Following the Acute Kidney Injury Outbreak, Searches for its Cause and Children's Syrup Medicines on Google Soared in 2022

The surge in acute kidney failure cases among children in 2022 caused widespread public concern. The Ministry of Health recorded 326 cases, resulting in 204 child deaths by February 5, 2023.

This data includes new findings from the Jakarta Provincial Health Office (Dinkes DKI Jakarta) in January 2023. One child was confirmed to have Atypical Progressive Acute Kidney Injury (GGAPA), while another initially suspected case was ruled out as GGAPA on December 16, 2023.

Cases of acute kidney failure in children were first detected in January 2022, initially averaging two to five children every two months. However, the number dramatically increased to 36 children in August 2022, 78 in September 2022, and 114 in October 2022.

In November and December 2022, the outbreak was reported to have no new cases or deaths.

According to *Katadata*, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin confirmed that the cause of the acute kidney failure cases was the consumption of syrup medicines containing dangerous chemical compounds.

These compounds include ethylene glycol (EG) and its derivatives, such as diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE).

"Our conclusion is that the cause is chemical drugs, which are contaminants from the drug solvent," Budi stated at the Presidential Palace on Monday, October 24, 2022.

The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) subsequently revoked the distribution permits of 69 syrup medicines.

(See also: BPOM Deemed Most Responsible for Acute Kidney Failure Cases in Children)

Three pharmaceutical companies—PT Yarindo Farmatama, PT Universal Pharmaceutical Industries, and PT Afi Farma—were found to have produced syrup medicines containing EG contaminants exceeding permissible limits.

The outbreak caused widespread public anxiety and precautionary measures, reflected in Google searches throughout 2022.

Google reported a 130% year-on-year (YoY) increase in searches for "children's kidney disease." Searches for "children's syrup medicine" increased by 100%, while searches for "children's cough medicine" rose by 60%.

Google's fifth Year in Search (YIS) report aimed to analyze macro and industry-specific trends.

Google believes this search data helps industries understand not only changes in Indonesian consumer behavior but also work patterns and future prospects in a rapidly changing economic climate.

The report is divided into three main themes: soul searching, value hunting, and finding joy. It also covers six key industry verticals: technology; media and entertainment; beauty and personal care; food and beverage; transportation and travel; and finance.

(See also: Searches for Information on Digital Financial Services Increased in 2022)