Children with Kidney Disease

750 million people worldwide are affected by kidney disease. Many are children.

Kidney disease affects children

The International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) works to raise awareness that kidney disease in children is real and widespread. Ask the families and doctors who are desperately trying to treat their sick children and their Little Kidneys.

Kidney disease in kids is complicated, sometimes results from other medical conditions or can cause other serious health issues. A child with polycystic kidney disease will never receive the best treatment if a doctor does not know the symptoms. With early diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to slow or stop the progression of kidney problems and disease, but ONLY IF families have access to treatment and trained doctors who fully understand the complexity of kidney disease.

Kidney disease facts

Chronic Kidney disease

10% of the population worldwide is affected by chronic kidney disease, and millions die each year because they do not have access to affordable treatment.

Treatment with dialysis

Currently, more than 2 million people worldwide receive treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive, yet this number may only represent 10% of people who actually need treatment to live.

Treatment for kidney failure

Of those 2 million people who receive treatment for kidney failure, the majority are treated in only five countries.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the #2 cause of death in children worldwide. For survivors, diarrheal disease can also result in acute kidney injury.

Low birth weight infants

Infants with low birth weight are seen in malnourished populations, disproportionately in low-income areas. Low birth weight infants are at a greater risk of being born with small kidneys. These babies are more likely to develop significant elevations in blood pressure as teenagers.

Non-invasive tests

There are many non-invasive tests—such as ultrasound and urine dipsticks— that can detect kidney and bladder abnormalities either in utero or shortly after birth, but they can only benefit the children whose families have access to them.

How we help

By strengthening community medical systems around kidney disease diagnosis and treatment, we can help address the current gap in healthcare in developing nations.

Increased training in basic nephrology and better knowledge sharing of the most up-to-date research are key to building long-term solutions in the health and human services sectors.

How we help

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