Stay Informed

What is Nephrology?

• Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine that specializes in the study of the function and diseases of the kidney.

What are kidneys and why are they important?

• Your child’s two kidneys are bean-shaped organs that not only filter blood and getting rid of waste products, but also control blood pressure, balance levels of electrolytes and stimulate the production of red blood cells. The kidneys are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine.

What is the difference between renal and kidney?

• The terms are interchangeable and mean the same thing.

What does a kidney transplant mean?

• A kidney transplant, also known as a renal transplant, is the process of replacing a current, failing kidney with a healthy, donated kidney. The transplant requires careful preparation and quality follow-up care. Children usually require a kidney transplant when their kidneys fail to work properly or are expected to fail.

How does the transplant process work?

• Before the transplant, Miller Children’s ensures the child and family understand as much as possible about the process. The Miller Children’s renal care team holds a pre-evaluation session with the child and their family before working with organizations that handle the organ donation process. Once the child and family understand the process, Miller Children’s collaborates with a transplant center, such as UCLA or CHLA, to set an appointment. Our nurse specialist will work with the transplant center to prepare authorizations and provide medical information such as history, x-rays and lab results. After the transplant procedure, the patient continues follow-up care with the transplant team. Sometimes, the child’s care may be transferred back to Miller Children’s for follow-up care.

What is dialysis?

• Dialysis is a procedure that is performed routinely on patients whose kidneys no longer work properly. A special machine is used to remove wastes, toxins and fluid from the blood that is normally eliminated by the kidneys.

How long do children stay on dialysis?

• Length of treatment depends on the condition and health of the child. Some minor injuries, such as sports injuries, require dialysis for a short time to help fully heal the damaged kidney. For chronic renal failure, children usually stay on dialysis until a kidney transplant is performed. Dialysis may be needed for some children after transplant until the new kidney is fully working. During dialysis, the renal nurses and nephrologist will teach your child and family about a new diet your child may need, medicine and other areas of kidney care.

Ask Questions & Partner with the Care Team

It is very important that you ask questions about your child’s visit to Miller Children’s Nephrology Center. Miller Children’s values your input as a parent and wants you to make informed decisions for your child. No question is too small or unimportant.

• Keep your child at ease by explaining that the doctor and care team are here to help.
• Comfort your child through the process of the visit, exam and procedures or tests.
• When a parent understands the diagnosis and treatment plan fully, they can help ease their child’s worries and can answer their questions.