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Condition

Pediatric Kidney Disease

Key Points About Kidney Disease in Children

  • Kidney disease (renal failure) is short-term or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function. There are two different types.
  • Acute kidney disease starts suddenly. In some cases, it may be reversed and the kidneys can work normally again.
  • Chronic kidney disease gets worse slowly over at least three months. It can lead to permanent kidney failure.
  • Kidney disease has many possible causes, such as blood loss, medicines, urinary blockage, genetic disease or infections.
  • Treatment may include changes in diet, medicines, dialysis or surgery.
  • Because the kidneys have many functions, kidney failure can affect many body systems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is kidney disease?

What causes kidney disease in children?

Which children are at risk for kidney disease?

What are the symptoms of kidney disease in children?

How is kidney disease diagnosed in a child?

How is kidney disease treated in a child?

What are possible complications of kidney disease in a child?

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Meet the Providers Who Treat Kidney Disease

Kaylee and Roxi's Story

Kaylee Townsley, a seventh-grader, is 12. Roxi Vasquez, a high school senior, is 18. They live in different towns and attend different schools but became 'sisters' as they shared the same kidney transplant experience.

Departments that Treat Kidney Disease

    Children's National nephrologist Asha Moudgil, M.D., listens to the heart of a little girl.

    Nephrology

    Learn how our highly skilled pediatric nephrology team works across divisions to manage the full range of kidney diseases in children, including dialysis and kidney transplantation.

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