Kidney transplantation from pediatric donors: size-match-based allocation

Pediatr Transplant. 2008 Jun;12(4):469-73. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2007.00836.x.

Abstract

Use of kidneys from pediatric donors has been associated with worse outcome. We review our 20-yr experience using pediatric kidneys as single grafts in children and adult recipients. Charts review of 29 recipients, transplanted between 1986 and 2005, who received a graft from a donor <or=6 yr was performed. One recipient received "en bloc" graft and the remaining patients received a single kidney. Nine recipients were adults and 21 were children. Creatinine at discharge and at follow-up was recorded and actuarial graft and patient survivals were calculated using life table analysis. All 29 recipients are alive at mean follow-up of 92 months. Five grafts were lost for: primary non-function (1), recurrent FSGS at 14 month (1) and chronic rejection (3). All five recipients who lost their graft received a graft from donors <or=3 yr. Mean calculated GFR (Schwartz formula) at one and five yr were 84.2 mL/m(2)/1.73 and 98.3 mL/m(2)/1.73, respectively. Actuarial graft survival was 93.2%, 89.6%, and 81.9% at one, five and at 10 yr after transplant. The use of a single kidney graft from pediatric donors yields good long-term results. Kidneys from small pediatric donors should be allocated first to matched-weight recipients but otherwise can be transplanted in older children or in adults.

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Creatinine / metabolism
  • Female
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Creatinine