Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): will my child get better?
Your healthcare team will speak with you and your child about any long-term effects your child might have.
Most children fully recover from AKI. Others will need further care.
The long-term effects on your child’s kidney function (how well the kidneys are working) depend on how severe the AKI is and whether it gets better with treatment.
Follow up
Your child may need to have follow-up appointments with your GP (family doctor) or at the hospital. It is important to go to these appointments, even if your child seems well. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions. At these appointments, your child may have:
- his or her height and weight checked
- a physical examination
- urine tests – to check for blood, protein and other substances in his or her urine
- blood tests – to check for the amount of protein and other substances in his or her blood, and measure their kidney function
- his or her blood pressure measured.
Recovery
If your child’s AKI gets better with treatment, they usually have no higher risk of long-term kidney problems. Your doctor will monitor them over a long period of time.
Long-term problems
Children who have had AKI have a slightly higher risk of:
- proteinuria – an abnormal amount of protein in the urine
- hypertension – high blood pressure
A small number of children will have long-term problems with their kidneys. Their kidneys stop working as well as they should – this happens slowly, often over many years. This is called chronic kidney disease (CKD). These children will need further, specialist treatment in the future. If your child has CKD, you and your family will learn more over time about how to help manage the condition, and what to expect.
AKI: impact on your child and your family
Children who have been successfully treated for AKI can usually do the things that other children their age do. They should be able to continue going to school or nursery. They can play with other children and stay active.
Further support
This can be a difficult and stressful experience for your child and the whole family, including other children. If you have any concerns or need additional support, speak with your doctor or nurse.