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Is the Growth of my Child`s Kidney Normal?

08/04/2009

Question:

My child had immature lungs at the time of birt and was in ICU for 39 days (14 days on ventilators). He was given anti-bitics like amikacin, vancomycin, meropenem e.t.c. He was also given anti-fungals. At the time of birth, he had an abdominal lump on palpation which was probably of renal origin. At the time of discharge from the hospital, no lump or any other abnormality was seen on ultrasound. Now, he is 21 months of age. Today, he got an abdominal ultrasound done which shows left kidney to be smaller than the right. Rest all other things are normal. The report is as follows – Right kidney – 73*3mm Left Kidney – 65*26mm Both kidneys are maintained in site, size and shape. Parenchymal echoes are normal. Cortical thickness is normal. Corticomedullary junction is normal. Calyces are normal. No calculus is seen. Ureters are normal.

Do I need to be concerned about the small size of left kidney?

Answer:

No–it sounds as though his kidneys are normal in size. I would not recommend any further testing.

For more information:

Go to the Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children) health topic.