Renal transplantation in children and adolescents

Kidney transplantation in children and adolescents with end stage renal disease is both practical and beneficial, and the mortality rate can be kept to a minimum. In a period of 4 1/2 years at the University of Florida, 51 kidney transplants were performed in 44 male and female children and adolescents between 4 and 21 years old. Of the 44 recipients, 37 have successful transplants (29 on the first attempt and 8 on the second), 6 are awaiting a second transplant, and one has died from an infection. Transplants tend to survive better when the donor is living and related to the recipient. When successful, transplantation improves the quality of life and allows the patient to be socially rehabilitated.