Clinical Profile, Diagnostic Challenges and Current Care for Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Longitudinal Study from a Tertiary Center in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Pediatric CKD data are scarce in low-/middle-income countries. We aimed to describe the magnitude of the disease, the challenges in diagnosis, its burden and the current care provided at Mansoura University Children’s Hospital. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study (Aug 2023–Aug 2025, n=550, age 1 month–18 years). eGFR by Schwartz formula; end points. Results: Median age 10 years, 61% male. CAKUT was the leading cause (67%), followed by undetermined (10%). Advanced CKD (stages IV–V) present in 41.8%. Hypertension in 19.8%. Overall, only 6.9% received a transplant; 27% required dialysis; mortality 4.9%. Conclusion: CAKUT dominates pediatric CKD in this Egyptian cohort. Hemodialysis remains the most commonly used for renal replacement therapy. Early detection is urgently needed.