About Pediatric Kidney Care
Rady Children’s Comprehensive Kidney Care Center treats children and young adults up to 21 years of age with kidney disease. We offer a full array of services along the age continuum, from prenatal counseling and initial diagnosis to renal replacement therapy, to the transition to adult nephrology services.
Inpatient Services
Inpatient services are provided for the treatment of all nephrology conditions by nephrology specialists. These services include:
- Acute hemodialysis
- Acute peritoneal dialysis
- Continuous renal replacement therapy
- Apheresis
- Aquapheresis
- Kidney transplant care through our Kidney Transplant Program
Outpatient Services
Our outpatient services include:
- General Nephrology Clinic
- Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic
- Hypertension/Obesity Clinic
- Kidney Transplant Clinic
- Dialysis Clinic (peritoneal dialysis & hemodialysis)
- Infusion Center services
- Apheresis
Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Kidney Care Center
Expert, family-centered care is provided by the Nephrology division of Rady Children’s Specialists of San Diego. We have a multidisciplinary team of nephrology specialists including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists and child life specialists. Care is coordinated among these disciplines and individualized to meet the needs of each patient. Our team of kidney specialists is here to support you through your child’s journey.
Our multidisciplinary clinics include:
- Stone Clinic with our Urology division for kidney stones
- Lupus Clinic with our Rheumatology division
- Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic (with Neurology, Cardiology, and Genetics)
- Polycystic Kidney Disease Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child see a nephrologist (kidney specialist)?
Your child may be referred to nephrology for concerns such as abnormal urine tests, high blood pressure, swelling, recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney stones, decreased kidney function, or known kidney conditions. Your primary care provider can help determine if a nephrology visit is needed.
Do I need a referral for an appointment?
Some insurance plans require a referral, and many patients are scheduled after a referral from a primary care provider or specialist. If you’re not sure, you can review our Nephrology locations and contact information or contact our clinic team for guidance.
How do I request or manage an appointment?
Many appointments can be requested and managed through Rady Children’s MyChart. Learn more about MyChart and how to get access here. If you prefer to call, you can also contact our clinic by phone.
What should I bring to my child’s first visit?
Please bring a list of medications and supplements, any recent lab or imaging results you have access to, and your questions. It can also help to review our services ahead of time and write down any questions for your child’s care team.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease means the kidneys are not working as well as they should for at least three months. CKD can be mild or more advanced, and care focuses on monitoring kidney function, supporting growth and nutrition, managing blood pressure, and slowing progression when possible.
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a treatment that helps remove waste and extra fluid from the body when the kidneys can no longer do this job well enough. Learn more about pediatric dialysis options, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
What’s the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
Hemodialysis cleans the blood using a machine. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen as a filter and is often done at home. Your nephrology team will explain the pros and cons of each option for your child.
What is CRRT?
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a slower, gentler form of dialysis used for children who are critically ill or too unstable for standard hemodialysis. It is typically provided in the intensive care unit.
What is a kidney transplant and when is it considered?
A kidney transplant is a surgery that places a healthy kidney in the body when a child’s kidneys no longer work well enough. Transplant evaluation is typically considered for advanced kidney disease. Learn more about our Kidney Transplant Program and how our team supports families through next steps.
What are multidisciplinary clinics?
Some kidney conditions benefit from coordinated care with multiple specialties. Our multidisciplinary clinics help families see the right experts as a team. Examples include our Stone Clinic and our Lupus Clinic.
Who do I contact for urgent concerns?
If you are worried about your child’s immediate safety—such as trouble breathing, severe swelling, confusion, or signs of a medical emergency—go to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911. For urgent non-emergency questions, contact your child’s care team or our clinic line. You can also find clinic contact details on our Locations page.
In the News
- National Kidney Awareness Month, fox5.com, features Elizabeth Ingulli, M.D.
- Raising Awareness About Kidney Disease, KUSI News, features Elizabeth Ingulli, M.D.
- Joven Hispano Busca el Regalo de Vida, un Nuevo Riñón, Telemundo, features Dean Nourbakhsh, DO
- Young Kidney Disease Patients, Donors Celebrated at Rady Children’s Hospital, nbcsandiego.com, features Nephrology patient
- Teen Meets Kidney Donor Who Saved Her Life, kpbs.com, features kidney transplant patient Kassidy Thomas
- Against All Odds, This Baby Is Alive, Kicking and Smiling, The San Diego Union-Tribune, features Nadine Benador, M.D
- Teen Gets Kidney Transplant, Graduates High School, nbcsandiego.com, features Rady Children’s Hospital