Pediatric Nephrology

Pediatric nephrology is a medical specialty that deals with kidney diseases and urinary tract problems in children. It covers the kidneys of children from the newborn period through adolescence.

This field studies the structure, functions, diseases, treatment, and follow-up of the kidneys. Unlike adult nephrology, pediatric nephrology not only focuses on kidney diseases but also considers the growth and developmental characteristics of children.

The causes, symptoms, course, and treatment of kidney diseases in children may differ from those in adults.

The Pediatric Nephrology Department is a unit found in hospitals or medical centers. This department addresses kidney and urinary tract diseases in children from the neonatal period to adolescence. Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of these diseases are carried out here. The pediatric nephrologists working in this department are physicians who have completed pediatrics specialization and received additional specialized training.

Pediatric nephrology departments provide services for a wide range of kidney and urinary tract issues in children.

Main services include:

Outpatient Services:

• Examination and evaluation of children with kidney and urinary tract complaints.

• Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• Evaluation and treatment of bedwetting (enuresis).

• Investigation of causes of proteinuria (protein in urine) and hematuria (blood in urine).

• Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).

• Risk assessment of hereditary kidney diseases and genetic counseling.

• Diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones.

• Evaluation and management of kidney involvement in systemic diseases (such as SLE, vasculitis).

• Evaluation and treatment of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances.

• Assessment of growth retardation related to kidney disease.

Inpatient Services:

• Treatment of children with acute kidney failure.

• Management of severe urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis.

• Acute phase treatment of glomerular diseases such as nephrotic and nephritic syndromes.

• Correction of severe electrolyte and acid-base disorders.

• Follow-up after kidney biopsy.

• Pre- and post-kidney transplant evaluation and monitoring.

Dialysis Unit:

• Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis services for children with acute or chronic kidney failure.

• Follow-up and management of dialysis patients.

Kidney Biopsy:

• Taking tissue samples from the kidney when necessary for microscopic examination and definitive diagnosis.

Imaging Cooperation:

• Collaboration with radiology for kidney and urinary tract imaging methods such as ultrasonography, scintigraphy, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). These procedures are performed and interpreted jointly.

Multidisciplinary Approach:

• Cooperation with urology, genetics, rheumatology, and cardiology for patient evaluation and treatment planning.

Education and Counseling:

• Providing information to patients and families about diseases, treatment options, and lifestyle changes.

Congenital Kidney and Urinary Tract Anomalies
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Glomerular Diseases
Tubulointerstitial Diseases
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Acute Kidney Failure (AKF)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Urinary Incontinence (Enuresis)
Stone Diseases (Nephrolithiasis)
Renal Involvement of Systemic Diseases
Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders

Pediatric nephrology is an important branch of child health and diseases specialty. This field deals with issues from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric nephrology examines problems affecting the urinary system, including the kidneys, urinary tract, and bladder. Symptoms such as frequent urination, bedwetting, and headaches may indicate kidney or urinary system problems.

In this section, we will discuss some common conditions encountered in pediatric nephrology, along with their diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Nephrotic syndrome occurs due to impaired filtering function of the kidneys. This condition leads to excessive protein loss in the urine. Additionally, swelling (edema), low blood protein levels, and high cholesterol are observed. It is a serious kidney disease.

Chronic kidney failures refer to the gradual and permanent decline of kidney functions over time. In children, they can occur due to various causes such as congenital kidney anomalies, glomerular diseases, or recurrent urinary tract infections.

Frequent urination and urinary incontinence are common problems in children. However, these conditions do not always arise from simple causes. There may be an underlying urinary tract infection. Additionally, a structural problem might be present.

In rare cases, kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome can also occur.

FMF is not directly a kidney disease. However, in the long term, it can lead to a condition called amyloidosis, which can affect the kidneys. Therefore, kidney functions of children diagnosed with FMF should be regularly monitored.

Headache is a common complaint in children. In some cases, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, pain during urination, and high blood pressure. These issues may indicate an underlying urinary system problem.