There are many different causes of chronic renal failure and your child’s condition will be discussed with you by the doctor who is a kidney specialist (nephrologist).
In chronic renal failure there is a slow build up of waste products and sometimes fluid in the body. At first the effects of this can be helped by careful attention to the diet and the use of medicines. You may sometimes hear people call this conservative or pre-dialysis treatment. During this time, which may last for several years, your child will have regular assessments and investigations to see how well the kidneys are working.
However, when the build up of waste products increases such that your child’s health shows signs of being affected, then dialysis and/or kidney transplantation become necessary.
NKF Controlled Document No. 165, Your Child & Chronic Renal Failure — An introductory manual for families — What is Chronic Renal Failure?, written 12 June 2004.
Content compiled by members of the Children’s Renal & Urology Unit, QMC, Nottingham.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 12 June 2004
Last updated: 15 August 2007
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