#3571 GROWTH PATTERNS IN PEDIATRIC KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE SINGLE CENTER STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Attainment of a normal adult height remains a great challenge in the care of children with end stage kidney disease. Moreover, the incidence of overweight and obesity increases post kidney transplantation (KT). We aimed to describe growth parameters and predictive factors in children post KT. Method We retrospectively reviewed the records of 28 children who underwent KT in our center between 2002-2022. Height (hSDS) and body mass index (BMISDS) z-scores at various time points and possible predictors were assessed. Results Median age at KT was 11.2 years (5.3-14), 20 were male, mean time on dialysis was 5.95 years. KT from a living donor (LRD) was performed in 18 patients. Mean follow-up time was 4.88 (1-10) years. rhGH was administered pre-KT in 15/28 patients and in 3 post KT. Following the first year post KT, steroid free, alternate day and daily steroid regimes were adopted for 9, 11 and 8 patients, respectively. Mean hSDS at the time of KT, one year after and at last visit were -1.76, -1.87, and -1.77 (p>0.05). Mean BMISDS at the respective time points were 0.13, 0.65 and 0.05 respectively (p>0.05). At last visit, 29% and 17% of children showed moderate and severe height deficit. hSDS at last visit was associated with preoperative hSDS, whereas difference between hSDS pre and last visit post KT (ΔhSDS) was associated with the type of KT [mean ΔhSDS for LRD and DDT -1.45 (95%CI -1.87, -1.03) and -2.66 (95%CI -3.4, -1.93) respectively, p = 0.002] and steroid regime [mean ΔhSDS for daily and alternate day steroid treatment -0.39 (95%CI -0.77, -0.003) and 0.55 (95%CI -0.07, 1.17) respectively, p = 0.037]. Τhere was no association between ΔhSDS and rejection episodes or rhGH administration pre-KT. At the time of KT and at last visit 25% and 10.7% were overweight, respectively, whereas only 1 patient was obese preoperatively but none at last visit. The overall incidence of overweight and obesity had reduced at last visit compared to pre-KT (p = 0.01). Conclusion Linear growth post KT remained limited, resulting in short stature in nearly half of children. Strategies to improve height post pediatric KT could include height optimization pre-KT, steroid withdrawal/avoidance protocols, and LRD KT.