Most Sick Newborn Babies Have Kidney Trouble: Study

Most Sick Newborn Babies Have Kidney Trouble: StudyAround 70% of ailing newborns suffer from kidney problem but less than 5% of them get treated, a new study says.

The research, carried out by Batra Hospital for a period of over 15 years on 300 sick newborns, discovered that 5% of them have severe kidney function derangement.

Mr. Sanjeev Bagai, a nephrologist and chief executive officer of Batra Hospital, who led the study, said, "Kidneys are the cornerstone of the body and help it to maintain its metabolic balance, body fluids, salts and blood pressure. Many of the renal problems leading to chronic kidney disease in later life begin in the paediatric age group."

March 11 is observed as World Kidney Day.

The research detected that urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common reason of chronic kidney damage among kids as well as grown-ups.

"Almost 6.5 percent of girls and 3.3 percent of boys below the age of one suffer from urinary tract infection. Renal stone disease in children is also not uncommon with children below the age of five suffering the most," the study discovered.

According to Bagai, kidney damage can occur due to various reasons, which include problems within the urinary system and other factors like infections, hypertension, cancer, multi-organ failure.

According to physicians, early identification, expectancy and quick treatment is the key to thwart end-stage kidney breakdown.

The research hinted that making urinary infection examinations obligatory in educational institutions as it can help in finding out renal diseases. (With Input from Agencies)