Pediatric Kidney Allocation System
Also written as: PKAS — Pediatric Kidney Allocation System
A scoring system used to prioritize pediatric patients for kidney transplantation based on medical urgency and expected benefit.
Full Definition
The Pediatric Kidney Allocation System (PKAS) is a point-based allocation system implemented by UNOS to prioritize kidney transplant candidates under 18 years of age. The system awards points based on factors including dialysis time, donor-recipient compatibility, geographic proximity, and medical urgency. Children receive additional priority points to account for the developmental benefits of transplantation at a younger age. The system aims to balance equity and utility by considering both waiting time and potential transplant benefit, with special considerations for highly sensitized patients and those with rare blood types.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from the general Kidney Allocation System (KAS) used for adult patients.
In Context
- "Under the Pediatric Kidney Allocation System, the patient received additional points for prolonged dialysis time." — Transplant committee meeting minutes
- "The PKAS score calculation indicated the child was a high-priority candidate for kidney transplantation." — Transplant coordinator note