Abstract: SA-PO0708
Dropout After Successful Transition to Adult Nephrology
Session Information
- Pediatric Nephrology: Transplantation, Hypertension, AKI, Genetics, and Developmental Diseases
November 08, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Pediatric Nephrology
- 1900 Pediatric Nephrology
Authors
- Nishi, Laura, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Ghossein, Cybele, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a lifelong disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Young adults (YA) with CKD are at risk for interrupted medical care when transitioning from pediatric to adult nephrology care. Transition clinics help with the transfer of care and improve outcomes, including slowing the decline in kidney function and improving stability of kidney allograft function. Northwestern Medicine and Lurie Children’s Hospital established a nephrology transition of care program in 2014, with 93% of YA successfully attending the first visit to the adult care site. Effective transition, however, encompasses not only the transfer itself, but the integration into adult care. Here we explore whether YA integrated into adult care and examine factors potentially affecting loss of follow up.
Methods
YA who successfully transitioned (ST) between 2014-2022 were included in the analysis. We examined dropout rate, demographics and clinical characteristics, and prompt communication (call/message if missed first adult care visit).
Results
141 patients ST. 127 patients required follow up in nephrology, with 83% attending at least three visits. 17% of patients were lost to follow up before three visits. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics, diagnosis, or renal function between the two groups, as seen in Table 1. Finally, 6% of YA who were transitioned to 3 visits were then lost to follow up.
Conclusion
YA with CKD are a high risk population and are commonly lost to follow after the first visit to adult nephrology. There are no predictive factors to determine those at highest risk, and therefore, all YA require close monitoring to ensure adult care follow up.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support