Leibler JH, Ramirez-Rubio O, Velázquez JJA, et al. - Given that Mesoamerican nephropathy (MeN), a type of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology, is a leading cause of death in Central America, experts aspired to explore whether children in Central America experience subclinical kidney injury prior to working life. Specimens from a cross-sectional study of youth, aged 7–17 years, predominantly living in a high-risk region of Nicaragua (n = 210), were evaluated. According to findings, 9% of children showed low eGFR (≤ 100 ml/min/1.73 m²), while 29% displayed evidence of hyperfiltration (eGFR ≥ 160 ml/min/1.73 m²), both potentially indicative of renal dysfunction. Prior to occupational exposures, children living in regions of Nicaragua at high risk for MeN can experience subclinical kidney injury.