KATH records high rates of kidney failures in children

The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi has been recording over 150 cases of children with kidney failures annually in the last three years, with some of them reporting too late to be treated. 

In the period under review, a total of 500 such cases were recorded at the Paediatric Unit of the hospital, aside the appreciable number of such cases already being treated at the Dialysis Centre of the same facility. 

The Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist at KATH, Dr. Sampson Antwi, disclosed this at a public forum on kidney infections in Kumasi on the theme: “Stop Kidney Attack; Protect Your Kidney.”

The forum, which was attended by members of the public including some members of the Kidney Patients’ Association, formed part of activities to commemorate World Kidney Day. 

Dr. Antwi explained that, unlike in adults where kidney infections are caused by drug abuse, diabetes among other preventable factors, renal problems in children are mainly congenital, hereditary and misuse of painkillers by expectant mothers during the gestation period.

The Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist advocated that government makes it mandatory for every new entrant to pre-school to undergo screening for early detection of any such health defects. 

The Head of the Dialysis Services Centre of KATH, Professor Jacob Plange Rhule, emphasized that the cost of treatment for especially acute kidney problems is very expensive such that most of the average income earners are unable to afford it for their survival.

Professor Plange Rhule said currently in Ghana, there basically two types of treatment for the advanced stage of renal sicknesses.

These are kidney transplant and dialysis which costs about 900 Ghana Cedis per week.

It is important for everybody to take preventive measures against contracting that disease. The Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Professor Ohene Adjei, on his part, mentioned obesity, diabetes, indiscriminate use of both orthodox and herbal drugs, excessive intake of alcohol and smoking. 

The President of the National Kidney Foundation, Dr. Chalotte Osafo, who is also the Head of the Renal Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, mentioned skin bleaching as one possible risk factor for kidney problems which happens over time as a result of the over exposure of the veins to harmful chemicals. 

GBC