Polycystic Kidney Disease

Treatment of Children

Mayo Clinic in Minnesota offers diagnosis, care and treatment in a child-friendly environment for children who have autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) or complications of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Pediatric specialists in Nephrology, Pediatrics, Pediatric Kidney and Liver Transplant and Radiology who have extensive experience in managing autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease work together to develop comprehensive treatment plans for children. In Mayo's efficient system, your child can see multiple specialists and receive testing and treatment in days, not months. The care team also includes nurse specialists, social workers, dietitians and behavioral health specialists.

Treatment options

Treatment of ARPKD focuses on controlling the disease's symptoms. Children born with the disease are prone to:

• High blood pressure
• Urinary tract infections
• Failure to thrive (poor growth, malnutrition and weight loss)
• Liver fibrosis
• Kidney failure

Medications are used to treat high blood pressure and urinary tract infections. Babies who fail to thrive are fed increased amounts of nutrient-rich food, and their growth is closely monitored. If polycystic kidney disease leads to kidney failure, kidney dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary.

Children who require hospitalization receive care at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital. Children who require dialysis are cared for at Saint Marys Hospital or by the Mayo Clinic peritoneal dialysis team.

Appointments

For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at 507-538-3270 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday or complete an online appointment request form.