Nephrology
Contact Nephrology
- Seattle
206-987-2524
- Everett
425-304-6080
- Federal Way
253-838-5878
- Tri-Cities
509-946-0976
Nephrology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney problems. Seattle Children's
is a national leader in caring for babies, children and teens with
kidney conditions, including the most complex disorders. We have a transplant
program, as well as the only
dialysis unit in the region just for babies, children
and teens. All of Children's nephrology programs focus on the special needs of
growing children with kidney disease.
Our doctors, nurses, dietitians and social workers believe in working with you
to provide complete care that meets the unique needs of your child and family.
Along with providing state-of-the-art treatment, we offer follow-up care and
support services that include home dialysis training, summer camp for children
with kidney disorders, a newsletter and special activities planned just for
children and their families.
Meet the
Nephrology care team.
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) (PDF)
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Subspecialties we offer
