Mortality trends were analyzed in 441 children and adolescents with ch
ronic renal failure (CRF) observed over a 24-year period before and af
ter institution of renal replacement therapy (RRT). A total of 93 pati
ents died. Overall mortality rate (MR) per 100 patient years decreased
from 6.6 in 1969-1978 to 2.5 in 1979-1988 and increased slightly to 2
.9 in 1989-1992. The fall involved all four modes of treatment: conser
vative, hemodialysis (HD), continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD), and t
ransplantation (TX). From 1979-1988 to 1989-1992 MR on conservative an
d on dialysis treatment changed only slightly and was similar on HD an
d CPD. An alarming rise in MR was noted after TX in 1989-1992, mainly
due to malignant tumors. In 44 patients who died on conservative treat
ment, the reasons for non-acceptance for RRT were analyzed: in 22 mult
i-morbidity was the main reason, usually because of a congenital neuro
logical disorder. Some patients died from advanced uremia or unexpecte
d events after the decision to institute RRT. Our experience demonstra
tes a persistent mortality in pediatric patients with CRF, which in re
cent years is primarily ascribed to congenital multi-morbid conditions
which make RRT unfeasible, infections on dialysis treatment, and mali
gnancies after TX.