Abstract
The current status of pediatric kidney transplantation in Japan is briefly reviewed. Recent advances in medical treatment, including dialysis and kidney transplantation (KTx), have made it possible for pediatric patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) to survive to adulthood. Since KTx is the best option for children with ESKD, the number of children receiving a preemptive KTx is increasing. ABO-incompatible KTx and sequential combined liver-kidney transplantation have been successfully performed. At present, the goal of therapy for pediatric patients with ESKD is to attain good psychosocial outcomes as adults. Therapy for pediatric patients with ESKD should be multidisciplinary, including not only the pediatric nephrologists, but also surgeons, nurses, social workers, dieticians, and psychologists.
