dysplastic kidney and hypertension

[aholmesp]

when my little boy was 1 week old he became poorly although we did not know why. His blood pressure on admission to hospital was 160/120,his oxygen levels were only 86% and his heart was very enlarged with only 10% function. The cause for this was unknown so we were transferred to Alder Hey childrens Hospital where numerous tests were performed. After 5 days on intensive care it was discovered that only one kidney had formed properly the other was tiny and barely functioning. He had alot of jittery episodes in hospital although this is not thought to be epilepsy. He was fed mainly by NG tube until he was about 8 weeks. Feeding since then has been hard work as he has a very poor appetite although he appears to be growing.  He now weighs 26lbs and is about 92cms tall (he's now 2 years old). He had the non-functioning kidney removed when he was 9 months old and it was hoped his blood pressure would return to normal, unfortunately after three weeks it was back to 140/95 so he was put back on his amlodopine. His blood pressure is now reasonably controlled at 95/60 although does keep going up to about 120/65.
He has very little tone in his feet and ankles so he wears piedro boots to help his walking which he started at 20 months. He has problems with constipation and takes 5mls of senna daily. When he does 'go' his poo is properly formed and quite soft. He has a habit of 'humping'things which he has done since he was a small baby he also used to do alot of 'scissoring'. I would like to know whether these symptons could be connected, why he does this 'humping', what could be the possible outlook of his future- I know he should be able to live a normal life with one kidney but he does have poor health in general colds usually take a hold and he ends up with antibiotics for infections and this tends to happen about every four weeks. I would appreciate your opinion about him.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to give an informed opinion without examination of the patient nor the records.  

To answer some of your specific concerns - I am not aware of a disease that can connect the decreased muscle tone and the activites that you have described.  

If the remaining kidney remains functional and measures are taken to prevent further damage (i.e. controlling hypertension), then it may be possible to lead a normal life.  

Regarding the recurrent infections - you may want to consider immunology testing to see whether there is a deficiency leading to the recurrent infections.  

This can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
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