Childhood ESRD is rare, and accounts for approximately one percent of individuals with ESRD in the US.
Pediatric ESRD features include concomitant congenital anomalies, detrimental effects on growth and development, and the need for decades of kidney replacement therapy.
The beneficial effects of renal transplant in pediatric patients reveal better growth, neurocognitive development, academic performance, and quality of life.
Pediatric patients who have kidney replacement therapy and receipt of a transplant have decreased risk of all cause death.
Pediatric patients with ESRD are universally referred for transplant.
Care at a for profit dialysis center was associated with a significant longer time for placement on a waiting list and receipt of a kidney transplant than at a nonprofit dialysis facility.