Association Between Perfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Renal Function in Children With CKD Enrolled in H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network

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