Kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is a condition that affects both adults and children. However, it poses unique challenges in the pediatric population.

Kidney failure in children comes with a wide range of physical, emotional, and financial difficulties that affect the children and their families. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the challenges of kidney failure in children.

1. Limited Treatment Options

Kidney failure is a life-threatening condition, and without proper treatment, the prognosis is usually poor. In children, the treatment options are limited compared to those available for adults.

For instance, children may not be eligible for kidney transplant, which is the most effective treatment for ESRD. The reason is that they need to weigh at least 20 kgs to be considered for kidney transplant. Therefore, children with kidney failure often have to rely on dialysis or peritoneal dialysis to manage the condition.

2. Emotional Challenges

Kidney failure in children can be a traumatic experience, not only for the child but also for the parents and family members.

The child may feel like they are different from their peers, and this can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and depression. Additionally, the frequent hospital visits and treatment processes like dialysis can cause anxiety and stress for the child and family members.

3. Poor Quality of Life

Children with kidney failure often have a poor quality of life due to the limitations of daily activities. These limitations are as a result of the condition or the treatments such as dialysis.

For instance, they may not be able to participate in sports or other physical activities, which can affect their relationships with peers and siblings. Moreover, they may have to miss school due to dialysis treatments or symptoms of the disease such as fatigue, which can affect their academic performance.

4. Financial Burden

Kidney failure treatment is expensive, and the financial aspect of it can be a challenge to the families. The cost of dialysis, hospitalization, medication, and other associated costs can add up and cause a financial strain on the family.

Moreover, the caregivers may have to take time off work to care for the child, which can further affect the family’s financial stability.

5. Nutritional Challenges

Children with kidney failure need special diets to manage the condition and maintain their health effectively. The diet usually involves a low protein, low salt, low potassium, and low phosphorous diet.

However, following these special diets is challenging, especially for young children who may not understand why they cannot eat certain foods or why they have to limit their fluid intake. Additionally, the special diet can be more expensive, which can further strain the family’s finances.

6. Neurodevelopmental Concerns

Children with kidney failure have a higher risk of developmental delays compared to their peers due to several factors such as delayed diagnosis and the effects of the condition on the body.

Therefore, it is essential to monitor the child’s neurodevelopment closely, especially during the early years. Nevertheless, this can be a challenge for families who may not have access to specialized care or adequate resources for early intervention, which can affect the child’s long-term outcomes.

7. Co-existing Medical Conditions

Children with kidney failure often have other medical conditions that can affect the management of the disease and complicate the treatment process.

For instance, children may have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, which can further strain the kidneys and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, managing these co-existing conditions alongside the kidney failure requires a comprehensive plan that addresses all the underlying medical conditions.

8. Family Dynamics

Kidney failure in children can affect the family dynamics, especially when the caregiver is a parent or sibling. The caregiving role can be stressful, and this can affect the caregiver’s mental, physical, and emotional health.

Additionally, the emotional turmoil of seeing their child or sibling suffer can be overwhelming, affecting the family’s overall wellbeing.

Children with kidney failure may miss school due to hospital visits or symptoms of the disease. This can affect their academic performance and social interactions with peers.

Additionally, missing out on school and social activities can add to the child’s feelings of isolation and affect their emotional wellbeing.

10. Long-Term Outcomes

Kidney failure in children has long-term outcomes that affect the child’s quality of life, health, and mortality rates. Children with kidney failure have a higher risk of premature death and other complications such as cardiovascular disease.

Therefore, it is essential to provide specialized care for children with kidney failure to improve their long-term outcomes.