Pediatric kidney transplantation is different from adult kidney transplantation

Pediatric Transplant Interventions

The field of pediatric organ transplantation has grown significantly in recent decades, with interventional radiology (IR) playing an essential role in managing pre and post-transplant complications. Pediatric transplant patients face unique challenges compared to adults, including donor-recipient size mismatch, and complications of a growing child with changing physiology. Interventional radiologists play a major role in pediatric renal and liver transplant. IR interventions begin early in the child's pretransplant journey, with diagnostic procedures such as biopsies, angiograms, and cholangiograms. These procedures are essential for understanding the etiology of organ failure and identifying potential transplant candidates. Minimally invasive therapeutic procedures may serve as bridges to transplant and may include vascular access optimization for hemodialysis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) creation, and tumor embolization or ablation. After transplant, image-guided biopsies for the surveillance of graft rejection and treatment of vascular or luminal stenoses, pseudoaneurysms, and anastomotic leaks can maintain the function and longevity of the transplant organ. Careful consideration must be given to patient size and evolving anatomy, radiation exposure, and the need for deeper sedation for pediatric patients. Despite these challenges, the integration of IR in pediatric transplant care has proven beneficial, offering minimally invasive alternatives to surgery, faster recovery times, and improved outcomes.

Metabolic acidosis in pediatric kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Metabolic acidosis is a risk factor for faster kidney function decline in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in adult kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We hypothesized that metabolic acidosis would be highly prevalent and associated with worse allograft function in pediatric KTRs.

METHODS

Pediatric KTRs at Montefiore Medical Center from 2010 to 2018 were included. Metabolic acidosis was defined as serum bicarbonate < 22 mEq/L or receiving alkali therapy. Regression models were adjusted for demographic factors and donor/recipient characteristics.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were identified with a median age at transplant of 10.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 4.4-15.2) years and post-transplant follow-up of 3 (IQR 1-5) years. Baseline serum bicarbonate was 21.7 ± 2.4 mEq/L, serum bicarbonate < 22 mEq/L was present in 28 (44%), and 44% of all patients were receiving alkali therapy. The prevalence of acidosis ranged from 58 to 70% during the first year of follow-up. At baseline, each 1-year higher age at transplant and every 10 ml/min/1.73 m2 higher eGFR were associated with 0.16 mEq/L (95% CI: 0.03-0.3) and 0.24 mEq/L (95% CI: 0.01-0.5) higher serum bicarbonate, respectively. Older age at transplant was associated with lower odds of acidosis (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97). During follow-up, metabolic acidosis was independently associated with 8.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 4.4-12) lower eGFR compared to not having acidosis; furthermore, eGFR was significantly lower among KTRs with unresolved acidosis compared with resolved acidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Among pediatric KTRs, metabolic acidosis was highly prevalent in the first year post-transplantation and was associated with lower eGFR during follow-up. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Effect of donor-recipient size mismatch on long-term graft survival in pediatric kidney transplantation: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Donor-recipient size mismatching is commonly occurs in pediatric kidney transplantation (KT). However, its effect on graft survival remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of donor-recipient size mismatch on the long-term survival rate of transplant kidneys in pediatric KT.

METHODS

A total of 241 pediatric patients who received KT were enrolled. The medical records of all patients were retrospectively reviewed, and the correlation between donor-recipient size mismatch and graft function and long-term graft outcome was analyzed according to donor-recipient size mismatch.

RESULTS

Recipients and donors' mean body weight at the time of KT were 34.31 ± 16.85 and 56.53 ± 16.73 kg, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 96.49 ± 52.98 months. A significant positive correlation was observed between donor-recipient body weight ratio (DRBWR) or donor-recipient body surface area ratio (DRBSR) and graft function until 1 year after KT. However, this correlation could not be confirmed at the last follow-up. The results of long-term survival analysis using Fine and Gray's subdistribution hazard model showed no significant difference of the survival rate of the transplant kidney according to DRBWR or DRBSR.

CONCLUSION

Donor-recipient size mismatch in pediatric KT is not an important factor in determining the long-term prognosis of transplant kidneys.

Disseminated vaccine-induced varicella infection in a kidney transplant recipient

A 33-year-old kidney transplant (KT) recipient presented with a disseminated pruritic, painful, vesicular rash and hepatitis 3 weeks after receiving a varicella vaccine (VAR). A skin lesion biopsy sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for genotyping confirmed vaccine-strain varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (Oka strain; vOka). The patient was successfully treated with intravenous acyclovir during a prolonged hospital stay. This case supports the contraindication of VAR in adult KT recipients and highlights the potential for severe illness when used in this population. Optimally, VZV-seronegative KT candidates should receive VAR before starting immunosuppressive medications. If this opportunity is missed, the recombinant varicella-zoster vaccine might be considered following transplantation as it is already recommended to prevent herpes zoster in VZV-seropositive immunocompromised adults. Further study is needed as data are limited on the safety and efficacy of recombinant varicella-zoster vaccine for primary varicella prevention in VZV-seronegative immunocompromised adults.

Children Are Not Small Adults: Similarities and Differences in Renal Transplantation Between Adults and Pediatrics

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for all patients with end-stage kidney disease, including pediatric patients. Graft survival in pediatrics was lagging behind adults, but now is comparable with the adult cohort. Although many of the protocols have been adopted from adults, there are issues unique to pediatrics that one should be aware of to take care of this population. These issues include recipient size consideration, increased incidence of viral infections, problems related to growth, common occurrence of underlying urological issues, and psychosocial issues. This article addresses the similarities and differences in renal transplantation, from preparing a patient for transplant, the transplant process, to post-transplant complications.

Evaluation of pediatric renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit: A retrospective cohort study

Background/Aim: The best course of treatment for children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is renal transplantation (RT), but some pediatric RT recipients are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) post-transplant. In the early and late post-operative phases, clinical data about pediatric RT recipients who are admitted to ICU are available. In this study, we aimed to evaluate demographic features, main reasons, and outcomes of pediatric RT patients admitted to the ICU during the early and late post-operative phases. Methods: This study was a cohort study. We analyzed the medical records of pediatric RT recipients (<18 years of age) who were admitted to the ICU between May 30, 2011, and October 16, 2021, at our center, retrospectively. Patients ≥18 years of age and those without available data were excluded. We obtained the following data from ICU follow-up records and hospital medical records. The median (minimum-maximum) for continuous variables, frequencies, and percentages for categorical variables were used. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. We created graphs using percentages and frequencies to summarize the results. Results: Nineteen (16.5%) of the 115 pediatric patients who underwent RT were admitted to the ICU during the study period. Thirteen patients (68.4%) were male, and the mean age was 10.2 (4.9) years. Hypertension (21.2%) was the most common comorbidity. Eighteen (94.7%) received transplants from living donors. Cystic-hereditary-congenital disorders (42.1%, n=8) and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (26.3%, n=5) were among the etiologies of ESKD. Ten patients (52.6%) were admitted to the ICU >6 months after transplantation. Epileptic seizure (n=6, 31.6%), respiratory failure (n=4, 21.1%), and cardiac diseases (n=2, 10.5%) were among the main reasons for ICU admission. During ICU follow-up, invasive mechanical ventilation was needed for five patients (26.3%), and renal replacement treatment was needed for four patients (21.1%). The mean length of ICU was 12.4 (28.5), and the mean hospital stay was 25.8 (29.4) days. The ICU and hospital survival rates were 78.9% and 97%, respectively, while 3.5% was the hospital mortality rate. Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, acute hepatic failure, and cardiogenic shock secondary to pericardiocentesis were the causes of death in the ICU. Conclusion: Patients mostly had ICU admissions because of epileptic seizures and acute respiratory failure. A multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric nephrologists, transplant surgeons, and an intensive care team successfully manages pediatric RT recipients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Self-management in adults after solid-organ transplantation: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

After solid-organ transplantation (SOTx), recipients must adhere to a lifelong medical regimen, change their lifestyle and cope with physiological and psychosocial challenges. This requires active participation in their care and self-management abilities. The concept of self-management after SOTx has only been described regarding specific organs and focused on adherence to medical treatment. A comprehensive conceptualisation of self-management entailing all solid organs and beyond medical aspects does not exist. This might lead to unmet self-management support needs of SOTx recipients and hinder a more holistic and integrative approach in self-management support. Therefore, a better understanding of the concept of self-management after SOTx is needed to facilitate a comprehensive evidence base for healthcare providers and researchers. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore existing evidence on self-management in adults after SOTx.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

To identify relevant evidence, six electronic databases and three study registers will be searched, supplemented by handsearches, reference checking and expert recommendations. Screening and selection of available evidence will be carried out in a two-step process by two independent reviewers. International evidence published in English or German reporting on adults after heart, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney or small bowel transplantation will be considered. To meet inclusion criteria, articles have to focus on either: self-management, self-management support or recipients' or healthcare providers' perspectives of challenges and needs potentially addressable by self-management. Data extraction will be performed by two reviewers independently using a structured form. Data will be analysed descriptively and using content analysis procedures. Findings will be summarised narratively and presented in tabular format.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The consultation and approval of an ethics committee is not required for this scoping review. Findings of the scoping review will be published in a peer-reviewed open-access journal and presented at conferences.

Good outcomes after pediatric intraperitoneal kidney transplant

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplantation in small children is technically challenging. Consideration of whether to use intraperitoneal versus extraperitoneal placement of the graft depends on patient size, clinical history, anatomy, and surgical preference. We report a large single-center experience of intraperitoneal kidney transplantation and their outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent kidney transplantation from April 2011 to March 2018 at a single large volume center. We identified those with intraperitoneal placement and assessed their outcomes, including graft and patient survival, rejection episodes, and surgical or non-surgical complications.

RESULTS

Forty-six of 168 pediatric kidney transplants (27%) were placed intraperitoneally in children mean age 5.5 ± 2.3 years (range 1.6-10 years) with median body weight 18.2 ± 5 kg (range 11.4-28.6 kg) during the study period. Two patients (4%) had vascular complications; 10 (22%) had urologic complications requiring intervention; all retained graft function. Thirteen patients (28%) had prolonged post-operative ileus. Eight (17%) patients had rejection episodes ≤6 months post-transplant. Only one case resulted in graft loss and was associated with recurrent focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS). Two patients (4%) had chronic rejection and subsequent graft loss by 5-year follow-up. At 7-year follow-up, graft survival was 93% and patient survival was 98%.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraperitoneal approach offers access to the great vessels, which allows greater inflow and outflow and more abdominal capacity for an adult donor kidney, which is beneficial in very small patients. Risk of graft failure and surgical complications were not increased when compared to other published data on pediatric kidney transplants.

Pearls and Pitfalls in Pediatric Kidney Transplantation After 5 Decades

Worldwide, over 1,300 pediatric kidney transplantations are performed every year. Since the first transplantation in 1959, healthcare has evolved dramatically. Pre-emptive transplantations with grafts from living donors have become more common. Despite a subsequent improvement in graft survival, there are still challenges to face. This study attempts to summarize how our understanding of pediatric kidney transplantation has developed and improved since its beginnings, whilst also highlighting those areas where future research should concentrate in order to help resolve as yet unanswered questions. Existing literature was compared to our own data of 411 single-center pediatric kidney transplantations between 1968 and 2020, in order to find discrepancies and allow identification of future challenges. Important issues for future care are innovations in immunosuppressive medication, improving medication adherence, careful donor selection with regard to characteristics of both donor and recipient, improvement of surgical techniques and increased attention for lower urinary tract dysfunction and voiding behavior in all patients.

Is Preemptive Kidney Transplantation Associated With Improved Outcomes when Compared to Non-preemptive Kidney Transplantation in Children? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Main Problem: Preemptive kidney transplantation (PKT) is performed prior to dialysis initiation to avoid dialysis-related morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents. We undertook a systematic review to compare clinical outcomes in PKT versus kidney transplantation after dialysis initiation in paediatric patients.

Methods: The bibliographic search identified studies that compared paediatric recipients of a first or subsequent, living or deceased donor PKT versus non-preemptive kidney transplant. Methodological quality was assessed for all studies. Data were pooled using the random-effects model.

Results: Twenty-two studies (n = 22,622) were included. PKT reduced the risk of overall graft loss (relative risk (RR) .57, 95% CI: .49–.66) and acute rejection (RR: .81, 95% CI: .75–.88) compared to transplantation after dialysis. Although no significant difference was observed in overall patient mortality, the risk of patient death was found to be significantly lower in PKT patients with living donor transplants (RR: .53, 95% CI: .34–.83). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of delayed graft function.

Conclusion: Evidence from observational studies suggests that PKT is associated with a reduction in the risk of acute rejection and graft loss. Efforts should be made to promote and improve rates of PKT in this group of patients (PROSPERO).

Systematic Review Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, CRD42014010565

Pediatric KT in children up to 15 kg: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

KT is the preferred treatment for ESRD in pediatrics. However, it may be challenging in those weighing ≤15 kg with potential complications that impact on morbidity and graft loss.

METHODS

This retrospective review reports our experience in KT in children, weighing ≤15 kg, and the strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

All patients were on RRT prior to KT. Patients reached ESRD mainly due to urologic malformations (54.54%). LD was performed in 82% of patients. The recipient's median age was 2.83 years, and median weight 12.280 kg. Male sex was predominant (73%). All patients required transfusions of PRBCs. There was a high requirement for ventilated support in patients post-KT with no relation to weight, amount of resuscitation used intra-operatively or ml/kg of PRBCs. One patient presented with stenosis of the native renal artery. No patients presented DGF, graft thrombosis, or surgical complications. No association was found between cold ischemia and eGFR at 1 year (p = .12). In univariate analysis, eGFR at 1 year is related to AR. eGFR at 3 years is related to the number of UTI. Median follow-up was 1363 days. Patient and graft survival were 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

KT in children ≤15 kg can be challenging and requires a meticulous perioperative management and surgical expertise. Patient and graft survival are excellent with low rate of complications.

Upside-down kidney placement: An alternative in pediatric renal transplantation

PURPOSE

"Upside-down" kidney placement has been reported as an acceptable alternative in cases of technical difficulty in kidney transplantation but there are few reports in the pediatric population. The aim of our study is to analyze whether the placement of the upside-down kidney could affect graft outcome or produce more complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of pediatric kidney transplants performed in our center between 2005 and 2017 with at least 6 months' follow-up. Epidemiological and anthropometric data, type of donor (deceased/living), graft position (normal/upside-down), reason for the upside-down placement, early, medium and long-term complications and renal function were analyzed and compared with patients transplanted in the same period with a normal graft placement.

RESULTS

From 181 transplants, 167 grafts were placed in a normal position (mean age: 10 y and mean weight: 30 kg) and 14 were placed upside-down (10 y, 37 kg) mainly because of vessel shortness after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Male predominance was observed in both groups. 57% of grafts from the control group and 64% of those from study group came from a living donor. Four vascular and two ureteral re-anastomoses were recorded in the control group and two vascular and one ureteral re-anastomosis in the study group (p > 0.05). In the latter group, no grafts have been lost due to vascular or urological causes and no patients have required dialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

When necessary, an upside-down placement for the renal graft is a safe alternative in the pediatric population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Kidney transplantation in low weight pediatric recipients from adult donors: The short- And the long-term outcomes

Pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease wait longer for KT due to shortage of organs and ultra-selection of donors so that they are age- and size-matched. KT from adult donors is reported to be associated with technical difficulties, complications, and poorer graft survival. We aimed to determine the outcomes of low weight patients who received kidneys from adult donors through extraperitoneal approach. We perform around 40 pediatric transplants/year, mostly from adult donors. Patients were divided into the (LWC: weight < 15 kg) and (HWC: ≥15 kg). From January 2011 to June 2017, 213 patients received KT. KT procedures were performed through extraperitoneal approach. Mean age of recipients was 10 years (5 years and 12 years for LWC and HWC, respectively) and 32 years for donors. Mean weight of recipient was 26 kg (13 kg and 31 kg for LWC and HWC, respectively) and 70 kg for donors. Mean follow-up was 5.5 years. Acute rejection occurred in 18% and delayed graft function in 5%. Three patients died during follow-up. Graft survival at 1 year was 97% and 82% at 5 years. Length of stay (P = .57), surgical complications (P = .74), long-term graft survival (P = .35), and GFR at 5 years (P = .59) were similar in both groups. This study shows that low weight pediatric patients can be transplanted from adult donors with low surgical complications and with favorable patient and graft survival. Extraperitoneal approach is feasible and safe in low weight recipients.

Surgical complications in pediatric kidney transplantation-Incidence, risk factors, and effects on graft survival: A retrospective single-center study

The field of pediatric kidney transplantation remains challenging due to an ongoing lack of size-matched grafts and anatomical peculiarities. In the current study, we investigated the incidence of surgical complications in pediatric recipients, with a focus on risk factors and effects on graft outcome. We retrospectively reviewed all 2386 kidney transplantations at our institution from January 2005 until December 2018. Of these, 221 transplants were performed in pediatric recipients, defined as under the age of 18 years. Donor-recipient body surface area ratios were calculated to evaluate the effects of size mismatching. Regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for surgical complications and graft survival, respectively. Perioperative surgical complications requiring revision were observed in 34 (15.4%) cases. Leading cause for revision were vascular complications such as thrombosis or stenosis (n = 15 [6.8%]), which were significantly more frequent in case of young donors, (ie, donor age <6 years; OR: 4.281; CI-95%:1.385-13.226; P = .012), previous nephrectomy (OR: 3.407; CI-95%:1.019-11.387; P = .046), and en-bloc grafts (OR: 4.923; CI-95%:1.355-17.884; P = .015), followed by postoperative hemorrhage (n = 10 [4.5%]), ureteral complications (n = 8 [3.6%]), and lymphoceles (n = 7 [3.2%]). Median follow-up was 84.13 (0.92-175.72) months. One-, 5-, and 10-year graft survival rates were 97.1%, 88.9%, and 65.1%, respectively. Except for vascular complications (HR: 4.727; CI-95%:1.363-16.394; P = .014), none of the analyzed surgical morbidities significantly influenced graft survival. In conclusion, pediatric kidney transplantation achieves excellent long-term results. However, meticulous surgical technique and continuous postoperative monitoring are imperative for early detection and treatment of imminent vascular complications, especially in case of young donors and en-bloc grafts.

School and sports participation post-transplant

Pediatric recipients of life-saving organ transplants are living longer, with improved graft and overall survivals. After successful transplant, children are encouraged to return to "normal life," with school attendance and participation in age-appropriate physical activities. This transition may cause stress to the recipients, parents, teachers, and other participating caregivers and staff. Planning for school reentry and assuring education for and open lines of communication with the school staff can help alleviate some of this discomfort and ease the process for the patient and the family. Cardiovascular disease has emerged as the leading cause of death in survivors of pediatric transplantation and is contributed to by modifiable risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and the MS. Physical activity is a proven tool in decreasing surrogate markers of this risk. Sports participation is an important way to promote an enjoyment of physical activity that can ideally persist into adulthood, but conflicting advice and opinions exist regarding type and participation in physical activity. Moreover, specific recommendations are likely not applicable to all recipients, as certain degrees of rehabilitation may be needed depending on degree and length of illness. In general, a program of rehabilitation and increased physical activity has been shown to be safe and effective for most pediatric transplant recipients. Focusing on optimizing the "normal" childhood activities of going to school and participating in sports can improve the physical, social, cognitive, and mental health outcomes of this population after transplant and should be prioritized.

Prognostic Factors on Graft Function in Pediatric Kidney Recipients

BACKGROUND

Graft survival in pediatric kidney transplant recipients has increased in the last decades. Determining prognostic factors for graft function over time allows the identification of patients at risk for graft loss and could lead to improvement of current guidelines.

METHODS

Data were collected among pediatric kidney transplant recipients in a single center during the first 5 years after transplantation. Mixed model analysis was used to indicate possible prognostic factors for the loss of graft function.

RESULTS

A total of 100 pediatric kidney transplant recipients were analyzed. Negative prognostics of graft function are higher donor age and higher recipient age, presence of obstructive uropathology, re-transplant, and occurrence of BK viremia. The negative influence on graft function of both donor age and presence of obstructive uropathology increased over time. In this study, the factors that did not influence graft function over time were the number of HLA mismatches, pre-transplant dialysis, intra-abdominal graft placement, ischemia time, occurrence of acute rejection, presence of lower urinary tract dysfunction, occurrence of urinary tract infections, and infections with cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that a higher donor age and higher recipient age, presence of obstructive uropathology, a re-transplant, and the occurrence of BK viremia were negative prognostic factors of graft function over time, in the first 5 years after transplant. Graft function was comparable between steroid-sparing regimens (preferable in low-risk patients) and regimens including steroids (for special reasons).

Intravesical monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure after renal transplantation in children: A safety and feasibility study

IAH after RTX can threaten graft viability. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of longitudinal IAP measurements as an IAH screening method in children after RTX. A cohort of eight children with a mean ± SD [range] age 9.6 ± 6.2 [2-17] years who underwent RTX and 18 control patients were evaluated between May 2017 and February 2018. We compared longitudinal IAP measurements using a Foley manometer to other clinical monitoring data. In total, 29 IAP measurements were performed in RTX patients and 121 in controls. The mean post-operative IAP was 7.4 ± 4.3 [1-16] mm Hg following RTX and 8.1 ± 3.7 [1-19] mm Hg in controls. We noted IAH in 9 (31%) of 29 IAP measurements after RTX and in 41 (34%) of 121 IAP measurements in controls. No graft dysfunction occurred in RTX patients despite elevated IAP values. The mean ± SD [range] time expenditure for IAP measurement was 2.1 ± 0.4 [0.6-3.2] minutes. No severe complications occurred during the IAP measurements. Analysis of longitudinal IAP measurements demonstrated that IAP measurement is safe and feasible in children recovering from renal transplantation in the PICU.

Quality assessment of unsaturated iron-binding protein capacity in Iraqi patients undergoing hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is autoimmune disease result from inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. It is characterized by renal glomeruli damage, podocyte injury, tubule interstitial, and proteinuria. Electrolyte balance is the main function of the renal and any form of electrolyte disorders may lead to excess blood volume, hypertension, and difficulty in maintaining natural blood sodium. Renal erythropoietin has an important role in the balance of vascular active substances, such as prostaglandins and thromboxanes; therefore, patients undergoing hemodialysis observe decreased production of erythropoietin with iron loss through hemodialysis machine as well as weakened iron absorption and mobilization from the intestine to the bloodstream. Ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron-binding protein capacity (UIBC), iron free, and transferrin are used to confirm iron status. According the clinical characterization of the results, no normality was observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis. There was hypertension, anemia, lean symptoms and equal distribution of age parallel with developed disease, there was significant increased in renal function except albumin, it was decreased in the patients compared with control groups. In addition, there was a decreased level of iron status in all parameters such as packed cell volume (%), TIBC, UIBC, iron free, and transferrin except ferritin; there was an increased level of iron status in all parameters in patients compared with control groups.

Pediatric Kidney Transplantation in Perú: A Single-Center Initial Experience

BACKGROUND

Pediatric kidney transplantation (PKTx) is the preferred therapy for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Regrettably, in Perú, access to PKTx is extremely difficult due to recipient/donor socio-economic status, health care structure and especially, scarcity of organs. Our center (the only pediatric institute in the country) has recently started a PKTx program with good midterm results. The aim of this study was to present our outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data between December 2017 and August 2019. Fourteen PKTx (< 18 years old) were achieved. As per our protocol: pre-implantation/protocol biopsies, antibody assessment (T/B cell flow cytometric plus HLA testing applying polymerase chain reaction-based technology), triple immunosuppression (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, steroids) and induction therapy was performed in every case.

RESULTS

The recipient's mean age at the time of PKTx was 14.14 ± 2.62, 8/14 (57.14%) were male, 50% developed ESRD due to undetermined etiology, 11/14 (78.57%) received a deceased donor allograft, and 9/14 (64.28%) required induction with thymoglobulin. Postoperative complications included: delayed graft function (1/14, 7.14%), 1 (7.14%) developed gross hematuria associated with allograft disfunction post-protocol allograft biopsy that was managed conservatively and 1 recipient (7.14%) developed grade II oligoastrocytoma, at 10 months post PKTx.

CONCLUSIONS

PKTx is the best therapeutic option for children with ESRD. Our group demonstrated that even in countries with limited resources like Perú, good midterm results can be achieved. Emphasis should be given to improve access to transplantation especially in the setting of pediatric recipients.