The Penn State Health Children’s Hospital Approach to Kidney Disease Care

The Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital care for infants, children and teenagers who live with kidney disease or who have high blood pressure. We work closely with children and their families to guide them through diagnosis, treatment and management of high blood pressure and kidney disease.

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment

We offer inpatient and outpatient care for infants, children and adolescents with kidney disease. Our team will run diagnostic tests to determine what is causing your child’s condition and will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for your child and family. Our treatment plans may combine several therapies, including:

  • Medication
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Other lifestyle changes

For infants, children and teenagers with severe kidney disease resulting in kidney failure, our team provides dialysis therapies, including both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. We also work closely with our kidney transplant team to provide options for both living donor and deceased donor kidney transplants to children and teenagers with severe chronic kidney disease.

Expert, Team-Based Care Designed for You

We believe treating and managing kidney disease or hypertension takes a team. We know you and your child need doctors, nurses, dietitians, social workers and other specialists all working together. We bring together a group of experts to ensure you receive complete care and individual attention.

Matches Found

Our Experts in Kidney Disease Care

The Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension care team at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital offers specialized care at several locations throughout Pennsylvania.

Why Choose Penn State Health Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital provides only the best for your child. We are committed to providing only the highest quality treatment and support, focusing on the unique needs of your child’s condition. We collaborate with referring providers to provide excellent patient care for the residents of central Pennsylvania.

Research and Clinical Trials

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital stays on the leading edge of treatment for kidney diseases and high blood pressure in children by taking part in several research studies with nationally recognized organizations, including The North American Pediatric Renal Transplant Cooperative Study (NAPRTCS) and the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium. We participate in studies focused on kidney transplant, dialysis and chronic kidney disease. Find out if a clinical trial is right for you.

Conditions Treated

  • Blood in the urine
  • Chronic kidney disease, including severe disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation
  • Disorders of electrolyte regulation, including sodium, potassium and magnesium
  • Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis (FSGS)
  • Glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney stones
  • Nephrotic syndrome, including congenital nephrotic syndrome
  • Protein in the urine
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Renal tubular acidosis
  • Structural abnormalities of the kidneys, including renal dysplasia and cysts
  • Sudden (acute) kidney failure
  • Voiding problems

Support Groups

Support groups provide children and their families an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. Learn more about the support groups offered at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

View All Support Groups

Our Convenient Locations

Find the care your family needs, close to home, at one of our many locations throughout central Pennsylvania.

Find a Location Near You

Awareness Events

Camp Kydnie

This week long sleepover camp is for children ages 6 to 18 who have any kind of kidney disease, including dialysis and transplant patients. It’s held at Camp Victory in Millville, PA, usually during the first full week in July. Learn more from the pediatric nephrologists at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital or at the Camp Kydnie website.

Patient and Family Celebration

Each spring, the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania hosts a free patient and family celebration event. It’s open to all patients with kidney disease and their families. The event is held at a local venue. The event has a festive, relaxing atmosphere, with easy conversation, education and a delicious meal.