Work

Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation in Cystic Fibrosis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) occurs more frequently in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) than in the general population. We describe the characteristics and outcomes of kidney transplantation in PwCF. We used data from the US Renal Data System, a virtually compete registry of US persons with ESRD. We compared patient characteristics and patient and graft survival of PwCF with kidney transplant with those without cystic fibrosis (CF), and PwCF with and without kidney transplant. We used linear and logistic regression, multivariable models, and Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests with stratification/binning by propensity scores. Of PwCF and ESRD, 50.6% received their first kidney transplant. PwCF with transplant were younger and more likely to be female than those without. and had lower odds of diabetes and higher odds of complications of lung transplantation being the cause of ESRD. CF was associated with greater odds of a living donor graft. Median survival with a kidney transplant was 21.1 years for PwCF and 38.1 years for those without. Death-censored graft survival was 20.5 years for PwCF and 13.3 years for those without. The demographic and disease profiles of PwCF and kidney transplant differed transplant recipients without CF. Diabetes was found less frequently, and complications of lung and other organ transplants found more frequently, to be the cause of ESRD in PwCF. Survival with a kidney transplant was shorter for PwCF but was substantial. Graft survival was longer for PwCF than those without. The diagnosis of CF should not exclude appropriate PwCF from consideration for kidney transplantation. • Approximately half of all persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) and ESRD receive a kidney transplant. • People with CF and ESRD are more likely to receive a living donor kidney graft. • Diabetes is approximately half as frequently the cause of ESRD in those with CF. • Complications of a lung transplant are a frequent etiology of ESRD in those with CF. • Patient and graft survival are comparable between those with and without CF.

Source: Transplantation Proceedings

DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2026.02.025

Authors: Mirjana Stevanovic, Todd A. MacKenzie, Asha M. Zimmerman, Martha L. Graber

Institutions: Dartmouth College, Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Renal Transplantation Outcomes and Treatments

Subfield: Transplantation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,390