Publication:

Clinico-etiological profile of acute kidney injury in children admitted to paediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre

Background Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) refers to a reversible accumulation of urea, creatinine and nitrogenous waste products and disturbances in maintenance of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. The incidence of AKI continues to increase in the Paediatric age group particularly in critically ill children with the etiology shifting from primary renal disorders to multifactorial cause. The objective of the study to determine the incidence, clinical profile and outcome of AKI in critically ill children using p-RIFLE criteria.

Methods A prospective observational study was done with 342 children aged between 1-12 years, admitted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of Institute of Child Health and Research Centre, Madurai Medical College, Madurai during July 2015 to June 2016.

Results The overall incidence of AKI among critically ill children was 30.1%. The mortality rate was 43.7% and 20.7% patients with AKI had partial renal recovery at the time of discharge. 27.2% patients required renal replacement therapy (RRT). Infectious causes 57.3% (Sepsis, Meningoencephalitis, Bronchopneumonia) dominated the etiological profile.

Conclusions Incidence of AKI is high in critically-ill children. AKI continues to be associated with adverse outcomes, including high mortality and partial renal recovery.