A need for reevaluation of sports participation recommendations for children with a solitary kidney.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We sought to evaluate the incidence and outcome of blunt renal injury in children by mechanism of injury. These data could then be used to provide the basis for more rational recommendations to parents and physicians regarding participation in sporting activities.Materials and Methods: We analyzed data on 49,651 pediatric trauma cases collected by 92 trauma centers as part of the National Pediatric Trauma Registry from 1995 to 2001. Cases involving renal injury were isolated and the data were stratified according to age, sex and injury, as well as procedures required for treatment and outcomes.Results: Of 49,651 pediatric trauma patients 813 incurred renal injury. There were 516 males and 291 females, and sex was not documented in 6 children. Average age was 10.6 years. There were no reports of a solitary kidney. In the sports group there were 4 nephrectomies, which were associated with sledding (2), skiing (1) and rollerblading (1), and 2 deaths related to skiing (1) and jet skiing (1). ...