PROTEINURIA AND HAEMATURIA IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Background: Proteinuria and /or haematuria may be a transient finding in children but
when persistent may indicate underlying renal disease. Asymptomatic children with urinary
abnormalities may progress to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). ESRD most often require
renal replacement therapy (RRT). There is limited access to RRT especially in under
developed countries with attendant high mortality rates. Early detection of renal diseases
through screening could help reduce morbidity, mortality and associated health costs.
Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of proteinuria and haematuria
in apparently healthy children in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Methodology: One thousand, four hundred and thirty five (1435) apparently healthy
primary school children comprising 700 males (48.9%) and 735 females (51.2%) were
enrolled in this study. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was utilised.
Urinalysis using early morning urine specimen was done and those with positive results had
repeat urinalysis. Children with persistent urinary abnormalities were referred to Ahmadu
Bello University Teaching Hospital where they had further tests done.
Results: Urinary abnormalities were found at first screening in 134 (9.3%) subjects with 87
(6.1%) having isolated proteinuria (IP), 36 (2.5%) isolated haematuria (IH) and 11 (0.8%)
combined proteinuria and haematuria (CPH). Isolated haematuria was significantly
associated with age, gender and family socioeconomic class. Haematuria increased with
increasing age of subjects. (χ2=23.09, p=<0.0001). Haematuria occurred more in males
(4.0%) than females (1.1%) (χ2=12.42, p=0.0004), and more in children from lower
socioeconomic class (3.6%) (χ2=8.06, p=0.018). At second screening, the prevalence of
urinary abnormalities reduced to 89 (6.2%) subjects. Isolated proteinuria, IH and CPH
reduced to 3.8%, 1.8% and 0.6% respectively. There was no significant association between
nutritional status (BMI-for-age) of subjects and urinary abnormalities.
Conclusion: Significant urinary abnormalities occur sufficiently in apparently healthy
school children. Thus routine urine screening may be justified as this would help to identify
those with possible renal abnormalities early which could facilitate appropriate referral for
further evaluation and intervention.

PROTEINURIA AND HAEMATURIA IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE