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Changing pattern of chronic renal failure and renal replacement therapy in children and adolescents: a 20-year single

K Schärer1, U Reiss, O Mehls

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Heidelberg, Germany.

Insights

Pediatric chronic renal failure treatment improved significantly between 1969 and 1988. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) survival rates increased, with better outcomes for younger children and adolescents receiving hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Renal Replacement Therapy
  • Chronic Kidney Disease

Background:

  • Analyzed demographic data, clinical course, and survival of 374 children and adolescents with chronic renal failure from 1969-1988.
  • Observed trends across four subsequent 5-year periods to identify changes in patient populations and treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the evolution of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in pediatric chronic renal failure over two decades.
  • To compare survival rates and treatment modalities, including hemodialysis (HD), continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and transplantation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 374 pediatric patients with chronic renal failure.
  • Comparison of data across four 5-year intervals (1969-1988).
  • Assessment of demographic shifts, disease incidence, RRT utilization, transplant waiting times, and patient survival.

Main Results:

  • Proportion of patients under 5 years increased from 21% to 47%.
  • Glomerulonephritis incidence rose, while pyelonephritis decreased; RRT use expanded to younger age groups.
  • Overall 10-year survival on RRT reached 77%; 2-year survival was 100% for HD and CAPD in the last period.
  • First cadaver graft survival improved from 25% to 69% over the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Significant advancements in pediatric chronic renal failure management occurred between 1969 and 1988.
  • Improved survival rates and graft success highlight the efficacy of evolving RRT strategies in children and adolescents.
  • Increased RRT accessibility benefited younger patients and those with specific renal pathologies.

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