Risk factors for acute kidney injury after pediatric liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in 2986 pediatric liver transplant recipients. The study found a pooled AKI incidence rate of 30.7% [95% CI (25.0%, 36.3%)]. Multiple perioperative and patient-related factors were identified as potential contributors to AKI.

Key findings

• The pooled incidence rate of AKI following pediatric liver transplantation was 30.7%.
• Factors associated with AKI included preoperative hepatic impairment and intraoperative blood loss.
• Sensitivity analyses indicated that the overall pooled estimates were robust.
• The impact of publication bias on the findings was minimal.

Why it matters

Understanding the incidence and risk factors for AKI in pediatric liver transplant patients is crucial for clinicians to identify high-risk individuals and implement timely interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes.

What to keep in mind

Many risk factors were evaluated in only a small number of studies, necessitating cautious interpretation of the pooled estimates.