What Is Kidney Dysplasia And How Can You Manage It?
Kidney dysplasia is a relatively common condition that occurs in the womb during the development of a foetus. One or both of a baby’s kidneys do not develop properly because cysts (sacs filled with fluid) replaces normal kidney tissue affecting the baby’s kidney function. Kidney dysplasia can also lead to complications such as high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and kidney failure.
Can kidney dysplasia be prevented, and if not, is diagnosis and management of the condition possible? Early detection and management of the condition will help you prepare a birth plan with a dedicated team of specialists as well as attentive management of the condition thereafter.
In this article, we’ll explore the condition in further detail. We’ll answer the following questions seen in the quick links below.
Use the quick links to jump ahead, or read the article in full.
- How do you screen and diagnose kidney dysplasia?
- What are the complications associated with kidney dysplasia?
- Can you prevent kidney dysplasia?
- What are the treatment options for kidney dysplasia?
- Do you have a history of kidney dysplasia?
How do you screen and diagnose kidney dysplasia?
Doctors like to use a combination of tests to screen for, and diagnose, kidney dysplasia. Usually they begin by exploring your medical history, followed by a physical examination, imaging studies – an X-ray and/or ultrasound as well as laboratory (blood) tests.
A doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating babies in the womb, a foetologist, can detect kidney dysplasia during routine prenatal ultrasounds between the 12th and 24th week of your pregnancy. The foetologist specifically looks for anomalies in the development of the kidneys, ensuring they are not an abnormal size and shape.
If the doctor suspects your baby has kidney dysplasia but can’t detect it prenatally, they will perform a postnatal ultrasound to assess the baby’s kidney structure and function.
Your doctor may also do blood and urine tests to assess kidney function, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. They will check to see if there is protein (proteinuria) or blood in the urine (hematuria), all of which can indicate kidney dysfunction.
To examine the kidney’s structure in greater detail, the doctor may order an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan. This type of imaging can help to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the condition.
What are the complications associated with kidney dysplasia?
There are seven concerning complications that arise due to kidney dysplasia. Some are more severe than others. These are:
- Kidney dysfunction: This is caused by the abnormal development of the kidneys. Kidney dysplasia can impair kidney function, reducing their ability to filter waste products from the blood. This filtering of waste products is important for how the body regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): The kidneys are responsible for regulating blood pressure. Abnormalities in the structure of the kidneys can result in hypertension. If hypertension is left untreated, you are at higher the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
- Proteinuria: Proteinuria, or the presence of protein in the urine, often occurs as a result of impaired kidney function. Excessive protein loss in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage or function.
- Kidney failure: When both kidneys are impaired, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or kidney failure can occur. It’s characterised by the kidneys’ inability to adequately filter waste products and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. In this case, doctors will advise on immediate medical treatment; which could include kidney dialysis and/or a kidney transplant.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): People who suffer from kidney dysplasia usually have structural abnormalities in their urinary tract. This can cause you to experience frequent urinary tract infections – which can further compromise your kidney function. To prevent more severe complications, your doctor will recommend a course of antibiotics.
- Developmental delays: In some cases, kidney dysplasia may be part of a broader syndrome or genetic condition that can affect the development of other organs and systems in the body. If your doctor thinks this is the case, you may be referred for genetic testing and counselling.
- Complications resulting from medical treatment: Surgical or medical treatment can lead to infections, bleeding, or adverse reactions which can exacerbate kidney dysplasia.
Can you prevent kidney dysplasia?
As kidney dysplasia is a congenital disease, early detection begins in the womb. Preventing it is impossible, but you can reduce its severity. See tips of how you can reduce its impact below.
1. Good prenatal care
Start by ensuring you receive good prenatal care. Regular prenatal check-ups, including ultrasound examinations, can help detect signs of kidney dysplasia or other congenital anomalies.
2. Understanding your family history
Understanding your family history of kidney dysplasia or any other congenital (inherited) conditions by investing in genetic counselling before conception. Knowing whether you have a family history of kidney dysplasia or other congenital kidney disorders can help doctors assess the risks posed to any children you have.
3. Monitor and manage chronic conditions
Closely monitoring and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension which increase the risk of kidney dysplasia in your baby. Proper management before and during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of complications.
4. Maintain healthy habits
Staying healthy while you trying to fall pregnant and during your pregnancy: eat well, reduce stress, avoid alcohol and tobacco and exercise regularly. This helps to promote overall maternal and fetal health. Make sure your environment is poison-and toxin free, and importantly, always consult your doctor before taking any medication.
What are the treatment options for kidney dysplasia?
The treatments proposed all depend on the severity of your condition. For some people, medication is sufficient, but for others, surgery is needed.
In severe cases, you may require dialysis to help remove waste and excess liquid from your body. If your kidneys begin to fail, your doctor could advise a kidney transplant. Both dialysis and a donor kidney can help improve your quality of life.
Do you have a history of kidney dysplasia?
Are you concerned that you could pass the congenital condition on to any baby you may have? Prevent worrying and consult your doctor today. They’ll assess your family history to ensure you have all the facts before you begin conceiving.
Do you need a doctor? Book an appointment with Welwitschia Hospital, or find a doctor here. Our specialist team of medical professionals will be sure to provide you with trusted care you deserve.
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