Incidence and risk factors for recurrent membranous nephropathy after kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Jiang Bai1, Zhifang Zheng2, Jiajing Cao1
1Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
Background:
The risk factors for membranous nephropathy (MN) following kidney transplantation remain unclear, mainly attributed to the constrained identification of predictive clinical presentation features. This study aims to conduct a systematic review to analyse the risk factors associated with recurrent MN.
Methods:
Starting from its establishment until March 2023, we conducted a screening of case-control studies focusing on recurrent MN in various databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, CBMdisc and Weipu. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022315448). A meta-analysis was carried out to examine the risk factors for recurrent MN, and statistical analysis was performed using Stata 12.0.
Results:
This meta-analysis included a total of eight case-control studies with 108 patients with recurrent MN and 298 without recurrence. The results showed the incidence of recurrent MN after kidney transplantation was 34%. A higher rate of recurrent MN detected through surveillance biopsies was observed compared to indication biopsies. Living donor [OR = 1.89, 95%CI (1.12, 3.19), and p = 0.017], anti-phospholipase A2 receptor autoantibody (anti-PLA2R) levels before transplantation [OR = 10.16, 95%CI (3.16, 32.62), and p < 0.001] and a shorter duration of dialysis [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -14.36 mo, 95%CI (-24.60, -4.13), and p = 0.006] were associated with a risk for recurrent MN; induction immunosuppression [OR = 0.24, 95%CI (0.10, 0.58), and p = 0.001] and tacrolimus use [OR = 0.23, 95%CI (0.09, 0.61), and p = 0.003] were protective factors for recurrent primary MN, whereas sex, age, time from MN to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), re-transplantation, and race (white) were not associated with recurrent MN.
Conclusion:
Recurrence of MN persists with a high rate. These factors should be carefully evaluated in clinical decision-making, encompassing living donor selection, pre-transplant anti-PLA2R levels, dialysis, choice of induction immunosuppression, and tacrolimus use.
Insights
Recurrent membranous nephropathy (MN) after kidney transplant is common. Living donors, high anti-PLA2R antibody levels, and shorter dialysis increase risk, while certain immunosuppressants offer protection.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Clinical Epidemiology
Background:
- Membranous nephropathy (MN) recurrence post-kidney transplant presents diagnostic challenges due to unclear risk factors.
- Identifying predictive clinical features is crucial for managing recurrent MN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze risk factors associated with recurrent MN after kidney transplantation.
- To provide evidence-based insights for clinical decision-making in transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies published up to March 2023.
- Searched multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, etc.) for relevant studies.
- Statistical analysis performed using Stata 12.0, protocol registered on PROSPERO.
Main Results:
- The incidence of recurrent MN was 34%, with higher detection rates via surveillance biopsies.
- Risk factors included living donors, pre-transplant anti-phospholipase A2 receptor autoantibody (anti-PLA2R) levels, and shorter dialysis duration.
- Induction immunosuppression and tacrolimus use were identified as protective factors.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent MN remains a significant concern post-transplantation.
- Clinical evaluation should prioritize living donor selection, pre-transplant anti-PLA2R levels, dialysis duration, and immunosuppressive strategies.
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