20 wk ultrasound shows one working kidney...and it has issues

[Anonymous]

This morning was my 20 week ultrasound for my first pregnancy. I was so excited and am now very anxious.

Our baby girl was discovered to have kidney problems. Her right kidney is a Multicystic Displastic Kidney. This essentially means that there are a number of cysts where her kidney should be, and the kidney has no function.

Lots of people live healthy lives with one kidney. BUT her left kidney has an issue as well - a Duplicated Collecting System. It's also known as Duplicated Ureters, and means that two ureters are draining one kidney. I don't know how okay or not okay this is. It feels like we are on thin ice with her only kidney having an abnormality.

This was a level 2 ultrasound, due to this being an IVF pregnancy and my age (37). I got to meet with the perinatal physician after the ultrasound. He said that it is good that her kidneys show no "pyelectasis or ureteral dilatia" - I believe that means her kidney system is not showing signs of swelling or stretching. Other than the kidney issues, she is perfect.

Why couldn't the left kidney just be normal. I am so worried. My poor baby. On Thursday morning, we will meet with the pediatric urology doctor to try and learn more. In the meantime...someone, please tell me you know something about kidneys and can shed some light/stories/something??

[Anonymous]

Praying for you and for your baby!! if they checked the blood flow on that kidney and everything was okay don't worry she'll be fine!!

[Anonymous]

Before we had Sonos babies had all sorts of weird stuff that never even became problematic. She’ll be fine. Sorry for the anxiety you’re going through. Btdt.

[Anonymous]

If her amniotic fluid levels are normal, this is also a sign that the kidney is working just fine. Fingers crossed for good news at your next appointment.

[Anonymous]

Anecdotally, my SIL has this. It wasn’t discovered until she hit puberty and is completely fine. She’s had two healthy babies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anecdotally, my SIL has this. It wasn’t discovered until she hit puberty and is completely fine. She’s had two healthy babies.

OP here. Your SIL has a multicystic kidney, or the duplicated collecting system? Or both? Can I ask how it was discovered?

Thank you to all who have offered your thoughts. It means a lot. Our urology appointment on Wednesday cannot be here fast enough.

[Anonymous]

I have duplicated ureter. It wasn't discovered until I was six years old and had stomach pains. At that time they did surgery to unblock one of the ureters at the bladder. I have occasionally had urinary tract infections and I also have had kidney stones since my 20s, I am in my 60s now.

[Anonymous]

Op, I had a pregnancy I terminated because of kidney function. Yours is SO MUCH better! My baby had a posterior urethral valve, no outlet for urine, and his kidneys were clearly destroyed on the US by 16 weeks. His bladder was twice the size of his head. That is what bad looks like.

You are in a very, very good position as your baby is processing amniotic fluid and there is no swelling. Keep the faith, your baby is most likely JUST FINE. I would continue on in your situation for sure. Hugs — any problem is a big deal as a mom. Hope this reassures you as it is intended to do.

[Anonymous]

My friend has a newborn with kidney issues. They will soon schedule the surgery to remove the non functional kidney. The prognosis is excellent. Their only main takeaway is to make sure the baby is treated in a children’s hospital - some of the newborn care/requirements for this condition were not as well handled at the regular hospital, in part because the people doing the extra tests and procedures at birth didn’t have the same experience.

Good wishes for you and your baby,

[Anonymous]

I have a child with only one kidney. The other one is nonexistent. I realize this is not what you are dealing with (and he is totally healthy at age 6 after many stressful weekly ultrasounds) but I cannot recommend Dr. John Gearhart enough. He is a nephrology specialist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore but he’s the best in the business. Get his opinion. It will help. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Living kidney donor:
https://unos.org/transplant/living-donation/

Very common, but sorry you’re going through this.

[Anonymous]

My uncle was born with only one kidney, which they discovered a few years ago when he was in his late 70s and had an abdominal CT for unrelated issues. My stepdad lost a kidney in an accident 50+ years ago and the remaining kidney was damaged. Only recently, in his 70s, has that kidney started to have problems.

Not what you’re dealing with, I know, but I shared because a single kidney, even one that isn’t fully functioning, has been very workable medically for decades.

Hugs and best wishes.

[Anonymous]

My dad told me once after going to the hospital for a kidney stone that he has two ureters on both sides. WEIRD! Not medically significant for him.

[Anonymous]

Our child had a duplicated collection system on both sides. It’s a very common birth defect, and as others have said it used to go completely unnoticed before ultrasound technology. We gave her prophylactic antibiotics and she had surgery to correct the issue at 18 months. Dr Hans Pohl did the surgery. She’s 5 now and completely fine. Her case was quite severe, so that should give you some hope!

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. My DS only has one fully functioning kidney. It was was discovered at the 20 week ultrasound. The duplicating collecting system (which he has on one side) is not considered an abnormality. It happens in a small number of the population (maybe 2%) and most do not ever realize it. I believe it’s considered an anomaly but not an abnormality. In almost all cases it causes no issues at all.

The thing to watch out for with two ureters is that they both connect into the bladder. Rarely one or both do not and then it creates a blockage because the urine cannot flow out. My DS has this with one of the ureters but it was very obvious on the ultrasound. See a urologist and they will explain everything to you. You only need one kidney. It is scary I know. Best of luck to you. I have been in a similar spot. My DS had 3 surgeries to correct his issues and he is absolutely fine.