Demographics and response to therapeutic plasma exchange in pediatric renal transplantation for focal glomerulosclerosis: a single center experience

Pediatr Transplant. 2008 Sep;12(6):682-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2007.00880.x. Epub 2008 Jan 25.

Abstract

Recurrence of FSGS following renal transplantation in pediatric patients is reported as 20-57%. Records of 37 pediatric patients transplanted for FSGS between 1990 and 2005 at a single center were reviewed. Recurrence of disease was assessed by nephrotic range proteinuria and/or FSGS on biopsy. Response to TPE was defined as urine protein to creatinine ratio <0.2. Forty-nine percent of patients were African American, 38% were Caucasian. Fifty-four percent received kidneys from deceased donors and 46% from live donors. Seven patients received preemptive TPE prior to transplantation. Two of these seven patients recurred in the transplanted kidney (28%). Recurrent FSGS occurred in 16 of 37 patients (46%), all of whom received TPE. Recurrence occurred within one month in 12 of 37 patients (32%); eight remitted with TPE (67%). Four of 12 patients failed to respond to TPE. Four of 37 patients (14%) recurred more than one month after transplantation and underwent TPE; three-fourths of patients remitted (75%). Twenty-one of 37 patients (54%) did not recur. One and five yr graft survivals were 84% and 67%, respectively. Median graft survival was 6.7 yr (5.2-10.3). Despite recurrence, FSGS patients can achieve sustained graft function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / ethnology
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / therapy*
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods*
  • Living Donors
  • Male
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Recurrence
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents