A child with sickle cell anemia protected by light, holding a healthy kidney, symbolizing early kidney care.

Silent Threat: Understanding Proteinuria in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Early detection and management of kidney complications in sickle cell anemia can significantly improve long-term health outcomes for children."

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder affecting millions worldwide, with a significant prevalence in Nigeria. While many associate SCA with pain crises and other well-known symptoms, kidney complications, particularly sickle cell nephropathy (SCN), pose a significant threat. One of the early indicators of SCN is proteinuria, a condition where protein is present in the urine. This seemingly silent symptom can lead to severe kidney damage if left unchecked.

Recognizing the importance of early detection, researchers in Ilorin, Nigeria, conducted a study to determine the prevalence of persistent proteinuria among children with SCA. The study aimed to highlight the necessity of routine screening for proteinuria in SCA management, emphasizing that early intervention can prevent progressive kidney damage.

This article delves into the findings of that study, explaining proteinuria in the context of SCA, and underscoring why parents and caregivers need to be proactive about monitoring kidney health in children with this condition.

The Ilorin Study: Unveiling Proteinuria Rates

A child with sickle cell anemia protected by light, holding a healthy kidney, symbolizing early kidney care.

Between October 2004 and July 2005, researchers at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital examined 75 children aged 1 to 17 years with confirmed SCA. The children were in a steady state, meaning they weren't experiencing acute sickle cell crises. Using dipstick urinalysis, a simple and non-invasive test, the researchers looked for persistent proteinuria, defined as the presence of protein in the urine at two separate evaluations, one month apart.

The study revealed that 8% of the children had proteinuria upon initial testing, with the rate decreasing slightly to 6.7% at the one-month follow-up. More significantly, 4% of the children had persistent proteinuria. Further evaluation of these children showed that their kidney function, as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), was still within normal limits. This highlights a crucial point: proteinuria can be an early warning sign, appearing before significant kidney damage occurs.

While the study's findings might seem small, they carry significant implications:

Early Detection: Proteinuria can be detected through routine urine testing.
Preventive Measures: Addressing proteinuria early can prevent further kidney damage.
Improved Outcomes: Regular monitoring can lead to better long-term health for children with SCA.

It's important to note that while proteinuria was more common in males and older children (over 10 years), these differences weren't statistically significant. This suggests that all children with SCA should be regularly screened, regardless of age or gender.

Taking Action: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

If you're a parent or caregiver of a child with sickle cell anemia, understanding the risk of kidney complications is essential. Make sure your child receives regular medical check-ups, including urine testing to screen for proteinuria. Early detection and management of proteinuria can significantly improve your child's long-term health and quality of life. Discuss with your healthcare provider the best strategies for monitoring and protecting your child's kidney health. Remember, proactive care can make all the difference.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5897/ijmms2015.1206, Alternate LINK

Title: Persistent Proteinuria Among Sickle Cell Anaemia Children In Steady State In Ilorin, Nigeria

Subject: General Engineering

Journal: International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

Publisher: Academic Journals

Authors: Ademola Anigilaje Emmanuel, Timothy Adedoyin Olanrewaju

Published: 2016-03-31

Everything You Need To Know

What is proteinuria and why is it a concern for children with sickle cell anemia?

Proteinuria, in the context of sickle cell anemia (SCA), refers to the presence of protein in the urine. It's often an early indicator of sickle cell nephropathy (SCN), a kidney complication associated with SCA. Detecting proteinuria early is crucial because it allows for timely intervention and management, potentially preventing further kidney damage. The Ilorin study highlights that even when kidney function, measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), is still within normal limits, proteinuria can be present, serving as an early warning sign. Regular urine testing, like dipstick urinalysis, can help detect this silent symptom.

What did the Ilorin study reveal about proteinuria in children with sickle cell anemia?

The Ilorin study, conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, aimed to determine the prevalence of persistent proteinuria among children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Researchers examined 75 children with confirmed SCA, using dipstick urinalysis to detect protein in their urine. They defined persistent proteinuria as the presence of protein in the urine at two separate evaluations, one month apart. The study found that 4% of the children had persistent proteinuria, emphasizing the need for routine screening in SCA management to prevent progressive kidney damage. While the study did not find statistically significant differences based on age or gender, it underscored the importance of regular screening for all children with SCA.

How does early detection of proteinuria benefit children with sickle cell anemia?

Early detection of proteinuria in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) can significantly improve long-term health outcomes. By identifying proteinuria early through routine urine testing, healthcare providers can implement preventive measures to mitigate further kidney damage caused by sickle cell nephropathy (SCN). Addressing proteinuria before significant kidney damage occurs can lead to better management of the condition, improving the child's quality of life and overall health. Regular monitoring and proactive care are essential to protecting the kidney health of children with SCA.

What steps should parents and caregivers take to monitor kidney health in children with sickle cell anemia?

Parents and caregivers of children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) should ensure their children receive regular medical check-ups, including urine testing to screen for proteinuria. Discussing monitoring strategies with healthcare providers is crucial to protect the child's kidney health. Early detection and management of proteinuria can significantly improve the child's long-term health and quality of life. Proactive care, including adherence to medical advice and regular screening, can make a significant difference in preventing kidney complications associated with sickle cell nephropathy (SCN).

What is sickle cell nephropathy and how does it relate to proteinuria in sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) is a kidney complication that arises from sickle cell anemia (SCA), where the sickled red blood cells can block blood flow in the kidneys, leading to damage. Proteinuria is often an early sign of SCN. If left untreated, SCN can progress to more severe kidney damage, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure. Regular monitoring for proteinuria and proactive management are essential to prevent the progression of SCN and protect kidney function in children with SCA. Further complications can include hypertension and impaired ability to concentrate urine.