Neurocognitive and functional outcomes at 5years of age after renal transplant in early childhood

BackgroundClinicians often use information about developmental outcomes in decision-making around offering complex, life-saving interventions in children such as dialysis and renal transplant. This information in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is limited, particularly when ESRD onset is in infancy or early childhood.MethodsUsing data from an ongoing prospective, longitudinal, inception cohort study of children with renal transplant before 5years of age, we evaluated (1) the risk of adverse neurocognitive and functional outcomes at 5years of age and (2) predictors of developmental outcomes.ResultsWe found evidence of neurocognitive sequelae of ESRD in very young children; however, developmental outcomes appear remarkably better when compared with findings of two or three decades ago. Less time on dialysis predicted higher developmental scores, and hemodialysis was associated with poorer developmental outcomes.ConclusionsOur data suggest that renal replacement therapies in young children are associated with acceptable developmental outcome. Programs to identify those with developmental delays and provide early intervention may allow achievement of the child's full potential.