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Updated: Mar 5, 2026

A Large Animal Model for Acute Kidney Injury by Temporary Bilateral Renal Artery Occlusion
Published on: February 2, 2021
Acute kidney injury in children with sickle cell disease-compounding a chronic problem
Cherry Mammen1,2, Mei Lin Bissonnette3, Douglas G Matsell4,5
1Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Insights
Repeated acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is an underreported issue. This can worsen chronic kidney disease and impact long-term kidney health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder with significant renal manifestations.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a recognized complication in children with SCD.
- Repeated AKI episodes pose a risk for progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) in pediatric SCD patients.
Discussion:
- Vaso-occlusive crises are a primary driver of AKI in SCD.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for pain management can exacerbate kidney injury.
- The cumulative effect of repeated AKI on underlying CKD in children with SCD requires careful consideration.
Key Insights:
- Underreporting of recurrent AKI in pediatric SCD is a critical clinical concern.
- Long-term kidney outcomes are significantly threatened by repeated kidney insults.
- Early recognition and management of AKI are crucial for preserving renal function.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of AKI in pediatric SCD.
- Development of nephroprotective strategies for children with SCD is essential.
- Improved monitoring and management protocols for renal function in pediatric SCD patients are warranted.
Abstract:
In an article recently published in Pediatric Nephrology, Baddam and colleagues discuss the relatively underreported clinical problem of repeated episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Their report is a cautionary note about the importance of repeated kidney injury on the background of underlying chronic kidney injury and its potential implications on long-term kidney outcome. In children and adults with SCD, this includes the effects of repeated vaso-occlusive crises and the management of these painful episodes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Here we review the scope of kidney involvement in SCD in children and discuss the potential short- and long-term consequences of AKI in children with SCD.
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