Nephrology is the medical field that studies the role and functions of the kidneys in health and disease. The kidneys perform a number of important body functions, including the removal of waste materials from the blood, maintaining essential body fluid and mineral balances, regulating blood pressure, stimulating blood cell production, and contributing to normal bone growth and strength.

Because of these multiple functions, different diseases of the kidneys affect health in a number of different ways. A pediatric nephrologist  (.pdf) is a physician with certifications in both pediatrics and nephrology, and therefore has expertise in the evaluation and treatment of infants, children and adolescents with medical disorders of the kidneys, urinary system and related conditions.