Pediatric Kidney Conditions

At Conrad Pearson, we specialize in diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of urinary tract and kidney disorders in children. Our services encompass both congenital conditions, such as hypospadias and duplicated kidney, and acquired issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools, including ultrasounds and renal scans, to evaluate kidney function and detect abnormalities. Our treatment approach combines both medical and surgical options customized to children’s unique needs, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques to minimize recovery time and enhance results. Our role extends beyond treatment to include ongoing management and monitoring, ensuring that children with kidney conditions achieve optimal growth and development.

Pediatric Kidney Conditions We Treat

Kidney Stones: Hard, crystalline deposits that form in the kidneys from substances in the urine. These stones can vary in size and may affect one or both kidneys. Contributing factors include dietary habits, dehydration, genetic predispositions, metabolic disorders, medical conditions, and specific medications, all of which can elevate the risk of developing kidney stones. Symptoms often include severe abdominal or back pain, hematuria (blood in the urine), frequent urination, painful or burning urination, nausea and vomiting, as well as fever and chills.

Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJ): A is a condition where the flow of urine from the kidney to the ureter is blocked at the point where the renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects urine) meets the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). This blockage prevents normal urine flow, causing urine to back up into the kidney, which can lead to kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and reduced kidney function over time.

Hydronephrosis: The swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. It can occur when there is a blockage or obstruction in the urinary tract. Treatment is dependent on the cause and the severity of the obstruction and may require medication or surgery. Symptoms may include pain in the side of the abdomen, nausea and urinary issues.

Duplicated Kidney: A congenital condition where a child has two ureters (the tubes that drain urine into the bladder) draining from a single kidney or, in some cases, two distinct renal pelvises (the area where urine collects before being transported to the bladder). Many children with duplicated kidneys show no symptoms and the condition is often found incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues. When symptoms do occur, they may include recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to complications with urine flow, abdominal pain from blockages or drainage issues, urinary problems such as difficulty urinating or leakage, and occasionally an enlarged or swollen kidney. Treatment involves managing symptoms with medications for infections or pain, and surgery may be required if significant problems arise.

Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma): A malignant kidney cancer that arises from immature kidney cells and primarily affects children, typically under age 5. It usually develops in one kidney but can occasionally impact both. The exact cause is not well understood, though genetic factors and family history can increase risk. Treatment and symptoms may vary based on the tumor’s size and stage. Symptoms include a noticeable abdominal mass, abdominal pain, persistent fever, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and weight loss.

Treating pediatric kidney conditions effectively requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term health. By integrating advanced treatments with personalized care and continuous monitoring, we aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for young patients. Collaborating with families to ensure treatment adherence and providing education on kidney health are key to successful care, supporting the child’s overall well-being and development.

Hypospadias: A congenital condition where the urethral opening is not at the tip of the penis but rather on the underside, potentially near the tip, along the shaft, or near the base. This occurs due to incomplete fusion of the urethral folds during fetal development. With prompt surgical treatment, most children with hypospadias can live normal, healthy lives with minimal long-term issues. Symptoms include an abnormal urethral opening, difficulty urinating or an irregular urine stream, and penile curvature during erection.

Epispadias: A rare congenital condition where the urethral opening is situated on the upper side of the penis or, in females, on the clitoris or within the urethra. This results from improper formation of the urethra during fetal development. The outcome varies based on the condition’s severity and the effectiveness of surgical repair, but many individuals can lead functional and fulfilling lives with appropriate treatment. Symptoms include an abnormal location of the urethral opening, difficulty controlling urination, and potential sexual dysfunction or cosmetic concerns.

Hydronephrosis: The swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. It can occur when there is a blockage or obstruction in the urinary tract. Treatment is dependent on the cause and the severity of the obstruction and may require medication or surgery. Symptoms may include pain in the side of the abdomen, nausea and urinary issues.

Duplicated Kidney: A congenital condition where a child has two ureters (the tubes that drain urine into the bladder) draining from a single kidney or, in some cases, two distinct renal pelvises (the area where urine collects before being transported to the bladder). Many children with duplicated kidneys show no symptoms and the condition is often found incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues. When symptoms do occur, they may include recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to complications with urine flow, abdominal pain from blockages or drainage issues, urinary problems such as difficulty urinating or leakage, and occasionally an enlarged or swollen kidney. Treatment involves managing symptoms with medications for infections or pain, and surgery may be required if significant problems arise.

Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma): A malignant kidney cancer that arises from immature kidney cells and primarily affects children, typically under age 5. It usually develops in one kidney but can occasionally impact both. The exact cause is not well understood, though genetic factors and family history can increase risk. Treatment and symptoms may vary based on the tumor’s size and stage. Symptoms include a noticeable abdominal mass, abdominal pain, persistent fever, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and weight loss.

Treating pediatric kidney conditions effectively requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term health. By integrating advanced treatments with personalized care and continuous monitoring, we aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for young patients. Collaborating with families to ensure treatment adherence and providing education on kidney health are key to successful care, supporting the child’s overall well-being and development.