Pediatric Kidney Disease (Nephrology)
On this page
Lifesaving care for children with kidney disease
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we offer comprehensive care for infants, children and teens with kidney and urinary tract conditions, ranging from kidney stones to chronic kidney disease (CKD). You can find the care you need for your child's needs, whether it's a routine concern or a condition requiring more specialized care.
Our pediatric nephrology program is one of the largest in Northern California and consistently ranked among the best in the nation. We provide the latest kidney disease treatments with a family-centered, kid-friendly approach. With locations across the Bay Area, it's easy for families to access high-quality kidney care.
Our collaborative approach to pediatric nephrology
Our program brings together a team of pediatric experts to support your child's kidney health, including:
Nephrologists
Kidney transplant surgeons
Urologists
Nutritionists
Social workers
Our pediatric nephrologists are highly skilled in caring for children with acute kidney failure (sudden loss of kidney function) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We have a state-of-the-art pediatric dialysis center, one of the few centers in Northern California offering dialysis services exclusively for kids.
We are also home to one of the oldest and most successful kidney transplant programs in the U.S. Through our expertise and experience, we offer children with the most serious illnesses the greatest chance to live healthier lives.
Lifesaving care for children with kidney disease
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we offer comprehensive care for infants, children and teens with kidney and urinary tract conditions, ranging from kidney stones to chronic kidney disease (CKD). You can find the care you need for your child's needs, whether it's a routine concern or a condition requiring more specialized care.
Our pediatric nephrology program is one of the largest in Northern California and consistently ranked among the best in the nation. We provide the latest kidney disease treatments with a family-centered, kid-friendly approach. With locations across the Bay Area, it's easy for families to access high-quality kidney care.
Our collaborative approach to pediatric nephrology
Our program brings together a team of pediatric experts to support your child's kidney health, including:
Nephrologists
Kidney transplant surgeons
Urologists
Nutritionists
Social workers
Our pediatric nephrologists are highly skilled in caring for children with acute kidney failure (sudden loss of kidney function) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We have a state-of-the-art pediatric dialysis center, one of the few centers in Northern California offering dialysis services exclusively for kids.
We are also home to one of the oldest and most successful kidney transplant programs in the U.S. Through our expertise and experience, we offer children with the most serious illnesses the greatest chance to live healthier lives.
Locations (dynamic)
Providers (dynamic)
Paul R. Brakeman, MD
Nephrology • Pediatric Nephrology
Rim El Chaki, MD
Pediatrics • Pediatric Nephrology
Jason Lee, MD
Pediatrics • Pediatric Nephrology
Marsha Lee, MD
Nephrology • Pediatric Nephrology
Awards & achievements
Top 10 in the nation for nephrology
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Electrolyte Disorders
- End Stage Renal Disease
- Hydronephrosis
- Kidney Disease
- Kidney Stone
- Nephritis
- Renal Hypertension
Treatments
- Dialysis
- Kidney Surgery
- Kidney Transplant
- Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Clinical trials
A Study to Find Out How EMPAgliflozin is Tolerated and if it Helps Children and Adolescents With Chronic KIDNEY Disease (EMPA-KIDNEY® Kids)Opens in a new window
This study is open to children aged 2 to 17 with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study is to find out if a medicine called empagliflozin helps children and adolescents with CKD. Other goals of the study are to find out how empagliflozin is tolerated and handled by the body in children and adolescents with CKD. Participants are put into 2 groups randomly, which means by chance...Ferric Citrate and Chronic Kidney Disease in ChildrenOpens in a new window
We will conduct a 12-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effects of therapy with ferric citrate (FC) on changes in intact FGF23 levels (iFGF23, primary endpoint) in 160 pediatric patients (80 in each of the two arms) aged 6-18 years of either sex with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-4 and age-appropriate normal serum phosphate levels...Phase 2/3 Adaptive Study of VX-147 in Adult and Pediatric Participants With APOL1-Mediated Proteinuric Kidney DiseaseOpens in a new window
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of VX-147 in adult and pediatric participants with apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1)-mediated proteinuric kidney disease.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.