Babies who are born prematurely often have kidney problems shortly after birth, called nephropathy (kidney disease) of prematurity. In most cases, the baby’s kidneys usually mature quickly after birth.

However, it’s common for premature babies to have problems balancing body fluids, salts, and wastes in the first four or five days of life. During this time, a premature baby’s kidneys may have trouble:

• Concentrating urine
• Filtering wastes from the blood
• Producing urine

University of Miami Health System pediatric nephrologists work closely with pediatricians, neonatologists, and other specialists to give your baby the best care possible.

Tests

Urine Output Log
Because of the potential for kidney problems in the first week of life, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff monitor your baby’s urine output to evaluate your child’s kidney function.

Urine Tests (Urinalysis)
Your baby’s urine may be tested for high levels of potassium, urea, and creatinine, which can be a sign of kidney function problems.

Treatments

Fluids
If problems arise with your baby’s kidney function, the nephrologist may restrict your baby’s fluid intake or order more fluids to balance levels of substances in the urine.

Why Choose UHealth? 

Recognized for excellence in treating kidney conditions. We’ve been recognized for our expertise in dealing with acute renal replacement therapies in young children and infants, as well as the management of severe urinary tract obstruction in developing fetuses and in newborns. We work closely with our highly skilled pediatric urology team to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for your child.

In 2016, the state of Florida renewed our designation as a Comprehensive Chronic Kidney Failure Center (CCKFC). We are one of only three such centers in the state. Our program has consistently ranked among the nation’s top pediatric nephrology programs for the past nine years by U.S. News & World Report. We’re proud to have received the best rank in the state of Florida.

Annual Pediatric Nephrology Seminar held every March. Celebrating our 45th year in 2018, this unique international gathering of nephrology specialists is an important forum for exchanging the latest innovations and research findings in pediatric nephrology. Pediatric and adult nephrologists, pediatricians, internists, general practitioners, pediatric urologists, and transplant surgeons from throughout the United States and the world attend this annual event.

History of excellence in critical care for babies. Our neonatologists see infants at Holtz Children’s Hospital , which has one of the largest, longest established Level III neonatal intensive care units in the United States. Our neonatal program has been ranked among the best NICUs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report for the last several years. You can be confident your baby receives care from a highly qualified, compassionate team.