Nephrology

Other Conditions

• Acute kidney injury (AKI)
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT)
• Glomerulonephritis (acute and chronic)
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in children
• Hydronephrosis
• Hypertension
• Kidney stones
• Nephrotic syndrome in children
• Pediatric lupus
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Protein in urine (proteinuria)
• Renal agenesis (solitary kidney)
• Renal dysplasia
• Renal cysts

Arkansas Children's specialists in nephrology treat children from infancy through adolescence for kidney and urinary tract disease, bladder problems, kidney stones and high blood pressure. Our specially trained pediatric nephrologists diagnose, treat and manage chronic and acute conditions, working with a team of specialists and support personnel to deliver the best possible care to the children and families we serve.

We diagnose and care for even the most complex kidney and urinary tract disorders. If your child has another medical condition that affects kidney function, such as cardiovascular disease, we will work closely with other specialists to achieve the best outcome and quality of life.

Research and Clinical Trials

At Arkansas Children's, we are committed to advancing pediatric care through actively participating in clinical trials and research. This focus on discovery brings new information and treatments to patients and their families.

SCOPE Initiative Improves Outcomes

Arkansas Children's is an active participant in a national effort focused on quality improvements around dialysis. The program, called Standardized Care to Improve Outcomes in Pediatric End-stage Kidney Disease (SCOPE) is a collaborative effort to prevent infections in pediatric peritoneal dialysis. SCOPE is seeking to:

• Decrease peritonitis rates and exit site infection rates in patients on peritoneal dialysis
• Decrease infection rates in pediatric patients on hemodialysis with a central venous catheter
• Improve control of high blood pressure in pediatric patients on hemodialysis

Arkansas Children's participates in the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies (NAPRTCS). This research effort was first organized in 1987 and seeks to register and follow greater than 80% of the children receiving kidney allografts in North America. They also study the clinical course and natural history of patients with kidney dysfunction, following these patients as they move among the end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) therapeutic modalities.

With a commitment to continuous quality improvement, Arkansas Children's is involved with projects involving kidney disease and hypertension as part of its commitment to continuous quality improvement. Talk with a nephrology physician or nurse to learn more about these projects as well as whether your child might be a candidate for a clinical trial.

For children living with chronic and acute kidney disease, there are limited opportunities to engage in childhood activities. Arkansas Children's works with families and community organizations to offer educational and enrichment activities that improve our patients' quality of life. For example, patients with chronic kidney diseases, on dialysis or following kidney transplantation can attend a summer camp at no charge. Families can relax knowing that Arkansas Children's will be involved in their child's care at Camp Aldersgate, the only summer medical camp of its kind in Arkansas.

Because children need support year-round, Arkansas Children's Child Life and Education department addresses the emotional, social, educational and recreational needs of hospitalized children of every age. Our Child Life department is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics and accredited by the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Also, children that are on hemodialysis may miss a significant amount of school, so our Child Life specialists coordinate with teachers to deliver lessons. And for those children who can't join their peers for holiday celebrations, the Child Life department offers activities such as decorating cookies and making decorations.