Bridging the Gap Between CKD Management Paradigms in Transplant and Nontransplant Settings: Published Evidence,

Inès Dufour1,2, Elliott Van Regemorter1,2, Nada Kanaan1,2

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.

Transplantation
|August 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Kidney transplantation (KT) offers better survival than dialysis, but reduced kidney function post-KT is common. This review examines managing CKD complications in transplant patients and highlights research gaps for new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Transplantation Immunology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Kidney transplantation (KT) is the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease, improving survival and quality of life over dialysis.
  • Post-KT patients often experience reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), leading to prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD) complications.
  • The mechanisms and management of CKD complications in KT recipients differ from non-transplant CKD populations, with limited evidence-based guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the challenges in managing reduced eGFR in kidney transplant recipients.
  • To synthesize current evidence on managing CKD complications in the post-KT setting.
  • To identify critical knowledge gaps regarding the application of novel CKD therapies in KT patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on kidney transplantation and chronic kidney disease management.
  • Analysis of evidence concerning the prevalence and mechanisms of CKD complications after KT.
  • Evaluation of emerging therapies for CKD and their potential impact on KT outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Reduced eGFR is a frequent complication after KT, contributing to significant morbidity.
  • CKD complications in KT patients have unique pathophysiological aspects compared to non-transplant CKD.
  • Evidence for using new CKD therapies in the post-KT population is largely lacking.

Conclusions:

  • Managing reduced eGFR and associated CKD complications in KT recipients presents unique challenges.
  • Further research is crucial to investigate the efficacy and safety of novel CKD therapies in the post-KT setting.
  • Addressing knowledge gaps will optimize long-term outcomes for kidney transplant patients.