The interplay between the cardiovascular system and pediatric congenital or acquired kidney diseases

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Kidney diseases have systemic effects, impacting the cardiovascular system due to shared embryological origins.
• Cardiovascular complications are common in kidney disease, particularly in congenital and cystic kidney disorders diagnosed during childhood.
• Shared genetic and pathophysiological pathways link primary kidney diseases with cardiovascular abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cardiovascular abnormalities associated with primary kidney diseases.
• To explore the genetic and pathophysiological connections between kidney and cardiovascular conditions.
• To highlight specific kidney diseases and their cardiac manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of primary kidney diseases and associated cardiovascular abnormalities.
• Analysis of genetic and pathophysiological links between dual conditions.
• Categorization of kidney diseases with cardiovascular implications.

Main Results:

• Congenital Abnormalities of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT), Polycystic Kidney Diseases (ADPKD, ARPKD), and glomerular diseases (nephrotic syndrome, FSGS, IgA nephropathy, Alport syndrome) are linked to cardiovascular issues.
• Common complications include hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular stiffness, and thrombosis.
• Alport syndrome can lead to aortic dissection, while nephrotic syndrome increases cardiovascular risk via hyperlipidemia and endothelial injury.

Conclusions:

• Primary kidney diseases significantly contribute to cardiovascular morbidity.
• Understanding the shared pathways is crucial for managing patients with coexisting kidney and heart conditions.
• Early diagnosis and management of these linked conditions can mitigate severe cardiovascular outcomes.