Transplantation of infant en bloc kidneys into paediatric recipients

En bloc renal transplantation (EBT) from infant donors is an option for children with end-stage renal failure. Owing to potential complications, EBT is not performed in all paediatric nephrology centres. We evaluated the perioperative and long-term course of five children undergoing EBT. Primary diagnosis was atypical (diarrhoea-negative) haemolytic uraemic syndrome (n=2), interstitial nephropathy (two siblings) and branchio-oto-renal syndrome (n=1). Recipient and donor ages ranged between 5.9 and 11.1 years and 0.3 and 2.5 years, respectively. Follow-up time after EBT was 2.1–13.2 years. Perioperative complications included (1) a renal artery thrombosis, with immediate intraoperative reconstruction and primary non-functioning of the graft, with recovery after 10 days, and (2) a vesico-ureteric obstruction, successfully managed with temporary insertion of a JJ-catheter. All grafts had good long-term function. Absolute glomerular filtration rate (GFR; millilitres/minute) increased in all patients, whereas relative GFR (millilitres/minute per 1.73 m² body surface area) remained stable during the follow-up period in all but one. Kidney size increased significantly, with maximal growth during the first year after EBT; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed normal structure and vasculature. EBT is a safe and effective option for young children with end-stage renal failure. Absolute GFR and graft size increase and adapt to the children’s growing body mass.