Nephrology

Conditions We Treat

Blood in urine (hematuria)

Many conditions can cause blood to show up in urine, a condition called hematuria. Often these conditions do not lead to lasting problems. But because blood in urine may be a sign of serious kidney problems, children with hematuria should see a doctor.

Protein in urine (proteinuria)

Proteinuria means that urine contains more protein than usual. Most proteins are too big to go through the kidneys' filters, so too much protein in urine may be a sign of a kidney problem.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones form when solid materials in urine build up in the kidneys and urinary tract. Small stones can pass out of the body on their own. Large stones can cause problems. They can be very painful when they block the kidney or the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Kidney stones are more common in adults, but children can get them, too.

Glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis

Glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis cause swelling and redness (inflammation) in parts of the kidney. This makes it harder for the kidney to separate wastes and extra fluid from the blood. It can cause swelling (edema), blood in the urine, high blood pressure and fatigue. This can sometimes lead to lifelong (chronic) kidney disease.

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome occurs when large amounts of protein get into the urine, leaving low levels in the blood. Blood proteins act like a sponge, helping water to stay inside your child's blood vessels. When protein gets into urine, not enough is left in the blood, and water moves into body tissues, causing them to swell.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

Hemolytic uremic syndrome causes sudden, short-term kidney failure in children. While severe cases often require some dialysis sessions, most children recover without lasting damage. HUS most often occurs after an infection with the E. coli bacterium. Read more. (PDF)

Genetic kidney disease

Some kidney diseases come from problems with genes or chromosomes that are passed down within families. These genetic diseases include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), in which many fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys and limit how well they function.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

While high blood pressure is more common in adults, children and teens can develop the problem too. If untreated, over time high blood pressure can damage many organs of the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. The normal range for blood pressure depends on your child's sex, age and height. Read more.

Kidney failure, including chronic kidney disease and acute kidney failure

Kidney failure happens when the kidneys can no longer remove all of the wastes from the blood. Kidney failure can either be lifelong (chronic) or sudden (acute). Chronic disease usually develops slowly. Your child may not show any symptoms until the kidneys are not doing their job and can remove only a small amount of waste. Children with acute kidney failure sometimes need dialysis treatments until their kidneys begin to work again. Children with chronic kidney failure need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

End-stage kidney (renal) disease (ESRD)

End-stage kidney disease, also called end-stage renal disease, occurs when the kidneys no longer work well enough to keep a person alive on their own. Doctors often define the condition as having kidney function that is less than 15 percent of normal for a child's size and weight. Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, end-stage kidney disease causes serious problems and leads to death. Read more.

Subspecialties We Offer

• Dialysis
• Pediatric Hypertension Program
• Kidney Transplantation
• Renal Vasculitis Program

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