International comparison and time trends of first kidney transplant recipient characteristics across Europe: an ERA Registry study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to provide an overview of age, sex and primary renal disease (PRD) distribution among first kidney transplant recipients across Europe. METHOD: The European Renal Association (ERA) Registry database was used to obtain data on patients aged 20 years or older receiving their first kidney transplant between 2010 and 2019 from 12 European countries. The numbers and percentages of recipients in each age, sex and PRD group were calculated by country, donor type and year. RESULTS: In total, 99 543 adults received a first kidney transplant. Overall, 23% of the recipients were 65 years or older, 36% were female, and 21% had glomerulonephritis and 15% diabetes mellitus as PRD. Compared with deceased donor kidney transplant recipients, living donor kidney transplant recipients were less often 65 years or older (13% versus 26%), more often had glomerulonephritis (25% versus 20%) and less often diabetes mellitus (8% versus 17%) as PRD. We found large international differences, which were most prominent for age and PRD and less prominent for sex. Over time, the largest change in recipient characteristics was observed for the percentage of recipients aged 65 years or older, increasing from 18% in 2010 to 28% in 2019 for all countries combined with a similar trend in most countries. CONCLUSION: We observed large differences for age and PRD distribution between recipients of living and deceased donor kidneys and between European countries. Over time, the percentage of older first kidney transplant recipients increased.

Hybrid and SARS-CoV-2-vaccine immunity in kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and have demonstrated poor response to vaccination, making it unclear whether successive vaccinations offer immunity and protection. METHODS: We conducted a serologically guided interventional study where KTR patients that failed to seroconvert were revaccinated and also monitored seroconversion of KTR following the Norwegian vaccination program. We analysed IgG anti-RBD Spike responses from dose 2 (n = 432) up to after the 6th (n = 37) mRNA vaccine dose. The frequency and phenotype of Spike-specific T and B cell responses were assessed in the interventional cohort after 3-4 vaccine doses (n = 30). Additionally, we evaluated the Specific T and B cell response to breakthrough infection (n = 32), measured inflammatory cytokines and broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies, and defined the incidence of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths. The Norwegian KTR cohort has a male dominance (2323 males, 1297 females), PBMC were collected from 114 male and 78 female donors. FINDINGS: After vaccine dose 3, most KTR developed Spike-specific T cell responses but had significantly reduced Spike-binding B cells and few memory cells. The B cell response included a cross-reactive subset that could bind Omicron VOC, which expanded after breakthrough infection (BTI) and gave rise to a memory IgG+ B cell response. After BTI, KTR had increased Spike-specific T cells, emergent non-Spike T and B cell responses, and a systemic inflammatory signature. Late seroconversion occurred after doses 5-6, but 38% (14/37) of KTR had no detectable immunity even after multiple vaccine doses. INTERPRETATION: Boosting vaccination can induce Spike-specific immunity that may expand in breakthrough infections highlighting the benefit of vaccination to protect this vulnerable population. FUNDING: CEPI and internal funds.

Increasing numbers and improved overall survival of patients on kidney replacement therapy over the last decade in Europe: an ERA Registry study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the trends in the incidence, prevalence and survival of patients on kidney replacement therapy (KRT) for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) across Europe from 2008 to 2017. METHODS: Data from renal registries in 9 countries and 16 regions that provided individual patient data to the ERA Registry from 2008 to 2017 were included. These registries cover 34% of the general population in Europe. Crude and standardized incidence and prevalence per million population (pmp) were determined. Trends over time were studied using Joinpoint regression. Survival probabilities were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The standardized incidence of KRT was stable [annual percentage change (APC): -1.48 (-3.15; 0.21)] from 2008 (146.0 pmp) to 2011 (141.6 pmp), followed by a slight increase [APC: 1.01 (0.43; 1.60)] to 148.0 pmp in 2017, although trends in incidence varied across countries. This increase was primarily due to a rise in the incidence of KRT in men older than 65 years. Moreover, as a cause of kidney failure, diabetes mellitus is increasing. The standardized prevalence increased from 2008 (990.0 pmp) to 2017 (1166.8 pmp) [APC: 1.82 (1.75; 1.89)]. Patient survival on KRT improved in the time period 2011-13 compared with 2008-[adjusted HR: 0.94 (0.93; 0.95)]. CONCLUSION: This study showed an overall increase in the incidence and prevalence of KRT for ESKD as well as an increase in the KRT patient survival over the last decade in Europe.

Poor Physical Function Trajectory Predicts Impaired Patient Survival in Older Recipients of Deceased Donor Kidneys: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Optimized health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at the time of kidney transplantation (KT) is associated with improved survival. In older KT recipients, we aimed to prospectively evaluate if HRQOL evolution during the first posttransplant year was associated with long-term patient survival. Methods: Recipients older than 65 y at KT who received an organ from a deceased brain-dead donor and survived >12 mo posttransplant were eligible. HRQOL was assessed pre-KT, at 10 wk, 6 mo, and 12 mo post-KT, using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form version 1.3 survey. A mixed-effect model was used to explore HRQOL evolution during the first posttransplant year in long-term survivors compared with nonsurvivors. Distinct HRQOL clusters were identified using a group-based trajectory modeling and their association with patient survival was investigated with Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results: We included 192 elderly recipients of deceased brain-dead donor kidneys who were transplanted from 2013 to 2020. Eleven died during the first year leaving 181 for evaluation (male, 125; mean age at KT, 72 y [65-84 y]). During a median observation time post-KT of 4.9 y (11.1-8.5 y), 57 recipients died. In survivors, all the generic and kidney-specific HRQOL domains substantially improved during the first year, whereas in nonsurvivors HRQOL deteriorated. Three longitudinal HRQOL trajectories indicating poor, fair, and good HRQOL evolution were identified. Poor physical function trajectory was significantly associated with higher mortality risk independent of covariates, as compared with good physical trajectory (hazard ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-5.01). Conclusions: In elderly KT recipients, detection of declining posttransplant physical function may imply impaired survival. Systematic HRQOL monitoring following KT provides added value when evaluating mortality and may guide therapeutic decisions.

Scandiatransplant acceptable mismatch program-10 years with an effective strategy for transplanting highly sensitized patients.

In March 2009, the Scandiatransplant acceptable mismatch program (STAMP) was introduced as a strategy toward improving kidney allocation to highly sensitized patients. Patients with a transplantability score ≤ 2% are potential candidates for the program. Samples are analyzed and acceptable antigens (HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DRB3/4/5, DQB1, DQA1, DPB1, DPA1) are defined by the local tissue typing laboratory and finally evaluated by a steering committee. In the matching algorithm, patients have the highest priority when the donor's antigens are all among the recipient's own or acceptable HLA antigens. In the period from 2009 to 2020, we have transplanted 278 highly sensitized kidney patients through the program. The graft survival of the STAMP patients was compared with 9002 deceased donor kidney-transplanted patients, transplanted in the same time period. The 10-year graft survival was 73.4% (95% CI: 60.3-90.0) for STAMP and 82.9% (95% CI: 81.6-84.3) for the reference group. (p = .2). In conclusion, the 10-year allograft survival demonstrates that the STAMP allocation algorithm is immunological safe. The program is continuously monitored and evaluated, and the introduction of matching for all HLA loci is a huge improvement to the program and demonstrate technical adaptability as well as clinical flexibility in a de-centralized organization.

Pregnancy after living kidney donation, a systematic review of the available evidence, and a review of the current guidance.

Understanding and communicating the risk of pregnancy complications post-living kidney donation is imperative as the majority of living kidney donors (LKD) are women of childbearing age. We aimed to identify all original research articles examining complications in post-donation pregnancies and compared the quality and consistency of related guidelines. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, society webpages, and guideline registries for English-language publications published up until December 18, 2020. Ninety-three articles were screened from which 16 studies were identified, with a total of 1399 post-donation pregnancies. The outcome of interest, post-donation pregnancy complications, was not calculable, and only a narrative synthesis of the evidence was possible. The absolute risk of pre-eclampsia increased from ~1%-3% pre-donation (lower than the general population) to ~4%-10% post-donation (comparable to the general population). The risks of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes were no different between post-donation and pre-donation pregnancies. Guidelines and consensus statements were consistent in stating the need to inform LKDs of their post-donation pregnancy risk, however, the depth and scope of this guidance were variable. While the absolute risk of pregnancy complications remains low post-donation, a concerted effort is required to better identify and individualize risk in these women, such that consent to donation is truly informed.

A Comorbidity Index and Pretransplant Physical Status Predict Survival in Older Kidney Transplant Recipients: A National Prospective Study.

Kidney transplantation (KT) is considered the best treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In the increasing elderly ESKD population, KT should be reserved for carefully selected candidates who are expected to experience favorable outcomes. We aimed to prospectively evaluate pretransplant recipient factors that may predict patient survival and can eventually guide therapeutic decisions in elderly with ESKD. Methods: Recipient factors were evaluated in KT candidates aged ≥65 y. Comorbidity was assessed at waitlisting according to the Liu comorbidity index (LCI). Health-related quality of life outcomes were measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form, version 1.3. The Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate predictors of patient survival. Results: We included 192 recipients, with a mean age of 72.1 (4.1) y, who were transplanted with kidneys from deceased brain-dead donors. During a median observation period of 4.6 (3.2-6.3) y, 66 recipients died. Elevated LCI consistently predicted poor patient survival. In recipients with LCI ≥4, dialysis >2 y comprised a 2.5-fold increase in mortality risk compared with recipients on dialysis ≤2 y. Self-reported pretransplant physical function was also proven to be a significant positive predictor of survival. Conclusion: The implementation of LCI and a physical function score during the evaluation of older kidney transplant candidates may improve the selection and thereby optimize posttransplant outcomes.

Inflammation in the early phase after kidney transplantation is associated with increased long-term all-cause mortality.

In the general population, low-grade inflammation has been established as a risk factor for all-cause mortality. We hypothesized that an inflammatory milieu beyond the time of recovery from the surgical trauma could be associated with increased long-term mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This cohort study included 1044 KTRs. Median follow-up time post-engraftment was 10.3 years. Inflammation was assessed 10 weeks after transplantation by different composite inflammation scores based on 21 biomarkers. We constructed an overall inflammation score and five pathway-specific inflammation scores (fibrogenesis, vascular inflammation, metabolic inflammation, growth/angiogenesis, leukocyte activation). Mortality was assessed with Cox regression models adjusted for traditional risk factors. A total of 312 (29.9%) patients died during the follow-up period. The hazard ratio (HR) for death was 4.71 (95% CI: 2.85-7.81, p < .001) for patients in the highest quartile of the overall inflammation score and HRs 2.35-2.54 (95% CI: 1.40-3.96, 1.52-4.22, p = .001) for patients in the intermediate groups. The results were persistent when the score was analyzed as a continuous variable (HR 1.046, 95% CI: 1.033-1.056, p < .001). All pathway-specific analyses showed the same pattern with HRs ranging from 1.19 to 2.70. In conclusion, we found a strong and consistent association between low-grade systemic inflammation 10 weeks after kidney transplantation and long-term mortality.

Use of Statins in Kidney Transplant Recipients in Norway.

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) experience increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Guidelines recommend HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy when tolerated. We aimed to study changes in the prescription of statins and patients' adherence to treatment over time. A population-based observational study utilizing linked data from the Norwegian Renal Registry (national coverage of 99.9%) and the Norwegian Prescription Database was performed. Data from a total of 2250 first KTRs were included (mean age-54 years, 69% men). Dispensed prescriptions of statins and immunosuppressants for the period 2004-2016 for all first KTRs engrafted in the period 2005-2015 were analyzed. Seventy-two percent received statins the first year after kidney transplantation and the proportion increased with age. The proportion receiving a statin varied according to the time frame of transplantation (77% in 2005-2010 vs. 66% in 2012-2015). Among new users of statins, 82% of the patients were adherent both the second and third year after kidney transplantation, while the corresponding figure for those already receiving statins before transplantation was 97%. Statin continuation rates in KTRs were high. In conclusion, our findings show a slightly lower overall proportion of patients receiving statins after kidney transplants than the national target level of 80%. The proportion of statin users increased with the age of the KTRs but showed a decreasing trend as time progressed.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate as a measurement of kidney function. / Estimert glomerulær filtrasjonshastighet som mål på nyrefunksjon.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate is an established, routine clinical measurement for kidney function, but the estimate has limitations and cannot be used in all clinical situations. Estimated glomerular filtration rate has a high coefficient of variation, and deviations in the patient's height, weight or muscle mass may result in an imprecise estimate. If an accurate measurement of kidney function is essential, glomerular filtration rate can be measured using an exogenous substance.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Kidney Transplant Recipients: A National Cohort Study of Short- and Longer-Term Outcomes.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Assessing the optimal therapy for older patients (aged ≥65 years) with end-stage kidney disease requires knowledge of longevity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. Kidney transplantation prolongs survival but its long-term impact on HRQoL in older recipients is not well defined. We aimed to prospectively evaluate HRQoL changes from enlisting until 3 years posttransplantation and examine pretransplantation predictors of posttransplantation outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Patients 65 years and older enlisted at the Norwegian National Transplant Center between January 2013 and November 2016. PREDICTORS: Kidney transplantation, dialysis vintage, and pretransplantation comorbidity assessed using the Liu Comorbidity Index. OUTCOMES: HRQoL, assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form, version 1.3. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: HRQoL scores obtained at 3 years posttransplantation were compared with those obtained pretransplantation and after 1 year using a paired-sample t test. Multivariable linear mixed-effect models were used to identify possible predictors of HRQoL changes over time. RESULTS: Among 289 patients included, 220 (mean age, 71.5 years) had undergone transplantation and 136 had completed the 3-year HRQoL follow-up by October 2020. Posttransplant HRQoL, both generic and kidney specific, substantially improved and the benefit persisted for 3 years. For wait-listed candidates remaining on dialysis, HRQoL gradually deteriorated, and recipients who died within 3 years posttransplantation experienced no improvement during the first year. Moderately elevated pretransplantation comorbidity scores and prolonged dialysis vintage independently predicted poor HRQoL outcomes posttransplantation. Recipients receiving dialysis for 1 year or longer with pretransplantation comorbidity scores ≥ 7 experienced a marked and sustained physical deterioration after transplantation. LIMITATIONS: Homogenous and highly selected population. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation is associated with a sustained HRQoL improvement and should be the preferred treatment for selected older patients. The value of a pretransplant comorbidity score to predict posttransplantation outcomes warrants further evaluation and may improve the selection process.

Familial Contributions to the Association Between Low Birth Weight and Risk of CKD in Adult Life.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have revealed that individuals with low birth weight (LBW) have higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and that LBW and CKD cluster in families. This study investigates how familial factors affect the association between birth-related risk markers and risk of CKD. METHODS: The Medical Birth Registry (MBR) of Norway has registered all births in Norway since 1967. Sibling data were available through the Norwegian Population Registry. The Norwegian Patient Registry has registered diagnostic codes for all admissions and outpatient visits to Norwegian hospitals since 2008. Data from these registries were linked. Risk of CKD according to whether the individual himself or at least one of his siblings had LBW was analyzed using logistic regression statistics. RESULTS: Of 1,847,565 individuals, 3336 had been diagnosed with CKD. Compared with individuals without LBW and no siblings with LBW, individuals without LBW but who had a sibling with LBW had adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.33 (1.19-1.49), those with LBW but no siblings with LBW had aOR of 1.74 (1.55-1.95), and those with LBW and a sibling with LBW had aOR of 1.77 (1.54-2.04) for CKD. Similar results were found for LBW for gestational age, but preterm birth revealed weaker associations. CONCLUSION: Individuals who have a sibling with LBW have an increased risk of CKD later in life, and individuals who themselves have LBW have an even higher risk. Our findings suggest that there are familial contributions to the nephron endowment in utero hypothesis.

Temporal trends in the quality of deceased donor kidneys and kidney transplant outcomes in Europe: an analysis by the ERA-EDTA Registry.

BACKGROUND: We investigated 10-year trends in deceased donor kidney quality expressed as the kidney donor risk index (KDRI) and subsequent effects on survival outcomes in a European transplant population. METHODS: Time trends in the crude and standardized KDRI between 2005 and 2015 by recipient age, sex, diabetic status and country were examined in 24 177 adult kidney transplant recipients in seven European countries. We determined 5-year patient and graft survival probabilities and the risk of death and graft loss by transplant cohort (Cohort 1: 2005-06, Cohort 2: 2007-08, Cohort 3: 2009-10) and KDRI quintile. RESULTS: The median crude KDRI increased by 1.3% annually, from 1.31 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.08-1.63] in 2005 to 1.47 (IQR 1.16-1.90) in 2015. This increase, i.e. lower kidney quality, was driven predominantly by increases in donor age, hypertension and donation after circulatory death. With time, the gap between the median standardized KDRI in the youngest (18-44 years) and oldest (>65 years) recipients widened. There was no difference in the median standardized KDRI by recipient sex. The median standardized KDRI was highest in Austria, the Netherlands and the Basque Country (Spain). Within each transplant cohort, the 5-year patient and graft survival probability were higher for the lowest KDRIs. There was no difference in the patient and graft survival outcomes across transplant cohorts, however, over time the survival probabilities for the highest KDRIs improved. CONCLUSIONS: The overall quality of deceased donor kidneys transplanted between 2005 and 2015 has decreased and varies between age groups and countries. Overall patient and graft outcomes remain unchanged.

Effect of comorbidities on survival in patients >80 years of age at onset of renal replacement therapy: data from the ERA-EDTA Registry.

BACKGROUND: The number of elderly patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) is increasing. The survival and quality of life of these patients may be lower if they have multiple comorbidities at the onset of RRT. The aim of this study was to explore whether the effect of comorbidities on survival is similar in elderly RRT patients compared with younger ones. METHODS: Included were 9333 patients ≥80 years of age and 48 352 patients 20-79 years of age starting RRT between 2010 and 2015 from 15 national or regional registries submitting data to the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplantation Association Registry. Patients were followed until death or the end of 2016. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves and the relative risk of death associated with comorbidities was assessed by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients ≥80 years of age had a greater comorbidity burden than younger patients. However, relative risks of death associated with all studied comorbidities (diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and malignancy) were significantly lower in elderly patients compared with younger patients. Also, the increase in absolute mortality rates associated with an increasing number of comorbidities was smaller in elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities are common in elderly patients who enter RRT, but the risk of death associated with comorbidities is less than in younger patients. This should be taken into account when assessing the prognosis of elderly RRT patients.

The association of living donor source with patient and graft survival among kidney transplant recipients in the ERA-EDTA Registry - a retrospective study.

In this study we aimed to compare patient and graft survival of kidney transplant recipients who received a kidney from a living-related donor (LRD) or living-unrelated donor (LUD). Adult patients in the ERA-EDTA Registry who received their first kidney transplant in 1998-2017 were included. Ten-year patient and graft survival were compared between LRD and LUD transplants using Cox regression analysis. In total, 14 370 patients received a kidney from a living donor. Of those, 9212 (64.1%) grafts were from a LRD, 5063 (35.2%) from a LUD and for 95 (0.7%), the donor type was unknown. Unadjusted five-year risks of death and graft failure (including death as event) were lower for LRD transplants than for LUD grafts: 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7-4.6) and 10.8% (95% CI: 10.1-11.5) versus 6.5% (95% CI: 5.7-7.4) and 12.2% (95% CI: 11.2-13.3), respectively. However, after adjusting for potential confounders, associations disappeared with hazard ratios of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.87-1.13) for patient survival and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.94-1.14) for graft survival. Unadjusted risk of death-censored graft failure was similar, but after adjustment, it was higher for LUD transplants (1.19; 95% CI: 1.04-1.35). In conclusion, patient and graft survival of LRD and LUD kidney transplant recipients was similar, whereas death-censored graft failure was higher in LUD. These findings confirm the importance of both living kidney donor types.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Risk of Diverse Forms of Kidney Disease during the First 50 Years of Life.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown that individuals with low birth weight (LBW) or small for gestational age (SGA) have higher risk of kidney failure. This study investigates birth-related exposures and risk of CKD and other kidney diagnoses. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANT, & MEASUREMENTS: The Medical Birth Registry of Norway has registered extensive medical data on all births in Norway since 1967. The Norwegian Patient Registry has registered diagnostic codes for all admissions and outpatient visits to Norwegian hospitals since 2008. Data from these registries were linked, and risk of CKD and other groups of kidney disease were analyzed using logistic regression statistics. LBW (below the tenth percentile), SGA (birth weight below the tenth percentile for gestational age), and preterm birth (<37 weeks) were analyzed as exposures. RESULTS: A total of 2,663,010 individuals were included. After a mean follow-up of 26 years (maximum 50 years), 4495 had been diagnosed with CKD and 12,818 had been diagnosed with other groups of kidney disease. LBW was associated with an odds ratio (OR) for CKD of 1.72 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.60 to 1.90), SGA with an OR of 1.79 (95% CI, 1.65 to 1.94), and preterm birth with an OR of 1.48 (95% CI, 1.33 to 1.66). Analyses using diagnosis of CKD at stages 3-5 as end point showed similar results. Results were similar for men and women. We analyzed adjusted ORs for other groups of kidney disease and found that LBW was associated with an adjusted OR of 1.44 (95% CI, 1.33 to 1.56) for acute kidney disease, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.36) for GN, 1.35 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.56) for cystic kidney disease, and 1.15 (95% CI, 1.06 to 1.25) for kidney disease resulting from kidney or urinary tract malformations. CONCLUSIONS: LBW, SGA, and preterm birth are associated with higher risk of CKD in the first 50 years of life. Risk of other groups of kidney disease was less pronounced. PODCAST: This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2020_08_17_CJN04080320.mp3.

Five decades with grandparent donors: The Norwegian strategy and experience.

Living donors (LDs) are preferred over DDs for renal transplantation in children due to superior GS. Oslo University Hospital has never restricted living donation by upper age. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term outcomes using grandparents (GPLD) compared to PLD. Retrospective nationwide review in the period 1970-2017. First renal graft recipients using a GPLD were compared to PLD kidney recipients for long-term renal function and GS. 278 children (≤18 years) received a first renal transplant: 27/251 recipients with a GPLD/PLD. GPLD (median 59 (42-74) years) were significantly older than PLD (median 41 (23-65) years, (P < .001). Median DRAD was 52 (38-70) vs 28 (17-48) years, respectively. GS from GPLD and PLD had a 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival of 100%, 100%, and 90% vs 93%, 82%, and 72%, respectively (P = .6). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for gender, donor age, recipient age, and year of transplant, this finding was similar (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.34-2.84, P = .97). Five-year eGFR was 47.3 and 59.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the GPLD and PLD groups (P = .028), respectively. In this nationwide retrospective analysis, GS for pediatric renal recipients using GPLD was comparable to PLD. Renal function assessed as eGFR was lower in the GPLD group. The GPLD group was significantly older than the PLD group, but overall this did not impact transplant outcome. Based on these findings, older age alone should not exclude grandparent donations.

Intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and risk of end-stage renal disease during the first 50 years of life.

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with a higher risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The relative impacts of absolute birth weight, birth weight in relation to gestational age and preterm birth are, however, uncertain. METHODS: The Medical Birth Registry of Norway has since 1967 recorded data on all births. All patients with ESRD since 1980 have been registered in the Norwegian Renal Registry. Data from these registries were linked. All individuals registered in the Medical Birth Registry were included and the development of ESRD was used as endpoint in Cox regression statistics. LBW and LBW for gestational age [small for gestational age (SGA)] according to the 10th percentiles were used as the main predictor variables. RESULTS: Of the 2 679 967 included subjects, 1181 developed ESRD. Compared with subjects without LBW, subjects with LBW had an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for ESRD of 1.61 (1.38-1.98). SGA had an aHR of 1.44 (1.22- 1.70). Further analyses showed that as compared with subjects who had none of the risk factors LBW, SGA and preterm birth, subjects with one risk factor had an aHR of 1.05 (0.84-1.31), subjects with two risk factors had an aHR of 1.67 (1.40-1.98) and subjects with three risk factors had an aHR of 2.96 (1.84-4.76). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that LBW was associated with increased risk for ESRD during the first 50 years. Our analyses add to previous knowledge showing that only subjects with at least two of the risk factors LBW, SGA or preterm birth have increased risk.

Kidney transplantation: an attractive and cost-effective alternative for older patients? A cost-utility study.

BACKGROUND: In the elderly, kidney transplantation is associated with increased survival and improved health-related quality of life compared with dialysis treatment. We aimed to study the short-term health economic effects of transplantation in a population of elderly kidney transplant candidates. METHODS: Self-perceived health, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs were evaluated and compared 1 year before and 1 year after kidney transplantation in patients included in a single-centre prospective study of 289 transplant candidates ≥65 years of age. RESULTS: Self-perceived health and QALYs both significantly improved after transplantation. At 1 year, the costs per QALY were substantially higher for transplantation (€88 100 versus €76 495), but preliminary analyses suggest a favourable long-term health economic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplantation in older kidney transplant recipients is associated with improved health but also with increased costs the first year after engraftment when compared with remaining on the waiting list. Any long-term cost-effectiveness needs to be confirmed in studies with longer observation times.

Sex Differences in Kidney Replacement Therapy Initiation and Maintenance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: More men than women undergo kidney replacement therapy (KRT) despite a larger number of women being affected by CKD. The aim of this multinational European study was to explore whether there might be historic and geographic trends in sex-specific incidence and prevalence of various KRT modalities. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We assessed sex-specific differences in KRT incidence and prevalence using data from nine countries reporting to the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry for at least 40 years, during the period 1965-2015. Sex distribution data were compared with the European general population (Eurostat). Statistical methodology included basic descriptive statistics, incidence and prevalence calculations per million population (pmp), as well as their male-to-female ratios. Analyses were stratified by age group and diabetic status. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 230,378 patients receiving KRT (38% women). For all KRT modalities, the incidence and prevalence rates were consistently higher in men than women. For example, the KRT incidence increased from 8 pmp in 1965-1974 to 98 pmp in 2005-2015 in women, whereas it rose from 12 to 173 pmp in men during the same period. Male-to-female ratios, calculated for incident and prevalent KRT patients, increased with age (range 1.2-2.4), showing consistency over decades and for individual countries, despite marked changes in primary kidney disease (diabetes more prevalent than glomerulonephritis in recent decades). The proportion of kidney transplants decreased less with age in incident and prevalent men compared with women on KRT. Stratified analysis of patients who were diabetic versus nondiabetic revealed that the male-to-female ratio was markedly higher for kidney transplantation in patients with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Since the beginning of KRT programs reporting to the ERA-EDTA Registry since the 1960s, fewer women than men have received KRT. The relative difference between men and women initiating and undergoing KRT has remained consistent over the last five decades and in all studied countries.