Improving Clinical Care for Children With CKD: A Report From a National Kidney Foundation Scientific Workshop

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Clinical guidelines for pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) often lack diverse healthcare professional, patient, and parent perspectives.
• Multidisciplinary input is crucial for comprehensive pediatric CKD care strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop key clinical recommendations for the best practices in managing pediatric patients with CKD.
• To integrate the viewpoints of healthcare providers, patients, and parents into guideline development.

Main Methods:

• Convened a multidisciplinary workshop with physicians, allied health professionals, pediatric CKD patients, and parents.
• Focused on generating recommendations across five critical areas of pediatric CKD care.

Main Results:

• Recommendations were generated for addressing patient/caregiver needs and modifying CKD progression.
• Key areas also included managing CKD-mineral and bone disorder, growth retardation, anemia, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
• Developed strategies for the transition and transfer of pediatric patients to adult nephrology care.

Conclusions:

• The workshop successfully produced a set of clinical recommendations by involving diverse stakeholders.
• These recommendations aim to enhance the holistic care and management of pediatric CKD patients.