Kidney disease in children may not be accompanied by typical symptoms

In the Hořovice hospital, we perform the first preventive kidney tests on children shortly after birth. "Developmental defects can be detected by gynaecologists during prenatal screening. If necessary, we then take over the young patient for professional care in our paediatric nephrology outpatient clinic after birth," explains the deputy head of the paediatric department , MUDr. Jiří Jiráček.

Kidney diseases can appear in children at any time during their lives. "We try to remind parents that kidney diseases are not a rarity, but they are among the most common diseases, right after respiratory diseases," says Mahulena Exnerová, M.D., head of the children's department.

Typical kidney problems such as frequent urination, discoloured urine or bedwetting may not be a sign of kidney problems. Kidney disease is also accompanied by headaches and backaches, swollen eyelids, lack of appetite or lack of sleep. Blood pressure measurements related to age, weight and height should also be part of the standard check-ups for children, even as part of a preventive check-up with a paediatrician. "A rise in blood pressure can be a sign that kidney function is deteriorating, just like in adults, and specialist help should be sought," warns Dr Jiráček.

The outpatient clinic of paediatric nephrology at Hořovice Hospital provides comprehensive diagnostics and care for patients with suspected kidney diseases aged 0 to 19 years. It monitors children and adolescents with congenital defects of the kidneys and urinary tract, as well as patients after serious kidney infections, with recurrent urinary tract infections, suspected high blood pressure or urinary disorders. "We also provide consultations for children and adolescents with rare and congenital diseases that include kidney disorders," adds Jiří Jiráček, MD.

Parents can book their children into the children's neurological outpatient clinic of the Hořovice hospital via the hospital reception at 311 555 000. Available appointments are usually in about 2-3 weeks.

MUDr. Jiří Jiráček also spoke about kidney disease in a TV NOVA report. You can watch the recording here.