Pediatric Nephrology

At Biruni Hospital, the Pediatric Nephrology Department is dedicated to providing expert care for infants, children, and adolescents with kidney and urinary tract diseases. 

Our multidisciplinary team combines advanced medical knowledge with compassionate, child-centered care to support both young patients and their families through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.

Our mission

We strive to improve the health and quality of life for children with kidney disorders by delivering comprehensive, evidence-based treatments in a supportive environment.

Our goal is to promote healthy kidney function and prevent complications while empowering families through education and guidance.

Conditions We Treat

At Biruni Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and managing pediatric kidney and urinary tract conditions. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for every child.

Kidneys are vital organs for filtering waste and maintaining growth in children. Disorders of kidney function can be sudden or long-term, requiring early intervention to prevent complications.

1. Kidney Failure and Function Disorders

Kidney function disorders occur when the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste, regulate fluids, or maintain electrolyte balance. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and support healthy growth.

Acute Renal Insufficiency

A sudden, temporary decline in kidney function, often caused by dehydration, infection, or other illnesses.

Symptoms

• Decreased urine output
• Swelling (edema) in the face and extremities
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy or confusion

Treatment Approach

• Prompt supportive care to stabilize kidney function
• Careful management of fluids and electrolytes
• Tailored nutritional support
• Temporary dialysis in severe cases

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

A long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function.

Symptoms

• Poor appetite and growth
• Fatigue and low energy
• Anemia
• High blood pressure
• Swelling around eyes, feet, or ankles

Treatment Approach

• Medications to control blood pressure and anemia
• Specialized nutrition plans with pediatric dietitians
• Monitoring growth and development
• Family education and ongoing support

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

The final stage of CKD, where the kidneys have stopped functioning completely.

Symptoms

• Severe fatigue and weakness
• Significant swelling (edema)
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Difficulty concentrating
• Itching and skin changes

Treatment Approach

• Life-sustaining dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis)
• Guidance through kidney transplant evaluation and preparation

2. Urinary Tract and Bladder Conditions

Urinary tract and bladder disorders can affect a child’s comfort, urinary habits, and kidney health. Early intervention helps prevent infections, damage, and long-term complications.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A bacterial infection affecting the urinary tract, which may be frequent or severe in some children.

Symptoms

• Fever (especially in infants)
• Pain or burning during urination
• Frequent urination
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Treatment Approach

• Targeted antibiotics
• Comprehensive evaluation for recurrent infections

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)

Urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, increasing the risk of infection and kidney damage.

Symptoms

• Often discovered after recurrent UTIs
• May be associated with bedwetting

Treatment Approach

• Low-dose antibiotics and monitoring for mild cases
• Surgical correction in severe cases with pediatric urology

Enuresis (Bedwetting)

Involuntary urination during sleep in children who have not yet gained full bladder control.

Symptoms

• Persistent nighttime wetting after age five

Treatment Approach

• Medical evaluation to rule out underlying causes
• Urotherapy and enuresis alarms
• Medication in select cases

Voiding Dysfunction

Difficulty controlling bladder function without infection or structural problems.

Symptoms

• Daytime incontinence
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Weak or straining urine stream
• Frequent urination
• Constipation

Treatment Approach

• Urotherapy and biofeedback
• Medications if needed
• Addressing underlying conditions such as constipation

3. Kidney and Genetic Disorders

Kidney and genetic disorders often require long-term, specialized care. Proper management ensures healthy development and minimizes complications.

Hydronephrosis

Swelling of one or both kidneys due to urine buildup, often detected before birth.

Symptoms

• Usually no symptoms after birth
• May include abdominal mass or recurrent UTIs

Treatment Approach

• Monitoring with ultrasounds for mild cases
• Surgical correction for severe cases with pediatric urology

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units (glomeruli).

Symptoms

• Blood or protein in urine (rusty or foamy)
• Swelling and high blood pressure

Treatment Approach

• Medications to reduce inflammation and control blood pressure
• Careful long-term monitoring

Fanconi Syndrome

A rare disorder where the kidneys cannot reabsorb nutrients, leading to loss in urine.

Symptoms

• Poor growth
• Bone problems (e.g., rickets)
• Excessive thirst

Treatment Approach

• Nutrient and electrolyte replacement
• Nutritional support and bone health monitoring

Kidney Stones

Hard mineral deposits form in the kidneys, which can be painful.

Symptoms

• Severe back or side pain
• Blood in urine
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatment Approach

• Metabolic evaluation
• Increased fluids and medications
• Non-invasive procedures for larger stones

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

An autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs, including the kidneys (lupus nephritis).

Symptoms

• Kidney involvement may cause swelling, fatigue, and changes in urine

Treatment Approach

• Coordinated care with pediatric rheumatology
• Medications to regulate the immune system and protect kidneys

Our comprehensive services

We provide a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services designed specifically for our youngest patients:

• Advanced Diagnostics: Blood and urine analysis, kidney ultrasound, nuclear medicine scans, and biopsies.
• Medical Treatments: Customized medication regimens and nutritional counseling.
• Dialysis Services: Including peritoneal and hemodialysis with child-friendly equipment.
• Kidney Transplant Care: From pre-transplant evaluation to post-transplant monitoring and support.
• Multidisciplinary Support: Coordination with dietitians, social workers, and psychologists to address the physical and emotional needs of children and their families.

What families can expect

From the first visit, we focus on clear communication and family involvement. 

Our team will:

• Conduct thorough assessments to understand your child’s condition.
• Develop a personalized care plan with goals tailored to your child’s needs.
• Offer education about the condition, treatment options, and home care.
• Provide ongoing follow-up to monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed.
• Support families emotionally and socially to navigate the challenges of chronic illness.

At our Children's Health and Diseases Center, we are committed to walking with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our Pediatric Nephrology specialists.