Nephrology

Whether your child has a common or complex kidney (renal) condition, the Division of Nephrology at Children's National has the expertise, experience and knowledge to provide the best possible care and support. With a multidisciplinary approach to care, our expert physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians and social workers work together to improve the quality of life for the families we serve. Our division is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top nephrology programs in the country.

Trusted Nephrological (Kidney) Care at Children's National: Why Choose Us?

(en español)

At Children’s National, we are proud to have one of the largest and most experienced nephrology divisions in the country. Our nephrologists diagnose and treat children with kidney conditions at every stage, and we consistently offer innovative treatments. With more than 6,000 outpatient visits per year, this high volume translates to superior expertise in both common and complex kidney diseases.

Current Nephrology patients can schedule appointments online at MyChildrensNational patient portal.

• Acute glomerulonephritis
• Acute renal failure
• Chronic glomerulonephritis
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Proteinuria and hematuria
• Urinary tract infections
• Chronic kidney disease
• Congenital kidney disease and malformations
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)
• Hypertension
• IgA nephropathy
• Hereditary renal diseases
• Obstructive uropathy
• Polycystic kidney diseases
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Vasculitis
• Kidney and bladder stones
• Fetal consults for families with babies suspected to have kidney problems in the antenatal period

Nationally Recognized for Excellent Care

The Division of Nephrology at Children’s National is one of the most active kidney transplant centers in the country and the region’s only Medicare-approved center for kidney transplants in children and teens. In fact, we perform more kidney transplants per year than any hospital in the mid-Atlantic region. In 2016, we performed 21 kidney transplants.

The program ensures seamless care before and after your child's procedure. In collaboration with the transplant surgery division of Georgetown University Hospital, we offer comprehensive care for donor and recipient evaluation, as well as long-term management of kidney transplants. Our multidisciplinary team guides you through every stage of care and provides extensive education about the transplantation process and related testing.

You meet with the program's medical and surgical directors, the transplant and financial coordinators, renal social worker and renal nutritionist, who can answer all questions related to the procedure and follow-up care.

Dialysis and Therapy Services Exclusively for Children

Children's National has the only stand-alone pediatric dialysis center in the region with a dedicated dialysis program exclusively for children. As one of several designated treatment programs offered in the division, the setting allows our doctors and nurses to provide medical care in a family-centered environment designed for children.

We also provide essential support for families when a long-term healthcare plan is necessary, including training to conduct dialysis at home.

Children’s National Nephrology: Specialized Care

• Hypertension Detection and Treatment Program
• Kidney Transplantation Program
• Living Kidney Donation
• Neonatal Metabolic Disorders (in partnership with the Division of Genetics and Metabolism)
• Urinary Stone Program 

Improvement in Quality Care and Research

We are committed to providing quality care, improving treatment and outcomes for children with kidney disease and participate in several national collaborative that include SCOPE (standardizing outcomes to improve care in pediatric end stage renal disease), NAPRTCS (North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative) benchmarking project and CKID (Chronic kidney disease).

Contact Us

Call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) to schedule your child’s in-person appointment, procedure or telehealth visit.