Kolkata: Paediatric nephrologists diagnose, treat, and manage many disorders affecting the kidney and urinary tract, including kidney failure, high blood pressure, inherited kidney diseases, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and abnormalities in the urine such as blood and protein. They also know how to evaluate and treat problems with growth and development that are specifically related to chronic kidney disease in children.
Kidney disease is projected to be the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. The progression of most of these kidney diseases can be slowed, if not reversed, when diagnosed and treated early. Kidney diseases in adults may have their origin during childhood. Hence adopting a healthy lifestyle right from childhood, being on the watch for signs and symptoms of kidney problems and prompt seeking of appropriate medical help when needed can help a lot in preserving the kidney health of the children and the community as a whole.
As in all field of medicine paediatric nephrology is also experiencing rapid advances. The scientific program of the 35th Annual National Conference of the Indian Society of Paediatric Nephrology (ISPNCON 2023) has been done keeping this in mind. It will have interactive workshop sessions on Nephrogenetics, Kidney replacement therapy in critically ill children (including SIM based interaction), voiding dysfunction in paediatric practice and Renal nutrition in paediatric CKD amongst national and international paediatricians and paediatric nephrologists.
The Paediatric Nephrology Division of the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related conditions in children, ranging from infancy to late adolescence. ICH with ISN SRC (Birmingham,UK) is working on kids with Nephrogenetics disorder.
Prof (Dr) Apurba Ghosh, renowned paediatrician & Director of the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata said, “Diseases affecting the kidneys hamper the quality of life and longevity of the individual to a great extent and also impose significant socioeconomic burden on the society. Children also get affected by kidney diseases despite the common belief prevalent that kidney disease affects only the elderlies. We, in the Institute of Child Health Kolkata, are committed to providing the best possible infrastructure that can be provided for the management of these children coming from the economically weaker section of the society. It also is the only institute in Eastern India running academic fellowship programme in paediatric nephrology. I would like to reiterate the fact that generating awareness about kidney diseases is the first step towards fighting them and we should all join hands to provide these children with a good quality life and a fulfilling childhood”.
Kidney Replacement Therapy in Critically ill Children Paediatric nephrologists use specialized diagnostic procedures such as urinalysis, blood tests, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scans, MRI), and kidney biopsies to diagnose and assess kidney conditions in children.
Treatment approaches may include medication, dietary modifications, dialysis, kidney transplantation, and other interventions to manage kidney diseases and associated complications in children. Paediatric nephrologists often work in collaboration with other paediatric specialists, surgeons, urologists, nutritionists, and social workers to provide comprehensive and holistic care to children with kidney disorders.
Paediatric nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and managing congenital kidney anomalies and developmental issues. These include conditions like polycystic kidney disease, obstructive uropathy, and vesicoureteral reflux. Paediatric nephrologists work closely with other healthcare providers, including paediatricians, urologists, radiologists, and transplant surgeons, to ensure comprehensive care for children with kidney-related conditions.
Dr.Amitava Pahari, renowned paediatrician and Organising Chairperson, ISPNCON 2023
says “ISPNCON 2023 is a platform for paed-nephrologists and paedtricians to interact on various issues like why is genetic testing required for kidney disorders, bladder disorders and various dietary issues.”
Prof (Dr) Rajiv Sinha, renowned paediatric nephrologist and Head of the Division of Paediatric Nephrology of the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata said, “The diagnosis of kidney disease in children need not be a scary news. Most of the kidney problems can be managed when diagnosed and treated early. Even permanent kidney damage doesn’t mean the end of the world. Children can be started on dialysis and then subjected to kidney transplantation which, with the availability of widespread medical facilities these days, is not much of a challenge anymore. Many children have successfully undergone kidney transplantation and are leading healthy lives, attaining school and doing their daily activities without any hassle. The kidney donors, which in most of the cases are the child’s own parents/grandparents, are also carrying on with their lives without any physical limitation. Financial help is also readily available these days with the support of the Government and numerous Non-Governmental Organisations. So let us empower ourselves with the awareness and knowledge needed to help our children fight against kidney diseases and lead healthier and happier lives.”
