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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin, salicylates, or oil of wintergreen.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight an infection caused by bacteria. Give your child this medicine exactly as ordered by his primary healthcare provider. Do not stop giving your child the antibiotics unless directed by his primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or give your child leftover antibiotics that were given to him for another illness.
  
  
• 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 for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

Your child may need more rest than he realizes while he heals.

Quiet play will keep your child safely busy so he does not become restless and risk injuring himself. Have your child read or draw quietly. Follow instructions for how much rest your child should get while he heals.

For support and more information:

Accepting that your baby has neonatal hydronephrosis may be hard. You, your family, and those close to you may feel scared, sad, or angry. These are normal feelings. Talk to your baby's caregivers, your family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group. This is a group of people whose children also have neonatal hydronephrosis and other kidney diseases. Ask your caregiver for the names and numbers of support groups near you. You may also want to contact the following for more information:

• American Association of Kidney Patients
  3505 E. Frontage Rd, Suite 315
  Tampa , FL 33607-1796
  Phone: 1- 800 - 749-2257
  Web Address: http://aakp.org
  

• National Kidney Foundation
  30 East 33rd Street
  New York , NY 10016
  Phone: 1- 212 - 889-2210
  Phone: 1- 800 - 622-9010
  Web Address: http://www.kidney.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• 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.

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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.

Learn more about Neonatal Hydronephrosis (Discharge Care)