Clinical Profile, and Outcomes of Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease: A Single Center Experience in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a major cause of morbidity in children, particularly in areas lacking specialized nephrology services. Data from southern Saudi Arabia are scarce. This study aimed to describe the demographic characteristics, etiology, dialysis burden, and clinical outcomes of children with CKD in the Jazan region. A retrospective observational study was conducted at the main specialized pediatric nephrology and dialysis center in southern Saudi Arabia. Medical records of children under 18 years of age diagnosed with CKD were reviewed. Demographic data, etiology of CKD, dialysis status, renal replacement therapy, and clinical outcomes were collected and descriptively analyzed. The study included 88 children with CKD. The majority of patients were Saudi nationals (85.2%) residing in rural areas (56.8%). The most common age at diagnosis was 5 to under 10 years (34.1%). Females comprised 55.7% of the group. The cause of CKD was unknown in 45.5% of cases, while congenital or genetic causes accounted for 18%. More than two-thirds of patients required dialysis, with the majority being older children. Congenital and genetic disorders represented the largest proportion of dialysis-dependent cases. Kidney transplants were performed on a limited number of patients, often outside the region. Mortality was observed in 9.1% of cases, with higher mortality rates among younger children. A significant proportion of patients died during the follow-up period. CKD in children in the Jazan region is characterized by delayed diagnosis, a high rate of dialysis dependence, low transplant rates, and significant gaps in causal diagnosis and follow-up. Strengthening early detection, diagnostic assessment, and regional transplant pathways is crucial for improving outcomes.