy-two (22.7%) of the subjects were obese and six (1.9%) had hypertension. Urinary abnormalities were detected in 156 (49.2%) of the subjects; proteinuria in 136 (42.9%); haematuria in 20 (6.3%) and positive nitrite in 6 (1.9%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity, hypertension and proteinuria in secondary school girls is high. We recommend routine screening of all secondary school children to enhance early detection of risk factors for CKD.
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Risk factors, Children, World kidney day, Nigeria
