Abstract

Background: End-stage renal is an overwhelming illness associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identifying the risk factors in children and planning preventive strategies is of great significance. The aim of the present study is to assess the etiology and outcome of end-stage renal disease in children in Bahrain.

Methods: As a part of the retrospective analysis, all children with end-stage renal disease were below 16 years and were on renal replacement therapies between 2008 and 2018. Data were collected from patients' chart and electronic medical records.

Results: Out of the total 50 children (with end-stage renal disease) who enrolled for the study, the subjects were 37 (74%) and 13 (26%) were boys and girls, respectively. Among the subjects, 19 patients (38%) were diagnosed with congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract as the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Posterior uretheral valve was the main abnormality seen in 12 (24%) patients. Inherited renal diseases were the second leading cause of end-stage renal disease in children 15 (30%) patients. Glomerulopathies accounted for 12% of the total patients, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most common glomerulopathy seen in 5 (10%) patients. 28 patients (56%) received hemodialysis; 18 patients (36%) received peritoneal dialysis. 24 (48%) children had renal transplantation, 4 children (8%) underwent preemptive kidney transplantation, while 3 (6%) children died.

Conclusions: Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in children followed by hereditary diseases. Thus, planning preventive strategies and counselling support for the children and their families are of great importance. 

Keywords: Bahrain, Chronic kidney disease, kidney transplantation, peritoneal dialysis, renal dialysis, urogenital abnormalities