Acute Kidney Injury

What is acute kidney injury?

Acute kidney injury occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop working, usually within a period of hours or days. Kidneys play an important role in the body, filtering waste out of the blood. They also make hormones that help produce red blood cells and strengthen bones. When the kidneys don't work properly, it can cause serious problems in the body.

Acute kidney injury most often occurs because of another medical condition, such as an infection or blockage. Unlike those with chronic kidney disease, children with acute kidney disease can sometimes recover full kidney function. However, the condition can progress quickly and can be life threatening if not treated, so it's important to get care right away.

What are the signs and symptoms of acute kidney injury?

Symptoms of acute kidney injury can occur suddenly. They may include:

• Less urine than normal or dark or red urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Stomach pain

Because acute kidney injury can get worse quickly, call your child’s doctor right away if they have any symptoms of kidney problems.

What causes acute kidney injury?

Acute kidney injury is usually caused by another condition that damages the kidneys, reduces blood flow to the kidneys or creates a blockage. These conditions may include:

• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Kidney stones
• Sepsis or serious infection
• Lupus
• Severe dehydration
• Severe blood loss
• Low blood pressure
• Liver failure
• Serious burns
• Severe allergic reaction
• Blood clots in the urinary tract
• Reaction to some types of medicine

How is acute kidney injury treated?

The goal of treatment for acute kidney injury is to limit damage to the kidneys. Your child's treatment will depend on the cause of the condition and the amount of damage to the kidneys. In many cases, early treatment can lead to a full or partial recovery of kidney function.

Your pediatric nephrology team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in all types of treatment for acute kidney injury treatment in children and will work with you to come up with the best plan for your child. Options may include:

• Medicines to treat infection or treat blood pressure problems
• Increased fluids or IV fluids or nutrition
• Stopping any medicines that are harming the kidneys
• Dialysis or kidney transplant: In severe cases where the kidneys are seriously damaged, your child may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. As the only certified program in the state approved to perform kidney transplants in children, your care team at Arkansas Children’s can help your family through each step of the process.