Chronic kidney disease
Disease Information
Overview
The most critical component of treating a child with chronic kidney disease is having a specialist who is very familiar with the disease as it appears in children. Chronic kidney disease occurs for different reasons in adults, so an adult program's focus differs from that in a pediatric setting.
William Harmon, MD, medical director, Kidney Transplant Program
In the past, the phrase “kidney failure” has been used to mean end-stage renal disease (ESRD) - when dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary because the kidneys have lost around 85 percent of their function. Now the phrase “kidney failure” is falling out of favor, and being replaced with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
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‘Chronic kidney disease’ can be used to refer to people in the earliest stages of the disease, people who have moderate degrees of the disease, and people who already have end stage renal disease.
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Chronic kidney disease is progressive, and ends in ESRD.
- ESRD can be treated effectively by either dialysis or a kidney transplant.
How Children’s Hospital Boston approaches chronic kidney disease
Our Division of Nephrology is the largest pediatric nephrology service in the United States. We care for patients with a wide range of kidney disorders, and we are home to the largest kidney transplant program in New England dedicated to caring for children.
Our seven-bed dialysis unit is the only full-service pediatric dialysis unit in New England. If your child requires dialysis, our dialysis nurses, dieticians, tutors and Child Life specialists will do everything they can to make sure your child is comfortable during her treatments. Read more about dialysis.
Our compassionate caregivers know that your child is a person, not just a patient, and depending on your particular situation, we provide support services for your child and your family throughout all stages of treatment and recovery.
| Top rankings |
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| In 2010, a nationwide study in U.S. News and World Report named Children’s first in treating children with kidney disorders. |
| Transitioning from pediatric to adult care |
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| More than 9 million children in the United States are living with a chronic illness. Every year, 500,000 of these children turn 18. As they join their fellow adolescents in struggling to achieve optimal independence, they also face a serious issue they may not be prepared for: the transition of their medical care. Read Children’s tips for helping kids – and their families – make this key transition. |
Chronic kidney disease: Reviewed by William Harmon, MD
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2010
