The Spectrum of Kidney Disorders in Children Infected with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model for Investigating Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis
04:37

Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model for Investigating Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis

Published on: April 25, 2025

Eric Emmanuel T Aragon1, Ena Lauren F Farillas1, Katrina Anne T Cordova1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila.

Acta Medica Philippina
|August 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Kidney problems are common in children with COVID-19, especially severe cases. Acute kidney injury (AKI) in these children is linked to higher mortality, highlighting the need for early detection and management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has affected multiple organ systems, including kidneys, in children.
  • Limited data exists on pediatric kidney involvement in COVID-19, particularly in resource-limited settings.
  • This study investigates kidney disease spectrum in Filipino children with COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize kidney dysfunction incidence and types in pediatric COVID-19 patients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with kidney dysfunction.
  • To evaluate patient outcomes, including renal replacement therapy and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of pediatric COVID-19 patients (RT-PCR confirmed) at Philippine General Hospital (March 2020-April 2023).
  • Exclusion of patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
  • Data collection on demographics, clinical status, comorbidities, and labs; kidney dysfunction defined as AKI, proteinuria, hematuria, or glucosuria.
  • Logistic regression analysis for associations between kidney dysfunction, COVID-19 severity, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 47.78% of 316 pediatric COVID-19 patients exhibited kidney involvement.
  • Common manifestations included hematuria (28.48%), proteinuria (26.27%), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (14.60%).
  • Severe/critical COVID-19 correlated with kidney dysfunction; AKI linked to hypertension, fever, and severe disease. Mortality was 12.03%.

Conclusions:

  • Kidney dysfunction is prevalent in pediatric COVID-19, especially with severe disease.
  • Acute kidney injury (AKI) significantly increases the risk of adverse outcomes and mortality.
  • Prompt identification and management of renal complications are crucial for improving pediatric COVID-19 patient prognosis.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19acute kidney injurychildrenglucosuriahematuriaproteinuria

More Related Videos

Spectral Karyotyping to Study Chromosome Abnormalities in Humans and Mice with Polycystic Kidney Disease12:47

Spectral Karyotyping to Study Chromosome Abnormalities in Humans and Mice with Polycystic Kidney Disease

Published on: February 3, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations01:29

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction01:22

Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction

Introduction:Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) describes a swift decrease in kidney function occurring over hours to days, characterized by the kidneys' failure to remove waste products from the bloodstream. This leads to dangerous complications like metabolic acidosis, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. AKI is common in both hospital and outpatient settings, often triggered by dehydration, sepsis, or exposure to nephrotoxic...
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction01:28

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...