A new study has found that acute kidney injury (AKI) is highly common among critically ill children admitted to hospitals in central Tanzania, with researchers warning that the condition increases the risk of death if not detected and treated early.

The study, published recently in the journal Pediatric Nephrology, examined 92 children aged between one month and 15 years admitted at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital between March and June 2020.

Researchers found that more than half (58%) of the children developed acute kidney injury — a serious condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working properly.

The study was conducted by Tanzanian and South African scientists and included contributions from Jerry Hella of Ifakara Health Institute.

High burden among critically ill children

Acute kidney injury is a sudden decline in kidney function that prevents the body from properly removing waste and balancing fluids. The condition can quickly become life-threatening, especially among critically ill children.

Most of the cases identified in the study were already present when the children arrived at hospital, suggesting many patients may be reaching care late.

Researchers classified the severity of illness into three stages. About half of the affected children had stage 1 AKI, while nearly one-third had the most severe form, stage 3.

Respiratory distress linked to kidney injury

Respiratory distress was identified as one of the factors associated with kidney injury, while prolonged illness, repeated convulsions and impaired consciousness were also linked to increased risk.

Higher risk of death

Children with acute kidney injury were far more likely to die during hospitalization than children without the condition.

According to the study, in-hospital mortality among children with AKI was nearly five times (35.8%) higher than among children without kidney injury (7.7%).

The researchers said the findings highlight the urgent need for earlier recognition of kidney injury in hospitalized children, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to dialysis and specialized kidney care remains limited.

Why the findings matter

Globally, acute kidney injury is increasingly recognized as a major cause of illness and death among hospitalized children. However, data from African countries remain limited, making the Tanzanian study an important contribution to understanding the burden of pediatric kidney disease in low-resource settings.

Experts say early detection and prompt treatment can improve survival and reduce long-term kidney complications.

The researchers concluded by calling for improved screening, prompt fluid management and better access to dialysis services, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Read the publication here.