Kidney disease in children

Children often develop kidney disease for different reasons than adults do.

Kidney disease in children is diagnosed the same way it is in adults. A urine test, blood test, imaging test, or kidney biopsy can help determine if something is wrong with the kidneys.

When a child has kidney disease, the kidneys do not filter waste from their body in the way that healthy kidneys do. Toxins and wastes can build up in the blood leading to complications.

As with adults, there are treatments that can allow children with kidney disease to live long, healthy lives.

Kidney transplant is considered the best treatment option for kidney failure in both adults and children. Having a kidney transplant means your child does not need dialysis. If possible, it is better for a child to have a transplant instead of starting dialysis. Dialysis is a time-consuming process that puts stress on the entire body.