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Serial estimation of glomerular filtration rate in children after renal transplant

J M Sorof1, S L Goldstein, E D Brewer

  • 1Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. jsorof@texaschildrenshospital.org

Insights

Serial monthly estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) effectively tracks pediatric renal allograft outcomes. This method identifies risk factors like acute rejection and donor type impacting graft function over time.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Transplantation Immunology
  • Renal Physiology

Background:

  • Assessing pediatric renal allograft outcomes is crucial for long-term patient health.
  • Serial monitoring of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a potential tool for evaluating graft function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the validity of serial monthly eGFR measurements in pediatric renal transplant recipients.
  • To investigate the impact of risk factors for renal allograft failure on eGFR trends.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of a single-center cohort of pediatric renal transplant recipients.
  • Monthly collection of clinical data including height, weight, serum creatinine, rejection episodes, and cyclosporine levels.
  • Calculation of eGFR using the Schwartz formula, with data analyzed across 6-month intervals up to 5 years post-transplant.

Main Results:

  • Overall mean eGFR declined from 75 ml/min/1.73 m² at 6 months-1 year to 46 ml/min/1.73 m² at 4.5-5 years.
  • Lower eGFR was observed in recipients of cadaveric versus living-related donor grafts and in those with acute rejection episodes (P<0.01).
  • Post-transplant, Black recipients showed lower eGFR than White or Hispanic recipients (P<0.01); higher cyclosporine doses impacted early and late graft function differently.

Conclusions:

  • Serial monthly eGFR assessment is a valid outcome variable for studying chronic renal allograft dysfunction in children.
  • Identified risk factors (donor type, acute rejection, race) significantly influence eGFR trajectories.
  • Findings align with multi-center studies using graft failure as the primary outcome.

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