Overview of Paediatric Renal Care Activities and Availability of Renal Replacement Therapy for Children at Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: The range of activities undertaken by any renal team will depend on many factors. One of the common challenges encountered in Mulago hospital is management of kidney failure in a child. Objective: to outline activities of the renal team with specific reference to RRT. Methodology: members of the renal team were interviewed for their activities, and ward records spanning a period of 3 years were reviewed, for information on children who had had RRT. Results: activities of the renal team included: training, sensitization of the public, research, and nursing care of patients on dialysis. Nineteen (19) children had had RRT, fourteen (14) had been put on PD; 4 on Haemodialysis (HD); and 1 child had a kidney transplant in India. All children with Acute Tubular Necrosis recovered normal kidney functions by the end of RRT; 3 out of the 4 children with rapidly progressive Glomerulonephritis progressed to CKD. Conclusion: Renal Replacement Therapy for children is happening at a very low level. The renal team is engaged predominantly in conservative management of kidney failure and in preventive activities.