Abstract:
The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is
increasing at an accelerated pace in countries with
limited health resources compared to developed countries.
1 There is a need for more studies of the epidemiology
and clinical characteristics of CKD in pediatric
populations in sub-Saharan Africa, where risk factors
are common.2
Perflouroalkyl substances (PFASs), a group of synthetic
chemicals with a fluorinated hydrophobic linear
carbon chain attached to hydrophilic heads, are characterized
by resistance to thermal, chemical, and biological
degradation.3 They are used in household
products such as cookware, clothing, sofas, and carpets
to make them stain resistant, waterproof, and nonstick.
3,S1 Exposure occurs through diet, dust, tap or
bottled drinking water, and inhalation.3,4,S2-S5 PFASs
are detected in serum from over 98% of a studied
sample of the US population aged 12 to 60 years.4,S6
Children have elevated serum PFAS concentrations
compared to adults
