Kidneys in children perform vital functions—filtering waste, regulating blood pressure, and balancing fluids/electrolytes—but are susceptible to congenital, genetic, or acquired diseases. Common issues include structural birth defects, infections, or nephrotic syndrome, often diagnosed via prenatal scans or symptoms like poor growth and abnormal urination.
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Key Aspects of Pediatric Kidney Health:
- Common Causes of Disease:
- Birth to Age 4: Primarily congenital anomalies (structural issues) and genetic diseases.
- Ages 5 to 19: Often caused by Nephrotic Syndrome (leaking protein), glomerulonephritis (inflammation), or systemic diseases like lupus.
- Signs of Kidney Problems in Children:
- Failure to grow or gain weight.
- Unexplained fevers, vomiting, or poor appetite.
- Abnormal urine color (red/brown) or frequency.
- High blood pressure.
- Swelling around the eyes or in the legs.
- Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Conditions are often identified via routine prenatal ultrasound.
- Pediatric nephrologists manage care through medicine, surgery, dialysis, or, in severe cases, transplantation.
Living with One Kidney: Children born with only one kidney (solitary kidney) often lead normal lives but require regular check-ups.
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Conditions Affecting Children's Kidneys:
- Congenital Abnormalities of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT): Malformations during development.
- Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Often stemming from untreated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
- Nephrotic Syndrome: A kidney disorder that causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine.
Wilms Tumor: A rare type of kidney cancer primarily found in children.
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Early detection by a pediatrician is crucial for managing kidney health and ensuring proper growth and development.