Taiwan girl hospitalized with kidney failure due to diet

A 12-year-old girl in Taichung, Taiwan, has been hospitalized in critical condition due to chronic kidney failure and uremia. The patient presented with high fever, weakness, and severe vomiting.

Nephrologist Hong Yongxiang reported that the child had a history of chronic glomerulonephritis since childhood, but the condition was not closely monitored due to her family's busy schedule. Medical examinations revealed that her kidney function has declined significantly, requiring long-term dialysis.

Investigations into her diet revealed a frequent consumption of fried chicken—sometimes four to five times per week since the second grade—and bubble tea. Dr. Hong noted that while occasional consumption of fried foods may not cause kidney failure in healthy individuals, a diet high in salt, fat, and energy can lead to obesity, hypertension, and metabolic disorders. For those with pre-existing kidney issues, such dietary habits can accelerate disease progression.