Prevalence of Renal Dysfunction Among Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients

Introduction:

Renal dysfunction is among the common and considerable complications after liver transplantation and is principally attributable to immunosuppressive medications .The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of hypertension and renal dysfunction among pediatric liver transplant recipients.

 Methods:

46 pediatric liver transplant recipients were assessed for hypertension utilizing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and glomerular, and tubular renal function at the transplant clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Results were analyzed using SPSS 19 and P value < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

 The mean age of the patients was 12.2 ± 3.3 years and 24 of them were female. Considering ABPM measurements 20 patients (43.5%) were hypertensive, 37% were systolic and 36.6% were diastolic non-dippers respectively. eGFR was calculated based on different formulations and Cystatin C–based equation estimated lower GFR than Cr-based equation. Micro-albuminuria was noticed in 26.1%. Additional parameters of tubular dysfunction included hyperuricosuria (4.3%), hypercalciuria (6.5%), abnormal fractional excretion of Mg (FeMg) (43.5%), abnormal tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP) (4.3%), and abnormal fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) in 13% of the patients. We noticed a statistically significant negative correlation between hypercalciuria, microalbuminuria, FeMg (P < .05) and GFR.

Conclusion:

 Renal function impairment and hypertension are frequent complications amongst pediatric liver transplant recipients. Using Cyctatin C instead of Cr based formula for GFR estimation, and blood pressure monitoring by ABPM and regular screening of renal function are essential measures for recognition and treatment of renal dysfunction in these patients.