The pediatric renal transplant process: a guide for home health clinicians

Abstract

Kidneys are one of the most commonly transplanted solid organs in children. In 2008, 16,067 renal transplants were performed in the United States; of those, 773 were performed on patients under the age of 18 (2009 OPTN/SRTR Annual Report 1999-2008, 2009). The process of renal transplantation can be a long one and children and their families often endure many challenges on the road to the transplant, not to mention the adjustments that lie ahead afterward. For this reason, and because these patients benefit from home health follow-up after their transplant, it is important for home health clinicians to be knowledgeable about the renal transplant process in addition to posttransplant care.