Subphenotypes of acute kidney injury in children

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to describe acute kidney injury (AKI) phenotypes in children.

Recent findings: AKI is a heterogenous disease that imposes significant morbidity and mortality on critically ill and noncritically ill patients across the age spectrum. As our understanding of AKI and its association with outcomes has improved, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there are distinct AKI subphenotypes that vary by cause or associated conditions. We have also learned that severity, duration, and repeated episodes of AKI impact outcomes, and that integration of novel urinary biomarkers of tubular injury can also reveal unique subphenotypes of AKI that may not be otherwise readily apparent.

Summary: Studies that further delineate these unique AKI subphenotypes are needed to better understand the impact of AKI in children. Further delineation of these phenotypes has both prognostic and therapeutic implications.