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Benign intracranial hypertension in children following renal transplantation

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Abstract

Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is a condition characterized by headache, papilledema, and a raised cerebrospinal fluid pressure with normal cranial imaging. It is uncommon in childhood. Previously, there have been reports that children with chronic impairment of renal function may be at greater risk of developing BIH. This study involved retrospective case note analysis of children undergoing renal transplantation over the last 11 years at our institution. Nine children developed BIH after renal transplantation. The prevalence of the condition in our series was 4.4%. Several etiologically relevant risk factors were identified, including medication (nitrofurantoin, minocycline) and excess weight gain. Our results suggest that BIH may be a more frequent complication of the post-operative care of pediatric renal transplant recipients than previously thought. We hope to alert pediatric nephrologists that examination of the fundus for papilledema in all renal transplant patients complaining of headache is essential. If the diagnosis of BIH is delayed, irretrievable visual loss may not be avoided.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our pediatric neurological colleagues and Miss G, Walsh, Specialist Nurse, for her help in conducting the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eye Department, Guy′s Hospital, St Thomas’ Street, London, UK

    Peter J. Francis & David M. Calver

  2. Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Guy′s Hospital, St Thomas’ Street, London, UK

    Sarah Haywood, Susan Rigden & Godfrey Clark

  3. Casey Eye Institute, 3375 Terwilliger Boulevard, Portland, OR 97201-49197, USA

    Peter J. Francis

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  1. Peter J. Francis
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  2. Sarah Haywood
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  3. Susan Rigden
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  4. David M. Calver
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  5. Godfrey Clark
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Correspondence to Peter J. Francis.

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Francis, P.J., Haywood, S., Rigden, S. et al. Benign intracranial hypertension in children following renal transplantation. Pediatr Nephrol 18, 1265–1269 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-003-1274-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-003-1274-2

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