Trends in the epidemiology of paediatric kidney transplantation in Europe between 2010 and 2021: an ESPN/ERA Registry study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the preferred treatment for paediatric patients with kidney failure, but information on trends in paediatric KT in Europe is lacking. We aimed to report on time trends in paediatric (0-17 years) KT rates and recipient characteristics in Europe between 2010 and 2021. Methods: Thirty-one countries contributing data from 2010 to 2021 on paediatric KT to the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology/European Renal Association Registry were included. We reported trends in KT rates [per million age-related population (pmarp)], overall and by patient subgroup for Europe, and at macro-economic and country-specific levels. We also reported clinical variables in the first year post-KT. The 2020-21 period was analysed separately to account for the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The paediatric KT rate was stable at ≈5 pmarp between 2010 and 2019, and about one-fourth were pre-emptive KTs. In 2020-21 the KT rate was 5.6 pmarp. In low-, middle- and high-gross domestic product (GDP) countries, KT rates (pmarp) were 2.1, 6.1 and 7.6, respectively, and increased in low-GDP countries by 4.1% per year from 2010 to 2019, mainly in the youngest recipients. The proportion of pre-emptive KT increased only in middle-GDP countries. Low-GDP countries showed a higher prevalence of short stature while high-GDP countries showed more overweight/obese, hypertensive and anaemic patients. Conclusions: The rate of paediatric KT in Europe has remained stable, with differences between GDP groups. Low-GDP countries had the lowest KT rates, but with an increasing trend over time. Opportunities to further increase access to paediatric KT should be explored.

Source: Clinical Kidney Journal

DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfag012

Institutions: Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Oslo University Hospital, Vilnius University, University of Belgrade, University Children's Hospital, Belgrade, Heidelberg University, University Hospital Heidelberg, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Mother Teresa Hospital, Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Semmelweis University, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Medical University of Sofia, Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Children's Diseases "Prof. Ivan Mitev" ЕАD-Sofia, Gdańsk Medical University, Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Charles University, University Hospital in Motol, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António EPE, Comenius University Bratislava, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Bursa Uludağ Üni̇versi̇tesi̇, Belarusian State Medical University, Gazi University, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, University of Iceland, National University Hospital of Iceland, University of Bristol

Language: English

Topic: Renal Transplantation Outcomes and Treatments

Subfield: Transplantation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,335

Funder: Emissions Reduction Alberta

OpenAlex ID: W7124552742