Biological basis of child health 15: understanding the renal system and common renal conditions in children

This article, the 15th and last in a series on the biological basis of child health, focuses on the renal system, in particular the kidneys. It provides an overview of their role, function, anatomy and physiology, and embryological development. The renal system has a crucial role in homeostasis, so renal function impairment can have wide-ranging and potentially serious consequences for a child’s overall health. The article describes some of the common renal conditions seen in children and how these are managed. It explains how to interpret the results of renal function tests and urine sampling conducted to assess renal function and to investigate acute and chronic disease.