Pediatric kidney care in Indiana
Pediatric nephrologists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent diagnose and treat kidney diseases in infants, children and teens. We also offer prenatal consultation if a kidney condition is found in your baby before birth. Kidney diseases may have many different symptoms, such as swelling in the hands, feet and face, changes in urine and fatigue.
We specialize in diagnosing and treating:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Congenital abnormalities of the kidneys
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation in the kidneys)
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Kidney failure, such as end-stage kidney disease and acute kidney injury
- Metabolic diseases of the kidney, such as kidney stones and renal tubular acidosis
- Nephrotic syndrome (when the kidneys release too much protein into the urine)
- Proteinuria (high levels of protein in the urine)
Your child’s doctor starts by listening to you and your child. By understanding your child and their symptoms, we can make a diagnosis and create a personalized care plan. To help accurately diagnose your child’s condition, their doctor will need a urine sample and may also order a blood sample to see how well their kidneys are working.
A multi-specialty team dedicated to your child’s care
When your child is diagnosed with a kidney disease, we are here for your child and family. Your child’s care team includes board-certified pediatric nephrologists, nephrology nurse practitioner, nephrology-trained nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers and more. We work together to support your child and their needs. Your care team takes the time to explain your child’s condition and answer your questions. We help you understand your child's condition so that you can best care for your child at home.
Advanced care for kidney disease
We provide diagnostic and therapeutic care for children with kidney disease, including:
- Apheresis therapy (removing a portion of the blood)
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM)
- Dialysis treatment (removing waste and excess fluid from the blood)
- Kidney biopsy
- Kidney imaging procedures
- Genetic testing
- In clinic urine microscopy
Pediatric hypertension care
Symptoms of high blood pressure may include headaches, visual changes, dizziness, frequent nosebleeds, heart palpitations and nausea. Or there may be no symptoms at all. When left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to damage in the heart, kidneys and eyes. Pediatric nephrologists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital have the expertise to help manage your child’s blood pressure. Your child’s doctor may recommend a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor study. This study helps your child’s doctor understand their blood pressure at different times throughout the day while at home.
If your child’s high blood pressure is caused by another health condition, such as a hormone imbalance or vascular condition, other pediatric specialists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital will be part of your child’s care team. Our goal is to not only manage their blood pressure, but to treat the condition causing it.
Your child's doctor may recommend lifestyle and diet changes to help manage pediatric hypertension. Your child’s care team includes a dietitian to help your child and family better understand healthy food options and meal choices. If needed, medication may be used to help manage their blood pressure.
Connected to advanced care and kidney transplant
At Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, you’ll find a range of care for advanced kidney disorders – from dialysis to kidney transplant. Our pediatric nephrologists have the expertise to deliver care for even the most complex kidney disorders and kidney failure in children.
Dialysis (peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis) - When your child has kidney failure, their kidneys don’t filter blood the way they should. This can lead to a buildup of fluid and waste in their bloodstream. Dialysis is a treatment option that helps do the job of the kidneys. And it can help your child stay healthy until they have a kidney transplant.
Kidney transplant - We accept family and doctor referrals for kidney transplantation. Your child will be evaluated by our pediatric kidney transplant team. If they are a candidate for a transplant, we create a care plan to keep your child as healthy as possible while they are waiting for their new kidney. We work with a large network of doctors and specialists across the Midwest to match your child with a kidney as soon as possible.
Kidney disease and kidney transplantation can be an emotional journey. We take a family-centered approach and focus on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of your child and your family. Your child’s care team includes therapists, counselors, dietitians, pharmacists, financial advisors, and more. We work together with the goal to help ensure a smoother and faster recovery.
Refer a patient to a pediatric specialist
Your patients and their families can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our pediatric specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please call 317-338-2487.
