Yes, a 14-year-old can get a kidney transplant.
Children and adolescents, including 14-year-olds, are eligible for kidney transplants if they meet the medical criteria established by transplant centers. The process involves evaluation, placement on a waiting list (if a deceased donor is needed), and the transplant surgery itself. Children under 18 often receive priority on deceased donor lists. A living donor can also provide a kidney.
The process generally involves:
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Evaluation: The 14-year-old will undergo extensive medical testing to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a kidney transplant. This includes assessing their overall health, the severity of their kidney disease, and any other medical conditions.
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Waiting List (if needed): If a deceased donor kidney is required, the 14-year-old will be placed on a national waiting list managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Children often have priority on this list.
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Living Donor Option: A living donor, such as a parent, sibling, or other compatible individual, can donate a kidney. The donor will also undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough to donate and understand the risks involved. The donor advocate team is crucial in ensuring the donor's best interests are protected.
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Surgery: The kidney transplant surgery involves replacing the diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from either a deceased or living donor.
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Post-Transplant Care: After the transplant, the 14-year-old will require lifelong immunosuppressant medications to prevent their body from rejecting the new kidney. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring are essential to ensure the kidney is functioning properly and to manage any potential complications.
