Favorable long-term outcome after liver-kidney transplant for recurrent hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with a factor H mutation

Am J Transplant. 2006 Aug;6(8):1948-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01375.x.

Abstract

A male child initially presented with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) at the age of 4 months and progressed within weeks to end stage renal disease (ESRD). At the age of 2 years he received a live-related kidney transplant from his mother, which, despite initial good function, was lost to recurrent disease after 2 weeks. Complement factor H analysis showed low serum levels and the presence of two mutations on different alleles (c.2918G > A, Cys973Tyr and c.3590T > C, Val1197Ala). His survival on dialysis was at risk because of access failure and recurrent bacteremic episodes. Therefore, at the age of 5 years he received a combined liver-kidney transplant with pre-operative plasma exchange. Initial function of both grafts was excellent and this has been maintained for over 2 years. This report suggests that despite setbacks in previous experience, combined liver-kidney transplantation offers the prospect of a favorable long-term outcome for patients with HUS associated with complement factor H mutations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Complement Factor H / genetics*
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / genetics*
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Complement Factor H