Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders
Urology is a surgical specialty concerned with
normal and abnormal problems of the kidney, renal, pelvis, ureter,
bladder, urethra, penis, and vagina in both genders. Urogenital or
genitourinary (GU) are words that refer to the urinary and genital
organs.
Nephrology is the medical specialty concerned with the kidneys.
According to the American Urological Association, 1 percent to 2 percent of children develop urinary tract infections.
Younger children have a greater risk of kidney damage linked to urinary tract infections than older children or adults.
Many
diseases of the genitourinary system in children are present when a
child is born. This poses unique challenges that are vastly different
from adults with kidney disease.
Because
the genitourinary system is so complex, involving many systems in the
body, a child with a genitourinary disorder may require a number of
specialists to participate in his or her care.
The
following specialists may be involved in your child's care - pediatric
nephrologist; pediatric urologist; pediatrician; pediatric surgeons;
transplant surgeons; perinatologist; geneticists; pediatric
radiologist; neurodevelopmental specialists; nutritionists; social
workers; psychologists; and pediatric nurses.
Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Last reviewed on 10/4/2006