Nephrology and Hypertension

Patient and Family Resources

Resources for Patients and Families

The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Cincinnati Children's provides patients and families with a variety of information, including answers to frequently asked questions, a glossary of common kidney-related terminology and patient stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Cincinnati Children's provides answers to frequently asked questions.

How long do patients need to remain in Cincinnati after they are discharged post-transplant?

Patients are followed on an outpatient basis at least two times per week after they are discharged from the hospital. The length of time they are required to remain near Cincinnati Children's will depend on their medical and transplant status, as well as who will be following them once they return home. For out-of-town recipients, post-transplant follow-up details will be coordinated with the family and referring physician prior to the transplant.

Up to what age can my child be treated by Cincinnati Children's?

At Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, patients are treated up to age 21. Patients who have received a kidney transplant and are enrolled in college may continue to be treated until they graduate from college.

How do I get a kidney transplant?

Transplant kidneys can come from either a living donor or a cadaver donor. A living donor must be at least 18 years old and is usually a relative of the patient. If no living donor is available, the patient can also be placed on the waiting list for a cadaveric kidney. This happens when someone has died whose family has agreed to donate their organs for transplantation.