What is Paediatric Nephrology?
This is a branch of medicine which looks at the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of children with diseases affecting the kidneys and urinary drainage system (ureters & bladder). The kidneys are organs which are found in the loin areas of your back. They contain tiny filters (glomeruli) consisting of very small blood vessels that filter the blood of toxins that are produced as a result of normal bodily functions. The kidneys balance salts and water levels, produce hormones which control blood pressure, stimulate red blood cell production and help maintain normal bone health. The ureters drain urine which is made in the kidneys into the bladder - see diagram. 

A Paediatric Nephrologist is a specialist doctor who trained in the field of Paediatric Nephrology.

The Starship Paediatric Nephrology service is multidisciplinary and provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment options for both acute and chronic conditions affecting the kidney.  This includes acute and chronic kidney diseases leading to acute or chronic failure, some of which require dialysis, kidney transplantation, congenital kidney disorders, hypertension and acquired disorders of the kidney.

 A variety of different tests may be required to help diagnose the cause of a child’s kidney or urinary tract condition. These include:

• Renal Ultrasound scan
• Micturating Cystourethrogram (MCUG)
• DMSA nuclear medicine scan
• DTPA nuclear medicine scan
• Renal Biopsy
• EDTA – GFR

More information on the above tests may be found on the following www.kidshealth.org.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/15  

General Nephrology Clinic
We see children who have been referred by their GP if they are in the Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) catchment area and children referred by Paediatricians throughout New Zealand.
This clinic is run by a Paediatric Nephrologist and the Renal Registrar (senior doctor currently working in the area of renal medicine).

Paediatric Medical Urinary Tract Clinic (PUTMED)
This clinic accepts referrals for infants and children who have urinary tract problems that do not require urgent surgical treatment.
Referrals are accepted from GPs within the ADHB region and from all Paediatricians.
This clinic is run by a Paediatric Nephrologist and the Renal Registrar (senior doctor currently working in the area of renal medicine).

End Stage Kidney Disease Clinic
This clinic is held for children who have advanced chronic kidney failure, children on long term dialysis and those who have had kidney transplants. These clinics are run by a Paediatric Nephrologist and the Nurse Specialist.

Clinic appointments will last 20-45mins depending on the condition of your child. A history of your child’s symptoms will be taken by the clinic doctor. Your child will receive a physical examination and may then require some radiology tests which may include ultrasound scans, nuclear medicine scans, blood and urine tests.