Hypoplastic Kidney: Understanding Causes, Symptoms & Implications

A hypoplastic kidney is a type of kidney dysplasia, which is a disorder that affects the development of the kidneys. In hypoplasia, the kidney is underdeveloped and smaller than normal. It can be unilateral (affecting one kidney) or bilateral (affecting both kidneys). Hypoplastic kidneys often have decreased function, and can lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure.