SYNOPSIS

The kidney transplantation program at RCH has a rich history and has contributed in significant ways to improving outcomes for children with kidney failure for over 50 years. Major changes have taken place in the last two years leading to a new collaboration with the Austin Hospital, a record-breaking year for transplants in 2014 and a world-first innovation to prevent sensitisation in paediatric transplant recipients. This Grand Rounds presentation will provide an historical perspective on the RCH kidney transplant program, highlighting its evolution and contemporary achievements and provide an insight into the novel application of epitope-based donor-recipient matching.

SPEAKER

Dr. Joshua Kausman is a consultant nephrologist at RCH and clinical lead in kidney transplantation. He has strong interests in immune-mediated kidney diseases, in which he undertook his basic science research. Now an active clinician in these areas, he is also involved in policy development and research through his role on national specialist advisory and research committees relevant to glomerulonephritis, haemolytic uraemic syndrome/ TTP, transplantation and lupus/ vasculitis. He has a particular research interest in developing improved allocation strategies to benefit paediatric kidney transplant recipients.