Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated with the Occurrence and Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury Among Children at the National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>BACKGROUND:</bold> Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden decline in kidney function associated with significant childhood morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, reported prevalence ranges from 30.7% - 82.9%. Many risk factors are preventable, making early recognition and intervention vital. <bold>OBJECTIVE:</bold> To determine the prevalence, severity, short-term outcomes, and risk factors of AKI among children aged one month to 15 years admitted to the Emergency Paediatric Unit of the National Hospital, Abuja. <bold>METHODS:</bold> A prospective observational study conducted among 270 paediatric admissions between April and September 2022. Using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria for diagnosis and staging. Serum creatinine was measured at admission, then serially depending on the renal function status until discharge or two weeks in those with AKI. Urine output was monitored. Associations between clinical variables and AKI occurrence and outcome were analyzed. <bold>RESULTS:</bold> Fifty-seven children (21.1%) had AKI at admission, of whom 68.4% were in stage 3. Significant risk factors included low socioeconomic status (P=0.001), nephrotoxic drug and herbal use (P&lt;0.001), and delayed presentation (P&lt;0.001). Twelve AKI patients (21.1%) died, 75% of whom were in stage 3. Significantly poorer outcomes were seen in children with Oliguria (P=0.004), sepsis (P=0.022), and need for dialysis (P=0.001). <bold>CONCLUSION:</bold> AKI is common among hospitalized children in Abuja, driven largely by preventable factors. Improved community awareness, early detection and intervention are essential to reduce AKI-related morbidity and mortality. </p>