Pediatric Kidney Conditions | Pediatrics

Pediatrics

Pediatric Kidney Conditions

Our nationally ranked Pediatric Nephrology Program is the only one of its kind in the region. We provide advanced care, including kidney (renal) transplants and specialized outpatient dialysis, for all types of childhood kidney disease.

Medically reviewed by Lavjay Butani, M.D. on June 27, 2023.

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Exceptional Care for Children’s Kidney Conditions

If your child has kidney disease or a urinary condition, you can trust the highly trained specialists at UC Davis Health. Our experts (pediatric nephrologists) provide the most advanced care for all types of childhood kidney disease and are widely sought out for their expertise. Families come to us because they know we provide specialized treatments that are not widely available elsewhere.

Our nephrologists provide care for hypertension, urinary tract infections, and lupus, among other related conditions in children. And we're the only team in the region that performs pediatric kidney transplants. Our unique services feature outpatient dialysis for children of all ages — including those under age 10.

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What Is Childhood Renal (Kidney) Disease?

Your child’s kidneys are two fist-sized organs that sit just below their ribcage on either side of their spine. These vital organs remove waste products from blood, balance fluids and release certain hormones.

Kidney disease means one or both of your child’s kidneys can’t filter the blood the way they should. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including mineral imbalances, heart disease, growth problems, and infections.

Types of Kidney Disease in Children

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

AKI is a sudden decrease in how well your child’s kidney works. This is usually due to a health issue such as sepsis (life-threatening immune response to infection), autoimmune conditions or exposure to toxic (poisonous) substances. Without treatment, AKI can cause serious complications. 

Long-term (Chronic) Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD in children occurs over months or years, with symptoms ranging from none to behavioral issues to serious heart problems. Some children with CKD will need dialysis or a kidney transplant. With the right care, children with this condition can live a full, active life.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts build up in your child's urine. If they become too large, they can get stuck in your child’s urinary tract and cause pain or bleeding. A skilled pediatric urology team can remove kidney stones or break them up into smaller pieces using minimally invasive (fewer incisions) procedures. 

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

PKD is a condition passed down in families (inherited) that leads to fluid-filled cysts form in your child’s kidneys. These cysts can cause pain and interfere with how your child's kidneys work. Early testing and treatment can control the growth of cysts and help delay or prevent kidney failure.

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Our Pediatric Nephrology Services and Clinics

Your child deserves care that is fully tailored to their unique needs. At UC Davis Health, our experts use a team-based, focused approach to provide exceptional care. We aim to give you and your child the best possible outcomes.

Our services include:

Advanced, Convenient Care

Our team assesses and treats all types of childhood kidney damage and disease. We track your child’s treatment progress with state-of-the-art imaging services, including CT and MRI. And we make care convenient by offering telemedicine options whenever your child doesn’t need to see us in-person.

Pediatric Renal Transplant Program

A kidney transplant is a lifesaving procedure for children with kidney failure — and we appreciate that it’s a major step to take. Our Transplant Center is recognized among the best in the nation because we have low rates of organ rejection and infection. We provide comfort, guidance and support at every step to make the process easier on you and your child.

Pediatric Dialysis

Children with the most critical needs receive continuous hemodialysis in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. And we believe even the smallest children awaiting transplant can often receive safe dialysis at home. That’s why we provide home-based peritoneal dialysis for children of all ages. Unlike hemodialysis, which filters blood outside the body, this type — unlike any other in the region — safely filters blood inside the body through a tube in your child's abdomen. We bring vital care to your child, where they need it.

Pediatric Kidney Stone Care

Children’s kidney stones require a treatment approach very different from adult care. Nephrologists at our Pediatric Kidney Stone Clinic use advanced testing and analysis to find the cause of first-time stones in children. They also partner with specially trained urinary tract experts (endourologists) and dietitians on ways to help your child prevent future stones.

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Awards and Recognitions
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Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals

A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.

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Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals

U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)

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Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.

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The nation’s highest nursing honor

UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.

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World-class cancer care

One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.

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A leader in health care equality

For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.

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