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Research & Innovation
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For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
Kidney
Hypertensive Kidney Disease
Kids aren’t just mini adults. In fact, they’re incredibly different. That’s why they need incredibly different care.
What is hypertensive kidney disease?
In children, hypertensive kidney disease is a condition in which hypertension (high blood pressure) is caused by kidney disease or conditions that affect the kidneys. In adults, it is more commonly the reverse, where longstanding, or chronic, hypertension can lead to kidney damage. Kidneys and blood pressure are often directly related to one another.
What causes hypertensive kidney disease?
In adults, hypertension is common and often occurs without a clearly identifiable cause. It has been suggested that such hypertension causes kidney damage over time. In children, on the other hand, hypertension often has an identifiable (and sometimes treatable) cause, which frequently is a condition involving the kidneys. Kidney disease can drive blood pressure up in several ways, but there are treatments to normalize blood pressure.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypertensive kidney disease?
High blood pressure can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting as well as changes in vision. In rare cases, it can cause a stroke.
What tests are used to diagnose hypertensive kidney disease?
Blood pressure measurements establish a diagnosis of hypertension. If there is associated kidney disease, blood and urine tests will help identify and classify it. Imaging of the kidneys, typically by ultrasound, may also be needed.
The established standard for diagnosing high blood pressure is determined from the information we gather over 24 hours using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. This automated tool measures blood pressure around the clock, during normal daytime activities, as well as while asleep.
Why choose us to test for hypertensive kidney disease?
High blood pressure in children is rare and it is often a sign that a kidney problem is present. Pediatric kidney specialists are the best type of doctors to see for children with such a condition. Our program offers state-of-the-art care for children with high blood pressure and kidney disease. We can provide very thorough assessments of blood pressure and have extensive experience diagnosing and managing kidney diseases in children.
How do we make a diagnosis of hypertensive kidney disease?
In children, hypertensive kidney disease is rare. We typically assess children who have high blood pressure to see if there is underlying kidney disease or condition that may be causing the high blood pressure. We do this through laboratory tests, such as blood and urine or imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. We manage high blood pressure in children, whether it is caused by kidney disease or not.
How is hypertensive kidney disease treated?
Most often, we treat hypertensive kidney disease in children by treating the identifiable cause of their hypertension. This begins with working to identify the possible cause of kidney disease, or an associated condition.
Depending on the cause of kidney disease, or the specific condition, we will work to determine an individualized treatment plan for your child. This treatment plan may include medications that are taken by mouth to reduce blood pressure. Close monitoring of blood pressure and other parts of the body that are affected by high blood pressure (for example the eyes and heart, in addition to the kidneys) will occur during ongoing follow-up appointments.
Why choose us to treat hypertensive kidney disease?
The treatment requires identifying the underlying cause of the disease. Our team has extensive experience in diagnosing the various causes that can lead to hypertensive kidney disease. Once identified, we customize a comprehensive treatment plan for your child that addresses any and all complications that may arise from your child’s specific conditions. We also have the benefit of being able to collaborate with a range of specialists within our hospital. Treatment for pediatric hypertensive kidney disease often requires treating different systems and organs within the body, so partnering with other teams at our hospital enables us to provide the very best care for your child.
Helpful resources
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) strives to enhance the lives of those affected by kidney disease through action, education and accelerating change.
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