Age and Disease Duration as Key Predictors of Chronic Kidney Disease Post-Stem Cell Transplant

A recent study published online on August 4, 2025, in the journal Renal Failure, highlights the significance of age and the length of hematologic disease in predicting the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Researchers evaluated 197 patients, with an average age of 38.7 years, who underwent allogeneic HSCT, aiming to identify factors that increase the risk of CKD. Their findings showed that acute kidney injury was common, affecting 80% of patients within the first three months post-transplant, and the incidence of CKD reached 11.7%, typically occurring around six months after transplantation. Through detailed statistical analysis, age emerged as a primary factor associated with CKD, with each additional year increasing the hazard by 6%. Additionally, longer duration of hematologic disease was linked to higher CKD risk. Interestingly, patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia appeared to have a lower risk of developing CKD. The authors emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary management approach to address the long-term kidney health of transplant recipients, especially as oncologic outcomes improve. These insights underscore the necessity of monitoring and managing kidney function in post-transplant care to improve long-term health outcomes.