Single-center Long-term Results of Renal Transplantation for IgA Nephropathy

Background: Previous reports with short-term follow-up after renal transplantation for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) have suggested an incidence of recurrence up to 50%, an increased recurrence with living-related donors, and the rarity of graft loss due to recurrence. In this study, the long-term results of renal transplantation for IgAN were examined.

Methods: Between June 1980 and December 1994, 54 patients (61 renal transplants) with end-stage renal disease due to IgA nephropathy were performed at the University of California San Francisco. Actuarial patient and graft survival were compared with a matched reference group. Correlates of recurrent disease (biopsy confirmed) and graft loss were determined.

Results: Patient and graft survival for IgA patients were good (100% and 75%, respectively, at 5 years after transplant). Graft survival was lower in IgA recipients with living-related compared with cadaveric renal allografts (P<0.09) and also with renal allografts well matched at HLA-AB (< or =2 AB mismatches) (P<0.09) or HLA-DR (< or =1 mismatch) (P<0.01). Recurrence was not correlated with donor status, recipient age, race, gender, or immunosuppression. Recurrence (18 of 61) resulted in substantial graft loss (6 of 18) or deteriorating renal function (4 of 18) at a mean follow-up of 61 months. Mean time to diagnosis of recurrence and subsequent graft loss was 31 and 63 months, respectively. Despite re-recurrence of IgAN in three of five patients who were retransplanted, all have good long-term renal function.

Conclusions: Substantial graft loss due to recurrent disease after renal transplantation for IgAN occurs with long-term follow-up. Living-related transplantation and HLA matching do not appear to confer an advantage for graft survival in patients with IgAN. Despite the potential for recurrence, IgAN patients enjoy good long-term graft survival.