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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
Interstitial fibrosis evolution on early sequential screening renal allograft biopsies using quantitative image
A Servais1, V Meas-Yedid, L H Noël
1Department of Nephrology, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France. aude.servais@nck.aphp.fr
Summary
Interstitial fibrosis (IF) is present before kidney transplant and progresses significantly in the first three months. Early intervention post-transplant is crucial for managing IF and preserving kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Medical Imaging Analysis
Background:
- Screening renal biopsies (RB) are utilized to detect early interstitial fibrosis (IF) post-kidney transplantation.
- Quantifying IF progression is essential for understanding long-term graft outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess interstitial fibrosis (IF) using automated color image analysis on sequential renal biopsies (RB).
- To evaluate the correlation between IF progression and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and identify associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of sequential RB from 140 renal transplant recipients at Day 0, Month 3, and Month 12.
- Automated color segmentation imaging was employed to quantify IF.
- Statistical analysis correlated IF scores and evolution with eGFR and clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Mean IF scores increased from 19% at baseline to 32% at 12 months post-transplant, with accelerated progression in the first 3 months.
- IF at Month 3 and Month 12 correlated with eGFR at various time points.
- IF evolution between baseline and Month 3 was linked to long-term eGFR and associated with male donor gender, acute rejection, and diabetes mellitus.
Conclusions:
- Significant interstitial fibrosis is present even before kidney transplantation.
- The initial 3 months post-transplant show the most critical period for IF progression, impacting future kidney function.
- Early therapeutic interventions targeting IF within the first 3 months are recommended to improve graft survival.
