COVID-19 Linked to Kidney Damage in Children

Strategic Insights -

New research from Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, has found that SARS-CoV-2 infection in children can lead to significant kidney damage, characterized by hyperfiltration, proteinuria, and hematuria. The study, published in the journal Microorganisms, retrospectively evaluated renal function in 148 children who had previously contracted the virus. The findings suggest that a substantial proportion of children with paucisymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection may be at risk of developing kidney damage, warranting close monitoring and follow-up.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 17.6% of children had reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), while 33.9% had hyperfiltration.
  • 14.9% of children had abnormal fractional-excretion-of-sodium (FENa) and/or tubular-reabsorption-of-phosphate (TRP).
  • 52.7% of children had pathological daily proteinuria.
  • Microhematuria was found in 10.9% of subjects.
  • Hyperfiltration was more prevalent among males, with a statistically significant difference compared to females.

Statistics:

  • 148 children were enrolled in the study.
  • The median period of time between infection and evaluation was 3 months (IQR 6).
  • 26 patients (17.6%) had reduced GFR.
  • 50 patients (33.9%) had hyperfiltration.
  • 11 patients (7.4%) had abnormal FENa and/or TRP.
  • 22 patients (14.9%) had hypercalciuria.
  • 78 patients (52.7%) had pathological daily proteinuria.
  • Microhematuria was found in 16 subjects (10.9%).
  • The ratio of calcium-creatinine-urine (CaU/CrU) was significantly higher in females.

Sources:

  • Increased Measured GFR and Proteinuria in Children with Previous Infection by SARS-CoV-2: Should We Be Concerned? Microorganisms, 2025, 13(5), 1008.
  • MDPI AG.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051008