Horseshoe Kidney
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Horseshoe kidney is a condition some children are born with where their kidneys are connected, or fused at the base. This fusion causes them to form a U-shape, like a horseshoe. This condition is also referred to as renal fusion.
Renal fusion happens to about 1 out of every 500 children. While it can't be cured, there are many supportive treatments for symptoms. Other medical complications can also be treated.
Causes & Symptoms of Horseshoe Kidney
Horseshoe kidney develops in the womb when the kidneys move into place. No one really knows what causes horseshoe kidney, but the problem happens before a baby is born.
Genetic Causes
Some genetic disorders that can contribute to Horseshoe Kidney include:
- Turner Syndrome
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome)
- Down Syndrome
- Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome)
These conditions often have other obvious symptoms. Horseshoe kidney on its own is not a reason to suspect your child has one of these conditions.
Symptoms & Complications
Some common symptoms include:
- Tummy pain
- Nausea
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
Less commonly, children may experience:
- Kidney cancer
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Hydronephrosis
- Wilms tumor
- Hydrocephaly
- Vesicoureteral reflux
Horseshoe Kidney Diagnosis & Treatment
At UVA Health Children's, your child’s doctor may perform or recommend:
- Urinalysis
- Blood tests
- Kidney ultrasound
- Voiding cystourethrogram
- Intravenous pyelogram
Most children with horseshoe kidney don't need treatment, and there is no cure. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms of other complications that may develop.