Long-Term Follow-Up of Renal Function in Children after Liver Transplantation-A Single Center Retrospective Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT). Its prevalence with modern immunosuppression regimens, especially in children, is variable depending on the transplantation era. The study included 61 pediatric patients with at least 10 years of follow-up after liver transplantation remaining under constant care of the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Organ Transplantation. The analysis included several tests: estimated glomerular function (eGFR), results of screening for renal tubular defects and blood concentrations of basic immunosuppressive drug-tacrolimus. CKD was diagnosed in 3% of children at 12 years after LT. The maintaining of tacrolimus concentrations >4 ng/mL in long-term observation was associated with a significant increase of microalbuminuria. The presence of microalbuminuria, regarded as a risk factor of CKD, confirmed the necessity of regular comprehensive assessment of patients in long-term follow-up.

Automated summary

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT), especially in children, with varying prevalence based on transplantation era and immunosuppression regimens. Maintaining tacrolimus concentrations >4 ng/mL in long-term observation is associated with a significant increase in microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria, a risk factor of CKD, emphasizes the necessity of regular comprehensive assessment for patients in long-term follow-up.