Archive · 30 Nov 2025
Children with one kidney can thrive with proper care: Experts
Doctors and experts in India are saying that children born with only one kidney can live happy and healthy lives.
This happens to about 1 in 1,000 to 2,000 babies.
The one kidney they have can grow bigger and do the job of two kidneys.
Most of these children don't have big problems.
Doctors say they should have regular check-ups to make sure their kidney is working well.
They can play most sports, but should be careful with contact sports.
Eating healthy, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep are important.
Parents should not worry too much because with the right care, these children can grow up just fine.
Children born with one kidney (unilateral renal agenesis) can live healthy lives with proper medical care and support.
The functioning kidney often enlarges to compensate for the missing one, allowing it to perform effectively.
Regular monitoring, including urine protein checks and blood pressure checks, is essential for long-term health.
Most sports are safe, but contact sports may require protective gear or individualised medical advice.
Psychological and emotional support, along with education for peers, is important to reduce stigma and bullying.
- Who
- Children born with unilateral renal agenesis (URA) and their parents
- What
- Children with one kidney can live healthy lives with proper medical oversight and support
- When
- Current medical understanding and advancements in prenatal imaging
- Where
- India, with a focus on paediatric health experts and hospitals
- Why
- To reassure parents and provide guidelines for managing and supporting children with a single kidney
- Incidence of Renal Agenesis
- 0.03% of births
- Unilateral Cases
- Majority of renal agenesis cases
- Compensatory Hypertrophy
- Functioning kidney enlarges to perform work of two kidneys
- Long-term Outlook
- Overwhelmingly positive with proper monitoring
- Recommended Monitoring
- Routine urine protein checks, BP monitoring, occasional ultrasound
- Safe Sports
- Football, running, cycling, swimming (contact sports may require protective gear)
- Key Precautions
- Avoid dangerous contact sports, excess salt, kidney-toxic medications