Learn more about World Kidney Day celebrated on 14 March
PARKTOWN – The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital renal unit caters for around 19 per cent of all children on dialysis across South Africa.
To celebrate World Kidney Day on 14 March, the Rosebank Killarney Gazette spoke to paediatric nephrologist Dr Tholang Khumalo at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH).
The renal unit celebrates its one-year anniversary on 14 March. The hospital offers one of the biggest renal units in the country, catering for around 19 per cent of all children on dialysis across South Africa.
Dialysis is a way of cleaning blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function. It rids the body of toxins, extra salt and water and helps control blood pressure.
Khumalo explained that it is tricky to diagnose kidney failure in children as often symptoms can be mistaken for a variety of other illnesses. Symptoms can include slow growth, slow learning, high blood pressure and swelling among children.
“I would advise that if parents see anything worrying in their children, they should take them to the clinic and have their urine and blood pressure checked.”
CEO of the children’s hospital Dr Mandisa Maholwana said, “Often times I think we forget that chronic kidney disease affects children as well and dialysis is a critical life-long treatment that keeps children with renal failure alive until they receive kidney transplants. It was therefore important for our hospital to establish a centre of excellence.”
The unit adopts a holistic approach to dialysis, using both peritoneal and haemodialysis to provide treatment for children with renal failure.
Lungisani Zulu (14) was the first patient who visited the hospital when it opened its doors last year. He has been receiving dialysis since 2016 and is currently on the waiting list to receive a kidney transplant.
“I like coming to Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. They treat me well here and it’s a beautiful place that’s for kids only. Dialysis is important for me because I can’t live without it. It helps drain water from inside me,” said Lungisani.
Details: www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org
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