Acute kidney injury in hospitalized children with dengue infection: A tertiary care hospital study

Background: Dengue viral infection (DVI) is a prevalent arthropod-borne illness, particularly common in tropical regions, manifesting in various clinical presentations ranging from undifferentiated fever to severe hemorrhagic fever and shock. Despite its recognition, acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a lesser-known complication associated with DVI. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of AKI among pediatric patients diagnosed with DVI and analyze its clinical implications. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at a Tertiary Care Hospital. A total of 202 pediatric patients aged 6 months to 18 years diagnosed with DVI were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and AKI incidence were analyzed. AKI severity was classified according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Results: Among the participants, 11.4% were diagnosed with AKI. Patients with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) tended to have longer hospital stays, indicating the severity of their condition. Demographic analysis revealed vulnerabilities among children, particularly males and urban residents. The prevalence of AKI underscored the importance of vigilant monitoring of renal function in pediatric DVI cases. Conclusion: The study highlighted the significant prevalence of AKI in pediatric patients with DVI, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and management to improve outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore preventive measures and optimize clinical management strategies for this vulnerable group.