Renal Artery or Vein Thrombosis

Renal artery or vein thrombosis is the blockage of the renal artery (which brings blood to the kidney) or renal vein (which carries blood away from the kidney) due to the formation of a blood clot. This causes malfunctioning of the kidney which can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure if it is not treated immediately. In children, most cases of renal artery or vein thrombosis occur due to severe dehydration, which allows the blood to clot more readily. Dehydration can be caused by diarrhoea. 90% cases of renal vein thrombosis occur in infants less than a year old while 75% of the cases occur in babies less than a month old.

When to seek expert advise

Seek immediate medical attention from the paediatric nephrologists  at the Children's Hospital Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms:

• A high fever of 102 F or above

• Sudden pain in the lower back

• Sudden, severe swelling in leg

• Difficulty in breathing

• Blood in urine

• Decrease in urine output

If you notice that your child is dehydrated, provide them with clear fluids and oral rehydrating solutions until a doctor sees them.

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