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Background: Dialysis is lifesaving for acute kidney injury (AKI), but access is poor in less resourced settings. A "peritoneal dialysis (PD) first" policy for paediatric AKI is more feasible than haemodialysis in low-resource settings. Methods: Retrospective review of modalities and outcomes of children dialysed acutely at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital between 1998 and 2020. Results: Of the 593 children with AKI who received dialysis, 463 (78.1%) received PD first. Median age was 9.0 (range 0.03–219.3; IQR 13.0–69.6) months; 57.6% were < 1 year old. Weights ranged from 0.9 to 2.0 kg (median 7.0 kg, IQR 3.0–16.0 kg); 38.6% were < 5 kg. PD was used more in younger children compared to extracorporeal dialysis (ECD), with median ages 6.4 (IQR 0.9–30.4) vs. 73.9 (IQR 17.5–113.9) months, respectively (p = 0.001). PD was performed with Seldinger soft catheters (n = 480/578, 83%), predominantly inserted by paediatricians at the bedside (n = 412/490, 84.1%). Complications occurred in 127/560 (22.7%) children receiving PD. Overall, 314/542 (57.8%) children survived. Survival was significantly lower in neonates (< 1 month old, 47.5%) and infants (1–12 months old, 49.2%) compared with older children (> 1 year old, 70.4%, p < 0.0001). Survival was superior in the ECD (75.4%) than in the PD group (55.6%, p = 0.002). Conclusions: "PD First for Paediatric AKI" is a valuable therapeutic approach for children with AKI. It is feasible in low-resourced settings where bedside PD catheter insertion can be safely taught and is an acceptable dialysis modality, especially in settings where children with AKI would otherwise not survive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diuretics are commonly used in neonatal AKI with the rationale to decrease positive fluid balance in critically sick neonates. The patterns of furosemide use vary among hospitals, which necessitates the need for a well-designed study. Methods: The TINKER (The Indian Iconic Neonatal Kidney Educational Registry) study provides a database, spanning 14 centres across India since August 2018. Admitted neonates (≤ 28 days) receiving intravenous fluids for at least 48 h were included. Neonatal KDIGO criteria were used for the AKI diagnosis. Detailed clinical and laboratory parameters were collected, including the indications of furosemide use, detailed dosing, and the duration of furosemide use (in days). Results: A total of 600 neonates with AKI were included. Furosemide was used in 8.8% of the neonates (53/600). Common indications of furosemide use were significant cardiac disease, fluid overload, oliguria, BPD, RDS, hypertension, and hyperkalemia. The odds of mortality was higher in neonates < 37 weeks gestational age with AKI who received furosemide compared to those who did not receive furosemide 3.78 [(1.60–8.94); p = 0.003; univariate analysis] and [3.30 (1.11–9.82); p = 0.03]; multivariate logistic regression]. Conclusions: In preterm neonates with AKI, mortality was independently associated with furosemide treatment. The furosemide usage rates were higher in neonates with associated co-morbidities, i.e. significant cardiac diseases or surgical interventions. Sicker babies needed more resuscitation at birth, and died early, and hence needed shorter furosemide courses. Thus, survival probability was higher in neonates treated with long furosemide courses vs. short courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit. One key management modality of AKI is the use of diuretics to reduce fluid overload. Aminophylline, a drug that is well known for its use in the treatment of bronchial asthma, is also purported to have diuretic effects on the kidneys. This retrospective cohort study assesses the effect of aminophylline in critically ill children with AKI. Methods: A retrospective chart review of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH) with AKI who received aminophylline (from 2012 to June 2018) was carried out. Data captured and analyzed included demographics, underlying disease conditions, medications, urine output, fluid balance, and kidney function. Results: Data from thirty-four children were analyzed. Urine output increased from a median of 0.4 mls/kg/hr [IQR: 0.1, 1.1] at six hours prior to aminophylline administration to 0.6 mls/kg/hr [IQR: 0.2, 1.9] at six hours and 1.6 mls/kg/hr [IQR:0.2, 4.2] at twenty-four hours post aminophylline therapy. The median urine output significantly varied across the age groups over the 24-h time period post-aminophylline, with the most response in the neonates. There was no significant change in serum creatinine levels six hours post-aminophylline administration [109(IQR: 77, 227)—125.5(IQR: 82, 200) micromole/l] P-value = 0.135. However, there were significant age-related changes in creatinine levels at six hours post-aminophylline therapy. Conclusions: Aminophylline increases urine output in critically ill children with AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to care for children with kidney disease is limited in less well-resourced regions of the world and paediatric nephrology (PN) workforce development with good practical skills is critical. Methods: Retrospective review of a PN training program and trainee feedback from 1999 to 2021, based at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH), University of Cape Town. Results: A regionally appropriate 1–2-year training program enrolled 38 fellows with an initial 100% return rate to their country of origin. Program funding included fellowships from the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA), International Society of Nephrology (ISN), International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD), and the African Paediatric Fellowship Program (APFP). Fellows were trained on both in- and out-patient management of infants and children with kidney disorders. "Hands-on skills" training included examination, diagnosis and management skills, practical insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters for management of acute kidney injury and kidney biopsies. Of 16 trainees who completed > 1 year of training, 14 (88%) successfully completed subspecialty exams and 9 (56%) completed a master's degree with a research component. PN fellows reported that their training was appropriate and enabled them to make a difference in their respective communities. Conclusions: This training program has successfully equipped African physicians with the requisite knowledge and skills to provide PN services in resource-constrained areas for children with kidney disease. The provision of funding from multiple organizations committed to paediatric kidney disease has contributed to the success of the program, along with the fellows' commitment to build PN healthcare capacity in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our previously demonstrated continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) technique in children with acute kidney injury (AKI), although effective, was manpower heavy and expensive due to the high-volume pumps required. The aim of this study was to develop and test a novel gravity-driven CFPD technique in children using readily available, inexpensive equipment and to compare this technique to conventional PD. Methods: After development and initial in vitro testing, a randomised crossover clinical trial was conducted in 15 children with AKI requiring dialysis. Patients received both conventional PD and CFPD sequentially, in random order. Primary outcomes were measures of feasibility, clearance and ultrafiltration (UF). Secondary outcomes were complications and mass transfer coefficients (MTC). Paired t-tests were used to compare PD and CFPD outcomes. Results: Median (range) age and weight of participants were 6.0 (0.2–14) months and 5.8 (2.3–14.0) kg, respectively. The CFPD system was easily and rapidly assembled. There were no serious adverse events attributed to CFPD. Mean ± SD UF was significantly higher on CFPD compared to conventional PD (4.3 ± 3.15 ml/kg/h vs. 1.04 ± 1.72 ml/kg/h; p < 0.001). Clearances for urea, creatinine and phosphate for children on CFPD were 9.9 ± 3.10 ml/min/1.73 m2, 7.9 ± 3.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 5.5 ± 1.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 compared to conventional PD with values of 4.3 ± 1.68 ml/min/1.73 m2, 3.57 ± 1.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 2.53 ± 0.85 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: Gravity-assisted CFPD appears to be a feasible and effective way to augment ultrafiltration and clearances in children with AKI. It can be assembled from readily available non-expensive equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite its utility, uncertainty exists on the feasibility of acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) and optimal PD catheter type for very low birth weight (VLBW < 1500 g) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW < 1000 g) infants. We hereby report our experience of acute PD among these high-risk infants and compare the outcome between stylet-based rigid catheter (SRC) and Cook Mac-Loc Multipurpose Drainage catheters® (CMMDC). Methods: Case notes of infants < 1500 g undergoing PD between 2012 and 2021 in a network of five participating neonatal units supported by a tertiary paediatric nephrology centre in Kolkata, India, were retrospectively reviewed. PD was conducted either with SRC or after 2018 with CMMDC. Outcome parameters included complications, survival during PD, and survival to discharge. Results: 24 infants (VLBW: n = 13 and ELBW: n = 11) underwent PD at median age 4.5 days (IQR 3–6) with either CMMDC (n = 14) or SRC (n = 10). Significant improvement in biochemical parameters and fluid removal was seen in both ELBW and VLBW infants. CMMDC was associated with significantly fewer PD-related complications 7/14 (50%) vs. 9/10 (90%) (p = 0.04) and higher survival during PD 13/14 (93%) vs. 5/10 (50%) (p = 0.02), without significant difference in survival to hospital discharge 8/14 (57%) vs. 3/10 (30%) (p = 0.25). CMMDC also enabled longer duration of PD, higher ultrafiltration, and better control of acidosis. Consumable cost was higher for CMMDC (USD$60) than SRC (USD$14). Conclusions: In a low resource setting, CMMDC had lower PD complications and superior short-term survival among ELBW/VLBW infants. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is used to provide supportive therapy for critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury and various other non-renal indications. Modalities of KRT include continuous KRT (CKRT), intermittent hemodialysis (HD), and sustained low efficiency daily dialysis (SLED). However, circuit clotting is a major complication that has been investigated extensively. Extracorporeal circuit clotting can cause reduction in solute clearances and can cause blood loss, leading to an upsurge in treatment costs and a rise in workload intensity. In this educational review, we discuss the pathophysiology of the clotting cascade within an extracorporeal circuit and the use of various types of anticoagulant methods in various pediatric KRT modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: A rapid AKI risk assessment score would allow for improving management and outcomes. STARZ (Sethi, Tibrewal, Agrawal, Raina, waZir) score was developed for acute kidney injury (AKI) risk stratification of critically ill neonates. This is the first independent validation for the novel score outside the original enrolled centres. STUDY DESIGN: 750 neonates were included in the study. The STARZ score was calculated after 12 hours of admission. Neonates admitted in NICU and receiving IV fluids for at least 48 hours were included. RESULTS: A total of 8.8% neonates had AKI in the first 7 days post admission. The duration of hospital stay was significantly higher among neonates with AKI [10.5 (7–19) vs. 7 (5–10) days; p < 0.001]. Mortality risk was 6.4 times higher among those with AKI [8 (12.1%) vs. 13 (1.9%); p < 0.001; RR (95% CI): 6.38 (2.74–14.83)]. In this study, the STARZ neonatal scoring model showed a sensitivity of 89.4% in detecting AKI with a 90.9% specificity and a high negative predictive value of 98.9%. The area under ROC was 0.958 (0.934–0981) - a high discriminative power. CONCLUSIONS: The STARZ score allows for AKI risk stratification, providing opportunity for therapeutic interventions which may improve outcomes in critically ill neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a common therapy for the treatment of neoplastic and metabolic disorders, hematological diseases, and fatal immunological deficiencies. HCT can be subcategorized as autologous or allogeneic, with each modality being associated with their own benefits, risks, and post-transplant complications. One of the most common complications includes acute kidney injury (AKI). However, diagnosing HCT patients with AKI early on remains quite difficult. Therefore, this evidence-based guideline, compiled by the Pediatric Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (PCRRT) working group, presents the various factors that contribute to AKI and recommendations regarding optimization of therapy with minimal complications in HCT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical condition characterized by an abrupt increase in serum creatinine levels due to functional changes in the kidneys from a newfound insult or injury. For supportive treatment, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is one of the most widely used modalities due to its precise control of fluid balance over extended periods of time. However, its complications include circuit clotting, the most frequent cause for CRRT interruption. Vascular access and circuit management were found to be major determinants of performance efficiency. Anticoagulation required to prevent clotting has the downside of increasing the risk of bleeding, especially in the setting of overdosage. Hence, a delicate balance needs to be maintained consistently. Methods: This study explores the adequacy of non‐anticoagulation measures in the prevention of circuit clotting. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Embase databases to include all relevant studies. Findings The most‐effective CRRT catheter would be made of nonthrombogenic material, noncuffed and nontunneled with separate lumens for arterial and venous blood. Further, studies show that blood flow during the process is optimized at 200 ml/min, which can be lowered in the pediatric population due to more narrow catheters. Platelet count and hematocrit need to be closely monitored as levels above 450,000 × 106/L and 0.40, respectively, increase risk of clotting. Predilution is a non‐anticoagulation technique to reduce the risk of clotting by returning replacement solution to the blood before it reaches the filter. Also, biocompatible membranes such as polyacrylonitrile or polysulfone activate the coagulation cascade significantly less than the conventional cellulose‐based membranes, thereby reducing clotting chances. Discussions: With the advent of such techniques and maneuvers, anticoagulation can be efficiently maintained in patients undergoing CRRT without increasing the risk of bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-known life-threatening systemic effect of snake envenomation which commonly happens secondary to snake bites from families of Viperidae and Elapidae. Enzymatic toxins in snake venom result in injuries to all kidney cell types including glomerular, tubulo-interstitial and kidney vasculature. Pathogenesis of kidney injury due to snake envenomation includes ischaemia secondary to decreased kidney blood flow caused by systemic bleeding and vascular leakage, proteolytic degradation of the glomerular basement membrane by snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), deposition of microthrombi in the kidney microvasculature (thrombotic microangiopathy), direct cytotoxic action of venom, systemic myotoxicity (rhabdomyolysis) and accumulation of large amounts of myoglobin in kidney tubules. Clinical features of AKI include fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting, oliguria and anuria. Monitoring of blood pressure, fluid balance, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and serum electrolytes is useful in managing AKI induced by snake envenomation. Early initiation of anti-snake venom and early diagnosis of AKI are always desirable. Biomarkers which will help in early prediction of AKI are being explored, and current studies suggest that urinary clusterin, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and serum cystatin C may play an important clinical role in the future. Apart from fluid and electrolyte management, kidney support including early and prompt initiation of kidney replacement therapy when indicated forms the bedrock in managing snake bite-associated AKI. Long-term follow-up is important because of chances of progression towards CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial report of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was from the UK in April 2020; since then, cases have been reported worldwide. Renal involvement has been seen commonly, ranging from 10% to 46%. Kidney involvement following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in children with MIS-C is more common than initially thought and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. There are several reports of a direct viral tropism of coronavirus disease 2019 and MIS-C-associated renal damage. This study's objective was to systematically review the current understanding of kidney involvement in children suffering from MIS-C. Based on our systemic literature search, 19 studies have either partially or fully discussed kidney involvement in MIS-C patients. Furthermore, we discuss the multifactorial pathogenesis contributing to acute kidney injury (AKI) development in MIS-C. The current review gives a pediatric nephrologist's perspective of the renal involvement in MIS-C, the incidence of AKI, the pathophysiology of AKI in MIS-C and the proposed therapeutic regimens available, including the need for kidney replacement therapy for a child with AKI associated with MIS-C. As the disease is rapidly evolving, more detailed clinical prospective studies are required to understand MIS-C and its role in AKI better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the high rates of morbidity and mortality of paediatric acute kidney injuries (AKI) as a global public health issue. It cites on the higher rates for AKI in the low to middle income countries while lower in the higher income countries. The article also discusses the initiatives of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) to address the global problem until 2025.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is estimated to occur in approximately 13.3 million patients per year with an estimated mortality of 1.7 million. Approximately 85% of cases occur in low-resource settings where access to kidney replacement therapy (KRT) may be limited or nonexistent. The true extent of AKI, including access to KRT in developing countries, is largely unknown because appropriate systems are not in place to detect AKI or report it. Barriers to provision of KRT in low-resource settings revolve around systems management and funding, however, there also are region-specific issues. This review focuses on the epidemiology, obstacles, and solutions to improving access to KRT for AKI. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]