Background: TB remains a major challenge in transplantation, particularly in endemic countries. This study aimed to describe the incidence, clinical presentation and outcomes of TB in paediatric kidney transplant recipients and to assess the impact of INH prophylaxis.
Methods: Single-centre retrospective descriptive analysis of children who received kidney transplants from 1995 to 2019 was carried out. The cohort was stratified according to receipt of INH prophylaxis which began in 2005. Results: A total of 212 children received a kidney transplant during the study period. Median age at transplantation was 11.2 years (IQR: 2.2-17.9), and 56% were males. TB was diagnosed in 20 (9%) children, with almost two-thirds (n = 12) occurring within the first year. Most infections were pulmonary. The main presenting symptoms included fever (n = 13/20), weight loss (n = 12/20) and cough (n = 10/20). TST was positive in four of 20 children. Coinfection with EBV, CMV or Staph was found in five children. Due to drug interactions, an up to threefold increase in calcineurin inhibitor dose was required to maintain therapeutic blood levels. INH prophylaxis was protective against development of TB (p = .04). Gender, age and type of allograft were not significant risk factors. Graft and patient survival was 100% upon completion of TB treatment. Conclusion: Kidney transplant recipients in endemic countries have a high risk of developing TB. Diagnosis remains a challenge. Frequent and meticulous monitoring of immunosuppression drug levels during treatment of TB is required to avoid loss of patient or graft. INH prophylaxis protects against development of TB in this population.
Background: The pattern of paediatric kidney diseases across different regions is influenced by genetic, racial, and environmental differences. Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the current spectrum and outcome of childhood kidney diseases at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and highlight the challenges of care. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Data on all children below 16 years of age hospitalised for any kidney disease over an 8-month period (1 January-31 August 2022) were retrieved and retrospectively analysed. Kidney diseases were categorised as per standard definitions. Results: Kidney disease accounted for 2.2% (n = 50) of all 2264 admissions in the paediatric unit, with males constituting 60% (n = 30). Age ranged from 2 weeks to 13 years (mean 5.5 ± 3.5 years) with 58.0% being under 5 years. The commonest diagnoses in the unit were acute kidney injury (AKI) (n = 16, 32%) nephrotic syndrome (n = 16, 32%), hypertension (n = 12, 24%) and end stage kidney disease (ESKD) (n = 11, 22%) with some children presenting with more than 1 diagnosis. Only 3 out of 11 children with ESKD and 3 out of 8 children with AKI who required dialysis could be offered dialysis due to limited resources. Overall mortality rate was 32% (16/50): 5 children with AKI, 2 with nephrotic syndrome and normal kidney function, 8 with ESKD and 1 with Fanconi syndrome. Conclusion: Childhood kidney disease contributes significantly to hospitalisations at our institution with highest mortality among children with ESKD. The study highlighted the need for provision of essential drugs and kidney replacement therapy for children with kidney disease at our institution.
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