Catch-up growth occurs after renal transplantation in children of pubertal age

Abstract

Objective: Assessment of growth after renal transplantation in children of pubertal age by analyzing the annual increment in height standard deviation score (Ht SDS) in all girls > or =10 years and boys > or =11 years of age at the time of transplantation until latest follow-up (minimum 2 years).

Patients: A total of 59 grafts were placed in 54 recipients (30 boys) between December 1984 and January 1995. Mean (range) age at transplantation was 13.6 years (10.1 to 17.7 years). Fifty-one percent had congenital renal disease, 36% acquired renal disease, and 13% had hereditary nephropathies. Eighty-seven percent were first grafts; of these, 29% were performed pre-emptively, and 23% were from living related donors.

Results: Mean (SD) Ht SDS at transplantation was -1.8 (0.2) and increased significantly thereafter, such that it was -1.6 (0.2) at 1 year, n = 52; -1.5 (0.2) at 2 years, n = 47; -1.0 (0.2) at 3 years, n = 27; -0.7 (0.3) at 4 years, n = 19; and -0.6 (0.3), n = 13, at 5 years after transplantation (analysis of variance, P < .001). The greatest improvement in Ht SDS in the first year was seen in children with the highest glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.429, P = .002) and in those who were shortest at the time of transplantation (r = -0.356, P = .009).

Conclusion: Catch-up growth occurs in children receiving renal transplants during the expected time of puberty.