Standardized multilevel transition program: Does it affect renal transplant outcome?. (11th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weitz, Marcus; Heeringa, Saskia; Neuhaus, Thomas J.; Fehr, Thomas; Laube, Guido F.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric transplantation. Volume 19:Number 7(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 691
• Page End: 697
• Publication Date: 2015-08-11
• Subjects: Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc. in children -- Periodicals; 617.95408305
• DOI: 10.1111/petr.12570
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1397-3142

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="petr12570-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The transfer of renal transplant patients from pediatric to adult care is a crucial step with a high risk of subsequent graft loss. Therefore, the transition should be a thoroughly planned, well‐designed and multidisciplinary process focused on the individual patient. Our pediatric nephrology department introduced a structured step‐by‐step transition program supported by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of the transition program on eGFR and number of ARs in comparison to a group without a transition program at one and three yr after transfer. We conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study of renal transplant patients prior to and after the introduction of the transition program. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significantly lower decline of eGFR in the group with transition program (−11.3 ± 44 mL/min/1.73 m²) compared to the group without transition program (−28.4 ± 33 mL/min/1.73 m²) at three yr after transfer. The number of AR episodes significantly decreased from 34.6% in the group without transition program to 9.1% in the group with transition program. The standardized multilevel transition program seems to have significant positive effects on eGFR and number of AR episodes in renal transplant patients.</p> </abstract>