Characterization of adolescent kidney transplant recipients and in pre-transplantation protocol in Cali, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: The transference of the adolescent with a renal transplant from pediatric healthcare to adult healthcare has been related to an increased risk of graft rejection and graft loss. The evidence supports that an adequate transition program reduces the risk of graft rejection and improves clinical outcomes. Objective: Sociodemographic characterization of adolescents with a renal transplant or in pre-transplantation protocol previous to the implementation of a transition program (STARx). Material and Method: Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Patients aged 11 to 19 and registered in the service of pediatric nephrology were enrolled, obtaining 31 participants with a renal transplant and 4 participants in a pre-transplantation protocol. A pilot test of the sociodemographic survey was applied to a different group with a similar health condition. The survey was designed specifically for the study. Then, consent form was acquired and the survey was adjusted and applied to the target population. Results: 54% were male, the average age was 14.3 ±2.3 years, 23%were Afro-descendants, 65% came from the department of Valle del Cauca and 35% from other departments in the southwest of Colombia. The socioeconomic level was low in 65%. Regarding to schooling, 44% attended primary, 47% secondary and 9% attended higher education. The mother was the main caregiver in 85% and 63% of the caregivers attended some grade of secondary education. The underlying kidney disease was congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in 57% and 89% rated their health as good. Conclusions: This study generated an appropriation of knowledge and compliance with treatment in adolescents, leading to the second phase of evaluation of the program in an oncoming study.