Anemia in kidney transplanted patients.
BACKGROUND
Although a known cardiovascular risk factor, anemia in the renal transplant recipients has only recently been receiving an increasing attention.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional study, data was obtained from 959 patients followed at a single outpatient transplant clinic. Based on the guideline of the American Society of Transplantation, anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) < or =130 g/L in males and < or =120 g/L in females.


RESULTS
About one-third (34%) of the patients were anemic. The prevalence of anemia was comparable in males and females. Serum Hb concentration was significantly correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease formula) (r = 0.266, p < 0.001), serum transferrin (r = 0.268, p < 0.001) and serum albumin (r = 0.196, p < 0.001). None of the immunosuppressive medications or the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors was associated with a higher likelihood of anemia. In multivariate analysis the eGFR, serum albumin and serum transferrin, potential markers of nutritional status and/or chronic inflammation, and also iron deficiency were independently and significantly associated with anemia. Erythropoietin was administered only to 63 (19%) anemic patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Post-transplant anemia is a prevalent and under-treated condition. Based on our results we suggest that, besides other factors, protein/energy malnutrition and/or chronic inflammation may be independently associated with anemia. Further studies are needed to determine whether the presence of anemia and its treatment will have an impact on long-term outcomes of this population.
Molnar
Miklos Zs
MZ
Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Novak
Marta
M
Ambrus
Csaba
C
Kovacs
Agnes
A
Pap
Judit
J
Remport
Adam
A
Szeifert
Lilla
L
Mucsi
Istvan
I
D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000453:epidemiology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014168:Transferrin / Q000032:analysis
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014168:Transferrin; D004921:Erythropoietin