Neonatal Hydronephrosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Neonatal (neo-NA-tal) hydronephrosis (hi-dro-ne-FRO-sis) is a condition affecting the kidneys among newborns. This occurs when the baby's urine does not drain properly into the bladder. When this happens, the urine gets trapped and overfills the kidneys. The collecting part of the kidneys begins to stretch and enlarge (get bigger). This then leads to pain, bleeding, or frequent infections, which may further damage your baby's kidneys. Mild neonatal hydronephrosis may resolve before your baby reaches the age of one year. A blockage or reflux (backing up) of urine flow in the urinary tract may cause neonatal hydronephrosis.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of neonatal hydronephrosis may include trouble passing urine or having a pinkish to reddish-colored urine. Your baby may also have a fever or abdominal (belly) pain. Neonatal hydronephrosis may be detected even before your baby is born by a fetal ultrasound or urine tests. Other tests may also be done after he is born. These may include intravenous pyelogram (IVP), a kidney scan or ultrasound, or voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Treatment may include medicines to ease his symptoms, placing a catheter or shunt, or surgery. The earlier neonatal hydronephrosis is found and treated, the better the chances that your baby may live. With proper treatment and follow-up, your baby's symptoms may be relieved and his quality of life may be improved. Ask your caregiver for more information about these tests and treatments.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your child's medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines your child takes, the amounts, and when and why they are taken. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the medicine bottles when you visit your child's caregivers. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not give any medicines to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Always give your child's medicine as directed by his caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think your child's medicines are not helping. Call if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving the medicines to your child until you discuss it with your child's caregiver.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Giving aspirin to your child when he is ill may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. This could lead to brain and liver damage. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin in it.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight infection caused by bacteria. Give this medicine as ordered until it is all gone, even if your child feels better. Stopping an antibiotic without the caregiver's OK may make it unable to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Tell a caregiver if your child is allergic to antibiotics.
  
  
• Acetaminophen: This medicine is used to decrease pain and lower a high body temperature (fever). Taking too much acetaminophen can hurt your liver. Read labels so that you know the active ingredients in each medicine that you take. Talk to your caregiver before taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen. Ask your caregiver before taking over-the-counter medicine if you are also taking pain medicine prescribed (ordered) for you.

Ask your child's caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you and your child may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your child's next visit.

Help your child to rest. Your child should rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your baby is irritable and crying more than usual.
  
  
• Your baby's skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your baby's condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your baby is not able to eat or drink, or is urinating less or not at all.
  
  
• Your baby is having a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Your baby looks very weak or sleeps more than usual.
  
  
• Your baby's urine is pinkish or reddish in color.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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