Renal growth and function 11-28 years after treatment of Wilms' tumour

Abstract

In order to obtain more information on the long-term effects of treatment of Wilms' tumour we investigated 30 subjects treated at the Children's Hospital between 1960 and 1976. All had been nephrectomized and in 4 the length of the remaining kidney was subnormal. In the other subjects kidney length was related to follow up time and age at follow up. Blood pressure was elevated in 5 subjects. Urinary albumin excretion deviated only slightly from normal. Tubular functions were well preserved in all subjects. In this small series we were unable to establish any relation between the abnormalities observed and the treatment given. Our results suggest that, despite wide interindividual variation those who survive Wilms' tumours seldom have long-term renal complications.