Acute kidney injury in children and its potential consequences in adulthood.

While emerging evidence indicates that the incidence of both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is rising, and the etiologies are dramatically changing, relatively little is currently known regarding the potential for transition from AKI to CKD. In both situations, early intervention can significantly improve the dismal prognosis. Fortunately, recent data have validated a multidimensional AKI classification system for children, and led to the investigation of the chronic kidney sequelae in many pediatric populations with AKI, or at risk for AKI (children with hemolytic uremic syndrome, neonates or those exposed to repeated nephrotoxic medications). The purpose of this article is to review the changing epidemiology of pediatric AKI and its potential effect on the development of CKD in children.