According to Kids Health by Nemours, the kidneys help filter waste through the body, as well as monitor water levels, regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production and calcium and mineral levels. When development of the kidneys does not occur properly, or they do not function as they should, problems or disease arise. Some childhood kidney diseases are able to be diagnosed in utero, while others are diagnosed in infancy or childhood.
Glomerulonephritis
In glomerulonephritis, or glomerular disease, the kidneys are damaged in their ability to remove waste and fluids, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease is caused by the inflammation of the glomeruli, which are tiny filters in the kidneys. When inflamed, the glomeruli cannot filter waste products and blood. It can be acute or chronic, and symptoms can include brownish-colored urine due to the presence of red blood cells, foamy urine from excess protein, fatigue, high blood pressure and sparse urination. Treatment can include medications such as diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or temporary dialysis.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease, also known as PKD, is a disease in which the kidneys have fluid-filled cysts. These cysts can grow to the point where they impair the kidneys' natural functioning and cause kidney failure, according to Kids Health by Nemours. Many times, PKD is a hereditary disease. Symptoms can include kidney stones, urinary tract infections and high blood pressure, although some people may not by symptomatic at all. Treatment varies among patients, and can include changes in diet, dialysis and kidney transplant.
Multicystic Kidney Disease
Multicystic kidney disease is similar to PKD, but with several differences. While PKD affects both kidneys, this disease is typically only present in one kidney that has not fully developed. Eventually, the cysts in the kidney cause it to cease functioning normally. This disease is usually diagnosed in utero and leads to kidney failure. While there is no cure, infections can be managed and prevented, and surgery may be done to relieve any associated problems.
Fetal Hydronephrosis
Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago describes fetal hydronephrosis as swelling of the kidneys due to too much urine pooling in the pelvis because of a blockage, typically in the ureter. If this blockage is not fixed, this can lead to the kidney's loss of the ability to make urine. It can be diagnosed in utero by ultrasound, but also after the baby is born via ultrasound or MRI. Treatment may include surgery or ongoing monitoring.
