ALARM OVER RISING CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN

Team L&M

Renal care and dialysis services provider VitusCare has raised an alarm over the increasing prevalence of kidney diseases among children in India. Recent industry reports reveal that approximately 4.9 per cent children in India are grappling with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with the prevalence varying across age groups: 5.6 per cent in ages 5-9, 3.4 per cent in ages 10-14, and 5.2 per cent in ages 15-19. This statistic underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, early detection, and improved access to treatment.

Common kidney conditions in children include congenital disorders, urinary tract infections, nephrotic syndrome, and glomerulonephritis. These conditions can have significant implications for a child’s physical and emotional well-being, particularly if dialysis becomes necessary at a young age. This is because children requiring dialysis may face disruptions in their education, social life, and overall development.

Says Prabhat Shrivastava, Co-founder and CEO of VitusCare Medlife Pvt. Ltd, “The rising incidence of kidney diseases in children is a wake-up call for parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing these conditions and ensuring better outcomes for our young patients. Dialysis can be life-saving, but it also presents challenges for children and their families. Our goal is to detect and treat kidney issues early and ensure that local help is available to improve health outcomes.”

The severity of the situation is further highlighted by sobering statistics. Approximately 1 in every 1,000 children may have chronic kidney disease, with acute kidney injury (AKI) being more common in hospitalised children, affecting about 5 per cent to 10 per cent. Some children are born with kidney abnormalities, potentially leading to early kidney disease. About 70 per cent of children with CKD develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) by the age of 20. Children with ESRD have a 10-year survival rate of about 80 per cent, but their age-specific mortality rate is 30 times higher than children without ESRD.

Kidney diseases in children often develop silently, without obvious symptoms, making regular check-ups and awareness critical. Parents are advised to start monitoring their children’s kidney health from infancy, especially if there are risk factors such as a family history of kidney disease, hypertension, or certain genetic conditions. To ensure this, Vitus Care has been organising several campaigns and education drives to impart knowledge about kidney issues in children.

In response to the growing concern, healthcare policies and resource allocation are shifting to prioritise pediatric kidney health. Efforts include increased funding for pediatric nephrology, the development of specialised treatment centres, and enhanced training for healthcare professionals.

However, significant challenges remain, particularly in underserved areas with limited access to specialised care. Geographical disparities in healthcare access continue to affect the quality of care available to children with kidney diseases. In such a scenario, Vitus Care has emerged as a game changer with its wide reach in Tier II and Tier III cities. With a team of experts focused on renal care, the brand has helped thousands of children across centres deal with their ailments without disrupting their lives.