Hematuria

What are the signs and symptoms of hematuria?

There are generally no signs or symptoms related to hematuria, unless the cause is a bladder infection or related to a kidney stone. If the kidneys are the source of the condition and there is significant kidney disease present, your child's blood pressure will be higher than normal because the kidneys help regulate blood pressure.

What tests are used to diagnose hematuria?

Hematuria is diagnosed by a urinalysis, a test that determines if there is blood found in the urine. In most doctors' offices, a testing strip is used to check the urine for possible blood and that test strip or dipstick can indicate the possibility of blood in the urine, even though you can't see it. However, a positive strip test needs to be verified by analysis of the urine under a microscope because the strips are capable of giving false positives.

Once hematuria is verified, blood tests are done to make sure the kidneys are working well. Finding more than blood (for example, protein) in the urine is another sign of hematuria.

In complicated cases, children with hematuria may be referred to a pediatric nephrologist, who will order other special tests to determine the cause, especially if the disease involves more that the kidneys:

• Sometimes a kidney specialist may recommend an ultrasound of the kidneys just to make sure they look normal. This isn't always necessary but is helpful if the doctor believes the blood is from the urinary collecting system and not the kidneys.
• If the nephrologist feels it is necessary to look at the filters themselves, a tiny piece of kidney needs to be removed with a needle and looked at with a microscope. This procedure is called a renal (kidney) biopsy.

How is hematuria treated?

Not all kidney diseases are treatable. If it seems like the kidneys are being hurt by the hematuria, a pediatric nephrologist has the experience and knowledge to try medicines that may help. If your child has kidney disease, only time will tell how the kidneys respond to treatment. Your child's nephrologists will discuss all options with you.

Why choose Children's Hospital Colorado for your child's hematuria treatment?

The Kidney Center at Children's Colorado is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best hospitals in the nation for the treatment of pediatric kidney disorders. At Children's Colorado, we are proud to be at the forefront of research and teaching efforts to improve the treatments for various kidney conditions.