Outcome of patients with tuberous sclerosis after renal transplantation

The fate of tuberous sclerosis (TS) patients after renal transplantation (RT) for end-stage renal failure remains to be defined. We report three patients with a posttransplantation follow-up averaging 54 months and review 6 previously published cases. Three women, aged 27-46 years, received a cadaver kidney 26-67 months after starting dialysis. None had mental retardation, 2 had suffered from seizures during infancy and 2 had intracranial calcification; neurological involvement was equally mild in the 6 reported patients. Currently, 16-84 months after RT, our 3 patients are fully rehabilitated with a well-functioning graft (serum creatinine 1.2-1.7 mg/dl). Results of RT are also satisfactory in the 4 other reported cases for whom a follow-up is available, except for 1 death unrelated to the initial disease. Neurologic disorders did not progress. Renal cell carcinoma was discovered in one removed kidney, and cells suggestive of malignant transformation in another case. No metastases were discovered up to 4 years later. No neoplastic transformation was observed up to 7 years after RT in the 3 patients who retained their native kidneys. TS patients with end-stage renal failure are good candidates for RT. The probably small risk of neoplastic transformation of native kidneys warrants a close monitoring by CT scan of the few patients who have not undergone bilateral nephrectomy.