Obesity and pediatric renal transplant: An unholy alliance

Abstract

The number of children requiring renal transplants is on the rise, increasing the need for the availability of donor kidneys. It is a challenge to match the need and the available pool. Hence, a renal transplant recipient undergoes rigorous scrutiny to ensure the best possible outcome. In this context, children with obesity harm the long-term outcome when they receive renal transplantation due to higher and more severe postoperative complications. In addition, reports indicate that renal graft survival appears to be compromised in recipient children who are obese. An in-depth review of the available evidence from the literature is required for better understanding.

Keywords: Obesity; Renal transplantation; Chronic kidney disease; Graft survival; Child; Body mass index

Core Tip: Currently, there is an increase in the number of renal transplants in children globally. Due to the increasing need for renal grafts, there is a mismatch between the donor and recipient. To add to this problem, there is the problem of increased morbidity of renal transplantation in obese children, which is reviewed critically in this editorial.