Following kidney transplantation, anemia is a frequent complication associated with increased cardiovascular morbidities and risk of graft loss. Eyner Lozano, MD, and colleagues in Bogota, Colombia, conducted a retrospective observational multicenter case control study to examine the main risk factors associated with post-transplant anemia in kidney transplant recipients in Colombia.
Results of the study were reported during a poster session at the 28th International Congress of the Transplantation Society in a poster titled Factors Associated with Post-Transplant Anemia in Colombian Population with Kidney Transplant between 2007-2015: A Case Control Study.
The study cohort included 111 patients in Colombia with a first-time kidney transplant during the study period. Hemoglobin concentration prior to and following transplantation at day 7, month 1, month 6, year 1, and year 2 were measured. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio for each variable.
At 6-months post-transplant, the prevalence of anemia in the study cohort was 22%; at 12 months, the prevalence was 14%. The incidence of graft loss was higher among patients with anemia at 6 and 12 months (P<.05).
There was no significant correlation between the use of immunosuppressive agents or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and post-transplant anemia (P<.05). There was a strong correlation between time on hemodialysis and post-transplant anemia at month 6 (P<.05).
In conclusion, the authors said, “Post-transplant anemia showed a strong correlation with renal function. Additionally, hemodialysis time is a predictor factor for post-transplant anemia. We emphasize the importance of prompt transplantation and a rigorous surveillance of hemoglobin concentration, and administration of erythropoietin stimulating agents if necessary. No significant statistical correlation was found between the use of immunosuppressants or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and post-transplant anemia.”
Source: Lozano E, Jaramillo D, Gallego J, Perez S, Isa A, Iza SN. Factors associated with post-transplant anemia in Colombian population with kidney transplant between 2007-2015: A case control study. Abstract of a poster presented at the virtual 28th International Congress of the Transplantation Society (Abstract P-11.185), September 13-16, 2020.
Credit: Original article published here.
