The main function of the kidney is to remove waste products and extra water from the blood and sent to the bladder as urine. The kidneys also regulate blood pressure, balance chemicals like sodium and potassium, and make hormones to help bones grow and keep the blood healthy by making new red blood cells.

Africans in their late teens are three times more likely than Caucasians in the same age group to develop kidney failure. Diseases that damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidney are also more common in African children.

causes of kidney failure in children

• Hemolytic uremic syndrome This rare disease affects mostly children under 10 years of age. Eating foods contaminated by bacteria.
   
• Nephrotic syndrome A child will urinate less often, so the water left in the body causes swelling around the eyes, legs, and belly.

• Birth defects Some babies are born without kidneys or with abnormally formed kidneys.
   
• Blocked urine flow If blockage develops between the kidneys and the opening where urine leaves the body, the urine can back up and damage the kidney.
   
• Hereditary diseases In polycystic kidney disease (PKD), children inherit defective genes that cause the kidneys to develop many cysts.
   
• Glomerular diseases Some diseases attack the individual filtering units in the kidney. When damaged, these filters—which are called glomeruli—leak blood and protein into the urine..
   
• Systemic diseases Diabetes and lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the kidneys in some people.

From birth to age 4 years, birth defects and hereditary diseases are by far the leading causes of kidney failure. Between ages 5 and 14 years, hereditary diseases continue to be the most common causes, followed closely by glomerular diseases. In the 15- to 19-year-old age group, glomerular diseases are the leading cause, and hereditary diseases become rarer.

treatments for kidney failure

A child whose kidneys fail completely must receive treatment to replace the work the kidneys do. The two types of treatment are dialysis and transplantation.

Children take immunosuppressive drugs can help maintain good function in the transplanted kidney for many years. However, they have some undesirable side effects such as making a child vulnerable to infections.

YAKIP is involved in Evelina's Pride at Evelina Children's Hospital, Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in London.

To get involved or for more information, please contact us on email to yakip@aho.org.uk  or yakip@afrekid.org