Epidemiology of chronic renal failure in children: a report from Sweden 1986-1994. Swedish Pediatric Nephrology

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 1, 2026

Mouse Model of Acute to Chronic Kidney Disease Transition Induced by Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
07:02

Mouse Model of Acute to Chronic Kidney Disease Transition Induced by Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Published on: February 10, 2026

E Esbjörner1, U Berg, S Hansson

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Orebro Medical Center Hospital, Sweden.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|August 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric chronic renal failure (CRF) in Sweden showed an increasing prevalence of terminal renal failure (TRF) from 1986-1994, likely due to improved uremia treatment and lower mortality. Congenital causes predominated.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Public Health Epidemiology
  • Renal Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic renal failure (CRF) in children presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
  • Understanding epidemiological trends in pediatric CRF is crucial for resource allocation and public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence and prevalence of chronic renal failure (CRF) and terminal renal failure (TRF) in Swedish children between 1986 and 1994.
  • To investigate the causes of pediatric CRF and compare findings with previous study periods.
  • To assess changes in treatment approaches for uremia in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A national survey was conducted in Sweden, identifying 118 children with CRF (glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min/1.73 m²).
  • Data on incidence, prevalence, causes, and outcomes (including TRF) were collected and analyzed.
  • Comparison with data from an earlier period (1978-1985) was performed.

Main Results:

  • The median annual incidence of CRF was 7.7 and TRF was 6.4 per million children.
  • Prevalence of TRF increased significantly from 17.8 to 38 per million children (1986-1994).
  • Congenital causes accounted for 67.5% of pediatric CRF cases; no cases of non-obstructive pyelonephritis were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Increased TRF prevalence suggests more active uremia management and reduced mortality in Swedish children.
  • Congenital renal malformations are a major cause of pediatric CRF in Sweden.
  • Further research may be needed to refine the assessment of time from CRF to TRF given that many children do not progress to TRF by age 16.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
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...
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...
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...