VIDEO: Equipment and drug access, workforce issues are concerns in pediatric nephrology
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Key takeaways:
- Equipment designed for pediatric patients with kidney disease is now available, and clinical trials are collecting pediatric data.
- Pediatric nephrology is one of the lowest-filled pediatric specialties.
SAN DIEGO — In this video exclusive from ASN Kidney Week, Darcy K. Weidemann, MD, MHS, FAAP, a pediatric nephrologist at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City, Missouri, discusses her top concerns in the specialty: access and workforce.
“One of the most exciting developments is in the world of neonatal dialysis,” Weidemann said.
Certain conditions that once were lethal are now treatable with equipment and dialysis machines designed for the smallest patients, she said.
“It’s remarkable that we can offer options to those families, but it’s not easy,” Weidemann said.
New kidney treatment options have emerged in the past few years, but many drugs are available only for adults. Recent clinical trials are collecting pediatric data, Weidemann said.
“I’m really excited that our patients get access to these trials much earlier so that hopefully we don’t have to wait a decade behind the adults to get access to these medications for our kids,” she said.
Workforce issues continue to affect pediatric nephrology, which is among the lowest filled of pediatric specialties.
“Who is going to take care of these patients?” Weidemann said.
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