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The kidneys play an important role in cleaning the blood. They help remove body wastes and excess water. When they are not functioning properly (kidney failure), wastes and excess fluid will accumulate in the body. If not removed out of the body, it could lead to complications and even death.

Acute and Chronic Kidney Failure

Kidney failure may be classified as acute or chronic, depending on whether it develops quickly or slowly over time. Acute kidney failure (AKF), also called acute kidney disease (AKD), is the term used when the kidney disease develops quickly. Sometimes, it may have long-lasting complications. In most cases, however, it usually lasts for only a short time and then goes away when treatment of the underlying cause has been done.

Chronic kidney failure (CKF), also called chronic kidney disease (CKD), occurs when the disease develops over long periods of time. The disease progresses and get worse over time.

Causes of Acute Kidney Failure in Children

The condition may result from an injury or from poisoning. Loss of too much blood may cause reduce kidney function and may lead to kidney failure. However, once blood supply has been replenished, the kidneys usually return to normal. Other causes of AKF are hemolytic uremic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome. Acute kidney failure is reversible once the underlying cause is treated promptly.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure in Children

There are several conditions that lead to chronic kidney failure in children. The conditions that lead to CKF in children cannot be easily treated. Often, chronic kidney failure develops slowly and usually does not present with signs or symptoms during its early stages. Because of this, it usually goes unnoticed for many years until the kidneys have been permanently damaged.

Common causes of CKF include birth defects; blocked urine flow and reflux; hereditary diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and Alport syndrome; glomerular diseases; and systemic diseases like lupus and diabetes.

Treatment may slow down the progression of kidney disease. However, in most cases, the child will eventually need dialysis or kidney transplantation. Dialysis is one treatment option to remove wastes and extra water from the blood of patients with total kidney failure. Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon places a healthy kidney from a living donor or from someone who has just died.

Related Topic: Kidney Failure in Children

Sources:
Overview of Kidney Diseases in Children , NIDDK Website. Accessed 7/9/10.

Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome , NIDDK Website. Accessed 7/9/10.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children , NIDDK Website. Accessed 7/9/10.

Treatment Methods for Kidney Failure in Children http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/childkidneydiseases/treatment_methods/index.htm, NIDDK Website. Accessed 7/9/10.

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Page Last Revised: December 7, 2010