Attitudes of pediatric urologists regarding sports participation by children with a solitary kidney

Purpose: Little data are available regarding sports participation and appropriate long-term followup of children with a solitary kidney. We determine the current practice patterns and recommendations among pediatric urologists regarding sports participation and followup of these patients. Materials and Methods: A survey was mailed to the 231 active members of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Urology. The survey included questions regarding counseling of patients with a solitary kidney and physician estimates of long-term risk to overall renal function. Results: Of the 231 surveys 182 were returned for an overall response rate of 79%. Of the respondents 68% recommend that patients with a solitary kidney avoid contact sports. Recommendations in regard to participation in contact sports were further stratified as strongly against participation (27%), against participation with rare exceptions (30%), no recommendation either way (14%), allow participation (25%) and no restrictions be made (4%). Of the respondents 88% agreed that the estimated risk of renal loss from a child participating regularly in contact sports is less than 1% and 60% recommended special medical followup. Conclusions: Despite the consensus that the risk of renal injury in contact sports is low, a significant number of pediatric urologists advise avoidance. There appears to be a lack of consensus regarding long-term medical surveillance of these patients. Studies designed to obtain accurate clinical data regarding these issues are warranted to establish evidence based guidelines for the long-term treatment of children with a solitary kidney.