Renal malformation

What is a renal malformation?

A renal malformation is a birth defect that happens during fetal development. Renal malformations affect the function of your child’s kidneys and may include:

• Complete absence of one or both kidneys (renal agenesis)

• Kidneys that are fused together, rather than separate

• Obstructive renal pelvis defect (partial or complete blockage of kidney drainage)

• Other structural problems with one or both kidneys

Depending on the type and severity of the renal malformation — for example, the absence of any kidney — may result in an infant not surviving. A child with a renal malformation may have problems that can be treated with surgery or other methods.

What are the signs and symptoms of renal malformations?

Symptoms of a renal malformation in an unborn baby may be seen on an ultrasound during pregnancy. The ultrasound may show that there are missing both kidneys, a single kidney or have enlarged kidneys.

Symptoms of renal malformation after birth or in a child may include:

• Distended (swollen) bladder

• Failure to thrive (low weight)

• Frequent urination

• Frequent urinary tract infections

• Incontinence in children who are completely potty-trained

• Nighttime bedwetting

• Pain when urinating

• Problems starting urine flow

• Weak urinary stream

What are the causes of renal malformations?

A renal malformation is a birth defect. That means it happens because the baby inherits genes from one or both parents that cause the defect.