Chronic Kidney Disease in Children and Adolescents

Educational Gap Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a devastating diagnosis with many co-morbidities, increasing the risk of mortality 30 to 150 times that of the general pediatric population. Recognition of at-risk children can lead to earlier screening and risk reduction. Primary care clinicians are often unaware of the comorbid conditions and long-term consequences of CKD, particularly with respect to cardiovascular disease, nutrition and growth, neurocognitive development, and burden of disease. Objectives After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Be aware of the life course of CKD and its co-morbidities. 2. Recall the risk factors and complications of pediatric CKD. 3. Discuss measures to prevent or delay the progression of pediatric CKD. 4. Optimize the communication between the primary care clinician and nephrologist in treating children, adolescents, and young adults with CKD.