Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate early and long term systolic and diastolic heart functions in children with chronic kidney disease following renal transplantation.
Materials and Methods: Thirty children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who received kidney transplant from 2011- 2017 were included in a retrospective study and compared with echocardiographic values at sequential intervals. Measurements of cardiac systolic and diastolic functions were performed via conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Left ventricle, right ventricle and septal myocardial performance indices (MPI) were examined immediately before and after six month periods following kidney transplantation. Posttransplantation measurements were determined as early (firstyear) and long-term (longer than a year) functions and were compared each other.
Results: Twenty one boys and nine girls with median age of 13 years (5-19 years) were included. Before transplantation, left ventricle mean ejection fraction was 70% ± 7 (57-83) and systolic heart functions were normal in all. Left ventricle MPI was abnormal in 66% (20/30) and right ventricle MPI was abnormal in 90% (27/30). After transplantation, in the first year control left ventricle MPI was abnormal in 53% (16/30) but right ventricle MPI was abnormal in 70% (21/30). According the measurements longer than a year, left ventricle MPI was abnormal in 33% (10/30) but right ventricle MPI was still abnormal in 70% (21/30).
Discussion: Diastolic dysfunction with normal systolic function is determined even in early stages of CKD. Diastolic dysfunction persists after transplantation. Left ventricle structure and diastolic dysfunction could be reversed after transplantation but longer time may be needed for right ventricle recovery.
Conclusion: Right ventricle diastolic dysfunction must be kept in mind and examined.