The evolution of weight and body composition in renal transplant recipients: Two-year longitudinal study.
Previous series have reported weight gain after kidney transplantation. However few studies have investigated the body composition after kidney transplantation, particularly during longitudinal follow-up. In this prospective study, we assessed the changes in body composition after kidney transplantation. We also analyzed the effect of steroid withdrawal from the immunosuppressive regimen on weight gain and body composition.


METHODS
Thirty-eight cadaveric kidney transplant recipients were followed for 2 years posttransplant. Total and segmental body composition were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the time of transplantation as well as 3, 6, 12, and 24 months later.


RESULTS
In 28 patients (group A), prednisone was stopped by month 6, whereas, in 10 patients (group B), it was continued throughout the study. In the overall patient group, there were no significant changes in body weight. However, a trend to increased weight was observed in group B. In this group, patients showed an early increase in total body fat with a central accumulation of fat mass that was maintained during the follow-up period. On the other hand, total lean mass increased significantly in group A but did not change significantly in group B.


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, overall the group showed no major changes in body weight during the 2 years after transplantation. Steroid withdrawal in kidney transplant recipients may have a significant positive effect on body composition.
El Haggan
W
W
Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France. elhaggan-w@chu-caen.fr
Hurault de Ligny
B
B
Partiu
A
A
Sabatier
J P
JP
Lobbedez
T
T
Levaltier
B
B
Ryckelynck
J P
JP
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D002102:Cadaver; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000502:physiology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014019:Tissue Donors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D011241:Prednisone