The interplay between the cardiovascular system and pediatric congenital or acquired kidney diseases.

Kidney diseases often have systemic effects, particularly affecting the cardiovascular system due to their shared embryological origins. The deterioration of kidney function can lead to significant cardiovascular complications. Many kidney disorders, especially congenital and cystic kidney diseases, are diagnosed in childhood, often coexisting with cardiovascular issues. This review focuses on the cardiovascular abnormalities associated with primary kidney diseases, exploring the genetic and pathophysiological connections between these dual conditions. Some primary kidney diseases with cardiovascular abnormalities include congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), polycystic kidney diseases (ADPKD and ARPKD), and glomerular diseases (nephrotic syndrome, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), IgA nephropathy, and Alport syndrome). These conditions often lead to hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and other cardiac complications. For instance, ADPKD and ARPKD are associated with early vascular stiffness and cardiac valvular disorders. Nephrotic syndrome, particularly steroid-resistant form, is linked to elevated cardiovascular risks due to hyperlipidemia, endothelial injury, and an increased propensity for thrombosis. IgA nephropathy and FSGS are also associated with cardiovascular risks, exacerbated by kidney failure and hyperlipidemia. Alport syndrome, while primarily a glomerular disorder, can also result in serious cardiovascular complications like aortic dissection.