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Advancements in Understanding Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury: Insights from History and Future Directions

  • By

  • Laura Rangel Rodriguez

  • David T. Selewski

  • September 22, 2026

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Clinical Report: Advancements in Understanding Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant concern in pediatric healthcare, previously overlooked but now recognized for its impact on morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have documented increases in AKI incidence.

Data Highlights

YearAKI CasesAKI-D CasesMortality per 10,000
199763189811814
2022639232075643

Key Findings

  • Annual cases of AKI rose from 6318 in 1997 to 63923 in 2022.
  • AKI-D cases increased from 981 in 1997 to 2075 in 2022.
  • Hospitalizations with AKI were associated with longer lengths of stay and higher mortality rates.
  • Mortality in hospitalizations complicated by AKI decreased from 1814 to 643 per 10,000 between 2003 and 2022.
  • Increased dialysis utilization among hospitalized children has been observed.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the complexities in pediatric populations that may contribute to AKI risk.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a rise in pediatric AKI cases, with improvements in mortality observed.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Kula et al, JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- US Pediatric Hospitalizations Complicated by Acute Kidney Injury and Dialysis From 1997-2022
  2. KDIGO, KDIGO 2026 AKI/AKD Guideline Public Review Draft, 2026 -- Current guidance and consensus
  3. Intensive Care Medicine — Updated Insights on Pathophysiology and Management of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients
  4. Pediatric Cardiology — Acute Kidney Injury After Pediatric Heart Transplant: The Impact of Intraoperative Hemodynamics Using High-Fidelity Data
  5. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Machine learning early risk assessment model for acute kidney injury in critically ill children: a retrospective cohort study
  6. Intensive Care Medicine — Emerging Pharmacological Therapies for Acute Kidney Injury
  7. Updated Insights on Pathophysiology and Management of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients
  8. Machine learning early risk assessment model for acute kidney injury in critically ill children
  9. Topic
  10. Epidemiology of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Children and Young Adults.
  11. Major Adverse Kidney Events in Pediatric Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy - PubMed

Original Source(s)

The Evolution of Pediatric AKI—Lessons From the Past, Priorities for the Future

  • by Laura Rangel Rodriguez, David T. Selewski

  • September 22, 2026

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