Nayak A, Khare J
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing cause of concern “over a” worldwide and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, both, in adults and children. Pediatric CKD should be considered differently from adult CKD as they differ with respect to epidemiology, etiology, evaluation and management. In 2012, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) defined CKD however, this definition may not be applicable for children under 2 years of age, as their nephrons are yet to mature. Also, an infant born with a congenital renal anomaly may be diagnosed as CKD very early. Common complications of CKD like anemia, hypertension and cardiovascular disease are similar in pediatric CKD like their adult counterparts. However, there are certain complications which are special among pediatric patients like growth retardation and neurocognitive impairments. This review describes the various aspects of pediatric CKD highlighting complications unique to pediatric CKD.