A conversation with Rachel O. Millner, M.D.
Pediatric Nephrologist and Medical Director of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Uro-Neph and Kidney Stone Clinics, Pediatric Residency Associate Program Director and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Arkansas Children’s opened a clinic specifically for pediatric kidney stones. What prompted this new clinic?
We see up to 280 pediatric kidney stones outpatient visits each year. Children with kidney stones need to see a urologist and nephrologist for care and management. We created a combined clinic where children and families get individualized treatment for their kidney stones from urology and nephrology specialists who coordinate care.
What causes kidney stones in children?
An imbalance of minerals and fluid in the urine commonly causes kidney stones. The imbalance can be caused by a child’s diet, medications they are taking or other medical conditions. Underlying medical conditions are more likely to cause kidney stones in children than adults.
What symptoms might indicate a child needs to be screened or tested for kidney stones?
Traditional kidney stone symptoms include sudden pain in the abdomen or side, blood in the urine or pain with urination. We sometimes discover kidney stones when examining children for other medical concerns. Pediatric kidney stones are commonly diagnosed with a kidney ultrasound or CT scan.
What treatment options for pediatric kidney stones does Arkansas Children’s offer?
We offer non-surgical and surgical options. Our kidney stone team provides comprehensive counseling for all treatment and prevention methods. Our dedicated clinical dietician helps families with adjusting diets for prevention. We offer all typical surgical stone removal options: ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, external shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous procedures.
For more information about pediatric kidney stone treatment, call 501.474.6232 or visit archildrens.org/kidneycare.
Arkansas Children’s
1 Children’s Way
Little Rock, AR 72202
501.222.9683