Nephrology

Pediatric kidney doctors in Denver, Colorado

As a parent, you always want the best for your child. This is especially true if you discover they have a medical illness or problem. The pediatric nephrologists at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC) at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s (P/SL) Medical Center work with you and your child to create effective care plans for a variety of kidney diseases and disorders. Our pediatric care team ensures you understand your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan and keeps you informed every step of the way.

Our multidisciplinary pediatric nephrology team

When diagnosing kidney diseases and disorders, our team includes the nephrologist, your child’s primary care physician, as well as specialists in surgery and urologic care. All of our pediatric specialists have advanced skills and experience working with children with kidney problems. This means we are capable of providing quality care while ensuring the comfort of your child.

Pediatric kidney disorders we treat

Kidneys are vital organs. They control blood pressure and filter one-fifth of the body’s blood supply every minute. Kidneys also keep our bones strong and regulate fluid and electrolytes in our body to keep us healthy.

When your child’s kidneys are affected, your child may experience pain, which could keep him or her from normal activities. At RMHC, we treat the following disorders:

• Alport syndrome (tiny blood vessel damage in the kidneys)
• Bartter syndrome (a condition caused by low potassium levels, increased blood pH and normal to low blood pressure)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cystinosis (a rare genetic disorder resulting in a high amount of cystine, an amino acid)
• Fanconi syndrome (a kidney tubule disorder that results in high amounts of glucose and other amino acids to be passed through the urine)
• Gitelman syndrome (a disorder causing ion imbalance in the body)
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (occurs when destroyed red blood cells block the kidney filtering system)
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (inflammation in the small blood vessels)
• Hypercalciuria (excessive amounts of calcium in the urine)
• Hypertension, including neonatal hypertension (high blood pressure)
• IgA nephropathy (occurs when the IgA protein gets stuck in the kidney, causing inflammation)
• Acute kidney failure
• Kidney stones
• Lupus nephritis (a disease caused by lupus)
• Nephrotic syndrome (a disorder that causes too much protein in the urine)
• Oxalosis (occurs when the kidneys stop removing calcium oxalate crystals from the body through urine)
• Polycystic kidney disease and other cystic kidney conditions
• Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (can develop after having a skin or throat infection, as the filters in the kidney are swollen and less able to remove waste)
• Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
• Renal tubular acidosis (a buildup of acid that prevents the kidney’s ability to acidify urine)

Kidney testing and diagnosis

If your child’s pediatric nephrologist suspects your child may have a kidney disease, some diagnostic tests may be ordered. However, the nephrologist will first perform a physical exam and take a medical history. Then, as needed, one or more of the following tests may be ordered:

• Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan—This procedure uses X-rays and computer technology to show detailed images of the body.
• Kidney biopsy—After removing a small piece of kidney tissue with a needle, tests are performed to determine what type of disorder may be present.
• Renal nuclear scan—A small, safe amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein, and a scan is taken to give a clear picture of the shape, size and function of the kidneys.
• Ultrasound (sonography)—This test uses sound waves and computer technology to create pictures of the organs, tissues and blood vessels.
• Urinalysis—A laboratory test is performed to examine a sample of your child’s urine.
• Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)—A dye is placed into the bladder and observed while the patient is urinating to determine whether there is a reflux of urine from the bladder into the kidneys.
• X-ray—This test uses electromagnetic energy beams to create images.

Kidney disorder treatments

In order to begin treatment, our pediatric kidney specialists will work with you and your child to complete an in-depth evaluation and create an individualized treatment plan. This treatment plan will encompass all of your child’s needs and provide detailed information to educate you on his or her recovery plan.

Your child’s kidney disease treatment may include the following:

• Antibiotics
• Blood pressure medications
• Dialysis
• Diuretics or water pills
• Medications for bone health
• Medications to prevent kidney stones
• Medications to suppress the immune system