Volume Reduction in Enlarged Kidneys in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) Prior to Renal Transplant with Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: Symptomatically enlarged kidneys observed in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients can lead to compression symptoms and contraindications to renal transplantation. Surgical nephrectomy can be utilized to increase space in the abdomen prior to renal transplantation; however, not all individuals are appropriate candidates for this procedure. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the renal arteries can provide a noninvasive way to reduce renal volume in ADPKD.

Materials and methods: We performed a systematic literature review on the usage of TAE to reduce renal volume prior to kidney transplantation and to relief compression symptoms in ADPKD. PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles focused on the usage of TAE to reduce renal volume in symptomatic enlarged kidneys. Renal volume data were compiled, and meta-analysis was performed with three or more studies.

Results: Six papers satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Significant renal volume reduction was observed by 12 months in all studies. Success of TAE was measured with three clinical outcomes: removal of contraindication for renal transplant, relief of compression symptoms, and pulmonary function test. Proportionality meta-analysis of three studies measuring relief of compression symptoms showed no significant differences in heterogeneity (p = 0.4543).

Conclusion: Current studies conclude that TAE is an effective and minimally invasive option for reduction in renal volume in order to optimize patient outcome for renal transplantation and for relief of compression symptoms. Further prospective studies involving increased sample size and multiple centers should be pursued to establish evidence-based guidelines.

Keywords: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease; Transcatheter arterial embolization; Transplantations.