Chronic kidney disease--a common and serious complication after intestinal transplantation

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease after organ transplantation is a serious complication that negatively impacts on long-term patient survival. We describe long-term renal function after intestinal transplantation by serial measurements of glomerular filtration rates (GFR) with Chromium EDTA clearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with at least 6 months survival form the basis of this report. Glomerular filtration rate measurements were performed at baseline, 3 months posttransplantation, and yearly thereafter. Median follow-up time for the cohort was 1.5 years (0.5-7.8 years). Tacrolimus (Prograf) was discontinued in four patients because of impaired renal function. These four patients were switched to sirolimus (Rapamune) at 11, 18, 24, and 40 months posttransplantation. RESULTS: Median baseline GFR was 67 (22-114) mL/min/1.73 m. In the adult patients, GFR 3 months posttransplantation had decreased to 50% of the baseline. At 1 year, median GFR in the adult patients was reduced by 72% (n=5). Two patients developed renal failure within the first year and required hemodialysis. One of the pediatric patients fully recovered her renal function, the second pediatric patient lost 20% of her baseline GFR at 6 months posttransplantation. Glomerular filtration rate calculated with the modified diet in renal disease formula consistently overestimated GFR by approximately 30% compared with measured GFR. CONCLUSION: Chronic kidney disease and renal failure are common after intestinal transplantation. These two factors significantly contribute to poor long-term survival rates. Measurements of GFR may help to identify those individuals at risk for developing chronic kidney disease to implement renal sparing strategies.