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.
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?
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
Kidney Treatment at Children's National Hospital
The pediatric specialists in our nationally ranked nephrology program work to manage the full range of kidney diseases in children, including dialysis and kidney transplantation. Discover more about the treatments we offer.
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
Dialysis Program
Children's National has the only dialysis facility in the Washington, D.C., region dedicated exclusively for infants, children and teens.
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.
Kidney Transplantation Program
The Kidney Transplantation Program is the only one of its kind in the Washington, D.C., area focused on the needs of children and teens with kidney disease. Additionally, it is the region's only Medicare-approved center for kidney transplants in children and teens.