| [ Summary ] |
The number of PD children consists of approximately 180 patients in Japan. Approximately 50 children have recently begun treatment. The number of pediatric PD patients is expected to decrease because of the implementation of pre-emptive renal transplantation, as well as reduced Japanese birth rates. The shift to providing kidney transplants for patients with little coexisting illness is a positive advancement in treatment. The introduction of PD for patients who have coexisting illnesses, other than kidney disease, is becoming more. These commonplace patients experience problems with growth failure, require prolonged PD and have difficulties transferring to adult care centers. |