Illustration symbolizing the connection between hand-foot-mouth disease and kidney health in children.

HFMD and Kidney Troubles: What Parents Need to Know

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding the Link Between Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and Acute Kidney Injury in Children"

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet and is common in children. Most cases are mild, but a recent study has highlighted a concerning link between severe HFMD and acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is when the kidneys suddenly can't filter waste from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins and potential health problems.

The typical causes of pediatric AKI include infections, kidney or urinary tract problems, dehydration, and certain medications. A study in China found that infectious diseases accounted for a significant portion of AKI cases in children. HFMD, primarily caused by enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16), is a common culprit behind childhood infections, raising concerns about the potential kidney complications.

While HFMD is usually associated with fever, rash, and discomfort, it's crucial for parents to be aware of the possibility of kidney involvement. Recognizing the signs and understanding the connection can lead to prompt medical attention and better outcomes for your child. A research highlights a case where a child with EV-A71-associated HFMD developed AKI, emphasizing the importance of vigilance.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Problems Related to HFMD?

Illustration symbolizing the connection between hand-foot-mouth disease and kidney health in children.

In addition to the typical symptoms of HFMD, such as fever, mouth sores, and rash, watch out for these signs that could indicate kidney involvement:

A recent medical case reported a previously healthy 10-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with a four-day history of fever, headache, and rash, all of which were found to be directly related to HFMD. Shortly after being admitted the child was found to have Maculopapular rashes accompanied by eyelid edema. The patient's blood pressure was 145/102 mmHg, heart rate was 93 beats per minute, axillary temperature was 38.7°C, respiratory rate was 30 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation was 98% and urine output was 320 ml for 24 hours.

Decreased urine output
Swelling, especially around the eyes, face, hands, or feet
High blood pressure
Fatigue or lethargy
Changes in urine color (darker or tea-colored)

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child during or after an HFMD infection, contact your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious kidney damage.

The Bottom Line: Staying Informed and Proactive

While the link between HFMD and AKI is rare, it's essential for parents to be aware of the potential risks. By knowing the symptoms, seeking prompt medical care, and following your doctor's recommendations, you can help protect your child's health and well-being. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and don't hesitate to ask questions – your child's health is always worth it.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/tropej/fmy070, Alternate LINK

Title: Acute Kidney Injury Secondary To Severe Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Caused By Enterovirus-A71: Hypertension Is A Common

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Authors: Yao Xu, Yang Fang Wu, Huang Huang Luo, Dong Dong Zhang, Yue Wu, Peng Hu

Published: 2018-11-19

Everything You Need To Know

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection in children characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It's typically caused by enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16). While most cases are mild, recent research has highlighted a potential link between severe HFMD and acute kidney injury (AKI), making it important for parents to be aware of its implications.

What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and why is it important in the context of HFMD?

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a condition where the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste from the blood. This leads to a buildup of toxins and can cause various health problems. In the context of HFMD, AKI is concerning because it represents a serious complication that can arise from the viral infection. The implications include potential long-term kidney damage and the need for prompt medical intervention to prevent serious health consequences.

What symptoms could indicate kidney problems related to HFMD?

The signs of kidney problems related to HFMD include decreased urine output, swelling (especially around the eyes, face, hands, or feet), high blood pressure, fatigue or lethargy, and changes in urine color (darker or tea-colored). These symptoms indicate that the kidneys may not be functioning correctly, potentially leading to the accumulation of waste products in the body. Prompt medical attention is crucial if any of these signs are observed in a child with HFMD.

How does HFMD connect to the risk of kidney problems?

The connection between HFMD and kidney problems is highlighted by a recent study. This study reported a case where a child with EV-A71-associated HFMD developed AKI. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and early detection. HFMD, primarily caused by enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16), can lead to infections, and infectious diseases can contribute to AKI in children. This is significant because it illustrates how a common childhood illness can have serious implications for kidney health.

What should parents do if they suspect their child has kidney problems related to HFMD?

If your child shows any symptoms of kidney problems during or after an HFMD infection, such as decreased urine output or swelling, contact your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious kidney damage. Prompt medical care can involve various interventions, such as medication to control blood pressure, and in severe cases, dialysis. By staying informed and proactive, parents can play a vital role in protecting their child's health and well-being.