Kidney Transplants and Donation: Having a Tough Conversation that Could Save a Life

March is National Kidney Month. Although rare in children compared to adults, there are many causes of kidney disease in children. Sometimes children are born with a condition that causes kidney failure and other times children can develop kidney disease during childhood or adolescence.

This is one reason why routine checkups by your child’s primary care physician are important. Early detection of chronic disease may help to prevent or delay progression to later stages of disease. There are five different stages/levels of chronic kidney disease. Stage 5, also known as end-stage kidney disease will require kidney transplant. Children with end-stage kidney disease may need dialysis until they are able to receive a kidney transplant. There are two types of kidney transplant: living donor and deceased donor.

What if I’m told my child may need a transplant?

You will be provided with information about the different types of transplants and everything you should expect so that you are well-prepared. Before your child will undergo the transplant, he or she will receive a medical evaluation which will include lab tests & may include imaging tests like CT or MRI scans. Your child will be placed on a wait list once the evaluation has been completed, and the transplant team knows that it is safe for your child to get a transplant.

What is Living Donor Transplant?

A living donor transplant is when another adult donates one of their kidneys to a person in need. Most people are born with two kidneys but can live full lives with only one.

How do I talk to my family and friends about kidney transplant and considering screening to become a donor?  

Most parents feel overwhelmed and nervous to bring up transplant around others. It is important for caregivers to know that others want to help, but they cannot help if you do not let them know how. Sharing the story of your child’s need for a transplant may feel awkward at first, so take some time to think about what you are comfortable sharing and how you want to present your story to others. Sometimes just talking about the need is enough for others to ask how they can help. Your child’s transplant team can help you understand how to share your child’s story.

 Common Myths of Living Donation

• Myth: The donor needs to be related to the recipient. Not true! Donors can be unrelated friends, neighbors, or even strangers!
• Myth: Living Donors will need to take medicine or alter their diet for the rest of their lives. In most cases, living donors will not need to take any medication.
• Myth: Living Donors will receive compensation for donating their kidney. Living donors cannot receive any type of monetary compensation from the recipient’s family. However, medical expenses and follow-up visits related to organ donation will be paid for by the recipient’s insurance. There are additional resources available for donors that are reviewed during the donor’s medical work up and evaluation.

I don’t know anyone with kidney disease in need of a transplant, but I want to help.

Consider becoming an organ donor. You can register online at https://www.donatelife.net/ to be a deceased donor after death. You can also contact your local comprehensive transplant center to donate your kidney to an individual in need now. In the central Ohio area, you can visit The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s website on living kidney donation.

For more information about kidney disease and donation, visit The National Kidney Foundation.