We have a 9-year old daughter, who was diagnosed with FJN(Familial Juvenile Nephronophthesis). A test was done recently to confirm this, but came back negative. Now, the doctors want to biopsey the kidneys.(1) How difficult of a procedure is this on a child? (2) From this biopsey, will they finally be able to determine what exactly is wrong? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hi there--
I had a kidney biopsy done just a couple of weeks ago. I am an adult though but I would think even on a 9 year old it will be o.k. The procedure itself was very easy. I was EXTREMELY Nervous about it beforehand becaus I wasn't sure what to expect. But it really was nothing. I also have a wonderful doctor! They will numb the area, and she should feel if anything--just a little sting. Really--it's just a little sting. If they do it along with ultrasound that is helpful because they can see where to put the needle to extract the piece of kidney. The procedure itself only took about 15 minutes. AFterwards, it is necessary to stay in the hospital for 24 hours to watch for blood in the urine and to stay on the back.

Please don't worry about this procedure. I hope this was somewhat helpful and that your daugher will be o.k. And yes, you're right--from this procedure than can determine what kind of kidney disease she has and determine the proper treatment. Please post again if you have more questions!

In my daughter's case, they are putting her to sleep for the procedure?? I'm sure this is due to her age, right?

Yes, I'm sure that's why. How do you feel about that? Is she really nervous? If not, she would probably be fine with a mild sedative. Actually, I'm surprised that they are doing that at all because several times during the procedure, they will need her to hold her breath while they extract the samples of kidney. The kidneys move when we breathe so in order to get thee sections, the breath has to be held. So, I guess Im not sure what to tell you here. Maybe ask your doctor about that.