ESRD in Guatemala and a Model for Preventive Strategies: Outlook of the Guatemalan Foundation for Children with Kidney Diseases

The rapidly growing burden of chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major public health problem that will stretch the health care system of all countries, especially those that are not yet industrialized. It is estimated that only 35% of Guatemalan patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) would be diagnosed and treated, and unlike many developed countries, the age of presentation in 60% of the patients is before the forth decade. Therefore, the cost of death and disability due to a CRF in this young population is particularly profound, resulting in reduced productivity and economic growth of the country. It is also estimated that 400 pediatric cases develop progressive kidney disorder (neurogenic bladder, reflux nephropathy, chronic glomerulonephritis) annually, which, if left untreated, could result in ESRD in adulthood. This reality justifies initiatives such as FUNDANIER (Foundation for Children with Kidney Diseases), whose mission is to offer comprehensive nephrological treatment to children and adolescents and enable health care providers to prevent ESRD by early identification, diagnosis, and timely referral of children with risk factors. Efforts should be taken to better involve pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists in the fight against the burden of CRF.