Can Baby Born with Cysts on Both Kidneys?

Imagine this: a baby is born, tiny fingers, adorable cheeks, cute button nose… and then the doctor looks at the ultrasound and goes, “Hmm, there are cysts on both kidneys.” Wait, what? Babies are supposed to come with milk teeth, giggles, and chubby thighs, not cysts! But yes, it can happen. Some babies are indeed born with cysts in both kidneys.

Before you panic (or Google like a maniac at 2 AM), let’s take a deep breath and talk about this calmly. While the thought of kidney cysts in infants, children & teens sounds terrifying, modern medicine and even ancient Ayurveda have a lot to say (and do) about it.

So, grab a cup of tea, or if you’re a new parent, probably that cold cup of coffee you brewed three hours ago, and let’s dive in.

So, Yes, Babies Can Be Born with Kidney Cysts

The medical term for this is “polycystic kidney disease (PKD)” or sometimes just “renal cystic disease.” It’s not super common, but it happens. There are two main types:

1. Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD)

• This is the one that often shows up in newborns or very young children.
• Both parents usually carry a gene for it (even if they have no symptoms).
• The baby ends up with both kidneys dotted with cysts, making them larger than usual, kind of like two overstuffed water balloons.

2. Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney (MCDK)

• Sometimes, a baby is born with just one kidney full of cysts, and the other kidney does the extra work. But in rare cases, both kidneys are affected.
• This is more like a developmental hiccup during pregnancy rather than a genetic thing.

3. Simple Renal Cysts (Less Common in Babies)

• Babies can occasionally have simple cysts (just one or two harmless fluid sacs).
• These are usually nothing to worry about and may even disappear over time.

Why Do These Cysts Happen?

Now, don’t go blaming yourself or your pregnancy cravings. Kidney cysts in babies are usually genetic or developmental.

• Genetic factors: PKD is passed down through families. If there’s a family history, chances go up.
• Developmental glitches: Sometimes, while the baby’s kidneys are forming in the womb, things don’t arrange themselves properly, leading to cyst formation.

And no, eating extra ice cream during pregnancy doesn’t cause it (thank goodness).

How Common are Fetal Kidney Cysts?

Fetal kidney cysts are quite rare, seen in only a small percentage of pregnancies. They are often diagnosed during routine ultrasound.

How Do Doctors Find Out?

Most of the time, cysts are detected even before birth through prenatal ultrasounds. Doctors might notice:

• Enlarged kidneys (sometimes babies with PKD have noticeably big kidneys).
• Changes in kidney texture – they might look “spongy” or full of fluid pockets.

After birth, doctors may do:

• Ultrasound scans
• Blood and urine tests to check kidney function
• Genetic testing (in some cases)

The good news? Not all cysts cause serious problems. Some are tiny and don’t affect kidney function much at all.

Kidney Cyst in Child Symptoms

Depending on how serious the cysts are, symptoms can range from barely noticeable to more concerning:

• Swollen tummy (due to large kidneys)
• Breathing difficulties (if enlarged kidneys press on other organs)
• High blood pressure (yep, even tiny babies can have this!)
• Frequent infections or trouble peeing

But here’s the thing: many babies with mild cysts grow up normally and may never have serious kidney issues.

What is the Difference Between Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney and PKD?

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic condition where cysts develop in both kidneys over time, potentially leading to kidney failure. Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney (MCDK), on the other hand, is a birth defect where one kidney gets affected due to the formation of cysts.

What’s the Treatment?

Okay, let’s get to the big question: What can be done?

Conventional Medicine Approach

• Monitoring: Small, harmless cysts often just need regular checkups.
• Blood pressure control: Doctors may give medicines if needed.
• Surgery or intervention: Rare, but in severe cases, surgery or even dialysis might be required.

Ayurveda’s Gentle Approach

If you believe in the benefits of natural healing (and Ayurveda has been around for over 5000 years, it must be doing something correctly), here is what Ayurveda encompasses:

1. Balancing Tridoshas: In Ayurveda, kidney issues are often associated with an imbalance of Kapha and Vata.
2. Herbal Support: Herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varunadi are said to support kidney health and may even slow cyst progression.
3. Diet: Light, kidney-friendly diets are suggested - think about soups, boiled vegetables, and less salt. Definitely no processed junk.
4. Panchakarma (in later childhood): Once the baby reaches a certain age (not in newborns), detox therapies, under the supervision of experts, can be considered.

Important note: Ayurvedic interventions should only be performed under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor, particularly with babies.

Can Fetal Kidney Cysts Disappear?

Yes, some fetal kidney cysts can shrink or disappear on their own as the baby grows.

What is the MCDK Life Expectancy?

Babies with unilateral MCDK often have a normal life expectancy if the other kidney is healthy and has normal functioning.

What’s the Outlook for Babies with Kidney Cysts?

Here’s the silver lining: many babies with small cysts live normal lives. The kidney is a strong little warrior, and if one kidney takes the day off, the other often works overtime to compensate.

For babies with severe PKD, ongoing care is needed, but with medical advancements and proper lifestyle management, many children grow up to lead healthy, happy lives.

And hey, let’s not forget, babies are tougher than we think. They learn to crawl, walk, and scream their lungs out at 3 AM; tiny cysts don’t stand a chance against that level of determination!

Parenting Tips If Your Baby Has Kidney Cysts

• Don’t Google every symptom at midnight. Seriously, you’ll end up diagnosing your baby with 47 rare conditions.
• Follow your doctor’s advice. Regular checkups are key.
• Watch for infections. If your baby has fever or reduced urine, call your doctor immediately.
• Stay positive. Babies sense stress, and the last thing you need is a cranky baby AND cranky kidneys.
• Explore natural options carefully. Ayurveda, proper diet, and hydration can help support kidney health, but always under expert guidance.

Conclusion

Yes, babies can be born with cysts on both kidneys, but that doesn’t mean their life story is written in kidney-shaped gloom. Medical science, Ayurveda, and your baby’s own resilience can do wonders.