Our clinic focuses on education related to declining kidney function. A dedicated team of experts - including a pediatric nurse practitioner, a dialysis nurse, a renal social worker, a renal dietician and a nephrologist - work together to ensure children and families understand kidney disease, prescribed care, regimen, and the importance of adherence to medicine and diet. 

Education also includes secondary complications of chronic kidney disease - including metabolic bone disease, anemia (low red blood cell count), poor growth, high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood) - which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms of kidney disease include:

• More frequent urination, especially at night
• Feeling tired and having less energy
• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
• Swelling in feet, ankles or around the eyes due to fluid buildup

There are five stages of chronic kidney disease, determined by the rate that the kidneys filter blood (called the glomerular filtration rate, GFR), with Stage 1 being the mildest level of kidney damage and Stage 5 indicating kidney failure. Diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and GFR is made using urine and blood tests, and possibly specialized tests performed by a radiologist. Treatment varies depending on your child’s stage.

Chronic kidney disease can be caused by a disease specific to the kidney, or it can result from another medical issue, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Part of your child’s evaluation will include looking for the cause of the kidney damage. If it is due to another condition, treatment for that issue will be incorporated into the complete treatment plan.

Some of the treatments options include:

• Treating the underlying cause of the kidney damage
• Lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and exercise
• A variety of medications
• Dialysis
• Kidney transplant

Children with late stage four and five chronic kidney disease and their families are given a formal dialysis options appointment within this clinic, and are also referred for transplant evaluation.

Schedule an appointment by calling us at 734-936-4210.