Renal Vein Thrombosis In Infancy

Abstract

Renal thrombosis in infants and children is an exceedingly grave condition and terminates fatally in practically every case not promptly treated surgically. 1 When there is unilateral involvement (with hemorrhagic infarction of the kidneys) prompt nephrectomy is employed. 2 Survival (in cases of unilateral renal vein thrombosis in children) will largely depend on immediate exploration and nephrectomy. 3 The above quotations typify the widespread belief 1-6 that in an infant the diagnosis of renal vein thrombosis necessitates immediate nephrectomy as an urgent, lifesaving procedure. Experience with three infants with the clinical diagnosis of renal vein thrombosis who recovered without surgery prompted a review of the literature on the subject. This yielded additional data which suggested the need for a reappraisal of the entire question of therapy of this serious condition. Report of Cases Case1.—The child of a diabetic mother was born, weighing 3.8 kg (8 lb, 8 oz). He