Children’s Kidney Diseases
Paediatric Nephrology
At Tays, the examination and treatment of kidney diseases in children and adolescents under the age of 16 is centralised in paediatric wards and in the paediatric outpatient clinic. We investigate the causes of kidney diseases and treat and aim to prevent progression of a kidney disease and related problems. We are also responsible for the dialysis treatment of end-stage kidney disease patients and the follow-up of patients who have received a kidney transplant.
Children’s kidney diseases treated at Tays include:
- chronic renal failure
- glomerulonephritis
- nephrotic syndrome
- congenital structural abnormality of the kidneys
- treatment and follow-up of patients who have received a kidney or heart transplant
- recurrent urinary tract infection
- severe bed-wetting problem
- inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
- hypertension
Examination and treatment of kidney diseases at Tays
The majority of urinary tract infections and bed-wetting problems are treated in health centres and maternity and child welfare clinics. However, if the child suffers from recurrent urinary tract infections or a severe bed-wetting problem in respect of which the basic examinations have already been made, the child may be referred to Tays for further examinations. Children with suspected inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) are referred to us for examination on an emergency basis.
The majority of children are treated at the outpatient clinic, in which case the patient can go home after the appointment visit. However, the most severely ill children and adolescents may be in need of hospital treatment on the inpatient ward.
By means of laboratory tests we examine, among other things, the level of the renal function, calcium-vitamin D metabolism, the salt equilibrium of the body, drug concentrations and the acid-base equilibrium of the body. In some cases, 24-hour urine collection studies are necessary. In the appointment visits, we also monitor the child’s growth, blood pressure and nutritional status.
Where necessary, we use imaging studies such as kidney ultrasound examinations, isotope scans and urinary tract angiography as an aid in diagnosis and follow-up. Other frequently used examinations include 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and uroflow test.
Follow-up appointments for a structural abnormality, chronic disease or organ transplant may also be scheduled at the patient’s own health centre or the central hospital in addition to Tays. Some of the patients also have follow-up examinations in the central hospital of their region or even at the local health centre.
Person in charge
Specialist Henna Kaijansinkko