Pediatric nephrology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney-related disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric nephrologists are specially trained to address a wide range of kidney conditions unique to the pediatric population.
Congenital Kidney Abnormalities: Diagnosis and management of congenital kidney anomalies, including polycystic kidney disease, renal dysplasia, and structural abnormalities.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Evaluation and treatment of sudden and severe kidney dysfunction, often resulting from infections, dehydration, or other acute conditions.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Management of chronic kidney diseases, which can be congenital or acquired, and may progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Hematuria and Proteinuria: Evaluation and management of conditions causing blood or protein in the urine, such as glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Diagnosis and treatment of UTIs, which are common in children and can sometimes lead to kidney involvement.
Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders: Assessment and management of imbalances in fluids and electrolytes, crucial for overall kidney health.
Renal Tubular Disorders: Diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the renal tubules, which can impact electrolyte balance and acid-base equilibrium.
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones): Evaluation and management of kidney stones, which can occur in children and lead to recurrent urinary tract issues.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension related to kidney disorders or other underlying conditions.
Hereditary Kidney Diseases: Management of hereditary kidney diseases, such as Alport syndrome or autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
Renal Transplantation: Evaluation and pre-transplant care for children requiring kidney transplantation, as well as post-transplant follow-up.
Pediatric Dialysis: Management of children requiring dialysis for the treatment of ESRD, including peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis.
Genetic Counseling: Counseling families about the genetic aspects of kidney disorders and the risk of recurrence.
Renal Biopsy: Performance and interpretation of renal biopsies to aid in the diagnosis of certain kidney conditions.
Growth and Development Monitoring: Regular monitoring of growth and development in children with kidney disorders, ensuring appropriate interventions.