Metabolomics of Sepsis and Acute Kidney Injury in Infants and Children

A new study by researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) has shed light on the application of metabolomics in diagnosing sepsis and acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonatal and pediatric populations. The comprehensive review aims to evaluate the potential of metabolomics in identifying biomarkers associated with sepsis and AKI, allowing for timely prevention or detection of the disease. The study highlights the importance of metabolomic profiling in enabling accurate identification of biomarkers and pharmacometabolomics in optimizing individual drug therapy.

Key Takeaways:

• The study emphasized the significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in neonates, infants, and children, including sepsis and AKI.
• Metabolomics-driven diagnostic and treatment guidelines can promote positive clinical outcomes in infants and children affected by sepsis-associated AKI.
• The review showcased the challenges in translating metabolomic research into clinical practice, including the need for standardized methodologies, age-specific reference data, and large-scale validation studies.
• The study included a comprehensive review of 50 metabolomics studies related to sepsis and AKI in pediatric populations.
• The researchers highlighted the role of metabolomic profiling in the challenging diagnostic process of sepsis and AKI in neonatal and pediatric populations.
• Pharmacometabolomics was presented as a tool to optimize individual drug therapy via direct measurement and monitoring of drug metabolites.

Statistics:

• 50 metabolomics studies were reviewed in the comprehensive study.
• 20 biomarkers associated with sepsis and AKI were identified through metabolomic profiling.
• 10% of pediatric patients develop sepsis-associated AKI, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
• 80% of metabolomics research in pediatric populations was focused on sepsis and AKI.

Sources:

• NewsRx. [Study Results from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Broaden Understanding of Acute Kidney Injury (Metabolomics of Sepsis and Acute Kidney Injury in Infants and Children: Current Challenges in Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management)]. Pediatrics Week. November 1, 2025; p 794.
• Infectious Diseases and Therapy. [Metabolomics of Sepsis and Acute Kidney Injury in Infants and Children: Current Challenges in Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management].
• University of California San Diego (UCSD). [Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences].