Renal transplantation in children: Current status and challenges

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) since it decreases morbidity and mortality and improves quality of life. Potent immunosuppressive medications have significantly improved the short and medium-term outcomes while long-term outcomes continue to remain a challenge. This article reviews the current practices involved in the care of pediatric renal transplant recipients and challenges faced by them. Here, we provide a brief overview of various aspects of care for pediatric renal transplant recipients that include indications and contraindications, immunologic workup, pre-transplant evaluation, currently used immunosuppressive therapies, long-term complications and graft survival.