Incidence of acute femoral neuropathy following renal transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Case reports exist of femoral neuropathy following renal transplantation (RTSP) with possible pathophysiology, including direct compression and nerve ischemia. However, the occurrence of acute femoral neuropathy (AFN) following RTSP has not been studied prospectively.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the occurrence of AFN following RTSP.


METHODS
We prospectively studied the occurrence of AFN following RTSP from June 1, 1998, to October 31, 1999. A total of 184 RTSPs were performed during this period. All the patients had end-stage renal failure and had effective hemodialysis before RTSP. All patients with AFN underwent neurologic examination, nerve conduction and electromyographic studies (5 to 7 days after the onset of symptoms), and magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography of pelvis and lumbosacral spine within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.


RESULTS
Four (2.2%) of 184 patients developed AFN (ipsilateral to the RTSP surgery) postoperatively between 24 (3 patients) and 48 hours. All the patients achieved good renal function after RTSP. All the patients had excellent recovery of motor function in 4 to 9 months.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that AFN following RTSP is an uncommon (2.2%) complication from which patients have an excellent chance of recovery.
Sharma
Khema Ram
KR
Department of Neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1150 NW 14th St, Room 603, Miami, FL 33136, USA. ksharma@med.miami.edu
Cross
Jonathan
J
Santiago
Fernando
F
Ayyar
D Ram
DR
Burke
George
G
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000150:complications; D004576:Electromyography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D020428:Femoral Neuropathy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors