Recurrent disease in renal transplants

Histology compatible with minimal change glomerulonephritis and associated with nephrotic syndrome has been reported as an occasional curiosity post-renal transplantation. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has a recurrence rate of approximately 20%. Age <15 years, an aggressive clinical course of the original disease and diffuse mesangial proliferation on native biopsy, are considered predictive of relapse. At present there are no tests that can accurately predict the likelihood of recurrence. Data from paediatric patients whose primary disease was FSGS were, on average, 90% more likely to lose a graft from a live donor and 50% more likely to lose a graft from a cadaveric donor compared with recipients with structural disorders. Recurrence in a subsequent graft is expected if the first graft was affected, but not if the first graft did not demonstrate recurrence. The best-established and most effective treatment of recurrent disease requires both plasma exchange and cyclophosphamide. Familial focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, although rare, is important to recognize, as it is a different syndrome to idiopathic FSGS of childhood and overall transplant survival is good. Adults with 'secondary' FSGS would not be expected to be at risk of recurrent disease in a renal transplant.