Progression of chronic kidney disease in children - role of glomerular hemodynamics and interstitial fibrosis

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current advances in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with emphasis on the role of glomerular hemodynamics and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.Recent findingsDespite the varied causes of CKD, the progressive destruction of renal tissue processes through a complex common pathway. Current studies have highlighted both the role of the abnormal intrarenal hemodynamics and of the activation of fibrogenic biochemical pathway in the replacement of normal renal structure by extracellular matrix and ultimately by fibrosis. Molecular markers with the potential to contribute to the detection of tubular cell damage and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the kidney has been identified.SummaryThere is a clear need to understand and elucidate the mechanisms of progression of CKD to develop efficient therapeutic strategies to halt decline of renal function in children.