Aseptic necrosis after renal transplantation in children.

Aseptic necrosis developed in 11 (6%) of 171 recipients of renal allografts who underwent transplant operations at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles between February 1967 and August 1977. Pain was the predominant presenting symptom and preceded roentgenographic evidence of aseptic necrosis by as long as seven months. Initial symptoms occurred two months to four years posttransplant. Limited weight bearing and reduction in the dosage of prednisone failed to prevent the progressive destruction of five femoral heads in three patients. Hip replacement led to an amelioration of the symptoms and a resumption of normal activity in each patient. Two patients with involvement of multiple osseous structures have persistent knee and elbow joint pain and effusions, and one of them has required prosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus. No therapy was required for patients with aseptic necrosis of single bones of the hand and foot. There was no statistically significant difference in the total steroid dose received during the first posttransplant year between patients in whom aseptic necrosis developed, and those in whom it did not develop.