Renal transplantation in pediatric patients

The goal of treatment of end-stage renal failure in pediatric patients is a functioning transplant. Due to the serious shortage of cadaver kidneys, we have to consider living related donor transplantation (tpl) more frequently. Certain features are characteristic of pediatric patients before transplantation: underlying disease (over 2/3 are congenital or hereditary), the form of dialysis (automated peritoneal dialysis at home in young children) and the frequent need for tube feeding and treatment with growth hormone. Patients weighing 10 kg or more can be given an adult kidney. Young recipients are at risk for vascular thrombosis and hence the CVP should be kept high to allow good circulation, and continuous heparinization (10 units per kg and hour) is advocated. Minor rejection episodes may be overlooked in the presence of a large graft in a small child. Bladder dysfunction is a problem in many children with obstructive uropathy. Later on, viral infections (CMV, EBV) may pose serious problems since most children have not previously been exposed to them. Further problems are pyelonephritis in the graft and recurrence of the underlying disease. Long-term results are very satisfactory in terms of survival and quality of life including later social integration.