The Impact of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation on Kidney Function in Children—A Single Center Experience

Abstract

Background: Knowledge about the impact of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) on renal function in children is still limited. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate kidney function in children undergoing alloHSCT, with special focus on differences between patients transplanted due to oncological and non-oncological indications. Materials and Methods: The data of 135 children undergoing alloHSCT were analyzed retrospectively. The serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values were estimated before transplantation at 24 h; 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks; and 3 and 6 months after alloHSCT. Then, acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence was assessed. Results: Oncological children presented with higher eGFR values and more frequent hyperfiltration rates than non-oncological children before alloHSCT and until the 4th week after transplantation. The eGFR levels rose significantly after alloHSCT, returned to pre-transplant records after 2–3 weeks, and decreased gradually until the 6th month. AKI incidence was comparable in oncological and non-oncological patients. Conclusions: Children undergoing alloHSCT due to oncological and non-oncological reasons demonstrate the same risk of AKI, but oncological patients may be more prone to sustained renal injury. Serum creatinine and eGFR seem to be insufficient tools to assess kidney function in the early post-alloHSCT period, when hyperfiltration prevails, yet they reveal significant differences in long-term observation.