Renal function following pregnancy in renal transplant recipients

Abstract

We set out to analyse the effect of pregnancy and hypertension in renal transplant recipients and review serum creatinine levels as a marker of graft function, before, during and after pregnancy. The study was conducted at a major tertiary referral centre in London. This was a retrospective analysis of renal transplant patients who had achieved a successful pregnancy. During the period 1967-1998, there have been 272 women of childbearing age with successful renal transplants functioning for over 1 year. Within this population there have been 66 pregnancies in 41 patients resulting in 53 births. Among the pregnancies that progressed beyond 24 weeks, preterm delivery occurred in 32 (60·4%). The mean gestation was 35·7 (range 30-41), mean birth weight was 2365 grams (range 908-3430 grams) with 47%of infants weighing <2500 grams. There were vaginal deliveries in 14 (26%), the rest delivered by caesarean section. Patients that developed hypertension in late pregnancy tended to have higher pre-pregnancy creatinine levels and a deterioration of graft function postpartum. Serum creatinine levels greater than 130 w mol/l before pregnancy predict deteriorating renal function postpartum. Kaplan-Meier life survival analysis showed that the risk of subsequent graft loss is associated with increased serum creatinine levels (130-180 w mol/l) before pregnancy. Pregnancy figures in our unit are favourable compared to those reported in the literature. Poor pre-pregnancy renal function (creatinine 130-180 w mol/l) and previous hypertension is associated with a significant risk of graft failure. Creatinine levels currently deemed as being acceptable during the pregnancy of renal transplant recipients may need to be reappraised.