Benign intracranial hypertension in children following renal transplantation

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Peter J Francis1, Sarah Haywood, Susan Rigden

  • 1Eye Department, Guy's Hospital, St Thomas' Street, London, UK, peterjamesfrancis@ukonline.co.uk

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|October 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is a rare condition in children. This study found a 4.4% prevalence of BIH in pediatric renal transplant recipients, highlighting medication and weight gain as risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is characterized by headache, papilledema, and elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
  • BIH is uncommon in childhood but has been linked to chronic kidney disease.
  • Pediatric renal transplant recipients may be at increased risk for BIH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of BIH in pediatric renal transplant recipients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with BIH development post-transplantation.
  • To raise awareness among pediatric nephrologists regarding BIH in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of case notes.
  • Involved pediatric patients undergoing renal transplantation over an 11-year period.
  • Identified children who developed BIH post-transplantation.

Main Results:

  • Nine children developed BIH after renal transplantation, a prevalence of 4.4%.
  • Identified risk factors included specific medications (nitrofurantoin, minocycline) and significant weight gain.
  • BIH appears to be a more common complication than previously recognized.

Conclusions:

  • BIH is a notable complication in pediatric renal transplant recipients.
  • Prompt diagnosis through fundus examination for papilledema in patients with headaches is crucial.
  • Delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible visual impairment.

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