1. Transitional Care and Adherence of Adolescents and Young Adults After Kidney Transplantation in Germany and Austria: A Binational Observatory Census Within the TRANSNephro Trial.
- Author
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Kreuzer M, Prüfe J, Oldhafer M, Bethe D, Dierks ML, Müther S, Thumfart J, Hoppe B, Büscher A, Rascher W, Hansen M, Pohl M, Kemper MJ, Drube J, Rieger S, John U, Taylan C, Dittrich K, Hollenbach S, Klaus G, Fehrenbach H, Kranz B, Montoya C, Lange-Sperandio B, Ruckenbrodt B, Billing H, Staude H, Heindl-Rusai K, Brunkhorst R, and Pape L
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Austria, Female, Germany, Graft Rejection epidemiology, Humans, Immunosuppressive Agents therapeutic use, Male, Retrospective Studies, Young Adult, Assessment of Medication Adherence, Kidney Transplantation statistics & numerical data, Transition to Adult Care organization & administration, Transition to Adult Care statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Transition from child to adult-oriented care is widely regarded a challenging period for young people with kidney transplants and is associated with a high risk of graft failure. We analyzed the existing transition structures in Germany and Austria using a questionnaire and retrospective data of 119 patients transferred in 2011 to 2012. Most centers (73%) confirmed agreements on the transition procedure. Patients' age at transfer was subject to regulation in 73% (18 years). Median age at transition was 18.3 years (16.5-36.7). Median serum creatinine increased from 123 to 132 μmol/L over the 12 month observation period before transfer (P = 0.002). A total of 25/119 patients showed increased creatinine ≥ 20% just before transfer. Biopsy proven rejection was found in 10/119 patients. Three patients lost their graft due to chronic graft nephropathy.Mean coefficient of variation (CoV%) of immunosuppression levels was 0.20 ± 0.1. Increased creatinine levels ≥ 20% just before transfer were less frequently seen in patients with CoV < 0.20 (P = 0.007). The majority of pediatric nephrology centers have internal agreements on transitional care. More than half of the patients had CoV of immunosuppression trough levels consistent with good adherence. Although, 20% of the patients showed increase in serum creatinine close to transfer.
- Published
- 2015
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