Acute intermittent haemodialysis among children with acute kidney injury at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Acute intermittent haemodialysis (AIH) provides a kidney replacement therapy for children with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of AIH among children with AKI at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Abuja, from January 2018 to December 2020.

Results: Sixty children with AKI aged 5 to 18 years, comprising 34 males, and with a mean age of 13.4 ±3.9 years received 476 sessions of AIH over 1 to 90 days. The major indication for AIH was a combination of factors (fluid overload, symptomatic uraemia, anuria, and hyperkalaemia) seen in 48 (80.0%) subjects. AIH was complicated by nausea and vomiting in 40 (66.7%), muscle cramps in 35 (58.3%), hypotension in 20 (33.3%), and dialysis disequilibrium syndrome in 8 (13.3%).  Forty-eight (80.0%) subjects were discharged but 39 (65.0%) were still on follow-up. Mortality was seen in 6 (10%) subjects. Mortality was due to discontinuation of haemodialysis support because of financial constraints.

Conclusion: AIH is a life-saving KRT for children with AKI at the UATH, Abuja, Nigeria. Concerted efforts to make AIH free of cost cannot be over-emphasized.