Publication:

Comparison of profile and short-term outcome of acute kidney injury between steroid sensitive and steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI), a severe complication of nephrotic syndrome (NS) is being more prevalent in recent times. Objectives were: 1) Determine incidence, etiology, short term outcome of AKI in children hospitalised with NS. 2) Compare above variables in steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) versus steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).

Methods Prospective observational study over 18 months including all consecutive nephrotics hospitalized with AKI. AKI defined according to KDIGO criteria with baseline creatinine taken as lowest value in last 6 months/ nadir during stay. Secondary NS were excluded. Demographics, clinical features, labs, hospital course, treatment and follow up at 3 months were recorded. SSNS and SRNS were compared.

Results The incidence of AKI in hospitalised nephrotics (30/304) was 9.8%, 30 patients (16 boys) with mean age 4.08 years (± 4.04 SD). Common etiologies of AKI were infection (60%), nephrotoxic drugs, hypovolemia, and thrombosis in decreasing order. Nephrotics developing AKI had a longer hospital stay versus those without AKI (p<0.001). The 2/30 patients died (6%), 10/30 (33.3%) required PICU, 7/30 (26%) needed RRT. Among discharged patients 4/28(14.28%) had persistent deranged renal functions at 3 months follow up, all of whom belonged to SRNS category. Comparison of 14 patients in SSNS with 16 in SRNS showed UTI (31.3%), drugs (25%), systemic infection (31.3%), thrombosis (12.5%) as etiologies in SRNS. Systemic infection (42.9%), drugs (21.4%), UTI (14.3%) and hypovolemia (21.4%) were causes in SSNS. Mortality rate, need for PICU (p=1.0), RRT (p=1.0) was similar (6%,37.5%, 25%) Vs (7%,28.5%, 21.4%).

Conclusions AKI is seen in up to a tenth of children with NS equally in SSNS and SRNS. While etiology and severity of AKI in the 2 groups is similar, short-term outcome in SRNS is more ominous.