[Economic and social aspects of pediatric dialysis in Italy]. / Aspetti economici e sociali della dialisi pediatrica in Italia.

ABSTRACT

Rarely in italian medical journals have been discussed the social and economic problems related to dialysis much less the ones related pediatric dialysis. On the contrary, we believe that these problems hold a great importance due to their obvious consequences on the family structure, society and most of all on the psychophysical development of the affected child. Present structures of pediatric centers in Italy have been studied along with the available facilities, their spreading over the national territory and consequent transport problems. We also provided data regarding social and scholastic rehabilitation of the little patients as well as the effects of followed treatments on the family economy. Through these we can say that at the moment in Italy the 50% only of the children are treated in pediatric centers, which are still unequally distributed with a major concentration in the North, followed by the South and the Center Italy as last. However, it is important to notice that in every Center the child is seen as an individual and many efforts are done to reach his complete welfare. This purpose justify the presence, besides the specialized medical and nursing staff, of many dietitian, psychologist, teachers, play teachers, social workers. Results of a good recovery are evident in the sphere of the little patients, at school as at home, even if it is still difficult to evaluate a following complete integration in the work world. Still far away from solution is transplant problem in Italy centers are insufficient and not perfectly working; patients suffer long waiting-lists; which causes to find the solution of their problem abroad.