Renal replacement therapy in children

Abstract:

Renal replacement therapy is used in children with end-stage kidney disease. It includes haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation. Peritoneal dialysis is a preferred treatment modality in children, because it is simple to use and highly available and provides total mobility, i.e., allows children to go to school and participate in their usual social activities. Haemodialysis in children is a temporary solution ensuring their survival until kidney transplantation. Kidney transplantation is the ultimate treatment goal in children with end-stage kidney disease, because it provides the best chance for their physical, mental and social rehabilitation and normal growth and development. Recently, preemptive kidney transplantation has been given preference, because it ensures the best results regarding the survival of both the kidney transplant and the recipient. 

Key words:
child; kidney transplantation; peritoneal dialysis; renal dialysis; renal replacement therapy