ABSTRACT
Acute renal failure [ARE] is not exceptional in child. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology, etiologies and the prognosis of ARE in children in Casablanca. We report 111 children with ARE, treated from 1991 to 2001 in the department of nephrology and pediatric unit of Ibn Rochd Universitary Hospital of Casablanca. The children were separated into 3 groups: newborn [6 cases], infants [28 cases] and child [77 cases]. Oligoanuria was observed in 71 cases [63%]. Causes of ARE were: functional ARF in 16 cases [14.4%], organic ARF in 86 cases [77.4%] due to glomerulonephritis in 39 cases [45.3%], hemolytic-uremic syndrome in 21 cases and acute tubular necrosis in 19 cases [18.2%]. Obstructive ARF was observed in 9 cases. The treatment depended on the cause of ARF. Renal replacement therapy was necessary in 37 cases [33%]. Eighty three children [90.2%] recovered a normal renal function, 9 children [9.7%] involved to chronic renal failure. Death occurred in 14 cases [12.6%]. We conclude that ARE prognosis depends on the cause and the early treatment