Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Murine Kidney Transplant Technique
Published on: October 20, 2015
Kidney transplantation in children: a 50-case experience
Miguel Zerati Filho1, Paulo S Furtado, Ubirajara Barroso
1Urology and Nephrology Institute, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Pediatric kidney transplantation offers a viable treatment for end-stage kidney disease. This study found success and complication rates in children comparable to adult kidney transplant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Urology
Background:
- End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) significantly impacts children's quality of life.
- Kidney transplantation is a crucial treatment for pediatric ESKD.
- Long-term outcomes and complications in pediatric kidney recipients require ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report institutional experience with kidney transplantation in pediatric patients.
- To analyze the technical aspects, clinical course, and surgical outcomes of pediatric kidney transplants.
- To compare pediatric kidney transplant outcomes with those of adult recipients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 50 pediatric kidney transplants performed between June 1980 and December 2003.
- Analysis of patient demographics, donor types (live related vs. cadaver), and surgical complications.
- Evaluation of graft survival rates and patient mortality during follow-up.
Main Results:
- The mean age of pediatric recipients was 12 years (range 2-17).
- Live related donors accounted for 75% of transplants.
- Overall surgical complication rate was 20%, with ureteral fistula being the most common (12%).
- Graft survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 71%, 64%, and 57%, respectively.
- Chronic rejection was the primary cause of graft loss.
Conclusions:
- Kidney transplantation in children is a successful and viable treatment option for ESKD.
- The success and complication rates observed in pediatric kidney transplantation are similar to those in adult populations.
- Careful surgical technique and management of rejection are essential for optimizing long-term outcomes in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
Objectives:
The aim of this article was to report our experience with kidney transplantation in children.
Materials And Methods:
From June 1980 to December 2003, 690 kidney transplants were performed in our institution, among which 50 were in patients with less than 18 years old. Technical aspects as well as clinical and surgical evolution were reviewed in this study.
Results:
Patient's mean age was 12 years (2-17 years). Twenty-nine patients were male and 21 female. Live related donors were responsible for 75% of the cases (38 patients) and 25% (12 patients) came from cadaver donors. The main complications were ureteral fistula in 6 patients (12%), arterial stenosis in 2 (4%), wall infection and dehiscence in 1 case (2%). The overall rate of surgical complication was 20%. No case of hyperacute rejection was reported. During the follow-up 20 grafts were lost due to chronic rejection and 2 patients died. No loss of graft due to surgical complications was reported. The graft survival rate was 71% in 1 year, 64% in 3 years and 57% in 5-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
Kidney transplantation in children is a viable treatment option for terminal kidney disease presenting success and surgical complication rate similar to kidney transplantation in adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management