Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children)

4 yr old with enlarged kidneys

07/18/2008 12:20PM

Question:

We have 4 yr old that keeps getting redness on genitals. Ultrasound shows enlarged kidneys. Urine shows protein & sugar present, but blood work seems fine. We are terrified. Can you give us any info please?

Answer:

Usually redness on the penis is a benign condition, unrelated to a problem with the kidneys. I am confused by the term "enlarged kidneys". That might mean hydronephrosis, or simply kidneys that seem larger than normal. If there is hydronephrosis, if it is severe and affects both kidneys, then it is a problem that needs urgent attention, because it could be related to a significant obstructive problem involving the urinary tract. However, if the hydronephrosis is mild or moderate, then usually it is not a serious disorder, but generally further testing is performed to be certain that kidney function is normal and to determine whether there is significant urinary reflux.

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Response by:

Jack S Elder, MD, FACS, FAAP
Chief of Pediatric Urology
Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
Adjunct Professor and Vice Chairman
Department of Urology
University Hospitals
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University