Many patients are referred to the Division of Pediatric Nephrology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston with either blood or protein, or both in their urine. Our specialized team can often provide a rapid diagnosis for blood and/or protein using a specialized urine microscopic technique with contrast (Nomarski optics).
Our expert pediatric nephrologists also provide thorough evaluations using blood work, urine studies and renal ultrasounds, as required. If your child's diagnostic tests reveal evidence of renal damage we may recommend further evaluation, including a renal biopsy. This procedure requires that your child stay overnight at Tufts Medical Center and is performed with sedation in a specialized pediatric sedation center. During the biopsy, your child will be cared for by a pediatric intensive care specialist and a trained pediatric radiologist who guides the ultrasound. We often have preliminary results within 24 hours.
Nephrotic syndrome is a common cause of edema (swelling in the eyes, face and legs) in children, which occurs as a result of a very large amount of protein leaking into the urine. It can also cause minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome and focal glomerulosclerosis.
Our pediatric nephrologists specialize in the treatment of this complex disease and do our best to provide care for children with nephrotic syndrome in the outpatient clinic. In severe cases, we may have to admit your child to Tufts Medical Center overnight.
We use the most up-to-date treatment protocols to manage your child’s disease and help get them home as soon as possible. Outpatient management of children with nephrotic syndrome is closely coordinated by Linda Mazzola, RN the pediatric renal nurse who provides education to children and families about urine dipstick testing.
The Division of Pediatric Nephrology at Tufts Medical Center treats a large number of children with glomerulonephritis each year. This condition is a broad term which encompasses diseases cased by inflammation of the filters within the kidney, such as:
Glomerulonephritis is usually is first discovered after blood and protein have been found in the urine. There are a variety of causes for this disease, some of which may require a kidney biopsy to determine both diagnosis and treatment. We work with patients and their families throughout the evaluation and treatment process.
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Title(s): Chief, Division of Pediatric Nephrology; Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine Department(s): Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology Appt. Phone: 617-636-7429 Fax #: 617-636-0066
Renal failure, acute and chronic, glomerular disease (especially urine microscopy), liver related renal disease, hypertension, urinary tract infection, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, acute dialysis (peritoneal, hemodialysis and hemofiltration), transplantation
To make an appointment with one of our expert Pediatric Nephrologists, please call 617-636-8100.
