Graft intolerance syndrome in children with failed kidney allografts--clinical presentation, treatment options and outcome

The failing kidney allograft: A review and recommendations for the care and management of a complex group of patients

The return to dialysis after allograft failure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This transition is made more complex by the rising numbers of patients who seek repeat transplantation and therefore may have indications for remaining on low levels of immunosuppression, despite the potential increased morbidity. Management strategies vary across providers, driven by limited data on how to transition off immunosuppression as the allograft fails and a paucity of randomized controlled trials to support one approach over another. In this review, we summarize the current data available for management and care of the failing allograft. Additionally, we discuss a suggested plan for immunosuppression weaning based upon the availability of re-transplantation and residual allograft function. We propose a shared-care model in which there is improved coordination between transplant providers and general nephrologists so that immunosuppression management and preparation for renal replacement therapy and/or repeat transplantation can be conducted with the goal of improved outcomes and decreased morbidity in this vulnerable patient group.

Graft nephrectomy in children

Kidney transplantation is recognised as the gold standard treatment of end-stage renal disease in most children, with excellent graft survival rates. When graft failure occurs, renal transplant recipients (RTRs) have the option of removal of the transplant (graft nephrectomy [GN]), or leaving the failed transplant in situ. The aims of this review are to discuss the indications for GN, surgical techniques, outcomes after GN (including risks of allosensitisation and the impact on subsequent transplants), and the possible role of routine GN in the asymptomatic RTR with a failed renal allograft. Literature in both the pediatric and adult renal transplant fields is reviewed. We also discuss how future research in this area could advance our knowledge of which patients to select for GN, and the most appropriate surgical approach.

Non-invasive renal artery embolization for renal dysplasia accompanied by hypertension

Renovascular hypertension caused by renal dysplasia often is resistant to drug therapy. For a 14-year-old girl with such refractory hypertension, a non-invasive right renal ablation by embolization with anhydrous ethanol using a shepherd 's-crook' balloon catheter, was done. Blood pressure then rapidly normalized. Apart from mild fever after the procedure, no adverse effects occurred. In patients with mild renal artery stenosis and hypertension resistant to anti-hypertensive drug therapy, renal artery embolization may be a useful option.