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Published on: July 18, 2017
Peritonitis as a risk factor of acute renal failure in nephrotic children
1Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University School of Medicine, Lira 44, Santiago, Chile. fcavagna@med.puc.cl
Insights
Idiopathic acute renal failure (IARF) in children with relapsing nephrotic syndrome is severe and often linked to peritonitis. This case highlights acute tubular necrosis as a cause, emphasizing the need for better understanding and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Idiopathic acute renal failure (IARF) is a rare but serious complication in pediatric patients experiencing relapsing nephrotic syndrome.
- Limited understanding of IARF pathophysiology hinders the development of specific prevention and treatment guidelines.
Observation:
- Peritonitis is a frequent trigger, identified in approximately half of pediatric cases reported in the last 15 years.
- This report details a nephrotic child who developed IARF subsequent to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Findings:
- Renal biopsy revealed tubular epithelial changes indicative of acute tubular necrosis.
- The case supports the association between peritonitis and IARF in children with nephrotic syndrome.
Implications:
- Further research into the pathogenesis of IARF in nephrotic children is warranted.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing peritonitis to potentially prevent renal complications.
Abstract:
Idiopathic acute renal failure (IARF) is an uncommon but severe complication in children with relapsing nephrotic syndrome and may require long-term dialytic support until recovery of renal function takes place. Due to limited understanding of the pathophysiology of IARF, specific guidelines for its prevention and therapy have not been developed. Among triggering factors, peritonitis was present in half of all pediatric patients with this complication described in the English literature over the past 15 years. We report an additional nephrotic child who developed IARF following spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The renal biopsy showed tubular epithelial changes consistent with acute tubular necrosis. A discussion of related literature and possible pathogenesis of this association is presented.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

