| dc.description.abstract | Intensive use of agrochemicals and unsafe handling practices are commonly identified
in farming communities residing in highly agricultural areas. Although they do not
directly involve in field work, exposure via aerosols, contaminated water, and improper
domestic storage of agrochemicals may make the females and children in farming families
more likely to be exposed to risk factors of kidney injury. However, kidney health of
these paediatric communities has not been properly studied in Sri Lanka. The present
study aimed to perform a comparative assessment of paediatric kidney health in farming
families compared to non-farming families in selected regions in Sri Lanka, where crop
cultures are extensively practiced. This cross-sectional study was performed with children
and adolescents (10–17 years old) representing paddy and vegetable farming families with
Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) in endemic and non-endemic
regions (n=674) in Sri Lanka, along with an age-matched control group from non-farming
families in within the same residential areas (n=722). The median (interquartile range)
of urinary KIM-1 (ng/mg.Cr) 0.21 (0.63-0.44) and urinary Cystatin C (ng/mg.Cr) 56.10
(22.94-134.91) levels of the participants in the farming families in CKDu endemic regions
were significantly (p<0.0001) elevated compared to their counterparts in non-farming
families in the same area. Weak but significant positive correlations were identified in
the children’s urinary NGAL levels and UACR values with the factor of their parent’s
involvement in farming. Baseline evidence of elevated urinary biomarker levels indicates
a notably higher risk of kidney injury for children in farming families. However, studies
with longitudinal observations with a particular focus on environmental exposures to
potential risk factors are recommended to elucidate paediatric renal health outcomes
associated with the farming lifestyle. | |
