[Nephropathies of adolescence--the issue for the pediatrician and the internist].

Apart from the kidney diseases typical for early childhood, which (at least when clinically active) are entirely covered by pediatricians, there are several other nephropathies which occur predominantly in the period of adolescence and may be of potential interest for internist. In this review some clinical and therapeutic aspects of certain nephropathies of adolescence were discussed, namely lupus nephritis, Henoch-Schoenlein purpura nephritis, and the renal involvement in small vessel vasculitis. Medical and psychological problems that may arise not only from the presence of chronic disease, but also from the treatment side effects and difficulties in transition from pediatrician to internist were emphasized. Finally, certain circumstances and standards of smooth and comfortable transition of adolescent patient from pediatric to 'adult' nephrologist were proposed.