AKI can be caused by multiple causes. Some of the common reasons are: dehydration, Infections like Sepsis, Immunity dysregulation disorders like nephritis/ HUS, Toxins, nephrotoxic medications, obstruction of urinary tract etc.

Detailed evaluation is done which help to identify the cause and appropriate treatment can be planned.

AKI is treated by treating the underlying cause and using appropriate targeted medications. If dehydration is the cause, replacing the fluids is the treatment. Supportive therapy leads to recovery in majority of mild to moderate forms of AKI.

Severe form of AKI can be dangerous as that is a sign of complete shut down of function of kidney. Clinical features are Sudden Seizures (fits), severe vomiting, rapid and heavy breathing with poor oxygen levels. This can present with markedly elevated Urea / creatinine multiple times the normal range, increase in potassium levels, increase in acid levels of body or increase in water and swelling of body. Such children are treated with dialysis which is a supportive therapy till kidney retains the functionality.

Recovery period is usually dependent on the cause of AKI and early institution of treatment. More severe forms of AKI requiring Dialysis may require more time duration compared to mild to moderate forms of AKI. Mild forms of AKI usually resolve in window period of 3-6 weeks. Medically stating, AKI must resolve in 90 days (3 months) beyond which it is considered as Chronic Kidney disease.

Dialysis is very useful life saving therapy in severe form of AKI. It is like an artificial kidney which helps when the working capacity of natural kidney is affected. It purifies the blood and remove excess water from kidney when natural kidney is unable to do. It is possible to do dialysis in small babies of 3 kg to bigger children. It is safe procedure when done in a center which has facilities for dialysis in small kids under care of Pediatric Nephrologist and technician. Please refer to section on Dialysis for further details.