Due to its strong association with chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, kidney failure proves far less common among children than it is among adults. Nonetheless, children affected by kidney failure face substantial health risks and challenges. In a 2007 article published in "Pediatric Nephrology," Drs. Bradley Warady and Vimal Chadha reported that children with end-stage renal disease on kidney dialysis have a mortality rate 30 to 150 times greater than the rest of the pediatric population.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Dr. Samiya Razzaq reported in a 2006 article published in the journal "American Family Physician" that hemolytic uremic syndrome is the leading cause of acute renal failure among children. The most common cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome is intestinal infection with the bacterium Escherichia coli O157:H7. The bacteria produce a toxin that leads to the destruction of cells that line the blood vessels. As red blood cells pass through the injured vessels, they are torn and destroyed. Tiny blood clots form in the vessels leading to decreased blood flow to the tissues. The kidneys prove particularly vulnerable to this damage, and acute kidney failure develops over a few days time. Most children recover normal kidney function, although short-term kidney dialysis may prove necessary while the kidneys recover. In a small proportion of children with hemolytic uremic syndrome, the kidneys do not recover. These children progress to chronic renal failure, eventually requiring kidney transplantation.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis causes progressive scarring in the filtering units of the kidneys, the glomeruli. Rarely, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis occurs due to an inherited disorder. More commonly, the disease occurs in association with other conditions such as sickle cell anemia, congenital abnormalities of the kidneys, urinary reflux and obesity. In a significant number of cases, the cause remains unknown. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that within 10 years of diagnosis, approximately one-half of patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis progress to end-stage kidney failure. In a 2007 article published in "Pediatric Nephrology," Dr. Ronald Hogg and colleagues reported that focal segmental glomerulosclerosis proves a common cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure among children.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease includes two inherited disorders. The form that presents in childhood, autosomal recessive polycystic disease, is typically diagnosed shortly after birth. Babies present with markedly enlarged, abnormal kidneys. Children with autosomal recessive polycystic disease often have other medical problems including high blood pressure, underdeveloped lungs and liver disease. In an article on autosomal recessive polycystic disease published in "Gene Reviews," Drs. Katherine MacRae Dell and Ellis Avner reported that more than one-half of children with the disorder experience end-stage kidney failure, most commonly by age 10.
References
- "Pediatric Nephrology"; Chronic Kidney Disease in Children--The Global Perspective; Bradley A. Warady, M.D., Vimal Chadha, M.D.; February 2007
- "American Family Physician"; Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: An Emerging Health Risk; Samiya Razzaq, M.D.; September 2006
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children
- "Pediatric Nephrology"; Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis--Epidemiology Aspects in Children and Adults; Ronald Hogg, M.D., et al.; December 2006
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Glomerular Disease Primer--Selected Glomerular Diseases
