ERKNet Reference Center

Institution

Ghent, UZ Ghent

Center

The Pediatric Nephrology Unit

Description

The pediatric nephrology university of Gent University Hospital offers a wide array of patient tailored therapies. We offer an holistic CARE to renal patients, including social worker, psychologist, dietician, transition coordinator, nurse specialists, a dedicated nursing and physician team. The unit covers pediatric nephrology and rheumatology diseases. Structured collaboration with other disciplines includes multidisciplinary consultations for CAKUT and lithiasis patients with the pediatric urologist. We have also a multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis team. A duplo consultation of a nephrologist and geneticist allows to provide extensive diagnostic and prognostic work-up, whilst ensuring swift and clear communication with patient and his next.
We have a broad portfolio of renal replacement therapies, ranging from newborn to adolescent, including regular in centre hemodialysis, self care facilities and nocturnal dialysis , but also homebased therapies (hemodialysis, portable dialysis, peritoneal dialysis) and a pediatric renal transplant program. Special interest in acute dialysis and apheresis-techniques. Because of this broad portfolio and the expertise within the team, we can truly tailor the therapy to the life of the patient, irrespective of age and underlying condition.
A structured transition program has been established to help young adults and adolescents gradually make the transition towards adulthood, not only for the renal pathology, but also for also for comorbidities (urology, metabolic diseases).
Special interest in pediatric drug research and partner within C4C project
Primary objective is always to optimize maximally quality of life and life participation, despite underlying conditions. For these programs, we have established evidence based protocols and quality improvement programs, to maximally support shared decision making.

Team

Senior clinician experts
no image	Ann Raes (HCP Lead) [e-mail]
	Joke Dehoorne [e-mail]
no image	Agnieszka Prytula [e-mail]
no image	Evelien Snauwaert [e-mail]
	Johan Vande Walle [e-mail]
Junior clinician experts
	Lien Dossche [e-mail]
no image	Thomas Renson [e-mail]
	Lieselot Peremans [e-mail]
Nephropathologists
no image	Amélie Dendooven [e-mail]