Statistical analysis of statural growth following kidney transplantation

Factors affecting the growth rates of 59 children and adolescents for the first 2 years following kidney transplantation were evaluated. The factors assessed were age at transplantation, renal function, prednisone dosage, donor source, and prior history of transplantation. The observed growth velocity was expressed as the percentage, of the growth velocity predicted by bone age. Normal growth (greater than or equal to 80%) was exhibited by 37% of the patients and 22% had accelerated growth (greater than or equal to 100%). The chronologic age at transplantation did not correlate significantly with growth when bone age was used as the reference for expected velocity. Males grew better than did females. There was a unique sex/race interaction with black males growing most rapidly. Better renal function, the ability to lower prednisone dosage, alternate day prednisone administration, and a decreasing diastolic blood pressure were positively correlated with better growth rates after transplantation. The donor source and prior history of transplantation did not significantly influence growth rate.