Adding Life to Their Years: The Current State of Pediatric Palliative Care in CKD
Title
Adding Life to Their Years: The Current State of Pediatric Palliative Care in CKD
Creator
House TR; Wightman A
Identifier
Publisher
Kidney360
Date
2021
Subject
Adult; Child; chronic kidney disease; dialysis; end stage kidney disease; geriatric and palliative nephrology; Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing; Humans; kidney supportive care; Nephrology; Palliative Care/psychology; pediatric nephrology; pediatric palliative care; Quality of Life; Renal Insufficiency Chronic/therapy
Description
Despite continued advances in medical treatment, pediatric CKD remains an unremitting, burdensome condition characterized by decreased quality of life and earlier death. These burdens underscore the need for integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) into nephrology practice. PPC is an evolving field that strives to (1) relieve physical, psychologic, social, practical, and existential suffering; (2) improve quality of life; (3) facilitate decision making; and (4) assist with care coordination in children with life-threatening or life-shortening conditions. Integration of palliative care into routine care has already begun for adults with kidney disease and children with other chronic diseases; however, similar integration has not occurred in pediatric nephrology. This review serves to provide a comprehensive definition of PPC, highlight the unmet need in pediatric nephrology and current integration efforts, discuss the state of palliative care in adult nephrology and analogous chronic pediatric disease states, and introduce future opportunities for study.
Citation List Month
May 2022 List
URL Address
Collection
Citation
House TR; Wightman A, “Adding Life to Their Years: The Current State of Pediatric Palliative Care in CKD,” Pediatric Palliative Care Library, accessed April 25, 2025, https://pedpalascnetlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/18060.