Obesity induced renal injury: Could It be detected early?

Background: The onset of obesity-associated renal injury is insidious and asymptomatic. Therefore, finding an early marker will be extremely useful in its detection. Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) can be evaluated as an early marker for renal injury in obese children. Methods: This case control study involved two groups: a case group of 45 Egyptian overweight/obese children and a control group of 45 non-obese peers. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured in both groups. Additionally, KIM-1 and serum creatinine levels were assessed. Results: Compared to the control group, the case group showed a significantly higher systolic (P-value 0.000) and diastolic (P-value 0.002) blood pressure. A significantly higher serum creatinine (P=0.007) and KIM-1 (P=0.001) were also found. Conclusion: It is inferred that obesity impacts renal hemodynamics early in childhood. Thus, identifying a screening marker like KIM-1 is useful for the early diagnosis of renal injury.