Kidney dysplasia facts*


*Facts written by John C. Cunha, DO.
- Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which the internal structures of one or both of kidneys do not form normally during fetal development. The body’s two kidneys filter the blood to produce urine, which is composed of wastes and extra fluid.
- The urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the two ureters, one on each side of the bladder, which stores urine.
- The tubules that collect urine branch out throughout the baby's kidneys during the normal development.
- The tubules that collect urine fail to branch out, so the urine has nowhere to go so it forms cysts in the kidney(s).
- Many babies with kidney dysplasia in only one kidney have no signs of the condition.
- Signs and symptoms of kidney dysplasia include
- enlarged kidney at birth that causes pain,
- urinary tract infections,
- high blood pressure or hypertension (rare),
- a slightly increased risk for kidney cancer, and
- chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
- Kidney dysplasia is caused by genetic factors or the mother’s used of certain prescription medications during pregnancy, such as some used to treat seizures and high blood pressure.
- If the condition is limited to one kidney and the child has no symptoms, no treatment may be necessary.
- Regular checkups to monitor the condition include
- blood pressure measurements,
- blood tests to measure kidney function,
- urine testing for protein, and
- periodic ultrasounds to look at the affected kidney.
- Removal of the kidney should be considered only if the kidney is reserved for severe cases.
- The long-term outlook for a child with kidney dysplasia in only one kidney is generally good.
- A child with kidney dysplasia in both kidneys may have more complications such as chronic kidney disease. These children may eventually need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Pregnant women can prevent kidney dysplasia by avoiding the use of certain prescription medications or illegal drugs during pregnancy.