Paediatric Nephrology

Our paediatric nephrology service at Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai looks after children whose kidneys or urinary system need specialist attention, from a first urinary infection to long-term kidney conditions. We follow children as they grow, and we're involved for as long as a kidney condition needs managing.

What is paediatric nephrology?

Paediatric nephrology is the care of children's kidneys and the urinary system that drains them. A paediatric nephrologist diagnoses and treats problems such as urinary infections, blood or protein in the urine and high blood pressure, and manages long-term kidney conditions over many years. This is medical kidney care. When a problem is structural or needs an operation, a paediatric urologist or surgeon takes the lead, often working alongside the kidney team.

When should you see a paediatric nephrologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Pain or burning when your child passes urine
• Blood in your child's urine, or urine that is pink or brown
• Swelling around your child's eyes, face, legs or ankles
• Repeated urinary infections, or bedwetting that returns after your child has been dry
• High blood pressure found at a routine check

Some children are referred without any symptoms at all, because a scan before birth, a family history of kidney disease or a routine urine test has flagged something to keep an eye on. If your child already has a known kidney problem and suddenly becomes unwell or has a high temperature, contact your doctor promptly. In the UAE you can often book directly, though your family doctor or paediatrician may guide the referral.

What to expect

Your first visit starts with questions about your child's health, growth and family history. The specialist then examines your child and checks their blood pressure. A urine sample is almost always taken, and a blood test is common. The urine test looks for infection, blood and protein, some of the earliest signs of a kidney problem. Many children also have an ultrasound scan of the kidneys and bladder, which uses sound waves and doesn't hurt.

What happens next depends on what the tests show. Some children need only a short course of medicine and a follow-up check, while others are watched over months or years with regular urine tests and scans. For a long-term condition, each visit also tracks your child's growth and blood pressure, since kidney problems can affect both. A small number need a kidney biopsy, and a few with advanced kidney disease need dialysis or a transplant. Your child's specialist explains each option in plain terms, and you'll agree the next step together.

Paediatric nephrology at Mediclinic

We provide paediatric nephrology at Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai, where a children's kidney specialist assesses and treats babies, children and teenagers. Our service covers everyday problems such as urinary infections and bedwetting, alongside long-term conditions like inherited kidney disease and chronic kidney disease. The kidney team works closely with paediatricians and dietitians, and with paediatric surgeons when a problem needs an operation. As young people reach adulthood, we help them move into adult nephrology care so there's no gap in their treatment.