Common Disorders in Paediatric Nephrology: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management

Abstract

Paediatric nephrology is frequently seen as a challenging aspect of paediatric care and necessitating specialised expertise. Nevertheless, the typical issues encountered in paediatric nephrology, such as urinary tract infections and mild micturition disorders, often do not require the attention of a paediatric nephrologist and can be managed effectively by a general practitioner. Urinary tract infections frequently present to emergency centres. They commonly include acute pyelonephritis and uncomplicated cystitis, differentiated upon clinical presentation. Urinalysis, urine culture, acute phase reactants, and renal and bladder ultrasound are the mainstay for the diagnosis. Except for asymptomatic bacteriuria, antibiotic treatment is necessary in the management. Micturition disorders are more common in nephrological outpatient clinics and encompass a wide range of urinary issues, with primary nocturnal enuresis and various forms of daytime micturition problems being the most prevalent. These disorders can be classified as primary or secondary, as well as monosymptomatic or non-monosymptomatic. The diagnosis is based on history and voiding diary and supplemented with imaging and functional diagnostic procedures, as needed. The management primarily involves urotherapy, complemented with medications, if necessary.