Schwartz pediatrics is a well-respected and highly trusted name in the field of pediatric medicine. Led by Dr. Schwartz‚ a highly experienced and knowledgeable pediatrician‚ this medical practice has been providing exceptional care to children and adolescents for over 18 years.
Chronic Kidney Disease
One of the areas of expertise at Schwartz Pediatrics is the treatment and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children and adolescents. CKD is a long-term condition in which the kidneys are unable to function properly‚ leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood and a range of associated health problems.
In order to accurately diagnose and monitor CKD in children‚ several different methods of estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are used. The GFR is a measure of how well the kidneys are functioning and is an important indicator of CKD. Some of the commonly used equations to estimate GFR in children with CKD include:
- The original Schwartz equation‚ which is based on the child’s age‚ gender‚ and body surface area.
- The revised Schwartz equation‚ which takes into account the child’s weight‚ rather than body surface area.
- The bedside Schwartz equation‚ which is a simplified version of the original equation that can be easily calculated at the bedside.
In addition to these equations‚ a GFR calculator can be used to quickly and easily estimate GFR in children. This tool takes into account the child’s age‚ weight‚ gender‚ and serum creatinine (a measure of creatinine concentration in the blood) to provide an estimate of GFR.
Creatinine Methods
Creatinine is a waste product produced by the body and is typically eliminated by the kidneys. The concentration of creatinine in the blood‚ known as serum creatinine‚ is often used as a measure of kidney function.
There are several different methods for estimating GFR in children that rely on creatinine measurements‚ including:
- The creatinine clearance method‚ which involves measuring the amount of creatinine in the urine over a specific period of time and using this information to estimate GFR.
- The measured creatinine method‚ which involves directly measuring the concentration of creatinine in the blood and using this information to estimate GFR.
While both of these methods can be useful in estimating GFR in children‚ they can also have some limitations. For example‚ the creatinine clearance method may overestimate GFR in children with lower muscle mass or underestimate GFR in children with higher muscle mass. The measured creatinine method may also be affected by factors such as the child’s diet and hydration status.
Schwartz Pediatrics Bartlett
At Schwartz Pediatrics in Bartlett‚ Tennessee‚ our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to children and adolescents with CKD. Led by Dr. Schwartz‚ a highly experienced pediatrician with a special interest in kidney disease‚ our team is equipped to handle even the most complex cases.
Comprehensive medical evaluations to assess the severity of the child’s CKD and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Medication management to control symptoms and slow the progression of CKD.
- Lifestyle counseling to help children and their families make healthy choices that can positively impact their kidney health.
- Collaboration with specialists at the National Kidney Foundation to ensure that children with CKD receive the most advanced and effective care possible.
At Schwartz Pediatrics‚ we believe in taking a holistic approach to the care of children with CKD. In addition to providing medical treatment‚ we also offer support to children and their families to help them cope with the challenges of living with a chronic illness.
If your child has been diagnosed with CKD or you are concerned about their kidney health‚ we encourage you to contact Schwartz Pediatrics to schedule an appointment. Our team of experienced and compassionate pediatricians is here to help your child achieve their best possible health and quality of life.