Young people with chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome or a kidney transplant move to adult services at the age when adherence is most fragile and graft loss and missed follow-up rise. Transition works best as a planned process over several years rather than a single handover letter.
A joint clinic, a named adult clinician, and a summary covering diagnosis, genetic results, past treatment toxicity and current plan reduce the chance that something important is lost.
- Start transition planning in early adolescence, not at the final paediatric appointment.
- Hold at least one joint paediatric–adult clinic before handover where possible.
- Send a written summary of diagnosis, genetic findings, treatment history and complications.
- Check adherence and mental health closely in the first year in adult care.
- Make sure the young person knows how to reach the adult team between visits.
Why it matters
Many of the long-term problems of childhood kidney disease surface after the move to adult care.
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