The Four Most Common Causes of Renal Failure in Children
The kidney is the filtering system of the body, regulating the removal of wastes from the blood and sending it to the bladder for excretion via the urine. The kidneys also maintain the right balance of sodium and potassium in the body. It also helps in stabilizing blood pressure. According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), about 1 to 2 children in every 100,000 youngsters will suffer renal failure for different reasons.
The most common causes of renal failure in children include genetic predisposition, birth defects, glomerular diseases, acute and chronic diseases, and urine reflux. Renal failure among children happens when the kidneys become incapable of removing wastes and fluids from the body. One of the symptoms of the disease is passing out decreased volume of urine. Sometimes, the child may pass no urine at all. The urine may also be discolored whenever a child has renal failure. Other symptoms include lack of energy, vomiting, and puffiness.
Genetic Predisposition
According to the National Institutes for Health, one of the most common causes of renal failure among children is genetic predisposition. A defective gene inherited from both parents may cause polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which results in kidney malfunction. Another type of hereditary disease is Alport Syndrome which, aside from kidney problems, may also cause blindness and deafness.
Glumerular Diseases
Glomerular ailments are prevalent among children. It is often caused by the child’s immune system which attack the individual filters of the kidney, the glomeruli. One example is systemic lupus erythematosus which can affect several organs in the body, including the kidneys.
Structural Anomalies
Per data from the NIH, boys are more likely to get affected by anomalies or birth defects that can lead to kidney problems. Some infants are born without kidneys, while some present with malformations in their kidneys. Most infants born with defects in the kidneys usually need minimal treatment, but there are more serious conditions which needs the child to undergo dialysis and even kidney transplant after birth. Other infants, may have structural anomalies in the urinary tract that can cause urine reflux, where urine goes back to the kidneys instead of being excreted out of the body. This can lead to kidney problems and frequent urinary tract infections.
Acute and Chronic Diseases
Acute diseases can cause potentially disabling problems in various organs of the body, including the kidneys. Acute kidney problems may result from accidental poisoning as well as injury that causes the restriction of the blood flow to the kidneys. Serious lead poisoning can also result in kidney damage over time. Children with chronic diseases like diabetes, when uncontrolled, can also result in renal failure.
References
The Free Library: Causes of Pediatric Kidney Failure and its Treatment
UCL Institute of Child Health: Acute Renal Failure