false
Pediatric Kidney Program
The Pediatric Kidney Program offers comprehensive evaluation and management of all disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract that affect infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
primary
phone
617-726-2908
6177262908
About the program
The Pediatric Kidney Program at Mass General Brigham for Children emphasizes personalized, prompt, and friendly consultation and care for both inpatients and outpatients. We offer comprehensive evaluation and management of all disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract that may affect infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Children seen as outpatients are evaluated in the welcoming, friendly environment of the pediatric subspecialty clinic in the Yawkey Center on the Massachusetts General Hospital Main Campus or at one of our satellite locations throughout the area. Our location within a world-renowned academic medical center allows access to the experienced subspecialists and the cutting-edge technology at Mass General.
Our physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all aspects of kidney disease in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, including:
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Proteinuria (protein in urine)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hydronephrosis and other congenital renal disorders, including prenatal consultations
- Voiding disorders (problems with normal urination)
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) and Nephrocalcinosis (calcium deposits in the kidneys)
- Glomerular disease and other kinds of nephritis
- Urinary tract infections (pyelonephritis, cystitis, and urethritis)
- Vesicoureteral reflux and reflux nephropathy
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure
- Obstructive uropathy and other birth defects of the urinary tracts
- Renal cystic diseases (including polycystic kidney disease)
- Metabolic diseases that affect the kidneys, blood pressure, and blood chemistries
- Renal tubular diseases including abnormalities in urinary calcium, phosphate, and magnesium excretion
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Genetic conditions (including Alport Syndrome, Lowe Syndrome, cystinuria, mitochondrial disorders, tuberous sclerosis complex, neurofibromatosis, pseudohypoparathyroidism and others)
Comprehensive renal diagnosis is performed with on-site urinary microscopy and renal functional studies. Imaging studies, 24-hour blood-pressure monitoring, renal biopsy, and genetic testing are performed when indicated.
A tradition of caring
At Mass General Brigham for Children, we know that the time of your child's diagnosis and treatment may be very stressful, and we strive to provide an open, welcoming, and supportive environment. We believe that no one knows a child as well as his or her parents. Parents, along with primary care providers, become our partners in a child's care and have an active voice in all treatment plans.
Specialty kidney programs
While our specialists see patients with all forms of kidney disease, our program offers several further specialized clinics to address very specific kidney and urinary tract conditions.
Hypertension program
The Pediatric Hypertension Program at Mass General Brigham for Children offers comprehensive evaluation and management of children with all causes of hypertension. We have a full consultative team including members of the cardiology, gastroenterology, and nutrition programs. We offer 24-hour ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring and echocardiography, as well as angiographic imaging when needed. Children with hypertension are more likely to have kidney conditions that cause high blood pressure and need a more detailed diagnostic evaluation than adults in order to understand and treat their high blood pressure conditions. Unfortunately, obesity can also cause high blood pressure, and the growing number of children with obesity has led to a surge in the prevalence of pediatric hypertension. Because of the association between long-term cardiovascular disease and hypertension, our approach to high blood pressure in children includes an evaluation of associated cardiovascular risk factors, such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and family risk factors.
Chronic kidney disease and renal transplantation
Our program works conjointly with the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program and the Mass General Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Programs to provide full and coordinated care in the evaluation and treatment of chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease. We work closely with families to choose hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or renal transplantation as the best option for their child's renal replacement therapy. Social work, renal dietitians, nutritionists, and renal nursing are an integral part of the available resources.
Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
Our Kidney Stone Program includes a complete metabolic evaluation of all children with kidney stones. We work closely with the Pediatric Urology Program to provide complete care of children with stones, including ureteroscopy and lithotripsy when needed.
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
Our program is the primary renal referral center of The Carol and James Herscot Center for TSC at Massachusetts General Hospital. In collaboration with pediatric and adult diagnostic and interventional radiologists, urologists, pathologists, and internists, we diagnose, monitor, and treat all kidney problems of both children and adults with TSC.
Young adult transition program
As adolescents and young adults grow and mature, managing their chronic disease is an additional challenge that comes with the added responsibilities of adulthood. Recognizing that this period in one’s life has its own unique challenges, our program works closely with the MGH Renal Associates (adult nephrology) to make the transition to adulthood a smooth one.
Disorders of calcium and bone metabolism
Our staff is nationally known for expertise in the field of calcium, vitamin D and bone metabolism. We provide state-of-the-art interpretation of bone density tests in children and teenagers, and a comprehensive discussion of strategies to improve bone density in a variety of conditions. We work closely with our colleagues in Pediatric Endocrinology to provide expertise in rare disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Learn more about the Pediatric Bone and Mineral Metabolism Disorders Program.
Related conditions and treatments
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Kidney Failure
- Renal Insufficiency
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
- Kidney Disease in Children
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Glomerulonephritis
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy
- Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
- Simple Kidney Cysts
- Kidney Transplant
- Kidney Transplantation in Children
- Dialysis in Children
- Kidney Biopsy
- Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
- Hemodialysis
- Kidney Ultrasound
- 24-Hour Urine Collection
- 24-Hour Urine Protein
- Kidney Scan
- CT Scan of the Kidney
Our specialists
No matter what disease or condition you have, Mass General Brigham has specialists near you who can help.
primary
internal
Find a pediatric kidney specialist
Specialized care near you
Access care across Mass General Brigham, with specialized services available at community hospitals and leading academic medical centers. No matter your disease or condition, our specialists are nearby and ready to help.
secondary
internal
View pediatric nephrology locations
Contact the Pediatric Kidney Program
Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
primary
phone
617-726-2908
6177262908
secondary
internal
International Patient Services
Contact information for international patients