Chronic Kidney Disease in Wilms Tumour Survivors – What Do We Know Today?

ABSTRACT

Currently, the treatment of Wilms tumour (WT) is successful in approximately 90% of cases, and consists of chemotherapy, nephrectomy, and, in some cases, radiation therapy. All treatments have potential long-term influence on the function of solitary kidneys in WT survivors (WTS). Severe reduction in glomerular filtration rate occurs after nephrectomy. All patients who underwent surgical treatment for WT could be considered to have a risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) because they lack a kidney. End-stage renal disease is rare (1.8% of National Wilms Tumour Study patients). Recent studies have revealed that patients with CKD have a greater risk of cardiovascular events and death. Most of the WTS have lower stages or no CKD. Regular biochemical studies and ultrasound examination at follow-up visits should be considered as indispensible elements of long-term care in uninephrectomized WTS. The evaluation of a single kidney function should be frequent, consisting of the assessment of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), assessment of albumin urine excretion, urine sediment analysis to detect abnormalities, ultrasound examination and measurements of blood pressure. According to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) recommendation and suggestions, GFR should be assessed using GFR-estimating equations that include serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations. Cystatin C can be a more sensitive marker of kidney filtration function than creatinine, especially in diseases characterized by a mild decrease in glomerular filtration. This will facilitate the detection of early kidney impairment and assessment of the progression of CKD in WTS.