Development of lumbar bone mineral density in the late course after kidney transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Rapid bone loss is a frequent finding early after kidney transplantation. Only limited data are available on the bone mineral density (BMD) in long-term kidney transplant recipients.


METHODS
In 26 kidney transplant recipients (13 men and 13 women, age 45.3 +/- 12.3 years), serum biochemical markers of bone metabolism and BMD at the lumbar vertebrae L2-4 were evaluated prospectively in three serial examinations (E1, E2, E3; method: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Examinations were performed at 47 +/- 2 months, 59 +/- 2 months, and 71 +/- 2 months after transplantation. All patients received standard dual or triple immunosuppression including prednisolone.


RESULTS
The mean BMD was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in sex-matched young controls: T-score was -1.43 +/- 1.49 (E1), -1.39 +/- 1.40 (E2), and -1.44 +/- 1.30 (E3). The BMD did not change significantly (Delta BMD, -0.5 +/- 5.9%) from E1 to E3. Regression analysis did not show significant associations between Delta BMD and biochemical parameters or prednisolone dosage. No clinically apparent new lumbar vertebral fracture occurred. The mean intact parathyroid hormone was 110.1 +/- 97.5 pg/mL (E1), 121 +/- 102.7 pg/mL (E2), and 134.5 +/- 128.6 pg/mL (E3). Serum creatinine was 1.44 +/- 0.45 (128 +/- 40) mg/dL (micromol/L) (E1), 1.44 +/- 0.47 (127 +/- 42) mg/dL (micromol/L) (E2), and 1.45 +/- 0.70 (128 +/- 62) mg/dL (micromol/L) (E3). Ten patients (38.5%) showed an increase of BMD (+5.7 +/- 3.2%) and 15 patients (57.7%) showed a decrease of -4.7 +/- 3.2% (P < 0.0001). Both groups were different in T-scores at E1 (-2.29 +/- 1 versus -0.88 +/- 1.5); intact parathyroid hormone, creatinine, vitamin D levels, and prednisolone dosage were not significantly different.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that lumbar BMD is reduced in long-term kidney transplant recipients. During our 24-month observation period, overall lumbar BMD remained stable.
Brandenburg
Vincent M
VM
Department of Nephrology, University Hospital, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany. Vincent.Brandenburg@post.rwth-aachen.de
Ketteler
Markus
M
Fassbender
Walter J
WJ
Heussen
Nicole
N
Freuding
Thomas
T
Floege
Juergen
J
Ittel
Thomas H
TH
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D003404:Creatinine