A recognized leader and pioneer in childhood transplantation, the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore was established in 1970, shortly after we performed one of the first pediatric transplants in the state of New York in 1969. Since then, our extraordinary team has actively contributed to research and innovation, employing all the latest advancements to provide the highest quality care and enable young patients with chronic and end-stage renal disease to live a better life — free from dialysis.
With more than 35 years of pediatric transplant experience and family-centered care, we treat patients ranging from newborns to 22 years old, referred by doctors from across the nation. Our team is dedicated to restoring each patient's overall well-being by providing a thorough education of medical options, the workings of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and proper health maintenance.
Additionally, the Ira Greifer Children's Kidney Center at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore houses the largest hemodialysis facility in New York City and the only one dedicated to pediatrics. Since inception of the hemodialysis facility in 1966, the unit has been a global resource for diagnosing and treating all types of kidney disorders. It offers all forms of dialysis for infants, children and adolescents, including home peritoneal dialysis. It was also the first facility in the world to provide a hemodialysis overnight camp experience through the Ruth Carol Gottscho dialysis unit of the Frost Valley YMCA.
Patients and families can take advantage of our special social programs, support groups, and our recently expanded after-hours services to accommodate family members' schedules. We care for patients from diagnosis to dialysis and transplantation, as well as post-transplantation. Continuity of care through the entire process is essential to a patient's success. In fact, many children who received transplants at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore are now healthy teenagers and productive adults.
Our team of transplant surgeons, pediatric urology surgeons, nephrologists, neurologists, nurse practitioners, transplant social workers and nutritionists works to offer the most comprehensive care to patients with congenital or acquired disorders that result in kidney failure.
The Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program focuses on three components: chronic kidney disease, end-stage disease requiring various forms of dialysis and transplantation. Our multidisciplinary team works with patients with chronic kidney disease to correct abnormalities, such as poor growth, to best enable them to reach their potential. Children with chronic disease progress at varying rates, so we are always preparing patients for the next stage to minimize any risk. For example, as a patient nearing renal replacement is activated on the list for a kidney transplant, we test regularly to make sure he or she is nutritionally and physically fit for the surgery.
Sometimes, children have neurological or urinary tract complications that may require corrective surgery prior to transplantation. We vigilantly monitor each of these patients to ensure the best possible outcome. This diligent and thorough approach translates directly into successful results.