Chronic kidney disease in childhood

Definition. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood is a rare but devastating condition that is irreversible and results in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and need for renal replacement therapy once a critical nephron mass has been lost. Ethiology. Congenital renal hypodysplasia with or without urinary tract abnormalities is the main cause of CKD in childhood, followed by hereditary nephropathies and acquired glomerulopathies. Therapy/prevention. Several progression factors have been identified in recent years and potential therapeutic strategies to prevent disease progression have been modified. Irrespective of the underlying kidney disease, strict blood pressure control and reduction of urinary protein excretion are mandatory in children with CKD.