Affiliation:
1. Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
2. Oxford Kidney Unit and Oxford Transplant Centre Churchill Hospital Oxford UK
3. Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital Adolescent Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
4. Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
Abstract
AbstractAdolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have challenges unique to this developmental period, with increased rates of high‐risk behavior and non‐adherence to therapy which may impact the progression of kidney disease and their requirement for kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Successful transition of AYA patients are particularly important in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where KRT is limited, rationed or not available. Kidney AYA transition clinics have the potential to improve clinical outcomes but there is a paucity of data on the clinical translational impact of these clinics in Africa. This review is a reflection of the 20‐year growth and development of the first South African kidney AYA transition clinic. We describe a model of care for patients with CKD, irrespective of etiology, aged 10–25 years, transitioning from pediatric to adult nephrology services. This unique service was established in 2002 and re‐designed in 2015. This multidisciplinary integrated transition model has improved patient outcomes, created peer support groups and formed a training platform for future pediatric and adult nephrologists. In addition, an Adolescent Centre of Excellence has been created to compliment the kidney AYA transition model of care. The development of this transition pathway challenges and solutions are explored in this article. This is the first kidney AYA transition clinic in Africa. The scope of this service has expanded over the last two decades. With limited resources in LMICs, such as KRT, the structured transition of AYAs with kidney disease is not only possible but essential. It is imperative to preserve residual kidney function, maximize the kidney allograft lifespan and improve adherence, to enable young individuals an opportunity to lead productive lives.