Renal function in acute febrile urinary tract infection in children: pathophysiologic aspects on the reduced

Kidney International
|December 1, 1981
PubMed

Insights

Acute pyelonephritis in children impairs kidney concentrating ability due to increased blood flow and reduced sodium delivery. Renal function and kidney size normalize post-infection, restoring concentrating capacity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Renal Physiology

Background:

  • Acute pyelonephritis is associated with a reduced renal concentrating capacity.
  • The underlying mechanisms in pediatric patients require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the renal functional changes, specifically concentrating capacity, in children with acute pyelonephritis.
  • To identify the factors contributing to impaired renal function during and after infection.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 14 children (5-16 years) with acute pyelonephritis.
  • Assessed glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, free water clearance, urinary sodium excretion, and maximal urine osmolality.
  • Measurements were taken during infection and within 10 months post-infection.

Main Results:

  • Glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow were elevated during infection, normalizing post-infection.
  • Urinary sodium excretion, distal sodium delivery, and maximal urine osmolality were reduced during infection, improving afterward.
  • Kidney size was increased during the acute phase.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced concentrating capacity in acute pyelonephritis may result from increased medullary blood flow (washout effect).
  • Low distal tubular sodium delivery also contributes to impaired urine concentration.
  • Renal function and concentrating ability recover after infection resolution.

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