Acute rejection and growth outcomes in paediatric kidney allograft recipients treated with a corticosteroid minimisation immunosuppressive protocol.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid minimisation immunosuppressive protocols (CMP) for children are an approach to safely reduce unwanted medication side effects associated with long-term exposure following kidney transplantation. Here, we provide data regarding the incidence of acute rejection and growth over an extended follow-up in children receiving the CMP used in our centre. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all children treated with a CMP who received a kidney transplant and had follow-up care in our centre between 2009 and 2019. Data were compared to 5 control groups from recent studies. RESULTS: Ninety-nine kidney allograft recipients were included in the study (mean follow-up 4.4 years). There was no difference in the cumulative frequency of acute rejection in CMP-treated graft recipients compared to controls. Graft function at latest follow-up was significantly lower in graft recipients experiencing acute rejection compared to those without acute rejection (53.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 66.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.021). Children experiencing >1 acute rejection episode had a greatly elevated risk of graft failure (p = 0.0009, OR 68.25). At latest follow-up, 64/90 (71.1%) graft recipients had a normal height, and younger graft recipients demonstrated greater catch up growth than older children. CMP-treated graft recipients showed a reduced rate of height deficit (28.9% vs. 55.1%, p = 0.0025), less obesity (12.2% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.031), and reduced rates of hypertension (35.4% vs. 68.2%, p< 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Children treated with a CMP show greater height attainment, lower frequency of obesity, and reduced rates of hypertension, without an increased risk of acute rejection. Graphical abstract.