Standardized multilevel transition program: Does it affect renal transplant outcome?

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Pediatric Healthcare Transition

Background:

• Transferring renal transplant recipients from pediatric to adult care poses a high risk of graft loss.
• A well-planned, multidisciplinary transition process is essential for individual patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a structured transition program on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and acute rejection (AR) episodes.
• To compare outcomes in renal transplant patients with and without a transition program at one and three years post-transfer.

Main Methods:

• Single-center retrospective cohort study.
• Comparison of patients before and after the implementation of a standardized, multidisciplinary transition program.
• Multiple regression analysis to assess changes in eGFR and AR rates.

Main Results:

• Patients in the transition program group showed a significantly lower decline in eGFR at three years post-transfer (-11.3 ± 44 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) compared to the non-transition group (-28.4 ± 33 mL/min/1.73 m(2)).
• The incidence of acute rejection episodes decreased significantly from 34.6% in the group without a transition program to 9.1% in the group with the program.

Conclusions:

• A standardized, multilevel transition program positively impacts renal transplant recipients.
• The program demonstrates significant benefits in maintaining eGFR and reducing acute rejection episodes, crucial for long-term graft survival.