Prevalence and Prognosis of Post-transplant Glomerulonephritis in Kidney Transplant Biopsies, A Single- Center Report.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrence of glomerulonephritis (GN) after kidney transplant (Tx) may be associated with allograft loss. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and prognosis of de novo or recurrent post-Tx GN.

METHODS: We reviewed 1305 kidney Tx biopsy samples obtained between 2006 and 2020. The biopsy specimens were divided into post-Tx GN (recurrent or de novo) and control groups (i.e., no detectable GN in biopsy). Demographic and baseline characteristics of the patients and kidney survival rates were analyzed.

RESULTS: From 1305 kidney transplanted biopsies, 350 repeated biopsies for transplant rejection were excluded. Among 955 analyzed biopsies, (mean age: 40.4 ± 13.48 years, mean transplantation duration: 4.54 ± 3.98 years, 74.6% males), the frequency of GN was 10.78%. The most common recurrent post-Tx GN was IgA nephropathy (22.3%), followed by secondary focal segmental glomerulonephritis (FSGS, 19.4%), primary FSGS (19.4%), and membranous glomerulonephritis (17.5%). In the post-Tx GN group, the mean serum creatinine and proteinuria were 3.28 ± 1.97 mg/dL and 2730 ± 1244 mg/d at the biopsy time and 4.14 ± 1.86 mg/dL and 2020 ± 1048 mg/d, at the end of the study. There was a significant relationship between baseline serum creatinine and graft loss (P < .001). One-, five-, and ten-year graft survival rates were 97%, 81%, and 63% in the postTx GN, and 100%, 92%, and 59% in the control group. The median time to graft loss after biopsy, (graft survival after biopsy), was significantly lower in the post-Tx GN group (P < .000). The other accompanying factors had no significant impact on graft survival.

CONCLUSION: The median time to graft loss after biopsy was significantly lower in post-Tx GN. Baseline serum creatinine had a significant association with graft loss. Optimal management of recurrent or de novo GN should be a main focus of post-transplant care.  DOI: 10.52547/ijkd.7205.