The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has launched a manual on pediatric kidney transplantation to standardize the care and management of young patients.

In a news release Friday, the NKTI Division of Pediatric Nephrology said the manual’s key features include comprehensive guidelines on pre-transplant and post-transplant care and immunosuppression protocols tailored for children.

It also outlines the management of complications and special considerations for vaccinations and care for highly-sensitized patients.

The NKTI disease registry has reported a steady rise in the cases of pediatric chronic kidney disease in the past two decades.

“Kidney transplantation remains the gold standard for long-term outcomes in children despite advancements in dialysis technology which have improved their care,” the NKTI said.

It added that their legacy with 175 pediatric kidney transplants for over 30 years is incorporated in the manual.

Earlier, the Department of Health recommended the update of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) benefit package for kidney transplant patients.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa noted that kidney transplant remains the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease.

PhilHealth’s Z benefit package rate for kidney transplant is PHP600,000 since 2012. (PNA)