Renal insufficiency is another name for kidney failure. It's a condition where the kidneys are no longer able to meet the needs of the body. Unlike healthy kidneys, those suffering from failure can't eliminate excess fluids, salts and waste from the bloodstream. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications to your health. Though renal failure isn't as common in children, it is possible; it often develops as a result of the same disorders and diseases as in adults.
Types
Regardless of the cause, two types of kidney failure exist. The first is acute renal failure, which comes on suddenly due to direct damage of the organ or loss of blood flow to the kidneys, explains the Mayo Clinic. The second is chronic renal failure, developing slowly over time as a result of an underlying condition that impairs the kidneys' function.
Development
In children, especially at a very young age, renal failure is often caused by birth defects and hereditary diseases, such as abnormally formed kidneys, polycystic kidney disease and Alport syndrome, explains the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. After the age of 4, hereditary diseases are still one of the main causes, but failure of the kidneys may also stem from glomerular diseases, including glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis. These conditions affect the way these organs filter waste, either by inflammation or scarring of the kidneys. E. coli infections, urinary tract obstructions and poisoning due to heavy metals, alcohol or other toxins may also cause renal failure in kids. Though not as common as in children as in adults, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and renal artery stenosis can damage the kidneys and lead to renal failure.
Symptoms
According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, the symptoms for acute kidney failure in children depend on the cause, but can include fever, rash, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, pale skin, changes in urination and inflammation of the eyes. Chronic kidney failure typically causes poor appetite, vomiting, headache, malaise, irritability, pale skin, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections and lethargy.
Treatment
Treatment for kidney failure is based on the cause of the condition as well as your child's health, medical history and tolerance to medications. With acute kidney failure, your child may need to be hospitalized to receive IV fluids, diuretics and medications to manage blood pressure. Your doctor may also suggest dietary changes or even dialysis, notes the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.
With chronic kidney failure, your child may require dietary changes, diuretics and other medications similar to acute kidney failure. If damage is severe, he may need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Warning
Though it can be difficult to prevent renal failure in children, especially when it stems from an underlying condition, monitoring the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can reduce the risk. Taking too many of any of these medications can result in kidney damage, warns the Mayo Clinic.
