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Child Kidney Problems FAQs

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Kids’ kidneys work around the clock, filtering waste and excess fluids from their blood through the urine. Experts say chronic disease in these vital organs has increased among children. Learn more about how kidney disease affects kids’ health.

What causes kidney failure in children?

Kidney failure happens when a child’s kidneys no longer function. In most cases, kids need a kidney transplant. Many children begin with dialysis to stay healthy until they receive a transplant. Transplanted kidneys can stop working, and kids may need to return to dialysis. Transplantation can be delayed if a matching kidney isn’t found or if kids have infectious diseases or active kidney disease that progresses quickly.

How does kidney disease affect children?

Kidney disease in kids may go away on its own when causes are treated. But chronic kidney disease tends to persist even with treatment and worsen over time. Kids who have chronic kidney disease may experience:

  • Behavior problems
  • Delayed language development
  • Delayed gross motor development
  • Learning problems
  • Negative self-image
  • Relationship problems
  • Slower growth than peers
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Urinary incontinence

How is kidney disease diagnosed in children?

Mercy doctors perform physical exams, review medical history and may order the following tests:

  • Albumin urine test to detect a protein that can signal kidney damage
  • Albumin-to-creatinine ratio to measure the amounts of albumin and creatinine in the urine
  • Blood tests to measure how much blood the kidneys filter
  • Imaging studies to see kidney size, shape and any abnormalities
  • Biopsy to take a tiny piece of kidney tissue and examine it in a lab to find the cause and extent of damage

How is kidney disease treated in children?

Treatment depends on what’s causing the illness. Kids may be referred to a nephrologist — a doctor who treats kidney diseases.

Kids with kidney disease may need medication to lower high blood pressure. If their kidney function declines, treatment for anemia and inhibited growth may be needed. Kids who experience kidney failure may require dialysis and a kidney transplant. 

How can adults help children with chronic kidney failure in their daily lives?

If your child has chronic kidney failure, these coping strategies may help:

  • Help with diet planning – Have your child make a list of favorite foods and ask their dietitian to incorporate them in meal plans.
  • Be present – Stay with your child as much as possible during treatments and hospitalization. If you can’t be there, arrange for a family member or friend to help.
  • Get support – Talk with your Mercy renal team and other families of kids with kidney disease. Allow your family and friends to help you and your child whenever possible.
  • Encourage questions – Help your child ask their care team questions It empowers them, especially when treatments cause discomfort.
  • Maintain a routine – Keep a regular daily routine, even during hospitalization. It’ll make your child feel more secure and in control.
  • Make medicine time easier – Use syringes without needles to squirt medicine into your child’s mouth, so that they don’t smell it. Offer choices for taking medication, such as before or after a nap.
Find a Urologist

Mercy has experienced urologists across most of our communities. 

Find a urologist near you.