Pediatric kidney transplant success rates improve

Editor's Note

The success rates of pediatric kidney transplants have significantly improved over the past 50 years, with young children now experiencing better long-term transplant success than adults, this study finds.

Of 1,056 pediatric kidney transplant recipients analyzed, 85% were alive at 1 year after surgery 50 years ago, compared to 97% since 2002.

Also improved is graft survival, with only 42% of recipients having continued function of the transplanted kidney 50 years ago versus 70% today.

Improvements in transplant success rates are a result of advances in immunosuppressive medications, better surgical technique, and improved management of infections after transplant, the authors say.

Advances in immunosuppression, surgical techniques, and management of infections in children receiving kidney transplants have affected outcomes.