[Treatment of post kidney transplantation erythrocytosis (PTE) with ACE inhibitors].
BACKGROUND
Post kidney transplantation erythrocytosis is a frequent complication in male subjects. in our experience, it occurs in approximately 20% of transplant patients recciving cyclosporine inununosuppression therapy.


METHODS
Twenty-two patients with post kidney transplantation erythrocytosis were treated using ACE-inhibitors (lisinopril) at a dose of 2-5-5 mg/day for a mean period of 15 months. Owing to tbe onset of collateral effects, 27% of these patients requested the conversion of ACE into angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AII). Twenty out of 22 patients were male (90%).


RESULTS
Treatment resulted in a 15% reduction of hematocrit values compared to basal levels, which remained stable over time. No collateral effects were recorded, either for the kidneys or in terms of hypotension.


CONCLUSIONS
ACE-inhibitors (lisinopril) or alternatively the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, like Iosartan at low doses, is an effective and safe treatment for patients developing post-transplantation erythrocytosis (PTE).
Morale
W
W
Centro Trapianti di Rene, I Clinica Chirurgica, Policlinico, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy. wmorale@tiscalinet.it
Puliatti
C
C
Veroux
P
P
Veroux
M
M
Valvo
C
C
Cappello
D
D
Puliatti
D
D
Francesco
L
L
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017706:Lisinopril / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011086:Polycythemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D017706:Lisinopril