Transplant glomerulopathy: clinical course and factors relating to graft survival

Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is usually associated with a poor prognosis for kidney graft survival.

We analyzed 30 cases of TG diagnosed by kidney biopsy among a retrospective review of 579 biopsies performed between January 2006 and October 2011.

At the time of biopsy, the mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated by the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease was 31 ± 10 mL/min and the proteinuria, 1.9 ± 2 gr/24 hours. Anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies were present in 40% of patients. The histological findings showed severe duplication of the glomerular basement membrane in 80% of patients; and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) and moderate to severe arteriolar hyalinosis in 53% and 56% respectively. Fourteen patients lost their grafts. Graft survival was significantly associated with IFTA (P = .03) and renal function at the time of diagnosis (P = .03).

TG was associated with a worse prognosis for the graft among kidney transplant patients. It is often associated with the presence of anti-HLA antibodies. Renal function at the time of diagnosis and IFTA were predictive factors for graft survival in these patients.