Why multidisciplinary clinics should be the standard for treating chronic kidney disease

In adults, strong evidence indicates that slowing progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires an integrated, multidisciplinary approach. In children, however, this approach has not been studied. This editorial commentary to the study by Ajarmeh et al in this volume of Pediatric Nephrology highlights how a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, social workders and clinic data managers slowed the progression of CKD in children to a remarkable degree. We discuss the strengths and limitations of the study and its cost implications, as well as the issue of determining the optional complement of physicians and allied health care professionals in such clinics. Our calculations indicate that the additional costs of such clinics would be recovered in one year, even if the progession of CKD were to be delayed by 1 year in only 2% of affected children. Here, we call on the international pediatric nephrology community to establish guidelines for forming multidisciplinary clinics throughout the world.