Chronic Allograft Nephropathy—A Narrative Review of Its Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Evolving Management Strategies

Abstract

Chronic allograft nephropathy is the leading cause of kidney allograft failure. Clinically, it is characterized by a progressive decline in kidney function, often in combination with proteinuria and hypertension. Histologically, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, along with features of glomerulosclerosis with occasional double contour appearance, arteriolar hyalinosis, and arteriosclerosis, are characteristic findings. The pathophysiology, though complex and incompletely understood, is thought to involve a sequence of immunologic and non-immunologic injuries eventually leading to tissue remodeling and scarring within the graft. The optimal strategy to prevent chronic allograft nephropathy is to minimize both immune- and non-immune-mediated graft injury.