Research Updates in Kidney and Urologic Health

New Publications From NKUDIC

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) will release a series of new publications on kidney disease in children in spring 2003. Written for parents, the series will include general fact sheets on the causes of and treatment methods for kidney failure as well as fact sheets that focus on specific complications such as growth failure and on psychosocial problems. Members of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology provided scientific and editorial review for each publication.

Overview of Kidney Disease in Children

This fact sheet describes the major causes of kidney disease and kidney failure in children. It lists the risk factors for kidney disease and explains the difference between acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease. The overview also introduces specific conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, birth anomalies, urinary obstruction, hereditary diseases, and glomerular diseases.

Treatment Methods for Kidney Failure in Children

Treatment options for kidney failure are transplantation, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis. While these are the same options available to adults, the priorities for treating children are different. Transplantation provides the best opportunity for a child to grow and develop normally. Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis can keep a child healthy until a donated kidney becomes available.

Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

This fact sheet describes the symptoms of and treatments for nephrotic syndrome in children. It includes a discussion of minimal change disease and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children. This fact sheet explains how the condition develops after E. coli infection in the digestive tract and describes the treatments available.

Growth Failure in Children With Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can interrupt a child's physical development and prevent the child from reaching full adult stature. Bones are especially vulnerable to the effects of kidney disease. This fact sheet explains the problems that can be caused by kidney disease and describes the therapies available to minimize those problems.

School and Family Problems of Children With Kidney Disease

Psychosocial problems can accompany kidney disease, including issues of fitting in at school, financial demands of treatment, and family stresses that can result. This fact sheet describes these problems and the role of the social worker and other members of the health care team who are available to help families handle them.

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