“Kidney failure is characterized by the frequency and amount of urination. Usually, 12 times a day, then suddenly a little, followed by more decreased urination frequency," Syahril noted during an online discussion titled "The Mystery of Acute Kidney Failure" in Jakarta, Saturday.
Syahril explained that acute kidney failure begins with kidney disorders caused by disruption of the kidney function as the body's metabolic center and excreting urine as a metabolic waste. If kidney disorders continued and the frequency of urination decreased, it could lead to acute kidney failure.
"That caused many deaths. The handling was too late because once kidney failure occurred, it would not be able to produce urine anymore," he added.
Syahril noted that incidents of acute kidney failure were normal cases in children due to infection and bleeding. The Health Ministry noted that usually, only one or two cases of kidney failure were recorded per month. Since the end of August 2022, the number grew significantly, with a 55-percent mortality rate.
The latest data from the ministry showed that 133 kids died from acute kidney failure and 69 kids had recovered from kidney failure by dialysis. The significant increase in cases was strongly suspected due to the content of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in children's syrup drugs that exceeded the threshold.
“From the 11 cases that we studied, seven cases had tested positive for ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, which were indeed dangerous ingredients for consumption. The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has issued five drugs containing these ingredients," Syahril stated.
Although most cases of acute kidney failure in children are caused by ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, the Ministry of Health has not been able to conclude the cause of the significant increase in cases of acute kidney failure in children.
The ministry is still conducting further research to find other factors, such as related to genetics and others. In order to mitigate cases of acute kidney failure, the ministry continues to monitor all provinces in Indonesia, including by disseminating information and educating the entire community and health workers, Syahril remarked.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira R, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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